New to the group, and cancer

Hi  (love the moniker!) and welcome to the Online Community. I've just dropped in from a different group. I've not had chemotherapy so I'm sorry I can't offer any insight but I attach the Macmillan information on Chemotherapy for you to take a look at, it might be helpful.

Hopefully the members here will be along soon to compare notes.

It’s always helpful to others if you write a little something (or a lot) about yourself and your journey to date. You can enter it into your profile (click on your username and select “Profile”) It’s helpful to other members with a similar diagnosis who can then hopefully answer your questions. It also means that you don't have to keep writing the same thing over and over. You can amend or update it at any time. 

To find more information covering diagnosis and treatments there are pages covering most types of cancers which can be found on our Online Information and Support Section. 

The Macmillan Support Services also offer lots of information, support, financial guidance or just someone to listen. It’s free to call 0808 808 0000. Most services are available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two to three working days for replies from our expert team.

Sending you welcoming hugs B xx

Hi Keepinpositivetoo (and hope you really are keeping positive, as in my experience it definitely helps you get through this!).

It’s great that you’ve made it through 2 chemo cycles already. My doses were split, so I was having Carboplatin every 3 weeks and Paclitaxel weekly, and I’d certainly say the worst of the nausea and tiredness came from the Carboplatin. I found the additional side effects that come with Paclitaxel tend to build up over time (such as neuropathy and hair loss) so you hopefully won’t feel any worse this cycle than last.

Stay positive - you can do this!

B.Positive x

Thanks, B.Positive, it's useful to hear of what others are experiencing. After the first Carbo, I got very down and weary a 3 days later, for a couple of days, then perked up. This time I've had joint aches, fatigue, complicated by cystitis. I wore the cold cap during the last treatment, time will tell if that does reduce hair loss. It was getting thinner anyway. I'm hoping the side effects wear off after a decent nights sleep.

Keep smiling through.

Keepingpositivetoo xx

Hi,

I also used the cold cap for my treatments and managed to keep most of my hair - so I’d say definitely worth doing if you don’t find it too uncomfortable. The neuropathy is one to watch for - I still have numbness and tingling in my toes 3 months after finishing treatment. Have to keep reminding ourselves though that all these side effects are still better than what we had at the start!

Wishing you all the best for the rest of your treatments,

Bxx

Sorry about the deay, B, am now just about thru last weeks after effects, but have developed the tingling in the legs..... I'm hoping to fell strong enough to go out to Aldi this afternoon with a friend. I'm disabled, from back surgery 5 years ago, and use a mobility scooter. So going out in the car means being able to load my mobility scooter into my wheelchair adapted car. A winch pulls the buggy up a ramp, but I have to lower and raise the ramp myself. My friend is not able to do that. But getting out is worth the trouble.

All the best, thanks for your help.

K.xxx 

Hi K,

Hope you managed to get your trip to Aldi with your friend yesterday.

The tingling is awful and can become very debilitating - so be sure to let your consultant know in case they want to change your chemo drugs or dose to help.

Meanwhile, I’ve found B vitamins, rubbing your feet/legs with Vic’s vapour rub before bed, and soaking in warm water with lavender and chamomile essential oils all help.

Best of luck, and maybe catch up on here again soon if you feel like posting,

Bxx