Starting chemo

Hello Angieeee

I am sorry that you are feeling so nervous and scared about your chemo starting on Monday. 

I had chemo for womb cancer last year and before the chemo started I felt the same as you. I was scared stiff and had all these thoughts running through my head about how I thought it would be and how awful it would be. However my experiences did not in anyway match my fears.

It is a big thing having chemo and I found it was nothing like they portray it in the movies/on tv etc. It's not the best experience in the world but it is manageable, they do really look after you and if you do have side effects etc they can usually manage them with medication.

When I arrived on my first day I was literally shaking and very tearful. Once on the ward it took me about half an hour to calm down. 

I was surprised how calm and bright the ward was. The staff were friendly and calm and couldn't do more to reassure you or put you at your ease. The ward was sectioned off into bays with 6 chairs in each section- but often it would just be a couple of people in there. There were also quiet areas where they put you for your first session so they could keep a closer eye on you. 

On arrival, they do your height and weight and the other basic obs. I used the cooling cap so this was put on. Then it was a cup of tea while waiting for blood results to confirm everything was ok to go ahead. I had a canula in the back of my hand each time (some people have ports) and they do so many that it was quick. Literally a few deep breaths and a sharp scratch. Was given pre meds- an anti sickness tablet and a steroid. There was also piriton and a saline infusion. A drip bag was set up and got started. They keep an eye on you and if you feel unwell just let them know. I had 2 different types of chemo so was in for most of the day. I did find I slept on and off. We were given regular drinks and sandwiches etc by volunteers. There was always someone there if you needed a chat. 

Different chemo can have different effects and can effect people in different ways. I remember being very scared at the consents appointment when they read out the potential side effects however they have to go through all the possibilities. In reality I had few of the side effects mentioned. 

For me a biggie was the hair loss which is why I opted for the cooling cap. Although I had some thinning it was effective for me. Main side effects I got were some nausea, dodgy tummy, tingling in fingers and toes and a some pain in my hips. These were all successfully medicated. I did have one emergency admission during treatment for an infection and they will talk to you about being careful and avoiding risks where you can. You will be given a phone umber to call 24 hours a day for advice.

They will give you a book to write any symptoms in and they will review you each cycle. Doses can be changed and treatments delayed if necessary. I was on a 21 day cycle. I found the first week the hardest and then improved each week. I also found that the side effects had a pattern to them. I also found that the effects of the chemo did build up with each cycle- not everyone does. By the last one- I was a lot more tired.

I hope this helps a bit. Is there anything specifically that worries you? I was just in a blind panic as soon as they said chemo! 

I hope that Monday goes well for you and I am sure you will be well looked after. Get plenty of rest and keep hydrated and any issues then let them know and they can normally help.

Jane

Hello Angieeee

My experience of chemo is pretty much same as jane2511, all I can add is that you will be looked after and monitored carefully for any reactions. Please do let them know how anxious you are feeling as I think that will help. My initial thoughts for my first chemo,  I imagined people sadly sitting with cannulas and tubes looking miserable, I was pleasantly surprised that patients were laughing, chatting, some were reading, knitting, some were sleeping or relaxing in the comfy chair recliners. At my hospital the volunteer teams came round with hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, soups, fresh fruit and were friendly. The experience of my first chemo made it easier for the next visit as I knew what to expect. 

You will probably be given steroids, anti sickness meds and injections to use for few days following chemo, my chemotherapy made me feel a bit rubbish for about 5-7 days following treatments but then I felt normal again. I chose to continue working my admin job (from home) and managed that quite well, it kept me occupied and my employers were quite generous with working around hospital appointments and treatments, they advised me to do what I could without high expectations and I am grateful as it kept my mind occupied and in the loop with meetings and updates etc. 

I really feel for you but rest assured that once the 1st one is out of the way you will feel better and it's one step closer to finishing treatment.

Hope all goes well, take care xx

Hi

Most hospitals work the same, we all feel nervous and anxious to start with,

I'm having chemo for recurrence at the moment 

A little advice drink plenty of water prior to chemo to keep hydrated it makes it alot easier to cannulate 

I've had to have a picc line cos cannulating was difficult as my veins are very deep in my hands and chemo was painful

You will be fine and well looked after

Take care Pam x