Hello
I have been diagnosed with unknown primary and matastic carcinoma. I was diagnosed with secondary in July so it has been a stressful few months and so many tests. The consultants and the nurses have been amazing and couldn't fault them. I start chemo on Thursday this week and although I have the folder and all the books that go with it. Can anybody help me, I really don't know what to expect afterwards apart from all the side effects I've been told. Also is there anything I should take in with me to help pass the time. I've been told about 2- 3 hours depending on whether nurse puts first through on 1 hour or 2.
Hi Leez
Good luck with the chemotherapy, my wife has had two different types - she has Leiomyosarcoma. I was actually quite surprised at how friendly everyone was in the unit and we certainly had opportunity to talk and put the world to rights.
Many people read, some do puzzle books and others have computer tablets or mp3 players. Remember one arm is likely to be moderately immobile.
People have suggested ginger sweets can be quite helpful to combat a metallic taste some people get.
At home perhaps key is an ear thermometer like they use in the hospitals, my wife had a couple of bonus stays in hospital when she picked up some infection since she needed IV antibiotics.
Most people only get a few of the side effects - you can see this in the likelihood bit but nobody really knows how an individual will react.
In Oxford they give us a hotline number to the cancer ward if there is something we needed advice on. If needed they would see us on the ward as an outpatient.
Good luck, do let us know how you get on.
<<hugs>>
Steve
