So today I had my first of five weeks of Chemoradiation and I won’t lie I drove there in trepidation but the day was very straightforward . Chemo first at 9.00 am Everyone was lovely in the chemo unit, very busy still catching up with the Jubilee Bank Holiday delays but wasn’t kept waiting very long. Blood pressure temperature all done, anti sickness pill that will last 5 days given, then cannula inserted, first of two fluid infusions, then back in a chair for 2 hrs til it’s done. There’s a kitchen where you can make tea or coffee, get biscuits or water or juice. Next, prepare for the Cisplatin, steroid injection first, nurse warned that steroids given this way cause a “prickly bum” - doesn’t happen with steroids taken orally apparently- she wasn’t wrong, for about 45 seconds it felt like someone was trying to shove a thistle up my bum ( not that I know what this feels like but I have a good imagination). Another drug to make you wee a lot (believe me it does ! ) to protect kidneys. Then hooked up to chemo for 1 hr. Lunch brought round, soup, sandwiches and yoghurts which was ok, then another final 2 hrs for fluids. Done there at 3.30 then over to Radiotherapy Unit;-
As soon as I arrived, I was told to empty my bladder then drink my water - I’d been given a water drinking bottle at my planning appointment that is the exact amount needed, then I was given all my future dates and times which is really helpful, also because I live near the unit, for future appointments I can ring the unit to make sure they aren’t running late then drink my water before I leave home so I’m ready to just go in when I get there - bonus ! I was originally told by the planning CT team I needed to take the gown I was given, take everything off except pants, and use a microenema before I went in for Radio…… but reality was, no enema, no gown, just shoes off, hoik dress up, pants to mid thigh and off we go ! .
I came home with additional anti sickness meds, although the one I had should last 5 days I have additional if needed, 1 day of steroids, Imodium in case of runs and mouthwash in case of soreness and a thermometer to check temperature daily.
I know this will get harder, as the treatment continues, but I’m still feeling well at the minute, I will update how it goes if people are interested
Big Hugs everyone
Chrissie xx
Hi Chrissie
Glad to see you have got started and completed your first day successfully! I didn’t have “prickly bum” at any point in my treatment, as my steroids were in oral form just for a couple of days after each chemo. I’m quite glad reading your description of that aspect!
Hope your treatment continues to go well, and you don’t suffer too many side effects.
Sarah xx
Well done Chrissie, 1st one is always the one we worry about as its the unknown. Now you know the routine it's so much better And fact yiu don't live do far from unit means hopefully you won't get tired driving long distances and waiting around. Sounds like yiu have got it all sorted! Onwards and upwards 
Take care xx
Hi Chrissie, I'm still laughing about the vision of a thistle up your bum!. My steroids were always administered via cannula at chemo session and orally for 3 days after. Felt like you could conquer the world whilst on steroids.
I've not seen a report before of the regime for chemo/radiation so thanks for writing in such detail. I'm a firm believer if we can take any of the fear of the unknown away by sharing these experiences it can only be a good, positive thing. I've read countless posts here saying members are making their journey (sorry, not keen on that expression) easier as they go forward knowing what to expect. I couldn't have done it without the support here!
Let us know how the next session goes and don't forget, if you have any worries let your team know.
Bug hugs, Barb xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
Hi Barb
Chrissie’s regime is exactly what the standard treatment is for cervical cancer-brought back some memories reading it, and it’s very useful for other ladies on this particular concurrent chemoradiation protocol to read. I don’t use the word journey either!
Sarah xx
