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
Angela
You can use whatever words you like and there’s no need to apologise to me about how you describe things! I don’t use military terminology like battle, fight and warrior either, but that’s because I don’t choose to use military terminology to describe dealing with a disease. It’s a matter of what suits an individual and how they feel about something and I have no intention of offending anyone-I was just making a passing comment to Barb.
Sarah xx
Hi Robin27
Please do not stop describing things exactly how you wish to! You’re not upsetting anyone and it’s a very commonly used term in many cancer groups. No need for you to stop using it at all. I simply made a passing comment to Barb in agreement with what she had mentioned. I didn’t mean it to be an issue in any way.
Sarah xx
It’s probably worthy of it’s own discussion thread if you feel it would be useful, but reactions are very personal. I am too long in the tooth to worry what terminology anyone uses and I apologise to the ladies for whom my passing comment seems to have caused a bit of upset-it wasn’t meant in any way to do so.
Sarah xx
Hey Sarah, no but Ive realised from posts that some people don't like "stay strong" or "you got this" and although that's exactly how I want to express myself bcoz that's the kinda phrase I held ont
o for dear life and what got me thru the most horrific time of my life, (apart from being widowed at age 45)..and I I think I suffer PTSD these whole 10 years since that..but I try to pass this very strength on to others find I'm choosing my words carefully. I ddnt realise how strong I actually am to be going thru this entire process alone and I feel like a warrior lol No harm done, yous are wonderfully supportive individuals.
Angela xx
Hi Robin
How are you feeling now after your 2nd chemo? I hope you’re doing ok. I had no idea that my passing comment would cause an issue, and I really hated to think I’d offended anyone with such a throwaway remark, so wanted to apologise. Everyone has their own way of dealing with their cancer, and I’ve probably been around in cancer groups for longer than many ladies here so I appreciate the many different ways that people want to deal with it and describe it. I wasn’t judging anyone, or suggesting that they alter the language they use in any way. I normally choose my words very carefully and am very mindful that we are all different, so please be reassured I didn’t mean to cause offence.
For that reason, I won’t be posting on the recently created thread around this topic, but I’ve always been of the belief that everyone should be able to express their views freely and others may well like to contribute.
I do hope you’re feeling well Robin, and coping with your chemo. Thank you for your message.
Sarah xx
I’m glad you feel more confident now about going forward. From the groups I read, it’s very common for ladies to have an unfortunate reaction and for this to be quickly spotted and controlled on this chemo by slowing the infusion. I always consider myself fortunate not to have lost my hair-one of the benefits of Cisplatin!
I hope you can find something to relieve your poor scalp.
Sarah xx
