4th Chemo and feeling it!

Hi Hop5

I had a very similar experience. I found that the side effects built up with each cycle and the 4th was tough. 

Although your CNS's are off today, there is nothing stopping you calling the hospital- I was given a 24 hour phone number - and get some reassurance. The only thing I found with chemo really was to go with the flow to some extent, rest a lot, stay hydrated and anything worrying or out of the ordinary- I called the hospital for advice. Usually they could give some reassurance over the phone but on one occasion they did ask me to come in and I was admitted over night. 

Give them a call, it sounds like I was but best to get some advice.

Jane

Hi Jane,

Thanks so much for this. It's shocked me how it's affected me this time and must say I'm dreading 5 and 6! I did manage to walk my dog this morning but it was a struggle. Then my mind starts running away thinking am I feeling this rough as chemo not working as well - stupid I know. I've checked temperature all ok so taken nurofen which has helped. I wlll definitely call the hotline if it gets worse xx

I always tried to think of it that if it was making me feel really unwell, what would it being doing to the cancer cells- so if I was feeling rough, then they would.

Yes- good idea to check temp regularly. Get a baseline as when I got admitted it was due to temp dropping first and that was first sign of an infection. Listen to your body- if it doesn't feel right- call them.

I hope you are feeling better soon 

Jane

Thanks Jane, that's a good point! I'll remember that. One other question, did you gain weight on chemo? I've put on over 3kgs.

That could be to do with the steroids perhaps- maybe ask your CNS. 

I lost weight. And then more during radiotherapy as I had difficulty eating and had diarrhoea when I did. I weigh less than I did before cancer but I think a lot of that is trying to be healthier consistently as I want to do everything I can to avoid it coming back. Not sure how much I have lost but I do feel healthier generally. 

Jane

Hi Jane,

I will mention it definitely. I initially lost around a stone but have put 7lb back on.  I'm a size 12 but don't want to put loads on and I wondered if it's the steroids as my appetite has increased. I know what you mean about doing everything you can to avoid it coming back x

Hi Hop5,

After my 4th session of Paclitaxel/Carboplatin I also had bone pain, particularly from my knees to my ankles, and extreme fatigue. I also started to experience numbness in my fingers and toes. My Oncologist said this is very common and suggested reducing the strength of chemo to 80%. The remaining 2 sessions were absolutely fine although I was unlucky to catch COVID, so the last session was postponed for a week!

Hi Gorelston Girl,

Oh no! How were you with Covid? That's another panic of mine - catching COVID or an infection. I too have the numbness so wonder if mine needs to be reduced. Glad you managed to finish with no problems  and remain well. I am hoping that happens for me too xx

To be honest the only symptom I had with COVID was a total lack of taste or smell. It was only because my partner was feeling unwell and decided to test himself that I decided to test and found out I was also positive! I rang the chemo unit and they just postponed my last treatment. I was surprised that despite having a compromised immune system I didn’t feel worse but quite honestly I was fine and tested negative after about five days. Our immune systems are stronger than we think!

Wow that is brilliant, strong woman! X