End of radiotherapy onto Chemotherapy

1. Enjoy your 4 weeks off xox

Hi Carriad

Well done for getting the radiotherapy done. It is very normal to feel really tired once it has finished. Hopefully any side effects will settle soon. Remember if you do continue to feel rough that you can contact the radiotherapy dept at any time. I was advised that for most people side effects can initially peak a couple of weeks after radiotherapy ends and then should gradually improve. 

I also had chemo but mine was done before the radiotherapy. Hopefully you will be feeling much better by the time it starts. How are you feeling about having chemo? I remember feeling really nervous. If there is anything you want to ask about, please do so.

Maggies sounds like a good idea and I am sure people there will understand.

Good Luck with the wig shopping. I did scalp cooling and kept a lot of hair but still had a wig on standby, also some pretty scarves. At my hospital I was able to see a wig lady and hair dresser at the hospital and also use an NHS voucher towards one. It may be worth seeing if there is anything at your hospital. 

Jane

Thank you for reply Jane x 

They said it could get worse before getting better today is a good day as they say ..

Feeling very apprehensive about Chemo seeing my consultant Oncologist on 2nd Dec hoping my Chemotherapy will start soon  after ! I have plans for 2025 lol 

I will be on Paclitaxel and carboplatin

4 cycles 21 days apart ! 

Worried about reaction to the drugs   getting an infection during chemo .

Seeing family and friends my Grandchildren etc etc 

Trying to get some what  organised when energy levels allow ..the Christmas clean is at a stand still lol 

I have come to terms with loosing my hair cold caping just  isn't for me ..

I recieved my NHS wig  voucher last week so going to make a day of it in Cardiff with my three daughters to buy wig/s  , scarfs etc ..spot of lunch and  bit of xmas shopping if my  body and enery levels allow ! .. 

We're you advised to get your flu jab before treatment begins ? 

Best Wishes too you !! 

Hi,

Thats the same chemo I had. 

I found it manageable. The first week of each cycle was the worst, by the second I felt better and was able to do things- albeit a bit washed out. By the third week I was usually ok. I did find it built up, in particular the fatigue with each cycle. 

Most side effects were managed with medication.

With seeing people, I tended to have the first week to recover and then it was ok as long as I didn't overdo it. I didn't see anyone who was unwell. I tended to meet up outside or in small groups. There is a risk from getting infections but I found it more after the first cycle. You will have regular blood tests and they will tell you if you become neutropenic (where it is more difficult to fight infection) I would suggest getting a thermometer and checking your temp as for me that was the first sign that I had picked something up. If you do get feel unwell, suspect an infection, it is call the hospital straightaway- they will assess you and if needed will call you in for antibiotics. 

Sounds a good plan to take your daughters with you to chose a wig and scarves. I had a friend with me and it did help. 

I can not remember a flu jab being mentioned but would suggest you ask your CNS as it may be best to get it before the chemo begins. 

Jane

Hi, it seems like I’m on the same treatment plan of doing radio then chemo. Is there a reason why your oncologist opted for radio first and not chemo? 

Delay on getting my CT scan they didn't want to wait so started radiotherapy first x