Firstl chemotheray

Hi Minto, (You are not moaning)

I nursed my daughter through chemotherapy 6 years ago now, but its not an experience I wish to repeat!

She was Ok straight afterwards while she was on steroids, but on day 3 until about day 7 she was dreadful. She had anti sickness pills, but found the only way to cope was by staying in bed,and eating snacks rather than whole meals. In week two she could potter around the house, and by week 3 she was practically normal!!! Only for it all to start again! It was rough, but she got through it. She just made the most of the good week, saw friends, went out for meals, etc. And if you think what its doing to you, what is it doing to any stray cancer cells?

All the best xxxxx

Thank you NannyAnny. I’m a battleground - that it is helpful concept. 

I do keep retreating to bed too which goes against my nature but I suppose if that is what I need to do to get through this. 

I appreciate you sharing your and your daughters experience with me. It does help.

x 

Hello Chemotherapy can be tough going. I found the nausea kicked in on day 3 (once the steroids wire off) but anti emetics seemed to help. Snacking and small meals are definitely the way to go. After that, I had pains in my wrists, knees, legs for a few days. The pains sometimes woke me up. My CNS to,d me to take paracetamol and ibuprofen which helped but didn't make them go completel. She also said she could get the doc to prescribe me something stronger but to be honest I was reluctant to do that. Have you tried alternating hit and cold packs on the joint to see if that helps. The second week saw improvement and the third week was definitely the best until, as my nurse put it, "we get you and zap you again." Don't feel guilty about having a sofa day - if you need it, you need it. Pace yourself and don't overdo it on the days you feel reasonably well. Looking back, part of the problem with the first session is you don't know what to expect. With the second and subsequent ones, you have a rough idea of what might happen when so you can try to p,an accordingly. It's still tough, though. Do what you need to do to get through this and be kind to yourself, just as you would be to your best friend if she were going through this. Gentle hugs x

Hi Fairycake,

thanks for your response. I got desperate today and talked to the helpline. They suggested, like you , to take painkillers. My body feels so full of poison I was reluctant to add more chemicals, but I understand some paracetamol isn’t going to hurt and might help.  I need to sleep. Four bad nights take their toll. It was definitely a sofa day today.

 You are right , I have been taken by surprise by the intensity of the pain. I now know what to expect - don’t know how long it will last yet - but maybe I will be better prepared next time. Just seems such a daunting challenge to complete another 5 treatments. 

Ill dig out the ice packs, take some pills and hope to sleep tonight. 

It does help knowing other people have successfully negotiated this horrible process. 

Thanks for the virtual hugs

Hi Minto,

I have also found days 3 to 7 are pretty bad, but after that I started to feel a lot better, working up to pretty normal if a bit tired on and off.

So, hopefully you will also find it's just days 3 to 7 are bad,  and the rest of the time you will feel ok.

Hugs x

Hello Mrs Woodentop,

I am day 6 and actually think I feel a bit better this morning.  Hooray! When you are in the thick of it it is so easy to panic and assume that you are never going to improve. 

Going to get my wig today so that’s my target.

thanks for the hugs and support.

x