Chemotherapy

Hi. Just thought I'd reply as I am following in your footsteps, so I hope you get some replies about chemotherapy. I've had a hysterectomy (19/12/19), lymph nodes taken and my cancer is Stage 1A grade 3. I will be having chemotherapy, but first have to have 3 doses of vaginal vault radiotherapy. I am currently waiting for an appointment to go and discuss this further treatment, which should start within next few weeks.

I have been reading up on chemo and side effects.  Feeling sick and tired seems to affect most people, but obviously there are a lot of other things that affect people differently, hopefully you will get some replies soon, which will help us both. 

Take care and good luck with your treatment. 

Hi golden retriever just saw your post I had full hysterectomy on the 12th got results on wed same as you stage 1a grade 3 consultant said would b brachytherapy but getting new team who will decide she said mayb not chemo but reading posts most ladies with that grade get chemo suppose will no in next few weeks just good to no ladies been through this just been put on back foot with this with CT scan all clear and after op docs very positive couldn't see any signs feel walking a tightrope at moment thanks  xx

Hi. Thanks for your message. I'm still getting over my hysterectomy and must admit I am finding the thought of what's coming next quite daunting.  I've always been busy, with work, gym, family, dog walking and friends, so I'm finding sitting still really hard and there's lots more to come, I'm really missing the routine of daily life. 

As I understand it (from Macmillan nurse) you have radiotherapy to target the area where the cancer was and then the chemo in case any 'escaped' into the rest of your body.  

Hope you are ok  

Hi, I was in the same position this time last year as following hysterectomy on 12 December 2018 l was told l was grade 2 stage 3c1. I was 53 when diagnosed and quite active and fit. I had 6 cycles of Taxol/carbo. Here is how it was for me. The nausea was managed ok by the anti sickness meds but l had to take more each cycle as the nausea lasted longer. I did get terribly tired and the taxol can cause aching legs which was uncomfortable. My hair started falling out 15 days after the first treatment and eye brows and eyelashes at the very end. I did suffer from peripheral neuropathy so the taxol dose was reduced on cycle five and not given on cycle six.  The treatment took around six to seven hours at the hospital . After the chemo l had 5 weeks of radiotherapy and 2 treatments of brachytherapy. The treatment started at the end of January 2019 and l returned to work on a phased return in September. It was tough but l got through it. The taste changes with the chemo are hard to deal with and the nausea and diarrhoea with the radiotherapy was bad. Sorry to give a bleak picture but it’s different for everyone and unfortunately for me l seemed to get every side effect going.I was terrified before it all started and l have never been good with hospitals. My blood pressure and heart rate always went up the day before the chemo. On the plus side l feel fine now and am back to work full time and once you start treatment you can start counting down. I did get about 10 days between chemo treatments when l met friends and did normal things so it’s not all terrible. You just have to be kind to yourself and rest when you need to. The radiotherapy seemed worse in many ways because it was every day for 5 weeks and l felt nauseous all the time. The brachytherapy sounds awful but it was quick and painless just a bit undignified although the staff were kind and understanding. 

I hope l have not made you feel worse about it all but you will be well looked after. I called the helpline a few times during the treatment when l was concerned about side effects and that was reassuring and it was the same in clinic every 3 weeks the day before the chemo when l could talk about concerns and have the medications adjusted when needed. 

Good luck with your treatment. X

You too golden retriever am the same back on my feet wounds healed pretty quick think a could cope with the brachytherapy but the thought of chemo and effects you take care too xx

Thank you - it’s very unsettling and one day I feel fine, the next depressed and anxious,  I bought a wig yesterday in preparation as Dr said hair would go very quickly.  4 cycles of chemo three weeks apart followed by radiotherapy and brachytherapy.  I have researched side effects but don’t have a clear idea yet.  I suppose I,ll know soon enough, 

I find these pages very helpful and good luck with your treatment too.  

What an experience.  I am so pleased that it’s finished now and normal life has resumed.   Your positivity and determination obviously stood you in good stead. 

thank you for detailing your journey, it’s really helpful.  I’ve been told I should be able to work during the treatment apart from a few days and am doing as much as I can now to prepare - drinking loads of water every day and organising the household so I can rest as much as possible,   

My treatment should finish by mid/end June which seems a long time away. As you say, one it starts the countdown can begin,  X

Hi Anxious,

I thought I'd wait until you got another answer as I didn't want to upset you.

I can only tell you how my daughter managed her chemotherapy for breast cancer. She was 37 at the time and had a young daughter of 15 months and partner working away. That's why we stepped in to help.

My husband drove her to the hospital and back, and sat with her while she had the chemo. (I couldn't face this and someone had to stay at home to look after the kiddie). She was on steroids for two days and wasn't bad on them. Once she came off them she was AWFUL. Felt very sick (even with anti sickness drugs) and only felt happy in bed, reading, watching TV, etc. She couldn't face big meals, but ate small meals more often when she felt like it. Nibbled tons of ginger biscuits, and drank loads of water(still does 6 years later!) After the first week she began to potter around the house, and by the third week she could cope and we came home for a week before it all started again! We found that the first round set a pattern for the rest, so at least we knew what to expect!

Can I point out that she was pre menopause and that this kick started her menopause, which may be why she was so affected.

She was meticulous about hygiene. Everyone who came into the house had to wash their hands. She kept wiping door handles with disinfectant wipes. This was because you don't want any infections. They did hospitalize her once with a cold for two days. She took her temperature each day to check that and rang them if it was up.

She bought a wig, but because it was summer, it was too hot and to my amazement went around with a bare head. She said folks could have her like that, or not at all!

The first week I found her very bad tempered, so warn any carers you may have. She was not my daughter at all. 

From what I've seen Chemotherapy isn't pleasant, but a necessary evil! My daughter is fine 6 years later, so I consider it all worth it!

Good luck xxxxx

Hi NannyAnny

Thank you for the comprehensive response.  I am building a picture of what it’ll be like and attempting to arm myself accordingly.  I appreciate every treatment is different and we won’t all be effected in the same way.  I’m preparing for every outcome.  

Chemotherapy sounds horrendous but as you say it’s a necessary evil.  I find this community really helpful and supportive.  

I’ve just put a tv in the bedroom for those days anticipating the time I,ll be spending in bed!

I’m really pleased your daughter is fine now and thank you for the helpful advice and kind words.

X

Hi anxious I feel for you am the same ment to b cancer free shouldn't feel like this should b partying in the street instead we back to sleepiness nights and panic attacks I still have to wait for appointment for new team at cancer centre my consultant on wed said mayb not chemo but they the experts hoping she right just been given a booklet on the brachytherapy which is a given was actually looking at wigs crying this is silly but my hair is me if you no what I mean keep in touch and take care xxx