Reaction to chemotherapy

Hi

I’m so pleased to see that you found your way to the womb cancer group. I read your post in new to the site earlier today and saw that you’d had the signpost to this amazing corner of the community. I like to think it’s a bit like the kitchen. The kettle is always on, there’s always a cuppa to be had, there is a biscuit if you want one, and definitely someone to talk to. So sit down and see if you can relax a little bit.

Starting chemotherapy for the first time can be really frightening, I know, I’ve done it. I can really only imagine how terrifying it must be to have a reaction like you did. What happened? Did you have an allergic response? I’ve been lucky enough not to have had allergic reactions to chemo although I did to immunotherapy. It wasn’t fun. 

Perhaps the thing to focus on is that you were kept safe. The nurses picked up the reaction, they stopped the infusion, and you’re to go back tomorrow with more safety measures in place.  I think that’s reassuring.

If I was round your house with you now, I’d have already helped you to pack a bag to take with you tomorrow. I’d have put in some nice lunch, maybe some fancy sandwiches and a bit of fruit, a bit of chocolate and a packet of crisps. A flask of tea, maybe? What’s the tea situation at the unit? I’d make sure you had a book and your glasses if you need them, Phone cables and phone charger, and a lap blanket. Then I’d have settled down in bed with you had a good chat and made sure you fall asleep.

I do hope you have someone to do that for you at home right now. If you haven’t, I really hope you’re able to do it for yourself. Be your own best friend right now.

I know you’re scared. And I know you’ve come online, and be brave enough to reach out with the help that might be available. I hope you found it. That makes me think that you are brave and your resource full and you’ve got this. Tomorrow is another day and he will go to the unit you’ll get your chemo you come home and it will all be over. Until next time that is.

I know you’re scared. But scared as you are,  you’ve come online and reached out for help. That makes me think that you are brave and you are resourceful and you’ve got this.

I hope the other wonderful women in this group or chime in soon with their words of wisdom. Actually no I don’t. I hope they are all sound asleep. It’s unreasonable o’clock. But you know what I mean  

All the best for a smooth run tomorrow 

xxx

Hello JR1974

Just popping in to say hello and welcome. has given you some fantastic advice. I agree with her - chemo is scary. I’ve had chemo too and I can remember how frightened I was. I didn’t have a reaction at the point of having the infusions but I did have an allergic reaction afterwards me the form of a nasty, lumpy rash. A quick call to the oncall oncologist and strong antihistamines resolved the problem. I understand how hard it is but I totally agree with trying to focus on how well you were looked after yesterday. The team know about it and they’ll be doing everything they can to get you through this as safely as possible. Definitely agree about taking a good book, nice lunch etc. Maybe add in some music too - it’s a good time to reconnect with some of your favourite songs. Sending you lots of good wishes and a gentle hug. Please let us know how you get on x

Hi JR,

I can't imagine anyone being glad to join this group!!! Although there are usually lots of tips and someone who's been there before!

I haven't had chemo, but have read on here about a couple of people having reactions. I think they just had it put in slowly. My daughter had chemo for breast cancer and I know how careful they were with her. She caught a cold at one point, and they whisked her into hospital for a couple of days. She was very well looked after. Just make sure you tell them about any problems.

Good luck XXXXXX

I'm popping in too to say welcome to the group. I haven't had chemotherapy but I know about the anxiety that goes along with this whole rollercoaster ride. Fairycake and Daloni have given you good advice but you will be in my thoughts and prayers today and I hope the experience will be better for you. God bless love lamb.xx

Hi JR1974, sorry for the slow response. Yes I have had anaphylactic shock to 2 of my chemos I'm afraid. The first time they continued with just the Carbo platin and the second time the same. They were really good, the first time was a terrible experience as I really wasn't sure what to expect, but they sorted me so quickly. The 2nd time I knew straight away what was going on so they stopped it all very quickly, sent me home and took my in the next day. They wouldn't try either again because the reaction was so dramatic, always been a bit of a drama queen  I am sure that they will have looked after you today and will be monitoring you closely. I'm so sorry that you have had to join us, but hope that we can all be supportive of you on this journey.

Take care, and remember to rest and drink lots of fluid.

LC

XX

Hi JR1974, such a scary time going into the unknown.  My first session I had a reaction to chemo the had to put it in the other arm which seemed to be better.  2nd session I wad absolutely fine sailed through it, 3rd time another reaction so what they ended up doing was slowing the rate at what it was going in at which did help.  I'm so they will monitor you closely today.  And don't be afraid to let them know of any changes x

Michelle xx

Thank u for your reply, they ended up putting it in at a slower rate and I managed to take it that way. I’m struggling with these side effects. The worst is achy legs and muscle spasms. It’s awful. Xx

Hi JR,

My daughter was worse when she came off the steroids, a couple of days after the chemo went in.The steroids mask the after effects. She also found she was best lying in bed for the first week. She felt very sick, otherwise, even with anti sickness pills. By week 2 she was feeling better and pottering around. By week 3 she was normal again, but then it started all over again! The first round set a pattern for the rest of the sessions, so she knew roughly what to expect. 

I would ask about your aches. They might suggest something. Don't suffer in silence! xxxxxx

I am so glad that you are coping with it at a slower rate.  I had the leg pain too - I used to really struggle the weekend after the chemo.  Although it does build up over time, I actually found that I coped better mentally with the later ones because I knew what to expect.  Ask for painkillers! I ended up in A&E after my first cycle but later I was given both codeine and oramorph (they don't take way the pain but do make you sleepy)

Thank you for all the responses, Endo3 I’ve got my 2nd chemo on Friday. I’m so worried about the bone pain. I was in hospital last weekend with a high temp, they have reduced the paclitaxol for my next one. I tried the cold cap but my hair is coming out in handfuls so really not sure what to do. Did you lose your hair or manage to hang on to it? X