Pre Chemo worries

Hi 1962, 

Your question made me smile as in my first chemo session I looked like I was staying for the weekend

You will need everything that makes you feel comfortable…. My unit had very nice recliner chairs with cushions…the McMillan volunteers came round with sandwiches , crisps and drinks on demand… everyone was lovely….. so on a subsequent visit I needed a long charger for iPad and phone…some cosy socks, bottle of water..I read a bit…. but mostly I made an effort to talk to everyone, I gained so much info from talking to other “patients” and the nurses.. I was in the suite for about 5 hours… sometimes the antihistamine drug may make you a bit sleepy so having a snoooze may happen…initially I was very scarred but on my second visit I was fine and in a peculiar way looked forward to the sessions as I was one step closer to getting better.

I had 6 sessions and have been cancer free since last July… 

Wear comfy clothes and you will have a drip in so you need to have your arms accessible, prior to going drink lots for a few days prior as you need to be well hydrated and you won’t feel poorly immediately, probably take about 2 days before you feel side effects… take the anti sickness and keep a diary how you feel as the effects are similar , but cumulative….it makes it easier to tell the nurses before your next session.

I wish you all the best and remember you can do this

xxSue

Hi 1962KI

I echo what Becalm advises 

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, take a big bottle of water as you need to drink lots, take snacks, maybe some sweets or.mints as you may get horrible taste in your mouth. Take an ipad/tablet or phone or a book magazine etc. The time will pass, the nursesare constantly around checking the drip, they need to come over and  disconnect and reconnect you when you need the loo,  and you will be going very very often,  they first give you drip of steroids and antihistamines as well as saline flush so theres plenty of fluids passing through you  as well as water and tea thst you'll be drinking.  As you'll be there over lunch periods they bring you sandwiches maybe soup and fruit cakes.  But thats just my hospital,  you could ask when you go for yiyr next appointment or have bloods taken ask if you can see the chemotherapy room and ask questions 

Hope this helps x

Hi Sue, thanks for that, everything is a little overwhelming at the moment. You’ve at least given me an idea of what to expect and I appreciate it. Karen x

Hi Mad, thank you for the information, I think it’s the fear of the unknown more than anything else. You have both given me more information action than I’ve been able to see online and I really appreciate it. Karen x

1962KI

Hi Karen. I can't add anything more to what Becalm and Madesp have said. We've all been in the same position fearing the unknown. Be prepared for hair starting to come out approx. 14 days after you start.

I've just completed my 6th and final session and kept a diary throughout. I seemed to feel rough a couple days a week after the chemo was administered and basically started to feel better every day after.

Hugs, Barb xx

Hi Barb, thanks for this, you’ve all been fab and at least I’ve more of an idea what to expect. Nothing like speaking to the people who have been or are going through it to get the best information. A diary sounds like a great idea. Thanks Karen xx

You will expect to have few days following chemo where you feel a bit low or sickness, achey legs but it soon picks up and you turn the corner and feel yourself again. I was feeling delicate for about a week but still managed to work from home, cook clean and went for some short walks. The worst day for me was 5th day with tummy cramps and just needing the loo a lot. But this time round I'm keeping off dairy and see if that helps.

Thought these tips may be helpful to you, like Barb said it's the unknown, once you done it once then you feel better. Take care and if you think of anything else please ask. X

Thanks Mad, I really appreciate the advice, you’re all a great bunch. Good luck with your treatment. Karen x