Forum Discussion
Chemo tips / hacks?
Hi, lovely ladies
is update from me
I done my pet scan and have good results and
is update from me
I done my pet scan and have good results and
I got a call from my day oncologist today and they already set my treatment dates.
Starting next week with paclitaxel weekly for 12 around and carboplatin. Pertuzumab,trastuzumab three weekly so 4 round
Is there anything I have to bring during the chemo?
And do any of you have or had any similar treatment like mine ? I’m her2 positive
Any tips or hacks for the chemo side effect?
I’m very nervous and have no idea of what to expect so any guidance is appreciated
13 Replies
- Hi Susie
I didn't take any herbal supplements.
You should always check with your oncologist before taking anything, as even seemingly benign items might interfere with the chemo or increase side effects etc. - Hi Susie
yes I had a port put in, they couldn’t do it straight away so had to have a few chemo in veins and it did ruin my veins which were previously good. I can only use veins in one arm now too due to mastectomy and lymph node removal so definitely recommend the port.I stayed away from all herbal remedies as so as not to interfere with the chemo drugs ect
coffee is my friend and having 3 kids keeps me busy so I don’t have time to think about how tired I am - Hi
unicorn3
do you used port chemo ?
I have pretty good veins and I’m still debating about inserting port or not
I bit worry for infection and the other
but also Iam not to good with needle 😬
and Do you take any food supplement or herbal during chemo to help you out ?
thank you for answering all my questions
Iam very appreciated - Hi Susie
I did the 12 weeks first also which they also thought would be good for my stage3 her2. I had a pet scan around 10 weeks and all the cancer was gone in the scan.I did continue to go out and take the kids to school throughout all my chemo when I felt up to it, lots of hand sanitiser and getting to the shops early when it was quiet, I didn’t get sick once.I did get diarrhoea too which I just used Imodium for and small bland meals
Having it every week was hard but I soon got into a routine and it was manageable
I work from home so I continued to do that with the odd lunchtime nap here and there - I can’t give you any first hand advice about ice treatment for neuropathy. When I was being treated 12 years ago, it wasn’t being offered. Some people swear it’s saved most of their hair, some can’t stand it (the chill factor can be quite extreme). If I were doing it again, I might give it a shot. To some extent it depends on how important saving most of your hair is to you, and whether your oncology clinic offers the treatment.I didn’t like losing my hair, but it wasn’t traumatic, I wore a wig which looked great.Best wishes.
- Hi
blossom1961
yes I have few colouring book and some movie to watch at my iPad
12 weeks of chemo sound much
I thought I’ll have every 3 weeks for 6 round
but they give me that treatment
my oncologist team think this the best for my her2 positive - Hi
Suki
do you take any food supplements or some herbal to help you out with treatment effek
ta - Hi unicorn
my first treatment will be at private hospital
and the rest will be at Austin public hospital
I have to pay out of pocket $6000 for parjeta and $700 for the treatment
You think with all treatment you be able to go out or working ?And thank you I might need few information I bit nervous for nextweek
I think I also have MRI and clip inserted following day - hi
Afraser
is cold sock or cold glove will help with neuropathy? - Hi @susie55 I had the AC followed by the paclitaxol and Tratstuzumab and Pertuzumab. I had the opposite to @Suki so perhaps wait until you have your first treatment so that you have a better idea of what you are dealing with. We are all so different with our reactions/side effects. Take along something to keep yourself occupied as it can get boring. If you take a book, make sure it isn't too involved as you may not be able to concentrate on it. I always took my crossword and ipad games. Some people prefer to listen to music and sleep. Make treatment time about you and do what you want.
