I feel like Ive won the lottery!!

1246

Comments

  • peggysue
    peggysue Member Posts: 44
    edited March 2015

    Jodie,  I had no nausea, none at all, they give you drugs to take a couple of days before (DEX), and drugs to take after.  I did take the anti nausea drugs for a few more days after they said to.  Many of the ladies are the same as me.  .....just take it one day at a time.     x

  • peggysue
    peggysue Member Posts: 44
    edited March 2015

    Jodie,  I had no nausea, none at all, they give you drugs to take a couple of days before (DEX), and drugs to take after.  I did take the anti nausea drugs for a few more days after they said to.  Many of the ladies are the same as me.  .....just take it one day at a time.     x

  • Deanne
    Deanne Member Posts: 2,163
    edited March 2015
    I am not sure where you are finding the horror stories about people being sick from Chemo as this is not usually the case these days. Yes you might feel a little nausea but it is very unusual to actually vomit because of the improvement in anti-nausea medications.

    I found that between the medication and the terrific advice from people on this network that I got through without too much drama. Depending on what chemo you have you may not have much nausea at all. Everyone is different and it pays to keep an open mind and hope for the best.

    I only had nausea with my first 3 rounds of Chemo (FEC) and had no nausea with the last 3 rounds of Docetaxel. It was no where near a horror story and 5 weeks after finishing my Chemo I feel almost normal except for the lack of hair!

    It is the unknown that is difficult to cope with. Not knowing what side effects you will have. I read lots of advice on how to cope and knew what to do to help myself get through. It is not a great time in your life but it is doable and it is worth it to give yourself every chance of getting and staying well. :) Deanne xxx
  • JodieWall
    JodieWall Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2015
    I hope I follow in your footsteps. I'm having a port put in next Friday so at least I won't have to worry about my veins xx
  • JodieWall
    JodieWall Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2015
    I hope I follow in your footsteps. I'm having a port put in next Friday so at least I won't have to worry about my veins xx
  • JodieWall
    JodieWall Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2015
    I'm having 3 rounds of FEC then taxol (taxel?) weekly for 12 weeks.
    I'm a googler and have read many people's experiences :-( . I know I shouldn't be reading but can't help it.
    Then I'm having radiation because they want to do everything for added insurance. I'm guessing that's a good thing? Xxxx
  • JodieWall
    JodieWall Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2015
    I'm having 3 rounds of FEC then taxol (taxel?) weekly for 12 weeks.
    I'm a googler and have read many people's experiences :-( . I know I shouldn't be reading but can't help it.
    Then I'm having radiation because they want to do everything for added insurance. I'm guessing that's a good thing? Xxxx
  • JodieWall
    JodieWall Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2015
    I'm having 3 rounds of FEC then taxol (taxel?) weekly for 12 weeks.
    I'm a googler and have read many people's experiences :-( . I know I shouldn't be reading but can't help it.
    Then I'm having radiation because they want to do everything for added insurance. I'm guessing that's a good thing? Xxxx
  • gina racc
    gina racc Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2015

    Hi Jodie

    Have felt with you all the way butr as already mentioned, knowledge is power!

    I wasn't careful enough with my first port  - it went in so easily, no pain & I was doing my usual yoga. Think this might have been the cause of the wound not healing as it never infected just wouldn't close. It worked well.  Now with my second one in, I'm trying hard to take it easy & let other people do things. I'm not good at asking my help & as my husband says, he's not a mind reader. I have to ask! so this one is healing well & working well!

    I did the chemo awareness course at HOCA & it was a good preparer for chemo. I have not had any dramas with nausea, have felt queasy occasionally but a cup of tea & something simple to eat & I'm fine. Also trying to keep up the walking.

    Before, during & after chemo I drink litres of water to keep flushing the body. Was also told to go to the toilet when you need to, do not hold on. It means getting out of bed heaps of time during the night & was difficult during winter but I did it!

    Also I'm eating very healthly - lots of greens, fruit, cutting out excessively sweet things, meat, fish & chicken. I've always tried to stick with organic food even before this BC journey. Apart from the metallic taste that developed in my mouth, i didn't lose my appetite.

    I'm using coconunt oil on my skin  (& scalp now) find its very soothing especially with the rashes & very natural. Smell like coconut ice for while but it does seem to disappear.  I don't feel greasy or oily after a minute or 2.

    Oh, rinshing & gargling 3-4 times a day. I use bicarb of soda, some use salt. But again, no ulcers & if a sore throat has started, it goes fairly easily.

    Hope this is some help. You'll get there, just don't panic :)

    Hugs Gina

  • JodieWall
    JodieWall Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2015
    Thanks gina xxx where can I get the coconut oil?

    I'm having the port put in under twilight. Is that painful?
  • JodieWall
    JodieWall Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2015
    Thanks gina xxx where can I get the coconut oil?

    I'm having the port put in under twilight. Is that painful?
  • Deanne
    Deanne Member Posts: 2,163
    edited March 2015
    I think you will find that taxol will be nausea free and if you follow medical advice and the advice from women here you will be right. There is a great post on here called things that helped you through your journey or something like that. It has some terrific tips.

    I am about to have number 13 of 25 radiotherapy treatments and am finding this a breeze compared to Chemo. I am using gel and cream to keep my skin right and so far just have a bit of a tan developing. It is great to be able to go out and about more without the worry of low immune system because of Chemo effects. Life is definitely improving! :)
  • JodieWall
    JodieWall Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2015
    Thanks Deanne xxx

    I'm down today :-( one week post mastectomy, drain still in, port in next week then chemo the week after.

    I just need a few "Normal" days where I can go out to the shops without dragging my drain bag :-( before the hard yards start and just be me well as close to being me.

    One of my close friends is about to stat chemo again as there are now spots on her liver. She is amazing and I don't know how she does it. She is a hero to me and I feel so bad whinging :-(

    I guess once the first infusion is done, ill know a bit more and will know what side effects ill have.

    I also wish my soft form breast would arrive so I can put a bra on And feel semi female.

    Jodie xx
  • peggysue
    peggysue Member Posts: 44
    edited March 2015

    As I look back to the beginning of chemo, I will admit to cravings, I drank lots of ginger beer, and really craved cinnamon donunts....I would get hubby to get them, I would break them up and eat little bits.  Noiw i know that both of these things were not really good for me, but my wonderful breast care nurse, siad to me, take this time for yourself, and it you want those things, have them. You will get back, to your usual diet in good time.  Although I always ate healthy foods, I am much more conscious about it now. My philsophy was expect the worse, and  I was surprised that it was not as bad, as I had imagined.  I had my routine before and after chemo.

    Radiation for 6 weeks, I did get red and sore towards the end, but with some great Gel o net (dressings) that cleared up quickly.  Now on arimidex.for the next 5 years. Again not quite what I imagined, only a pain having to go every day, and getting that special  arm up above my head..

    Time will pass quickly, and you will be here reasurring another newly dianosed lady.     

  • Janey235
    Janey235 Member Posts: 1,206
    edited March 2015
    At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I too didn't have much problems with nausea. Of course I felt queasy on some days after AC (similar to FEC) but I found anything ginger helped a lot with that. Ginger infused tea, ginger ale, even ginger cookies. You'll find that the meds they give you are really excellent nowadays and your oncologist can adjust meds if you need a boost. I wasn't nauseas at all on Docetaxel (similar to Taxol). Hydration is really important too, as said, drink loads of water. I didn't have any problems with mouth sores either. I ate an ice-pol during my infusions which I think helped with that. But do use a mouth wash (alcohol free) or make your own from salt or bicarb, I used it at least twice a day. Biotine gum I found was good too.

    As mentioned here before, not knowing is the worst so after your first one, you'll be fine.

    Love Janey xxx