Chemo Advice

Oh forgot to say too!!! I wasnt able to stay hydrated worst luck, was just too drug sensitive, so after the FEC infusions, I was put in hospital for 2 days to hydrate, then home. So they have an answer for everything, no worries! and Coloxyl pills I found were the best and what the hospital gives you for constipation. 

Melinda

Hi Janette,

Oh sense of humor is everything!!! Totally agree, its the only thing that got me through. I had long blonde hair and had it cut up short before treatment, my hair fell out within a week of the first treatment, so once it started to fall I then got a buzz cut. My beautiful other half, took clippers to his beautiful full head of black hair LOL . My children would make jokes too, and before we knew it, it was the new normal. Who would have thought? I had 4 rounds of FEC 3 weeks apart, then 8 taxol weekly. My eyelashes and eyebrows were completely gone by time I started Taxol. BUT...let me say eyelashes come back super fast!!! once you finish treatment, I never really had eyebrows LOL so didnt bother me. The nurses are fantastic, so is the Breast Care Nurse and Oncologist, all of which I leant on when I needed to. Thankfully I had no complications at all, as in the treatment just happened. 

So big breath, take someone with you the first time, once you do that one, you'll feel alot better. I found getting it no problem at all, its just all the drugs and side effects, but step at a time! 

You can do it!! Happy to chat if you have any questions.

Hugs Melinda xo

The oncologist said I would feel like I had the flu and be very fatigued for 4 days after,so it does sound like I could be on your regime-I plan to clarify this tomorrow.  I asked her about losing my nails (as I had read quite a bit about this side effect) and she said that would not be an issue. I have received some great advice and feel more empowered to to be on top of my treatment. Thank you so much for your kind words.

Janette xo 

Hi Jel,

I  am not sure what regime I will be on -asked oncologist who peeled off a number of very long words. Will clarify exactly what I am having tomorrow. Keeping hydrated will be a major challenge for me, will have to make sure I address this. I have the movicol ready and also some agarol as I was quite constipated following surgery. Thank you for your kind advice- stay healthy.

Janette xo

Hi Melinda,

Thank you so much for your reply and your faith in me.  I have been trying to keep a positive attitude towards treatment. Made a pre-emptive strike yesterday and had my hair cut short-my delightful adult son keeps asking me where my girlfriend is!  I think humour is his way of dealing with situation. Will take your advice and make sure I communicate with staff and seek their support/expertise.

Janette xo

Sounds like it could be 3 rounds of FEC and 3 rounds of D (or T) which is what I had.

Side effects for me personally were a little different for each one. FEC side effects kicked in after a couple of days and were mainly fatigue and aches and pains - like the flu. I kept getting warned about diarrhea but for me it was the extreme opposite so you may want to stock up on some coloxyl or something. Drink pretty of water to flush the chemo out of your system for at least a week. Get plenty of rest. I didn't really suffer from nausea but got some of those dissolvable tablets for the odd occasion when I did. The D (or T) effects were a little more intense but were helped by some anti-inflammatories prescribed by my onc. Other than that, Panadol was enough for me. Keep an eye out for any pins and needles in your hands and feet and let the nurses or your doctor know. And of course they will tell you that if you ever get a fever of 38 degrees or more, hospital straight away!

Having the chemo itself isn't too bad - take some things to keep you occupied - the FEC (if that's what you're having) being three separate drugs can take a while. I also took a warm blanket and hubby who kept me occupied by reading out clues to crossword puzzles. The first week after was when the side effects were at their worst but after that I gradually improved day by day. Good luck. You'll be a champ!

Not sure what drugs I am having I asked oncologist and she reeled of some very long names. I believe there are 3 in first 3 rounds and one in last 3 but will make sure I have all the info from chemo nurse tomorrow. So happy for you that you have finished-hope you were able to enjoy some maltesers (my favourite)  at the movies!

Janette xo

Hi Brenda,

Just read your posts-your right there should be an easier way to access old postings!  Info was just what I was hoping for. Pre chemo appts are a great idea as I have no idea of what to expect tomorrow   Don't know how you managed to post and keep such a great sense of humour.  I asked my oncologist if there was a name for my chemo, she said there was and would write it down- we got caught up with other things and that did not eventuate,  She did reel of 3 very long names that would be in my first 3 rounds and then I believe there is just one drug in the last 3.  Will make sure I have exact info tomorrow from chemo nurse. I have terrible veins so there is a good chance I will end up with a poracath, just hope they can do the job tomorrow. I am not keen to start but very keen to finish!

Janette xo

Sorry there doesn't seem to be an easy way to look up early blog posts. You will have to scroll back page by page.

I wrote down everything while I was on chemo. You can follow my journey. I think on page 12 there are chemo tips listed. https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/members/Brenda5/blog?=&;page=13