Chemo, first round

Thanks Breda for the very kind words, I'm so glad that you got something from them.  You've reminded me that I need to do an update post which I will try and do over the weekend.  Forgot to say, write everything down so that you can have it on hand for the oncologist and that you can refer to whilst monitoring your side affects or any changes if you have any.  My chemo went well today all considering.  Take care and be kind to yourself. ????

Hi Breda, it's a weird time, isn't it? Not knowing what to expect from chemo.  The only real given is that your hair will start falling out seriously 14 days from first treatment.  If you have long or even mid-length hair, I'd recommend getting a short cut now (I went from hair I could sit on to a pixie cut!), so you only have short hairs to deal with when they're falling out - they get everywhere!  Once mine was falling out in earnest, I got a buzz cut (no.2) and then went bald from there.  I felt that it falling out was worse than being bald, in fact.  It was good to plan what I was going to do - I got a wig and scarves beforehand and played around with looks I liked.  It really helped that I was prepared and comfortable.  I also really recommend the Look Good Feel Better workshops.  

In terms of other side effects, it's good to get the first one out of the way, so you can get a handle on how your body reacts.  Everyone really is different with this stuff.  Each round got easier for me, though I know other people are the other way round.  My advice would be to take each day as it comes, keep a detailed journal (so you can see improvements or problems and talk them over with your oncologist) and be VERY VERY kind and gentle with yourself.  Chemo, whichever way you cook it, is an onslaught on your body, so give it the best support you can by taking note and acting accordingly.  

This too shall pass :-)

Best wishes and let us know how you go xxx

If you are taking a support person with you and it spans lunch time, make sure they take a sandwich for themselves.

The tea lady volunteer gave both my husband and I a cup of tea and biscuits for morning tea, but when it came to lunch time only the nurse came around with juice and sandwiches and they were only offered to me with my husband sitting there for hours totally ignored. Luckily they were big sandwiches and I shared mine but I thought it was quite rude of the nurse. We'll take our own esky next time, stuff her.

Thankyou,feels good to have others to talk with...all tips 

greatly appreciated...

Hi sue,thankyou for your advice,i have been reading your posts,they are amazing,im not very good at writing things down,your  story is very inspiring,i can relate to your feelings,i felt almost the same in the beginning,i wish you the best in your journey..

Hi Breda, 

just sending hugs and good wishes I agree with everyone that already commented. 

Kim

Dear Breda,

first of all, good luck with chemo and everything.  I am about to do my 3rd round tomorrow, 1 more after this one.

1. Take on board everything that the other ladies have said.

2. If you lose your taste ask for tips, there are heaps.

3. Reward yourself after each round, I need something to look forward too to get through the crappy 5-6 days.

with the hair loss, mine started to fall out exactly 2 weeks after chemo, my Christmas Day present.  It started slowly but on the first hair wash it just came out in my hands, it was really traumatic for me.  Have some support around you, my hubby was truly amazing,  make sure you have a wig or some other headwear before you start chemo.

Take and be kind to yourself,

hugs from the west,

Sue

Thankyou all for your  tips,i will certainly try them...

how soon will my hair dissappear..anyone try the cold cap...

any thoughts on the cold cap,is it worth doing...

Hello sweetheart,

First, its ok to be scared. This is big scary stuff that you are doing!

Second, there is absolutely no way that anyone can tell you how you will react. My hope for you is that you get lucky and just feel a bit off for a few days.

Third, the other ladies are on the money wit h tips!

- Drink LOTS of liquid.

- Take ALL the drugs.

- Indulge yourself. I had my first treatment two weeks ago and I came home, put on my jammies, ate chocolate cake and watched Netflix. I regret nothing...?? 

Remember that we are all here to lend you strength if you need it xo

Hi Breda,

chemo is nothing like on the movies. My first chemo I kinda felt a bit off in the tummy for a few days, then thought "what, is that it?" First dose was easy for me & ive heard others say the same thing. Each dose after that is not so easy & that's where you'll learn how your body copes in your own way. If I had 2 tips they'd be - 

1 take the anti nausea meds whether you feel nauseous or not

2 drink lots & lots of water, at least 2 litres a day.

be kind to yourself and allow yourself to rest when you need it. Hope all goes well for your first dose. Keep in touch, Tracey ??