Chemo. Not as fun as you'd might think.

Thanks, I feel a bit more human today (still a bit dizzy, tired and nauseated but things feel less grim, and I've stopped retching).

Hi Eaglelily, yes,chemo is the pits and my first round sent me to hospital on death's door! Perhaps your dose needs readjusting? Write a dailly diary so you can  let your oncologist know your side effects -shouldn't have to suffer so much. This network used to have an easy format to navigate and recently they changed it all and I find it very difficult.I can't find anything! Perhaps a support group in your area might be helpful? Keep blogging here cos this is a great network for support and information. We know what you are going through and you won't feel so alone. Tonya xx

Yeah, as has been said, chemo sucks, but take it one treatment at a time. I've finished FEC, and have my second cycle of docetaxel tomorrow. I'm so not excited about that!!! I found with FEC, 1st cycle I got a migraine almost immediately treatment finished, & wrote me off for. 24-36 hours. abdo cramps & diarrhoea started day 3. Nausea  kicked in around then too, although I'd been off food from the start. 2nd & 3rd cycles I was on top of the migraine, which improved the first few days, then the cramps, diarrhoea & nausea, for about a week. The last week I improved again, and felt almost normal. 

Have ordered & received your "My Journey" kit? It's worth dipping in & out of.

Also, if the nausea is bad, get in touch with your treatment team, they may be able to give you something extra. I received some ampules of maxalon, & was referred to my local community health nurses, & could ring any time of day to have an injection given. Did anything like this happen for you? If so, it sounds like it would be worth making that call and seeing if they can come to you.

hope it all settles soon

Lyn

I was really nauseous with FEC for at least 3 days per treatment, despite anti nausea medications. My mouth dried up and I needed water sips to wash down any sign of food. I was really dizzy for about 5 days after treatment, but it subsided and was much better after that until the next chemo. Yes it does suck, but I got through it one treatment at a time. Take good care of you, and rest up. We're all with you along the way, Trace ????

Hi there, chemo is definitely not my idea of fun either! I didn't have FEC but had Taxotere and Carboplatin alongside Herceptin every three weeks, and for about half the cycle was feeling pretty much like you but was almost human again for the last week and able to get out and about (even just to spend some time in the garden) which definitely helped the cabin fever. 

This site is good for making connections with others no matter where you live, and I hope it helps you. Feel free to ask questions, vent, let us know how you're going or just read others' posts about their experiences as these can help you feel less alone.

A couple of other thoughts; have you talked to your breast care nurse about wanting to meet up with others in your area, they might be able to make some suggestions? I met some others going through treatment when I attended the Look Good Feel Better workshop and Encore exercise programs when they were happening in my area - just google either one for details on upcoming dates / locations. Depending on where you are, there might also be a BCNA support group in your area so just search through the Groups section.

Best of luck with your treatment. Hopefully the next chemo cycle will be a bit kinder on you. Jane xx 

Chemo is bloody awful, I struggled with nausea too on FEC even with all the drugs.  And I agree if only we could sleep through it all I have said that on occasion myself! For me it takes a full seven days to feel ok again but then I do start to feel better and know that I can go on.  I often just read what's happening on here so that I don't feel so alone.  Everyones experience is quite different hopefully you will find people to connect with to help you though.   

Good luck!