Dear @Jovdp, good news now you are on your way.
Just a few thoughts about your first chemo experience. With AC like the EC, That I was on, if you don’t use the cold cap you will be at chemo for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. After they put the needle into the port, you will have blood taken through the port, no pain! After that is checked, you will go back to your comfy chair.
The bright red drug is usually given by the nurse pushing it slowly into the port tubing, takes about 20 minutes. Good thing is it is completely painless and I did not have any funny feelings or side-effects whilst it was being administered. Great time to have a chat to the oncology nurses And ask any questions you like!
After that the C drug is set up as a drip to run through, and then there is a flush just of clear fluid which is great because you really need that extra fluid on board. Sometimes they may run your meds the other way round.
Anything you need before hand for prevention is given as you start and if you have the magic white cell boosting injection you will be given it to take home if they do not give it to you there and then.
During the time that was there it was great to take something to do. Especially now as many people cannot take a support person with them.
Magazines or books and for me mainly my iPad was the way I kept busy. There was free Wi-Fi and I could stream anything I like, and listen with my headphones.
In the chemo suite I was offered more than enough food and drinks.
there are also hot blankets and hot packs available on request. I found that whether I felt cold or not the hot blanket was fabulous!
It’s pretty scary first time round in the chemo suite, because even if you have had a tour you still don’t really know what’s going to happen! but I found it easy to do and quite relaxing for the EC treatment.
Lots of love
Tinks xx