First chemo date

Hey Leila!

Well it's 1yr yesterday that I started my Chemo. I had 4 FEC and 8 Taxol. Is your FEC 3 weeks apart? I remember my nurse telling me how I handled the side effects after my first infusion is how it would dictate the rest, so I was mindful of that. The actual infusion is no fuss at all, I never was asked about a Port not sure how that works, so didnt really matter to be honest. You are given anti nausea meds prior to the infusion and an anti histimine as well. I remember after every infusion feeling quite yuk, sort of like dazed and just unwell. Id always crash a few hours later. Youd be on steroids for the first 2 days. Id be quite unwell for about 8 days,unfortunately I didnt tolerate drugs very well, so 2nd infusion the plan was to be admitted for a few days and hydrated. I did that for the remainder of those infusions and it did help somewhat. Taxol was weekly and was less hard hitting as I felt ok first few days, 3rd day it would hit. Fatigue is quite bad, together with constipation. Coloxyl tablets were the best thing, rinsing your mouth with salt water everyday too to help mouth ulcers. There are lots of ways around everything and the Staff are wonderful at keeping ahead of everything and keeping you comfortable. So honestly, step at a time, you'll be absolutely fine.

Remember, everyone is different, I know so many ladies who managed to work through Chemo. Unfortunately after 2 months I was quite ill and unable to work. 

The Up side?? I lost every hair on my body LOL...of course your hair is hard, but I found buzzing it as it started to fall gave me some control. Its amazing how you just adapt to each step.

Im now 6 months post chemo, my hair is full and lovely eyelashes again. Still recovering a little physically but am back at work 3 days not quite full time yet. 

You'll absolutely be fine, and make sure you ask anything of your Staff big or small!!! deep breath, you can do it!

Hugs

Melinda