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libby73's avatar
libby73
Member
11 years ago

Round one chemo

I would like to start by saying how helpful this site has been in providing tips for preparing for chemo...thank you to all the women who have contributed the things that have helped them through...if not for you I would definitely be in a worse place right now...but now I need more advice to keep me going...here is my experience so far of chemo...

Round One: Wed 11/2 (took 5 goes to get a cannula in) having TC (Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide)

Had to take Dexamethasone the day prior, the day of and the day after chemo (12 hrs of sleep in 72hrs....I was a mess to day the least)

Thurs 12/2: I felt like I was coming down with a cold...but in general felt not too bad...Biotene mouth wash has become my new best friend as I really don't want mouth ulcers. Went for a walk.

Fri 13/2: Feeling worse...my cold has turned into a flu...my body hurts, I can't get comfortable AT ALL, water tastes like crap and food what's that...I know it's in my mouth but I can't taste it. I feel like I'm surrounded by a heavy fog. I didn't think it would hit so quickly...not happy Jan!!!

Sat 14/2: Happy Valentine's Day to me...this sucks...give me a gun (sorry ladies but today I am a mess)...multiply how I felt yesterday by 100 and your getting close...what the hell is going on to me...I feel sick (the Pramin is not working), my head is pounding...and I mean pounding...in fact to touch my head sends me into deliriousness...

Sun 15/2: Body still aching, head thumping, the nausea comes and goes but today I can see through the fog...

Mon 16/2: Body aching a little less, the nausea is hanging on though (found cold water with a little lime cordial helps)...food is ok one moment, repulsive the next, resting when I feel like it, walking when I can, take advantage of bursts of energy (lol which honestly last in about ten minute blocks)

Tues 17/2: Again body aching a little less, the inside of my mouth is like I have been chewing my skin (already gone through one bottle of biotene...I am determined not to get mouth ulcers)...my tongue feels swollen and mouth feels like it is full of cotton wool. I see oncologist tomorrow and will be asking about nausea

It has hit me quicker and harder than I thought it would and any more tips to keep me going would be greatly appreciated...does chemo get harder or easier (lie everyone and tell me it is the latter lol)....am thinking I will have to be dragged back for round two

LIbby

chemotherapy

3 Replies

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago
    Just wanted to jump in here and ask how are you going Sarah?I think of you every day,and wish that I lived closer so I could pop in for a visit!!! Hope you are taking it easy and doing as you are told!!!!!xoxRobyn
  • Sarah54's avatar
    Sarah54
    Member
    11 years ago

    Libby it does get better. Try ice cream and those ice pops from chemist (expensive) but worth it. I have never had a sweet tooth but I did throughout chemo. I loved my chocalate. meat I never touched and eggs are still off the shopping list 1yr later. I enjoyed the occassional can of soup. Normally it's homemade in my house but for some reason I have a minestone. The fog is awful and does last. I spent along time between bursts of 10minutes energy just sitting looking into space. I installed a lazy boy chair in the garden so I could sit there for hours. Could not read or watch telly. You will soon be saying one more to go..........Good luck and be kind to yourself. I could not walk at all but I would chuffle with my little dog every few days. felt good to accomplish something I really did not feel like doing.

    cyber hug sarah

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago
    I had the same chemo as you Libby.I know what you mean by bursts of energy.Its quite bizarre isn't it? Usually,by day 9 I was over the worst and starting to feel normal again.The second week you just have to remember to stay away from crowds because you are at a greater risk of infection,and then the third week you will feel great! You start to think' I can do this' then it starts again!!!For me,chemo didn't get harder,just maybe the fatigue was worse each round.I made sure I walked though,and this really does help to alleviate it.All the best and stay in touch.Cheers Robyn