What to take to Chemo?

Hi @NotHappyJan

I took my tablet device (hospital had Wi-fi luckily) and a water bottle to sip on.

As you're meant to avoid germs I had a mini bottle of alcohol rub I took everywhere. I took some snacks to chemo to begin with but after a while I found it easier not to eat during as I just felt nauseous.

I tried to keep working but it became impossible because the side effects got worse and lasted longer with each cycle. My job is on a project that doesn't allow me to do part time hours.

I did four cycles of A/C (abbreviation for the chemo you're on), then 12 cycles of Paclitaxel. A/C was way worse!

Thanks Vangirl - I appreciate your honesty. They also found a cyst on my ovaries so off tomorrow for a yucky ultrasound on that and a gated heart scan.  Yippee :) 

Hi there @NotHappyJan ...I also started with the AC regime, same as you. The pegfilgastrim is an injection usually given the following day, to help reduce the effects of neutropaenia. I took my own tea and coffee, as hospital quality is crappy. I also took my kindle for easy reading and to avoid paging through germ ridden magazines in the waiting area. I never had any nausea during the infusions, but did have a foul taste in the mouth and found salt and vinegar crisps helped for nibbling on. Took my slumbie slippers too for comfort.

Thanks AllyJay :)  Yep looks like it definitely depends on the individual how we react.  Fingers crossed I will be lucky and have no nausea.  Cheers. 

I took Women’s Weekly puzzles. Not too challenging. I always had someone to drive me (and keep me company) as I took an Ativan to relax me about an hour before the infusion.

Thanks pammiesyd - Ii'm having the port put in this Wednesday so guess that makes it reality :) 

Hey @NotHappyJan a tip regarding the port. I found it stings quite a bit when they attach the cannula each time (bit like being stuck with a drawing pin). I got my oncologist to prescribe some numbing cream and just put it on an hour or two before (you put a dab then cover with a waterproof dressing) and then it's a lot more comfortable.

@NotHappyJan agree on the numbing cream it makes all the difference I also take a couple of panadol to help too as my onc has bloods drawn then I see him about an hour later and then once all clear for chemo we go. So the hook up happens at bloods and then is in my arm for the duration which can be up to 6 hours

I always took books, etc but found that I rarely read them even when I was in for hours with the cold caps.  People would chat and I found it hard to focus (and I can read for Australia, usually).  I tried podcasts but they couldn't hold my attention.  Maybe knitting would have worked if I was a knitter.  My suggestion is, take things in and if you use them, great!

Hi @NotHappyJan - I’m a self-confessed slave to my technology so I take my laptop and my phone. I hotspot from my phone and send/answer emails for work or do other work on my laptop, otherwise I play word games on my phone. I also did four rounds of AC and I’m now had way through taxol. I usually take something delicious to eat or drink - that’s my treat! So, either a milkshake or a flavoured mineral water or a KitKat etc. 
Absolutely everyone reacts differently to chemo. I have been incredibly fortunate and have kept working full time throughout. That’s definitely not doable for everyone. Go with the flow and listen to your body. 
Wishing you everything of the best for your treatment. 
Xxxx