Chemo and Guillain Barre Syndrome and r there any groups on Sunshine Coast, Coolum to Noosa Region?

Oh dear @Sirrah you poor thing. My first chemo was disastrous and i was not at all prepared. My reaction was mostly due to anti nausea drugs (steroids) and poorly poked cannulas (i got a poticath b4 next chemo). Everyone reacts so differently so theres every chance next chemo will be easier on you. 

Hi everyone who supported me during my first week or so on this site.  I have just emerged from over week of a fog of chemo nausea, fatigue, shakiness, bone and skin soreness.  On top of that I had my seroma drained the day after chemo (which I am never agreeing to again). That cause so much pain, think the idiot Dr at the radiology place did it out of my breast scar as my surgeon had not caused that much pain the first time.  That meant taking some Oxycodone again, so double the constipation!!   Am determined the next round on Oct 4 will see me recover more quickly!  Am I being over optimistic?  

Has anyone had small red, blistery spots all over their body, along with red splodges without the blisters after either chemo or Oxycodone?  My husband reminded me I had some in hospital after one of my operations so more likely to be the oxy!

Also, even though I began feeling better yesterday (one week and one day after chemo) I have been shaky with tremors throughout my body.  My mother has a tremor she takes medication for (it's called an essential tremor, altho why its called that I have no idea) and my sister and I started to notice slight signs of it after age  55. It was only in the head/neck and we have never sought medication.  When given Cyclozine for my 2 ops (mastectomy and axilla lymph node removal) I had terrible hallucinations and tremors throughout my body which has now been attributed to that drug and on my next op to get my portacath it was noted as an allergy, not given and so I didn't have those reactions. Therefore I have eliminated that.  So, my question is, does anyone think it is related to the chemotherapy drugs, Doxorubicin or cyclophosphamide?  If not, I can try to eliminate the essential tremor by getting medication from my GP.  

Have already had to get in touch with my oncologist to OK use of anti virals for cold sores, so don't want to ring him again.  Any suggestions are greatly appreciated, hope everyone is enjoying some sun this weekend! (Well, not those of us who are sun sensitive!!haha!,)

@kmakm I found out I'm a Day 3 girl! Nausea and shaking set in late yesterday.  Don't feel too bad this morning but will take it easy! @Afraser thanks for all your tips on Paclitaxel, I shall write them in my diary for November when I am due to start it as I have a shocking Endone/Panadol brain! Don't think I can call it chemo brain as I have only had one treatment and needed my husband and daughter to remind me about so much over the last 7 weeks! 

Most people find paclitaxel easier - I didn't but it's the exception that proves the rule! Most of the side effects are short term, over with treatment. The only one I would watch out for is peripheral neuropathy - usually starts with pins and needles sensation in fingers and toes. Again, most people get a relatively mild reaction, and it clears up after treatment, but it can get serious, so make sure your oncologist knows if you encounter it. I found vitamin B helped a bit, others have used cold mittens or ice water. Worst scenario is a reduced dose or stopping a little early, but not likely unless you have a bad case, and chances are you won't. Best wishes. 

Ah we're all different @Sirrah. Just take it as it comes. You might be Day 5! Or be one of the lucky ones who don't do too badly at all. K xox

@kmakm WIll do!  I am feeling scarily well, just waiting to see what the promised (threatened) Day 4 brings!!!

@Sirrah Bloody well done Pauline! Now just keep chugging that water and remember to close the lid when you flush...  ;)

Thanks so much everyone! @ kmakm u r so spot on, the fear of the unknown and how painful accessing my portacath were much worse than the actual!  I can't believe how good I feel on Day 2 (other than having a saroma drained) and am aware that Day 4 is looming!  @SoldierCrab yes, my daughter and husband have been hounding me all day, I can cope with a litre but 2 a day is pushing it!  Thanks so much@primek. My oncologist and his education nurse seemed to avoid info on Paclitaxel  so I thought it was going to b much worse and also not having the 2 weeks in between to recover worried me.  The other reason I am not looking forward to it, is that it will include Christmas and New Year and when I asked to skip a week to go to my nieces wedding the Oncologist I am seeing, said no.  The other Oncologist I wanted to use said yes, however she could not supply the cold cap treatment, which I was pleasantly surprised in how well I tolerated it.  Just have to see how well the hair hangs in there, haha!!
have a great weekend everyone, bliss out to some good music or take a walk in nature!
@Josephine66. I sent u a message so let me know if u didn't receive it, Pauline

The weekly taxol is kinder than the 3 weekly version with less long term side effects such as neuropathy. The effects are accumulative (like fatigue and skin issues)  but initially most people are less acutely ill on it as you are with the other regime. 

hi Sirrah, 
I did that regime it is tough going but you can do it girl I am here 6 yrs later cancer free .... take it one day at a time. Tell your team of any unpleasant things that happen and keep drinking to keep hydrated.