Newly diagnosed

Hi, I am on no 2 of 14 of chemo, followed by radiotherapy (with surgery being first).   So day 21 now.  It pretty individual on how body copes, but so far Ive been mostly ok nausea wise with great anti everything drugs.  The medical oncologist works through with you and will adjust things as needed.  I kept a list of everything I was feeling to help and emailed how I was going first week.  Nasty cough was unexpected, probably irritated bronchials, so soothers help.  Drink lots of water (I didnt first time and was very dizzy, better this time).  Drugs clog bowels a bit, so managing that is important.   I didnt worry on cold cap for hair, day 17 started moulting so day 19 have a new gi jane and just wearing head covers, bit strange, but not fatal I figure!  I have a new routine that includes having a rest/nap.when ever I need!  And I now get up if I am in bed at 3 am awake and just do something for a little while, (have a snack, clean the kitchen, or just sit is ok to), rather than lay worried.   Hope this helps.  Back to masks in public spaces (and no working for me for now for a while, as I cant manage this in events hospitality without too much risk to me is my way of thinking...job will be there when I can get back).  

Hope the info helps, and all the very best on your treatment.   Statistically I had no hesitation in moving forward on chemo, as I had 15 lymphnodes involves, and recurrance or spread through lymph system needed to be minimised).   But ask your medical team all you need to to work through what you need to do, and make decisions with the info gathered on you, including pet scan (mine was clear of other organs and done prior to surgery).

Hi @pollytps, I'm coming to the end of my chemo, I only have 3 sessions to go. The side effects I got were manageable, no nausea thankfully, although I do get quite a bit of fatigue. Unfortunately, they can't predict how you will react to the treatment, but my oncologist told me that most people cope with it quite well, and they are much better at treating side effects these days. It hasn't been fun, but not as bad as I thought it would be. I found the waiting at the start the worst part, once I had a plan I just wanted to get on with it and get it done. If you have access to a McGrath nurse you should definitely get in contact, we have 2 here in Darwin and they have been great. All the best with your treatment. 

Thanks @Afraser I’ll try chemo if it’s recommended. A short term pain for a long term gain. Hopefully I won’t get too many bad side effects.

Fortunately not everyone gets bad side effects from chemo. Unfortunately I know of no way of telling until you start! If chemo is recommended, my advice is to try it. If the side effects become too great, you can always stop. Fatigue and nausea are the main problems, for some they are limited in duration and effect. And sometimes, like me, you don’t get either at all. Hair loss is a pain in the neck but nowadays cold cap can save a lot of one’s hair. A bit of a vent with a professional outside your family/friends circle can be very therapeutic as can professional counselling about coping with your emotions and thought processes, which can be overlooked but are essential to a proper recovery. Best wishes for your next steps.