I kept 2 litres of water in a jug on my kitchen bench as suggested to remind me to drink it throughout the day. I also did up the level just before my chemo on that day so to have extra hydration. Another thing a nurse friend who had just gone through chemo suggested was to use Biotene mouth wash, and QV wash instead of soap. I also bought kenolog from the chemist in case I got any ulcers, but I didn't get any, one plus! It was suggest to use a soft toothbrush, like a childrens one, so I used that also, and I still do to still day, don't want to remove any more enamel from my aging teeth.
Like @Afraser I had anti nausea med throughout AC, that is the 4 sessions three weeks apart, I was given a steroid tablet and by memory I think I had them for three days in a row after the chemo day. Then on the 12 weekly paclitaxol I didn't require any steroids (anti nausea meds).
For myself I wasn't able to work through perhaps mainly because of the nature of my job, and I never returned to work and just formally retired in May this year.. yippee. Some do find their identity is wrapped in their work, for me it wasn't the case, although I do miss the clients, because I loved my job.
Another thing I found was because I am on my own I made sure I had everything organised and at least 3 days of meals in the freezer, and on the day of chemo my support friend who drove me there would stop so I could pick up a salad for an easy meal that evening. I didn't have any help in the house, and I managed mainly because I am a highly organised person and used to doing everything on my own. But of course, if I had fell down sick I would have wanted and asked for help.
Not to scare you, but I had a backpack by the front door in case I got a temperature and needed to rush to hospital, that never happened, thankfully. Good to be prepared in case, and I had told family if it happened in the middle of the night I would inform them in the morning, nothing they could do for me in the middle of the night.
Keep a thermometer handy, but they will tell you that at your chemo education session if you are going through the public system. You will get through, as did many of us, and we hope we haven't inundated you with information. Best wishes and keep us posted. Take care. xx
