Struggling through Chemo

Hello Rona, I've done 3 of 4 AC then on to 12 rounds of paclitaxel, then radiation. I'm lucky too to have a good support group around me, and my side effects have been relatively mild, but the fatigue floors me the first week after treatment. I flop about for about a week, before getting a 'good' week where I feel almost normal, catch up with a few people for hot chocolate (coffee now tastes musty) venture into the supermarket, just to get out of the house. Then into the next round. I'm hoping I might have a bit more energy with the paclitaxel, and maybe work from home a few days a week. Some days it feel like a very long road, but I keep telling myself it's for all for the greater good, and look forward to the beginning of June when the chemo side of things should be done. Katie 

Hi, 

First time replying or posting anything here! 

I feel like I could have written your post! I am however  behind you in timeline. Had a mastectomy, node clearance and recon on 14 December and started chemo last week (fortnightly AC x4, then weekly for 12 weeks). 

I just wanted to reach out and say hi and you are not alone.

I coped amazingly with surgery but fear chemo will be a bumpy ride (it already has been). I am also struggling emotionally as well. Before all this happened, I had a trip to Hawaii booked and would have been leaving Sunday. Wow how life has changed. 

I also get having a great support system that can't possibly understand how this all feels,. I can't imagine doing all this without them, but they get to have a break from my hell hole while I have to live with it everyday. I feel guilt that I make them worry too. 

Anyway, I know I have not helped, but what I take comfort from is that many sisters have been in our shoes before and have made it through. I refuse to let this be anything more than a chapter in my otherwise fantastic life book. 

Today is my fifth day of the first AC session of the total four. Not bad but feeling very tired. As you all, we just want to go through this journey with all ups and downs like all the amazing women in this network. I hope too that the paclitaxel will be easier on my body. What really helps me is the rest, eating small meals frequently and drinking water.  I also do not want my family to worry, so I am really trying to listen to my body and try to recover for the next chemo infusion. Just wondering if any of you are on Pegfilgrastim PEG) injection, and if so , did you have any side effects? I have not although I was told to expect chills and joint pain. 

Hi Gorgys, yes I have the injection 24 hours after. No side effects for me so far and I've had 3. 

Thank you Katie46. Good to hear and know that you did not have any side effects. 

Ohhh, thank you for replying and reminding me I’m not alone.
Melchamb……. you have helped. I too feel the guilt of not being “mum” right now! 

Hi Rona, Lining up for my 3rd round of chemo this week. Try to develop a routine which includes absolutely crashing for a few days (which could be within 48 hrs of chemo or a couple of days later) and then slowly try to do a little more. My care team have given me all sorts of medication and I have been told to take it to prevent side effects rather than try to treat them after they emerge so I have followed that advice which, I think has helped. I keep  a  diary for side effect symptoms and for medication I have taken which helps the team to pin point when and what type of medication I should be taking and that has fine tuned"  my treatment. Hopefully your team are just as supportive! Remember to speak up if you are suffering and request something to help....!

My paperwork says 1.5 hours for paclitaxel, and the nurse did say it was quicker. Maybe 4 hours is with the premed anti nausea stuff as well. 

the same for me. 1.5 hrs for paclitaxel and the nurse said it will be quicker. My firsts AC sessions lasted 3.5 hrs for preparation, but infusion was only for one hour. As I will be taking medication for nausea at home before chemo, , I assume I will stay only 1 hour for second infusion. 

I’m having 4 cycles of Paclitaxel…..dose dense rather than 8 (not my choice).