Forum Discussion
Struggling through Chemo
Hi all,
My nurse has just introduced me to this group.
I’m hoping to connect and share my story and hopefully somehow feel better.
After being diagnosed and a short time later having a mastectomy and all lymph nodes removed, chemo started just before Christmas and I am struggling with it!
Ive got another 2 months of chemo before 5 weeks of Radiation…… would love to hear other stories.
I have a fantastic support group of family, friends and colleagues but they just can’t possibly understand what I’m going through.
My nurse has just introduced me to this group.
I’m hoping to connect and share my story and hopefully somehow feel better.
After being diagnosed and a short time later having a mastectomy and all lymph nodes removed, chemo started just before Christmas and I am struggling with it!
Ive got another 2 months of chemo before 5 weeks of Radiation…… would love to hear other stories.
I have a fantastic support group of family, friends and colleagues but they just can’t possibly understand what I’m going through.
Looking forward to connecting 😊
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- Hey GorgyS, my symptoms are very much the same.
Im actually “ok” for the first 3 days after chemo then I start feeling bad.I find day 5-10 the worst with the symptoms you describe along with headaches, bad taste, sore feet, peeling hands, cravings for food I wouldn’t usually eat and yes, those heart palpitations aren’t fun!Are you having fortnightly infusions?
I must say my second cycle hit me the worst, probably just trying to fight it!Definitely talk to the professionals about your symptoms and keep taking the meds and of course reach out on here.
I’m day 8 of my 4 th cycle and I still feel like crap with a blinding headache to go with it but……. tomorrow will be one day closer to the end 😊 - Dear @Rona and all replying,
From someone six years down the track
from jennyss in Western NSW - I have started searching chemo side effects on this network to find the previous responses. it makes easier as I can not always sit in front of computer and chat although I wish I could. Today, very tired, constipated, cold feet, palpitations. All is on the list to discuss with the oncologist tomorrow. Doing everything to keep it under control.
- Hi Rona, it will be good to chat with your oncologist. I'm sure they will monitor you closely, and can tweak as necessary. I think we all have the same fears, particularly as they can't really tell how each of us will react to the treatment, so there is always that unknown element.
- I’m having 4 cycles of Paclitaxel…..dose dense rather than 8 (not my choice).I have my Oncologist appointment on Thursday and am going to speak with her regarding having it weekly instead as I’m so afraid.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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....!
- 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!It is a hell hole and yes, I’m sure my kids are happy to go to school/work to escape into some sort of normality!
GorgyS, I’ve had 4 Pegfilgrastim injections and apart from a few shooting pains in my back and sore heals (like I’m walking on nails) just for a few days (day 8), I have had none of the side effects that are talked about. Try not to worry about it, honestly I was scared too.
I feel ok from Chemo till day 5…… then I have constant nausea, bad taste in my mouth and general feeling of not being well.I’m scared for the next drug Paclitaxel, my first infusion is next week, I’m scared about the tingling sensation it can cause. It’s a 4 hour infusion too….!
Hawaii will be waiting for you Melchamb….. very sad how we are affected.
My son turned 18 on Saturday, was too sick to even go out for dinner 😢.Believe it or not, I am a very positive person and I’m grateful for having a wonderful Oncology Team, it’s just not something that was on my Bucket List.I’m so happy my Nurse introduced me to the group.
You’ve all made me feel better already 😊 - Thank you Katie46. Good to hear and know that you did not have any side effects.
