1st chemo

Hi D165

try movacol it is a laxative that keeps your electrolytes stable and you can take up to 8 sachets a day! It also does not give you cramps. 

Keep well nic

Thanks Lisa

Thanks for your post it really  helps so much I will try the Panadol Osteo next time as my joints were so sore .

Thanks Anita :)

Constipation wise I use Movicol, lots of water and 2 prunes a day. I start on the Movicol (and the water) the day before chemo, plus on chemo day. That's all. By lots of water I mean 2 x 800ml drink bottles, if I can manage it.

Hi DI65

Just had to respond to your post.  Sounded so similar to my first chemo.  I've just finished second round yesterday..so today I'm on the chemo surreal feeling and just waiting for all to happen.  Maxalon has been great for my nausea.  I've started the Benefibre today for constipation thanks to lovely pre chemo drugs!  I'm taking that till I get my post chemo diarreahea!  I've got my Panadol Osteo ready for later today when I do my injection because first chemo I suffered terribly with joint pain for 3 days - my own fault cos I didn't take any pain relief - stupid me.  Nurse told me yesterday just to do 2 Panadol Osteo a day as Panadol can mask a fever (makes sense).  So all of what you are going thru is perfectly normal or at least very similar to me!!  Someone suggested to me to do a daily journal post chemo of what happens and how I feel so I can better adjust for next one.  It's a BIG learning curve that's for sure.  Just a heads up that I started losing my hair end of week 2 first chemo - I have since shaved my head because in the end I was getting angry at all the hair falling in shower, when I combed and then tried to style.  It was the BEST thing I have done since this crazy ride started.  I was starting to get depressed and since the shave I feel in control again!   Hope things improve for you, take care xo

First chemotherapy is a big learning curve.  I experience constipation with each cycle of chemo due to the anti-nausea medication that is given with my chemotherapy.  

Constipation can make you feel very unwell.  My oncologist advised me to take regular medication for constipation in the week before each cycle.

Do you have a contact number for the chemotherapy unit?  Most centres provide contact details at your chemotherapy education session.  Call the chemo nurses sooner rather than later and tell them about your nausea and constipation.  You don't have to put up with it.  They will assess you by phone and provide advice. Might be a simple solution and if you need further assessment they will let you know.

Make sure you talk to your oncologist about these symptoms at the review before your next cycle of chemotherapy so that you can get information about how to prevent or at least manage your symptoms.

Take care.

Doll

Hi D165,

That is fantastic that you haven't had many symptoms, I didn't have a lot when I had my first cycle either, I use Coloxyl with Senna tablets that you can buy over the counter at the chemist I usually take 2 and it helps with the constipation, I've never been sick from these tablets, with the aches and pains in the bones and muscles panadol  or paracetamol is good but a tip I got from one of my chemo nurses always check your temperature before taking panadol because if it's a little high say 37degrees for example panadol or paracetemol can mask the temperature which means if you are getting a temp you won't know so allways check your temp prior to panadol and rest is the best when you get these pains as I get them a lot I had my 3rd chemo cycle yesterday and I have the main side affect of tiredness and body aches and pains so my advice is take time for yourself if your tired and listen to your body that's the best advice I can give you need support from family and friends and keep connected to the online network as we all know what you are going through and welcome to our network, even if you need to vent or are down or just want someone to talk to just read the posts or post yourself you are never alone, I don't know what I'd do without this network, if you ever get the chance do a look good feel better workshop I'm doing one on the 12/10 and I can't wait. All the best and look after yourself sending you a cyber hug and a smile.

Anita