Chemo here I go!
Hi everyone! Just came from my first oncology appointment - Chemo starts next Tuesday! My schedule will be the very standard four cycles of AC - over 12 weeks, 3 weeks apart then 12 x weekly taxo...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Eastmum
I’m on the same regime pretty much (AC fortnighly x 4, Taxol weekly x 12). Monday is my infusion day.
AC: I suffered more than most on this. Tried all of the nausea meds and only sort of got it under control by the final infusion. I was in bed for a week and even getting up to pee made me feel sick. Had a window of about 2 hours each evening feeling normal. I got febrile neutropenia (despite being given neulasta) and ended up in hospital - my immune system has never been great though. Other girls I know were pretty much fine though!
My hair went after 2-3 weeks and I got the tell tale “feeling like you’ve just taken your hair out of a pony tail” the day before so I shaved it to a #2
Would advise getting someone to come with you for driving but also because the first session can be confronting. I considered myself a badass coming into this whole thing, and had to accept some serious tears at chemo #1.
Speaking of tears, I got a day of overwhelming emotion each Thursday the week after chemo. Only thing for it was a sad movie marathon and comfort food. I felt amazing after crying it all out.
Taxol: I’ve had 5 weekly treatments now and have got some mild to moderate bone/joint pain and experience slightly blurry vision but otherwise feeling good. I’m still really fatigued but it’s more manageable than on AC. This can still of course all change with 7 to go!
Re useful products, I’ve found body crystal deodorant, “organic care” shower gel and organic vegan baby lotion (I’m not even vegetarian so don’t ask) are all I’ve needed for skin and body care. Got all of them from Coles so no specialist vendor required. Gentle, good for the environment and natural ingredients (no carcinogens).
Hope this helps you!
I’m on the same regime pretty much (AC fortnighly x 4, Taxol weekly x 12). Monday is my infusion day.
AC: I suffered more than most on this. Tried all of the nausea meds and only sort of got it under control by the final infusion. I was in bed for a week and even getting up to pee made me feel sick. Had a window of about 2 hours each evening feeling normal. I got febrile neutropenia (despite being given neulasta) and ended up in hospital - my immune system has never been great though. Other girls I know were pretty much fine though!
My hair went after 2-3 weeks and I got the tell tale “feeling like you’ve just taken your hair out of a pony tail” the day before so I shaved it to a #2
Would advise getting someone to come with you for driving but also because the first session can be confronting. I considered myself a badass coming into this whole thing, and had to accept some serious tears at chemo #1.
Speaking of tears, I got a day of overwhelming emotion each Thursday the week after chemo. Only thing for it was a sad movie marathon and comfort food. I felt amazing after crying it all out.
Taxol: I’ve had 5 weekly treatments now and have got some mild to moderate bone/joint pain and experience slightly blurry vision but otherwise feeling good. I’m still really fatigued but it’s more manageable than on AC. This can still of course all change with 7 to go!
Re useful products, I’ve found body crystal deodorant, “organic care” shower gel and organic vegan baby lotion (I’m not even vegetarian so don’t ask) are all I’ve needed for skin and body care. Got all of them from Coles so no specialist vendor required. Gentle, good for the environment and natural ingredients (no carcinogens).
Hope this helps you!