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
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has shared their chemo experiences - it's really helped so much. Yesterday, on day 5 after my first treatment, I read ever comment all over again plus some others on similar threads and it now all made so much sense. It's incredibly reassuring to find that with everything you're going through, someone else has 'been there, done that' and it's all within the full bell curve of 'normal'.
When I was having my treatment, the Chemo nurse gave me wise words indeed - she said 'everyone has different experiences and side effects, but fatigue is universal. If you are tired, have a nap, have a rest but if you're otherwise feeling OK try not to take to your bed, because you'll stay there' - wow - she was so right. With my first weekend and no plans or responsibilities, the easiest thing would have been to have literally stayed in the bed the entire time. I am incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful network of friends and family who are supportive and caring and would do anything for me - but on those days when I could so easily wallow in the pillows and feel utterly sorry for myself, this discussion board has made all the difference and your support, encouragement and shared stories have given me the impetus to get up and at 'em. So thank you thank you.
Other than that, the worst part for me has been the dry mouth and throat and a head that feels stuffed with cotton wool. Interestingly, I've found that a claratyne + 2 nurofen has helped. Vegemite toast and tinned peaches from the fridge - the salty and the cold on my throat - are also my saviours - go figure!
When I was having my treatment, the Chemo nurse gave me wise words indeed - she said 'everyone has different experiences and side effects, but fatigue is universal. If you are tired, have a nap, have a rest but if you're otherwise feeling OK try not to take to your bed, because you'll stay there' - wow - she was so right. With my first weekend and no plans or responsibilities, the easiest thing would have been to have literally stayed in the bed the entire time. I am incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful network of friends and family who are supportive and caring and would do anything for me - but on those days when I could so easily wallow in the pillows and feel utterly sorry for myself, this discussion board has made all the difference and your support, encouragement and shared stories have given me the impetus to get up and at 'em. So thank you thank you.
Other than that, the worst part for me has been the dry mouth and throat and a head that feels stuffed with cotton wool. Interestingly, I've found that a claratyne + 2 nurofen has helped. Vegemite toast and tinned peaches from the fridge - the salty and the cold on my throat - are also my saviours - go figure!