Chemo to start

Hello Glynnis,I finished my chemo 15 months ago now,but I can still remember that first one as though it were yesterday.The one thing that surprised me on the first day,was that nothing really happens to change the way you feel  straight away.You can expect to not seep much for a few nights,because you get given Dexamethasone,and it's a steroid,and it keeps you 'going'!!! If you have any housework to catch up on,then that's the time!!! On about the 5 th day,you may start to feel tired,randomly throughout the day.When it hits you,it is an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion.It can last for minutes or hours.On about day 10, you will start to pick up again.The second week you need to stay away from crowds,because you are very susceptible to infection,then the third week you feel great! Then it starts again!!! Some of the side effects that affected me,are sore throat,( I used Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste) a very nasty skin rash( I took Zyrtec and it really helped) constipation( take coloxyl straight away,don't wait for it to get worse) bizarre food cravings( especially for salty and savoury things) and for me,that was about it.I was very fortunate I believe,compared to some ladies.I walked every single day of my chemo( my oncologist suggested this) and it really helped with my energy levels.Oh and don't forget for the first 3 days of each cycle,drink 3 litres of water.All the best and stay in touch on here for support throughout your chemo.Cheers xoxRobyn