Chemotherapy side effects

Thanks Mich, I had a look at the blog yesterday and there is heaps of great advice there. Some of it I've heard from the health professionials which was helpful. But it is so worthwhile to hear from the women who have actually been through this or are going through it. I am still learning to navigate my way around this site so I really appreciate your suggestion.

Hi Janet

I think sometimes the worrying about the unknown is the worst part.  I am due to have my last chemo next Wednesday.  I had 3 FEC and will have had 3 Taxotere.  My journey hasn't been that smooth with a lot of side effects etc.  but no emergency trips to hospital to speak of yet thank goodness. 

You do survive but I found sometimes it is best to take it day by day or even hour by hour.  I don't have small children so I am lucky I don't have to worry about caring for them and getting them to and from school.  That is where you may require help especially if fatigue sets in. I take my hat off to you mums with littlies to care for when you are trying to care for yourselves, you amaze me how you do it so well.

It is a crappy journey we are on but the less you worry about what is ahead and just be prepared with all the necessary things to see you through your side effects etc. it will be so much easier for you.  There is a blog called "what helped you through your journey" which may help you if you haven't read it yet of what to have on hand for some of your side effects but also some comforts we all need to get us through.  I  have recently done up an extensive list of items and things  that may be required and sent it to a lovely friend of mine who has just been diagnosed with BC.

Try and be gentle on yourself and accept help whenever it is offered or ask for help if it isnt offered.  Nurture yourself and soak up all the love around you.

Wishing you lots of healing vibes and good luck along the way.  Try not to stress too much as that won't help you get through the healing process.

LOL

Mich xo

Hi Janet

I think sometimes the worrying about the unknown is the worst part.  I am due to have my last chemo next Wednesday.  I had 3 FEC and will have had 3 Taxotere.  My journey hasn't been that smooth with a lot of side effects etc.  but no emergency trips to hospital to speak of yet thank goodness. 

You do survive but I found sometimes it is best to take it day by day or even hour by hour.  I don't have small children so I am lucky I don't have to worry about caring for them and getting them to and from school.  That is where you may require help especially if fatigue sets in. I take my hat off to you mums with littlies to care for when you are trying to care for yourselves, you amaze me how you do it so well.

It is a crappy journey we are on but the less you worry about what is ahead and just be prepared with all the necessary things to see you through your side effects etc. it will be so much easier for you.  There is a blog called "what helped you through your journey" which may help you if you haven't read it yet of what to have on hand for some of your side effects but also some comforts we all need to get us through.  I  have recently done up an extensive list of items and things  that may be required and sent it to a lovely friend of mine who has just been diagnosed with BC.

Try and be gentle on yourself and accept help whenever it is offered or ask for help if it isnt offered.  Nurture yourself and soak up all the love around you.

Wishing you lots of healing vibes and good luck along the way.  Try not to stress too much as that won't help you get through the healing process.

LOL

Mich xo

Hang in there Janet. And try to stop worrying. Thinking of you xx

Thanks  Tania, you're comments were really helpful. I think the anxiety about what might happen is getting to me as much as what is actually happening. It's good to know though, that I won't feel uniformily horrible for the entire three months. I'm actually fine today, just a bit tired because I'm not sleeping very well - worrying about it all I suppose. Janet.

Thanks Serenity. Good luck to you too.

Thanks Sarah, I hope to get back to gym myself eventually. I'm glad you're doing well and I hope you continue to. aI ppreciate your comments.

Janet.

I am on Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide every 2 weeks.  Day 2 and 3 tend to be OK as the steroids and anti nausea drugs are still on board.  Day 4 to 7 tend to be my fatigue days. By day 8 I am on the way up.  Day 4 for me is the worst.  As the steroids wear off I get the downward mood swing.  But I now understand this and so I keep myself occupied and distracted and it passes quickly.  I am moving on to Taxol in a month.  I am told that fatigue is a big issue with this one.

Hope you travel well for the rest of your "zapping". 

Hi Janet

I had the same combination of chemo as you almost 2 years ago. I had 6 cycles so found it quite tough on cycle 5 & 6 . I used to have my treatment on a Thursday feel very tired from Sat onwards until about Tues. Had no nausea as such due to all the dexamethasone and odansetron I was given. My mouth was horrid for a few days so chose to eat macaroni cheese on the Friday and loved coffee breakas made my mouth feel better. I think as time went on I tolerated it better but became very swollen in the feet after my last chemo remember being at my sister-in laws on Dec 26th and had hugely swollen feet but that went away quite quickly. On the positive side I am now 2 years since diagnosis, feel great and have just joined the gym to get fitter. I also joined a Dragon Boat team and it's been a great addition to my life.

I found chemo something I just had to get on and "do". Hope it all goes okfor you and wishing you an easy journey.

Sarah

Hi Janet

I had the same combination of chemo as you almost 2 years ago. I had 6 cycles so found it quite tough on cycle 5 & 6 . I used to have my treatment on a Thursday feel very tired from Sat onwards until about Tues. Had no nausea as such due to all the dexamethasone and odansetron I was given. My mouth was horrid for a few days so chose to eat macaroni cheese on the Friday and loved coffee breakas made my mouth feel better. I think as time went on I tolerated it better but became very swollen in the feet after my last chemo remember being at my sister-in laws on Dec 26th and had hugely swollen feet but that went away quite quickly. On the positive side I am now 2 years since diagnosis, feel great and have just joined the gym to get fitter. I also joined a Dragon Boat team and it's been a great addition to my life.

I found chemo something I just had to get on and "do". Hope it all goes okfor you and wishing you an easy journey.

Sarah