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sandyst's avatar
sandyst
Member
13 years ago

DAY 5 AFTER FIRST CHEMO

Hello to all my BC sisters....I had my first chemo last thursday - very scary, very overwhelming. I have had an ear infection and am on antibiotics for that and have now developed thrush (?) of the mouth. Very white tongue - still can eat - but not really hungry. Lucky to have family staying to  shop and cook for me as I don't think I'd bother...Have been cleaning my teeth after eating and using bi-carb rinse too. Have rung my Breast Care Nurse and awaiting a phone call back. Otherwise, no nausea - thankfully but yesterday VERY tired. Just rested but went for a walk around our unit complex - but that was enough........Strangely, this morning had awful anger moods - some of you may know what I mean - WHY ME??? I am clenching my teeth as I write this so I don't cry....All we can do is ONE DAY AT A TIME, EH! Take gentle care of yourselves.....Sandy

2 Replies

  • helen_anne's avatar
    helen_anne
    Member
    13 years ago

    Totally agree with Serenity11's advice!

    Just a quick thanks to Serenity 11 - you've taught me something - no one told me that the mood swings were associated with the steriods! How interesting...same with the Yakult - wish I had known that too!

    Thanks for that!

    Just regarding the journal - the My Journey Kit has the My Journey Personal Record which is a diary to list questions etc. This might be helpful.

    I do hope you've got the kit Sandy - if not - it's free and you can order it on this site.  It's absolutely fantastic and a great help.

    cheers for now

    H (aka Helen Anne)

    cheers

  • serenity11's avatar
    serenity11
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Sandy.  It has all begun but you will get through it all and quicker than you think.  I agree with Helen Anne go with the flow.  If your body says rest then rest, if you need to cry then cry, it is all part of the healing.  Mood swings also occur as the steroids leave your body.  I didnt know this on my first round and got quite blue and "Oh this is all too much" about day 6 of my first round.  My chemo nurse explained the mood swings attached with steroids during my 2nd round of chemo - I felt so much better when I understood it.  Then my Oncologist lessened my dose of steroids by half (turns out I am super sensitive to them) and I only had them on the day of chemo, no follow up doses.  I found it helpful to write down these "weird" things that happened to me and ask during my next chemo session.  I have a journal for my rambling thoughts and a "medical" diary for my questions and the answers.  Perhaps this will help you.  I also make a note of what happens through the day and after the first two sessions of chemo I could track the how I was going to be on certain days and would plan accordingly.  I had a probiotic in the fridge incase of thrush (as recommended by breast care nurse)  but thankfully have never needed it.  One of my friends was told to get some of those little Yakult drinks and have one every couple of days to keep her mouth and tummy healthy.  Talk to your nurse and see what she recommends.  I hope you get some relief soon.  Be gentle on yourself and let your family take care of you and love you.