first appointment with oncologist

thanks for your advice, forwarned is forearmed they say!

 

Julia

Hi Julia,

Ive done 2 FEC so far and my 3rd next week.

Anne-marie is spot on! I find it amazing how we all have he same side affects! but one thing really through me was my taste budds! I cannot really taste much at the moment and I got a metal taste in my mouth the first few days from both chemos but make sure you eat. I had reflux after both as well and eating small meals thru the day like soup and icecream helped it. . and eat with plastic fork,spoon and knife bc that will help with the metal tatse in ur mouth. and also my sense of smell has increased. So let people know only light perfume and light scented flowers as you might feel sick if its too strong.

But good luck! listen to your body, take your temperature twice a day and if any questions ring your hospital. But rest rest rest!

Good luck, I will be thinking of you :)

Jo xoxox 

A huge thanks from me Ann-Marie as this will really help if me as well.

Julia another place for great hats (mostly 100% cotton) is gotchacoveredhats.com.au which is based in Geelong.

Cheers, Dette

A huge thanks from me Ann-Marie as this will really help if me as well.

Julia another place for great hats (mostly 100% cotton) is gotchacoveredhats.com.au which is based in Geelong.

Cheers, Dette

Hi Julia

These are some things that have worked for me while on FEC - I'm on to taxotere now.

Mouth Care - I use biotene toothpaste and mouthwash twice a day and have the mouth spray and gum during the day.

Nail Care - Plenty of hand cream. I also use revitanail to strengthen my nails.  I'm not as good with this as I should be but it is something my onc nurses really push. Some of the girls on this site also use dark nail polish.

Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.  Lemonade and lemonade icy poles are good.

Meals - accept any offers for meals.  I've been so lucky as the mums from my daughters school deliver meals during my chemo week.  I leave an esky at my front door during the day as some days you are just not up to visitors. They all understand this and are just happy to help. Homemade soup and toast is about all I eat when I feel nauseas but the family still needs to be fed.

Accept any offer for help made by family and friends - it's time for you to concentrate on you. Cleaning, ironing, shopping etc it will be a great help for you and they will feel good too.

Hair loss - This happened 2 weeks after 1st FEC. I wear a wig when out and a 100% cotton beanie at home. I picked the beanies up at surf shops and on ebay,  I find acrylic hats too hot.  Hair loss was really hard for me at first, a good cry and time to get used to it and I'm ok with it now.

Skin care - like your hands just keep moisturising!  I have a few favourites but only use plain sorbolene when I feel nauseas as some of the stronger smelling ones make me feel worse.

Rest when you need to and don't feel guilty .  The fatigue for me was really hard to get used to as I am normally very active but you really need to listen to your body.  Read, watch tv - record your favourite shows to watch in the days following your treatment. I rest up when the kids are at school so I have the energy to enjoy time with them when they are home.

Go for walks when you can - it feels good to get out even if it's just around the block at first and then walk for longer when you are up to it.

Smile a lot and think positive thoughts.  I have been given a few books with inspirational quotes and find them quite uplifting when I am feeling down.  I really believe the mind is a really powerful tool in healing.  I cry when I need to though which hasn't been too often but once the flood gates open it really comes flowing and I feel much better afterwards.

It's hard going but there are still lots of good days between treatments.

Hope this helps

Take Care

Ann-Marie xx

 

 

 

Hi Julia

It's a good feeling to know the chemo plan and to start to work towards that 1st session. FEC - D is also my planned cocktail although I find out Thursday if it changes now that my white cell count isn't playing according to the rules! There are quite a few ladies who have had or are having the same schedule and reading advice given to them (hope I'm not speaking out of turn) as well as what was suggested for me would be a good start. I certainly don't mind you reading my blogs and associated comments.

Hopefully I'll only be a couple of weeks in front of you and be able to share my experience.

Good luck with it all, Dette xxx