Hi All Due for my first chemo (FEC) session on Wednesday. I've been reading previous posts and trying to take heart from them, but I'm still scared and anxious. I'm sure it's fear of the unknown. Any hints to curb the anxiety? Tazza

I actually had a pamper day 2 days before starting chemo to try and relax and get myself ready for it. I had my hair cut into a short style as step one in the hair loss procedure and had a pedicure and my first ever manicure to get my nails ready. The day before I went to lunch with a friend and enjoyed my favourite foods in preparation for losing my taste buds! I was nervous on the day but was surprised at how normal I felt afterwards. I did suffer from nausea and tiredness but you get through it. I had many good days between rounds and even went away for weekend breaks to recharge the batteries before the next onslaught. Giving myself little treats helped me to feel better. Hope it goes as well as possible for you. Take care. Deanne xxx

Feel free to have a look at my posts during my FEC. I wish you well, and I hope your reach out to the Counsellors out there, the support in your area. Get intouch with your local Cancer Council asap, and get your My Journey Kit. Find your local District Nurses, and keep picking up the phone to ask for help. Fear is just the unknown, you will find it isnt as bad as what you imagine. Good luck X Bel

Hi there, my main advice is take the anti nausea tablets routinely for the first 5 days. No one needs to spew when you feel crap. There is no point in saying you won't feel crap, but it does end and you start to feel better. I had my hair cut a week after first FEC and then it started to fall out a week later, so I had it shaved. It actually hurt while it was falling out and there were hot spots on my head...no one told me that. Now back to the chemo...rest as much as you can, force as much water down as you physically can, and be really hydrated the day before the treatment. Also do the whole oral hygiene thing they instruct you to do, it really does work brushing after every meal and mouth washing. I have 4 kids under 11 so I had antibacterial handwash pumps everywhere in the house for when they came home from school. They got good at washing their hands. You really don't want to catch a bug. We are all proof that you can get through FEC. Stay strong. Lisa xx

Too was extremely anxious before my first round of FEC and only a little less so before my second. The anticipation is the worst. They gave me Ativan to settle my nerves. I just imagined that the chemo was my army of Spartans going in to clean up any nasty cells left floating around. Or even Pacman! The side effects weren't as bad as I anticipated but the fatigue has been more pronounced second time around. All the side effects I found distressing first time around -blurred vision, agitation, anxiety, dizziness were removed second time around by halving the dexamethasone, after discussing side effects with my oncologist. Keep a diary of your side effects so they can adjust medications as needed. Good luck xxxxx

First Chemo | BCNA Online Network

21 Replies

Tazza_A
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Hazel! xoxo
Tazza_A
Member
12 years ago
Thanks Lisa! Like you, my physician advised me to take the anti-nausea meds regardless of how I feel - has proved to be great advice, so far. Cheers! Tazza xoxo
Dlhcba6
Member
12 years ago
Great to hear you got through it Tazza. After tomorrow you'll be 2 down. That's a huge achievement. Keep taking the meds they give you, if you can stop the nausea it's much better. Go girl! Lisa
Tazza_A
Member
12 years ago
Hi All Well, have just completed my first cycle. I experienced fatigue, nausea, sweats and indigestion. The latter 'kicked in' at day 7. Despite these side effects, the chemo was certainly "doable", just as I had been told. Hair starting to fall out. Cycle 2 begins tomorrow. I'm not as nervous this time around; although, I am wondering about the cumulative effect. Thanks everyone for your help and support. Cheers! Tazza
Dlhcba6
Member
12 years ago
That is great news Tazza. That's one less chemo you have to do! Hope you continue to feel ok. Really drink the water even when it tastes funny and your mouth is not feeling so great, it really does help. Rest up when you can, the next one will come around soon enough...and then you'll be a third of the way through! Lisa xx
mandycoop
Member
12 years ago
Glad to hear it's going ok. As everyone told me chemo us not nice but doable. Drink plenty of water and watch that temp. Hoping it continues yo go well for you xxx
Tazza_A
Member
12 years ago
Well, first chemo done and dusted and as you all told me, it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. In fact, it went well and I felt fine after it. My husband went with me and we even popped into our favourite cafe for a coffee on the way home. Later that day, I felt fatigued, nauseous and had sweats but nothing the meds didn't settle. Day 3 today and my temp is a little elevated, but nothing to worry about, as yet. Thanks again for your comments/suggestions. Really appreciate your support. All the best! xoxo
Tazza_A
Member
12 years ago
Thank you lovely ladies for taking the time and effort to respond to my post! I know that each and every one of you has your own personal battle; so, I really appreciate your help and support. Your comments/suggestions have helped, as I have just had two good nights' sleep. Still a little anxious but certainly calmer. I will let you know how I go tomorrow. Best wishes on your journeys too! xoxo
Tazza_A
Member
12 years ago
Thank you lovely ladies for taking the time and effort to respond to my post! I know that each and every one of you has your own personal battle; so, I really appreciate your help and support. Your comments/suggestions have helped, as I have just had two good nights' sleep. Still a little anxious but certainly calmer. I will let you know how I go tomorrow. Best wishes on your journeys too! xoxo
Tazza_A
Member
12 years ago
Hi Mandy Us "worry warts" certainly make things difficult for ourselves, don't we? Love your ideas! Think the Pacman is for me. :)