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sandycee's avatar
sandycee
Member
15 years ago

One down three to go

HI everyone.

After the worst August filled with anxiety about my chemo have finally had my first treatment yesterday.

All went well - the nurse cleaned up my "Penny" and changed my dressing on my neck and all went quite well. Was just like a pin prick - don't know about the mosquite bite the lady told me about in the chemo ward. However was okay. Sat back and rested the time away and then all done by 12.30pm. Great stuff. Now I know not to worry about that - they can do my bloods the same day, wait a couple of hours for the results and then onto the chemo treatment. Cos I know EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE JUST FINE!!!

I am positive now on the outcome - this is just a necessary evil to get through. I am on count down and it will be okay. Today is day 2 after the first one. So am goind okay. Not too tired - just a bit dizzy sometimes. Am drinking and piddling likea beaut. Taking all my meds I need to and being a good girl for a change.

Am going to the wig library this afternoon to see if I can get a new look for the spring - otherwise will just stick with the scarves I have and see how I go.

Take care everyone and have a great week. The sun is shining in Liverpool and the birds are singing - well - chirping anyway.

Sandy xxx

8 Replies

  • Jooleewoolee's avatar
    Jooleewoolee
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanx so much for posting this detail, Chris ~ really appreciate the info! How funny to taste water differently! You mentioned a few things I hadn't heard before, which arms me with a little more confidence in terms of what to expect.  I will not be holding back on the anti-nausea drugs:) Thanx for our kindness & hope all continues positively with your recovery:). Big hug, Julesxxx

  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Jules, The first chemo is the worst one as you don't know what to expect, and only have all the horror stories to go by, that those without cancer seem to need to tell you about. I finished my 4 rounds of taxotere and cyclophosphamide just over 5 months ago, and my experience was no where near as bad as I thought it would be. As Tonya said, once the first one is over, and you know you haven't had a reation, and know what to expect, it does get easier. I was lucky to only have very minimal side effects. I did however take all the anti nausea medication given to me, as the oncologist said, it is easier to prevent nausea than to cure it once it takes hold. Tonya is right about day 4 as well. That was my blobby day, and all I wanted was to be a blob on the lounge. It was always on a Sunday, so I blobbed out. I was still able to go out if needed though, but it was a good excuse to lounge about. I had bone aches on day 5, and again the oncologist said to take panadol 4 hourly and to start before it gets bad. That bit of advice was really good, and it worked well for me. One thing I didn't like was the weird flavour of water from early on. On the last cycle I worked out how to improve the taste, ( I'm very slow). The colourless,flat, lime or lemon flavoured mineral water in the pump packs tasted great, and I wished I had discovered this during the first cycle. I also suffered from a dry mouth after a week, and biotene mouth wash is great. In the week prior to my next cycle, my eyes were really dry, to the point of constant tearing. The liquid tears you buy from the chemist really helped this. I have dry eyes at the best of times, and have had for years, so the chemo did aggrevate this, but it always got better by the start of the next cycle. All the best for number one tomorrow, and be kind to yourself. Love Chris xxx
  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    14 years ago

    Hi Anne,

    Welcome - It is good to see you taking the plunge and commenting in the online network.

    If you need a hand finding your way around, just shout. In the mean time might also find the 'Help' section of the site useful as it will give you tips on searching for others going through a similar experience as you. See: http://www.bcna.org.au/help

    I hope the online network provides you with a place to connect with other members and share your experiences.

    Daina

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    15 years ago

    Sorry to hear that you are having a bad time of it with chemo -it's the pits! I'm a bit over a year out from chemo and enjoying life now.What with surgery and treatments you lose almost a year out of the human race.Blog away here anytime - always someone to talk to.We understand how you feel.

                                                           Tonya xx

  • Evelyn's avatar
    Evelyn
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi Guy's,

    I'm all over the place, not sure if I'm writing in the right place, just found the web site. Newly diagnosed, just had round 3 of chemo feel awful.......what a trip would welcome any support (Fellow Warrior's) xx

  • sandycee's avatar
    sandycee
    Member
    15 years ago

    As it is - I have Thurs/Friday free at home - no more appointments so can lie on the couch and devour some dvds. I like writing on my laptop better though.

    I will heed your advice though. thanks for sharing.

    Sandy xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    15 years ago

    It's always a relief to get that 1st chemo done because you worry if you are going to have some allergic reaction.You sound really positive but take it easy around day 4.Have some dvds and trashy magazines ready.

                                           Tonya xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    15 years ago

    It's always a relief to get that 1st chemo done because you worry if you are going to have some allergic reaction.You sound really positive but take it easy around day 4.Have some dvds and trashy magazines ready.

                                           Tonya xx