Pre chemo meals......

Thanks-that's really useful info...I called the ward anyway and spoke to a nurse who is about to see my oncologist so she will ask her and let me know if there's anything I need to do or go in. The nurse did say it's not a common side effect of AC...will wait to hear back I guess! Thanks again Laura

Sounds like you went very well! I was given a great little booklet that listed the common side effects of chemo and graded each of these from 0 to 4 (3 and 4 being bad enough to contact chemo nurse or oncologist). According to this booklet you only need to contact them if you have severe cramping, pain, tingling and loss of feeling. Just keep a note of any symptoms (a diary of sorts) and let them know what you are experiencing when you see them before the next chemo. A slightly odd tingling or numbness sensation is ok but still let them know next visit. If it worse than that and affecting your normal living activities then it maybe worth a phone call. Hope this helps. Deanne xx

Good luck today, I found the my journey kit fantastic to prepare me for each unexpected event.  Also my Oncologist gave me hand outs on all the information about the chemo TYPES I would be getting up front.  Eat light, drink litres of water, take you meds, I ate fruit for my choice.  I went on a totally natural diet, low fat, no salt, no red meat.  Worked for me.  Still have kept off the 5 kgs I lost just by staying away from sugar and not eating junk food.  I only eat fruit for my sugar hit, and the Carmen bars.  I have a great Juicer too and had smoothies with fresh fruit in them.  Lots of water.  Fruit flavoured ice blocks and unsweetened mints for yucky taste in mouth.

Take Care and wish you well , Bel xx

Well I got through my first session! Sat on my chemo chair with a beautiful view and opposite a lovely last who have me all sorts of advice and took me under her wing. It was pretty obvious it was my first time there as I still has my hair and had no idea what to do! The nurses are all so so lovely which actually made it pretty fun to be there strangely! So far I have been feeling ok sickness wise but have woke up this morning with pins and needles from my knees down-is that normal? I don't want to ring the ward with silly questions and make them dread me and label me as a hypochondriac! I'm having the steroid dexamethosone which the nurse said might cause moodiness when it starts to go out of my system-how long does that last? I don't want to be a super psycho! Thanks! Laura

Laura,

I was lucky and also felt pretty good on the day of chemo.  For your first chemo if you're feeling anxious just eat what you feel like.  As has been suggested getting your fluids in is the most important thing.  I boiled a bunch of eggs in advance.  That way I could get a protien fix without having to prepare or smell food the first couple of days after chemo.  Chemo often effects your tastebuds, for me just about everything tasted like dirt.  I guess it was a blessing as I was able to drink vegie juices etc (which I think already taste like dirt) and at least they are nutricous. Weirdly the only thing that I craved was marshmellows.  Not exactly loaded with vitamins!

Through 7 months of chemo I would have maybe a day or two each cycle when I felt a bit nauseated.  I never vomitted.  They really have excellent medicines to help keep all that under control.

All the best.

Anna

Laura : I can't say anything because my chemo start on 7MARCH.

I wish you well and keep update your progress.

{{BIG HUG}}

Xoxo

Rosanna

Laura : I can't say anything because my chemo start on 7MARCH.

I wish you well and keep update your progress.

{{BIG HUG}}

Xoxo

Rosanna

Yes it is hard to accept that we need to do this when we feel so well. I found that I actually felt pretty normal (ie well) for most of the 2 weeks before each round of FEC, which has similar side effects to AC. You do not necessarily feel terrible all the time, so hang onto that thought today! Deanne x

On the morning of my chemo I had a light breakfast and usually a sandwich at lunch, I too had my chemo in the mornings (though it usually took 5 hours).

I drank poweraide throughout my chemo to keep my hydrated.

I agree with all the loadies comments, we are all different how our bodies cope is different and what we can tolerate.

Good luck you are on the road to remission.

Sending hugs

Donna

Yes I agree that really cold water is the best to drink. I found my taste would change as I was having the chemo so cold water also helped with this. I was the opposite of Paula (we are all different and it does depend on what chemo you are having too) and only ate very lightly on Chemo day. I had my chemo during lunch and the first time I ate the lunch they supplied (hospital sandwiches, fruit and fruit cake). I was so sick that night and thereafter only ever ate a few pieces of fruit for lunch and stuck to very cold water. I had FEC for the first 3 chemos. I did have nausea but this usually was only bad for a few hours on the first day, then just mild. I found it helped to eat small amounts often rather than normal meals. Don't be surprised if you feel like eating unusual things, not your normal diet. I found it helped to eat cold things and salty things. Good luck. Deanne xxx