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gebb's avatar
gebb
Member
13 years ago

Second Round of TC - Any Advice on how you went?

Greetings All

Many thanks to all the wonderful ladies who have posted blogs on here... Before my first chemo session I carefully read all the posts - some results scared me, some had positive results. 

I kept notes on what to expect and all the hints you listed; I compiled a list of things to buy in anticipation - which helped me greatly.

I’m on a four cycle of TC - After my first cycle I did have to take a course of antibiotics as my breast became red and inflamed where I had my surgery. But other than that I was quite lucky as it wasn’t too difficult for me - I did feel nauseous quite often, had diarrhea and couldn’t sleep (even with taking sleeping tab) and sore throat for awhile but no serious side effects.  I followed peoples suggestions on dental hygiene so didn’t get any mouth ulcers.

My hair started falling out last week so got my partners to shave my head...  great look!  I have had a suggestion that maybe I should don an orange robe and start chanting ‘Hari Krishna’ Smarty Pants!! LOL

I’m about to embark on my second round this (Friday 26th Oct) so am hoping that my second round is the same as the first but having ready some post sounds like anything can happen. 

As you all have said ‘take one day at a time’

Cheers Greta

6 Replies

  • gebb's avatar
    gebb
    Member
    13 years ago

    Morning Wendy

    Lovely to hear from you... and good to hear we had similar experiences.  My oncologist issued me an injection to have 24hrs aqfter chemo which my partner did for me (thank goodness) so that obviously helped me with my blood count.  Alought I did get an red/ inflamed breast where I had the surgery so they also put my on antibiotic.

    Luckily I had short haid and cut shorter when told I needed chemo but I like you had a shaving party last Saturday when my hair started coming out in clumps! Ithought I would be teary but my friends made me laugh all through it... the best one was my partner said I should don saffron robe and go out and earn some money chanting 'Hari Krishna' - lovely man LOL

    You sound very positive and as you said we are half way there.

    Best Wishes to you also for next treatment. Hugs to you Greta xo 

  • gebb's avatar
    gebb
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks for good wishes.  Yes fingers crossed that all goes well tomorrow and the folowing weeks.

    Greta

  • gebb's avatar
    gebb
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks for good wishes.  Yes fingers crossed that all goes well tomorrow and the folowing weeks.

    Greta

  • Janet_Plummer's avatar
    Janet_Plummer
    Member
    13 years ago

    Yes the taste thing is weird. I went off tea. I normally can't start my day without 2 or 3 three big mugs but on the chemo, especially those 4-5 days after treatment, I couldn't drink it. It reminded me a bit of being pregnant. I just wanted milky, soothing sorts of drinks. I did consume quite a few of my kids' Up and Go drinks. And I wanted to eat soft mushy foods like macaroni & cheese or two minute noodles.  I think it is a good idea to be very careful about the dental hygiene - I managed to avoid any problems in that area too. And you also have to be careful about germs generally as your immune system is compromised. I'm sure you probably know that. It sounds like you've prepared yourself well. Good luck tomorrow Greta. Chances are it will be much the same as the first time. Janet.

  • gebb's avatar
    gebb
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks Janet for your good wishes. Pleased that your side effects were not too severe.. I too was feeling rather miserable at about day 4/5.  It’s weird with the lost of taste isn’t it - I haven’t been able to drink coffee since I started. I was pleasantly surprised that I have been feeling good (nearly back to normal) since about day 11 of my first treatment so I certainly hope that I have the same experience as you - being similar each time.  My oncologist did warn me about fatigue – she said by the fourth treatment I most probably would be very very tired. 

    Hope that things go well for you.

    Regards Greta

  • Janet_Plummer's avatar
    Janet_Plummer
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Greta,

    I had 4 rounds of TC a couple of months back and found that the symptoms I experienced were similar each time. They were at their worst on days 4-5 after each treatment and then gradually subsided until the next time.   I had mild nausea, an itchy rash on my chest, abdonmen (and head when hair was falling out), a bit of muscle soreness, coated/burnt mouth and inability to taste much, slight decline in appetite, thrush one time and slightly elevated tempertare. The only thing that seemed to get worse after each treatment was the lethargy. It got to the point at the end where feeling tired felt normal. I remember being pleaantly surprised a few weeks later at how good I felt. It was like "oh yeah, this is normal." But as you say, you can never be really sure what might happen. Take care of yourself and I hope it goes smoothly for you. Janet : )