TCH

Hi Merryl

I am not sure what TCH chemo is, but I'm sure it is like the other chemo's available.  They are all designed the kill off or slow the progress of those nasty little cancer cells.  Whilst they do this, unfortunately they are not very kind to our bodies.

The IV chemo I had was 2 different types.  The first (red one!) was 4 x 3weekly cycles and the second was 12 x 1 weekly cycles.  I must say the 2nd one was a little bit kinder to the system.  I didnt have a lot of nausea with either chemo (however they do give you a very high dose of dexamethazone and other tabs to combat this), but did feel like I had been hit by a Mack truck.   Extremely tired, but unable to sleep, especially for a couple of days after the treatment.  Physically and mentally exhausted.  Emotional outburst, (eg: crying at the drop of a hat) for no reason.  I found this hard to deal with, as I could just be sitting on my own having a coffee and I would start crying - this I'm glad to say passed with time.  A little testy with my partner (so he said anyway - haha), and even when surrounded by people, I had an overwhelming sense of being alone.  Chemo can play around with your mind a little bit, so even though I stand accused of all the above, it really wasnt me - it was just the effects of chemo.

You will survive it Merryl, you may not get any of the above symptoms, this was just my experience.  Just tell yourself, IF you get sick - if the chemo is making me feel like this, just imagine what it is doing to those nasty little cells!  Thinking like that used to help me get through.

You are in for a long, hard journey, so take each day as it comes, dont be afraid to ask for help, and listen to your body and remember, you are not alone!

All the best with your treatment.  Take care

Di