Chemotherapy, please help!

Hi Lis

Welcome to the network ... and I would never tell you to harden up!!

My experience is an old one, and I think not all that common these days, so if it is able to help you in any way then I'll be happy. I had chemo back in October 2005 and I was so sick I ended up back in hospital that same night to have drugs to stop the vomiting. I talked to my Oncologist and Oncology Nurse before my next 'round' was due and they recommended I stay in overnight after chemo to have all the anti-nausea/anti-vomiting drugs by IV with fluids/saline and this worked beautifully for me. I would have treatment on a Friday at the clinic, starting after lunch and finish up at the end of the day, then get wheeled down to my room, with my IV still connected. It worked a treat, so I did this for the remaining chemo treatments - 6 in total, including the nightmare first one! I don't know if this is an option for you, but it worked for me.

I would get picked up on the Saturday morning and whilst I would experience a bit of nausea,it was nothing like the first 24 hours and I kept it at bay by eating small meals regularly ... lots of plain salted chips/crisps, rice crackers/water crackers!!

I did also have ginger & peppermint tea, which helped me. Sorry it's not working for you. Zofran, the wafer tablet you put under your tongue was brilliant as well. My oncologist would prescribe these for me - they were top of the range anti-nausea relief, but the only ones that worked , so have a chat to your Oncologist and/or Oncology Nurse and ask them to try some alternative options for you on your next chemo. Give them a call to discuss your concerns before your next visit so they're prepared with the right scripts to fill.

All I can say it that it does get better towards end of week 2 and week 3 was great (in the scheme of things that is) ... just in time to do it all over again ... but it was never as bad as the first time because of staying overnight. I got really tired, and that is definitely part of the cumulative effect.

I don't know if this is going to help, but at least you know you're not alone ... although getting sick does not appear to be as common as it was many, many years ago. The treatments have been so tailored to the individuals these days and the dosages so precise that in my time volunteering as peer-support, I didn't meet too many ladies who were sick all the way through - they were more the exception than the norm. I often commented that it was like being on a permanent hangover, without any of the 'good/fun stuff' from drinking alcohol!!

Take care and good luck
Cheers Sherone xx