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Braveheart60's avatar
8 years ago

Ready for Chemo Round 2

3 weeks comes around so quickly! Feeling positive that this cycle will be manageable at home rather than in and out of hospital. Dr has reduced the 3 drugs by 25% and upped the anti-meds. Fingers and toes crossed. I'm a little concerned as I still have a viral bug and increased yellow muscus and my heart rate (according to my fit-bit) is resting between 85-110 which makes me think my heart might struggle with the chemo. I am going to Chemo Centre today to have the bloods taken from my port, so I might mention to them. Hair still on 21 days after first treatment but last couple of days its shedding big time (worst than my Labrador) guess it will be gone by end of week. Wish me luck guys xxx

7 Replies

  • Just finished 2nd chemo and heading home. Gave me anti nausea under tongue that has a seditive effect so head feeling a bit heavy and tired. Aim to fight off any fellings of nausea and keep sipping water and soft fruits. Stage 1 promising
  • Thinking of you. You’ve got this. Hang in there lovely. Be careful with your hair loss when I started to shed I found it in my food! Decided to shave it after that. And @zoffiel I heard about the claratyne  after I finished which was bloody useless hey !  Margie x
  • @Braveheart60, very best wishes and luck to you for round two. You know I actually think the first round shocked my body so much - I guess the emotional mental stress of the unknown puts such stress on the body too. I really hope that everything goes more smoothly for you this time. Biggest hugs and lots of positive thoughts coming your way!!! Bec xx
  • Good luck has been wished @braveheart60

    The uncertain nature of cancer treatment means that things can actually change for the better. Always keep that in mind.

    One thing that seems to be consistently overlooked is the impact Neulasta can have on some people. It made me feel like I had a total body toothache until I did some research and found that plain old fashioned Claratyne (loratadine) can significantly reduce the amount of bone pain in days 3-6. It's standard practice for some oncologists to prescribe Loratadine for a week from the day before chemo. It worked brilliantly for me; when I asked my onc if I could take it he said 'Ah, you can, no reason you can't.' but some practices don't seem to have heard off it. I've never heard of anyone being told not to take it once they have asked. And you must ask.

    There was research done in the UK about Loratadine's efficacy and the conclusion was a bit 'meh' but it was a very small study into a drug that costs a dollar a day. The cynical side of me thinks there isn't any money in it so no-one bothers to explore if the theory that is reduces bone oedema. Which is where all that pain comes from. I was at the point of pulling the pin on chemo after miserable experiences with Neulasta in 2006 and again last year, I took Claratyne for the last three cycles and the effect was remarkable. Was it all in my head? Who knows and I don't care.

    I'd recommend you ladies who are on the chemo train at the moment ask about it if it hasn't already been prescribed.

    Marg