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sjennings's avatar
sjennings
Member
11 years ago

Starting Chemo Thursday

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I have been comming to this site since diagonosis. It has been such a great support.

I am starting TC chemo this week (Thursday) and I am very frightened.

Not sure how I will get through, especially worried about nausea/ vomiting and irritation to the bladder.

I have had severe UTI's and suffer with Urethral Syndrone (which has been playing up since the beginning).

Thanks Sharon

6 Replies

  • It is 8 years but still remember my fears on the needles etc. I only was sick once on chemo 3 the drugs must be even better now. 

    My piece of advice which is easy to say but not do is

    • to try not to stress and
    • make sure you drink plenty of water b4 chemo - this makes it easier for them to get needles into veins.
    • try to breathe deeply meditate, listen to music whatever to relax. I found talking to others also helped me realise we all are so different.

    think of it as a nasty hill to get over as you view the .... holiday or whatever on the distant horizon of life.

    favourite saying "do what you can and can the rest" also accept help when offered including meals, cleaning and if necessary help with children to make your life easier.

     

    your pink sister,

     

    Carol

  • It is 8 years but still remember my fears on the needles etc. I only was sick once on chemo 3 the drugs must be even better now. 

    My piece of advice which is easy to say but not do is

    • to try not to stress and
    • make sure you drink plenty of water b4 chemo - this makes it easier for them to get needles into veins.
    • try to breathe deeply meditate, listen to music whatever to relax. I found talking to others also helped me realise we all are so different.

    think of it as a nasty hill to get over as you view the .... holiday or whatever on the distant horizon of life.

    favourite saying "do what you can and can the rest" also accept help when offered including meals, cleaning and if necessary help with children to make your life easier.

     

    your pink sister,

     

    Carol

  • Hi Sharon

    Sorry to hear that, but dont just sit and scared by them.  Think something to take care of yourself.  Have good rest and good chill with friends or family, spoil yourself this 2 days.  Think easy and leave it for a while.  On the day, make sure you are warm (even now is getting hot), drink plenty of fluid, water the best, and it will be easy to put canulla (or you had a porta cap).  

    It was stress at the beginning and now waiting, because don't know what will happen, it's true.  Once they are on canulla, deep breathe, and leave it, let the nurse do for you.  You will notice that even after the treatment, you can drive and dine out. 

    The symthom will come to you only couple days later, and you still need to keep cheerful and happy yourself.  Have plenty of fresh vegi and fruit, juice etc.  Happy yourself, do some walking, yoga at home.  Keep clean and rest.

    Tare care (big hugging)

    Rosanna

  • Hi Sharon

    Sorry to hear that, but dont just sit and scared by them.  Think something to take care of yourself.  Have good rest and good chill with friends or family, spoil yourself this 2 days.  Think easy and leave it for a while.  On the day, make sure you are warm (even now is getting hot), drink plenty of fluid, water the best, and it will be easy to put canulla (or you had a porta cap).  

    It was stress at the beginning and now waiting, because don't know what will happen, it's true.  Once they are on canulla, deep breathe, and leave it, let the nurse do for you.  You will notice that even after the treatment, you can drive and dine out. 

    The symthom will come to you only couple days later, and you still need to keep cheerful and happy yourself.  Have plenty of fresh vegi and fruit, juice etc.  Happy yourself, do some walking, yoga at home.  Keep clean and rest.

    Tare care (big hugging)

    Rosanna

  • I was terrified about starting chemo, I think a lot ladies are because it's the fear of the unknown. They do have a lot of medications to help with nausea, I didn't throw up at all. I found the best thing was to be prepared and be pro-active, take the medications before the side effects kick in. Keep rinsing your mouth with Biotene or even salty water to prevent mouth ulcers. I took an anti-histamine to help with the rash that is sometimes associated with chemo. I did struggle a bit with Docetaxol mainly eating issues when I lost my taste buds. But I made it through and you will too. It's not always a pleasant thing but it is doable. Any advice you need, hop onto the website and the ladies will always offer advice and put your mind at rest. All the best for Thursday, I hope all goes well for you,

    Hazel xx

  • I was terrified about starting chemo, I think a lot ladies are because it's the fear of the unknown. They do have a lot of medications to help with nausea, I didn't throw up at all. I found the best thing was to be prepared and be pro-active, take the medications before the side effects kick in. Keep rinsing your mouth with Biotene or even salty water to prevent mouth ulcers. I took an anti-histamine to help with the rash that is sometimes associated with chemo. I did struggle a bit with Docetaxol mainly eating issues when I lost my taste buds. But I made it through and you will too. It's not always a pleasant thing but it is doable. Any advice you need, hop onto the website and the ladies will always offer advice and put your mind at rest. All the best for Thursday, I hope all goes well for you,

    Hazel xx