Hello Carrie54 and thanks for your post,

I can understand that it can be very overwhelming not knowing what to expect when you start chemotherapy for the first time. The other forum user has given you some very good advice and I do hope that their suggestions helped you over the last couple of days.

When you see the nurses and doctors before your next appointment they will ask you how you got on and whether you had any side effects. They can then adjust your medication depending on whether you had any sickness or any other symptoms.

It can sometimes help to keep a diary for the first couple of cycles to record how you are feeling. Do talk to them about the best time to take the medication. For example taking the dexamethasone too late in the day can affect how you sleep.

We have some information on Everyday life with chemotherapy which you may find has some helpful tips.

You may also find it helpful to ring and chat this through with one of the helpline nurses.

I think it is always difficult starting something new but hopefully over the next few weeks you will feel more in control as you will know much more what to expect.

If you want to give us a ring our helpline number is freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine

Hello Carrie54 and thanks for your post,

I can understand that it can be very overwhelming not knowing what to expect when you start chemotherapy for the first time. The other forum user has given you some very good advice and I do hope that their suggestions helped you over the last couple of days.

When you see the nurses and doctors before your next appointment they will ask you how you got on and whether you had any side effects. They can then adjust your medication depending on whether you had any sickness or any other symptoms.

It can sometimes help to keep a diary for the first couple of cycles to record how you are feeling. Do talk to them about the best time to take the medication. For example taking the dexamethasone too late in the day can affect how you sleep.

We have some information on Everyday life with chemotherapy which you may find has some helpful tips.

You may also find it helpful to ring and chat this through with one of the helpline nurses.

I think it is always difficult starting something new but hopefully over the next few weeks you will feel more in control as you will know much more what to expect.

If you want to give us a ring our helpline number is freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine