Hi there Amanda58 and thanks for the post

I am sorry to hear how you have been feeling on your treatment and the side effects you have and are experiencing.

Do continue to let your hospital know about the issues you are having so they can reassess and help better manage these for you.

Hopefully now the doctors have reduced your dose of chemo the side effects will start improving for you. Alongside the laxatives to help with the constipation do also make sure you are eating enough fibre and drinking plenty of fluids. Getting some exercise can also help keep things moving, alongside helping with your mental health.

Cancer treatment and its effects can take its toll on the body and the mind and you certainly aren't alone in the way you are feeling. Talking about your thoughts and feelings are important and this can be done in several different way. You can talk with your doctor or nurse, with other patients going through similar in the chemo unit or here on cancer chat , with your friends and family or with trained professionals such as a counsellor/ talking therapist. You can find local cancer support or Maggie centres attached to hospital provide support for patients and their loved ones so do explore this more if you are interested.

The fear about picking up an infection is a common one. Unfortunately having drugs that affect your immune system and lower your infection fighting cells does make you more prone to picking up an infection so being sensible is important. However getting out and about and seeing people when you feel up to it and want to is vital too so don't let the fear overwhelm you. There are some practical things you can do to reduce the risk of picking up a bug such as carrying out really good handwashing and using hand sanitiser out and about. Make sure any friends or family you may be meeting with make sure they are feeling well and delay seeing you if they are unwell with a cough, cold or tummy bug.

Avoid indoor crowded environments or busy modes of transport but if this isn't possible wear a medically approved face mask.

At the end of the day seeing people and getting out and about and trying to continue with your normal activities is crucial for your overall well being. People undergoing chemo will on occasions pick up infections so do keep an eye on your temperature and let your team know if you start experiencing symptoms associated with an infection so you can be given any necessary antibiotics to help you clear it up.

I hope this is helpful but do get back in touch anytime. If you prefer give us a call on 0808 800 4040, we're here weekdays 9-5.

All the best

Naomi

Heya.

Welcome to the forums in order to start with. Regarding the prescribed medicines talk to your specialist in question here. He or she will be able to give you up to date information. Best wishes. I’m sorry to read about your reactions to the medicines and thank you for the post too. Keep in contact with your friends  

Let us know what the team say. It is a good idea to maintain a balanced healthy diet so drink water and have good food as well. Make sure you have a decent amount of sleep each night in addition. That is so important. Try to fit in light exercise each day if you can do so. There are so many different good apps for fitness. Find a hobby. 

MacMillan have excellent information. Card games are a way to keep your brain healthy. Carers UK run an online activity programme called Share and Learn each week. Take a look at their website. Alternatively see if your library have group activities. Art helped me when I was unwell in the hospital in between chemo doses each week. So did half a hour each day of very light exercise. 

Never skip a dose of medicine. Follow instructions carefully. Ask the hospital physio about moving and light intensity exercise. If you don’t feel well enough ask your friends to postpone or meet them inside the hospital instead. If this is possible ask them to visit you at the hospital. Or talk to them on Facebook. There are online support networks available these days. Many charities run online support groups for current patients. Look into them. 

Keep us posted. You can do this. 

Thank you vety much for your reply. Ive spoken to so many people since the start of my journey and its reassuring to speak to someone who truly understands. 

Side effects are horrendous but hopefully worth it in the end. 

Amandas