Update on treatment

I am struggling with chemo, it’s difficult after every round. I am delayed by 2 weeks from original dates due to several problems, bloods, potassium levels, fluids and eating. As well as colitis. Feeling quite fed up. Just have 7 days of pure feeling awful sometimes leading to 10days! 

It’s when I have to take the injections for my bone marrow it’s what makes me feel yuk! I take thes on day 3 to 9. This upsets everything, including my toleration of noise and people!

I have no energy or will to do anything. It takes me every effort to get up and have my breakfast and medications etc.

I sometimes sleep and my meds get pushed back etc, don’t think that helps me either. 

I have a foodmap diet which doesn’t help, it just is so boring, not great. I have banana on toast or eggs sometimes, then crackers and cheese for lunch or snacks. Apple or pears too. Then baked potato and cheese for tea or spaghetti with cheese. Gone off meat in this week, nearer the chemo date I can eat a bit of pasta bolognese or something. It’s so boring and just yuk really. Sometimes have cuppa a soup for a change. Drink water or apple and pear juice Robinson, it’s all I can stomach.

tried lots of juices but didn’t like the taste or upset my gastric system. Get indigestion lots.

i have tried grape juice too sweet, and diabetic so no good.

dont drink tea and gone off coffee, caffeine a problem at present.

its not good.

any inspirations? Gingeraid is recommended but don’t like it or fizzy at present due to gastric issue.

i am 3 chemo sessions down, and 3 to go! I have checkups soon, and due to have an operation after chemo, then after that radiotherapy.  

I feel anxious and up and down due to the frustration it’s not going as well as I hoped, I just feel quite lonely within my self, wishing it was all done. hate feeling this way.

  • Hello and thanks for your further post

    I'm sorry you are still going through a difficult time with your treatment.

    Chemotherapy can be exhausting, and it's completely normal to feel low, frustrated, and overwhelmed when you're dealing with these side effects every day. You do not have to be positive all the time. It’s important to take one day at a time and try not to think too far ahead. If today is difficult, focus only on getting through today. This does not mean you're not coping. It means you're going through something very difficult.

    The bone marrow injections may be causing some of the fatigue, aches, irritability and that "yuk" feeling you are experiencing. Do tell your oncology team how much they are affecting you.

    A food map diet can be quite restrictive, but it can help when your stomach is sensitive. Sometimes, it’s trial and error to see what food and fluids agree with you.

    We do have information on our website on loss of appetite and taste changes on our website that may be useful to you.

    Do ask to speak to a dietician if you haven't already, as they may have suggestions on what else may help.

    Try not to be too hard on yourself if you sleep through medication times. Setting a gentle alarm on your mobile phone may help. 

    I hope things improve soon. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene