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Illness after chemo

Debz75
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Hi does anyone get or had a feeling of being so ill up to 2 weeks after chemo? I'm having treatment every 3 weeks and cant get out of bed for over a week after.Im so weak,dizzy and headaches are bad.Is this a normal side effect.I can hardly stand for fear of falling.

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    Hi Debbie

    Yes that sounds normal sadly.

    When I was on the 3 weekly sessions the week after my treatment I had 3 days in bed then 2 on settee. Just making a cup of tea wiped me out. 

    Call your oncology team for a chat they will be able to help and advise you. 

    What drug are you on and for how long?

    Louise xx

  • Hi and thanks for posting,

    I am so sorry to hear about the horrible time that you have been having.

    I am not sure what chemotherapy you are having or indeed how many courses you have had but it is important that you make your team aware of how it is affecting you.

    Chemotherapy as I am sure you are aware is calculated on your height and weight but sometimes doses need to be adjusted or new drugs added to help with some of the side effects that you have been experiencing. It is good to hear from other members of the forum but it is worth bearing in mind that everyone's experience can be so different.

    We have some general information on chemotherapy side effects that you may find helpful to look at here

    Making sure that you are drinking enough fluid and trying to eat small regular meals can help.

    It can sometimes help to keep a chemo diary so you can record your symptoms daily so you have an accurate record for your next appointment.

    I do hope that as time goes on your side effects won't be so severe but do make sure you make your oncology team aware.

    If you feel that it would be helpful to chat this through with one of the nurses on the helpline then do get back to us or give us a ring.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best Wishes,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Catherine

    Hi

     

    I'm having cisplatin and etoposide 3 weekly for cc.This is my second treatment and think I'm having 4 altogether before radiotherapy.Ive called the emergency number and they said its side effects and keep drinking plenty which I have been 

    Xx

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Catherine

    Hi

     

    Thankyou for the help and advice

    Debbie xx

  • Offline in reply to Debz75

    hi my name is lorraine iv been newly diagnosed with cancer and im having to get chemo can u telll me what its like  as this is my first time

  • in reply to lorraine_gee

    Hello Lorraine and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis and imagine you have alot of questions as you start treatment.

    Hopefully some other people will get back to you to share their experiences of having chemotherapy. I have to say that in my experience as a cancer nurse that all patients are different, having different drugs and regimes and it is difficult to know how anyone will be on chemo until they go through it. I can however understand you wanting to be prepared for what may happen and others hopefully can share some advice and tips with you that may help.

    The chemo nurses will if they haven't already explain the treatment to you and possible side effects before you start and will talk through what needs to happen each step of the way. 

    We have some general information about chemotherapy on our website here that you may also like to read.

    Please get back if you have further questions and you are welcome to call the nurse helpline on 0808 800 4040 Mon-Fri 9-5 if you would prefer to speak to someone.

    I hope your treatment goes well.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    helllo thankyou for getting bk to me im sure people will get bk to me with hints and tips it is a very anxious time for me at the moment and i welcome any advice i may get from loraine

  • Offline in reply to lorraine_gee

    Hi Lorraine

    Do you know what drug you will be on? 

     

    Louise xx

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