Hi, new to this. I start my chemo for breast cancer on Friday 17th June at The Christie. Any tips on what to take? Sounds daft but will I get cold? Fall asleep? Get bored? Upset (yes!!) Thank you.
Most people find their first chemo session is an anti-climax. After all the anxiety of rushing around getting tests and scans, waiting for results and hearing the diagnosis and prognosis the process of having chemo is very boring.
Dave has already given you some great tips based on his own personal experience and I am sure you will also hear from others soon and that they will tell you what worked for them to pass the time while having chemotherapy. If you like reading, you can't go wrong with a good book or a Kindle as Dave suggested.
It may also be helpful for you to have a look at our general information on chemotherapy here and if you have any questions at any stage of your treatment, do ring our nurses on this free number 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
I will now let our lovely members share with you their own personal experience and tips to best prepare for your treatment.
We hope it all goes well on the 17th - do come back here and let us know how it all went.
I've jus finished my chemotherapy and radiotherapy so am happy to advise but the side effects are different for everyone depending on the drugs they are given. I was on Taxotere and Carboplatin so quite nasty.
The sessions were quite boring but I was on a side ward with others so we soon chatted the day away and I took my laptop with me so when it was quiet I could get some work done. The time goes pretty quickly.
I tended to rely heavily on queasy drops for the sickness as they were brilliant and no side effects rather than the anti-sickness drugs I was given. Drink plenty of water throughout the treatment as constipation is nasty and try to mentally prepare for the fatigue as that is the most frustrating part of the whole thing. I've never known weariness like it! That was a shocker for me and it's going to take about a year for me to fully recover apparently (although I'm working on getting over it quicker! ;) ).
Hope this helps a little and good luck with your treatment..... Joanne x
Thanks Dave. Yes, I have heard this about it being an anti-climax. I think I'm building it up in my mind waiting. I just want to get it started now, and then not really. I've got a new book & magazine ready. Husband as well!
I was treated at Christies - different cancer but heres some info.
They have free wi-fi you have to get the username and password at reception - it changes everyday and did crash a bit. You can use your mobile but they prefer if you dont as its disrupting for everyone else. The treatment ward is in several parts some have beds, some like small open cubicals with recliner chairs and then there are the open areas with really fancy multi control chairs. Depends what team you are in and what space they have where you will be. You cannot leave the ward when you are hooked up but ,one of my worries, you can go to the loo you just take the drip with you. They have a water machine and squash and come round with hot drinks at certain times - but you could miss these depending on how long your treatment is. You can take food and drink into the ward and if someone is gping with you they can go out and fetch anything from the cafe. They can stay the whole time ( a chair is provided). It can get boaring so anything to read or listen to is a must but you can always fall asleep.
I was quite comfortably warm except for when they were doing the saline flush through then I did get cold but they have blankets or if you take something like a fleece or cardigan you can wrap round. Wear something loose and comfortable footwear you can take slippers to change into if you want.
As the others have said drink plenty of water before, during and for days after treatment.
Ask whatever questions you want the nurses are really good. There is no such thing as a stupid question. Also they will give you a perscription if you need anything for constipation etc. I kept a chemo diary noting how I felt everyday because if you get side effects they come in cycles - also its usefull for remembering things when you see the Doctor.
Hi River, thank you so much for your response and for being so open about your treatment. I'm at The Christie every Friday for 9 weeks treatment so I'm going to get to know the place well!
Thanks for the tips. I'm trying to drink water all the time and have a bottle ready for chemo day. I like the idea of a chemo diary, to note how I fell in myself. Its all a bit of the unknown at the moment but the nurses & doc have been fantastic so far. I'm there today for blood tests & a chat with the doc.
Thank you so much for your reply and for the tips. I've noted down Queasy Drops & drinking plenty of water. This seems to be good advice from everyone. I'm worried about the fatigue as I have 2 kids (4 and 9 yo boys) who need to go to school but family & friends said they will help with that.
Its all the unknown at the moment which is really frustrating, But, speaking to people who have been through it helps.
All the very best for your recovery & thanks again. Laura x
You may want to bring something to read. I on the other hand, love to talk so I like chatting with the nurses. It helps to make the time go by.
There is a TV in the room; so I also watch TV. As far as feeling sleepy, you may feel groggy. They administer 1 mg of Ativan to help with nausea and it made me a little sleepy. Depending on what chemo meds you are given, you may want to ask for ice. It helps to soothe your mouth as some chemo meds can cause irritation.
You will be fine! Positive thoughts and good vibes help too!!
