I start Carboplatin this week and I don't know what to expect!

Hi everyone, 

I am new to this forum but just reaching out for some advice. 

I was diagnosed with germ cell ovarian in September 2023 and had the tumour removed with no chemo, unfortunately 3 weeks ago my cancer returned and is in my pelvis, abdomen and Liver. 

I have to start chemotherapy this week and they are putting me on Carboplatin.. 

Can anyone tell me their experiences ? Some people say they felt nothing and fine others sick and tired.. I also worry about loss of fertility and hair loss.. 

Thank you xx

  • Hi I’ve had it twice now with other drugs for my lung cancer and so far have found it ok! But very tired which. I can deal with so no sickness etc thank god but every one is Different good luck they said i would only have hair thinning which by day three I’ve noticed very sore and itchy scalp first time and by week 2 end off it’s coming out quite a bit have told nurses at centre but they don’t seem to bothered like I am now wondering about cold cap but no one has mentioned anything about it b to me  

  • Do you think it was the carboplatin though or the case that you had more than one drug at the same time ? As maybe one of the other drugs caused the hair loss ? I’ve been told hair thinning too.. 

    lots of love to you xx

  • To be honest I don’t know which one has caused the thinning but they did say after about 3rd/4th round they will drop the more aggressive one of the chemo and carry on with one chemo and the immune therapy so not 100% i have bought a really good wig from Amazon just incase it was about £25! Best to be prepared same to you hope all goes as well as can do and then some! X

  • I’m currently on carboplatin with vinoralbine. 
    no hair loss as such but a bit of thinning which I’m told is the norm for this chemotherapy. 
    the tiredness is my biggest problem. My nurse explained that it must be doing its job if I’m feeling the way I do so I hold on to that and try to keep positive. I’m a 58 yr old female usually quite energetic but this has been an eye opener. Everyone reacts differently to their chemo. Staying positive is half the battle. 
    I wish you well with your treatment. Rest plenty and eat as  well as you can and take one day at a time. If you have concerns always speak to the team treating you. Best wishes x

  • Thank you for your message. Sounds like you’re fighting strong through this, sending you so much strength! 
    thank you so much for your kind wishes. 
    I have been told about this risk of infection with carboplatin and I have two young children obviously always picking up little bugs so I hope I’ll be ok xx

  • Thank you for your kind message. 
    sounds like your really fighting strong so keep going! 
    I have been told about the risk of Infection and I have two young children always picking up colds etc so hopefully I’ll stay clear! 
    xx

  • Yes 3 out of my 4 girls had the bad cold going about I wore masks have hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to clean everything they touched and still caught it they cancelled chemo for a week all ok stay strong it will ok x