always ill following chemo sessions

Hate to be a moaner but I have had two chemo sessions,and both have resulted in trips to hospital because I end up dehydrated,I am very sick after each session.I am stressed over this as it means each cycle is going to take that little bit longer and my recovery time will be extended.Would appreciate any advice from you wonderful people,thank you for being here.

  • Hi Emma,

    Welcome to this forum.

    I cant offer any advice but just wanted to say, some people have very few problems with chemo while other seem to suffer problems like you describe. I know that the chemo given can often be tailored to the individuals need but I do feel for you. Having cancer is bad enough in itself, but to then have side effects from the treatment make it so much worse. I believe there is sometimes somthing they can give you to stop you feeling sick; it might be worth while talking to your medical team before you have your next chemo.

    Wishing you all the best and please let us know how you get on, Brian,

  • Hi Emma ..... I have been on chemo for the last almost 4yrs so am a bit of a pro re side effects.  The problem is not with you but with your chemo team on this one!  They are not giving you the right meds to stop this happening.  They should give you an IV antisickness prior to the chemo drugs and normally - three days of steroids (4mg twice a day)..  Also anti-sickness drugs to take home.  Get on to them to sort it out because you should not be suffering in this way.  Good luck and let us know how you get on x

  • Hello emmamoo,

    Max56 gave you some very good advice and I am pleased to see you also received a warm welcome from Brian.

    I will just add that we have some useful information on sickness and cancer drugs here with some tips on how to cope with it.

    I hope it helps a little! Don't hesitate too to ring our nurses on this free number 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and feel free to ask them any question on any side effect you may be experiencing.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • To be fair to my chemo team they have done all and more of the above,including various anti sickness drugs,maybe it's just my reaction to the drugs that are causing the problem.Thank you for all of the help.and advice its very much appreciated.

  • Hi Emma

    I kept a diary of how I felt and reacted and one of my chemo drugs was reduced (within the recommended limit) because of the side effects.  I was told by my doctor and the nurses to drink plenty of water before during and after my treatment in fact try to drink about 2 litres per day on top of any tea and coffee.  I found that if I did not have any coffee or alchol several days before and after treatment this helped.  I used to drink Cranberry juice diluted with water.  I tried to stay away from spicy and rich foods the day before and again a couple of days after cream, youghurt and milk was a no no. (but I can drink black tea and coffee anyway)

    This amount of water may not be recommended for your type of cancer and treatment so I would check first and if you can try it.

    I had a reaction to one of the premeds (antihystamine) and they had to give it me a lot slower and more diluted also the steroids that I had to take for a couple of days were to strong for me so I had to have those reduced.  Fortunatly I never felt sick through the whole chemo treatment  and I did not need the anti sickness tablets they gave me to take home.

    I used to suffer from pains in my bones and joints especially in my legs and feet but this only lasted a few days.

    Good luck with the rest of your treatment
     

  • Hello Emmamoo,

    Thought you would be interested in reading Sue1952's thread. Sue just posted and has also been struggling with sickness. Something tells me that you two will have a lot to say to each other ;).

    See Sue's thread here and feel free to say hello!

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator