Hi to everyone on this thread. So reassuring, thanks to you all. I had a first cycle on Tuesday and was very nervous about it all, so no you are not a baby Charlie. I still am quite nervous in a way because both my husband and I misunderstood the drug dosage for the anti-emetics. I keep asking myself, were we just particularly stupid that day; but I don't actually recall being given instructions and the label on the box was ambiguous. So Tuesday afternoon and evening massive vomiting. Got it clear the next day so am over the worst now - just queasy really and hope to avoid that when I go back for round 2. Just hope the cancer cells feel as rotten as I did! And there's no way I could have been in work! GP has been great about saying take all the time I need and school have as well. Mind I was ill for all the school summer holiday when we wouldn't have been in anyway - not till the last week when it all starts up again to be sorted before the children arrive.

All the best, keep us posted. You are just a bit ahead of me.

Hi all,

I am to have my first experience of chemo tomorrow. I had part of my bowel removed in July, keyhole surgery, but I am to have chemo as well. I have joined the SCOT trials for the chemo and have drawn a 6 months course. I believe I will receive Oxaliplatin, 5FU and a folinic acid called leucovorin (which is supposed to make the 5FU more effective). I will receive this every 2 weeks; last Thursday had a Hickman line put in for administering the chemo which I may already have treated wrongly. I had a shower this morning then read on the internet that you are not supposed to wet the Hickman line!! Woops I shall of course tell the nurses at the clinic.

I am told most people go home alright after this, there are of course side effects but I am telling myself other than tiredness I wont get any! We shall see!

Thank you Eyore for mentioning about the anti-emetics. I shall make sure I ask about the dosage before leaving the hosp tomorrow.

I hope you are feeling ok. These sites are so good that we can not only 'compare notes' but chat with each other. Thanks to all of you.l

Hi Carol.D, I'm passed for round 2 chemotherapy tomorrow and the nurse advised me to start domperidone (anti-emetic) today so that I have it in my system already. I'm hoping that does the trick in controlling vomiting. In consideration of my well-being and as my bloods were ok, I went for a swim today as before I was ill I used to swim a lot. Does anyone have any advice about when/if swimming is alright whilst having chemotherapy? I know there is a risk but as my surgeon said 'all life is uncertain.' Just that after a cancer diagnosis one's own life seems particularly uncertain. Still must stay positive! Feel more normal having been for swim at any rate.

Hi Carol.D, I'm passed for round 2 chemotherapy tomorrow and the nurse advised me to start domperidone (anti-emetic) today so that I have it in my system already. I'm hoping that does the trick in controlling vomiting. In consideration of my well-being and as my bloods were ok, I went for a swim today as before I was ill I used to swim a lot. Does anyone have any advice about when/if swimming is alright whilst having chemotherapy? I know there is a risk but as my surgeon said 'all life is uncertain.' Just that after a cancer diagnosis one's own life seems particularly uncertain. Still must stay positive! Feel more normal having been for swim at any rate.