I am glad to hear that all went well today. Was it worth all the recent worry? At least you know what to expect now, which should reduce some of the dread.
Hello ,my name's Karen glad to hear your first chemo went well and your feeling ok,It is stressful ,my first chemo starts Monday the 12 th June.Like you it's a long time since I had anything to do with hospitals,only you have my girls,and visiting other people, xxx karen
I’m sorry to hear that you have had this diagnosis too. You will be glad that we are already half way through your wait this week. I’m sure that at the moment times seems to be standing still. Waiting for a new therapy at this stage is always a stressful time. Part of this is fear of the unknown,
Hopefully someone who has already had first-hand experience ofchemo will come along and tell you what to expect. This should help to reduce fear. It sounds as if, with the help of your family, you are managing to keep busy. Any type of distraction has to be a good thing at this stage.
I hope that all goes well for you on 12th and that you will come back and keep us informed of how you are getting on.
Hi to you all. Its over 2 years now since I finished my chemo and the one thing I can tell you is we all react differently.
I kept a chemo diary made a note every day how I was feeling. A pattern soon began to emerge. I always felt fine for a few days and then I had pains in my joints very severe in my knees. This lasted a couple of days and then faded and again I felt fine. Sometimes tired so I needed a nap sometimes full of energy.
You may also find your taste change depending on the chemicals. I found things had a metallic taste and coffee tasted awful. So I drank diluted cranberry juice and lady gray tea.
Ask the nurses and the doctor anything rather than worry.
Anything else I can help with just ask.
Good luck River
Thank for replying,I think the diary is a good idea,going to do that,I heard go for sharper tasting foods,or spicy,I will get some herbal teas in to,,I think once I get started on the chemo I will feel better it's the not knowing. Did you still work while having chemo,I work part time at the moment 28 hrs a week,it's shop work so two days a week are 9-6 standing on my feet ,and the other day are morning or afternoon,and as I don't get sick pay ,I don't know whether it would be easier to be sign off for a while until I know how I feel. Did it affect your skin,I have very sensitive skin anyway,and I always have yo moisturize after a shower any way ,just been putting more effort into the past weekxx
Hi Karen
No I was not working. I had stopped working earlier in the year my husband had taken early retirement and I decided to take the summer of before my surgery.
It depends on your chemo I had 1 session every 3 weeks and was there for a full day and had to go for blood tests and see the doctor the day before. Working would have been difficult. Because of my prognosis McMillan's helped me apply for PIP and ESA payments.
The treatment did not effect my skin but I had been advised to use unscented moisturizer so I applied e45 every day (except treatment day) and my skin was fine.
Another tip drink plenty of water before during and after treatment in fact for the whole time.
Also get your voucher for a wig on your first visit. The nhs wigs are very good and plenty of choice.
Take something to keep you occupied and nibbles. Ask them as many questions as you want and anything that pops in your head write down so you won't forget to ask.
Good luck
River
Had my first chemo ,all went ok had a slight reaction to the first chemo plaxsol,but was soon put right and was after that.the second chemo drug was no problem. Felt very tried that night ,sent home with loads of drugs for use affects. Tuesday totally washed out,eating well but prefer sharp good, drinking loads of water. Checking temperature regularly that's fine,but had flushes on face and neck. Next Monday I only have one type of chemo,same the week after that .Then cycle 2 starts .
