This thread is for anyone due to start chemotherapy this month. I’m sure others will be here soon but please introduce yourself and you can all help one another through this phase of your treatment. If you have any questions please post away on here and others in the community will watch over you whilst you are getting started. Once you are into it you’ll be pretty good at helping each other. You can also ask the nurses on this forum if you have any concerns. In the meantime, the top tip is always to stay well hydrated throughout chemo, aiming for 2 litres of water per day and get a thermometer and check your temperature every day.
I finished my chemo in October 2017 and doing very well again now. Here is my story which has some chemo tips on how I coped which were collectively shared from others who had gone through the same from this forum:
If you decide to set up a private group its good to stay on here also during treatment as I know from experience there are some people who watch but don’t immediately pluck up the courage to join in. Your conversations can be a real comfort to others.
If you’re new to the forum, here’s the “Getting Started” advice:
I am due to start in August however do not have a date as yet. I have been asked to consider a trial and my plan would be:-
Cycle 1 Day 1 Carboplatin and paclitaxel, Cycle 1 day 8 paclitaxel and Cycle 1 Day 15 Paclitaxel and then same until Cycle 4. Cycle 5, 6 and 7 is anthracyclines. There is then 12 days of 2 tablets a day called Olaparib then 6 days off and then back on the 12 days and so on.
I feel super scared and like this is a huge amount of chemo compared to others I have read about. Really panicking that I will be bed ridden for 6 months.
Hi, I’m due to have my first round of EC next Tuesday. It’s all a bit of a whirlwind at the moment and reading all the information about the drugs is a bit overwhelming but I’m ready to get started. I was diagnosed about 6 weeks ago so this is my first step on the treatment plan.
I’m thinking I’ll probably stop working till after chemo so Monday will be my last day, which feels a bit weird when I don’t even feel sick yet!
I start chemo this Monday 9th. Feeling scared about feeling unwell (3 boys at home with me, 1 who has additional needs). Does anyone know if I can take someone to sit with me and if not will I feel ok to drive home after the session.
Thank you
I start x4 rounds of TC chemo this Friday.
I’ve tried not to read too much as I know it effects people in different ways.
This is the most scared I’ve been so far though. I’m a single Mum with two teenage sons. The boys are being amazing and I have close friends helping me. Plus my own Mum is coming to look after me for the first few days. I’m mostly worried about the nighttime for some reason! I think potentially feeling really poorly, not being able to sleep etc! I will be super glad to get the first one done as nurse said that should give me a general idea of how the others will pan out.
I’m going to try the cold cap. I have a couple of friends that have used it successfully. They have given me a list as long as my arm of things to prepare for and to help me get through it! It sounds joyous!
I’m so glad this little Aug group exists. Thank you xx Horrid that it has to. But for me, having others that are going through similar is really helpful. For info/advice But mostly for the amazing support.
Sending my love to you all. I’ll keep you posted …….
Hi,
I start my chemo tomorrow, I’m a bit nervous. Any ideas of things I should take with me, (apart from obvious things like book, tablet, snacks). I’m having 4 rounds of EC, fortnightly, then 12 weekly Taxol treatments.
I had my first round this morning - well it kinda took all day! Was in at 10am and got home at 3.30pm. I only live 15 mins from hospital!
I’m having x4 rounds of TC. With cold cap.
I was dreading the cold cap but it wasn’t half as bad as I was expecting. I took two strong codeine painkillers beforehand though so I think that def helped me to get through the freeze (10/15minutes at start). It went on 30 mins before and had to stay on 90 mins after!
If you’re gonna try one make sure it fits tightly. It has to be really close to your scalp.
It may help keep my hair, it may not. But I wanted to give it a go. If not I’ll brave the shave and wear funky wraps n hats for as long as needed!
I took loads of warm clothes. Didn’t need my scarf, gloves or extra cardy and socks! I did use a heat pad on my lap though - hospital provided that. I also took hot chocolate in a flask and that was lush!
Nurses were amazing. As always! Have been sent home with various drugs. Steroids, anti-sickness tablets and bone marrow injections that I’ll need to inject into my tummy! They let me practice on a fake tummy! They also gave me mouthwash and moisturiser.
I have a 24hr number to call if I’m worried about anything at all. So far though I feel fine. Not really any different but I think that may be due to the steroids helping me out?!? A friend said her side effects kicked in once she’d stopped the steroids. It’s a bit of a waiting game. I’ve never waited to be poorly before! It kinda always just happens! Plus I have no idea what this ‘poorly’ will look like. Very odd situation.
Apparently I may not be able to sleep tonight due to steroids attempting to convince my body that I’m on speed! I’m hoping to override those signals!
Who knows what tomorrow brings but today has been more manageable than I thought. We’ve got this gorgeous ladies! The fear of the unknown today was definitely far worse than the treatment itself. And if the nasty side effects do catch up with me, it will be ok, they will pass.
Hope you all are doing ok. Sending my love. Sarah xxx
Was keen to try the cold cap but reading through the booklet I’m beginning to think it’s not worth the hassle and sounds blooming awful. Anyone else going to give it a try?