hello, it’s been a rough road so far. TOld to expect diaognosis on the 3rd Jan, biopsies left me with deep black bruises that lasted for weeks and weeks. being told that ripped open the can of worms aka trauma that I had been keeping under wraps thanks to a younger sister who had antisocial personality disorder who abused me psychologically, physically and financially till she died at the height of covid in hospital. AT that time I was just plain relieved she was dead. Trying to keep all the hospital appointments with horrific memories of hospitals during covid and sister has been very hard. Lovely local charity run cancer care centre have organised trauma counsellor for me so I can see them in a safe space away from the hospital. I am doing all I can to protect my entire health to the best of my ability.
Started pre-surgery chemo in mid Feb but then had three adverse reactions to initial drug within 5ml every time no matter what the hospital tried. Scared the crap out of me. Lovely oncologist has since changed me straight to nab-pacetaxel (sp) as is sure I am allergic to the drug carrier used. TBH A full dose of that has been better than 5ml of duxotaxel (sp) Never again. MY body just goes hell no to the stuff. managed first full chemo treatment on Weds and now surfacing from that. (Phesgo, nab-pacetaxel and carboplatin)
So I am just about here and hoping for signposting on this forum as I have no idea where to start. I could also do with some suggestions for food to try as the taxes has hit my tastebuds hard. Food I normally love tastes of acid and beige bland seems to be calling. water also tastes awful so I am now using sugar cordials like Belvoir and Greens to flavour water so I can drink it.
Welcome. Of course you can join us! You’re part of the club, even if none of us would choose this particular club.
There are some ‘Chemo Starters’ threads for which a new one is created every month. Worth looking at those as you will get lots of answers to your practical questions regarding chemo, diet etc.
This is such a lovely safe space where you can share whatever you want to, safe in the knowledge you will never be judged and you will always be embraced. I hope it helps you manage your path through cancer.
I can relate a little to your experience regarding chemotherapy. I had two allergic reactions to Paclitaxel and told the oncologist that I wasn’t prepared to try it again. I switched to nab-Paclitaxel and found it ok. However mine was post-surgery so was perhaps not such a high dosage as you may be having.
As Jaygo says, take a look at the Chemotherapy monthly threads to find others at a similar stage. You could also post in the Ask the Nurses section for any specific advice regarding chemo side effects.
Really glad you found us @wibbles you’ve already had such a stressful journey. And I’m glad you’ve found our March chemo starters thread, keep asking for food advice there I’m sure we will all discover these things together. I had a large glass of fresh orange juice last night that really cut through the bad taste in my mouth, it was the best thing id drunk in days haha
ȚHank you so much for sharing. the first time I did not know what had hit me. I have to admit the second time scared me half to death and it took all my courage to try again. After the third adverse reaction with everything they could throw to damp Ìt down even the oncologist suspected it was the drugs carrier that was causing the allergic problems so they switched straight to nab-paxitaxel instead of just paxitaxel.
Knowing someone else has been in the same place makes me feel less of a wuss. I initially thought I had failed at chemo till the oncologist managed to start to reassure me there were other drugs they could try with different carriers. The oncology nurses have been extra supportive since as that all seriously kicked off severe anxiety and are allowing my husband to stay during treatment. they are going slowly so it takes longer to do and keeping a very close eye for any other possible reactions.
Worked out last night the rolling stomach abyss and nausea is not anxiety caused but an unexpected presentation of chemo nausea. Feeling more human and able to eat some since I started taking the antiemetics they gave me last night.
Glad orange juice is now palatable. Ñot sure I could face that just yet as citrus and anything with a tang tastes of acid. DD (nurse) reckons ,for now, my sour taste buds have downed tools and gone on strike.
AT least ginger biscuits and pomegranate and elderflower cordial tastes just about okay.
