I am now 6 weeks post mx and am starting chemo tomorrow. I am not sure what to expect - I don’t know how many I will have but I do know that it will be spread over 28 weeks, then 5 weeks rads. I know I will lose my hair but not sure what else to expect. The chemo I will get is E-CMF(?). I am a wee bit scared and worried also concerned as my veins in my left arm are very deep and it is always a struggle to insert a needle. Anyone got any tips to help me through this - thanks!
First of all, sorry you have this rubbish diagnosis and every best wwish for a return to full health.
Most of us find that the staff in chemo usnits are among the best we come across during the whole experience. They, in my experience are more knowledgeable than BCN’s, kinder than surgeons and usually do everything they can to make you feel comfortable, so if you have had good care up to now it usually only gets better from here on.
There are various options regarding the deep veins - I had the same problem and had a PICC line inserted which made the experience much less traumatic for me (and the staff) though it can have problems. It’s worth mentioning at an early stage, they often don’t offer unless you tell them that you are worried.
My top tips; well, there’s a whole thread on this subject somewhere on here, find it and print it off. My own special top tip is speak up and let them know your worries, what you need to be comfortable, ask questions etc. If you are shy get a mouthy friend or relative to do it for you, it definitely seems to help. Also, it helped me to imagine the chemo hunting down cancer cells and destroying them, almost looked forward to it. I found the chemo aspect less distressing than mx by a long way, mainly I think because there was really good support from the chemo unit but also because it ends, even though delays are frustrating you know that when it’s over, it’s over. And when it is over hopefully you will never need chemo again!
just showed myself up in the middle of marks and spencers(only went in for a vest) a lovely lady who was being served in front of me was talking about her treatment and i suddenly burst into tears!!! I will be having chemo soon(not sure when yet)the lady(bless her she must have wondered what this crazy fool was upto)talked to me and told me all about her treatment and assured me what wonderful nurses and staff are at the treatment suite…and to keep upbeat and positive which i know is easier said than done. I hope your first session is not too bad and you get on well… best wishes donna x
I had my 1st chemo on the 20th of Nov, and due to have my 2nd this fri.
I was a little worried before hand, but put on the brave face for everyone like you do, and felt ok until I sat in the chair, and the nurse spoke to me then I burst into tears. The nurse couldn’t have been more supportive. She just held my hand and talked to me. She made me feel calmer and fully supported. I was scared stiff of being sick, and embarrassing myself in front of people, but again she talked me through everything, and I stopped pannicking. To be honest the chemo wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. They give you anti nausia drugs which help alot, and I wasn’t sick at all.
I have just started loosing my hair, which is a little upsetting, but I got my wig last week, and I love it. I picked one that is a different colour and style from my normal and I feel like a new me.
I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to worry, and speak to the nurse about any concerns that you have as they will help and explain everything.
Good luck with everything, I wish you well and good health.
Take care of you, Jo xxx
I’ve just got back from my first chemo session, I’m having FEC, it was bit daunting at first and I did sit in the chair and blubber but the nurse was fab and I left smiling. I have really thin veins and they often struggle getting to them but she got in eventually then the rest was time consuming but painless. Just waiting for the side effects to kick in now.
Best of luck with yours, keep positive, drink lots to flush it through quicker and take all the antiemetics they give you.
Just seen your thread here - I am due to start Chemo on the 17th - FEC - so seeing your posts especially FairyEm’s has somewhat made me a bit more reasurred. I hope the sickness or anything else for that matter stays away for you all.
Will keep watching this space to see how you get on over teh next few days if thats okay.
thanks for your messages really appreciate them. Well I had some good news in that the bone scan and st scan have come back clear - that was an early christmas present! The chemo wasn’t too bad but took 3 turns to get blood and then twice to get IV in so have been referred for a ‘PICC Line?’ - darned veins, but once we got started it was fine, felt a wee be nausea last night but I don’t know if that was just tiredness/relief or worry (or just a combination)but feel fine today. Nurses were fab, felt quite at ease. Know I will start to lose my hair in a few days but going for wig fitting on Monday so should be fine. Going to keep active and positive (well for as long as possible lol).
Will probably be a bit tearful on Tuesday kids going to visit my sister in South Africa with my parents for 4 weeks! Was supposed to go with them till this lump popped up! So very quiet Christmas for me and OH.
Good luck to all who have started or jsut starting this treatment - for me it is so far so good but then I have only had one treatment - I will carry on with this thread as and when the side effects hit me (so to speak).
Please keep in touch and let me know how you are all doing. Thanks again.
Pleased it went well. I’ve had very few side effects too. My hair started to fall 2 wks after 1st FEC and had it shaved yesterday. Now have a very chilly bonce!