How can I tell if it's the chemo treatment?

Going through breast cancer treatment Chemotherapy
1

Ok, my conundrum is this… 

 

I am currently having a little constipation, not terrible but ugh feeling bloatingness. 

I also have two mouth ulcers on my tongue.

My lips are constantly dry and peeling. 

I am weeing for England - I am also drinking lots as advised so hey. 

My joints are hurting, especially in the mornings, my back isn’t good either. 

I’m tiring easily, very easily. 

My shoulders are tight and causing me mild headaches. 

I’m almost constantly feeling vaguely nauseous. 

 

 

Now… None of the above is overly concerning me, or causing anything but annoyance… However, the reason for my question…

 

If I’d had my first chemotherapy session as planned on Monday, I’d be putting it down to side effects from the chemotherapy, I mean, it’s all stuff you are warned about and know is a possibility… 

But, my first session got postponed until tomorrow, Thursday, so I’ve not had any yet, at all, no change in medication etc, nothing, zip, nada…

 

So… Ultimately, its all stress related, most of what’s up there I have experienced before at times of stress in my life, certainly the mouth ulcers and tummy troubles, and it’s a simple case of having over the counter stuff in and dealing with it whilst acknowledging the cause and helping myself relax. 

 

So… How on earth am I meant to tell the difference? I’ve been told to note down even milder symptoms, and as I say if I’d had the chemo on Monday I would have put these down as a symptom, ok, it’s not likely to change anything really, but it does seriously highlight for me how much stress can affect you anyway!

I’ve had mouth ulcers that started from stress become severe enough to stop me drinking before, so could I really attribute that to the chemo at all?

 

Am I just over thinking this?? 

2

Hi fluff ball no you are not overthinking anything, please let your team know about everything before you start your chemo, they will ensure any additional meds are in your goody bag to take home after chemo. But you need to let them know. Difflam a good for sloshing mouth out with. You need to keep track of your temp when starting and even if you don’t feel right with no temp ring rapid response or if wee burning and no temp phone rapid response, no one will think you are being dramatic, they will be pleased you are being vigilant and calling them. Sending :heart:??:sparkles::sparkles:shi xx

3

If it’s any consolation, Fluffball, I found that many of my chronic problems disappeared with chemo. No more IBS (and it hasn’t come back), no full-on panic attacks (ok, the onc prescribed lorazepam to take before chemo but none at home???), no winter blues/depression. My skin was smooth and beautiful (I was 67), my nails strong (still are, too strong) and my remaining boob actually grew to a respectable boob size and now fills my bra properly! There are pluses ;) 

 

Just record everything, report anything that changes, ask about anything that bothers you and, above all, check your thermometer is accurate. My newly-purchased one was eventually found to register 2 degrees under - after I’d been admitted with neutropoenic sepsis that could have been prevented had I gone in 12 hours earlier. Check your thermometer!! All the best for you chemo,

 

Jan