@catlover2 that sounds about right. If it’s weekly dox/pax it seems to last about 90 mins. Plus pre-meds. The injection takes about 10 mins then you have a gap of about 20 in case of reaction.
I agree with @ariella that it’s a case of working out what’s best for you which will only really happen once you’ve got started. And what your hospital provides - mine is pretty good with hot and cold drinks and biscuits so I don’t bother taking food and drink apart from a water bottle. Definitely something to do - a book, headphones and a device, crosswords, knitting - I’ve seen it all ! Once you’re home if you do get the weird taste thing, I’d stick to cold drinks, fizzy and citrusy work for me, and ice lollies. You won’t need electrolytes unless you get diarrhoea. Otherwise drink loads (flush the poison out and don’t let it sit in your bladder and irritate it), eat what you can, rest and do things to take your mind off it. Keep taking your temperature (hence the thermometer) a few times a day. Try to have a walk each day if you can. Go with the flow and sleep if you want/can (if the steroids let you!). You’ll work it out
@hopefull60 sounds like you’re right on plan! Ground linseed (otherwise they just pass straight through) - full of omega 3, phytoestrogens (don’t worry, completely different to the oestrogen in our bodies), fibre, natural laxative, high protein, combat inflammation, reduce hot flushes, good for hair - it’s a very long list. I was taking it anyway before BC but I’ve read enough and listened to podcasts enough to have heard it being recommended by many experts. If you’re not used to it I’d start with a spoonful a day and try to increase gradually to 2 tbsp.
Im having them every 3 weeks, 6 cycles. Thanks so much for replying. Im so scared of having an allergic reaction and then also scared of how im going to be after and for the next few weeks. Im petrified im going to ruin things for my son whilst hes preparing for his gcse’s as i know i cant hide any of it from him x
Although we are all in this club together our journeys are all totally individual. We all have different lives, different ages, health situations physical and mental. I know it must be hard not to compare but its just not possible. You are getting through this daily @sammy75 and you are the only person that can do it for you. Find whatever works for you and just keep doing that
The one thing I used most was my hot drink flask. I had it exactly the right drinking temp, not too hot but still hot and I had a really flavourful ginger tea bag in it.
I also took a book which I did read and a blanket as I cold capped.
I didnt take snacks as I knew I wouldn’t have an appetite but the lady bringing around drinks and food found me some ginger biscuits so next time I think I’ll take some with me.
@catlover2 the worst part of my first chemo day was walking in there and sitting down. Once I got settled and the nurses wrapped me up in their kindness everything was ok and remember you have us in your pocket for support
@catlover2 like @foxgem says we are all here for you and each other. It’s very tough but you’ll be fine. Only 20% of people get an allergic reaction so that’s low odds for a start. And no one knows how they’ll be afterwards until - afterwards! It’s different for each of us - best thing to do is reach out for advice and support as you encounter each hurdle.
Sorry guys, i already suffer with bad anxiety as im sure u can tell lol, before all this and nothing is helping! I have not time to get fit or lose weight either. I already have a huge awareness of my heartbeat/fast heart rate etc due to my anxiety and heard that this can be affected. They have given me steroids to take the day before but they havent said anything about antihistamines. Thanks again all for listening and for your advice x
@catlover2 I know everyone’s regime is different but I get my antihistamine in my pre-meds just before the paclitaxel. It’ll probably be the same for you. But you can always ask! Your oncology team will have pharmacists attached to it and I’ve found them to be excellent. Maybe get in touch with them or your nurses beforehand to put your mind at ease. Also for the first two infusions they sit with you and observe you to watch for a bad reaction. It’s definitely reassuring. I’m sure you’ll be fine
@catlover2 If you struggle with anxiety (me too) you could try some breathwork-lots on apps like Headspace & Insight Timer for example but also Penny Brohn does some lovely relaxation/breathwork sessions each week for cancer you can join for free which have really helped me x
Have you spoken to your gp about this? If its too late then I would mention this to the oncology nurses on the day because they might be able to get you a prescription for something that will help. I get the impression they have all the tools ready for anything haha
Hey Sammy good to hear from you, hope you’re doing OK
You aren’t failing, please don’t think that!! Chemo is BRUTAL on our bodies and we all feel it differently, whether you have a rough ride or not is not failure or success. Don’t compare your journey, I know it’s hard not to but however you’re coping is personal to you . Sending lots of love your way xx
I’m day 8 and honestly feel 99% normal! Never the full 100% haha. The only thing is I cant seem to warm up but then I am still getting used to the pixie haircut.
District nurse came today and flushed my picc line. That went really well, just a little bit stingy now
That’s weird @foxgem I’m also feeling really cold today. Must be something in the air. Rest of the week is looking lovely and sunny and warm where I am .
Good to hear you’re feeling so well. Me too. Hope it’s the same for others. Just stacking those neutrophil smoothies in preparation for Wednesday’s blood test .
what a difference a week makes, I’m feeling alot better, I think I posted early enough last thursday which was day 7 for me, I felt pretty awful that afternoon, like getting electric shocks in my bones, the tramadol did bugger all for me. I think it was from the neulasta, was really tired Friday and Saturday and ok yesterday, still got a walk in most days. Was just careful on the weekend as my wbc was probably at it’s lowest.
Feel normal today, I stil have a big bruise on thigh from the neulasta injection.
How’s everyone else doing? I’m seeing the oncologist on Thursday for a review before the next round on the 27th March
Day 6 here and I still feel like a steam roller has run over me but it’s getting better! Today back ache is the new side effect! I’m trying to do some work but my head feels like it’s got cotton wool in it!
I’ve been struggling to eat as usual at this point but also, as with each cycle, I’ve had a craving for cheese/cottage cheese. I dare say after this I’ll never want it again!
Radiotherapy planning session is scheduled for next Monday… x
Hello all. Sorry you’re feeling rough @anncuk - hopefully all will settle soon. I had a good weekend but have ended up spending day in the cancer assessment unit for constipation which is maybe the least dramatic side effect. Uncomfortable and frustrating though and totally diverted me from the day I thought I’d be having. That’s maybe the worst bit, and I am not used to taking myself seriously about side effects yet. Sigh.
What day am I on, 6? Felt pretty normal yesterday, appetite back, though constipation was an issue from Thurs/Fri. Did my first filgrastim last night. I think I’ve felt a bit ‘weird’ from that today, but who honestly knows. Kind of want to go straight back to bed and try again tomorrow!
@felineoptimist Thank you! It sounds like you are having a day of it too. Tomorrow is a new day for us all and you’re doing well so far, constipation is no joke is it, nor are those injections!
I just collected my post and had another letter from the hospital, telling me what I knew already but it doesn’t make it any easier seeing it all written out does it? x
! Once you’re home if you do get the weird taste thing, I’d stick to cold drinks, fizzy and citrusy work for me, and ice lollies. You won’t need electrolytes unless you get diarrhoea. Otherwise drink loads (flush the poison out and don’t let it sit in your bladder and irritate it), eat what you can, rest and do things to take your mind off it. Keep taking your temperature (hence the thermometer) a few times a day. Try to have a walk each day if you can. Go with the flow and sleep if you want/can (if the steroids let you!). You’ll work it out 
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