November 2024 chemo starters

Hi @cazv , I’m having my picc line fitted on 21st so Its new to me too , when do you start chemo ?

@flojo how are you feeling ?

@mrso2 I hope everything went ok today x

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Hi all​:heartpulse: I start chemo literally on Thursday…… just woke up in a bit of a panic as I only found out yesterday that it would be tomorrow​:grimacing::face_with_peeking_eye: I’m trying to stay calm but deep down I’m petrified to be honest. It’s just the fear of the unknown really……. how am I going to feel while they give me my chemo​:sweat: scared! I’m having chemo first and then surgery…… I’ve already had my pre bloods done etc, and she said my treatment lasts about 1.5 hours!!?

Anyone else starting this week?? couldn’t remember what you’ve all said? how are you all feeling!!?? I guess we are all feeling pretty much the same?!

I’m even scared today to take my steroids as I don’t even like taking paracetamol😭 they only thing I take is Levothyroxine - for my undersactive thyroid…… so I’m really worried about taking anything else and how it will make me feel.

Any help or encouragement would be greatly appreciated…… :tired_face::heartpulse:

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Hey @arty1 I begin chemo on Tuesday and extremely anxious.

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@stevie86 I’m not surprised you feel freaked out with so little notice, however at least you know it’s going to be this week and by the end of tomorrow you’ll have ticked off that first chemo. X
Looking at the other monthly threads it seems the advice is to drink plenty of water the day before and on the morning . What chemo are you having ? I start on the 22nd and I’m equally freaked out ! It’s the fear of the unknown , you don’t know what to prepare for :tired_face:

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@cazv hooefully once you’ve ticked off that first one it won’t feel so terrifying . Were are all in the same boat here and all holding your hand x

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It’s great to have the support of the people in this forum. A breath of fresh air.

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I start tomorrow and completely petrified…… I was even scared to take the steroids today. How are you feeling? Do you start this Tuesday? Big Love!!

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Yes drinking plenty of water today (which I do anyways) I’m on my 5 glass I think and had a tea. I’m just scared of how il feel while getting the chemo, I don’t want a reaction or anything serious…… so petrified of something happening.

How are you feeling today?? X

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Hi All just started my first round of docetaxel 6 days ago and developed a very sore throat also have lots of thick saliva and muscus it’s a really unpleasant feeling and it feels like it’s constantly coating the back of my throat and won’t go down it’s making me retch and no matter how many times I spit it out more comes straight away. Has anyone else had this and any ways to help it? The doctor is also giving me a mouthwash to try, thanks xx

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I hope it goes well for you. I’m apprehensive and as everyone says it’s the fear of the unknown, yes my first session is next Tuesday.

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Hi everyone. Sorry I have been quiet for the last few days and thanks for asking @arty1.

So far things have been ok since Friday. The pills have done their job and my main issues have been feeling really tired out and not functioning fully! I started my injections on Monday so waiting to see if the effects kick in from them.

I have been managing to work for a few hours at home each day - in between rests on the sofa. I am sleeping for England.

I find that getting outdoors with the dogs for a walk is hard work but worth it as it perks me up for a couple of hours afterwards.

It feels like still early days but I’m hoping that by the end of the weekend, I will have more energy and the worst side effects will be on their way out.

I have to get my picc checked tomorrow - it’s a bit sore but I don’t think there’s a clot or anything (I hope). Not looking to any more medical appts to be honest but it’s just with the district nurse so hopefully quick.

Take care. xx

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I felt fine during the first chemo (EC) - the nurses were there alongside to make sure nothing happened - and afterwards. It’s a tiring experience I think because it’s so stressful and you don’t know what to expect. Best of luck for tomorrow. Fingers and toes crossed it will be ok. xx

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Do keep eye out for thrush mouth chemo can cause this and you’ll need to let your team know ask for fluconzole tablets don’t let them gob you off with drops if it is thrush mouth. Docetaxol gave loads of us ‘slime mouth’ too fizzy flavoured water and ginger nuts helped a bit :two_hearts::two_hearts::sparkles::sparkles:Shi xx

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Thank you!! I’ve just packed my bag and now going to relax and have some rice and veg for tea!! I’ve drank loads of water today……. and my nerves are ok-ish!!

It’s obviously just the extreme side effects which are worrying me, but that’s normal I guess.

Thank you all for such lovely messages!! it’s helped a lot!!

Big love to you all♥️

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Can I ask a really stupid question, I can ask tomorrow too but because it’s all been too much to take it and my oncologist appointment was a week ago……… so I call the red card number if I get any side effects all??? like even if not serious?? who does everyone else call??

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Totally normal. We’re all in this together. xx

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@stevie86 Which chemo are you having ? I’m terrified of reactions too x
I start 22nd November

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@stevie86 You call the number on your red card , you’ll need to keep an eye on your temperature too , any increase no matter how small and you need to call . Don’t take paracetamol for aches etc as it can mask a temperature x

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Hello all, I would first like to commend you all for being here and know that YOU will get through this…it will be a journey to say the least but you will prevail. I was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer stage 1 grade 3 back in april, bilateral mastectomy with Aesthetic flat closure followed by 12 rounds of taxol chemotherapy/ herceptin. Awaiting oophorectomy surgery as i refused Tamoxifen. I am 44 years old, a wife ,a mother and and a nurse… I managed the chemotherapy quite well but i did a hell of alot of preparation/ research to combat potential side effects. Nutrition is by far the most important tool you have…I went 12 rounds, kept my hair used my OWN walmart bought migraine cold cap to ice my hair kept my eyelashes, eyebrows by icing them during tx and continued to ice my fingers and toes to prevent ANY neuropathy… You MUST prepare your body for the toxicity it will go through but you can combat or at at least alleviate side effects with Nutrition. Protein intake will be your best friend during chemotherapy alongside 3 liters of water…i was so well hydrated I did NOT receive a Port. My doctors and nurses at Sloan Kettering were quite impressed. Im telling you ladies, you gotta prepare…physically and mentally. It can be done…im living proof… I wish you all the greatest success in your journey and God Bless You. Feel free to ask any questions as i am here to support you. Thank you. NIKKI

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@flojo That sounds positive for you ,Im impressed you manage to work too x

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