Hi ElliesMum,
Looks like you have had lots of tips so far. I am from June Chemos and have had 3 x FEC and 2 x T so far. Make sure you drink lots the day before chemo, its helps to get the veins nice and plump and easier to use. I kept a stash of ginger biscuits, mints and sweets with me and beside the bed incase of nausea. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times and drink lots especially the couple of days after chemo. It helps to flush it all through. Eat what you like when you like, little and often helps with nausea. Take all the meds they give you, and don’t be afraid to call the hotline if you have any worries, they are great and answer anything! Do you have a good thermometre (ear one is good), you need to keep an eye on your temperature. First cycle I was paranoid and kept taking it every hour but you get used to that and by 2 or 3rd you don’t need to take it so often but do keep an eye. If you take paracetomal for headaches or aches and pains remember to take your temp before hand as it can lower your temperature. I think you said you are having FEC? One part of the FEC is red and as soon as its finished your wee will be bright red… don’t panic thats normal and it soon fades!
On the day, as the others have said, comfy clothing, a friend to chat to, a book to read, nibbles and drinks. For FEC the nurse will sit with you and feed the chemo into your cannula so you’ll have her to chat to as well. The thought is definately worse than the deed, I cried throughout my first one but it was over within about hour and half and I was off home. The side effects (mostly a bit of nausea… like morning sickness I found) lasted a few days and then I bounced back. You get more tired as things go on, but rest up when you need and most importantly of all… keep coming on here, we are all going through it and will help in any way and its nice when you have things to pass on to others too.
Oh and I keep a diary, I write down everyday when I have taken pills (theres usually a lot to remember) and also any side effects, you will get to see a pattern as each month usually follows the same pattern.
Hair - sorry to mention it, not sure if you are cold capping? I didn’t and my hair started to come out by day 12 of first FEC, I then had to have it shaved on day 15 as falling out really quickly. Others have hung on a bit later than that. I had my hair cut short beforehand as my hair was quite long. Its distressing, I won’t lie, but you soon get used to it, there are lots of lovely hats/scarfs and very cheap on ebay/Amazon. I also have a lovely wig, the NHS should provide you with a voucher to help with payment, I had to pay the first £70. Ask if they haven’t already told you about it, as its good to have one ready if you choose that route. If you go onto June Chemo starters there are lots of photos of us rocking our baldies! Its very liberating and by First cycle of T my hair was starting to grow back, I have about 1cm now!
Oh and book onto a Looking Good Feeling Better course if you can, lovely morning where they show you how to apply makeup, draw on eyebrows etc and you get loads of freebies - about £250 of makeup! Well worth it and a nice pamper when you need it!
Take care,
Kip
xx