I am starting chemotherapy 27/1 and have read lots of the threads here trying to prepare…what should I take with me to the hospital? Should I eat/not eat before hand and how soon does the sickness kick in? I have an appointment at the wig makers later on in the afternoon.I have been offered and intent to try the ice caps, has any one had success with them? I have seen a couple of mentions but only when they have not worked. I have quite long hair and am reluctant to cut it just in case…miracle of miracles I keep it. If I don’t keep it then hopefully I will have the next 30 years to re grow it! Apart from drinking plenty is there any pre preparation I need to take? So many questions…but like they say…Ask the experts!
Hello feeC
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June, moderator
Hallo FeeC!
Thought I’d bump this up for you.
I’m having FEC4 tomorrow, so just two to go after that.
I didn’t know what to expect at the first one so took nothing with me and I didn’t really need anything.
In fact they gave me a sandwich, packet of crisps and a cup of tea during the treatment.
Afterwards I felt a little whoosy and unsteady but nothing major.
They will give you drugs to help with the sickness and I personally haven’t felt sick at all during the first three cycles.
Everyone has different s/es - mine are indigestion, a metallic taste for about 7 days and sleeplessness for a few nights after treatment due to the steroids.
I also feel very tired and lacking in energy and this effect seems to be cumulative so just listen to your body and rest when it tells you to.
I had long hair and was upset when it came out but it doesn’t bother me now. I’ve seen some posts on here where the cold cap has been successful but the treatment takes longer and some people say that it can be a bit painful.
Best of luck for Thursday!
Wendy.
I find out today whether I’ll be jumping on the chemo train, but it won’t be for another month in any case, as I have to have more surgery (tomorrow). I also have long hair, but if I do have to lose it, rather than just chuck it in the bin I’m going to get it cut off before chemo and donate it to Little Princess Trust, a charity that takes donations of hair and makes them into wigs for children who have lost their hair through cancer. littleprincesses.org.uk in case you’re interested. At least then the hair that we’re not allowed to keep would be of some value to others going through chemo.
hiya FeeC, i have had 3 FEC and I didnt know what to expect. i did take some pear drops with me to the hospital to take the taste away from one of the drugs which seemed to help a little. Lots of people have recommended drinking lots and lots of water before during and after treatment. I was terribly sick after the first and second but then they changed my anti-sickness tablets so not as bad last time. I have lost my hair, had it clippered off on new years eve and was glad to as it was falling out fast. I am used to it too now though. I have a wig which I tend to wear when I go out but just wear scarves and hats at home or nothing! I still have my eyebrows and eye lashes at the mo. The metallic taste is a bit yukky so have been eating pineapple before meals when its bad which seemed to help me enjoy the taste of food more. Tiredness has been a problem for me, some days I have no energy at all, other days Im fine. The steroids did make me feel spaced out and didnt sleep very well while I was taking them. good luck with your treatment xx Ness xx
Hello FeeC.
I’m FEC no 2 on the 27th so we will be chemo buddies that day. I didn’t really notice a metallic taste but I sucked lemon sherberts anyway. I believe in lots of water. Tea and coffee are always available, and snacks if you want. I didn’t feel nauseous and tired until later, just a bit woozy but that could have been the fear of the unknown. I was up and dressed next morning for the district nurse and my injection, just feeling delicate. I was really nice to myself for a few days that I felt under the weather. Magazines and treats are the way to go.
Hi FeeC, some people recommend drinking ice water or sucking on ice cubes, ice lollies or something similar before and during chemo. This is supposed to help avoid sores in your mouth, but perhaps it’s just more refreshing. The centre I go to has an ice + water dispenser, but some people take something in a flask or cool bag. You’ll have one arm out of action during the actual treatment.
Some of the drugs can only be prepared once you are there, so if you are getting that type, go prepared to sit around for a couple of hours before you start. The cold cap will add to the time you spend as well, so think about books, music, games, and maybe something to nibble on.
Let’s hope you don’t have any SEs, but if you do be sure to let someone know. The anti-sickness drugs can have effects of their own, so sometimes the type or the dose have to be adjusted.
I think the advice to have plenty to drink before and after is good and I found it helped my stomach to nibble on grapes, satsuma slices, and so forth.
I’m having my second treatment (FEC) on Friday.
Best wishes,
Cheryl
Hi, just to let you know that the cold cap has worked for me. And i regret cutting my hair short now. I should have listened to my mum!! :-). My hair has thinned in places but is still really thick in others. The cold cap is really cold at first but after 10 minutes i forgot i had it on. It is a pain cos it extends treatment time and those first 10 minutes are COLD but i say give it a go. And don’t cut it yet! And as for not eating, i used to eat my dinner while i was having treatment. And the sickness meds are good, i only felt sick once after my first treatment. Good luck. x
Thank you so much for all that advice, I am touched that you have taken time out to help. I will certainly donate my hair if the caps don’t work…how great to be able to do that, a very small silver lining, as well as saving on hair products!So, I will take cold drinks and sweets to suck with me and books etc. I have an hour and a bit to drive to the hospital so what with ice caps and wig appointment it is going to be a long day! I will be thinking of you all at your various stages. My biggest fear is weight gain. I have struggled with my weight all my life, not too much over weight but enough and finally in the last few years I have discovered running and triathlons and have trimmed down. I get very unhappy about the thought of gaining any weight at all. Ahh well, the alternative is worse I suppose. Thank you again, good luck to you all and I will let you know how it goes.