I started chemo a few weeks ago and unfortunately got quite a lot of sickness & nausea. The things that helped enormously were rice cakes with marmite on them (had never tried marmite before and discovered I like it and it is one of the few things I can actually taste) and satsumas or mandarins. Again, I could taste these when nothing else tasted right. Ribena or apple & blackcurrent squash was also very good and stayed down quite well.
None of the above upset my tummy and made sure I got some calories in during the days when sickness was at its worst.
I now have Emend which should prevent this from happening next cycle. Make sure you ask for it if you suffer from the nausea/sickness.
Fantastic list of do’s and don’t.
Keeping a bag packed I will do now as just had a spell in hospital. List of emergency numbers also brill.
Many thanks xx
hi
my nurse told me that fresh pineapple is better than tinned because the enzyme that gets rid of the fur isnt present after ithe canning process.
angie xx
BUMPing up this old but incredibly useful thread that was a ‘sticky’ on the last two versions of the forum. Don’t know if mods can ‘sticky’ it again in this area, otherwise it’s a useful one to bookmark or make a personal sticky for anyone about to start chemo (best read from oldest to newest as it’s VERY long!)
If you want to make it sticky for yourself, you can do this from the ‘thread options’ next to the title
Hi all,
I’ve had my first chemo two weeks tomorrow. First few days were just getting the sicky feeling, Sunday was more my throat burning. I hate milk but milk and strawberry shakes have helped loads, also frozen grapes and mango. Although Gavison spearmint has helped loads. So nice to enjoy a hot cuppa tea and warm food. So week later I had eaten my first proper full meal and it was so tasty. Although it will be a week tomorrow since I NOT opened my bowel. I’ve been given sachets which should of helped since Tuesday…failed! Now been given Lactulose, hopefully will kick in soon. Does anyone else had these systems or recommend anything else please?
Also I feel like crap tonight…have the cold signs etc. do I need to call the cancer ward or will this pass?
I feel very lucky with no sickness so far, which I really hate. I have been driving since last week and also been back to work since last week. I have felt great going back to work getting into a routine but only part time.
Hi icle_V
Just noticed your posting. Wondered where you had gone. I’m the one doing chemo first like you. Started first one on the 3rd. Can’t help much personally with your SE’s as I have escaped most of them but you may find it useful to hop over to the September Stars monthly thread where there are some very knowledgeable ladies going through lots of these SE’s at the moment and probably more besides. They are a great bunch, very supportive, with lots of help and tips to get you through this.
Take care and I hope things improve for you soon. x
I had my first chemo 9days ago and apart from over estimating what I can do, am feeling a lot better today as long as I pace myself. Have suffered sickness at start and constipation, and never seem to finish a cuppa but have found so many things to tempt my taste buds at present. Blueberries, Victoria plums, salads, raspberries all good stuff.
Am trying to keep mainly fruit and veg meals and avoid high protein/fat on advice given by oncologist and indeed these are what I find I am craving anyway. Anybody any tips on what to drink, don’t do water, don’t fancy wine?
Hi Icle_V, if you mean the link to September Stars, you will find us on the Going Through Treatment section, Monthly threads Starting chemo in September. We also have an active Facebook page too. x
PICC line - how have people coped with showers.
I have been given the limbo products leaflet at the hospital for a waterproof protector which incidentally looked rubbish when they showed me one. fine if it does the job tho’ however when tried to go on website prices nothing like on leaflet & unclear which one I need as PICC not in elbow is in upper arm.
Nurse mentioned some people use cling film. is this effective? Don’t mind paying for sleeve if makes life easier just want most effective solution
Have developed a liking for blue lady tea and bitter shandy. Found shandy the best thirst quencher! Wine just doesn’t taste right anymore. Will have to get down the local pub more regularly!
In addition to the support you will soon have here, please feel free to call our helpliners for further practical and emotional support on 0808 800 6000, lines are open during the week 9-5 and 10-2 Saturdays
You may find the following link to the BCC ‘Treatments’ information and more support ideas helpful over the coming months:
Hi I’ve just started Fec 20/12. 1st day was ok went for a walk then nausea kicked in. I’ve been given cyclizine and eventually that has helped but now suffering with throat ulcers. Have been given erythromycin which has caused unpleasant stools. I am going to try your ideas and I’m hoping something works. If anyone has any suggestions your help is very much appreciated.
Hi Jemp0812
Welcome to the BCC forums, please see the links I have posted below to Lizzielou to our helpline and further information from BCC which you may find helpful over the coming months