Hi Ros, I was at the hospital about 3 hrs, half hour before chemo and 45 minutes after because of cold cap. Chemo given slowly through injections along with saline drip - took about half hour. Felt no discomfort or adverse effects from that, it was almost an anti-climax! I did suffer with the cold cap though. I found it very painful and felt sick, the nurse and my husband said I should remove it, that's when I burst into tears because I felt frustrated and knew if I didn't do it on the first cycle, I couldn't use it for the rest. I honestly don't know if I'm going to try it for my 2nd cycle next week, I'll have to see how I feel. Of course, not everyone struggles with the cold cap and I certainly think it's worth a try.
Other tips: I have problems with my veins but the nurse put my hand in warm water for 10mins before inserting the cannula then put a heat pad around my arm during treatment, that worked a treat; I wish I'd listened to advice on here about taking movicol or similar before constipation becomes a problem (definitely not fybogel, I learnt from experience!), I ended up with suppositories from my GP and was in a lot of pain and discomfort; take all the anti-sickness meds, I felt nauseous but wasn't sick, ginger biscuits helped too!; I had a reaction to dexamethasone, a burning hot red face and neck for 2 days and was told off by onc team for not phoning them; on day 8 of my cycle I had diarrhoea, contacted emergency number and prescribed Loperamide, worked instantly; eat little and often and drink plenty.
The fear and anticipation of chemo was actually worse than the actual chemo. I know it's early days and I may not be so lucky next time but so far, so good. Hoping your's and everyone else's goes as well. Take care and best wishesx
