1st chemo Thursday

So sorry to hear about your dx.  I had my first chemo 1/22/08.  I also had a/c x 4 then did Taxol everyother week for 4 treatments.  The first day of my a/c treatment, I felt really good.  I ate during the treatment and afterwards, my husband and I ate a big meal before returning home.  Unfortunately, I will never eat any of that food again.  I never experienced any vomitting, just nausea - for about a week after the treatment.  Spent most of that week in bed.  Get lots of rest and take your meds before you get sick and that helps.  Just keep in mind, this is only temporary.  The taxol did not make me near as sick - just sore.  My joints and muscles hurt pretty bad, but I could still function pretty well.

 

christie b

dx 11/2007

st IIa, gr 3

bi-lat mast w/expanders

39 yr old mother of 2

future grandmother

 

There is such a heavy emotional thing along with trying to get rid of the beast and it can be done but you'll have your ups and downs, we all do.

 

When you go in for chemo you will probably be in some sort of room probably w/other patients also getting their chemo.  I don't know what other clinics look like other than mine but we have several recliners, you pick a seat, they will hook up your meds to your port and then you will just sit there for however long they tell you it will be.  Sometimes there are TV's, mags to look at or take someone along to visit w/you and maybe they could run out and get you lunch to bring back?

I took a chemo bag, just made up a tote and put in a bottle of water, snacks, newspaper, book, pen and paper and questions to ask the nurse if I had them.  I know some of the younger ones take in something to listen to music.

You will just get your chemo and then be done, mine lasted around 3 hrs..

Some clinics are set up to see the Onc before or after.

 

Be sure and ask the nurse any questions you have, don't be embarrassed, hey I too have cried in the chemo room, check-up room, you name it.  They will tell you about any side effects and answer your questions.

 

If after you are at home don't hesitate to call the office to speak to one of the nurses if something is going on that you question or if you get a fever.

 

We all react differently to our treatment so I can't really say how you'll feel when you get home but having AC you will probably have a few side effects and they may increase over time but not for everyone.  Like I said, call the nurse with questions and/or get in here and ask us.

 

Since you are so nervous it would really help if someone could go with you the first time or maybe drop you off, come in for awhile until you are settled and then come back to pick you up.

 

Keep us posted, you will be fine.

 

I hope your first treatment went okay.  I had my first on Tuesday, and while i was very nervous beforehand, it went well, and aside from one day of nausea (day two), and some bone pain (from the shot of neulasta, I think), I am doing pretty well.  I'm anxious about losing my hair, and any inrease in side effects, but can honestly say so far it has been better than I expected.  Hopefully, you are having the same experience!  We are on the same treatment protocol (4 a/c every two weeks, 12 taxol, once a week), so  it could be nice to have someone on the boards to chat with! Take care!

Lesley

 

Hang in there.