chemo

WantInformation
WantInformation Member Posts: 2 *
in Breast Cancer #1

How long does it take to recover from first chemo?

Comments

  • RocDocVic
    RocDocVic Member Posts: 148 Member
    #2
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/328826/chemo

    It depends on which chemo drugs you were given. If you were also given a Neulasta shot the day after chemo to rebuild your blood cells. Everyone reacts slightly differently with varying degrees of side effects. I was given Taxotere, Herceptin and Perjeta every 3 weeks plus the Neulasta shot the day afterwards. I was usually very sick for about 14 days following the Neulasta shot day. I had 5-6 days where I felt ok. Some people are lucky and recover after 8-9 days. It's horrible but if you're extremely ill tell your Oncologist, they may lower your dose. My Taxotere was lowered after the 3 round, and only made it slightly better. I achieved a pathological complete response, pCR, to the chemo drugs too. No evidence of cancer cells found in the tumor and surrounding tissue and no cancer detected in lymph nodes removed during the lumpectomy surgery. Best of luck.

  • WantInformation
    WantInformation Member Posts: 2 *
    #3

    Thank you. I will talk with the my oncologist. It has been 6 days after chemo and white blood cell booster shot and I am still very sick.

  • LIYAH
    LIYAH Member Posts: 13 Member
    #4

    Re: Recovery Time After First Chemotherapy

    Good Afternoon WantInformation Member,

    The recovery time after the first round of chemotherapy can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

    • The specific chemotherapy drugs used: Some medications have more severe side effects than others.
    • The overall health and fitness of the individual:
    • The individual's response to the chemotherapy.

    General Considerations:

    • Common Side Effects: Common side effects of chemotherapy can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, and decreased blood cell counts.
    • Recovery Time: It can take several weeks or even months for some side effects to subside.
    • Individual Variability: Recovery times can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may experience minimal side effects, while others may experience more severe and prolonged symptoms.
    • I could no longer walk after the 2nd month of chemotherapy in 2019/2020. I just learned back how to walk about/around the end of 2022

    I understand this is a challenging time. Please remember that each individual's experience with chemotherapy is unique.

    I hope this information is helpful.

  • RocDocVic
    RocDocVic Member Posts: 148 Member
    #5
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719692#Comment_1719692

    I took Claritin and Ibuprofen to deal with the Neulasta shot, but added Benadryl at night. I took them for 8 days. I also took Lomotil to deal with the diarreah since it's much better than Immodium AD. I drank a lot of water and Cranberry juice to flush out the chemo drugs and stay hydrated. Eat what you can, and whenever you can. I ate a lot cheesecake and chocolate cake since I could tolerate these and they were good for calories. Also high calorie Boost and Ensure protein drinks. Oatmeal and eggs, toast with strawberry jam, and fresh fruit too. I still lost about 30 lbs, and am currently at 105 lbs 9 months post cytotoxic chemo drugs. I still struggle with my appetite at times.

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