First chemotherapy treatment today

authenticgurlygirl

NoTimeForCancer

Good luck. Are you getting the carbo/taxol cocktail? I took notes throughout the schedule. When it burned my arm they backed it down and I would tell them that the next treatment. It was helpful to let them know down the line as I went through it.

You can do this! You will surprise yourself. Remember, chemo is constipating so keep an eye on that.

DidiON

I just finished 6 rounds of Paclitaxel (Taxol) and Carboplatin on Feb 28. It was not too bad for me. Let your oncology team know about any side effects you experience. They can reduce the meds somewhat to see if that reduces the side effects for you. I started to get peripheral neuropathy in my hands by the 3rd infusion. They reduced The Taxol and the tingling went away. I have some tinnitus probably from the Carboplatin. It was slightly reduced for infusion 5. It bothered me less after that. I had my hearing checked and it was not impacted by the chemo although the tinnitus was lessened and has not yet gone away. This stuff impacts our bodies but hopefully the results are worth the cost.

NoTimeForCancer

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1722100#Comment_1722100

Congrats DidiON! Did you get to ring the bell??

DidiON

I did ring the bell but was conflicted about doing so because I still have radiation therapy to go. I had my first 3 sessions of external radiation on the VMAT version of IMRT. It only lasts 2 or 3 minutes but extends from above my belly button to the pubic area. I’m taking probiotics to hopefully minimize bowel effects. I have sore knees right now. It could be a chemo side effect or could be related to the radiation. Has anybody had sore knees from radiation?

NoTimeForCancer

DidiON, I understand what you mean about feeling conflicted about ringing the bell. I felt bad ringing it as it was in the room with everyone getting chemo. On my last chemo there was one woman just starting her chemo for some chemo and it was clear no one explained the treatment process to them at all. She and her friend didn't understand that it was going to be an entire day and thought it was just run in, get it, and leave. I tried to chat briefly and give them some peace, but how do you ring a bell in front of this person??? I understand you being conflicted.

I never noticed pain from the radiation. For me it was just the chemo that gave me the joint aches.

Mercorby

I never got to ring the bell because I couldn't get past 4 rounds. I was sad for myself, but I was happy for whoever was ringing the bell. I think celebrating the good things that happen to others is uplifting to my spirit as well. It gets me out of my own head.