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sfeaver
sfeaver CSN Member Posts: 1 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

I will be starting chemo within the next week or so. I will receive treatment every 21 days. Will I be sick the entire time between treatments? Does my hair fall out after the first treatment? I know this may be a silly question, but has anyone gotten fake eyelashes. I have so many fears and questions. thanks so much…..sandy

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  • Rosegardengal
    Rosegardengal CSN Member Posts: 4
    #2

    Hi Sandy,

    I just finished chemo for the 2nd time 3 weeks ago. For me I didn't feel too bad the day of chemo or the first few days afterwards while I was taking steroids since the steroids make me hyper and give me insomnia. Days 4-13 of each chemo cycle are when I would feel more tired and weak and then I would perk up some. I've learned to take nausea pills on a regular basis. It's easier to not get nauseated to start with than it is too address the nausea after it flares up on you. With each round of chemo I felt worse. By the 5th round I don't have much energy and tend to nap a lot. Food started to taste gross from the first round of chemo. I've started to get my taste back now which is great. It's so hard to eat food that tastes like nothing. I've found that it's easier to eat comfort foods cause even though they may taste like nothing it's easier to choke them down. Both times with chemo it was easier to eat sweet foods than savory foods. I have also had problems eating chicken while on chemo. It just tastes like it's rancid. Both times I had chemo my hair started to fall out about 3 weeks after my first dose. The first time I had chemo I waited to shave my head until my hair was coming out in clumps. The second time around I shaved it all off about a week after my first dose which, for me, was easier to deal with. I didn't try fake eyelashes so can't give you any advice on that. Go easy on yourself and listen to your body. When you feel tired try to nap if you can. I've had days where I've needed to take 2 or 3 naps. If you're doing anything physical like housework or yard work you will probably need to pace yourself and take some breaks. After the first few rounds of chemo I find that I can do something physical for 10-20 minutes and then I need to sit down and relax for a while. It's frustrating to not be able to do what you can normally do, but don't beat yourself up over it. If you get neuropathy in your feet and toes be sure to where shoes or slippers at all times to protect yourself from injuries. I hope some of my experiences help you out on getting through chemo. Good luck to you 😊

    Cheryl

  • dssdesi
    dssdesi CSN Member Posts: 19 Member
    #3

    Hello, Alot of what Cheryl said was about the same with me. I did better then I thought I would through it all. Very tierd by the end of it. The meds. help a bunch for sickness. Learn to say no , not today , when you need to. My hair started to fall out second week. Order some hats or scarfs now. I got fake eyelashes but never did use them as was just not feeling up to it. The steroids days I tended to get alot done. I wore cold packs on my hands and feet during treatment and never got neropathy. Also held ice in my mouth during treatment and never got mouth sores. Eating never was a problem I had no taste change. Everyone is different how they do. But you can do this and will be OK!!!! My prayers for you, Debra

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