First Chemo today.....SCARED advice please!
Opps...this turned into a small novel.
Thanks in advance for anything anyone can offer.
Susan
Comments
-
no need to smoke
they have a good drug called Emend that you can take before chemo is hung then in the am for next few days. Also they give you iv Aloxi before chemo. Ask for zofran also. Not as much fun as weed but cheaper lol. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Do you have a port? Good luck and let me know how it goes...val0 -
good luck
First time is so scary. It's like having ur first child. My mom has Peritoneal cancer. it gets treated same way as ovarian. Carbo/taxol. When she goes they give her a bunch of anti inflammatories, benadryl, i think prevacid. My mom does not take alot of home steroid cuz the doc said it can affect ur mental state. The first time she was very depressed. Now she takes half a day. This medicine Zofran is what they gave her for nausea when she comes home. I just gave her one now as a matter of fact cuz she had chemo yesterday and her side effects are finally kickin it. Usually takes two days. All in all, she is getting used to it. It isn't easier, but she knows it goes away. She gets this shot the day after called neulasta and that is actually worse for her than the chemo. It causes terrible joint pain. It is given to keep ur white blood cell counts normal so u don't get an infection. She is mostly just tired. She sleeps, eats little. I try and force her to eat but there are days where she wants like a danish for breakfast and than she won't eat all day. That's why the week before she goes again i make her eat alot of food. She will eat lots of protein that week and that way when she has the chemo she is already charged up. I give her vitamin water after chemo and make her drink it. She tried the ensure but it gives her diarhhea. She lost all her hair like three weeks after her first treatment.
All in all, it's good to come on here and ask any question you have. Everyone is very willing to help. They helped me alot just letting me know it can be done and to not listen to all these odds out there.0 -
Thanks Pooperpoopergirl14052 said:no need to smoke
they have a good drug called Emend that you can take before chemo is hung then in the am for next few days. Also they give you iv Aloxi before chemo. Ask for zofran also. Not as much fun as weed but cheaper lol. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Do you have a port? Good luck and let me know how it goes...val
The Emend was over $300 with insurance. I will tell the chemo nurse i could not afford it at this time. Maybe they can give me a sample. I leave for chemo in 20 minutes. Heart is pounding and i feel the tears coming......0 -
Thanks Best FriendBest Friend said:good luck
First time is so scary. It's like having ur first child. My mom has Peritoneal cancer. it gets treated same way as ovarian. Carbo/taxol. When she goes they give her a bunch of anti inflammatories, benadryl, i think prevacid. My mom does not take alot of home steroid cuz the doc said it can affect ur mental state. The first time she was very depressed. Now she takes half a day. This medicine Zofran is what they gave her for nausea when she comes home. I just gave her one now as a matter of fact cuz she had chemo yesterday and her side effects are finally kickin it. Usually takes two days. All in all, she is getting used to it. It isn't easier, but she knows it goes away. She gets this shot the day after called neulasta and that is actually worse for her than the chemo. It causes terrible joint pain. It is given to keep ur white blood cell counts normal so u don't get an infection. She is mostly just tired. She sleeps, eats little. I try and force her to eat but there are days where she wants like a danish for breakfast and than she won't eat all day. That's why the week before she goes again i make her eat alot of food. She will eat lots of protein that week and that way when she has the chemo she is already charged up. I give her vitamin water after chemo and make her drink it. She tried the ensure but it gives her diarhhea. She lost all her hair like three weeks after her first treatment.
All in all, it's good to come on here and ask any question you have. Everyone is very willing to help. They helped me alot just letting me know it can be done and to not listen to all these odds out there.
I have been eating really well since my surgery. Ate a lite breakfast this AM. My mom will be feeding me well after chemo. HOw old is your Mom....i am 47 and feel strong physically.....but am a mentally very drained. I leave for chemo in a few minutes. Hope to be able to come to this board in the next few days.
Thanks for the info and support.
Susan0 -
Thanks Best FriendBest Friend said:good luck
First time is so scary. It's like having ur first child. My mom has Peritoneal cancer. it gets treated same way as ovarian. Carbo/taxol. When she goes they give her a bunch of anti inflammatories, benadryl, i think prevacid. My mom does not take alot of home steroid cuz the doc said it can affect ur mental state. The first time she was very depressed. Now she takes half a day. This medicine Zofran is what they gave her for nausea when she comes home. I just gave her one now as a matter of fact cuz she had chemo yesterday and her side effects are finally kickin it. Usually takes two days. All in all, she is getting used to it. It isn't easier, but she knows it goes away. She gets this shot the day after called neulasta and that is actually worse for her than the chemo. It causes terrible joint pain. It is given to keep ur white blood cell counts normal so u don't get an infection. She is mostly just tired. She sleeps, eats little. I try and force her to eat but there are days where she wants like a danish for breakfast and than she won't eat all day. That's why the week before she goes again i make her eat alot of food. She will eat lots of protein that week and that way when she has the chemo she is already charged up. I give her vitamin water after chemo and make her drink it. She tried the ensure but it gives her diarhhea. She lost all her hair like three weeks after her first treatment.
All in all, it's good to come on here and ask any question you have. Everyone is very willing to help. They helped me alot just letting me know it can be done and to not listen to all these odds out there.
I have been eating really well since my surgery. Ate a lite breakfast this AM. My mom will be feeding me well after chemo. HOw old is your Mom....i am 47 and feel strong physically.....but am a mentally very drained. I leave for chemo in a few minutes. Hope to be able to come to this board in the next few days.
Thanks for the info and support.
Susan0 -
Thanks Best FriendBest Friend said:good luck
First time is so scary. It's like having ur first child. My mom has Peritoneal cancer. it gets treated same way as ovarian. Carbo/taxol. When she goes they give her a bunch of anti inflammatories, benadryl, i think prevacid. My mom does not take alot of home steroid cuz the doc said it can affect ur mental state. The first time she was very depressed. Now she takes half a day. This medicine Zofran is what they gave her for nausea when she comes home. I just gave her one now as a matter of fact cuz she had chemo yesterday and her side effects are finally kickin it. Usually takes two days. All in all, she is getting used to it. It isn't easier, but she knows it goes away. She gets this shot the day after called neulasta and that is actually worse for her than the chemo. It causes terrible joint pain. It is given to keep ur white blood cell counts normal so u don't get an infection. She is mostly just tired. She sleeps, eats little. I try and force her to eat but there are days where she wants like a danish for breakfast and than she won't eat all day. That's why the week before she goes again i make her eat alot of food. She will eat lots of protein that week and that way when she has the chemo she is already charged up. I give her vitamin water after chemo and make her drink it. She tried the ensure but it gives her diarhhea. She lost all her hair like three weeks after her first treatment.
All in all, it's good to come on here and ask any question you have. Everyone is very willing to help. They helped me alot just letting me know it can be done and to not listen to all these odds out there.
I have been eating really well since my surgery. Ate a lite breakfast this AM. My mom will be feeding me well after chemo. HOw old is your Mom....i am 47 and feel strong physically.....but am a mentally very drained. I leave for chemo in a few minutes. Hope to be able to come to this board in the next few days.
Thanks for the info and support.
Susan0 -
Hi Susan. So sorry you had
Hi Susan. So sorry you had to join us here. You're probably in chemo as I write, but if you have wifi there, maybe you will see this post while you're still there.
I'm shocked that you have to pay anything for the Emend. They gave me a dose to take at the chemo center, and my insurance paid for most of the prescription I needed for afterwards. The Emend is important. Call the drug company, and they may be able to help you. You need the oral meds in addition to the IV because the nausea can last for up to 5 days. Take the Zofran as directed, it's a lifesaver! If you still have nausea, pot really does do wonders.
I know chemo sounds frightening, almost as scary as the cancer itself, but try to believe all will go well for you. Do not google about it, because there is a ton of very scary, extreme reactions to read about, but the people who weather it well don't post so much. My older daughter took a look and was in tears over it. I, like you, put up a strong front, and that actually helped me, as I worked at maintaining it when alone. I decided I would not fear the chemo, and then I was lucky enough to have only minimal side effects. I try to think of life as an adventure only available for a limited time. I want to savor that time, and hope that I can, even when it is unpleasant.
DB0 -
Hope it went wellanicca said:Hi Susan. So sorry you had
Hi Susan. So sorry you had to join us here. You're probably in chemo as I write, but if you have wifi there, maybe you will see this post while you're still there.
I'm shocked that you have to pay anything for the Emend. They gave me a dose to take at the chemo center, and my insurance paid for most of the prescription I needed for afterwards. The Emend is important. Call the drug company, and they may be able to help you. You need the oral meds in addition to the IV because the nausea can last for up to 5 days. Take the Zofran as directed, it's a lifesaver! If you still have nausea, pot really does do wonders.
I know chemo sounds frightening, almost as scary as the cancer itself, but try to believe all will go well for you. Do not google about it, because there is a ton of very scary, extreme reactions to read about, but the people who weather it well don't post so much. My older daughter took a look and was in tears over it. I, like you, put up a strong front, and that actually helped me, as I worked at maintaining it when alone. I decided I would not fear the chemo, and then I was lucky enough to have only minimal side effects. I try to think of life as an adventure only available for a limited time. I want to savor that time, and hope that I can, even when it is unpleasant.
DB
Hi! Susan! Hope today went well for you. I know we are all different but I can tell you that I received Decadron, Aloxi, and Pepsid IV before my chemo and sometimes Benadryl if needed. I was always good for about 24 hours and then I would just start to sleep a lot. I didnt really eat and had to make myself drink. I really felt bad if I got dehydrated. I remained in this state for about 4 days and usually lost several pounds. After that I was pretty good to go. I didnt work and I really took it easy at home but I was able to take a trip or two and do some other things. I ended up getting 10 Carbo and 6 Taxol and as time went on it didnt really effect me as much. Maybe a day or two of "lazy" days. In the ten months of chemo I never threw up! Zofran helped a lot. I have to say I did have tough days but it is something you can do...just pamper yourself and take it one day at a time. Wishing you the best of luck! Keep us posted!0 -
Hope it went wellanicca said:Hi Susan. So sorry you had
Hi Susan. So sorry you had to join us here. You're probably in chemo as I write, but if you have wifi there, maybe you will see this post while you're still there.
I'm shocked that you have to pay anything for the Emend. They gave me a dose to take at the chemo center, and my insurance paid for most of the prescription I needed for afterwards. The Emend is important. Call the drug company, and they may be able to help you. You need the oral meds in addition to the IV because the nausea can last for up to 5 days. Take the Zofran as directed, it's a lifesaver! If you still have nausea, pot really does do wonders.
I know chemo sounds frightening, almost as scary as the cancer itself, but try to believe all will go well for you. Do not google about it, because there is a ton of very scary, extreme reactions to read about, but the people who weather it well don't post so much. My older daughter took a look and was in tears over it. I, like you, put up a strong front, and that actually helped me, as I worked at maintaining it when alone. I decided I would not fear the chemo, and then I was lucky enough to have only minimal side effects. I try to think of life as an adventure only available for a limited time. I want to savor that time, and hope that I can, even when it is unpleasant.
DB
Hi! Susan! Hope today went well for you. I know we are all different but I can tell you that I received Decadron, Aloxi, and Pepsid IV before my chemo and sometimes Benadryl if needed. I was always good for about 24 hours and then I would just start to sleep a lot. I didnt really eat and had to make myself drink. I really felt bad if I got dehydrated. I remained in this state for about 4 days and usually lost several pounds. After that I was pretty good to go. I didnt work and I really took it easy at home but I was able to take a trip or two and do some other things. I ended up getting 10 Carbo and 6 Taxol and as time went on it didnt really effect me as much. Maybe a day or two of "lazy" days. In the ten months of chemo I never threw up! Zofran helped a lot. I have to say I did have tough days but it is something you can do...just pamper yourself and take it one day at a time. Wishing you the best of luck! Keep us posted!0 -
Hope it went wellanicca said:Hi Susan. So sorry you had
Hi Susan. So sorry you had to join us here. You're probably in chemo as I write, but if you have wifi there, maybe you will see this post while you're still there.
I'm shocked that you have to pay anything for the Emend. They gave me a dose to take at the chemo center, and my insurance paid for most of the prescription I needed for afterwards. The Emend is important. Call the drug company, and they may be able to help you. You need the oral meds in addition to the IV because the nausea can last for up to 5 days. Take the Zofran as directed, it's a lifesaver! If you still have nausea, pot really does do wonders.
I know chemo sounds frightening, almost as scary as the cancer itself, but try to believe all will go well for you. Do not google about it, because there is a ton of very scary, extreme reactions to read about, but the people who weather it well don't post so much. My older daughter took a look and was in tears over it. I, like you, put up a strong front, and that actually helped me, as I worked at maintaining it when alone. I decided I would not fear the chemo, and then I was lucky enough to have only minimal side effects. I try to think of life as an adventure only available for a limited time. I want to savor that time, and hope that I can, even when it is unpleasant.
DB
Hi! Susan! Hope today went well for you. I know we are all different but I can tell you that I received Decadron, Aloxi, and Pepsid IV before my chemo and sometimes Benadryl if needed. I was always good for about 24 hours and then I would just start to sleep a lot. I didnt really eat and had to make myself drink. I really felt bad if I got dehydrated. I remained in this state for about 4 days and usually lost several pounds. After that I was pretty good to go. I didnt work and I really took it easy at home but I was able to take a trip or two and do some other things. I ended up getting 10 Carbo and 6 Taxol and as time went on it didnt really effect me as much. Maybe a day or two of "lazy" days. In the ten months of chemo I never threw up! Zofran helped a lot. I have to say I did have tough days but it is something you can do...just pamper yourself and take it one day at a time. Wishing you the best of luck! Keep us posted!0 -
No problem.Susan777 said:Thanks Best Friend
I have been eating really well since my surgery. Ate a lite breakfast this AM. My mom will be feeding me well after chemo. HOw old is your Mom....i am 47 and feel strong physically.....but am a mentally very drained. I leave for chemo in a few minutes. Hope to be able to come to this board in the next few days.
Thanks for the info and support.
Susan
My mom is 62. She is alying in bed today. Chemo and shot finally kicked in. It is just a terrible thing. I can't imagine how you all feel is I feel this way just watching her go through it. I tell her to fight but yet I don't know if I would be strong enough to. All I know is my mom had the whole mental problem too. She was strong physically but the mental part of it made the first one like torture. Just know she did get through it and is at ease when she goes now. She knows the nurses more.
We went to the Philadelphia Zoo on Monday and it was the first time I realized how sick she is. She had to sit constantly and rest. It hurt. I have never seem her this way. Sorry, not havin a good day.
Take Care and keep in touch. I have faith in you!0 -
Chemo wasnt as bad as expectedlulu1010 said:Hope it went well
Hi! Susan! Hope today went well for you. I know we are all different but I can tell you that I received Decadron, Aloxi, and Pepsid IV before my chemo and sometimes Benadryl if needed. I was always good for about 24 hours and then I would just start to sleep a lot. I didnt really eat and had to make myself drink. I really felt bad if I got dehydrated. I remained in this state for about 4 days and usually lost several pounds. After that I was pretty good to go. I didnt work and I really took it easy at home but I was able to take a trip or two and do some other things. I ended up getting 10 Carbo and 6 Taxol and as time went on it didnt really effect me as much. Maybe a day or two of "lazy" days. In the ten months of chemo I never threw up! Zofran helped a lot. I have to say I did have tough days but it is something you can do...just pamper yourself and take it one day at a time. Wishing you the best of luck! Keep us posted!
Thanks everyone for tips and thoughts. They gave me IV anti-nausea, steroids and benadryl. I was also sent home with an anti-nausea and more steroids. The only thing i noticed so far is that I have lost bladder control, feel starving and emotional. I am reluctant to take the steroids for 3 days because they make me so hungry and i assume the steroids sent me on my crying jag. I have had the worst insomnia since diagnosis the first of June. It felt better to cry with my family and let them know how out of control I feel. I will be calling my Chemo nurse today to see if it is imperative to take the steriods and anti-nausea.
This place is great and all of you ladies are my godsend!
Susan0 -
You can do it !Susan777 said:Chemo wasnt as bad as expected
Thanks everyone for tips and thoughts. They gave me IV anti-nausea, steroids and benadryl. I was also sent home with an anti-nausea and more steroids. The only thing i noticed so far is that I have lost bladder control, feel starving and emotional. I am reluctant to take the steroids for 3 days because they make me so hungry and i assume the steroids sent me on my crying jag. I have had the worst insomnia since diagnosis the first of June. It felt better to cry with my family and let them know how out of control I feel. I will be calling my Chemo nurse today to see if it is imperative to take the steriods and anti-nausea.
This place is great and all of you ladies are my godsend!
Susan
As much as it wasn't fun it was doable for me, everyone is different but by my sixth chemo I thought I had gotten chemo lite there were hardly any side effects, some people are the opposite though and the last one is the hardest. It is hard to sleep on the steroids so if you are having a problem ask yor dr for something.
You can and will do this it seems to go by pretty fast. Make yourself comfortable for your down days and rest to stay strong ! Good Luck you are not alone, oh and don't forget to do what ya gotta do to keep from getting constipated, it is not fun. Stool softeners and mirilax are great but keep some anti-diarrea medicine on hand too.
Colleen0 -
I hate steroids too! TakeSusan777 said:Chemo wasnt as bad as expected
Thanks everyone for tips and thoughts. They gave me IV anti-nausea, steroids and benadryl. I was also sent home with an anti-nausea and more steroids. The only thing i noticed so far is that I have lost bladder control, feel starving and emotional. I am reluctant to take the steroids for 3 days because they make me so hungry and i assume the steroids sent me on my crying jag. I have had the worst insomnia since diagnosis the first of June. It felt better to cry with my family and let them know how out of control I feel. I will be calling my Chemo nurse today to see if it is imperative to take the steriods and anti-nausea.
This place is great and all of you ladies are my godsend!
Susan
I hate steroids too! Take them one week out of every four as part of my Doxil regimen, and they throw everything out of whack: sleep, appetite, mood, you name it. But, you are SMART to check with your chemo nurse before scrapping them as part of the post-chemo protocol.
Echoing an earlier post... drink LOTS of water (even if you feel like you're going to the bathroom a lot). Water will help your body process the chemo and prevent constipation.
I'm sort of in the mood for a gigantic crying jag...haven't cried in many, many months. Could be cleansing!
Glad your infusion was better than you expected!
-Kathy0 -
I'm happyRookerbird said:I hate steroids too! Take
I hate steroids too! Take them one week out of every four as part of my Doxil regimen, and they throw everything out of whack: sleep, appetite, mood, you name it. But, you are SMART to check with your chemo nurse before scrapping them as part of the post-chemo protocol.
Echoing an earlier post... drink LOTS of water (even if you feel like you're going to the bathroom a lot). Water will help your body process the chemo and prevent constipation.
I'm sort of in the mood for a gigantic crying jag...haven't cried in many, many months. Could be cleansing!
Glad your infusion was better than you expected!
-Kathy
the chemo went well for you. It usually takes a few days for the ickiness to start and then you'll feel better again. It's a difficult process but try to follow the advice in other posts. I had a hard time with food and water and probably made things harder on myself.
Karen0 -
Emend
Hi Susan, I am so sorry that I did not read your post sooner. However, I am glad that you have made it through your first chemo. It is all so scary at first. The fear of the unknown.
I wanted to let you know that my niece gave me this number to call 1-866-363-6379. This is to get the Emend free. Your doctor will have to complete a form first. If you call this number and have any problems, let me know and I will contact her. She did receive her's free. This is only for the Emend and doesn't apply to any other nausea drug.
Linda0 -
I wasn't all that impressedclamryn said:Emend
Hi Susan, I am so sorry that I did not read your post sooner. However, I am glad that you have made it through your first chemo. It is all so scary at first. The fear of the unknown.
I wanted to let you know that my niece gave me this number to call 1-866-363-6379. This is to get the Emend free. Your doctor will have to complete a form first. If you call this number and have any problems, let me know and I will contact her. She did receive her's free. This is only for the Emend and doesn't apply to any other nausea drug.
Linda
I wasn't all that impressed with the Emend. I had Emend, Zofran, and good old $7.00 Phenergan. Of the 3, I prefer Phenergan.
I hate the steroids, too. They kept me wide awake for about 48 hours after chemo. Awake and eating everything that wasn't nailed down. They never sent me home with steroids, though. Maybe you could jut take Benadryl instead, if they are worried about a reaction.
Carlene0 -
you will start losing your hair
in a few weeks. I hope you can get a short haircut. Also you can get a free wig from the cancer society. Also get some scarves and hats. Your hair will fall out on other body parts as well. Let your doctor know if your hands and feet start to feel numb. good luck with your next tx...val0 -
Thanks for all of the supportpoopergirl14052 said:you will start losing your hair
in a few weeks. I hope you can get a short haircut. Also you can get a free wig from the cancer society. Also get some scarves and hats. Your hair will fall out on other body parts as well. Let your doctor know if your hands and feet start to feel numb. good luck with your next tx...val
It has been 2 days since chemo. I opted to not take any anti-nausea or steroids. Although i was pumped with them via IV on treatment day. I have not vomited and have been able to eat well and stay very hydrated. My Chemo nurse is sooo great. She got me started on L-Glutamene, an amino acid to ward off the neuropathy and bone aches. The only thing i am suffering from is extreme insomnia...since diagnosis early in June. I am taking Xanax, but still can only sleep about 4 hours at night and maybe a 2 hour nap in the day time. I also feel clumsey and like I have lost about 50 IQ points. I cried a river they other night and I actually feel better mentally. I tried a puff of pot and just about coughed up a lung.....so far so good.
Thanks again everyone....this site is great!
Susan0 -
Hi SusanSusan777 said:Thanks for all of the support
It has been 2 days since chemo. I opted to not take any anti-nausea or steroids. Although i was pumped with them via IV on treatment day. I have not vomited and have been able to eat well and stay very hydrated. My Chemo nurse is sooo great. She got me started on L-Glutamene, an amino acid to ward off the neuropathy and bone aches. The only thing i am suffering from is extreme insomnia...since diagnosis early in June. I am taking Xanax, but still can only sleep about 4 hours at night and maybe a 2 hour nap in the day time. I also feel clumsey and like I have lost about 50 IQ points. I cried a river they other night and I actually feel better mentally. I tried a puff of pot and just about coughed up a lung.....so far so good.
Thanks again everyone....this site is great!
Susan
Welcome/Adding in my 2 cents.... chemo isn't as scary once you've been through it the first time. I don't have much nausea, but the fatique and constipation are my enemies. Oh, the 50 point IQ drop/feeling clumbsey/and mood swings all go away after about 5-7 days for me.
Yup, this site is awesome and has gotten me through the worst of times. I was diagnosed 3C in 2006 and just celebrated my 5 year survival anniversary.
(((HUGS))) Maria0
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