Having my first chemo drip now!

Jobi
Jobi Member Posts: 211
Pink ladies, you were right! The fear and anticipation was worse than the actual process. Even though I have anti-nausea drugs, I am not feeling too great right now but I will remain positive. My extremely supportive brother is here with me, and I am sooo grateful!

By the way, I had my pre-chemo party last night and it was the best idea ever! My circle of friends made me laugh until I cried. We ate, and drank and had a fabulous time. For any pink ladies out there who are about to being chemo, I recommend it! It took my mind off of my worries.

Thanks a bunch!!!!

Jobi
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Comments

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    DURING Chemo?!
    Jobi, you are amazing. I cannot believe you are posting DURING your very first chemo. I was too terrified to even think about doing that. What a trooper! I never was nauseous during chemo. That, unfortunately came afterward. During chemo I was mostly just sleepy. IV Benadryl works wonders. You are so lucky to have your brother with you. What a wonderful brother to be there for this.

    Did you feel the Pink Sisters there with you last night?

    IRENE
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    Hugs!
    Lifting you in prayer right now! Remember lots of fluids and rest whenever you want to rest and eat whatever you can handle whenever you can handle it. This is doable and you have us to help carry you through! Glad you have your brother with you!

    RE
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    RE said:

    Hugs!
    Lifting you in prayer right now! Remember lots of fluids and rest whenever you want to rest and eat whatever you can handle whenever you can handle it. This is doable and you have us to help carry you through! Glad you have your brother with you!

    RE

    Jobi .. amazing how we can communicate
    from anywhere in the world, providing of course, there is Wifi.

    Please remember to nipple on saltine crackers, or tolerable finger foods.

    I always brought a pair of socks with me -- a comfort thing. After a few
    hours - all I wanted to rest or twilight sleep.

    So happy that you have your brother with you, he can keep an eye on should
    you fall asleep -- or need anything from the cafe'.

    Do you see you PA or Onco after your infusion? If so, that would be the time
    to ask your questions -- or if you have questions, please make sure your Onco
    RN arranges face time with Oncology Staff.

    You are in good Company -- Please make sure to describe all symptoms to Staff.

    *Neulasta shot tomorrow?, If so, please confirm appointment time before leaving
    today.

    :) Gentle hugs,

    Strength, Courage and Hope.

    Vicki Sam
  • DebbyB
    DebbyB Member Posts: 86
    gonna repeat :)
    Lots of fluids is the key. It's never as bad as our fears.

    I love the idea of a pre-chemo party. :)
  • Jobi
    Jobi Member Posts: 211

    DURING Chemo?!
    Jobi, you are amazing. I cannot believe you are posting DURING your very first chemo. I was too terrified to even think about doing that. What a trooper! I never was nauseous during chemo. That, unfortunately came afterward. During chemo I was mostly just sleepy. IV Benadryl works wonders. You are so lucky to have your brother with you. What a wonderful brother to be there for this.

    Did you feel the Pink Sisters there with you last night?

    IRENE

    Pink Sisters!
    I felt the love from my Pink Sisters last night! I carry your support with me at all times!

    Thanks for the advice about the Benadryl. I will add it to my list!

    Dorene
  • Jobi
    Jobi Member Posts: 211
    VickiSam said:

    Jobi .. amazing how we can communicate
    from anywhere in the world, providing of course, there is Wifi.

    Please remember to nipple on saltine crackers, or tolerable finger foods.

    I always brought a pair of socks with me -- a comfort thing. After a few
    hours - all I wanted to rest or twilight sleep.

    So happy that you have your brother with you, he can keep an eye on should
    you fall asleep -- or need anything from the cafe'.

    Do you see you PA or Onco after your infusion? If so, that would be the time
    to ask your questions -- or if you have questions, please make sure your Onco
    RN arranges face time with Oncology Staff.

    You are in good Company -- Please make sure to describe all symptoms to Staff.

    *Neulasta shot tomorrow?, If so, please confirm appointment time before leaving
    today.

    :) Gentle hugs,

    Strength, Courage and Hope.

    Vicki Sam

    Good advice
    The office has a very weak WiFi signal, so I had to give soon after my initial post! But you ladies were with me in spirit! I felt the Pink Power.

    The staff checked on me constantly, which was nice. She did think that my headache that I developed after receiving AC was odd. She thinks it is mostly a sinus related side effect. What I am feeling now is most comparable to Acid Reflux feelings. Not unbearable - just annoying or uncomfortable.

    I confirmed my appt for tomorrow! Thanks for the reminder!

    Dorene
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    Jobi said:

    Pink Sisters!
    I felt the love from my Pink Sisters last night! I carry your support with me at all times!

    Thanks for the advice about the Benadryl. I will add it to my list!

    Dorene

    You have an amazing attitude
    You have an amazing attitude Dorene! Big hugs to you!


    Leeza
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member

    DURING Chemo?!
    Jobi, you are amazing. I cannot believe you are posting DURING your very first chemo. I was too terrified to even think about doing that. What a trooper! I never was nauseous during chemo. That, unfortunately came afterward. During chemo I was mostly just sleepy. IV Benadryl works wonders. You are so lucky to have your brother with you. What a wonderful brother to be there for this.

    Did you feel the Pink Sisters there with you last night?

    IRENE

    I didn't have IV Benadryl
    I didn't have IV Benadryl with A/C - had it orally. The oral version does not make me the least bit drowsey. I'm very allergic to bee/wasp stings so have had to use it often and I really can not see any difference in how I feel after taking it. The IV Benadryl I had with Taxol was a different story. As soon as it started, I went 'nighty-night' and woke up just as abruptly about 1/2 hr before done. So I had a nice comfy bed to sleep in.

    Susan
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    Jobi said:

    Good advice
    The office has a very weak WiFi signal, so I had to give soon after my initial post! But you ladies were with me in spirit! I felt the Pink Power.

    The staff checked on me constantly, which was nice. She did think that my headache that I developed after receiving AC was odd. She thinks it is mostly a sinus related side effect. What I am feeling now is most comparable to Acid Reflux feelings. Not unbearable - just annoying or uncomfortable.

    I confirmed my appt for tomorrow! Thanks for the reminder!

    Dorene

    We will always be with you
    We will always be with you in spirit Dorene!


    Hugs, Lex
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    DebbyB said:

    gonna repeat :)
    Lots of fluids is the key. It's never as bad as our fears.

    I love the idea of a pre-chemo party. :)

    I love the pre chemo party
    I love the pre chemo party too - great idea! Congrats on the 1st chemo!
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    Kristin N said:

    I love the pre chemo party
    I love the pre chemo party too - great idea! Congrats on the 1st chemo!

    How are you doing now
    How are you doing now Jobi?


    Hugs, Angie
  • Jobi
    Jobi Member Posts: 211
    Angie2U said:

    How are you doing now
    How are you doing now Jobi?


    Hugs, Angie

    Rough Week
    Hi, Angie,

    The Saturday following chemo was really rough. I couldn't get out of bed. By Monday, I still was tired but went to work. I didn't listen to my body. I ended up taking two more days off of work and had to go to the docs for a sinus infection. I am just starting to feel better now.

    I couldn't have made it this far without the ladies on this site. Everyone here gave me information that the docs and nurses neglected to give me that day - which is frustrating. Here's hoping that the Feb 9th session is much better!

    Dorene
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    Jobi said:

    Rough Week
    Hi, Angie,

    The Saturday following chemo was really rough. I couldn't get out of bed. By Monday, I still was tired but went to work. I didn't listen to my body. I ended up taking two more days off of work and had to go to the docs for a sinus infection. I am just starting to feel better now.

    I couldn't have made it this far without the ladies on this site. Everyone here gave me information that the docs and nurses neglected to give me that day - which is frustrating. Here's hoping that the Feb 9th session is much better!

    Dorene

    Dorene wishing you the best
    Dorene wishing you the best with your next infusion. You'll be even more prepared for the next visit. Be easy on yourself and do what your body wants it to do.
  • skipper54
    skipper54 Member Posts: 936 Member
    natly15 said:

    Dorene wishing you the best
    Dorene wishing you the best with your next infusion. You'll be even more prepared for the next visit. Be easy on yourself and do what your body wants it to do.

    Lots and lots of liquid!
    And really cold stuff, like ice chips, ice pops, or fruit chillers. Thye really help to prevent mouth sores. Your dentist can also give you a special gel to use twice a day that helps neutalize the acid in your mouth to prevent sores and "chemo cavities". I always packed a bag with my prayer shawl, a small pillow, hard candy, snacks, water, juice, (even though the center provided snacks and dcrinks) my MP3, puzzle book, and Kindle. I was prepared for anything! Make your self as comfy as possible. Do you have a power port? That was also a blessing.
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    Great you had fun at Pre
    Great you had fun at Pre chemo Party...I have not advice...I had radiation ONLY..

    thinking of you..

    Denise
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    natly15 said:

    Dorene wishing you the best
    Dorene wishing you the best with your next infusion. You'll be even more prepared for the next visit. Be easy on yourself and do what your body wants it to do.

    How are you doing Dorene?
    How are you doing Dorene?


    Leeza
  • Jobi
    Jobi Member Posts: 211
    jnl said:

    How are you doing Dorene?
    How are you doing Dorene?


    Leeza

    update
    Hi, Leeza,

    Thanks for checking in. Having a hard time, some days. My last drip was on Thursday. Although I have been able to eat small meals rather than large ones, I have a constant full stomach. Is that typical? They slowed the drip this time and lessened the meds which eliminated the bad headaches,but the nausea and tiredness are still around. I have a weird metalic taste in my mouth that is driving me crazy!

    I took the day off today, and I am glad that I did. Going to take another nap.

    Thanks for checking in!
    Dorene
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    Jobi said:

    update
    Hi, Leeza,

    Thanks for checking in. Having a hard time, some days. My last drip was on Thursday. Although I have been able to eat small meals rather than large ones, I have a constant full stomach. Is that typical? They slowed the drip this time and lessened the meds which eliminated the bad headaches,but the nausea and tiredness are still around. I have a weird metalic taste in my mouth that is driving me crazy!

    I took the day off today, and I am glad that I did. Going to take another nap.

    Thanks for checking in!
    Dorene

    Metallic taste is not
    Metallic taste is not unusual - use plastic 'Silverware' - at least that's what I've heard - didn't have it myself. Never 'felt full' either - just was never hungry or thought about eating. Hubby called me several times a day to remind me I had to eat something. (He knows what happens when not eating - Mom was aneorxic and the last 4 years of her lifeb we were married so he's very familiar with what not eating does to not only the person bu5t the entire family.)

    Susan
  • Lynne Logan
    Lynne Logan Member Posts: 105 Member
    Jobi said:

    update
    Hi, Leeza,

    Thanks for checking in. Having a hard time, some days. My last drip was on Thursday. Although I have been able to eat small meals rather than large ones, I have a constant full stomach. Is that typical? They slowed the drip this time and lessened the meds which eliminated the bad headaches,but the nausea and tiredness are still around. I have a weird metalic taste in my mouth that is driving me crazy!

    I took the day off today, and I am glad that I did. Going to take another nap.

    Thanks for checking in!
    Dorene

    Update
    Hi Dorene,
    I did 5 of my 6 infusions but side effects got to rough. A PET scan came back clean though so all those side effects you're having will someday be worth it. I'm doing the rads right now and am finding it much better just because I feel proactive by doing something everyday fighting the beast.
    The fatigue is probably going to stay with you if you have it early on. I loved finishing the 2nd week post chemo for a "normal" week. That you're still working is commendable and I'm proud of you for pushing on. But if fatigue gets to be too much I hope you'll give in to it. Not a sign of weakness just that our body needs restoration. You're fortunate to be able to sleep too. I wasn't sleepy, just unable to move. Time went by way too slow, so sleep as much as you want and can.
    I had a pre-chemo party too. I think the family felt quite relieved to see that I was going into it with a cheerful attitude. I think it helped with some of their anxiety too.
    Hang in there, sounds like your health care team is right there working with you.
    Lynne
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    Jobi said:

    update
    Hi, Leeza,

    Thanks for checking in. Having a hard time, some days. My last drip was on Thursday. Although I have been able to eat small meals rather than large ones, I have a constant full stomach. Is that typical? They slowed the drip this time and lessened the meds which eliminated the bad headaches,but the nausea and tiredness are still around. I have a weird metalic taste in my mouth that is driving me crazy!

    I took the day off today, and I am glad that I did. Going to take another nap.

    Thanks for checking in!
    Dorene

    Hi Dorene! Thanks for
    Hi Dorene! Thanks for posting! Eat as many small meals as you can and still drink lots of water..all that you possibly can.

    Are you using plastic silverware? That helps eliminate somewhat the metallic taste from regular metal silverware.


    Hoping your nap helped and that you feel better today!


    Hugs, Leeza