First day post-chemo
Comments
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Mimi you will find that the
Mimi you will find that the few days after chemo you will be fatigued and not wanting to do much of anything. Right now, just concentrate on eating healthy, drinking lots of fluids and don't worry about anything else. The housework will always be there waiting for you and so will your other chores. You will probably have a little more energy by next week. Concentrate on beating this hated disease. Merry Christmas, Hugs, Lili0 -
Now that one is done!!!!!
Take note as to your physical changes. That way it will be easier to plan your days...
IE: For me: Now, understand, I had just finished a whole other cancer's (rectal) worth of chemo, barely 9 month's earlier...I STILL think this is why I reacted....
Chemo day: I had a very slow drip, so I was there pretty much all day.
Day after chemo....'Hampster in a wheel' day...I was feeling GREAT!!! (I think it was the steroids for the nausea...lol). I worked all day, never tiring.
Next day (Friday, for me): Same as yesterday, but by noon I was tiring. I took off and went home, taking a nap and being good to myself.
Day 3 (Saturday, for me): This was the day I was hit the hardest. I layed around on the couch, doing nothing, dozing off and on. Guarded by my wonderful cats...lol! I was nauseous.
Day 4 (Sunday, around 2A.M.):It was like a switch turning off...I felt GREAT!!!! I baked a pan of crescent rolls, and ate as many as I wanted. Later on in the day, I usually had 'special' fried rice..mmmm...STILL love that!!!
Day 5 (Monday): back to work as usual. I DID crave protein, so, for lunch, I treated myself to a big turkey sandwich (probably had about 8 oz of turkey on it).
Now, the day before, the day of, and the day after treatment, I always drank water. ALOT of it....usually 3-4 quarts each day. It made me got to the bathroom alot, but it also flushed all of the chemo faster from places it didn't need to be...like my kidneys and bladder.
CONGRATS on one down!!!
Hugs, Kathi0 -
the other shoe
The other shoe won't necessarily drop! I had Taxotere/Cytoxan chemo (4 treatments) and had almost no side effects the whole treatment! The only effects were a bad taste in my mouth and the loss of 75% of my hair, which is now growing back. So don't necessarily expect the worst - they make chemo a lot better now, and many people tolerate it well.
Good luck,
Ohilly0 -
Your scheduleKathiM said:Now that one is done!!!!!
Take note as to your physical changes. That way it will be easier to plan your days...
IE: For me: Now, understand, I had just finished a whole other cancer's (rectal) worth of chemo, barely 9 month's earlier...I STILL think this is why I reacted....
Chemo day: I had a very slow drip, so I was there pretty much all day.
Day after chemo....'Hampster in a wheel' day...I was feeling GREAT!!! (I think it was the steroids for the nausea...lol). I worked all day, never tiring.
Next day (Friday, for me): Same as yesterday, but by noon I was tiring. I took off and went home, taking a nap and being good to myself.
Day 3 (Saturday, for me): This was the day I was hit the hardest. I layed around on the couch, doing nothing, dozing off and on. Guarded by my wonderful cats...lol! I was nauseous.
Day 4 (Sunday, around 2A.M.):It was like a switch turning off...I felt GREAT!!!! I baked a pan of crescent rolls, and ate as many as I wanted. Later on in the day, I usually had 'special' fried rice..mmmm...STILL love that!!!
Day 5 (Monday): back to work as usual. I DID crave protein, so, for lunch, I treated myself to a big turkey sandwich (probably had about 8 oz of turkey on it).
Now, the day before, the day of, and the day after treatment, I always drank water. ALOT of it....usually 3-4 quarts each day. It made me got to the bathroom alot, but it also flushed all of the chemo faster from places it didn't need to be...like my kidneys and bladder.
CONGRATS on one down!!!
Hugs, Kathi
That sounds like what might happen to me. I am feeling great today, no fatigue to speak of, no symptoms. Man, not looking forward to when this hits me hard. But it's good to know that there is some kind of recovery within the 3-week period. I like the day-4 thing, if I am similar to you. I know we all handle this differently, but thanks for giving me hope! Yes, I think the steroids are helping today. Did you take anti-nausea medication in addition? I have two days of Enable and then five days of another anti-nausea drug, plus something in case the other stuff doesn't work and I start vomiting. I am drinking tons of water.
One down, five to go!0 -
I can only hope!ohilly said:the other shoe
The other shoe won't necessarily drop! I had Taxotere/Cytoxan chemo (4 treatments) and had almost no side effects the whole treatment! The only effects were a bad taste in my mouth and the loss of 75% of my hair, which is now growing back. So don't necessarily expect the worst - they make chemo a lot better now, and many people tolerate it well.
Good luck,
Ohilly
Ohilly,
I can only hope that mine is even slightly similar to your experience! I have your drugs plus Adriamycin for 6 cycles. I hope I make it through.0 -
Thats about it for me too,mimivac said:I can only hope!
Ohilly,
I can only hope that mine is even slightly similar to your experience! I have your drugs plus Adriamycin for 6 cycles. I hope I make it through.
Thats about it for me too, Mimi. It gets worse, but not by leaps and bounds. For me, I never got that hit by a truck feeling. I did get sick of it, and that feeling like you spent all day watching infomercials. I worked during my chemo, drove, etc. and crashed on weekends. I had it every two weeks and definitely considered my "off" weeks to be pretty normal feeling.
You are going to be fine. Just do everything you can to keep your spirits up and amuse yourself with NON BC thoughts. The psychological/emotional part was definitely the hardest for me. I keep thinking of ways to describe it and then saying, "What the hec are you doing, Joyce, putting such thoughts into Mimi's head!" Hang in there, sweetie - we are here to help. And congrats on one down - keep tickin them off. My husband took me out to a fancy dinner halfway through. I figured that was a good pick me up and there was no need till wait till I was all done. I would be happy enough then without dinner! love, Joyce0 -
Thanks, JoyceJoycelouise said:Thats about it for me too,
Thats about it for me too, Mimi. It gets worse, but not by leaps and bounds. For me, I never got that hit by a truck feeling. I did get sick of it, and that feeling like you spent all day watching infomercials. I worked during my chemo, drove, etc. and crashed on weekends. I had it every two weeks and definitely considered my "off" weeks to be pretty normal feeling.
You are going to be fine. Just do everything you can to keep your spirits up and amuse yourself with NON BC thoughts. The psychological/emotional part was definitely the hardest for me. I keep thinking of ways to describe it and then saying, "What the hec are you doing, Joyce, putting such thoughts into Mimi's head!" Hang in there, sweetie - we are here to help. And congrats on one down - keep tickin them off. My husband took me out to a fancy dinner halfway through. I figured that was a good pick me up and there was no need till wait till I was all done. I would be happy enough then without dinner! love, Joyce
I have been sitting around all day thinking of BC! Not really morbid thoughts, necessarily, but things like, "Man, I wish I could think of something else for a change!" You are so right that the emotional part is just the hardest. To continuously think about recurrence really wears a person down. Yes, nice little things along the way would help, I am sure. I just need to pick myself up a bit. Thanks for all the support.0 -
Really, sometimes I think our brains aren't as smart as we hope. We tell them that we are going to be okay, it was caught early, or the medicine is good, but brain replies "Hey, I just talked to body and it is feeling yucky. I don't trust what you are saying!"mimivac said:Thanks, Joyce
I have been sitting around all day thinking of BC! Not really morbid thoughts, necessarily, but things like, "Man, I wish I could think of something else for a change!" You are so right that the emotional part is just the hardest. To continuously think about recurrence really wears a person down. Yes, nice little things along the way would help, I am sure. I just need to pick myself up a bit. Thanks for all the support.
I am healing from my recon surgery and my spirits had been really good up till the surgery. Then, with the pain and attention, brain freaked out again..."I knew it, I knew it...you are in real trouble!"
And all the scary thoughts came back.
But I am not giving up. I am still thinking of ways to trick brain. Exercise does it, yoga does it, and laughing too.
Just knowing what we are up against helps also. We can't take our brains too seriously...
Try loving yourself as much as possible.
Joyce0 -
Everyone is different.Joycelouise said:Really, sometimes I think our brains aren't as smart as we hope. We tell them that we are going to be okay, it was caught early, or the medicine is good, but brain replies "Hey, I just talked to body and it is feeling yucky. I don't trust what you are saying!"
I am healing from my recon surgery and my spirits had been really good up till the surgery. Then, with the pain and attention, brain freaked out again..."I knew it, I knew it...you are in real trouble!"
And all the scary thoughts came back.
But I am not giving up. I am still thinking of ways to trick brain. Exercise does it, yoga does it, and laughing too.
Just knowing what we are up against helps also. We can't take our brains too seriously...
Try loving yourself as much as possible.
Joyce
I agree with Joyce. Love yourself and do a litle something each day to make you feel special..whether it be a magazine,or a book or some new aroma therapy. I am nearly ready for my second dose. The first was far worse than I expected..thought I would breeze through it. No nausea though. Apart from feeling as though I had been hit by a train, the ulcers in my mouth and throat,constant bloody nose and peeling fingers were the most annoying side effects. I think knowing that others are feeling just like you helps a lot. We are about at the same stage...so I will be thinking of you and sending good cyber wishes your way.0 -
Hope the second one goes bettersausageroll said:Everyone is different.
I agree with Joyce. Love yourself and do a litle something each day to make you feel special..whether it be a magazine,or a book or some new aroma therapy. I am nearly ready for my second dose. The first was far worse than I expected..thought I would breeze through it. No nausea though. Apart from feeling as though I had been hit by a train, the ulcers in my mouth and throat,constant bloody nose and peeling fingers were the most annoying side effects. I think knowing that others are feeling just like you helps a lot. We are about at the same stage...so I will be thinking of you and sending good cyber wishes your way.
Sausageroll (love that name, btw), I'm sorry your first one was so unpleasant. Did you get advice from your doctors on how to relieve the symptoms? My doctor gave me a prescription for something called Magic Mouthwash for mouth sores. She also recommended that I rinse with baking soda and water three times a day. I hope the symptoms go away soon and that you continue with your treatment more comfortably. I just bought a few books that may be of help. They have all sorts of remedies for chemotherapy side effects:
"The Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy Survival Guide," by Judith McKay and Nancee Hirano
"What to Eat if you have Cancer," by Maureen Keane and Daniella Chace.
I send you good cyber wishes as well. Please let me know how things are progressing for you. Let's keep each other company during this time, and before we know it, it will be over for both us.
Mimi0 -
Chemo-Woesmimivac said:Hope the second one goes better
Sausageroll (love that name, btw), I'm sorry your first one was so unpleasant. Did you get advice from your doctors on how to relieve the symptoms? My doctor gave me a prescription for something called Magic Mouthwash for mouth sores. She also recommended that I rinse with baking soda and water three times a day. I hope the symptoms go away soon and that you continue with your treatment more comfortably. I just bought a few books that may be of help. They have all sorts of remedies for chemotherapy side effects:
"The Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy Survival Guide," by Judith McKay and Nancee Hirano
"What to Eat if you have Cancer," by Maureen Keane and Daniella Chace.
I send you good cyber wishes as well. Please let me know how things are progressing for you. Let's keep each other company during this time, and before we know it, it will be over for both us.
Mimi
Mimi~
There is no hard and fast rule of course, but oftentimes the way we react to our first chemo is the way we will react to subsequent ones as well. The fatigue is generally horrid, as it is cumulative, and your body will definitely tell you what to do! I found that I was ravenous after chemo, absolutely NOTHING nausested me, no smells, no particular food, nothing! So, I ate what I wanted to, as my appetite dictated. As Kathi mentioned, for me it was also a craving for protein.
As the chemo progressed, my level of tiredness increased. I went from so-so to tired, to REALLY tired, to exhausted, to some type of fatigue I never knew existed! I had great energy in the morning, but by 11AM it was flagging, and by noon I was down for the count. Thankfully I had a job which allowed me to rest whenever possible. I kept hydrated ( good to read you are drinking gallons of water!)as it is important to flush the system.
You may also experience "chemo-brain"; a true malady associated with chemotherapy. It is rather like early onset Alzheimer's, and makes concentration/remembering difficult. I am an avid reader, but had a terrible time comprehending what I was reading. And I had Lots of "Stop me if I told you this already"~ and most of the time I HAD already told whatever it was. The good news: As with everything else, it reverses itself in time as well. ( and what doesn't gets to be blamed on chemo forever!)
Listen to your body, and please ask for help whenever you need it! We nurturing women-types actually need to be nurtured while we wage battle!
Keep us posted!
Hugs,
Claudia
PS...If you don't have one, get an instant read thermometer. One thing the chemo does is deplete our white count, thus making infection fighting almost impossible without intervention. What we could ignore PRE cancer/chemo doesn't count during. A temperature of 99-100 degrees warrants a call to your Dr. Even at that seemingly low temperature, you may need an antibiotic. And, there is also no wrong time/reason to call the cancer center. All bets are off during treatment! I remember being embarrassed to call the center on a Saturday at 2AM because I hadn't been able to go to the bathroom for 3 days...They have heard it all, and do not want us to suffer through treatment. So, big advice~ do not hestitate no matter how insignificant you think it is. If it crosses your mind, CALL!0 -
Magic Mouthwashmimivac said:Hope the second one goes better
Sausageroll (love that name, btw), I'm sorry your first one was so unpleasant. Did you get advice from your doctors on how to relieve the symptoms? My doctor gave me a prescription for something called Magic Mouthwash for mouth sores. She also recommended that I rinse with baking soda and water three times a day. I hope the symptoms go away soon and that you continue with your treatment more comfortably. I just bought a few books that may be of help. They have all sorts of remedies for chemotherapy side effects:
"The Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy Survival Guide," by Judith McKay and Nancee Hirano
"What to Eat if you have Cancer," by Maureen Keane and Daniella Chace.
I send you good cyber wishes as well. Please let me know how things are progressing for you. Let's keep each other company during this time, and before we know it, it will be over for both us.
Mimi
Mimivac, I do have Magic Mouthwash and it did help. I look forward to keeping in touch with you as we are about at the same stage. Second infusion tomorrow. Thinking of you.0 -
When is your second treatment Mimivac?sausageroll said:Magic Mouthwash
Mimivac, I do have Magic Mouthwash and it did help. I look forward to keeping in touch with you as we are about at the same stage. Second infusion tomorrow. Thinking of you.
Mine was on Tuesday. had another bad reaction to one of the drugs..so the whole thing took 12 hours. I feel really good for the first couple of days, but can feel the aches and pains starting today(although the doctor thinks that Neulasta, which is used to build white blood counts is responsible for that.)
I hope you are feeling good Mimi. I have found that even when feeling bad, it does me good to just do something. I am one of those people who hate to be waited on!!! Thinking of you.0 -
Good Advice...sausageroll said:When is your second treatment Mimivac?
Mine was on Tuesday. had another bad reaction to one of the drugs..so the whole thing took 12 hours. I feel really good for the first couple of days, but can feel the aches and pains starting today(although the doctor thinks that Neulasta, which is used to build white blood counts is responsible for that.)
I hope you are feeling good Mimi. I have found that even when feeling bad, it does me good to just do something. I am one of those people who hate to be waited on!!! Thinking of you.
All of these people have given you great advice. Because each of us is unique, our experiences are unique also. As one who had almost every side effect in the book, let me just say that once it's over, your mind starts to clear itself of those memories and you say to yourself, "if I had to do this over again, I would." That's where I am in my recovery. It's been almost 9 months since my last chemo and 7 months since my last radiation treatment. My hair is a cute pixie although more gray than I remembered it, my weight is good (18 pounds less than before), my stamina is pretty good, and my attitude gets better with each passing day. Oh, I'm still troubled with mood swings, but nothing I can't handle. Good luck and be proud that you are a unique individual. Just take each day as it comes. Hugs, Marilynn0 -
Sausageroll,sausageroll said:When is your second treatment Mimivac?
Mine was on Tuesday. had another bad reaction to one of the drugs..so the whole thing took 12 hours. I feel really good for the first couple of days, but can feel the aches and pains starting today(although the doctor thinks that Neulasta, which is used to build white blood counts is responsible for that.)
I hope you are feeling good Mimi. I have found that even when feeling bad, it does me good to just do something. I am one of those people who hate to be waited on!!! Thinking of you.
Wow, 12 hours! Ugh, Sausage, I'm sorry you had to go through that. Are you feeling OK now? Aside from the aches and pain, I mean? How are your mouth sores? I know what you mean about doing something. Although I am not like you, I like to be waited on (my poor husband) and sit motionless on the couch! However, doing something (especially exercising) really gets me out of my funk.
My next treatment is one week from today, Friday January 9. So today I start my third week of the first round. I, too, had the aches and pains of the neurlasta (really hated getting that shot). That part seemed almost worse than the chemo effects. Right now I am symptom free, so am trying to appreciate it and take advantage of it before the next round.
Let me know how you're feeling.
Mimi0 -
Once it's overmgm42 said:Good Advice...
All of these people have given you great advice. Because each of us is unique, our experiences are unique also. As one who had almost every side effect in the book, let me just say that once it's over, your mind starts to clear itself of those memories and you say to yourself, "if I had to do this over again, I would." That's where I am in my recovery. It's been almost 9 months since my last chemo and 7 months since my last radiation treatment. My hair is a cute pixie although more gray than I remembered it, my weight is good (18 pounds less than before), my stamina is pretty good, and my attitude gets better with each passing day. Oh, I'm still troubled with mood swings, but nothing I can't handle. Good luck and be proud that you are a unique individual. Just take each day as it comes. Hugs, Marilynn
Marilynn, it's good to know that once this is over the bad memories fade and you begin your recovery. I'm glad you are feeling well and energetic. This is my goal as well -- that this life-saving treatment is a success and I return to an even better life than I had before. The mood swings seem so normal. I can't imagine that they would miraculously go away after treatment. But, as you say, one day at a time. Thanks for encouragement.
Mimi0 -
Thanks to allmimivac said:Sausageroll,
Wow, 12 hours! Ugh, Sausage, I'm sorry you had to go through that. Are you feeling OK now? Aside from the aches and pain, I mean? How are your mouth sores? I know what you mean about doing something. Although I am not like you, I like to be waited on (my poor husband) and sit motionless on the couch! However, doing something (especially exercising) really gets me out of my funk.
My next treatment is one week from today, Friday January 9. So today I start my third week of the first round. I, too, had the aches and pains of the neurlasta (really hated getting that shot). That part seemed almost worse than the chemo effects. Right now I am symptom free, so am trying to appreciate it and take advantage of it before the next round.
Let me know how you're feeling.
Mimi
I wanted to thank everyone here who responded with such insight and compassion. Believe me, even though I didn't respond to everyone's comments, I have taken them ALL to heart. There is a wealth of information here and, even more importantly, understanding.
Mimi0 -
Mimi, I remember the thirdmimivac said:Sausageroll,
Wow, 12 hours! Ugh, Sausage, I'm sorry you had to go through that. Are you feeling OK now? Aside from the aches and pain, I mean? How are your mouth sores? I know what you mean about doing something. Although I am not like you, I like to be waited on (my poor husband) and sit motionless on the couch! However, doing something (especially exercising) really gets me out of my funk.
My next treatment is one week from today, Friday January 9. So today I start my third week of the first round. I, too, had the aches and pains of the neurlasta (really hated getting that shot). That part seemed almost worse than the chemo effects. Right now I am symptom free, so am trying to appreciate it and take advantage of it before the next round.
Let me know how you're feeling.
Mimi
Mimi, I remember the third week and it was something that I started to look forward to. I could eat out and live somewhat normal again before the next round. Hope you can see light at the end of the tunnel (you're in the tunnel now). I finished chemo on Halloween and finished radiation on Christmas Eve. Happy New Year To Me and to everyone who helped me through the journey!0 -
Third weekDerbygirl said:Mimi, I remember the third
Mimi, I remember the third week and it was something that I started to look forward to. I could eat out and live somewhat normal again before the next round. Hope you can see light at the end of the tunnel (you're in the tunnel now). I finished chemo on Halloween and finished radiation on Christmas Eve. Happy New Year To Me and to everyone who helped me through the journey!
Yes, I feel totally normal right now. I hope all third weeks are like this. My husband and I even went out for a fancy New Year's Eve dinner and had a great time.
Congrats, Derbygirl, on finishing with your treatment! What a great start to a new year. Mine should be finished this summer in time for my 35th birthday. Sure looking forward to that.
Mimi0 -
You're welcome Mimi. Wemimivac said:Thanks to all
I wanted to thank everyone here who responded with such insight and compassion. Believe me, even though I didn't respond to everyone's comments, I have taken them ALL to heart. There is a wealth of information here and, even more importantly, understanding.
Mimi
You're welcome Mimi. We certainly are a group to be reckoned with. We are sisters and brothers united in a battle. We truly have a wealth of information here that I don't think we could do better had we been doctors ourselves. LOL But most importantly, we each understand exactly what the other is going through and experiencing like no other person close to us can understand. We are truly unique once we experience a cancer diagnosis and no one understands that more than the person that has walked in our shoes. I hope all goes well with your future treatments. Hugs, Lili0
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