Chemo in two days.Please share how your first treatment went.

Hi Pat
Congradulations on
Hi Pat
Congradulations on your finaly starting your treatment. Strange thing for me to say I am sure that you are thinking. This look at it when I was in the military when it came to transfer time or getting out time there was a countdown. It got to be kind of fun esp when you were down to four days and a wake up. If you look at each treatment like that it will be much easier to handle. Esp when you get down to that last couple of treatments and your able to say two treats and a check out.
As far as my first treatment, I felt kind of like I was in shock. During the treatment, meaning oh boy I cant beleive that I am here, doing this. It took about 6 hours after treatment that I started to feel ill, I felt kind of fluy for a few days, and intermitantly through the weeks between treatments. As long as you stay on top of your nausea meds you'll be okay.
We are all here for you.
tj

Marcia527 said:

You can't go and compare my
You can't go and compare my treatment because I had a hard time with everything it seems. Plus they have improved the medication since I had chemo in 2003/2004. Back then Emend was just coming out and I've heard that it is pretty good. The best thing you can do is go home after treatment and stay home that day to see how you do since everyone is different.
If you are one that has no side effects, well you will have a good day at home. Taking someone with you to treatment is helpful because you will not be alone and they can drive you home.

Good Luck with treatment.
Good Luck with treatment. The first one is a scary one because you don't know what to expect. Make sure your doctor has given you the drug Emend. It will take care of most side effects. Good luck again and will be thinking of you.

You'll do fine!
I am finished my chemo.....YEAH, 5 weeks ago and have started radiation. I can honestly say it wasn't nearly as bad as the horror stories I have heard of people having chemo in years past. They have come such a long way with all the anti nausea medications......I Had 4 infusions of Taxotere and Cytoxan. I NEVER EVER had the first wave of nausea....I started taking the prescribed anti nausea meds and Decadron, a steroid and anti nausea drug the day before and continued for 3 days following chemo. I was told to TAKE THEM EVEN IF YOU DON"T FEEL NAUSEATED......it's easier to PREVENT NAUSEA than to get it under control. Plus the first 15 minutes of chemo they pumped me full of anti nausea meds. For the first infusion, the nurse never left my side for the first 20 minutes to make sure I had no side effects from the Taxotere.....I was also given Benadryl to ward off a possible reaction. I had NONE.......Also I was told to eat before hand, something that would stick "to my ribs" they said......I ate half a bagel with peanut butter. They also fed me during chemo. You're less likely to get sick with something in your stomach. AND DRINK DRINK DRINK.....they couldn't stress that enough, you want to flush your system. They told me it didn't matter what I drank, either, as long as it wasn't alcohol. Are you getting the Nuelasta injection the next day after chemo? I did, after each infusion.......the first one kicked my butt 5 days later..but was managed with pain meds. The chemo WILL make you tired as you get more into it.....As it is cumulative. Try to rest as much as possible. I had chemo "revenge" after the first infusion..you might want to have some extra stregth IMMODIUM on hand......but none after the next 3. Don't let that get out of hand either, if you get it.

I agree, the first one is the scariest one.........fear of the unknown.....I had to take a class and watch a video before I was allowed to start chemo..that's the procedure here. Each one gets a bit "easier," by that I mean, you know what to expect. Don't know if you have a port, I DID NOT, due to only 4 infusions.......your veins can take a beating, but again, it is all manageable and doable.....

I wish you well and sending up prayers for you! If I can help in any way let me know.....This is a WONDERFUL site, filled with caring, women who are walking or have walked in your shoes.
Nancy

e_hope said:

you will be fine... my first
you will be fine... my first treatment.. I think I cried through the first half of it from the shock of being there. It was very surreal. Take the meds they prescribe to you they will help and don't wait till its too bad, be proactive. I was given a script for ativan and I would take it the night before chemo to relax so I could get some sleep...

The anxiety of it all is the worst part for your first one. I didn't feel to, to bad just a little extra tired for the first few days. but the treatments do build up on you and for me got harder with each one.. I never had to bad of nausea, but extreme to the bone fatigue, pain in the joints and bones.

Wish you the best of luck... Also its usually cold in there so dress warm and wear comfy clothes.. and If you want privacy don't be afraid to ask... for me I always pulled my curtain, I just didn't want to look at other patients while I was there, and I took either hubby or a friend with me made the time pass quicker...

Pat .. take 1 day at a time .. Every posting above is true
Anxiety will get the best of you. Try and relax, easier said than done, I know I've been there.

Bring a book, puzzle something will help time pass. Perhaps a friend or daughter. Wear comfy clothing and socks - my feet froze during my first 5 1/2 chemo. I also had a private room - which relaxed me. I fell asleep on and off during my first chemo. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and report all side efforts .. Nausea, numbiness or hot flashes.

Make sure you rest when you get back home .. and drink, drink .. drink water to flush your systems.

Good luck.

VickiSAm

Finding Chemo
Like u I was scared of the unknown. Course that's the whole road we're on.I was feeling like my head might explode or I would have a severe reaction and even start vomiting right there on the spot! NOTHING happened to me. All the nurses were there to help w questions and concerns...Ask. I'm on my second round of drugs. What helped is of course fluids. After my first dose I was so dry. I live in NM so that dosen't help. Come the second dose I asked if I could get a " boost" of IV fluids. They gave me an extra dose of 500ml of normal saline and I started drinking on the gator (my fluid chose). Made a world of differance. You will find ur groove, take some books or Ipod cards or just a friend, take a deep breath and try to relax. Think to yourself this is going to make me better. I like to visualize the meds killing all the cancer cells, like mini explosions. Sounds silly uh, but that's my way. You to will find ur way. Good luck and I will be thinking of you. be strong. You know what's irionic? I work in surgery for the last 18yrs, seen alot, done alot, but even after 6 tx and 6 lab draws from my port I still can't watch : ) I watched some of my own surgies, but can't watch them stick me! lol Take care sweetie u will do this. Katz