1st chemo and feeling crappy

MGNS
MGNS Member Posts: 197 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
It's been 4 days since my first chemo and I feel crappy. No taste, light headed, constant heartburn, and no energy. I'm trying to eat small meals, hydrate and rest. Is this normal and how long should I feel this way. The oncologist said that it would last a little while and then I would start feeling better. Maybe I'm too anxious to feel better. This is the pits. Thanks for letting me vent.

Comments

  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #2
    Yes it is very normal, you
    Yes it is very normal, you may feel this way for up to ten days. Usually I was totally free of symptoms on the beginning of the third week. Just be kind to yourself and get plenty of rest. If the heartburn is real bad call your doc they can give you stuff for that.

    Hugs,

    RE
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #3
    It's all in a day's chemo. I
    It's all in a day's chemo. I have after effects up until 6 days before my next chemo. It gets really bad for me on day 3, 4 and 5. Then gradually gets better. I get chemo every 3 weeks. It will get better just in time to start the process all over again, but it isnt forever. there is a finish line, thank goodness. Hang in there, you are not alone.
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #4
    RE said:

    Yes it is very normal, you
    Yes it is very normal, you may feel this way for up to ten days. Usually I was totally free of symptoms on the beginning of the third week. Just be kind to yourself and get plenty of rest. If the heartburn is real bad call your doc they can give you stuff for that.

    Hugs,

    RE

    Which chemo are you on? You
    Which chemo are you on? You will figure out how your body reacts and find ways to treat it. You do get progressively tired but you learn what to expect. hang in there!
  • mlmjt1
    mlmjt1 Member Posts: 537 Member
    #5
    HI Mgns
    Vent all you want...chemo is the pitts!! I usually started feeling better about 6 to 7 days out of chemo and by week 2 I felt pretty much back to normal only to get hit again in 2 wks. Hang in there...and drink lots and lots and eventually you will look back at this and it will seem like another life time ago.

    Hugs
    Linda T
  • Sunrae
    Sunrae Member Posts: 808
    #6
    natly15 said:

    It's all in a day's chemo. I
    It's all in a day's chemo. I have after effects up until 6 days before my next chemo. It gets really bad for me on day 3, 4 and 5. Then gradually gets better. I get chemo every 3 weeks. It will get better just in time to start the process all over again, but it isnt forever. there is a finish line, thank goodness. Hang in there, you are not alone.

    Just wanted to let you know
    Just wanted to let you know I'm sorry that you're feeling bad and hope it goes away soon. I haven't taken chemo so can't comment on that. But there are plenty ladies on this site that have or are now going thru it and may be able to give you some good advice. Most of them say its doable and it does have a finish but that's no comfort when you're so sick. Hope you find some relief soon.
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #7
    mlmjt1 said:

    HI Mgns
    Vent all you want...chemo is the pitts!! I usually started feeling better about 6 to 7 days out of chemo and by week 2 I felt pretty much back to normal only to get hit again in 2 wks. Hang in there...and drink lots and lots and eventually you will look back at this and it will seem like another life time ago.

    Hugs
    Linda T

    Just want to say how sorry I
    Just want to say how sorry I am that you feel so bad Mgns after your chemo. I pray that it will get easier for you.

    Hugs, Diane ♥
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #8
    Sorry you're feeling bad.
    Sorry you're feeling bad. It does get better! Let yourself be babied! xoxoxoxo Lynn
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #9
    lynn1950 said:

    Sorry you're feeling bad.
    Sorry you're feeling bad. It does get better! Let yourself be babied! xoxoxoxo Lynn

    So sorry that you feel so
    So sorry that you feel so bad. Hoping that you feel better soon!
  • Cat64
    Cat64 Member Posts: 1,192
    #10
    MGNS
    My crappy period usually lasted 8 days before I felt any better. Then when I felt somewhat normal again-it was time for another treatment! Of course you want to feel better! The s/e of Chemo are exhausting to say the least. Try to hang onto the thought that it IS working! That helped me get through. You are doing all the right things to make it more tolerable. Hope you feel better soon! Vent anytime!
    ♥ Cathy
  • kimber2309
    kimber2309 Member Posts: 2
    #11
    Great picture!
    you will get through it, it will not be easy, do not let anyone tell you it is or that it is all in your mind. Everyone is different mine lasts about 5 days. Your Oncology team is a part of your family now, tell them everything that you feel. Its not easy but we will all make it through cause we are strong. You are in my prayers!
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #12
    kimber2309 said:

    Great picture!
    you will get through it, it will not be easy, do not let anyone tell you it is or that it is all in your mind. Everyone is different mine lasts about 5 days. Your Oncology team is a part of your family now, tell them everything that you feel. Its not easy but we will all make it through cause we are strong. You are in my prayers!

    Hope you are feeling better
    Hope you are feeling better today! Drink lots of water!


    Hugs, Diane ♥
  • lizmair
    lizmair Member Posts: 24
    #13
    I'm sorry you are not
    I'm sorry you are not feeling well, I start my first chemo on wednesday and not looking forward to it. what chemo are you on.
  • MGNS
    MGNS Member Posts: 197 Member
    #14
    lizmair said:

    I'm sorry you are not
    I'm sorry you are not feeling well, I start my first chemo on wednesday and not looking forward to it. what chemo are you on.

    The chemo I'm on is
    The chemo I'm on is Docetaxel and cyclophosphamide. It is now day 6 since my first treatment and I am able to be out of bed for a couple of hours without being totally wiped out. I was able to eat a small amount of cheese omelette this morning and tasted it. So far its staying in me. But who knows what can happen an hour from now!
    I reallllllly appreciate all the positive support and am trying to stay focused on getting better.
    I'm keeping all of you in my prayers too!
    Hugs!
  • padee6339
    padee6339 Member Posts: 763
    #15
    MGNS said:

    The chemo I'm on is
    The chemo I'm on is Docetaxel and cyclophosphamide. It is now day 6 since my first treatment and I am able to be out of bed for a couple of hours without being totally wiped out. I was able to eat a small amount of cheese omelette this morning and tasted it. So far its staying in me. But who knows what can happen an hour from now!
    I reallllllly appreciate all the positive support and am trying to stay focused on getting better.
    I'm keeping all of you in my prayers too!
    Hugs!

    So Sorry
    You are feeling so bad. My doctor had me drink Ginger Ale because of the electrolytes, also jello. The jello felt good going down, even if it had no taste. I will keep you in my prayers that you will be feeling so much better soon.
    Hugs - Pat
  • newbiefromcananda
    newbiefromcananda Member Posts: 234
    #16
    MGNS said:

    The chemo I'm on is
    The chemo I'm on is Docetaxel and cyclophosphamide. It is now day 6 since my first treatment and I am able to be out of bed for a couple of hours without being totally wiped out. I was able to eat a small amount of cheese omelette this morning and tasted it. So far its staying in me. But who knows what can happen an hour from now!
    I reallllllly appreciate all the positive support and am trying to stay focused on getting better.
    I'm keeping all of you in my prayers too!
    Hugs!

    you will feel better, I am
    you will feel better, I am on docetaxol and herceptin right now, then I switch to FEC , I was ok for the 1st 3 days then wham!, the big D , achey+++++, sore , upset stomach and severe heartburn... got a rx for zantac for heartburn, immodium for the D and rest , mine lasted to about day 8=9 after chemo but now I am day 13 and I have felt great, cut down a christams tree, shopping etc .... best of luck to you xoxoxoxoo
    lisa
  • MGNS
    MGNS Member Posts: 197 Member
    #17
    newbiefromcananda said:

    you will feel better, I am
    you will feel better, I am on docetaxol and herceptin right now, then I switch to FEC , I was ok for the 1st 3 days then wham!, the big D , achey+++++, sore , upset stomach and severe heartburn... got a rx for zantac for heartburn, immodium for the D and rest , mine lasted to about day 8=9 after chemo but now I am day 13 and I have felt great, cut down a christams tree, shopping etc .... best of luck to you xoxoxoxoo
    lisa

    The first 3 days after chemo
    The first 3 days after chemo I did feel pretty good. I guess the "calm before the storm" and then wham it all hit just like with you. It gives me hope to know that you are feeling so good now and even cutting down a Christmas tree! You go girl! Never underestimate the power of a woman, especially a "chemo woman"! :)
    Hugs and prayers!
  • marywest
    marywest Member Posts: 132
    #18
    MGNS said:

    The first 3 days after chemo
    The first 3 days after chemo I did feel pretty good. I guess the "calm before the storm" and then wham it all hit just like with you. It gives me hope to know that you are feeling so good now and even cutting down a Christmas tree! You go girl! Never underestimate the power of a woman, especially a "chemo woman"! :)
    Hugs and prayers!

    High protein
    My oncologist said a diet in high protein is needed, so the eggs are good. I had chemo every week for six months, never did get to feel good until it was over. But the good thing, it will be over, and the thought of chemo killing the cancer cells made me feel good. I took lots of naps, had medicine for nausea, that was the best. Listen to you body, if your tired, lay down. Hope you have good books and movies and maybe even christmas goodies to make if your up for it. God Bless, your in my prayers, even tho your feeling crappy your doing a great job.
  • Mama G
    Mama G Member Posts: 762
    #19
    marywest said:

    High protein
    My oncologist said a diet in high protein is needed, so the eggs are good. I had chemo every week for six months, never did get to feel good until it was over. But the good thing, it will be over, and the thought of chemo killing the cancer cells made me feel good. I took lots of naps, had medicine for nausea, that was the best. Listen to you body, if your tired, lay down. Hope you have good books and movies and maybe even christmas goodies to make if your up for it. God Bless, your in my prayers, even tho your feeling crappy your doing a great job.

    like they say....
    You'll hear this one a lot: "Everybody's different" and each of us have different things that SUCK about chemo. Each to their own degree, too. I know by the 4th day I was soooo sick and tired of feeling sick and tired that I got depressed and cried twice (of 4 chemos)
    Now I look back and wonder what the heck??? It was only one more day to go, but at the time it seemed like I was NEVER going to feel "normal" again! YOU CAN DO IT!!! Normal is right around the corner, I promise! It might be a little different from the old normal, but it's way better than "chemo-normal"!

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