starting chemo in 5 days any advice

Welcome to this site, you
Welcome to this site, you will receive lots of support, insight, and caring.
Chemo is very doable for most people. the side effects vary from person to person. Its hard to know what to expect, until you have had your first treatment. What kind of chemo are you having? it is important to hydrate. drink lots of fluids. they give you medications for nausea which really help. Once you have had your first treatment, you will know how your body reacts to chemo. others will right in soon.. sorry you are here but you came to a good place

Hi Jan
Sorry we had to meet through this site but I'm glad you joined. Most of the ladies, including myself were like you, pretty much healthy until this struck. Gosh, I didn't even swallow anything for a headache. Just didn't like taking anything. Then, bam! Taking all sorts of drugs. That was tough.

Chemo affects folks differently. I'm not sure how many treatments you'll have. As I've mentioned, chemo is cummulative, meaning it might get a bit harder towards the last treaments. For me and many others, I felt fine the day of treatment. It's the 2-4 day you feel puny. You can experience fatigue, maybe nausea, funky metallic taste in your mouth and other bothersome stuff.

I found that I would just rest on my crash day. Once that day past, I would feel better. I took my chemo on Tuesdays (every 3 weeks), and without fail, I would feel it at about noon on Friday. I would leave a little early from work and just go home to relax. then I was good to go by Monday when work started.

Again, everyone's different. Just get plenty of rest when you feel tired, drink lots of water and most importantly, keep the faith! You'll get through this.

Blessings and hugs,

Sylvia

Awww chemo
Well you've def come to the right place. Sorry that you had to come and visit. FLUIDS are a def. I'd sip on gatorade mainly after treatment. Overhydrated 3-4 days before. What kind of diagnosis do you have?
Sounds gross, but I was prone to consipation before chemo and during chemo wowowowow. Thought I was going to have to go to the ER for them to pull it out of me. Even though I drank lots of fluids.
Like everyone says, everybody eacts differently to the chemo. You'll do fine. Come here often and ask questions anytime. Course your onc and nurses are the best advice. We've been there and done it. Good luck and positive energy, prayers are with you. Katz

My first chemo was not bad.
My first chemo was not bad. The worst part was the fear of the unknown. There are two things to remember. First, it has different effects on everyone. Second, and most important, as long as you tell your oncologist when you have side effects, he or she can help with the side effects.

Yes, everyone reacts
Yes, everyone reacts differently so it is hard to predict. After your first treatment you will establish your own pattern which helps in planning your activities. For me days three and four were complete washouts - mostly I stayed in bed. Constipation was another issue as well as mild mouth sores and a funky taste in my mouth. I did have some edema but my treatments were during the very hot weather we had over the summer so that didn't help. The best thing to do is be good to yourself and just roll with it if you have rough days - they WILL pass. Good luck.