starting chemo tomorrow

anicca said:

Just finished my 6 rounds in September
Hi Victoria. I just finished round 6 of 6 (carbo/taxol) in mid September. Everyone's experiences are a little different. I didn't have any ill effects until day 3 after the treatment, then in the afternoon, started to feel extremely nauseous. I actually didn't realize what it was because I don't ever have nausea, except for morning sickness when pregnant, and it wasn't like that. Zofran worked wonders for me, but also made me a little dizzy and tired. I had my chemo on a Thursday, so on Sunday afternoon, I started the Zofran. By Sunday night, I was very tired, and by Monday, I was totaled, and remained exhausted until Wednesday evening. I had very little energy the whole time, and was only able to work weekends (almost my normal schedule) by conserving my energy the rest of the time.

The worst side effect I had was a a little superficial neuropathy in my hands and feet, but when it started it was sudden and painful. It began after my second treatment, and I didn't know what was going on. My feet suddenly had severe shooting pains in the soles and heels. My husband was home and massaged them for me, which helped. I called the doctor, of course, and the Nurse/Practitioner (N/P) told me to take 50mg of B6 and 250mg of Magnesium. I had read that vitamin E could help, but was told to only take it every other day. Ask about those three. It would be good to have them on hand if you need them. They really helped, and I am still taking them.

I go to the NYU Cancer Center, and their chemo floor is quite posh, so I actually enjoyed the chemo days, especially the massage, which I always had just for my calves and feet.

Be sure to dress comfortably and either wear or bring slip-on shoes. I brought a water bottle so I wouldn't have to deal with an open cup or glass while on an IV. NYU has free WiFi, and your facility may also, so if you have a small device, like a phone with data plan, iPad, or netbook, you should bring it. Don't forget a charging cord!

childofthestars said:

Chemo
Hi Victoria
I finished my carbo/taxol treatment last month I was having taxol every week with carbo/taxol every 3rd week - this went on for 18 weeks. Everyone is very different with regard to the side effects they experience but the anti-sickness medications were very effective and I only felt slightly nauseous after the double treatments but was never actually sick, the oncologist added in extra anti-sickness medication with the double treatment because it's the carbo that makes you feel sick more than the taxol.
When I was initially diagnosed a friend told me about a product called Manuka Honey, I did a bit of research and decided to try it - 1 teaspoon 3x daily plus I also took an Iron supplement in liquid form. I don't know whether it was coincedence or not but my bloods were always really good and I never had to have a treatment delayed my oncologist was very impressed. I also had Vit B12 shots monthly. I still continue with this regime although not as rigidly.
The main side effect I had during treatment was hair loss but since finishing treatment i've lost my eyebrows and lashes which apparently can happen although thankfully they've just started to grow back! I was also very tired sometimes - not all the time but realised it was very important to rest when i felt tired. This was no easy thing for me because i'm normally such an active person so I literally had to force myself to lie down! I still get tired and do rest when I feel like this.
Wishing you the very best of luck with your treatments and please keep us informed of how you're doing.
Michelle x

VictoriaSF said:

Thank you All!
Thank you Ladies!
I appreciate your support, tips and advises so so much

Praying to God - i will not have big side effects

Will keep you posted

Hugs
Victoria

p.s - to Susan - yes - i am in San Francisco. Would be nice to meet one day:)