Tomorrow I start chemo, scarred to death
Comments
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The hardest part...
Is walking through the door for the first treatment...at least for me...Like everyone I was terrified...your chemo nurse will "walk" you through everything she does....and will stay by your side for at least the first20-30 minutes, once the actual chemo drugs are started...first you'll most likely be given anti nausea meds and benadryl, before the start of the drugs...also a saline solution will be given between drugs..I started my anti nausea meds the day before each infussion, along with the steroid meds....continued each for the next 5 days....PLEASE take your anti nausea drugs even if you don't feel nauseated..it's much easier to prevent nausea than to get it under control once it starts...IF it does....I was never sick one time...not even the first wave of nausea...I took the drugs religiously! But we're all different. I also was advised to eat something that would "stick to my ribs" before hand and even snack during...and drink drink drink...before during and for 2-3 days after...keep well hydrated...
It is terrifying.... But we find a strength within ourselves, we never knew existed..
Wishing you the very best as you start treatment, and begin the journey of regaining your health
Nancy0 -
Breathe PinkJazz, breathe
The first one is scary... It's the fear of the unknown. But please be assured
what's in your head is 10 x worse than the reality. Yes, some of us have pretty
bad side effects but your oncologist can help you manage those.
I have stressed this always and will stress it again for you. It is very important
to stay hydrated. Drink a lot the day prior and the morning of chemo. Not too
close to your appointment, then you'll be pushing the IV pole back and forth
to the bathroom.. lol.
Also be prepared, have a bag, a dedicated chemo bag, filled with goodies. Books,
music, even a game,you may make a friend or two. I also used to take gum for
the yucky taste in my mouth. And take a favorite blanket for added comfort.
And the rest of the day? You got it! HYDRATE, hydrate, hydrate...
Also what worked wonders for me with the nausea was anything ginger. From
tea to chews (trader joe's carries both).
I didn't get sick till two days later. But everyone is different. I used to work
around my sick schedule and get things done prior, like clean my house,
pre cook.
You are going to be fine... and we will all be there with you in spirit, imagine
100+ kindred spirits wedged into your infusion room.. bickering and plappering
that should put a smile on your face (;
Hugs,
Ayse0 -
We are all so different....
We are all so different.... I was pretty sick after my first treatment with nausea. The next visit I talked with my chemo nurse and she got me on the right med for me. Then I was fine. Tired at the end, but able to work throughout.
Please know that I will be there with you tomorrow, as I am sure will the other Kindred Spirits. My thoughts and prayers are with you.0 -
Like all the sisters saidCypressCynthia said:We are all so different....
We are all so different.... I was pretty sick after my first treatment with nausea. The next visit I talked with my chemo nurse and she got me on the right med for me. Then I was fine. Tired at the end, but able to work throughout.
Please know that I will be there with you tomorrow, as I am sure will the other Kindred Spirits. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
we are all different. I had 6 rounds of TAC--never vomited, didn't even get real nausea. My first 2-3 treatments were very doable, in fact. A couple of days after I did have a few episodes of diarrhea/constipation. I did have a metallic taste in my mouth and nothing really tasted that great. The best I can describe my feeling for a couple of days after chemo was "queasy." Do not assume you will be sick--chances are you may not.
Walking through the door the first time was definitely scary. I think I cried in the car on the way there while my poor husband looked so concerned and helpless.
I'm not saying any of it was easy and it wasn't fun, but you will get through this. Try to think positive, stay hydrated and take each treatment one at a time.
We'll all be with you, dearheart.
Hugs, Renee0 -
yep the first one is the hardest
I know how you feel since I was in your shoes just 6 weeks ago. I was afraid but also curious just wondering how my body would handle it all. To my surprise it was a lot easier than I imagined. I had different treatment drugs but I didn't experience nausea but I took the prescriptions for it every day for 5 days anyway. I also used the Senecot just in case of constipation since anti nausea drugs can cause that along with the drying effects of chemo. on the body. To psyche myself I try to think of chemo as my friend out there doing battle in my body for me. Good luck tomorrow! Will hold your cyber hand!
Pink0 -
I had my first treatment 2 weeks ago...PinkPearl said:yep the first one is the hardest
I know how you feel since I was in your shoes just 6 weeks ago. I was afraid but also curious just wondering how my body would handle it all. To my surprise it was a lot easier than I imagined. I had different treatment drugs but I didn't experience nausea but I took the prescriptions for it every day for 5 days anyway. I also used the Senecot just in case of constipation since anti nausea drugs can cause that along with the drying effects of chemo. on the body. To psyche myself I try to think of chemo as my friend out there doing battle in my body for me. Good luck tomorrow! Will hold your cyber hand!
Pink
I was so worried prior to walking through the door. HOWEVER... I was pleasantly surprised it was not that bad. Fortunately, I did not experience any sickness after the treatment. I received lots of Great advice from this site prior to the treatment. The Best advice was to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Worked for me. I think the anticipation of the unknown was the worse. Hard to sleep the night before. But stayed positive and had to attitude "let's do this" I even wore my army camo clothes as if ready for battle. Wishing YOU all the best. Realize we're all here. I'm new to this site and find it soooo benefical with tons of great info from people on the same journey. Well Wishes for tomorrow.
Mitzi ;0)0 -
Thank youMAJW said:The hardest part...
Is walking through the door for the first treatment...at least for me...Like everyone I was terrified...your chemo nurse will "walk" you through everything she does....and will stay by your side for at least the first20-30 minutes, once the actual chemo drugs are started...first you'll most likely be given anti nausea meds and benadryl, before the start of the drugs...also a saline solution will be given between drugs..I started my anti nausea meds the day before each infussion, along with the steroid meds....continued each for the next 5 days....PLEASE take your anti nausea drugs even if you don't feel nauseated..it's much easier to prevent nausea than to get it under control once it starts...IF it does....I was never sick one time...not even the first wave of nausea...I took the drugs religiously! But we're all different. I also was advised to eat something that would "stick to my ribs" before hand and even snack during...and drink drink drink...before during and for 2-3 days after...keep well hydrated...
It is terrifying.... But we find a strength within ourselves, we never knew existed..
Wishing you the very best as you start treatment, and begin the journey of regaining your health
Nancy
I am so overwhelmed with everything. I just learned about this site and Iam so glad I joined. I am getting strenght from all of the responses0 -
I do have a smile on my faceaysemari said:Breathe PinkJazz, breathe
The first one is scary... It's the fear of the unknown. But please be assured
what's in your head is 10 x worse than the reality. Yes, some of us have pretty
bad side effects but your oncologist can help you manage those.
I have stressed this always and will stress it again for you. It is very important
to stay hydrated. Drink a lot the day prior and the morning of chemo. Not too
close to your appointment, then you'll be pushing the IV pole back and forth
to the bathroom.. lol.
Also be prepared, have a bag, a dedicated chemo bag, filled with goodies. Books,
music, even a game,you may make a friend or two. I also used to take gum for
the yucky taste in my mouth. And take a favorite blanket for added comfort.
And the rest of the day? You got it! HYDRATE, hydrate, hydrate...
Also what worked wonders for me with the nausea was anything ginger. From
tea to chews (trader joe's carries both).
I didn't get sick till two days later. But everyone is different. I used to work
around my sick schedule and get things done prior, like clean my house,
pre cook.
You are going to be fine... and we will all be there with you in spirit, imagine
100+ kindred spirits wedged into your infusion room.. bickering and plappering
that should put a smile on your face (;
Hugs,
Ayse
Thank you for sharing all the tid bits I am going to pack a chemo bag and blanket0 -
Thank youCypressCynthia said:We are all so different....
We are all so different.... I was pretty sick after my first treatment with nausea. The next visit I talked with my chemo nurse and she got me on the right med for me. Then I was fine. Tired at the end, but able to work throughout.
Please know that I will be there with you tomorrow, as I am sure will the other Kindred Spirits. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My biggest fear is nausea. I will not be a hero the first sign of yuk I will be asking for medicine. Thank you for the prayers0 -
Hey PinkJazzPinkPearl said:yep the first one is the hardest
I know how you feel since I was in your shoes just 6 weeks ago. I was afraid but also curious just wondering how my body would handle it all. To my surprise it was a lot easier than I imagined. I had different treatment drugs but I didn't experience nausea but I took the prescriptions for it every day for 5 days anyway. I also used the Senecot just in case of constipation since anti nausea drugs can cause that along with the drying effects of chemo. on the body. To psyche myself I try to think of chemo as my friend out there doing battle in my body for me. Good luck tomorrow! Will hold your cyber hand!
Pink
Everyone is scared there first treatment. Now for me, I was up all night, on this web site, scared to death. Just about made myself sick. I did 4 rounds of AC and 12 rounds of Taxol. We all react different to the chemo drugs, some of us have no problems at all. For me, it was not as bad as I had thought it was going to be. My doctor ordered me antinausea drugs which I took before each chemo visit. I took 3 drugs. Emend, It's a 3 pill drug, you take 1 before chemo, 1 pill the next day and 1 pill on day 3. Then I took sofran and composzian.(don't think I spelled that right )I did not have any nausea, and if I did it was mild. Make sure you eat before treatment. After treatment, eat whatever you can. I found ginger ale and vanilla waffers and potatoes was all I could eat. It was really like day 3 after treatment that I would feel tired and needed to sleep more, then about a day or 2 later I would be back to the norm again. I hope it all goes well for you.It's all doable, we somehow manage through it. Be positive, it helps get you through.0 -
Thank youPinkPearl said:yep the first one is the hardest
I know how you feel since I was in your shoes just 6 weeks ago. I was afraid but also curious just wondering how my body would handle it all. To my surprise it was a lot easier than I imagined. I had different treatment drugs but I didn't experience nausea but I took the prescriptions for it every day for 5 days anyway. I also used the Senecot just in case of constipation since anti nausea drugs can cause that along with the drying effects of chemo. on the body. To psyche myself I try to think of chemo as my friend out there doing battle in my body for me. Good luck tomorrow! Will hold your cyber hand!
Pink
I have truly gain strength through all the responses. At first I thought I can't do this! But I know I can thanks for holding my hand0 -
Thank youMitzi333 said:I had my first treatment 2 weeks ago...
I was so worried prior to walking through the door. HOWEVER... I was pleasantly surprised it was not that bad. Fortunately, I did not experience any sickness after the treatment. I received lots of Great advice from this site prior to the treatment. The Best advice was to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Worked for me. I think the anticipation of the unknown was the worse. Hard to sleep the night before. But stayed positive and had to attitude "let's do this" I even wore my army camo clothes as if ready for battle. Wishing YOU all the best. Realize we're all here. I'm new to this site and find it soooo benefical with tons of great info from people on the same journey. Well Wishes for tomorrow.
Mitzi ;0)
Yes I am new to this site as of Today and I am glad I joined. I have a hard time drinking water but I am trying to drink. The support I have received has been incredible.0 -
The first one is the scariestPinkJazz said:Thank you
I have truly gain strength through all the responses. At first I thought I can't do this! But I know I can thanks for holding my hand
I was so terrifed that I actually tried to run away from the nurse. I kept telling her that she had the wrong patient and I just knew that I didn't have cancer, they had made a huge mistake. My nurse was wonderful, she walked me right through it and I learned that it's not so bad. I actually fall asleep during chemo now.
Do you have a port? If so, you can put preparation H on your port 1 1/2 hour before chemo ( cover it with gauze). Also, ask the nurse for an ice bag to place on the port prior to them accessing it. This will make it less painful when they access it. Make sure that you drink at least 3 quarts of water daily to help flush out all of the toxins. Also, take your anti nausea meds religously every 4 hours for 4 days. Pack a bag full of goodies, books, lap top, crocheting, etc. Make sure to take your favorite blanket with you
All of your pink sisters will be there with you holding your hand tomorrow. I will be praying for you to have an easy time with this. You can do this, remember that you are stronger than you realize and we are all here right beside you.
Hugs,
Dawne0 -
wishing you the bestTexasgirl10 said:The first one is the scariest
I was so terrifed that I actually tried to run away from the nurse. I kept telling her that she had the wrong patient and I just knew that I didn't have cancer, they had made a huge mistake. My nurse was wonderful, she walked me right through it and I learned that it's not so bad. I actually fall asleep during chemo now.
Do you have a port? If so, you can put preparation H on your port 1 1/2 hour before chemo ( cover it with gauze). Also, ask the nurse for an ice bag to place on the port prior to them accessing it. This will make it less painful when they access it. Make sure that you drink at least 3 quarts of water daily to help flush out all of the toxins. Also, take your anti nausea meds religously every 4 hours for 4 days. Pack a bag full of goodies, books, lap top, crocheting, etc. Make sure to take your favorite blanket with you
All of your pink sisters will be there with you holding your hand tomorrow. I will be praying for you to have an easy time with this. You can do this, remember that you are stronger than you realize and we are all here right beside you.
Hugs,
Dawne
for your first chemo; yes, it is scary at first but my experience so far has not been bad at all. No nausea, no vomiting, just tired. The drugs they give you along with the chemo are for anti-nausea, anti-acid, anti-allergy and some steriods - the Benadryl(anti-allergy) puts me right to sleep so I end up sleeping through a lot of the chemo.
As others have said, it;s not a piece of cake but it is do-able. Before you know it the chemo will be behind you! I'm scheduled for the 10th of my 12th Taxol treatment tomorrow and can;t believe how quickly the time has flown!
Laura0 -
Thank you all of my pink sistersTexasgirl10 said:The first one is the scariest
I was so terrifed that I actually tried to run away from the nurse. I kept telling her that she had the wrong patient and I just knew that I didn't have cancer, they had made a huge mistake. My nurse was wonderful, she walked me right through it and I learned that it's not so bad. I actually fall asleep during chemo now.
Do you have a port? If so, you can put preparation H on your port 1 1/2 hour before chemo ( cover it with gauze). Also, ask the nurse for an ice bag to place on the port prior to them accessing it. This will make it less painful when they access it. Make sure that you drink at least 3 quarts of water daily to help flush out all of the toxins. Also, take your anti nausea meds religously every 4 hours for 4 days. Pack a bag full of goodies, books, lap top, crocheting, etc. Make sure to take your favorite blanket with you
All of your pink sisters will be there with you holding your hand tomorrow. I will be praying for you to have an easy time with this. You can do this, remember that you are stronger than you realize and we are all here right beside you.
Hugs,
Dawne
Everyone has been such an encouragement to me. I just got my port put in last Friday very sore yet. They told me it may hurt tomorrow because of the port just being placed. I will put the ice on prior. Thank you so much0 -
Hi,
Yes, it's scary starting
Hi,
Yes, it's scary starting chemo! I started 2 weeks ago with AC, I'll also have four. I'm doing fine. The first week I felt tired and didn't do much. I took the pills they prescribed faithfully so had little nausea. Just follow directions with the anti-nausea meds and drink LOTS and LOTS of water - it flushes out the toxins and you will do much better if you just keep drinking. I got up 5-6 times that night to pee but I'd rather do that than be sick!
Also took the advice and drank lots the days prior so I was hydrated when I went in. I got lots of good feedback when I posted "chemo jeebies" if you want to look it up with a search, it was ALL helpful. Just remember, the fear is the worst part, by far. I've never been incapacited, I've been able to get up and take care of things.
Hugs,
LynD0 -
Welcome pinkjazz, thoughPinkJazz said:Thank you
Yes I am new to this site as of Today and I am glad I joined. I have a hard time drinking water but I am trying to drink. The support I have received has been incredible.
Welcome pinkjazz, though sorry for the reason you found us. Do drink lots of water. You need to stay hydrated.
Good luck to you!0 -
Praying that your firstmissrenee said:Like all the sisters said
we are all different. I had 6 rounds of TAC--never vomited, didn't even get real nausea. My first 2-3 treatments were very doable, in fact. A couple of days after I did have a few episodes of diarrhea/constipation. I did have a metallic taste in my mouth and nothing really tasted that great. The best I can describe my feeling for a couple of days after chemo was "queasy." Do not assume you will be sick--chances are you may not.
Walking through the door the first time was definitely scary. I think I cried in the car on the way there while my poor husband looked so concerned and helpless.
I'm not saying any of it was easy and it wasn't fun, but you will get through this. Try to think positive, stay hydrated and take each treatment one at a time.
We'll all be with you, dearheart.
Hugs, Renee
Praying that your first chemo today went well for you.
Lex0
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