First Chemo is Tuesday
I have stopped drinking caffiene,and have been drinking lots of water. My ONC told me not to take any vitamins and avoid antioxidants??Did you take your nausea meds before your treatment or do they give you some durring the treatment? Overall how did you feel the rest of the day when you had first treatment? What is the best foods to eat before treatment?
God Bless
Mary
Comments
-
Mary ..
Personally, I endured 16 consecutive weeks of TCH without any breaks or time off for good behavior. I became increasing fatigued as the weeks went by .. My children were of driving age, but needed me nevertheless.
My humble suggestions:
I drank 1 to 2 cups of coffee daily -- when I could stomach it, otherwise herbal teas.
Clean, wash, pre-cook dinners and freeze -- If economically able -- buy in bulk things like paper plates, cups and paper towels. No need to look at a sink of dirty dishes
Purchase extra sheets, towels .. so that you don't have to wash 4 loads of laundry daily.
If you are involved in a church support group, please have someone arrange to bring dinner once or twice on your chemo weeks. .. 1 week chemo .. 2 weeks off??? right
If family is available .. please arrange for carpools -- doctor appointments (for your kids) to be handled by family or friends . .. You don't want to compromise your WBC counts -- infections lurk everywhere --
Insomnia may set in once chemo starts .. zen music, spiritual music helps with the long and lonely hours
Lastly, when feeling down .. please look into the faces of your children, husband and family -- this may help you get thru those darker times at many many suffer.
Strength, Courage and Hope.
Vicki Sam0 -
I took a bag with me for my
I took a bag with me for my first treatment and I had: snack crackers, hard candy, water, crossword puzzle book, sweater (the waiting room was cold), and a book to read. Some people brought their lap-tops I noticed.
Before they started the chemo itself, they gave me some anti-nausea medicine. In addition, my oncologist gave me some pills and I was to take one 30 minutes before the treatment. I took those only with the first four treatments. They also gave me some benadryl before the medicine so I sometimes slept through the treatment. I actually felt just fine after the first treatment. I never had what I would consider severe side-effects. Sometimes I was tired and just make sure to grab some resting time if you need it. Actually, I just would drink some orange juice and eat a piece of toast before treatments.
I also was given some medicine so I could sleep at night. You may not need that, but if you have any trouble with that tell your doc.
My prayers are with you,
Judy0 -
Wishing you good luck MaryVickiSam said:Mary ..
Personally, I endured 16 consecutive weeks of TCH without any breaks or time off for good behavior. I became increasing fatigued as the weeks went by .. My children were of driving age, but needed me nevertheless.
My humble suggestions:
I drank 1 to 2 cups of coffee daily -- when I could stomach it, otherwise herbal teas.
Clean, wash, pre-cook dinners and freeze -- If economically able -- buy in bulk things like paper plates, cups and paper towels. No need to look at a sink of dirty dishes
Purchase extra sheets, towels .. so that you don't have to wash 4 loads of laundry daily.
If you are involved in a church support group, please have someone arrange to bring dinner once or twice on your chemo weeks. .. 1 week chemo .. 2 weeks off??? right
If family is available .. please arrange for carpools -- doctor appointments (for your kids) to be handled by family or friends . .. You don't want to compromise your WBC counts -- infections lurk everywhere --
Insomnia may set in once chemo starts .. zen music, spiritual music helps with the long and lonely hours
Lastly, when feeling down .. please look into the faces of your children, husband and family -- this may help you get thru those darker times at many many suffer.
Strength, Courage and Hope.
Vicki Sam
Wishing you good luck Mary with your first chemo!
Hugs, Megan0 -
I had 2 eggs for breakfast
I had 2 eggs for breakfast just to have that extra protein. I ate an extra serving of protein every day. Days I didn't I could feel it, I was more tired. I also drank one cup of coffee most days. I couldn't deal with the coffee head ache!
You will do great!
Cindy0 -
Here is my advice for you ...
Hi Mary:
First of all, please don't be scared. I was terrified for my first treatment and I had amazing nurse who got me through all 4. Make sure the nurse doing the infusions makes you feel at ease. Chemo nurses are wonderful and I am very close to mine now after my treatment.
1. Re nausea medication. They may give you Emend which is an anti-nausea medication. I did not react to it with my the first treatment but boy did my veins hate it the 2nd, 3rd and 4th infusions. Make sure after your infusions you watch the infusion site and if it "flares" up - call you doctor - don't hesitate. I broke out in hives all over my "trunk" and also under my arms, my neck, my arms and "down below" between my legs - just horrible. Even though I was prescribed some steroid cream to soothe the itching, I ended up using Aveeno Eczema cream and it was wonderful. Also, if you are able to, take Benadryl morning and night (2 tabs) - I did not get drowsy and this helped immensely. On my 3rd infusion, I broke out as the Emend was going in, they removed the needle and I took Benadryl. The rash was gone by the time my infusions were finished that day - clearly a reaction. My doctor prescribed some anti-nausea meds but I did not need to use them. Again, EVERYONE is different - this was just my experience.
2. See if your partner or a good friend can go with you each time. Even though you may or may not want to chat the whole time, it is nice to have their friendly face there.
3. Food - bring your favorite salad, snacks, etc. I didn't worry too much about the caffeine thing - I sipped on a nice tall Venti through my infusion. But again, everyone is different.
4. Bring some good magazines, your iPod or even a DVD player - with comedy!!!
After your infusion, rest or just put your feet up. I TiVo'd a lot of shows so that I could watch them the week I was off work. My infusions were on a Friday and I was off work all of the following week and then back on Monday feeling fine.
Now the bad part ..... within about 2-3 days you will get the creaky bones. You will know it as you will start to feel like you just got on the treadmill for the first time in a while - it hurts! I took 2 Tylenol and was fine. It will pass.
Also, you tongue will feel like you are on Novacane for 5 days straight - water will taste like wallpaper paste. I had a glass or two of Sprite to sweeten my mouth up. To me the non-taste ability was the worst of all. Even worse than the hives! Therefore eat whatever you desire - it won't taste good, but some stuff may - just try....
Another thing is bowel movements - they are not nice. My oncologist laughed at me as I was very descriptive with them. I will save you from that detail. Make sure you get a good diaper rash cream! You will understand why. I got one called Candula (sp.) which is for babies and is available at Wholefoods.
Remember the chemicals have to come out somehow and the quicker you metabolize them (tonnes of fluid) the better you and your backside will feel.
I think that is about it. Just rest rest rest. I was told by so many people to take a walk every day if possible, but seriously it was all I could do to get out of bed on the bad days. If you can walk, more power to you!
Take care my friend. Chemo will be over before you know it and you will be ringing that bell loud and strong!
And PLEASE do not be scared....
My best to you and your family,
Margaret
xxx0 -
First chemo
I completed 6 straight months of Chemo. I drank lots of water and the usual no caffeine, no food buffets no liquor. I Generally ate healthy. I didn't need any pain meeds or nausea meds. I felt pretty good other then some fatigue. The worst part was the neuoropathy in my feet. My posse would go downstairs and buy a large smoothy for me during Chemo. I cannot stress enough drink lots and lots of water. You can do this. Good luck. Best regards0 -
My onc told me to take
My onc told me to take ativan (anti-anxiety med) the night before and the morning of my first treatment. It made a big difference for me.
You've received great advice here so I really don't have anything else to add.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
Vicki...Thank you so muchVickiSam said:Mary ..
Personally, I endured 16 consecutive weeks of TCH without any breaks or time off for good behavior. I became increasing fatigued as the weeks went by .. My children were of driving age, but needed me nevertheless.
My humble suggestions:
I drank 1 to 2 cups of coffee daily -- when I could stomach it, otherwise herbal teas.
Clean, wash, pre-cook dinners and freeze -- If economically able -- buy in bulk things like paper plates, cups and paper towels. No need to look at a sink of dirty dishes
Purchase extra sheets, towels .. so that you don't have to wash 4 loads of laundry daily.
If you are involved in a church support group, please have someone arrange to bring dinner once or twice on your chemo weeks. .. 1 week chemo .. 2 weeks off??? right
If family is available .. please arrange for carpools -- doctor appointments (for your kids) to be handled by family or friends . .. You don't want to compromise your WBC counts -- infections lurk everywhere --
Insomnia may set in once chemo starts .. zen music, spiritual music helps with the long and lonely hours
Lastly, when feeling down .. please look into the faces of your children, husband and family -- this may help you get thru those darker times at many many suffer.
Strength, Courage and Hope.
Vicki Sam
Vicki...Thank you so much for the great advice.I was worried that I would not be able to drink coffee so it is wonderful to know I can. :-)
I am having 12 consecutive weeks of Taxol,Herceptin,Adriamycin,Cytoxen.I have been so blessed with the most amazing children and Hubby, and I know that they are going to get me through this.
God Bless
Mary0 -
Thank you Judy...Im glad youpoplolly said:I took a bag with me for my
I took a bag with me for my first treatment and I had: snack crackers, hard candy, water, crossword puzzle book, sweater (the waiting room was cold), and a book to read. Some people brought their lap-tops I noticed.
Before they started the chemo itself, they gave me some anti-nausea medicine. In addition, my oncologist gave me some pills and I was to take one 30 minutes before the treatment. I took those only with the first four treatments. They also gave me some benadryl before the medicine so I sometimes slept through the treatment. I actually felt just fine after the first treatment. I never had what I would consider severe side-effects. Sometimes I was tired and just make sure to grab some resting time if you need it. Actually, I just would drink some orange juice and eat a piece of toast before treatments.
I also was given some medicine so I could sleep at night. You may not need that, but if you have any trouble with that tell your doc.
My prayers are with you,
Judy
Thank you Judy...Im glad you mentioned a sweater,I will make sure to put one in my bag. :-)
Mary0 -
Mary,Gabe N Abby Mom said:My onc told me to take
My onc told me to take ativan (anti-anxiety med) the night before and the morning of my first treatment. It made a big difference for me.
You've received great advice here so I really don't have anything else to add.
Hugs,
Linda
I will be thinking of you tomorrow my dear, I am sure you will do just fine. You will notice the day of your infusion your body doesn't feel too bad. It's the next 48 hours that knock you on your butt. For me the hardest day was the second day after my infusions. Then the third day you start feeling better and each day after that is even more better. My infusions were every three weeks, and my second and third weeks were normal days for me.
When I had that "thick tongue" feeling, all liquids tasted like it was a gravy thickness. What worked for me was water and chocolate milk (I know... keep that away from the kids..LOL). Anything sweet like koolaid or soda tasted funny. You may want to try protein shakes or powders to see if you can handle them, at least then you will be getting protein in you.
Post often during your treatments with issues, we will be there for you sister. The girls have given you some great advice and I just wanted to add my two cents.
Best Wishes tomorrow,
Lorrie0 -
Thank you Margaret!! My ONCmargz35 said:Here is my advice for you ...
Hi Mary:
First of all, please don't be scared. I was terrified for my first treatment and I had amazing nurse who got me through all 4. Make sure the nurse doing the infusions makes you feel at ease. Chemo nurses are wonderful and I am very close to mine now after my treatment.
1. Re nausea medication. They may give you Emend which is an anti-nausea medication. I did not react to it with my the first treatment but boy did my veins hate it the 2nd, 3rd and 4th infusions. Make sure after your infusions you watch the infusion site and if it "flares" up - call you doctor - don't hesitate. I broke out in hives all over my "trunk" and also under my arms, my neck, my arms and "down below" between my legs - just horrible. Even though I was prescribed some steroid cream to soothe the itching, I ended up using Aveeno Eczema cream and it was wonderful. Also, if you are able to, take Benadryl morning and night (2 tabs) - I did not get drowsy and this helped immensely. On my 3rd infusion, I broke out as the Emend was going in, they removed the needle and I took Benadryl. The rash was gone by the time my infusions were finished that day - clearly a reaction. My doctor prescribed some anti-nausea meds but I did not need to use them. Again, EVERYONE is different - this was just my experience.
2. See if your partner or a good friend can go with you each time. Even though you may or may not want to chat the whole time, it is nice to have their friendly face there.
3. Food - bring your favorite salad, snacks, etc. I didn't worry too much about the caffeine thing - I sipped on a nice tall Venti through my infusion. But again, everyone is different.
4. Bring some good magazines, your iPod or even a DVD player - with comedy!!!
After your infusion, rest or just put your feet up. I TiVo'd a lot of shows so that I could watch them the week I was off work. My infusions were on a Friday and I was off work all of the following week and then back on Monday feeling fine.
Now the bad part ..... within about 2-3 days you will get the creaky bones. You will know it as you will start to feel like you just got on the treadmill for the first time in a while - it hurts! I took 2 Tylenol and was fine. It will pass.
Also, you tongue will feel like you are on Novacane for 5 days straight - water will taste like wallpaper paste. I had a glass or two of Sprite to sweeten my mouth up. To me the non-taste ability was the worst of all. Even worse than the hives! Therefore eat whatever you desire - it won't taste good, but some stuff may - just try....
Another thing is bowel movements - they are not nice. My oncologist laughed at me as I was very descriptive with them. I will save you from that detail. Make sure you get a good diaper rash cream! You will understand why. I got one called Candula (sp.) which is for babies and is available at Wholefoods.
Remember the chemicals have to come out somehow and the quicker you metabolize them (tonnes of fluid) the better you and your backside will feel.
I think that is about it. Just rest rest rest. I was told by so many people to take a walk every day if possible, but seriously it was all I could do to get out of bed on the bad days. If you can walk, more power to you!
Take care my friend. Chemo will be over before you know it and you will be ringing that bell loud and strong!
And PLEASE do not be scared....
My best to you and your family,
Margaret
xxx
Thank you Margaret!! My ONC told me that I would loose my taste, not excited about that at all. Last night we actually went to Longhorn steakhouse and I got the grilled trio platter with steak,chicken and shrimp,rice and veggies.I think it was the best meal I have ever had because I know that nothing will taste good for a while.
Hugs
Mary0 -
Mary, I wish I could offerkjrpcb said:First chemo
I completed 6 straight months of Chemo. I drank lots of water and the usual no caffeine, no food buffets no liquor. I Generally ate healthy. I didn't need any pain meeds or nausea meds. I felt pretty good other then some fatigue. The worst part was the neuoropathy in my feet. My posse would go downstairs and buy a large smoothy for me during Chemo. I cannot stress enough drink lots and lots of water. You can do this. Good luck. Best regards
Mary, I wish I could offer you some helpful tips or hints, but, I didn't have chemo.
But, I do want to wish you good luck today. I'll be thinking of you!
Sue
0 -
Hi Mary--you're gonna do just finebutterflylvr said:Mary,
I will be thinking of you tomorrow my dear, I am sure you will do just fine. You will notice the day of your infusion your body doesn't feel too bad. It's the next 48 hours that knock you on your butt. For me the hardest day was the second day after my infusions. Then the third day you start feeling better and each day after that is even more better. My infusions were every three weeks, and my second and third weeks were normal days for me.
When I had that "thick tongue" feeling, all liquids tasted like it was a gravy thickness. What worked for me was water and chocolate milk (I know... keep that away from the kids..LOL). Anything sweet like koolaid or soda tasted funny. You may want to try protein shakes or powders to see if you can handle them, at least then you will be getting protein in you.
Post often during your treatments with issues, we will be there for you sister. The girls have given you some great advice and I just wanted to add my two cents.
Best Wishes tomorrow,
Lorrie
The first one can be so scary--mostly of the unknown. I had 6 rounds of TAC and, in my opinion, did quite well. It was not nearly as bad as I imagined or the horror stories I had heard about in the past. My main issue, like Mary above, was the yucky taste of things and that "thick tongue" feeling that she describes. For me, it was trial and error as to what I could tolerate as far as eating. Sometimes something looked so good and I'd think--yeah, I can do that and then yuk! I had good luck with the weirdest things--things I never eat normally--like peanut butter on white (and only white) bread, cheerios with milk, tomato soup. I forced water--even that did not taste good. I normally have a sweet tooth--on chemo I couldn't stand anything sweet.
Everyone is totally different. But honestly, for the first 4 chemos, I only felt crappy for a few days afterward--intermittent diarrhea/constipation, body aches, general feeling of yuckiness. The last two were a little worse in that the side effects lasted a little longer and I was more tired.
If you are offered help--TAKE IT! People need and want to help--it makes them feel better. You'll be doing them a favor. Don't talk to negative people. My husband and I had a code--he'd answer the phone and say, "Oh hello, Joan, how are you?" I'd either thumbs up or thumbs down him. Then he'd know if I chose to speak with that person. If I didn't want to, he'd tell them I was resting. I was very positive throughout--of course having bad days, but mostly thinking positively and trying to be happy. The last thing I felt I needed was negative people or getting upset with things people said to me.
I wish you the absolute best as you go on this unknown journey. I think you'll discover strength you never knew you had.
Hugs, Renee0 -
I had my first cancer bustinbutterflylvr said:Mary,
I will be thinking of you tomorrow my dear, I am sure you will do just fine. You will notice the day of your infusion your body doesn't feel too bad. It's the next 48 hours that knock you on your butt. For me the hardest day was the second day after my infusions. Then the third day you start feeling better and each day after that is even more better. My infusions were every three weeks, and my second and third weeks were normal days for me.
When I had that "thick tongue" feeling, all liquids tasted like it was a gravy thickness. What worked for me was water and chocolate milk (I know... keep that away from the kids..LOL). Anything sweet like koolaid or soda tasted funny. You may want to try protein shakes or powders to see if you can handle them, at least then you will be getting protein in you.
Post often during your treatments with issues, we will be there for you sister. The girls have given you some great advice and I just wanted to add my two cents.
Best Wishes tomorrow,
Lorrie
I had my first cancer bustin cocktail on the 15th of July. Was so certain I would saillll through. Didn't!!! All this advice was great, and I wish I would have asked prior to mine!!
I will tell you how mine went since it's so fresh in my mind
Spent 5 1/2 hours in the infusion room....so yes,bring entertainment! I felt good enough that night to go out for dinner, so I did. Felt good enough the next day to do a little shopping and go out for breakfast. Had the Neulasta shot on Saturday, so not sure if it was from that, or the port not working and having to schedule another surgery, or what....but that night BAM it hit me. Spent all day Sunday on the couch, and that night literally threw up several times. ( I have been through this before, and NEVER actually threw up). Followed by the lovely diarrhea bug! Of course, got severely dehydrated with nothing staying in me, so off to the infusion room for fluids Monday morning. Changed my meds, etc.. Tuesday, life slowly shook me awake, and each day since then has gotten better. Actually spent the weekend at the lake with friends, and like everyone says, except for the taste buds, almost forgot what a week ago was like!!!
The absolute hardest things for me as well as the thick tongue like Lorrie mentioned, and like Lorrie, I could stomach milky things, milkshakes, ensure, etc....but nothing with any color, gatorade, or any of that.
Wish you all the luck on your first! Just know, it DOES get better!!!!0 -
what to bring to chemo
My husband, dad or a friend always came with me. We watched our portable DVD player during chemo to keep my mind off things. There might be a tv there for you to watch. I always had a drink, a Sonic limeade or a Coke, because I tasted the chemo and the hep. through my IV. I was sleepy by the end. And I got cold. Bring a blanket or jacket. It really helped to have someone there with me. I saw many women all by themselves. One husband said as he was leaving his wife there, "I'm going to Home Depot. I don't have time to sit around here all day." Like she wanted to sit there. What a jerk! Your family sounds wonderful and supportive! Good luck to you! Stay positive and laugh often.0 -
Wishing you the bestbutterflylvr said:Mary,
I will be thinking of you tomorrow my dear, I am sure you will do just fine. You will notice the day of your infusion your body doesn't feel too bad. It's the next 48 hours that knock you on your butt. For me the hardest day was the second day after my infusions. Then the third day you start feeling better and each day after that is even more better. My infusions were every three weeks, and my second and third weeks were normal days for me.
When I had that "thick tongue" feeling, all liquids tasted like it was a gravy thickness. What worked for me was water and chocolate milk (I know... keep that away from the kids..LOL). Anything sweet like koolaid or soda tasted funny. You may want to try protein shakes or powders to see if you can handle them, at least then you will be getting protein in you.
Post often during your treatments with issues, we will be there for you sister. The girls have given you some great advice and I just wanted to add my two cents.
Best Wishes tomorrow,
Lorrie
Wishing you the best tomorrow Mary. Post so we know how you are doing.
Lex0 -
I'm hoping your 1st chemomamolady said:I had 2 eggs for breakfast
I had 2 eggs for breakfast just to have that extra protein. I ate an extra serving of protein every day. Days I didn't I could feel it, I was more tired. I also drank one cup of coffee most days. I couldn't deal with the coffee head ache!
You will do great!
Cindy
I'm hoping your 1st chemo today went smooth for you and that you are feeling good. Let us know, ok?0
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