Posted by Jeanne on 10/14/2009, 9:25 pm, in reply to "under a week"
68.10.95.83
Hi Robyn,
Feels like you're on a runaway train and have little control... but I want to encourage you though, that you do have control. Getting info about chemo (as much as you can handle) can help lessen fears because you will know what to expect. Asking for support and letting people in helps you not feel so alone. Taking things one day at a time, one hour at a time helps to keep them from being super overwhelming...
A little about me - I was dx in June and had a mastectomy in August. I started chemo (cytoxan & taxotere) on Sept 30. I'll have 3 more tx, 3 weeks apart, and should be done in December. My friend joined me for my 1st chemo and she stayed for 3 hours. We chatted with another patient and it was surprisingly very pleasant. I took some applesauce and bottled water with me but the chemo nurse had drinks and lite snacks. You should be fine on the 20th but may start to feel not-so-good on the 21.
Here are some things I've learned from the other gals here and from my own experience:
Ask for medicines to deal with symptoms BEFORE they become problems. These are what I have - zofran for anti-nausea which the chemo nurse told me to take every 8 hours, round the clock for 4 days & she was right on; compazine for anti-nausea to be taken at the 6 hour point if needed; restoril for a sleep aid; vicodin for joint pain that came with the neulasta shot on Oct. 1. I also have the magic mouth wash for a sore mouth and took prilosec for heartburn.
There are other effective medications out there too for the different symptoms but it was helpful for me (when I was a newbie) to know the names of the medicines. At my first chemo tx, I asked for them by name while talking with the chemo nurse. She agreed they would be effective. She wrote them up and the doc signed the prescriptions. It gave me peace knowing that I had the meds in my home in case the symptoms got bad, which they didn't.
Eat bland food at first and only a little at a time. Take sips of water or whatever you can handle. Wait 2 hours to lie down after eating. Take it easy and rest. You will learn to LISTEN to your body in a new way. When it tells you "I'm feeling a little queasy" then it's time to take your anti-nausea pill - don't tough it out.
Robyn, please feel free to ask any questions and share what you are feeling because you will find real support and good advice here - from people who truly understand.
Take care and I'll be praying for you.
Gentle hugs from VA,
Jeanne
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