Starting Chemo

Hi All,
Round 1 completed. I tried the cold cap and it wasn’t too uncomfortable. Will wait and see regarding hair loss. The PICC made the administration of the chemo easier. The wonderful hospital pharmacist went throughout all my drugs with me, he was excellent. Home & I was hit with tiredness- (didn’t sleep very well the night before) & nausea - fortunately there’s a drug for that which really helped. So anyone else starting & feel like sharing it would be great to hear from you. Thanks x

Starting chemotherapy can be an overwhelming and challenging experience, but there are several steps you can take to prepare and manage the process:

Consultation with your oncologist: Prior to starting chemotherapy, have a detailed consultation with your oncologist. They will explain the treatment plan, its goals, potential side effects, and the expected duration. This is an opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns you may have.

Understand the treatment process: Learn about the specifics of your chemotherapy treatment, such as the drugs being used, the frequency and duration of the sessions, and any pre-chemo requirements (e.g., fasting or specific medications). Understanding what to expect can help alleviate anxiety.

Arrange support: Inform your friends, family, or support network about your upcoming chemotherapy sessions. Having a strong support system can provide emotional and practical assistance throughout the treatment process.

Nutrition and hydration: Discuss with your healthcare team about any dietary recommendations or restrictions during chemotherapy. Maintaining a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated can support your overall well-being and aid in managing side effects.

Side effect management: Chemotherapy can cause various side effects, including nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in appetite. Talk to your healthcare team about strategies to manage these side effects, such as anti-nausea medications, lifestyle adjustments, or complementary therapies.

Emotional support: Going through chemotherapy can bring about a range of emotions. Consider seeking emotional support through counseling, support groups, or therapy. Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can be reassuring and helpful.

Practical considerations: Plan for practical matters such as transportation to and from treatment sessions, arranging time off work if needed, and organizing childcare or other responsibilities. Having these logistical aspects in place can reduce stress during treatment.

Self-care: Prioritize self-care during chemotherapy. This may involve engaging in activities that bring you joy, practicing relaxation techniques, getting enough rest, and being kind to yourself throughout the process.

Remember, each individual's experience with chemotherapy is unique, and it's important to communicate openly with your healthcare team about your concerns, symptoms, and any changes you experience. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate through the treatment and optimize your well-being.

Hi AnnMaria,

Thank you for posting to the online community. I do hope you will receive some responses soon from people who are also starting their chemotherapy treatment.

It is natural to feel anxious and scared starting treatment but I do hope you feel a little better having had your first treatment and now knowing what to expect from it.

If you would like to speak with a cancer nurse at any stage for support or advice you can call our supportline on 1800 200 700, Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.

I wish you all the best with the rest of your treatment AnnMaria.

Kind regards,

Cancer Nurse

Hi Annmaria. I really wish you good luck. I've had chemo a few times. It's a very scary time but I always felt that waiting to start was the worst.
Once you start, you know you are being looked after.
If possible, don't let it take over your life. Sleep when you want, eat when you want and it won't go on forever. Think about what you would like to do when your treatment is finished. Again, wish you the best. Aine

Sorry Annmaria. I've just joined this website. I suppose you've started by now or finished. hope all is going well for you. X. Aine

Hi, I had to change my login as I had issues with password reset. I’ve now completed AC & I’m on Taxol. I had few side effects on AC. Hair loss & some tiredness. I’ve 3 taxol left, then radiotherapy & hormonal therapy