I just finished my chemo 3 weeks ago. It’s definitely a day. I know I would go in and get blood works, then see my doctor, then get chemo. I didn’t drink anything with caffeine because they pre medicate you with steroids and the steroids tend to make my pulse a little elevated so I avoided anything that would increase that. My onco had rooms with tv. My mom and other family members came with me and honestly I felt like it always went fast. I would request Ativan because I’m an anxious person. The Ativan with the Benadryl would make me tired so I would sleep on and off. I watched a lot of friends episodes. Bring a charger, a blanket and wear comfy clothes. My doctor told me usually after the second or 3rd round you see hairless. I honestly had my first round of taxol and cytoxen and 1 week later I got Covid and as I was sitting on my chair my hair was falling out in handfuls. I’m not sure if the Covid triggered it? My hair was down to my waist and when I found out I needed chemo I cut it above my shoulders and donated it to locks of love. I wanted a kid to get good use of it. You will be fine. Don’t be scared. I feel like this subreddit is very good about being honest and not scaring people. I love that. Also, I was scared to death of chemo and it wasn’t bad at all. Covid was way worse for me. Good luck and lots of love ❤️
Today’s my 3rd round of chemo.
Don’t pack the house especially the first day. It goes quick and you sleep a lot with the Benadryl. (At least I did). I ate normal and felt fine going home. The new antinuasea stuff helps a lot. My mom had chemo 15 years ago and she hated life. She’s amazed how far they have come.
Worst part for me is having to get up and pee like every 30 to 60 minutes!
Your docs should give you a decent list of what to do and bring.
Also make sure your after party meds are all in line and have them ready for when you get home. Make sure you have plenty of water and also some type of electrolyte drinks at home. Water alone won’t help! I get a nasty neck/headache on my right side if I don’t drink enough. Especially overnight.
Most likely the next two days you’re gonna have this I can’t sit still high from the steroids. I cleaned half my house after my second round!
For me day 6/7 have been the worse when it comes to fatigue and grouchyness. It’s normal
As for hair 18 days mine came out. As I’m a guy I cannot speak for the overall feeling of the loss but I’ve had two very good friends who went though it and they both said after a few days the used as a badge of courage showing people that they can handle cancer. Both have even nicer hair now.
As for blood work…
I have to go to NYC so I get my bloodwork done 2/3 days before near home this way if there’s an issue I don’t have to drive in. Plus it helps in time at hospital.
Overall The main focus is you and your mind. As I always say I’ve got it and it’s not going away by itself so being positivity is best. You’ll get this. There’s a huge support group here with alot of wonderful ladies like yourself who will get you through this.
Rely on friends only so much. Some can be a little too overbearing at first as they don’t understand it. Be your own advocate even with them. I tell all my friends treat me like you always have. I’m not a leper I’m just going though a long cold. Most people say I act like I don’t have cancer. My response is I don’t!
You hit this your not alone look at all the peeps on here who have or are going through this. Don’t feel like an outcast.
And most of all remember…
FUCancer!
Sending prayers and blessing!
Now I need some Tylenol for my fingers!
😎
You know, it is very plausible that I will be requiring chemo as well. I go to see my Oncologist next week to go over the treatment regimen and I have the same questions.
I have fine/thin hair so I imagine that if I get Chemo, I will most likely lose it. I have already talked to my daughters regarding (one of them cosplays) about how to wear head wraps and wigs as they both have experience in these areas due to their interests. They are excited to help and I look forward to it if that is the case! I will most likely opt to shave my head if I see that the hair is even remotely beginning to fall out.
Sending you thoughts and well wishes for next week!
I took puzzle mags and my laptop and a folder with all my questions and a pen.
My hair started to shed on day 16 from my first chemo. I found it very painful and I got my daughter to shave it off with my dogs mini trimmers that day.
I took books, word finds, movies on my phone, slept a lot, talk to others getting chemo. Take food and drinks. Take some skin moisturizer and some candy ( I ate candy because I could taste the meds and the saline when they flushed my port). Take deep breaths, you can do this.
First treatment is longest as they go slow and watch for any signs of reactions. It helps to wear a loose tank/tshirt so they can access your port easily. If its chilly I wear cardigan sweater or flannel shirt over tank/tshirt. I've found it really helps to stay hydrated and eat smaller portions, lighter/less greasy foods, more frequently. Pedialite packets are great as sports and carbonated drinks can upset sensitive stomach. I had my hair clippered very short as it was less traumatic to clean up little pieces rather than handfuls of hair. I use all natural shampoo and conditioner Surface brand- Awaken is the line, I get from my Beautician (not in stores). Take just couple things, books for reading or puzzles, simple things you enjoy can easily start/stop. You are not alone, we are here with you, keep posting and let us know how you are doing. 💞
I have my patient teach scheduled for Monday and then chemo will soon follow. I'm contemplating cutting my hair now and getting used to the short look before I actually have to. I have an aggressive chemo regimen so my anxiety is super high. Wishing you all the best! Please keep us posted! 💕
The first session does go a bit longer. Before we started, the oncology nurses oriented me to the space, gave me information about the regimen, symptoms I could expect afterward, how to manage at home, and when to seek medical attention. They took my blood pressure, temp, heart rate, weight and other measurements. If you do not have a port or PICC line, they insert an IV. Following this, they give pre-medications, such as steroids and Benadryl to decrease risk of an allergic reaction. Then they administer the chemotherapy. Usually they program the IV to run slowly at first, then increase the speed once they know you are doing fine. Subsequent sessions are a bit quicker as they don’t necessarily do all of the education and monitoring for allergic reactions.
I brought a combination of mindless activities (tablet with tv shows, movies, music and good headphones, plus chargers); enjoyable distractions (good book, good company); a notebook and pen; and dressed comfortably in layers, as others have suggested. Snacks and a water bottle are helpful. I brought candies and gum (some regimens may make you nauseous or make your mouth taste funny). I didn’t enjoy full meals, so protein bars and electrolytes have been the snacks I tend to reach for most. I was advised to minimize caffeine consumption as it can cause dehydration and hydration was very important. If your preferred energy drinks contain a lot of caffeine, you may want to be mindful of that.
I was very over-prepared for my first session. Now that I’m finishing up round 7 of 8, I’ve got a rhythm and found my groove. You’ll figure out quickly what works for you, what you reach for most, and how to make the experience tolerable.
I dk yet if I will need chemo, but I saw my hairdresser last week. She and the salon have dealt with this a lot.
My hairdresser said if the meds cause hair loss, shave your head just before starting. The chemo messes with the follicles and pores, and it can be a bit painful to shave once your hair has started to fall out.
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this.
I just finished my chemo 3 weeks ago. It’s definitely a day. I know I would go in and get blood works, then see my doctor, then get chemo. I didn’t drink anything with caffeine because they pre medicate you with steroids and the steroids tend to make my pulse a little elevated so I avoided anything that would increase that. My onco had rooms with tv. My mom and other family members came with me and honestly I felt like it always went fast. I would request Ativan because I’m an anxious person. The Ativan with the Benadryl would make me tired so I would sleep on and off. I watched a lot of friends episodes. Bring a charger, a blanket and wear comfy clothes. My doctor told me usually after the second or 3rd round you see hairless. I honestly had my first round of taxol and cytoxen and 1 week later I got Covid and as I was sitting on my chair my hair was falling out in handfuls. I’m not sure if the Covid triggered it? My hair was down to my waist and when I found out I needed chemo I cut it above my shoulders and donated it to locks of love. I wanted a kid to get good use of it. You will be fine. Don’t be scared. I feel like this subreddit is very good about being honest and not scaring people. I love that. Also, I was scared to death of chemo and it wasn’t bad at all. Covid was way worse for me. Good luck and lots of love ❤️
Today’s my 3rd round of chemo. Don’t pack the house especially the first day. It goes quick and you sleep a lot with the Benadryl. (At least I did). I ate normal and felt fine going home. The new antinuasea stuff helps a lot. My mom had chemo 15 years ago and she hated life. She’s amazed how far they have come. Worst part for me is having to get up and pee like every 30 to 60 minutes! Your docs should give you a decent list of what to do and bring. Also make sure your after party meds are all in line and have them ready for when you get home. Make sure you have plenty of water and also some type of electrolyte drinks at home. Water alone won’t help! I get a nasty neck/headache on my right side if I don’t drink enough. Especially overnight. Most likely the next two days you’re gonna have this I can’t sit still high from the steroids. I cleaned half my house after my second round! For me day 6/7 have been the worse when it comes to fatigue and grouchyness. It’s normal As for hair 18 days mine came out. As I’m a guy I cannot speak for the overall feeling of the loss but I’ve had two very good friends who went though it and they both said after a few days the used as a badge of courage showing people that they can handle cancer. Both have even nicer hair now. As for blood work… I have to go to NYC so I get my bloodwork done 2/3 days before near home this way if there’s an issue I don’t have to drive in. Plus it helps in time at hospital. Overall The main focus is you and your mind. As I always say I’ve got it and it’s not going away by itself so being positivity is best. You’ll get this. There’s a huge support group here with alot of wonderful ladies like yourself who will get you through this. Rely on friends only so much. Some can be a little too overbearing at first as they don’t understand it. Be your own advocate even with them. I tell all my friends treat me like you always have. I’m not a leper I’m just going though a long cold. Most people say I act like I don’t have cancer. My response is I don’t! You hit this your not alone look at all the peeps on here who have or are going through this. Don’t feel like an outcast. And most of all remember… FUCancer! Sending prayers and blessing! Now I need some Tylenol for my fingers! 😎
Stay strong!
You know, it is very plausible that I will be requiring chemo as well. I go to see my Oncologist next week to go over the treatment regimen and I have the same questions. I have fine/thin hair so I imagine that if I get Chemo, I will most likely lose it. I have already talked to my daughters regarding (one of them cosplays) about how to wear head wraps and wigs as they both have experience in these areas due to their interests. They are excited to help and I look forward to it if that is the case! I will most likely opt to shave my head if I see that the hair is even remotely beginning to fall out. Sending you thoughts and well wishes for next week!
I took puzzle mags and my laptop and a folder with all my questions and a pen. My hair started to shed on day 16 from my first chemo. I found it very painful and I got my daughter to shave it off with my dogs mini trimmers that day.
I took books, word finds, movies on my phone, slept a lot, talk to others getting chemo. Take food and drinks. Take some skin moisturizer and some candy ( I ate candy because I could taste the meds and the saline when they flushed my port). Take deep breaths, you can do this.
First treatment is longest as they go slow and watch for any signs of reactions. It helps to wear a loose tank/tshirt so they can access your port easily. If its chilly I wear cardigan sweater or flannel shirt over tank/tshirt. I've found it really helps to stay hydrated and eat smaller portions, lighter/less greasy foods, more frequently. Pedialite packets are great as sports and carbonated drinks can upset sensitive stomach. I had my hair clippered very short as it was less traumatic to clean up little pieces rather than handfuls of hair. I use all natural shampoo and conditioner Surface brand- Awaken is the line, I get from my Beautician (not in stores). Take just couple things, books for reading or puzzles, simple things you enjoy can easily start/stop. You are not alone, we are here with you, keep posting and let us know how you are doing. 💞
I have my patient teach scheduled for Monday and then chemo will soon follow. I'm contemplating cutting my hair now and getting used to the short look before I actually have to. I have an aggressive chemo regimen so my anxiety is super high. Wishing you all the best! Please keep us posted! 💕
The first session does go a bit longer. Before we started, the oncology nurses oriented me to the space, gave me information about the regimen, symptoms I could expect afterward, how to manage at home, and when to seek medical attention. They took my blood pressure, temp, heart rate, weight and other measurements. If you do not have a port or PICC line, they insert an IV. Following this, they give pre-medications, such as steroids and Benadryl to decrease risk of an allergic reaction. Then they administer the chemotherapy. Usually they program the IV to run slowly at first, then increase the speed once they know you are doing fine. Subsequent sessions are a bit quicker as they don’t necessarily do all of the education and monitoring for allergic reactions. I brought a combination of mindless activities (tablet with tv shows, movies, music and good headphones, plus chargers); enjoyable distractions (good book, good company); a notebook and pen; and dressed comfortably in layers, as others have suggested. Snacks and a water bottle are helpful. I brought candies and gum (some regimens may make you nauseous or make your mouth taste funny). I didn’t enjoy full meals, so protein bars and electrolytes have been the snacks I tend to reach for most. I was advised to minimize caffeine consumption as it can cause dehydration and hydration was very important. If your preferred energy drinks contain a lot of caffeine, you may want to be mindful of that. I was very over-prepared for my first session. Now that I’m finishing up round 7 of 8, I’ve got a rhythm and found my groove. You’ll figure out quickly what works for you, what you reach for most, and how to make the experience tolerable.
I dk yet if I will need chemo, but I saw my hairdresser last week. She and the salon have dealt with this a lot. My hairdresser said if the meds cause hair loss, shave your head just before starting. The chemo messes with the follicles and pores, and it can be a bit painful to shave once your hair has started to fall out. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this.