First chemo - what to expect

Hi,

I'm having my first chemo treatment this week - carboplatin.

I'm fully briefed on all the side effects and what to expect - although I still feel like I don't know what to expect!

How do you feel while getting chemo?  I will be having a drip put up for one hour (not too bad).

How do you feel directly afterwards?  Can you manage a 20 minute walk home or is it advisable to arrange transport?

How long before you start experiencing the other side effect such as sickness (hopefully not with the anti sickness tabs) and fatigue?

Does everything happen really quickly or is it a gradual process?

[Thuney]

I don't know this Nat2, but someone will post for you, I'm sure.  I am sure there is a little bit of difference for everyone, though.  Some people can tolerate aspirin, others can't--so I think our own body makeups have a lot to do with what happens.

I will certainly be thinking of you.  What day do you start the chemo?

[toothfairyp]

Hi sweetie! Please have someone drive you...... Also, purchase a bottle of Biotene mouth rinse and start before chemo. It should help you keep mouthsores from forming or keep them less severe. It can be purchased at any store that sells toothbrushes. Good Luck!! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[gah_70]

I agree with toothfairyp...for your first treatment at least, have someone with you until you know how you are going to react to it.  I have a mediport, so I didn't have to deal with the vein stick every time, but by the time we reach this point after surgery, blood work, check-ups, etc., we are pretty much giant pin cushions anyway!  

I had taxol along with carboplatin, so I don't really have any advice on side effects of carbo alone.  Each person reacts differently, but if you are going to have side effects, they will probably show up within 2-3 days.  I've read some posts on here, however, where some women say they took up to a week to manifest.  I really hope they won't be that severe for you, though.  Brthbbs is right...the taxol is the nastiest if the two.  

Best of luck to you, and let us know how it goes.  Thoughts and prayers going out to you!

Gail :)

[brthbbs]

If you're just doing carbo the side effects shouldn't be too bad--it's the taxol that takes it out of you.  Stay on top of fluids since consitpation is a big, big problem.  I drove myself after having carbo/taxol and didn't start feeling bad until a couple of days later.  I even went to a Christmas party the evening of my first chemo.  But it's nice to have someone along for teary moments, which is always when they poke the venin for me---was good to have a friend hold me and strok my head when I felt overwhelmed.  Hang in there.

[finkaz]

my mum has carbo alone, she is fine for the first 24/36 hours then she dips and starts to feel tired, she manages to stay on top of sickness with drugs, the first week is the worst then it gradually gets better until the week b4 the next one where she has colour back in her face and is nearly back to normal, then it starts all over again.  constipation was an issue for the 1st couple of rounds so make sure you have some help with that.  All the best, take care of yourself and let others run around after you if possible.