Tamaralynn
You are right, no one can tell you how you will feel. I did AC treatment 5 years ago, and tolerated it pretty well.
I felt nothing when the chemo was being infused, and I went out to eat afterwards. Mistake there...I would suggest sticking to soup and crackers, even if you feel fine. While I felt well, my stomach rejected it a few hours later. By night time, I felt tired and a little wierd, but never had nausea. I actually felt a little restless from some of the pre-meds...but there are more meds to counter any negative side effects.
Don't suffer in silence...whatever you feel or experience, there is probably something to lessen the symptoms. I would encourage you to ask the RN about taking a stool softener, as the meds can be consitipating. That and eating dried apricots worked for me.
I found my symptoms were exactly identical on each of the 4 cycles...from the time of day that I would reject my lunch, to the time on Friday when I got acid reflux. My taste buds went wacky on Thursday and recovered on Friday....chemo was Tuesday and I worked half days on Thursday and Friday, then worked normally for the next 2 weeks.
The anxiety of not knowing what to expect is usually worse than the chemo itself....just be sure to drink lots of liquids and rest when your body tells you....
Hang in there, you'll do great!
Lori
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Confucius
Ellen
Hugs,
Candy
Many Blessings for the New Year
Life may not be the party
we hoped for,
but while we are here we might as
Everyone's experience is different. No telling what will happen with you tomorrow, but by all means speak up if you feel nauseated. You don't have to suffer. I always ate after my treatment. Usually a light meal, something fairly easy to digest. Good luck to you! I'll be praying for you.
L&H,
Rita
I've had the AC treatment and the Taxotere. Both times were different and others that I know had different experiences than me even. But, I agree, don't eat anything heavy afterwards. I did the first treatment and that was a BIG mistake. Stick to light stuff until you know how you will tolerate it - popsicles, soup, etc.
Wishing you an easy day with your first chemo. It's not fun but you'll make it. Trust me, if a big ole baby like me can do chemo TWICE - anybody can do chemo. I was always a cry baby but I toughened up.
Lots of prayers and good wishes going your way!
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
(NIV)
Everyone says to eat light afterwards...my RN told me that too. To me, light was a chicken breast or a salad. What she should have said was "easy to digest"...those are 2 different things. But for the first time, I would suggest taking it easy till you know what you can tolerate.
Red sauce is a tough one...I learned that tomato sauce was very acidic, never realizing it until I had pizza during my bout of acid reflux. Mistake there. Also when the nurse told me to eat bland food, I did not know she meant like cottage cheese and toast (when I had the acid reflux), I thought spicy meant Thai food....but spicy can also mean pepper and seasonings. Salami was also a challenge during acid reflux. It's funny, the things I learned!
And I also was able to drive myself. I had a friend take me the first 2 times and was happy to be independent enough to take myself the other 2 times (an hour's drive).
You can do this! Remember to be your best advocate and ask about any uncomfortable things, no need to suffer.
Lori