HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - About to undergo chemo for the first time

03-27-2004, 06:18 AM

Hi Monica:

I am just a few treatments ahead of you doing the same chemo. I too, was completely terrified. I took a friend with me to hold my hand during the treatment. This helped a lot.

One of the drugs that they infuse in your arm (the red one) hurts a bit going in. Make sure that the nurse puts LOTS of saline with it when she is injecting it AND flushes with plain saline after. This mitigates the effects the corrosive effects on your vein.

I also prepared for my chemo by going just before and getting my teeth cleaned by the dental hygenist (cut down on bacteria!)and getting a special toothpaste called biotene which is available behind the pharmacy counter for approx $12 Can. I also got a special use-daily mouthwash on the advice of my dentist. So far (knock on wood!) I have had NO mouth sores at all.

After my first chemo I went for a 4-hour waterfront walk with my friend. We ate, we laughed, she drove me home. I wasn't sick. The next day I was just FAINTLY nauseous. I made sure that I took my anti-nausea medication on-the-dot. On the first four days, when I get up at night, I eat a piece of banana, and that helps keep my stomach settled. I also have found eating high protein foods during this time frame helps. (eg I crack a can of mussles or tuna and eat a couple of teaspoons throughout the day) So far, that experience has repeated itself for each treatment.

On the first 4 days after treatment I am more fatigued, and I have to take frequent naps. I can ski and bike and do what I normally do, but I have a lot less energy after the first 4 days. I can only do about 50% of the physical sports activities that I normally can do.

According to my research, physical exercise makes it easier to endure the effects of chemo. It helps your bones build up the white and red blood cells that are broken down during chemo. As a result I make it a rule to do something (exercise) each day even if I have to do it slowly.

I have an extended health plan which allows me to be off work with full pay for a year which I am taking advantage of. I wouldn't want to be working at this time as I consider that my full-time job at this point is getting my health back.

Good luck Monica. You've just joined the toughest football team in the world. We are all here to help you.

03-27-2004, 06:18 AM	#2
Merridith from Canada Guest Posts: n/a	Hi Monica: I am just a few treatments ahead of you doing the same chemo. I too, was completely terrified. I took a friend with me to hold my hand during the treatment. This helped a lot. One of the drugs that they infuse in your arm (the red one) hurts a bit going in. Make sure that the nurse puts LOTS of saline with it when she is injecting it AND flushes with plain saline after. This mitigates the effects the corrosive effects on your vein. I also prepared for my chemo by going just before and getting my teeth cleaned by the dental hygenist (cut down on bacteria!)and getting a special toothpaste called biotene which is available behind the pharmacy counter for approx $12 Can. I also got a special use-daily mouthwash on the advice of my dentist. So far (knock on wood!) I have had NO mouth sores at all. After my first chemo I went for a 4-hour waterfront walk with my friend. We ate, we laughed, she drove me home. I wasn't sick. The next day I was just FAINTLY nauseous. I made sure that I took my anti-nausea medication on-the-dot. On the first four days, when I get up at night, I eat a piece of banana, and that helps keep my stomach settled. I also have found eating high protein foods during this time frame helps. (eg I crack a can of mussles or tuna and eat a couple of teaspoons throughout the day) So far, that experience has repeated itself for each treatment. On the first 4 days after treatment I am more fatigued, and I have to take frequent naps. I can ski and bike and do what I normally do, but I have a lot less energy after the first 4 days. I can only do about 50% of the physical sports activities that I normally can do. According to my research, physical exercise makes it easier to endure the effects of chemo. It helps your bones build up the white and red blood cells that are broken down during chemo. As a result I make it a rule to do something (exercise) each day even if I have to do it slowly. I have an extended health plan which allows me to be off work with full pay for a year which I am taking advantage of. I wouldn't want to be working at this time as I consider that my full-time job at this point is getting my health back. Good luck Monica. You've just joined the toughest football team in the world. We are all here to help you.