Hi everyone

Chemotherapy, well it has certainly slowed me down. I am on carboplatin / taxol in 3 weekly infusions and have just had # 5 with one more to go. I have to sit in the chemo clinic for 6 - 10 hours (depending on how quickly the pharmacy makes it up) with a cannula in the back of my hand. I have really prominant veins but for some strange reason the nurses often have problems inserting the cannula. I had a leakage with a bit of thr chemo leaking under the skin and also get bruises afterward.

The effects of the chemo on me are pure fatigue. Each one has been acculatative (think I spelt that wrong!!) so the fatigue and tired gets worse. In fact it is a week since my last treatment & I am still in bed. I have decided to give into the fatigue (can't fight it to be sure) and just REST and REST. The following 2 weeks will be much better and I will be back to normal.

I do find the steriods a problem - particularly with sleeping as they keep me so alert. I have weakened and my GP has given me sleeping tables as I used to lie awake until 4.00am most nights. Taste - yes for the first week after chemo everything tastes awful. But the knowledge that this is go in week 2 & 3 makes it bearable. I have only JUST noticed a slight tingle in my feet - like "pins and needles" but because I know it is a side effect - I can deal with it. I do also feel slightly nauseous but eating normally deals with that. Oh yes i have put on ABOUT A STONE in weight which bothers me - but hey just one minor inconvience. And finally I have lost ALL of my hair on my body! The lost of my eye brows and eye lashes are the hardest to come to terms with because it makes your face look so strange & add to making you look ill.

Sorry if this has been long winded but hope it helps someone who is feeling afraid of chemo - its not that bad!!

Tina

Hi PearlB

Im so glad you posted that I have exactly the same cancer as you and was told on thursday im to have the same treatment as you too, so its really helpful to me to know what to expect. I know we all react differently but to speak to someone who has already been there is great. I have to have the scan to give me my tattoo blue dots and when having that done they will give me my treatment timetable. Somehow after reading everything on this thread I dont feel quite so scared, cheers all lol xxx