Chemo - Half Way!

I had my third chemo session yesterday, so I am now half way through my chemo program! That was the final FEC, in January I move onto Docetaxel. That will have all new side effects, including blisters on my hands and feet, but less nausea - swings and roundabouts I suppose :)

Apparently I have been getting off relatively lightly as far as FEC side effects go, so it could be worse, but I think the oncologist mainly said this because I haven't had mouth ulcers and confessed to not following the suggested mouthwash routine... I think the nausea, tiredness and dodgy arm are sufficiently bad.

I ended up having chemo in my left hand again, in a different vein (I think my last in that hand) since the two used previously appear to have collapsed. This session hurt my hand more than before and has left a bruise where it went in, so I am expecting the sore arm to return again - probably on Christmas Day. I have been given some more cream and need to get massages on it, so parents and hubby will have to draw up a roster for that duty :)

The nurses said I could have chemo in my right arm, but it might cause the same issue in that arm and would probably hinder me more. Again, I'll have to wait and see for the next session, if they can't find another vein in my left hand might have to start on the right hand.

Still feeling nausea, so not expecting the most festive of Christmases, but hopefully will at least be able to enjoy some yummy treats by Saturday. All I really want for Christmas is to be well again, unfortunately not a present available on ebay... Strange that this will always be the Christmas that I had cancer, but fingers crossed it will be the first and last time! Hope everyone has a fab Christmas - have a drink for me :)

Chemo 2 - day 16

I'm into the last week of my second Chemo cycle so feeling pretty good, if a bit tired. My arm is now almost normal again after a week and a half, and lots of heat packs and a cream for "inflammatory conditions of the vein". I'm a bit apprehension about the Chemo next week - where will they put the needle?! The vein in my left arm is apparently not very well, I don't want the same to happen to my right arm... Some people have ports put into various places but not sure if that is an option or something even more sore. Guess I'll find out next week...!

All New Side Effect

The sick feeling is starting to subside, but in the last few days a new chemo side effect has emerged - a really sore left arm. It turns out (via the power of google) that the E in FEC (chemo drug) can damage your veins - honestly, the fun never stops with chemo :)

It feels really sensitive around my hand and wrist and elbow, and it really hurts when I try to straighten my arm. From what I have read this will stay around for a few months, which is going to make things a bit challenging. At least I only have one more FEC to go, but I'm not sure whether they are going to be able to use that vein again so have to see what happens there...

It is actually quite scary thinking about these drugs going round my body, if they even damage the vein on the way in!

Chemo - 2 down, 4 to go

Yesterday I had my second Chemo treatment. It seemed a little worse than the first one and I was really feeling sick last night. Nausea and retching seemed to come on quicker than the first time, within a few hours. I have to admit that I really didn't want to carry on with Chemo after that, but guess I have to believe that it is a necessary evil in curing me.

Things I found out yesterday:
1. Steroids are part of my Chemo - not good as they can cause Chemo patients to put on weight, which I don't really want.
2. Whilst I've now pretty much lost all of the hair on my head, I probably won't lose my body hair - doesn't seem fair. On the plus side I should keep my eyebrows, at least for the first three cycles, so don't need to worry about learning to draw them on just yet.
3. The Vanuatu trip that I was planing for January is not a good idea according to the doctor. I am more susceptible to infection as my white cells go down and can detoriate quickly, so being far from a hospital would be bad. Disappointing as I was quite looking forward to it, especially the active volcano trip. Have to postpone to later next year.

More quality couch time coming up for me over the next few days. The rainy weather isn't making it too tempting to go outside, but wish the nausea would subside!