Just started Chemo

[mike1965]

The second part of my journey has begun. I got power port on Monday. Started Chemo yesterday. I am on Folfox for six months. I prayed to God to help me and now it is in hands. The oncologist seems confident treatment should go work. Thanks to everyone on the board for their posts on what to expect when on chemo. I am trying to drink lots of water, exercise and put lotion on my body. It is only day 2 see how it goes. I pray that everyone else does well and can beat this evil Cancer.

[BrownBagger]

I found exercise to be very helpful when I was on Xelox (same stuff, just pills instead of a pump). My theory is that the endorphins provide effective, long-lasting nausea relief. You won't always feel like it, but once you get moving, you'll feel better. I also believe that getting your lungs and bloodstream moving helps spread the bad stuff around so that it doesn't pool in an area and cause neuropathy.

[chrissyrice]

Best of luck as you start out and keep moving and drinking ... also remember to take notes on your experiences so you can talk to your doctor next visit on anything that is bothersome or side effects.

Chrissy

[Nik Colon]

Fyi, you may not want to hear, but watch out for worsening side affects. My first was like, no big deal, then after, not. If you have what you feel are bad, let your onc know asap.

[AnnClare]

Wishing you well as you begin this crazy journey that none of us wants to be on.

The others have already given great advice, so I don't have much more to add. I'm only two cycles in (will have 12 total), so it sounds like we're on the same 'plan.' My first round was a breeze, only very minor cold sensitivity about 3 days after infusion. Second cycle the cold sensitivity was almost immediate and lasted even into my off week. Also in my 2nd cycle I had hard-hitting fatigue three evenings in a row, decreasing in intensity each evening. Appetite also bottomed out a few days and the only thing I wanted (and had) was a chicken sandwich, fries & Frosty from Wendy's. Odd craving, especially since I've never been a fast food gal, but I honored what my body was begging for and I figured it was better than not eating at all.

Exercise when you can. I take our dog out (almost) every morning for a 20 minute brisk walk and do some stretching & strength training at home as well, when time & energy permit. Some days it's body weight only, some days I lift actual weights. Feels great to move when you can.

What else . . . I slap on a Sancuso patch the night before my Tx and wear it for 7 days. My onc also includes three anti-emetics in my infusion, and I'm thankful for that. My greatest bugaboo, even before this mess, has always been nausea. I made a big fuss about how I cannot, CANNOT, be nauseous, so he's been great about taking that 'phobia' into account.

That being said, EVERYONE responds differently. Still, I know from my point of view it's good to hear from others who have been in the trenches, so to speak.