what should I expect on the first day of chemo?
Posted: Sun May 07, 2017 3:26 pm
Hey guys,
I'm a newbie to this forum, mid 30's, diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in mid march, partial colectomy in April, port put in 2 days ago and chemo starts tomorrow. Needless to say it's been a whirlwind of a month and a half.
I'm pretty nervous about starting chemo (folfox) and I was curious on what to expect for my first time. Anyone have any stories they'd like to share about their first time? Do you start feeling the side effects right away? Does the port hurt to use?
Also, what is the proper etiquette for an infusion room? I'll be in one giant room with about 50 or more chairs and I'm told it gets pretty packed. They told me to avoid bringing in strong smelling foods and not to wear cologne, but what else should I know? I'll be there for quite a while but will I be hungry when I'm getting the chemo? I was told to bring snacks but didn't know if that would make me feel sick. My "tour" of the infusion room was on a Friday around closing time so it was empty and quiet so I didn't get a feel for what the room was like. did you guys find that most people talked to their neighbors or do people prefer to be left alone? I plan on taking an iPad and watching movies most of the day, but wouldn't mind chatting a bit. Any other advice for a first timer? Thanks
I'm a newbie to this forum, mid 30's, diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in mid march, partial colectomy in April, port put in 2 days ago and chemo starts tomorrow. Needless to say it's been a whirlwind of a month and a half.
I'm pretty nervous about starting chemo (folfox) and I was curious on what to expect for my first time. Anyone have any stories they'd like to share about their first time? Do you start feeling the side effects right away? Does the port hurt to use?
Also, what is the proper etiquette for an infusion room? I'll be in one giant room with about 50 or more chairs and I'm told it gets pretty packed. They told me to avoid bringing in strong smelling foods and not to wear cologne, but what else should I know? I'll be there for quite a while but will I be hungry when I'm getting the chemo? I was told to bring snacks but didn't know if that would make me feel sick. My "tour" of the infusion room was on a Friday around closing time so it was empty and quiet so I didn't get a feel for what the room was like. did you guys find that most people talked to their neighbors or do people prefer to be left alone? I plan on taking an iPad and watching movies most of the day, but wouldn't mind chatting a bit. Any other advice for a first timer? Thanks