Where can we share?

Hi Betsy, thanks for writing. There is a TON of chemo information on this site, written by real-life women who have been through chemo and want to share their experiences and help others cope. You can start with the section called "Chemotherapy Guide" or just plug "chemo" or "chemotherapy" into the search tool at the top of the page. That should pull up dozens of pages, and show you the faces of women ready and willing to help. Best of luck, Sarah

Hi Betsy - I did FEC about 5 1/2 years ago, and have written a pretty comprehensive series on the whole chemo experience. I did a sweries of shareposts on it back in November-D4ecember 2006. It's kind of hard to find them, but below is a link you can cut and paste to a place you can start. Best of luck! -PJH http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/c/78/2785/lets-started/

Hi Betsy,

I am "recovering" from my first chemo (Adriamycin/Cytoxan) experience. I was not fully prepared for the nausea vomiting thing and was undermedicated. After 3 and a half days of no food and water, my husband called the cancer center and I went in for IV hydration and some heavier duty antiemetics. I left eating a grape popsicle that felt like heaven. It was a learning experience for both me and my health care team. I have a pretty sensitive vomiting center located whereever in my brain. Next time (even though I swore there'd never be a next time) there is an anti-nausea med that will be prescribed for me the day before (aloxi?) and will last up to 4 days after the infusion. I still have my hair. But I keep pulling at it, seeing if it will come out. I don't want to be surprised by it. I've heard this is the hardest part. Good luck to you. Keep writing. Laurie (purplemoonmom)

Hi Besty I am 35 i have been through chemo and I will have to go through it again I was 27 the frist time, not sure about any sites to go to but just hang in there, the best way i can say how you are going to feel is being pregant but with out the baby and you will feel sad all the time but dont give up, use your family for support, it does help.

To anyone starting chemo, be sure to take the anti-nausea meds. Do not leave the treatment center without some samples and a prescription. They usually give you some anti-nausea meds in the infusion that takes you through the first day. On the next day, start taking them, as directed, before the nausea starts. Once it starts it is hard to get it under control.

You will find that even some of the foods you loved, no longer seem appealing. Try different things. I found that the cans of mandarin orange segments and pineapple segments went down easy and even tasted good when nothing else did. I also found that salsa sauce now and then on scrambled egg was palatable. Just keep trying till you find something that appeals to you. Even drinks are a challenge. The nurses recommended ginger ale as ginger does calm the stomach. I pampered myself with Perrier. Actually, pamper is the key to getting yourself through it all. Buy new makeup and use it, especially when you go out. Check your area for a "Look Good Feel Better" class. They give you a great deal of free makeup and it is a pleasant eve. out. Call your local Cancer Society. If you are loosing your hair, which happened for me after the second dose of A/C, get a wig that makes you feel good even if it wasn't like your usual hairstyle.