Started Chemo July 2016. What is you experience so far?

nbarkach

My first chemo treatment was July 18, 2016. I'm HER2 + so the treatment is pretty intense. The first 2 days were not too bad. I was just tired. I opted for the Nuelasta patch which injected at 5 pm on day 2. The bone pain I have for 3 days afterward was so intense! Nothing would relieve it besides soaking in a tub and taking pills to fall asleep. The nausea has been controllable with the meds. I wake up every morning at 4 am them 7 am for good. My sleep pattern's all over the map. I feel so much better now besides a constant headache. I have horrible constipation, then diarrhea last night (thank God because it was so much better then not being able to go). I'm getting a few little mouth sores on my lips. I'm gargling with salt/baking soda to hopefully prevent them from getting too bad. I feel like I'm turning the corner now though. I'm going to go for a little run in a few minutes. I wonder if this is what it will be like for each treatment? I have 5 more to go every 21 days then 1 month off before surgery.

KarenInCanada

Hi

I have completed all my chemo and rads. Mine was just what you described except I took clariton allergy pills the day before the neulasta and continued it for 5 to 6 days after. It helps a lot with the bone pain. Also would take Tylenol. I was told to stay on top of the pain or else I would be calling them in tears! Pretty much had all the same other SE too. I would take a stool softener on chemo day for several dAys until I went, once or twice had D the next week and one immodium usually helped stop it. Rinsed my mouth with salt water and had magic mouthwash from my doctor which worked wonders. If you read through the monthly chemo threads they are a great help. Good luck, it will be over before you know it

nbarkach

Thank you! Yes, I did take Clariton, but it didn't work very well for me. I also added Motrin. I go for my first Chemo check tomorrow and I'm going to ask if 2 Claritons will work better. I saw someone post that on here. I also heard that the bone pain lessens over the course of the treatments. Did you notice that?

KarenInCanada

Yes, the first one I felt it more. Really after that it was just more of an ache, but like I said I did take the clariton so I have no idea what is would have been like without it since I started taking it before each shot.