Chemotherapy: What to Expect - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

		HysterSisters > GYN Cancer Articles
Chemotherapy: What to Expect

Chemotherapy: What to Expect

From the GYN Cancer Articles List

HysterSisters Articles

Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

I start chemo for stage 4 endometrial/uterine cancer sometime late next week. What should I expect?

There are several types of chemotherapy, administered in varying combinations, doses, and number of treatments, depending on your particular diagnosis and your oncologist’s preferences. Different people react to chemotherapy in different ways, but knowing about other women’s experiences can help you to prepare yourself and feel less scared about the process.

Here are some responses from HysterSisters who have gone through it:

- - - - -

“I had six rounds of carbo-taxol for Stage 3a endo cancer. The side effects vary depending on which drugs you get and everyone reacts differently.

At the beginning of the infusion, they would give me Benadryl and other meds that made me drowsy, so I usually dozed for the first hour or so. My treatments took about 5-6 hours. The treatments themselves were painless. I had a chemo port inserted and I used prescription numbing cream before so I usually didn't feel it when they poked me.

The first day and next day, I usually didn't feel any side effects. Around days 3-5, I had bone pain. There was usually one day each cycle when I felt pretty bad, usually about day 4—bone pain, fatigue—but the rest of the time between treatments I was able to do most of my normal activities and felt pretty good.

My hair started falling out about two weeks after my first treatment, and it was pretty much gone after the second treatment. That was the hardest part to deal with.

I finished treatment, and I feel better than I did before my diagnosis. I still have some joint pains that were a side effect of chemo, but my hair looks great. Everyone thinks I got a perm because it's so curly.

My biggest recommendation is take your nausea meds on a schedule and continue taking them for 4-5 days after treatment. If you don't take them on schedule, the nausea can come on suddenly without warning, and it takes longer for them to work.

The other thing I recommend is drinking lots of water. You'll probably want some flavoring like Crystal Light because you might have a metallic taste, and plain water won't taste good.”

- - - - -
“I'm going through it now. I just had my second round of Doxorubicin and am scheduled for the third round in about three weeks. I think it depends on which drug you're taking as to the side effects, but with Dox, I take steroids for the first three days afterwards (and anti-sickness tablets), and I feel fine. Days 4-7 are usually pretty horrid (first time around, I got some viral infection, and then this time I got oral thrush, which was awful), but then it's on the way back up in preparation for the next round.

My hair started to fall out on day 15 after the first round (get it shaved, don't wait for it to thin and fall out), and my sense of taste has changed so most things taste pretty horrible. Keep taking the anti-sickness meds for days 4-7, it helps. And definitely drink loads of fluids.

The only other side effect I really notice is tiredness/fatigue: I have to have an afternoon nap most days. Oh, and chemo-brain: I lose track of what I'm doing mid-way through doing it, and my brain just doesn't want to work as it normally does.”

- - - - -

“I did 6 rounds of Carbo/taxol for Stage 3c endo cancer. I did not find chemo as bad as I was expecting. The first round was the hardest, and that I believe was because it was all new; I eventually got used to it. I found as time went on, I used more of the meds that were suggested to me, and it was much easier. Usually by about day 5 or 6, I was feeling pretty good. It was just that bad taste in my mouth that drove me nuts.”

- - - - -

“I just finished my last cycle earlier this month. My side effects were very minimal. I know that chemo is different for everyone. For me, they gave me steroids and Benadryl before each chemo treatment. The Benadryl made me sleepy, so I slept the first two hours. I brought my DVD player and books to keep me occupied, as each treatment was six hours. The treatments were not painful, just long. I felt fine afterwards and would stop for a bite to eat before going home. Days 2 and 3 were pretty normal for me. Dasy 4 and 5, I had some bone pain (pain killers worked), constipation, and was very fatigued. Overall, the side effects were very minimal and not as bad as I predicted them to be. I pray that it will be the same for you.”

- - - - -

“I just finished my fifth cycle of carbo/taxol. This may be the last one, depends on CAT scan results next week. The treatments themselves do not hurt except for putting the IV in (and that depends on skill of nurse). I shaved my head after the first treatment because it was falling out in clumps. Eyebrows and eyelashes just keep getting thinner and thinner. I had one or two mouth sores, but salt rinse got rid of them. Fatigue is the worst side effect and it gets better by week three. I also had heartburn. Zantac helps. As far as bad taste, I put orange or lemon slices in water to make it palatable, and it worked. Exercise as much as you can even if it is only taking a short walk. Also acupuncture can help with fatigue and nausea.”

- - - - -

“I tried using seasickness bracelets for slight nausea, and it worked until I took them off. I felt HORRIBLE. I put the bracelets back on very quickly and the sickness was gone within 30 minutes. Then it was off to Bingo at church. Between the bracelets the bingo and family and friends, it kept my mind off of things. I didn't take off the bracelets until bedtime.”

- - - - -

“I don't know if anyone mentioned it earlier, but one bit of advice I got was not to eat any of my favorite foods while you're going through chemo, because you can end up not liking it anymore. I ate a lot of scrambled eggs and omelets. I never got sick from them or anything but it was months after I finished treatment before I could even look at eggs again.”

- - - - -

“Stay away from large crowds and try to do your shopping earlier in the day instead of weekends when more people are out because your immune system will be compromised.”

- - - - -

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

Printer Friendly Version

Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery

The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for your recovery from surgery. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:

The Great Binder Set - We have made it very easy for you and combined the two best binders and the Silky Sac into a great set to save you money! Our favorite is the Perfect Pocket binder with cold/hot packs!
Deluxe Hyst Prep Set - As you plan, we've gathered the best products into one set for special pricing.
Post-Op Panty - These great panties speed recovery, and reduces scarring. They contain a medical-grade silicone panel over incision to reduce scar's apperance while they provide support to weakened muscles and tissues from surgery. Excellent!
Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig! The comfort-ribbed underband stays in place gently, so it is perfect for sleeping and lounging.
HysterSisters Accessory Kit - Are you a HysterSisters fan? This set has a fun collection of HysterSisters items.
Very Private Moisture - Once your doctor gives you the green light for intimacy, this is the stuff! This is a best selling product with a high rate of permanent, satisfied, repeat customers! Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue & enhances intimacy. "Buy it for the problem, use it for the pleasure."

Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia

Clueless About Nodes

Find A Doctor Near You

Ruslana Kadze, M.D. 5525 Etiwanda Avenue Suite 228 Tarzana (Los Angeles) CA 91356 818-343-1717	Siobhan Kehoe, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673	Jennifer Fuson, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811
Susan D. Hunter, M.D. 626 Ed Carey Dr Harlingen TX 78550 956-428-4868	Wilfredo R. Ramos, M.D. 5301 F Street, Suite 210 Sacramento CA 95819 (916) 453-3440	Jon Nielsen, M.D. 9825 Hospital Dr. Suite 205 Maple Grove MN 55369 763-587-7050
Elizabeth Case, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811	Debra Richardson, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673	Quanita Crable, M.D. 8160 Walnut Hill Lane Ste. LL-001 Dallas TX 75231 (469)364-3764

Receive support and resources for your hysterectomy related needs: