I am about to start my first cycle of chemo, what can I expect? Pain? How much weight will I lose? Ect?

Answer 1

Side effects vary from person to person and between chemo regimes. Some people have so few symptoms they carry on working, others feel very tired and/or ill.

My side effects were depression, nausea and fatigue. I never actually threw up though. Anti-nausea meds have improved greatly and if you are vomiting you should contact your chemo nurses at once so that your medication can be changed.

Constipation is a problem because of steroids; get a good laxative like Senacol and get some glycerine suppositories - sorry, not much about chemo is dignified.

You may not lose any weight at all, in fact in common with many chemo patients you may gain weight because of the steroids.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Ditto above experience. Also, for me (AVBD chemo) the side effects have been cumulative. The first cycle I was a little nauseated and very tired. In subsequent cycles I've noticed other side effects, including
1. mouth sores
2. constipation
3. weight gain (partially due to steroids, inactivity, and being put into menopause 20 years early :p)
4. body aches on days 3,4 and 16,17- painful to even be touched-motrin clears that
5. Heartburn
6. Insomnia (see #3)-my doc gave me Ambien tho

I don't get all of these symptoms every time. Some cycles are easier than others. Just remember to drink as much as possible, even if it is the most disgusting thought in the world. And be vocal about what you are feeling to your doctor, chemo nurses, etc. They are familiar with the side effects and will do all they can for your comfort. Best of luck in this step toward your recovery :)

Answer 3

I had my first cycle 2 weeks ago, and now im on my two weeks off. I was just very, very, tired. About 3 days after my first medications I startted to feel that way. I was slightly natious, but they have medicine for that. I ended up getting very constipated wich has caused more problems than the chemo, so dont get constipated ! Everybodys chemo is very different though.

Answer 4

First of all, sorry to hear that you have to go through it. When I had chemo about 5 years ago, I didn't know what to expect. But here is what I vividly remember:
1. The injections were not bad if you are not afraid of getting poked.
2. Loss of appetite because it affects your taste buds. I ended up eating foods that had a lot of seasoning to combat the bland sensation.
3. After 2 days my bones were in pain.
4. My stomach was quezy most of the time.
5. Sometimes I had to just lay on the couch or bed because I was nauseated or it just hurt too much to move.

I did not lose too much weight because I had a good support in my wife and my family. Try to eat healthy or just eat. You need energy for your body to recover.

Good Luck

Answer 5

My son has had cancer for over two years and has had four or five different protocol treatments. Chemotherapy is not the same . . it is different dosages and protocols for different disease and stages of the disease. Further, some people have more side effects than others . . some can tolerate higher doses than others. So . . it would help to know what type of chemotherapy you are having . .whether you will be an inpatient or at an outpatient clinic.

My son was an inpatient for nine months with a 21 day cycle of high dose chemotherapy. He had a central line so he was never poked at all. He also was able to have all his anti-nausea meds put instantly through the central line . . so was rarely sick. He was kept pretty much on a regular schedule with meds during the treatment. He slept most of the time (treatments last about 3 to 5 days every month). When not in treatment he was usually okay, sometimes a little fatigued . . but in general could do anything that he could do before getting cancer.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 6

run 5 percent of a marathon at a 10 minute mile pace

Answer 7

Most of the time you get sick on your stomach,throw up,and diaherra.I had 3 kinds of chemo at one time every 6 weeks.I did not have pain.They give you meds for nausae. It makes you sleepy.I had my breast removed in 1995 and the other one removed in 2007.I only lost 10lbs.but I lost all my hair.It came back 6 months later like a perm.My hair was straight.It stayed curley for 3 years and then it went straight again.from dot gainey,09/22/07.

Answer 8

get casual for 4 days a study shows that people take 491 more steps and burn 25 more calories on days they wear jeans to work

Answer 9

swap half of the avocado in a 1 2 cup of guacamole for zucchini

Answer 10

save 85 calories just by swapping mustard for mayonnaise in a sandwich