Some have told me after the first few treatments Chemo gets built up in your system and you don't get as sick. Is this true? I get so sick and am down and out for atleast 4 days. This last time I was throwing up still 6 days after treatment though. I've only had two so far. The first time I lost 4lbs. Gained it back. This second time I lost 6lbs! Gained it back again. The nurse figured it was all electrolights. When I get hungry I get so hungry and I don't have weight to lose so I'm glad I have been gaining it back.
Also, the first time I did not get sick until that evening and really sick until the next day. This last time I got sick as they were giving me the chemo drugs. I asked if it was in my head that I'd already be feeling sick. The nurse said no that sometimes people's systems will recognize the medication. Has this happened to anyone else? I am so dreading the next treatment.
Thanks,
Cynthia
My husband just had his 4th treatment yesterday. His have gotten a little easier each time. However, he hasn't been as sick as you have been. For him, he deals more with fatigue. He sleeps most of the day, and then has no trouble sleeping at night. This lasts from Friday (after chemo) until Sunday evening. By then, he begins to perk up a little. However, after this 4th treatment, he has been up today. He told me that he's already feeling a little better. Also, he hasn't lost any of his hair as of yet.
I think it just depends on the person. Nobody's experience is quite the same. I hope things will begin to go more smoothly for you!
Are you taking any anti-nausea meds? My dr. gives me Emend before treatment through IV then I take a pill form the following 2 days of treatment. I was also given Kytrol and compazine for nausea if I need them. I know you have to check with insurance because Emend is super expensive if they don't cover it, but definitely ask your dr. about it and see if they can prescribe something. I am going in for #7 this week and have not thrown-up once, which is all the Emend- I do have constipation which is also the Emend- so you may just trade symptoms.
The fatigue has built up in my system. I talked with a nutritionist/nurse, Tinrin Chew, who specializes in cancer patients. She said to eat lots of protein- 80 grams a day for me and I'm 5'4"/125 and to drink half your body weight in fluids everyday and more on push days. I am now drinking between 80 and 90 ounces a day of fluids and close to a gallon on chemo days and 3 days after. This helps with the fatigue. She wrote part of the Guide to Chemotherapy book- Highly recommend it-
I made sure to switch my anti-nausea meds right away when I knew they weren't working. Nausea got better as treatments went along, but the fatique increased. (I personally would rather take the fatique then then nausea). Just keep looking for tips and talk to your oncologist. You'll find something. And the "weight game" was all over the place for me....I wasn't vomiting but just eating schedules, bloating, etc....one day it was like i was 15 lbs heavier than the day before! That's just me though....just keep in close contact and don't be shy about asking questions they WANT to help.