Thursday, January 12, 2012

What Is It Like Having Chemo?

396545116 I'm 17 and just got diagnosed with an inopperable brain tumor in November. I start chemo in three days, but I wasn't paying much attention while my dad talked to the doctor. Is it painful? Is it definite I'm going to lose my hair? I would just kinda like to know what it is I'm getting into.. if anyone could help I'd really appreciate it.
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5 comments:

  1. rebesJanuary 12, 2012 at 6:01 AM

    april - It sucks. I didn't lose my hair, even though my onco thought I would. I was extremely fatigued. What's odd is they wouldn't wait over a month to start chemo, esp for inoperable brain cancer...

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  2. rebesJanuary 12, 2012 at 6:01 AM

    jene007 - Chemo meds vary by diagnosis and patient. Some meds do not stop hair growth. I had ACT for breast cancer and I did lose my hair. Being bald is really fun, so if you do lose your hair enjoy the break from having to blow dry it! Have a head shave party. The main things to expect are being super tired, foods may taste funny or smell strange, your appetite may get odd, pain is common. I had bone and joint pain. Chemo may cause you to barf or it may make you crap hot lava in your pants.
    I know this can't be easy. You are so young and should not have to deal with it. But don't let anyone (doctors or parents) control your care; advocate for yourself. I imagine your chemo will be aggressive since they need to shrink the tumor. My best advice, no matter how scared you get or how awful you feel, is to surround yourself with laughter and love as much as is humanly possible. Smiling gives hope. And smiling is contagious (cancer isn't!).
    Be good to you. I found that writing about it helped a lot. Maybe keeping a journal can help deal with the emotions of it all. Remember: being brave is not the absence of fear, it's being afraid but going forth anyway. Be well.
    Marie :)

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  3. rebesJanuary 12, 2012 at 6:01 AM

    Evil Wordmonger, LTD LOL - jene (above) said it all. Her answer was perfect. Best of luck to you.

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  4. rebesJanuary 12, 2012 at 6:01 AM

    Tiny - Getting chemo (the standard drip type) is not painful but can make you feel queasy and feverish. It all depends on the drugs they are putting in. Chemo can also put bad tastes in your mouth, I chewed cinnamon flavored gum to mask the terrible chemo tastes. The chemo also can wipe you out for a few days afterwards. I stayed in bed for 2-3 days after getting mine. R&R is really the only thing that can help with this. Make sure you have a super comfortable place to spend allot of time. I went and bought the most comfy recliner I could find two days before my first chemo dose. This was the best thing and I spent literally days at a time in it. I was so glad to have it, so now I recommend this to every new cancer patient. I wish you all the best with your upcoming treatments.

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  5. rebesJanuary 12, 2012 at 6:01 AM

    Astrid - I'm 13 and in my experience with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) i think It depends upon the patient, I lost my hair but there were others going through treatment at the same time as me who didn't even though they were told they would. The worst thing for me was the tiredness, it really takes it out of you. I agree with The other people; even if you loose your hair, feel tiered, sick, and overall rubbish they can't take away your smile. you'd be surprised how much a simple smile can help you get through things. Also, find something you enjoy and are passionate about (For me it's Music and writing) it helps to have something to do that can help you feel better. it takes your mind off things.
    wishing you all the best,
    Astrid xxx

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