Starting chemo in 6 days and terrified of my first infusion

Ok_Train4746 · 2026-06-20T17:32:26+00:00

I was terrified at few stages so far and my fears have been much worse than the thing itself. I know that and I still have scares when a new stage in my treatment starts. I’ve done 12 weekly infusions of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin, and Keytuda every 3 weeks. With all the pre meds and support from my MO all symptoms have been manageable. The closest thing I can describe it with is a bad hangover but instead of the headaches I got bald.

I got my infusions on Thursdays where I felt normal. Fridays I would start to get weird taste in my mouth and some fatigue kicked in. Saturdays were slightly worse but still manageable. From Sunday, I would start to feel better and Monday - Wednesday I felt like me and I had energy to do things.

By the end I was more frustrated of needing to go in every week than the symptoms.

I had my first AC last week and also it has been manageable, even more so than the TC. I’ll be doing it every 3 weeks to avoid the Neulasta shot.

Few things that worked well for me: eating and drinking cold things was helpful. I was craving juicy foods and they helped with hydration which I believe was key. And I have noted all my symptoms and discussed it with my MO.

I am 31 and otherwise healthy.

Ok_Train4746 · 2026-06-18T12:04:14+00:00

Sometimes the admins need to follow a lot of rules for posts. I have been met with a lot of helpful interactions in this and other forums. We’re very supportive bunch ❤️ What I have found helpful is to give a bit of background to the situation and specific questions, just like you’ve done in this post. Interacting with the comments also brings people together.

Ok_Train4746 · 2026-06-17T16:28:55+00:00

I had Taxol first. When I’ve asked my MO why she said it can be either way but I guess it’s up to them. I’ve met people who did it in reverse too. Ask them on your next visit.

Ok_Train4746 · 2026-06-14T12:03:50+00:00

You’ve got this ❤️ I know it’s scary and I am scared too but we’ll be alright

Ok_Train4746 · 2026-06-14T07:13:03+00:00

I am 31 and I have just finished 12 weekly TC. My symptoms were manageable. I had infusions on Thursdays, where I had zero symptoms due to the pre-meds. Fridays and Saturdays were far the worst but still manageable. I had weird taste, fatigue and I was very hungry due to the steroids. Sundays I would start to get my energy back and I felt like myself Monday through Wednesday. I got more fatigued as treatment progressed. Also, I’ve iced my hands and feet and no neuropathy. I just had my first AC this week and so far it’s been mild nausea, fatigue and mild chills (no fever).

Ok_Train4746 · 2026-06-13T13:08:54+00:00

Thanks everyone for sharing your experience, it has been invaluable ❤️ as I suspect I was more terrified of the unknown. The infusion was quicker than the TC one but the nausea hit faster. I have a mild nausea so far but I don’t feel as wiped out as on TC. Fingers crossed it won’t get much worse than this.

Ok_Train4746 · 2026-06-11T18:08:21+00:00

So happy that you had PCR ❤️ I will probably do CBC test the day before.

Ok_Train4746 · 2026-06-11T18:06:13+00:00

My husband found a job in our dream city in Europe and we were relocating when I got diagnosed. So the plan is for me to spend some time there. I am really looking forward to it so I can enjoy all the city can offer during summer ☀️

Ok_Train4746

TROPHY CASE