Andrea,
You absolutely will, I remember in the depths of chemo...begging for it to be over at different points. You definitely manage and you definitely will get through...I look back now 8 months post chemo and wonder how on earth I did it, but I did with very little support. I now know there's nothing I cannot do, I balanced work at the beginning of chemo but had to stop half way completely, plus am a single parent and the responsibilties were just too great to juggle it all alone. Unfortunately my children have endured this twice in 5yrs...but boy are we stronger for it.
Can give you a huge amount of tips, but the biggest one is communicate constantly with your Oncology Nurse and dont be scared to for any little thing. Its by them knowing everything going on with you and side effects can they get you other meds to counteract and keep you comfortable. I had a hard trot through it, but after trying so many things!!! Was allergic to Maxolon, so anti nausea meds were useless but Ativan helped go figure LOL. In the 2nd week, gargle salt water morning and night, if you do get ulcers and are painful Kennalog is amazing! Constipation ummm that was a trial and error LOL, the best I found was Coloxyl tablets and what the hospital recommended. Heartburn?? OMG and Nexium is the bomb!!!
The biggest advice I could give and I learned through it was to have no expectation of treatment, how it will go, how it will affect you or your normal living. As I got into it, it dictated how my life would be for the next 4.5 months. How I thought Id plan it around work etc., didnt go to plan at all. I have no regrets, in fact I learnt to put work last and me first above everything and everyone. A massive lesson in life, to honor and nurture yourself. Im an incredibly selfless person and Id forgotten how to give something back to me. Believe it or not there were positives amongst the horrible lows...I dont view life the same anymore, I feel so blessed for my wonderful children who had the courage to walk my path twice.
So be flexible let go of any plans or expectations and let yourself be whatever you will be, and I promise you will be at the end before you know it.
Hugs
Melinda