Next Friday

Hi Michelle,

as everyone has said, chemo can be tough but you will get through it. I had 6 months TCH and was dreadfully ill. I ended up spending 5 days in hospital on my first round. The thing is, I decided that even if I had to spend the whole 6 months in hospital, then that's what I would do as it was short term pain for long term gain. The onc made many changes to my meds each time I had treatment and made it more bearable. I had 16 months treatment in all and am now 13 months post treatment. I am cancer free and it was worth every bit of pain, sickness and fatigue I, experienced to be able to say that. I do still have some problems that the chemo has caused but again, a small price to pay to be cancer free. You will get through this. Remember that courage is not the absence of fear but the strength to conquer in spite of the fear. You will get through it. Take care. Karen xox

hi MicheleG, 

I want to tell you that I have an Allergy list as long as my arms.... 

I dreaded Chemo but I got through it and I am cancer free now 4 years after I was diagnosed.  I have some problems with the chemo but it was doable.... like the others have said be gentle on yourself  give yourself the pampering you need as you go through this time.... If you have a breast care nurse ask her questions ring her if you are worried or having side effects not listed.... 

We are  here to listen and ease the stress if we can. 

Alice aka Soldier crab

Jane you can do Radio... I know I have done it to me is was a breeze compared to Chemo... I am nearly 4 years since diagnosis... I am cancer free and I have a new normal. 

one day at a time 

Alice 

Michelle,

I did Chemo last August, 4 FEC 3 weeks apart and 8 Taxol. I was petrified my first day, once you get through that, you'll know exactly what to expect. From there I had zero expectation, I was told how I reacted to the first infusion and before the next will be how my body handles it thereon. They were absolutely right. 

Michelle, everyone is so very different in how they are affected, no two people are the same. I had a really hard time of it, but I say this to you...everyone is different. I was drug sensitive so unfortunately, I was very ill and had to give up working for 3 months. 

I do know however, you WILL get through it, it absolutely is doable for certain. Focus a day at a time, talk constantly to your team and they will keep changing up anything required to make you comfortable. Get started, get finished and then you will put it behind you . I didnt have a port, but alot of friends who had HER2 had ports. 

Its like anything, we fear what we dont know or understand, once we face it, we realise it isnt as bad as we thought. You'll do great!! Honestly, deep breath. Keep us all posted and sing out if we can help ease your mind. 

We're listening. :) Hugs Melinda 

Hi Michele, I had 6 months of chemo and one month of Radiothreaphy. I finished it all about two months ago. I did not have a port out in. Not sure why, it was suggested because my veins were OK.  I Hate needles and looking back I wish I had insisted on the port. Anyways my treatment went very smooth. Michelle R suggested you write down and take all the meds they give you. Something I did wrong was decided I was ok and not feeling nausea so stopped the meds. Crazy but having never been sick before I didn't realise the importance of the meds. 

We are all so different.  My only other big problem was that I got shingles.  This can happen with your immune system so low. But I soon learnt to really look after myself and not go to crowded places. I'm sure your oncologist or the lovely nurses will tell you all this.

i think the first chemo session is the worst....I can't even explain how scared I was but honestly the time will fly. And the nurses are just wonderful. Keep us posted to how you are travelling.

Anne-Marie ??

Michele, You are going to be OK.

Yes Chemo sucks but it is not as bad as anyting you will have imagined as our brains can dream up the worst most horrid things.

The best thing anyone said to me was.my neurologist saying this 3 weeks before Instaryed Chemo: "Chemo sucks... Accept you will have several months of Hell but then it will be over and cancer will be gone and you will be OK".

Sounds basic and kinds of simplistoc but honestly tat is the way I view it too except that it was nowhere near as bad as I imagened it would be. 

Yes you will be tired and yes you will be cranky at times and there are.mkments of nauses and tummy upsets but they are managed well by meds. I suffered ongoing trush / candida intermally and externally and some.ocassipnal mouth ulslcers. There was some pain for me with a couple of migraines and a couple of gastric episodes (and mild.hemmoroids and fissures before I wised up and use hemmoroid creams and ointment) but that was about it.

Oh yes, and hair loss depending on the regime you are on but to me, as soon as I shaved my head that was so liberating and I loved the ease of not worrying about washing drying or styling my hair... I am not.lying when I say I loved the ease of it all.

Honestly, lack of energy is the worst but then you be kind to yourself and take it easy and listen to your body.

There are.some.tough momwnts but they pass and you are OK far more than are not.

And remember that whatever you think now is going to be far more horrible than the real thing.

You will get through it and you will be OK. Please just remeber that - it really is not as bad as you would be imagining it to be and all.rounds are different so some may be draining but others you may be doing great ...

All in all, you will do great and will get through it and be cancer free and that is the main thing. We have all done it and are doing OK and so will you ??????????

Hugs

Jel

Hi Michele,

Yes it is scary starting chemo, and there are so many unknowns. I had AC chemo followed by 12xTaxol chemo, and will be starting radiotherapy in a couple of weeks (which I am getting more and more anxious about). No one can tell you what side effects you will get, how bad they will be, and whether you will have complications. When I read all the info, I thought that I would get everything! I had my share of hiccups along the way, but what I realised is that you do hear about things when they go wrong, not so much when things go smoothly.

I guess the trick is to try not to look too far ahead (says me worrying about radio!) and to take the side effects when they come. You will be amazed at how stoic you become, and how you will know when to fight, and when to rest.

Good luck, and welcome.

Jane

Hi, 

i had my first chemo last Friday. I had a portacath put in and they used it and were were quite happy with it, I too was so scared, anxious, teary. My dr and nurses were lovely but I found the whole thing overwhelming to say the least. Almost 48 hours later I am feeling slightly better and am just trying to stay positive. Nausea and bloating have been bothering me  so I'm hoping in a few more days to have turned the corner. I hope everything goes well for you this coming week.

andy x

Hi Michele, I personally haven't had chemo but I have read many posts about minimal reactions ,reactions and side effects and I think probably the best bit of advice that I know of apart from talking to your medical team is to come onto the forum if you are having side effects or worries! I cannot think of a time where someone has posted and  one of the lovely ladies here have not already experienced similar issues associated with chemo and have been able to offer advice, or words of encouragement. Wishing you all the best. Xx Cath

hi, welcome. Won't lie to you it is fricken scary as all hell. I too felt the same as you. I even thought of running away on the nite before chemo started. I cried when I walked in the room and they prepped me as this treatment goes against everything I believe in. 

Just go with what works best for you. I wish I could be there to hold your hand and help you through it.

Take care

Veronica