Newbie

I was really nervous before chemo too, but I did learn a few tricks. One is make sure you go for a walk beforehand so that your circulation is working - that will make it much easier for the nurse to find a vein. Lots of water is good too. Chemo is individual. I found it really hard going but a friend of mine going through it now is coping really well. She is very fit. I was overweight and really tired, and I just needed lots of time out. I suffered really bad constipation but as long as I prepared for that (enemas, the right diet) it was okay. Put yourself first; don't plan to do much. It is now two years since my lumpectomy and 20 months since I finished chemo. I didn't think it at the time, but you do get through it and life does return to nearly normal. A big breakthrough for me has been to join Dragons Abreast. I have never done much exercise; now I regularly paddle and whilst still unfit I am improving. We all never thought we would have to go to such dark places. But there are good things that come out of all this. Good luck xx