Looking for confirmation that I am not alone.

Thank you so much for replying Tonya. It's 3am at the moment and as hard as I try, I cannot get to sleep. Reading your message has brought me to tears, but in a good way. I was feeling so alone, I have friends who love me, but what i needed was someone who has been through the process. I can see that you have had your challenges and you have come through. I appreciate your hugs.

Hazel xx

 

 

Sorry to hear you have to start chemotherapy but welcome to this network.You have come to the right place-you are amongst your pink sisters here.We know how you are feeling.It's hard to make those tough decisions and sometimes it's easier if your specialist doesn't give you a choice.I've had breast cancer twice-2003 and 2010 so have had all the treatments,lucky me! I had chemo following a mastectomy back in 2010.I was right where you are now and I can still remember that anxiety and fear about having chemo.I was ready to do a runner when I entered the unit and I'm a nurse! They ended up giving me a"calm you down pill"and that sure did relax me.It's just fear of the unknown and not knowing how you are going to react.The thing is,we are all different and some women breeze through chemo and keep working and some (like me)struggle with it.I had a different chemo to what you are going to have.But on average,you feel crap for the first week,improving the second week and sort of back to yourself by the third week.My appetite went but I didn't throw up and my mouth felt like it was lined with fur.You'll get aches and pains and general fatigue and ofcourse,loose your hair around day 16?That's a very general overview of the side effects most people get.I think it's the hardest of all the bc treatments-it's no picnic but it's doable.I don't know that I can inspire you but I will say that I'm abit of a sook and yet I've survived this crap journey twice.So you don't have to be strong,just go with the flow and take one day at a time.Keep yourself really busy until your first chemo and don't think past that one.If you are extra anxious when you arrive at the chemo unit then ask the staff for something-don't be ashamed,it's normal to be worried with your first one.It's also ok to vent your fears at this network.You won't be judged.Hopefully,we can give you support and share our personal experiences which may help ease your anxiety.Ask any questions,vent your fears  and know you are not alone when you blog here. Sending hugs.

                                  Tonya xx

Sorry to hear you have to start chemotherapy but welcome to this network.You have come to the right place-you are amongst your pink sisters here.We know how you are feeling.It's hard to make those tough decisions and sometimes it's easier if your specialist doesn't give you a choice.I've had breast cancer twice-2003 and 2010 so have had all the treatments,lucky me! I had chemo following a mastectomy back in 2010.I was right where you are now and I can still remember that anxiety and fear about having chemo.I was ready to do a runner when I entered the unit and I'm a nurse! They ended up giving me a"calm you down pill"and that sure did relax me.It's just fear of the unknown and not knowing how you are going to react.The thing is,we are all different and some women breeze through chemo and keep working and some (like me)struggle with it.I had a different chemo to what you are going to have.But on average,you feel crap for the first week,improving the second week and sort of back to yourself by the third week.My appetite went but I didn't throw up and my mouth felt like it was lined with fur.You'll get aches and pains and general fatigue and ofcourse,loose your hair around day 16?That's a very general overview of the side effects most people get.I think it's the hardest of all the bc treatments-it's no picnic but it's doable.I don't know that I can inspire you but I will say that I'm abit of a sook and yet I've survived this crap journey twice.So you don't have to be strong,just go with the flow and take one day at a time.Keep yourself really busy until your first chemo and don't think past that one.If you are extra anxious when you arrive at the chemo unit then ask the staff for something-don't be ashamed,it's normal to be worried with your first one.It's also ok to vent your fears at this network.You won't be judged.Hopefully,we can give you support and share our personal experiences which may help ease your anxiety.Ask any questions,vent your fears  and know you are not alone when you blog here. Sending hugs.

                                  Tonya xx

You have definitely come to the best place for support and help.6 short weeks ago,I was where you are now.I was so scared and anxious about chemo,and the ladies on here gave me their stories and advice.I took it all on board,and they were right.It is nowhere near as bad as you imagine it will be.I have just had my second lot of chemo.Sometimes there is a bit of nausea,definitely some tiredness,and weird food cravings.But absolutely nothing that can't be managed.These days too,the medication available to help you if you do have side effects that bother you,is incredible.Several years ago,it wouldn't have been as good.So Hazel,try not to worry too much.Once you get the first one out of the way,you will see how easy it will become.I am sure that other ladies will jump on here and give their advice also.Take care of yourself,and just try to relax and spoil yourself a little.Come back on here any time,if you think of more questions.Sending you a big hugxoxoxRobyn