Forum Discussion
Dread of Chemo
Hello everyone, so glad to join your group with my first post. I live in
Cairns and was diagnosed in Nov with ER+ PR+ HER2- and underwent
lumpectomy for 4.5cm tumor and removed 7 lymph nodes. Outcom...
Hi there,
I’m 3/4 of the way through chemo - completed AC and finishing of taxol now.
i understand your anxiety of just wanting to start. Wanting to know what it’s like. Getting on with it is empowering. Feels like control. I get you. I felt the same.
When it did start I was ok. Anxious and teary but ok. No nausea. Bit tired but I was still recovering from bilateral mastectomies (one elective/I’m 41)All things considering I felt good. Head hair fell out about day 17 along with all other hair about day 14. I fell into the cycle of treatment. Feeling bit crappy for a week then 2 good weeks. It really was not too bad. I had no expectations so was never disappointed or surprised.
Talk to the nurses. Tell them your worries: they will make referrals if necessary. Be frank and honest. Trust your team.
Maintain gentle exercise. It helps with fatigue. I swear it. Referral to exercise physiologist will help.
Try some mindfulness practices. I was pretty anti that stuff but it has helped my type a personality settle down a bit.
Try to sleep well. Get help with that if necessary.
Ride the wave. Don’t fight it.
Best wishes.
xx
I’m 3/4 of the way through chemo - completed AC and finishing of taxol now.
i understand your anxiety of just wanting to start. Wanting to know what it’s like. Getting on with it is empowering. Feels like control. I get you. I felt the same.
When it did start I was ok. Anxious and teary but ok. No nausea. Bit tired but I was still recovering from bilateral mastectomies (one elective/I’m 41)All things considering I felt good. Head hair fell out about day 17 along with all other hair about day 14. I fell into the cycle of treatment. Feeling bit crappy for a week then 2 good weeks. It really was not too bad. I had no expectations so was never disappointed or surprised.
Talk to the nurses. Tell them your worries: they will make referrals if necessary. Be frank and honest. Trust your team.
Maintain gentle exercise. It helps with fatigue. I swear it. Referral to exercise physiologist will help.
Try some mindfulness practices. I was pretty anti that stuff but it has helped my type a personality settle down a bit.
Try to sleep well. Get help with that if necessary.
Ride the wave. Don’t fight it.
Best wishes.
xx