How much should I read up on chemotherapy?
I have had a whirlwind of a month.Was diagnosed with grade 3,invasive and Her 2 .Had a partial mastectomy and after pathology have been asked to do chemotherapy. Waiting to see oncologist this coming ...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Caibo
It’s a bit mad at the start - the whole idea, the surgery, the entirely new language! Chemo is a scary beast but not always as bad as it’s made out. It’s hard to know how it will affect any individual - same cocktail, similar diagnosis, very different reactions. However, your oncologist will advise what particular chemotherapies you are having (it may be more than one) and should be able to provide you with written information about what it is, how it works and the range of side effects possible Remember this is a range - you won’t get them all! Depending on your particular regimen, fatigue and nausea are relatively common. I didn’t get either, so common but not inevitable. Medication can make both more bearable so be prepared to seek help, for any side effects. You may get a reasonable idea of how you will fare in the first few weeks - side effects can often follow a pattern so you know when your good and bad days are and can plan a bit better.
Everyone is different - some like to know as much as possible beforehand, others would rather go with the flow when and if stuff happens. There’s no right or wrong way, you’ll find what suits you best. Chemo is finite - it ends. Keep your sights on the future. Best wishes.
It’s a bit mad at the start - the whole idea, the surgery, the entirely new language! Chemo is a scary beast but not always as bad as it’s made out. It’s hard to know how it will affect any individual - same cocktail, similar diagnosis, very different reactions. However, your oncologist will advise what particular chemotherapies you are having (it may be more than one) and should be able to provide you with written information about what it is, how it works and the range of side effects possible Remember this is a range - you won’t get them all! Depending on your particular regimen, fatigue and nausea are relatively common. I didn’t get either, so common but not inevitable. Medication can make both more bearable so be prepared to seek help, for any side effects. You may get a reasonable idea of how you will fare in the first few weeks - side effects can often follow a pattern so you know when your good and bad days are and can plan a bit better.
Everyone is different - some like to know as much as possible beforehand, others would rather go with the flow when and if stuff happens. There’s no right or wrong way, you’ll find what suits you best. Chemo is finite - it ends. Keep your sights on the future. Best wishes.