About Chemo

It is my understanding that there is no rhyme or reason as to who gets sick with chemo and who doesn't.However,chemo is different these days as to how it was years ago.They have a lot of drugs now that help with side effects,should you have them,such as nausea.I also firmly believe that your own attitude and how you take care of yourself,goes a long way in helping you get through with minimal side effects.On my last chemo round,I saw my oncologist as usual,before my treatment.This is what she said to me:When a patient walks into my office for the first time,I can usually tell after meeting with them,how they are going to manage with chemo,and I knew you would do well.I asked her about this and she said,in her experience,there are 3 groups of people.Those who do really well , those who manage just ok and those who really struggle with it.Of course we are not talking here about people with severe physical reactions etc. or people who are very ill.So what this tells me,is that your own outlook and attitude about it is VERY important.Exercise also is important,and walking every day through chemo is one of the most helpful things for the tiredness that you will feel to some degree.I had days when I didn't want to walk,and my daughter would walk with me with her hand on my back saying"come on Mum,you can do it". I don't know if other ladies will agree with what I am saying,but I pretty much sailed through my chemo,and really only found that the tiredness on days 5 to 8 the worst thing.I think you do need to look after yourself in chemo,but to a certain extent you need to push a little too :) You sound like a positive person Jessica,so if you need chemo,I reckon you will do just fine!!! Robyn.xoxo