Chemo

Thanks Brenda,  great tips - I'm feeling in a better place already!  Have a top day. Deb :) 

First dose they do at half speed just in case of any allergic reactions which means a few hours hooked up to a drip line. This can get very boring very fast so take something or someone to keep you occupied. I found I could not concentrate on reading a book or doing puzzles so that was out. I took my laptop and after they had me all hooked up I plugged it in to the plug at the back of the chair and chatted with friends on Facebook. I also took my favorite movie and a headset and played that with its uplifting music. The movie was Twister. About the time the movie ended, it was time to unhook from chemo and go home.
Heading home, take a bottle of water. My mouth turned in to the Sahara desert and my throat dried up too. Drink lots of water and flush that crap from your body.

Hi K,  thanks for your kind words and advice!  I start 4 treatments of Doxorubicin (21 day cycles) followed by 12 cycles of Paclitaxel (7 day cycles) - I am so worked up (not knowing how I'll react).   Some women at the RBH breast Clinic told me there horror stories and its in my brain (I feel like a coward)! I want to be strong but its hard.  Deb 

Hi Debra. I'm sorry that you find yourself here, but I hope you'll find it as supportive, warm and helpful as I have.

I had shocking nerves and anxiety before I started chemotherapy. It's very individual of course, but anything anyone said to me before made no difference! I wasn't on the forum then I hasten to add.

It is highly unlikely to be as bad as you think it will be. A few people sail through with hardly any issues, and a few have a lot of problems. But the vast majority of us sit in the middle with some side effects and muddle through OK. Fear of the unknown is definitely the worst. Once you have started, and know what to expect and how you react, you'll feel better.

What kind of chemo are you having? I had TC (just finished), many people here have AC. If you want to know more specifically what to expect you can use the search bar above.

Chemo's terrible reputation is mostly a hangover from the old days. Now they are able to manage most of the side effects. Don't hesitate to ask your medical team if you need stronger meds for anything. I wasn't troubled too much by nausea, got stronger medication for the bone aches, and was meticulous with my mouth care so didn't have any mouth ulcers. You will almost certainly get fatigued, so don't try to do too much. And drink lots and lots and lots of water. Exercise has been shown to help minimise side effects so a walk everyday is invaluable, even a short slow stagger! It's great for your mental health too.

I found meditating using the Headspace app to be very helpful to calm me down. At the very least some deep breathing is excellent for settling your nervous system. In through the nose for five seconds, hold for three, out through the mouth for six seconds.

Be kind to yourself! It's OK, and normal, to have all the feelings. Be a little selfish, be with the people who help you, keep the others away. Accept all offers of help, let people look after you, and if you like watching TV and you don't have them, sign up for Netflix or Stan, or both!

You've got this, you CAN do this. Keep your eyes on the prize, you're doing this to be cancer free and to live a long life. Forza ragazza!

Let us know how you get on. K xox