This discussion was created from comments split from: Just saying hi.

Hi @TerriSteve,Chemo is the big bad nasty of the group. It scares the heck out of everybody until you get started. It's that fear of "how will my body handle it". It stinks for sure but a lot of us don't get anywhere near the amount of "possible" side effects that are on that very very long daunting list.I had the standard cocktail of AC-T. While the AC was a bit rugged I functioned relatively normally, managed to work part time and did all of my usual things. Taxol was far easier with only minor issues. For me, the more normality I had in my life the easier it was to get through. I chose a big job (renovate my dining room) that I thought should take six months and that's what I put my time into. It gave me a focus that was totally non cancer related. I had minimal issues with radiation. No fatigue and only minor burning towards the end. The biggest pain was driving there every day. Take lots of photos of anything normal you do with friends and family during this time. That way when you look back on that part of your life it's not all about the cancer. I did this quite by accident but am so glad I did.All the best lovely.xoxoxox.

'No Predictive Grief!' Sounds like a tall order but it can be done - I would feel it well up, eg, at the supermarket or making the beds, I would make myself focus on the moment and say to myself, 'I am doing this right now, I will read the label, smile at other shoppers, maybe help someone, pay attention and get the sheets smooth'. It helped and I believe its called mindfulness. I was actually disciplining myself to be in the moment and it helped. I love the term 'big girl undies'. With the support of this forum you'll be ok, as kmakm says, 'You've got this!'

Hi @TerriSteve Wow, diagnosed Christmas eve, I am so sorry to hear that, but welcome to this great, supportive forum where we are in this together and understand the highs and lows. For me, after I got over the numb fogginess of receiving my diagnosis, I think I just used my practical nurse's attitude, and reassured my two daughters, parents and friends that 'I would be ok', to the point that maybe I almost believed myself! You will look back on these early days like it was a whirlwind, but at the time the waiting (especially for results) is ghastly, I call it a form of psychological torture. The good news is you are strong, people are kind, and there are people who want to help and support you. As @Blossom1961 says, ask or write anything here. With my very best wishes,xx

Hi @TerriSteve, take one day at a time. Or one hour at a time. As @kmakm says on another post, chemo is grotty but doable. You got this, you will be ok. You just gotta ride the wave. :) Oncol nurses are a special breed of person, they will help you through. Ask them questions too. The wonderful sisterhood online here is here for you too. :) The other main advice I would give is try and get out on a walk every day. Some days you really have to force yourself, and you may only make it a short way. But get out, it’s good for your soul, clears your head and helps your symptoms to be milder. It also helps to pump your chemo through your tumour better. So many benefits. Side effects, yep they suck. But they come and go, and I always tried to laugh at them. My kids thought they had a mad woman for a mum! They would be correct, haha!Sending hugs xx

Hello @TerriSteve You are doing great with your posts, I have split this post from the original thread you posted in so members can reply to your directly. Dont hesitate to call our helpline on 1800 500 258 if you would like to speak with a cancer nurse for information and or support. All the best,

Im new at this... | BCNA Online Network

24 Replies

TerriSteve
Member
6 years ago
Hi @Blossom1961 and suburbangirl Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou with all of my heart for your wonderful kind words and brilliant support. It’s been rough just like everyone else and I’m having hard time I keep asking why me again? The first time was kidney cancer and I thought then I was right after they took it out and did not have any treatment but this time it’s really doing my head in and I feel really pissed off! Like why again I do not drink I do not smoke I do not do drugs and BANG HERE WE GO AGAIN! I keep telling myself everyday I will get through this but yet the thought of Chemo still scares the crap out of me especially since from the beginning the surgeon said I did not have to have it and now I do. I just was not prepared for all of this and the massive huge words the surgeon has said and I just do not understand half of it and I’m scared But knowing all of you are here I truely appreciate it and I’m sorry for my little rant 🥺🥺
suburbangirl
Member
6 years ago
Hi @TerriSteve
Wow, diagnosed Christmas eve, I am so sorry to hear that, but welcome to this great, supportive forum where we are in this together and understand the highs and lows.
For me, after I got over the numb fogginess of receiving my diagnosis, I think I just used my practical nurse's attitude, and reassured my two daughters, parents and friends that 'I would be ok', to the point that maybe I almost believed myself!
You will look back on these early days like it was a whirlwind, but at the time the waiting (especially for results) is ghastly, I call it a form of psychological torture. The good news is you are strong, people are kind, and there are people who want to help and support you. As @Blossom1961 says, ask or write anything here.
With my very best wishes,
xx
Blossom1961
Member
6 years ago
Hi @TerriSteve and welcome to this very supportive group of people. I am not sure how you stop this whole thing of getting to you. I think I just rolled with each test and treatment in a complete daze. Keeping yourself occupied seems to be what the majority do and suggest. Find your favourite hobby and throw yourself into it. We will support you every step of the way so if you have any questions or fears please feel free to ask. A lot of ladies drive out into the country and scream. Sending big hugs as you navigate through. We are stronger than we think.
TerriSteve
Member
6 years ago
Hi Everyone I’m new to this so please be patient with me and I’m not shore if I’m in the right group, but I recently had my op and now heading into Chemo and Radiation soon how do you find the strength to get through it all with out it really getting into your head? If that makes sense, cause I am petrified of hospitals and anything or everyone medical it’s been really rough. I’m terrified and was diagnosed dec 24th 2019 so any great advice would be very appreciated

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