Going it alone
How do you do this on your own? In my second round of A/C chemo. Don't know what to do.
Forum Discussion
Being on your own is a double edged sword.
Emotionally, we all have different needs when we are under stress. I get spanked by my friends and family for behaving like a sick dog; I just want to crawl under the house and bite anyone who tries to help me. It's yet to be established if this worries them because they don't get it, or because they don't want to have to pull the place down to retrieve my body.
The physical aspects of chemo are different again. It's bloody awful, even for those who have minimal side effects; the stress and inconvenience takes its toll on even the hardiest of souls. That week after treatment is the worst. Thing is, if nothing happens that has you hospitalized, it all passes. If you don't eat properly for a few days, you have time to make it up later. The mess can wait. AC is a shortish course and you are half way through now. Only another few weeks and you are done with the poisoning.
Oddly, I find the hardest thing is dealing with the boredom. I'm not working and have just finished chemo--I hated hanging around waiting for the next round. It was like waiting for the day I was going to have to slam my hand in the car door again.
I think we all end up with about the right level of support, one way or another. If you are lonely and need some company, keep an eye on what is happening with you local cancer community-- the breast care nurse will be able to help you with that. If you are worried about logistics--house work etc, either let it ride for a little while or ask about community care. Marg
Emotionally, we all have different needs when we are under stress. I get spanked by my friends and family for behaving like a sick dog; I just want to crawl under the house and bite anyone who tries to help me. It's yet to be established if this worries them because they don't get it, or because they don't want to have to pull the place down to retrieve my body.
The physical aspects of chemo are different again. It's bloody awful, even for those who have minimal side effects; the stress and inconvenience takes its toll on even the hardiest of souls. That week after treatment is the worst. Thing is, if nothing happens that has you hospitalized, it all passes. If you don't eat properly for a few days, you have time to make it up later. The mess can wait. AC is a shortish course and you are half way through now. Only another few weeks and you are done with the poisoning.
Oddly, I find the hardest thing is dealing with the boredom. I'm not working and have just finished chemo--I hated hanging around waiting for the next round. It was like waiting for the day I was going to have to slam my hand in the car door again.
I think we all end up with about the right level of support, one way or another. If you are lonely and need some company, keep an eye on what is happening with you local cancer community-- the breast care nurse will be able to help you with that. If you are worried about logistics--house work etc, either let it ride for a little while or ask about community care. Marg