Currently sitting in my first chemo session it's been an overwhelming week starting with cutting my hair off on Monday. Had chemo education yesterday which made it all really hit home again. Not looking forward to the 6 months I have ahead of me. Fear of the Unknown at this stage. The scalp cap made me cry to start with but tolerating it now. Will see how I go from here.

@Shaylls You're on your way, deep breath! remember bit at a time! Its incredibly overwhelming and scary, but you will surprise yourself how you take it in your stride. Step at a time! dont look too far ahead and then its doable!!! and remember with the scalp cap you can change your mind any time you like, if you find it too much. You're doing OK!! Hugs Melinda xo

@Shaylls just take one day at a time. Fear of the unknown is the worst! The thought of my first chemo sent me into a spin....had to remember to breathe and go to my happy place in my mind...not easy! Am sure the chemo nurses will look after you and give you heaps of tips and tricks to help you through. Hope the cooling cap is good to you.You can do this!!!

Just hang in there beautiful. I know how cliche it will sound but this will all be over before you know it. I know right now it doesn't feel that way but just hang in there. The tears are normal, the fear is real, it sucks so bad that we have to go through this. The first time is usually the worst because of the unexpected and uncertainty and fear. Take deep breaths, you will find the oncology staff and other patients very kind and helpful. You take it one step at a time, one chemo at a time and just think, after today you can say yes, first chemo done and dusted! Big big hug xxx

Hi that is one over and done with, good luck with the cooling cap. Have you been told about the look good feel good program.\, if not ask a really good day showing you tricks with make up at the end of the day you end up with a bag of make up. Hopefully you will not have many side efffects, one day at a time xxx

First chemo treatment | BCNA Online Network

16 Replies

RNSW
Member
9 years ago
It is overwhelming but try and take it a day at a time and the 6 months will be over. It's not easy but you can do this. I finished my 6 months a year ago and my hair has grown back really curly. I would listen to music on my headphones and have a snooze during chemo and I found that helped me. I wish the best today and everyday xo
Nadi
Member
9 years ago
Sending you hugs. Just that. Everyone else has said it all, so HUGS.
Shaylls
Member
9 years ago
Thanks ladies. Doing ok so far. Very minimal nausea and have worked two days in a row. Feeling exhausted tonight but other then that I've started off ok. I know it can get much worse but wil take each day as it comes xxx
Minty
Member
9 years ago
Hi Shaylls, the prospect of losing your hair is a scary one. It was the thing I was most vain about, and got myself a wig, which I never really loved, but meant I felt better in public. But mostly at home I ended up finding a warm beanie the best thing (over winter). And once I had some hair back I found myself braver than expected about being public. I am enjoying having a decent covering of short hair now that requires not maintenance whatsoever ! I can even get caught in the rain and it makes no difference. And my daughters are really interested in what style I will end up with. Funny how something that scared me, is something I came to terms with fairly easily.
Lmc1310
Member
9 years ago
Sorry I missed your first treatment - thinking of you. Mine is on Monday now. Hope you are going ok xo
Karenhappyquilt
Member
9 years ago
Good luck. Chemo is no picnic but everyone is different. Some amazing women manage very well.

My advice is to take the medication for nausea, constipation and diarrhea (yes you can have both constipation and diarrhea in the same cycle). If you need more, ask and get it. There are stronger drugs doctors can prescribe.

Watch out for any adverse drug reactions, I had a nasty one to Maxalon.

Don't be brave, if you have any medical problems, call whoever you are supposed to call and get help. I had to go to emergency in the middle of the night. The service was great. I felt very safe there.

Chemo may feel endless but suddenly you are through and that is an amazing feeling. You are braver and stronger than you realize. Karen
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
I know it's crazy! I thought the same thing, I just wanted to flush it out so I felt better, but they said having fluids is purely for hydration, it doesnt actually flush the chemo out.
Beckyw
Member
9 years ago
Really? I got told to flush it out so it doesnt remain in the bladder. Maybe i just felt a bit better for the hydration? Fair enough :)
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
@Beckyw I actually thought the same as you, by hydrating you flush out the chemo and you'll feel better. The entire medical Team at Freemasons were quick to quash that theory, uuugh! You cannot flush out Chemo, it doesnt work that way, they said. Did surprise me too. x
Beckyw
Member
9 years ago
The side effects wont be as bad as you imagine. Chemo sucks and you'll feel yuck for a few days but its bareable. Make sure you have some good oil for your head. Mines super dry so ive been massaging it with moroccan oil and its worked well.
Best of luck xx and hydrate like crazy! My nurses said flush it out. I couldnt stand normal water at first so I bought about 4 flavours of cordial