Getting Ready for Chemo

okkim

I go tomorrow to meet my oncologist and get my port installed.  They were supposed to do a PET scan tomorrow too, but the insurance hasn't approved it yet ... I live out of town so I was hoping to get it all taken care of in one day.  I must say I am scared of the port installation ... I think more scared of that than the chemo itself.  It was good to read that they will give me something to put me more or less under.  I know I have good support through this whole thing, but it is a road I am reluctant to walk down, but I must.  Every little ache and pain elsewhere in my body is making me question, but the MRI showed nothing in the lymph nodes, so I am hopeful.  God will be with me tomorrow, I know, and through the whole thing, as will my extremely supportive husband, but it is still scary.  I wish I could just turn my mind off and not think about it.  We did spend 2 1/2 hours in an antique shop this afternoon.  Although I had to sit a few times, it was good to just do something we enjoy doing together.  I know there are many survivors out there ... one day I WILL be one of them.

Nancy6540

Best of luck with your port. Mine is scheduled for this Thursday and I am scared to death! I would prefer they just put me to sleep and wake me up when it is all over!

okkim

Nancy I will let you know how it goes. I'll feel better when it's all over. 

Melrosemelrose

okkim and Nancy6540- Hang in there!!!!  I know both of you are probably overwhelmed and anxious.  You are not alone here.  There are many here who have travelled this way before you and are here to give you help, support and comfort.  Just make sure that you take a small pillow in the car so that the seat belt doesn't hit that port area.  Yes, that area may be sore for a few weeks but things do settle down.  Keep taking those deep calming breaths and you will get through this even though there are times you may not think so. You will have good days where you are feeling okay with what is happening and then there will be those not so good days that you aren't sure you can do this.   No matter what,  just keep pushing forward.   I have been where both of you are right now.   Yes, I am on the other side of chemoland and happy to give you whatever support I can.   Should you have any questions about chemo, please post here or in one of the chemo discussion threads for the month that you start your chemo.  You may want to read the topic  "Important Links for Newbies About Chemotherapy " which has many helpful tips ( https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/785189?page=1#idx_1 ).  Sending you each many many hugs and positive calming and healing prayers, thoughts and energy. 

okkim

Thanks Melrose. I need to get to bed ... I have to be at hospital early for my port but I'm scared to go to bed ... too many sleepless nights already. That's one thing I'm going to talk to the oncologist about tomorrow. I know I can get through this. Thousands of women have. It's just scary.