Starting chemo

Irene333

Hello

I am starting chemo Jan. 21 and I am scared as hell I am not a dr person went 15 years without having to go to one at all, I dont do well with needles or pills and I am just am not a good sick person and now I will have chemo how do I prepare for this when I am such a wimp. I do my best I dont want my Daughter to see how much of a wimp I am even if shes all grown up ,but its hard to when I am so scared i dont take any meds I am 53 never get sick much only minor colds I have been lucky and now this, I only work part time I love my job and am worried about being replaced and so many other things to worry about I feel like I am going crazy this is very overwhelming and I am not so sure I can do it.

ladyboss1997

Take a deep breath, and don't panic. I am 3 years and 4 months out from my chemo.

Here are some good things to do:

take the nausea pill reguarly for the first 24-48 hours after chemo. Don't wait to get nauseous. The first 24 hours worked for me. I never got nauseous

drink 10 - 8 oz glasses of water each day for at least 7 days after chemo. I just started doing it every day, and still do

if prone to constipation, drink one glass of metamucil or similar fiber drink each day for 7 days after chemo

for 72 hours after chemo - rest. Let your body do what it needs to do. Sleep when you want to sleep. Be awake when you want to be awake.

take short walks every day or do some type of light exercise daily, even if only for 10 minutes

eat/drink high protein foods. My favorite go-to was muscle milk, scrambled eggs, and peanut butter sandwiches

the taste buds going wacky was the worst side effect for me. The only thing that tasted good was sweets, and you have to be careful with those. I kept a bag of low calorie mints with me at all times. And I drank flavored water because regular water was yuk.

keep Benadryl and itch cream on hand in case you get hives. I only got them once.

use Nail Tek daily on finger and toe nails

Take Biotin and a probiotic daily

get a night cap for your bald head, if you tend to get cold easy.

Get a nice wig before you lose your hair. It will make you feel more prepared. I bought my wig to match my hair color and style almost exactly. No one whould have known I had lost my hair if I did not tell them.

I cut my hair very short before I began chemo, then shaved it when it started coming out in droves. You can expect to lose her hair 10-14 days after the first chemo. It might help to have her favorite hardresser on standby to do the shaving. Throw your hair a goodbye party. You'll feel better.

When I finished chemo I began using Ovation Hair Advanced Cell Treatment on my head. My hair has come back prettier and thicker than ever. I still use it.

hook up with a group on this board who is going through chemo at the same time, with the same chemo cocktail. You will learn from each other as you go throught he process.

Remember, this is just a bump in the road.

Diana

tangandchris

Irene-

Don't be afraid to let your daughter know how you are feeling. If she is there to help you, let her. This IS hard stuff to get thru and having someone to be there for you is a good thing.

Now, I know I said this is hard and it is....but it IS also doable. You can do this, you will get thru to the other side. You may not have as many side effects as you are fearing right now. The first chemo is scary because you don't know what to expect, but once you get that one going you will have a better idea of what to expect and how to manage it.

I agree with Diana big time about the anti-nausea meds, it is much easier to control nausea before it happens.

((hugs)) this too shall pass and come back here to the boards for support.

Moderators

Hi Irene!

GREAT advice from ladyboss and tangandchris!

You CAN do this, as many on these boards will attest to -- it's not easy, but you are strong! It may help to also discuss with others who are going through chemo along with you -- the Starting Chemo January 2015 thread, specifically, is a fabulous resource for support, knowledge, tips, and advice.

We hope this helps!!

--The Mods