Terrified of chemo

moonstruck19

I don't even know if I have to have it as part of my plan yet, but my mind is racing and I'm terrified. Sorry for all the drama.

Just diagnosed with IDC, Grade 1, 1/2 cm...DCIS also very small. Caught very early. Ultrasound indicated no lymph node involvement. Waiting on er receptor status.

I'm thinking the worst. Is chemo these days as bad as my racing mind thinks it is?

MinusTwo

Moonstruck - it helps to stick with one thread so the group can follow along. Hang in there. The wait is hard.

If you have a lumpectomy, it may be just radiation.

Chemo is OK. Not fun but dooable. Once you know more you will be able to join threads that are experiencing just what you are. They are usually started every month or every quarter - chemo, rads, surgery. Some are more definitive - like HER2+ or Taxotere or AC - but again, you will need more information.

moonstruck19

Thank you for your kind words. I apologize for starting two threads. I'm a newbie. lol

MinusTwo

No problem Moon. Perhaps you will only need a lumpectomy & radiation. Hope you get the reports soon. It's much easier to deal with once you have a plan.

WC3

moonstruck19:

I was initially afraid of chemotherapy but it wasn't the horror I thought it would be. It was just a long, boring, tiring slog. Food tasted bad, my mind was foggy and I slep much of the time.

marthine07

Hey Moonstruck

We're in the same boat. I was diagnosed with IDC in October 2021, ER+, PR+, HER-, with a tumor .5cm. My surgeon explain that I may not need chemotherapy, I will have surgery next week, and probably radiation and hormone therapy. So hope for the best and don't worry. If I need chemotherapy, I'm ready for it. I just want to be healthy. I'm sure that your doing to be fine either way. Best wishes!

moonstruck19

Thanks ladies. marthine, I wish you the best with your surgery and treatment. I appreciate your positive words.

msphil

hello sweetie chemo has improved since I receive it but even then you can and will get thru it. The side effects are worth going thru it to get to cancer free. This yr sweetie Imma a 27yr Survivor Praise God and worth going thru the side effects to still be here with family friends and fir me fiance now husband. We were planning our 2nd marriages at diagnosis this yr Our 27th Anniversary. You can do it too. Hold on. msphil IDC stage2 0/3 nodes 3 mo chemo before and after L mast then got married then 7 wks rads and 5yrs on Tamoxifen.

AB45

I also was petrified of doing chemo. I had 16 weeks of chemo and made it through and I know you will too. When you come out of the other side you will feel so grateful and realize why everyone encouraged you during this troubling time...You may be the inspiration to another a year from now...just hold on

AMG2

Hugs and love. I broke down completely in the waiting room before my first chemo. I'm just about to do what I hope is my last ever. It becomes routine. It's a pain. It's time consuming. I hate the rash and the neuropathy and the general bleh feeling that comes with my regimen, BUT! I haven't missed a day of work other than infusion days. I've been functioning pretty well near normal, and the neuropathy a d other side effects should resolve once chemo stops. Also, I've cold capped and still have a full head of grayer and messier hair, so hardly anyone even knows I'm going through chemo.

It isn't as bad as it was. If it is in your plan, we will be here to hold you up when it gets you down and when you have to walk in for that first infusion, and we will get you through it. If it isn't, I will be very happy for you!