First meeting with oncologist tomorrow

Just as there are varying experiences with surgery, there are with chemo too.  Some people really struggle, others get through relatively unscathed.  There is no way to tell how you will fare, but for the vast majority of us - we did fine.  Chemo is not a walk in the park for anyone, but for me, it was a case of management of side effects, an understanding of what would be good, and less than good, days in the process, and planning accordingly.  I found that most people did not know I was in the middle of chemo and did not realize I was wearing a wig.  I found that presenting myself as normally as possible when I was out also made me feel that way - I did not want to put my cancer experience onto anyone else, and did not want people feeling sorry for me - so I did not wear scarves outside the house.  This is a personal decision, I think you have to do whatever is comfortable for you. I found that a sense of humor went a long way toward getting through the experience, I tried to be as self-sufficient as possible, I arranged my schedule according to my side effects.  For instance, I knew that I would feel fine the day after chemo, which was a Friday, so I could run errands, etc., and that Sat though Mon would feel tired and a bit meh, so made no concrete plans. The following week I felt ok but had some GI upset so made sure bills were paid, grocery shopping was done, laundry done, house clean (much of this was courtesy of steroids just prior to chemo that made me a bit sleepless, lol!) beforehand, but I was more relaxed knowing I didn't have to do much of that stuff.  My spouse took the day of chemo off work to drive me and be available should I need anything, but that was all that was needed. I did not need meals brought in, or people doing much for me and I do not have family locally. The ten days before the next treatment I went out to lunch, went shopping, saw friends, and generally lived my life like any normal person.  Also, I went to a wedding two days after my 5th chemo - danced and had a great time - nobody had a clue I had treatment two days earlier. Others I know went on vacation during chemo, or traveled out of town.  You can get through this too!

I did have a rough time with my first chemo BUT it shrunk my cancer to almost nothing so it's worth it. I also tried my hardest to continue my normal life. I'm wearing scarfs around the house and to friends houses but a nice wig when Im around people I don't know. Ask for help when you want it and make it clear to your friends when you WANT to do it yourself Cancer sucks.... chemo sucks but it's the only thing known to kill cancer cells. My kids are older but for me spending time with them made me strong and wanting to keep fighting even when tired of it!! Joun your chemo month group.... mine made me get through it (not done yet but this second round is mych easier on me)