Am I the only person that thinks I'll survive this?!

That's very sweet of your mother-in-law to be worried and want to help. In my experience, accept whatever help you feel comfortable with. She most likely feels helpless and wants to feel useful. If you don't want her cleaning your house, perhaps suggest preparing a couple of meals and ask her to stay to enjoy. Other jobs that would help you and make her feel less anxious about your chemo, grocery shop, watch children, if you have any, drive you to your appointments, do laundry.

I know I had lots of energy on my chemo days due to the steroids and other pre-chemo drugs but as they wore off, I lost my energy and enthusiasm for taking on the world. This would be a good time to have her over and if you two get along, she can just sit and visit with you.

Good luck to you. I hope you do well.

Amy

Ashaw85. First, you are definitely going to be OK!!!! And I like the way your doctor thinks regarding your ability to maintain a normal schedule....he/she is definitely in your corner and you will appreciate that. But I strongly recommend that you take the help that is offered. Having someone clean your house, or bring in a meal or run errands is a real blessing. I did well during chemo, but the fatigue is cumulative. I had already been used to having someone clean my house, but even as the treatment wore on, my husband took on more and more of the other household chores so I could continue to work and rest when not working. I think your mother-in-law might be a bit pushy, but you will appreciate the help. (I am a mother-in-law so I know how hard it is to get the daughter in law to accept help from me....now that is frustrating!)
Love and Hugs, You got this one!!!
MsP

Dear Ashaw:

I was diagnosed with Triple Negative on April 1, 2015. That night I read everything I could find on line about TNBC. I wanted to be prepared for my appointments with my surgeon and oncologist. I had a Lumpectomy in April. The pathology report said the margins were not clear and recommended a Mastectomy for the invasive cancer. My breast surgeon said he would not operate again because of my age. I'm 62! I went to the Oncologist in early May. He started Chemo every 14 days. I just completed 8 rounds last week. I will start radiation in a month. I have 12 wonderful Breast cancer survivors I see at Morning Mass daily. They fill me with hope. They have survived and I know with their prayers so will I! No, Chemo wasn't fun I had A + C and Taxol. I was able to keep my daily schedule up at 4 am and to bed at 10 pm. Would I have liked help with the housework? YES! With your spirit and determination you will survive. God Bless You! Myosteo

I hope that you are able to continue working and take care of your family. Why not let your mother in law have your house cleaned...it makes her feel she is helping and gives you more time with your kids! If not, send her my address. I'm a lot older with grown kids, but I am having my house cleaned. No, it is not as good as if I did it myself, but it is clean and I am fatigued. I have given up not letting people do nice things for me...I did a lot of nice things for others in my life...why not accept meals or help. When I was in big chemo....cooking and chemo were the last thing on my mind. Doesn't mean you are dying, just graciously accepting help.

I have a really big week this week. My besties have been here helping me get ready. I would do the same for them.