Chemo appointment

azrescue · February 2016

Hi all.

I have an appointment tomorrow to meet with an oncologist. And then we head to KC where I have appointments Thur and Fri with another oncologist and surgeon. I'm a basket of nerves.

I have done well the past two weeks holding it together and being positive. But, it's like the reality train is hitting me again. Things are going to start moving quickly and I can't put the brakes on. I MUST find a way to work through my anxieties. I have PTSD and a history of anxiety. I feel strongly that the years of stress played into my now having cancer. And I feel strongly that I must find a better way to cope then to bury.

But so much unknowns. Which chemo drug? How long? How sick will I be? Will I be able to keep up with my kids? I see so many variables. Some women do better then others. Ugh!!! I hate this!!!! How the H@@L did I end up here?

weesa · February 2016

What you are feeling is soooo normal. Couple of things to remember: There are hundreds of women here who have gone through chemo, and many of them will be in contact with you and will help you through.

#2--It is ok to ask for something for your anxiety. Oncologists are used to this.

#3 The horror stories of endless vomiting and other chemo stories don't exist anymore for most of us due to new medications.

#4 The only thing worse than chemo would be not taking it! It is so doable. I was amazed that I pulled it off. Look at my stats!

isnogard · February 2016

I feel the same way. Meet with the chemo doc next week after learning I have abnormal looking lymph nodes during ultrasound. I'm almost positive my cancer spread there and also am nervous about this whole thing. I want to get started on chemo right away to kill this thing bad!! I'm between stage 2 and close to stage 3. Don't know what to expect either. But then again the only way is positive. It's so easy to dwell on it and be depressed. I'm keeping busy with school so I don't dwell on it. I'm here for you.

WinningSoFar · February 2016

I agree with weesa. Once you start chemo, likely you will be surprised that it's not nearly as bad as you assumed. (Respect to those who still get very ill. Still, there are now great meds for side effects that work extremely well).

sugarplum · February 2016

I have SO been there. When I was told I would need chemo, at first I flatly refused. I have been emetophobic since 1961 & haven't thrown up since 1968 (knock on wood - see, I'm still superstitious!). My husband gently reminded me that if I went without, my demise would almost certainly be more unpleasant than the proposed treatment. My oncologist promised to throw every anti-nausea med in the book at me, and between all of them I was able to keep the queasiness down to a dull roar. Some women don't even get the nausea. I did rely heavily on Ativan, using it for about 10 days out of each cycle, and of course continue to use it to this day as I have suffered from anxiety/panic my whole life.

You're in the black hole now - it will get better once you actually get your teeth into your treatment plan.

All the best - Julie

ksusan · February 2016

I had no nausea. I ate Thai after every chemo, then got on the treadmill for an hour!

NancyHB · February 2016

It's a lot of information to take in so quickly, and anxiety is easily heightened during times of uncertainty and change. Try to be gentle with yourself, giving yourself as much time as you can to absorb all that's going on right now. Gather as much information as possible (from reputable sources, including BCO) so you feel more prepared for what's coming. It's hard, but doable, and it's okay to be scared. This is a scary time

Never had a moment of naseau, either, although I was completely prepared for (and afraid of) it. My biggest challenge was the constipation. I will say that my sense of taste and smell was off during AC (not so much on Taxol) and that made certain foods taste awful. Funny but true - in the mornings, I couldn't stand the "scent" of my husband during AC and had to light a candle in the living room while we drank coffee (which always tasted good!) and watched the news. :-) By evening my nose didn't mind him quite so much.

Kathleen26 · February 2016

I think you're in the roughest part right now...figuring out how to proceed. Once a plan is worked out for you, you can start taking it one day at a time, and just deal with what today throws at you. In some ways I did better than I thought I would, in other ways worse. There's just no way to know until you get there. Any good MO will do their best to minimize your discomfort, be it physical or mental, so do not be afraid to bring up any issue...they will try to fix it. Don't even worry about whether you're "being positive" or not being positive, it just doesn't matter. Focus on getting through today.

In general, do not be afraid to accept help. If people offer, take them up on it. You will feel better, and they will feel like they helped. Kids aren't as fragile as we fear, most do fine.

YATCOMW · February 2016

I know everyone is different but honestly I really didn't think chemo was that bad... I never missed a day of work. I was 46 with young children and life just went on once I had the plan in place. I even traveled from florida to texas to get both chemo and radiation. It is all really doable----as many have said the nausea drugs simply work.

My advice....let people help you when they offer.....if someone can take the kids or make dinner for you ,etc....take them up on it. In hindsight I wish I had.

I was determined to not let the treatment disrupt our "normal" family routine....I think it kept my kids less concerned.

You will get past this.....you will find that you are a lot stronger than you ever thought you were.

Jacqueline

Chemo appointment

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