One chemo down scared still

hi enjoylife,

So sorry you had to join us here but there is a wealth of information throughout the threads some with people who are on their own and how to deal with se throughout chemo. If you scroll farther down on the home page you will find a thread with people in a single situation. I forunately have a wonderfully supportive husband, children and family who have been there. I know what you mean about the friends or work people who say lets go for coffee I'll call you. I'm still waiting.

I just finished my chemo and move onto radiation in about a months time. I did dose dense ac/taxol and my hair fell out during ac. I had it cut brush cut so when it did go it wasn't so bad. During taxol it started to grow back and now am nicknamed peach. What chemo program are you on?

best wishes and enjoy life laurel

Hi Enjoylife, I totally feel for you. I feel badly that you don't have anyone to accompany you to chemo. Is there someone that can sit with you. I know you will need a ride to & from? Try also a support group as mentioned in prev. posts. - it WILL help you so much. You need to bounce things off people. This board too has literally been my support group. I love it.  My questions are answered every time. Its nice to  have people in the same situation because they just know how you feel. Its really been a godsend - this board. Make your you look around all the diff. topics and ask away! You'll meet so many different nice people. Chemo is diff. with everyone. I had a hard time but only because I was anemic most of my life -  not a good combo for chemo. You may have an easy time. Also, you mentioned mouth sores - I was one of those people that spent a life of canker sores especially when I was stressed. I had my onc. give me a prescription (5 refills) of Acyclovir and boy did it work. I took two pills once a day during chemo and never got a sore! It works. Talk to your onc. about it ok? Im glad your here and pls. reach out especially where you are alone, ok?

My best to you and keep us posted.

We care.

Best,

Heidi

I found it helpful to plan something to look forward to a few times during my chemo. Simple things like lunches with friends, going to the movies or a trip to the beach. Now that you have an idea of how you react to the chemo you can plan it when you think you will be up to it. Your friends will understand if you need to cancel or change.



I know a couple of people who took ativan just before they were given their subsequent chemos. They said it helped a lot with the anxiety.



You may want to take time off from work. I know that there was no way I could have worked, even part time, while on chemo. I realize that you are single but if there is any way you could do this I think it would be a big help.



The hair, well it is only for a short time. I know many dread this, but I found it quite liberating. It is going to come out, like it or not, so don't put too much energy into being distressed about it. I just didn't like looking like a 'cancer patient'. I had fun with my hair just before chemo. I cut it really short and died the tips pink.



Concerning the friends...this is when you find out who they really are. Some are just afraid and don't know what to say or do. Others will need to be put to the side, at least for now.



Take Care