Today was my very first chemo session. My hubby bought me a cuppa in bed and then cooked us all a lovely breakfast. Even with the impending chemotherapy, I'm still not put off my grub!
The morning was quite relaxed. I spent time chatting with the hubby and being with the kids. Then I took a nice long shower, straightened my hair and put a little bit of make up on. I was dropped off outside the hospital doors and waved my little team of cheerleaders off. They were off for a bike ride and picnic in the woods. Lucky sods! I still felt relatively calm at this point. I popped to the hospital shop for a bottle of water and bag of boiled sweets (I was told the chemo gives you a bad taste in your mouth) and made my way to the first floor. As soon as I got to the reception desk I immediately felt so scared and vulnerable and very close to bursting into tears. However every member of staff just put me at ease made me feel safe. I was offered a chair in a bay where 3 other ladies were already hooked up to their drips. I was introduced to them, and they were told it was my first time. They all took me under their wing and once again, I felt safe.
During my 3 hours there I was bought a coffee and a biscuit, was given pearls of wisdom by my new 3 friends, wowed at how realistic their wigs were, given contact numbers to ask any other questions (as she said we're all sisters in arms 
) and laughed until I cried. Oh, and had a cocktail of drugs injected into my veins! The storied about how they lost their pubic hair and the wind issues one of them has was like a tonic whilst the chemo went in. I left there having really enjoyed my afternoon.
Before I left I was handed a big bag containing a variety of pills and a syringe full of something I need to inject into my stomach tomorrow. Shit the bed!!! I struggle to even wax my own top lip, how the hell am I going to do this? The hubby goes giddy at the mention of an injection so he's out. My 6yr old son has said he'll do it, however I've graciously declined that offer. So the big girl pants will be pulled up and I'll get it done.
I'm under no illusion this is going to be a walk in the park. I know I'll probably feel as rough as a badgers bum by the weekend, but I know that feeling bad is just as normal as feeling good. One of my amazing Aunties told me to see chemo as a friend. Like all good friendships, there's bumps in the road and difficult times, but it will have my best interests at heart. 
