Don't fear the worst

1 minute read time.

FormerMember

25 Nov 2014

Hi anyone fearing chemo
I was diagnosed with BC 1st October and had 1st session of Herceptin and FEC yesterday.
First part of day was having portacath inserted and 2 hours later the Herceptin - promptly fell asleep. Woke just before the chemo started and although couldn't help thinking how can I be so calm whilst having poison infused into me Kim my nurse was chatting all the way through. All finished feel asleep again.( May have even fallen asleep mid sentence with my husband). Only had slight feeling of heartburn whilst getting dressed which was solved by Gaviscon. I was warned the steroids would wake me up. They didn't. Slept heavily all night and my only discomfort was a splitting headache probably from too much sleep.
Next session in 3 weeks time. OK I know I am only 24 hours since chemo but so far no side effects and it may kick off when white count down next week. I have 5 more sessions and could be sick as a dog next time.
The purpose of my blog is don't fear the worst when having chemo. The one preparation that I did do was I drank lots of water for the 2 days before treatment and avoided heavy or greasy food.
Don't fear the unknown - fear caused stress - stress causes panic - deal with things when they happen.

Good luck everyone

FormerMember over 10 years ago

Hi, Lovely to read your blog, I was diagnosed with BC on 2nd October and have had two ops one for tumour and one for lymph nodes, now about to start chemo. So reading your post has helped calm me a bit as there are so many horror stories and not many positives. Please keep posting how you are getting on as I am sure that many people starting this journey will gain comfort and banish some of the fear from the unknown.
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FormerMember over 10 years ago

Hi peepee

It's a pleasure, I am awake having had best nights sleep in 7 weeks, bit of heartburn but probably because I have jumped out of bed to go to loo. (Wee) faster than usually due to my pre-existing mobility problems. Portacath stinging a bit but I slept on that side.

I am glad you took comfort as I was so scared of the side effects and I know I won't sail through this but enjoy the good moments. We've had enough lows in the past few weeks.

Take care

Cathy
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FormerMember over 10 years ago

cathy thank you for your positive attitude you are a tonic take care karenx
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FormerMember over 10 years ago

Hi All

Just to update after 4 days since chemo. I can report that I have been very tired and have felt as though I am coming down with something like a head cold. A couple of times I think I have felt a bit sick and slight vertigo but have taken one of the tablets given to me for that symptom. I am off work so can rest all I want but do be aware of self neglect - when you realise you haven't drink or eaten a lot for some time and you don't have the willpower to do anything. You feel better once you have. I have homemade soups to fall back and you can have a tiny bit at a time in a mug in front of the tv.

Should have picked up my wig on Wednesday but just didn't have the energy. There is an 20% offer on them at the mo but the lady in the shop kindly said she would honour this when I did get there. People are so nice to you, its like a virtual hug.

All the best

Cathy
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