Absolutely terrified. I dont know what to expect I am just scared I start my chemo the 21 I have no one really and so feeling very nervous about it all.. what can I expect and is it every day the sickness and such?
Absolutely terrified. I dont know what to expect I am just scared I start my chemo the 21 I have no one really and so feeling very nervous about it all.. what can I expect and is it every day the sickness and such?
Hi Frazzled,
Thank you for getting in touch. I’m Lindsey one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.
I can see that you have previously used our online forums and hope this is providing some support for you.
I hope you are recovering well from your surgery. I can appreciate that the thought of having chemotherapy can be scary and how it could be making you feel nervous.
You said you didn’t know what to expect. Our information on chemotherapy for lung cancer explains in general terms about drugs that are used to treat lung cancer and their side effects. As you can see, there are several different chemotherapy drugs that are given for lung cancer. Your team will be able to tell you exactly which drugs you will be having.
Side effects trouble people to different degrees. It’s not easy to predict exactly how you will feel. Your doctors and nurses have experience dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy and have plans to minimise the problems that chemotherapy might cause. For example, chemotherapy can make you feel sick. You will be given anti sickness drugs when you have your treatment.
You will also be given a 24/7 chemotherapy helpline number. This is so that you can ring if you have any concerns while you’re on treatment.
Chemotherapy reduces the number of white blood cells that your body produces. This can make you more at risk from infections. Your team will let you know when you need blood tests to check your blood levels. It’s advisable to have a thermometer at home. There are things you can do to avoid infections while your counts are low.
There are many ways Macmillan can help support you through this treatment. You may already have the support of a specialist nurse in your lung team. You would always be welcome to ring our Support line to talk things through.
kind regards,
Lindsey,
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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