How do you all cope? My son has Hodgkins Lymphoma - the prognosis is good but the chemo side effects are making me so very anxious all of the time. After infusion 1 we had a few good days then had to go to a and E twice and he got neutropenia and an infection which was horribly stressful. Then after infusion 2 , a few good days and now he has horrendous constipation that isn't clearing with laxatives and I'm terrified . I am hypervigilant all the time , feel shaky and can't eat properly. I know I need to look after myself but how do you not worry every minute of the day? Can't focus on doing anything else except for watching a couple of escapist TV shows. Does anyone who has come through the other side of chemo have any tips ?
Hi Worrymum, I'm so sorry you find yourself here. I was in your shoes 3 years ago and know exactly how beyond terrifying it is. My daughter was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and a further tumour was found through the staging. In total over a two year period she had 22 chemo cycles, 15 sessions of radiotherapy and 3 surgeries. It completely takes over your life. I didn't want to talk to anyone, friends or family, about it for the first few months, just wanted to shut daughter and I away and 'make it go away'. But life's not like that, is it? Eventually, I did start talking to friends I trusted and even met for coffee. Also, on the few 'good days' I always made sure daughter and I did something nice together, even if it was only a walk in the park and a posh coffee - tried to make those days not 'all about cancer'. It's so very hard, but very early days for you and you will get through it - in a weird way, treatments and appointments do become your 'new normal'.
I'm sorry, none of that is much help but I didn't want to read and run. I had so many tears, as I'm sure you do, but you will cope - it's what we, as mums, do.
My daughter is doing well. Still has treatment side effects and life will never be quite the same again but we're looking forwards. She has just had her one year post end of treatment scans and we're waiting for results. 
Very best wishes to your son. Sending you love, strength and the biggest hug.
