Eternal Whinger

No J Daniels, you're by no means a wimp. It's perfectly natural to be anxious, worried and apprehensive. We've all been in the same boat, it's a severe shock to the system. I thought everything was over, finished yet here I am 10 years later and still I'm nervous, waiting on my phone call this afternoon from the consultant. Your treatment isn't going to be a walk in the park but try to be strong and we're here when you need us.

Tvman x.

Hi JD

Your reaction is completely normal given the abnormal situation you are in. It is horrible when the medics drip feed us bad news and it does not seem to ever end! 

I was pretty devastated and low when I had my diagnosis. I am not going to lie, the first few cycles of treatment can be challenging. As your body and the team try to work put the correct dosage and medications for you. It will take some tweaking. Be ready to write down everything and let your team know on any bad side effects. It will settle down eventually. 

However, I did manage to emerge from the depressing period and now mentally in a really good place. You will get there too but it is really early days and don’t be harsh on yourself. Last thing you need is to feel low, then berate yourself for being sad. 

Be kind to yourself and give yourself space and time to accept the new situation. 

Take care x

Thank you Tvman and all the very best to you for your phone call. I am so sorry you had to come back xx

Everything you have said reflects my own experience. 

The ever changing diagnosis landscape, new curve balls and the prospect of treatment which might or might not work - it’s truly devastating 

I had 2 chemos on the same day for 4 cycles and then 3 on the same day for 2 cycles  - I took my anti sickness and my steroids diligently at first but found I could adjust to my own needs . You will find your own way and regardless of which side effects appear you will settle into a routine in terms of how you feel and know what to expect- you will be an old hand after the first few cycles  and can plan life accordingly 

Oh also I cried - a lot !! 

Taking one day at a time does help , I found this very hard at first but gradually got better at it , but it did not happen overnight. I can still allow myself to get into a right old state (like this morning!) but those days are less now 

Always here for support 

Lucy xxx 

Hi JD, I agree with all everyone has already said.Yo use that rather hackneyed phrase this is a journey, it can be bumpy and at times you do feel awful ( please see my rather depressing post on here a few weeks ago after dealing with nausea and vomiting) but your team are your key to success.Write down what side effects if any you get and discuss with them .It's important because if you're anything like me my brain just evaporates when I try to " remember" what questions I had.

We are all here for you supportive, kind forgiving people.Thinking if you

Liz

Oh J Daniels  having a cancer diagnoses is like being on a rollercoaster ride, and yours is definitely throwing you about at the moment!! Just when you think you have your head around things, they chuck something else at you. You will have good days when you feel on top of it all, and you will have down days when you feel just rubbish, and do you know what?, it’s ok to feel that way! 

All of this is very scary, just take each day one day at a time. Xx 

I think you are being too hard on yourself.  This is not the social media of choice!  No one envisages having cancer or considers how they would respond.  And no response is wrong, or negative, or normal.  You're in the trickiest period right now, with investigations still ongoing, lots of uncertainty, and no idea about treatment experience.  I don't think anyone feels optimistic at this stage.  

Thank you Liz for sharing xx

Thank you for your kind words. I really am taking on board all the valuable things people are sharing with me. It is all helping enormously be it good or bad it gives me a better understanding that whatever I feel is 'normal'. Xx

Thank you for all your generous words and endless patience and kindness xxx