Chemotherapy

Hi

Welcome to the community - although I am sorry you have had to find us. It was the exact same question that brought me here, over five years ago, as I struggled to understand what life on chemo would be like. The doctors and nurses could not really tell me - they said everyone was different as they slid a long and terrifying list of possible side effects across the table. I needed to know if I would be able to pick up my kids from school or book a weekend away. The women in the womb cancer group were able to answer my questions. Yes, they said, every one reacts slightly differently but this is what happened to me... They described a pattern of days just after the chemo when they felt rotten, then gradually starting to build up strength. I found I fitted into this pattern. I was able to plan m y life and understand which days I would need help and which I would be able to carry on as normal. 

I had womb cancer and so a specific chemo regime. I think you have lung cancer? It's likely the chemo is a bit different. Let me assume that's right but tell me if I am wrong. 

I suggest you join the lung cancer group and pose your question there. I hope you will find people who have been there, done that and are happy to share their experiences. Click on the highlighted text, join the group and go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab just under the main group name. Set up your own Discussion and Introduce yourself to the group - you could just copy an paste what you have in this first post.

Have a look through our various Macmillan Support Line Services then call them on 0808 808 00 00 to be very helpful covering Emotional Support and Practical Information. Clinical Information and Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.

We also have our ‘Ask an Expert’section where you can post questions to our mostly Volunteer Experts but please allow 2 working days to get a reply.

We also have our Online Information and Support Section where you will find some great pages covering the cancer diagnosis, treatment and information pages covering most types of cancers.

Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support Groups in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.

It is worth putting some information in your profile. This really helps others when answering. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself.

To do this click on YOUR username, look to the left and select 'Edit Profile'. Put as much or as little in your profile and you can amend it at any time - REMEMBER hit the big green SAVE before you leave the page. If you're not sure what to write you can take a look at any members profiles by clicking on their username.

I hope you will find some answers

Hi  and welcome to the Online Community, although I am so sorry to see you having to find us.

I am sorry to hear you are concerned about your on going treatment. Going through chemo can for some be very hard work but it has to be done to achieve a positive outcome for your treatment.

Indeed everyone will react to treatment so differently but talking with people on the same journey.

So follow the information you have been given.

Thank you