Terrified of starting chemo

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi 

I was at oncologist yesterday and i start chemo in 2 weeks. FECT 6 cycles 3 weeks apart.


I think it is becoming real now and Iam so scared. Please tell me this isn't as bad as I am imagining and i will get through this. 


I will have herceptin as well.


Worried sick. Just when I seem to settle down I then start worrying again. 


We go on holiday Saturday as managed to bring this forward. Don't want to ruin the holiday for everyone by worrying all the time. 


Thanks.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to wombat.23

    Hi wombat 

    Thank you for your reassurance regarding the chemo sessions. 

    I plan on getting those sickness bands and giving them a try. 

    I think the waiting and over thinking isn't helping it's just causing me to feel ill. I need to try and out worries in a box and only allow them out once a day as weeblemum said.


    Worrying as you say won't change a thing it just makes the situation worse. 


    Thank you 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi,

    I also had FEC-T, and it really isn't that bad. I was dreading it once I was told that I would need chemo, even more so after watching my mother go through it when I was in my teens (back in the early 80's). My mother was very sick throughout and really did look poorly with it. I know we all have different side effects, but I managed my chemo very well. Yes I had times when I felt nauseous, and I had the typical aches and tiredness, but it is all very do-able. You will be given anti-sickness medication which certainly must help with the nausea. You will see your oncologist before each chemo cycle.....this is your time to let them know how you are managing it all. They will prescribe you any medication that will help with any side effects. I had a sore mouth & dry eyes during 'T', so was prescribed a mouth wash & eye drops. You may find that each cycle brings differing side effects......I think this may be typical. 

    I don't know if you've considered using the cold cap. I used it throughout my chemo and managed to keep the majority of my hair. 

    I wish you all the best, please enjoy your holiday, and I hope that you can find things to do to take your mind off of the chemo.

    Love & best wishes, Rach xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Dear unicorn12

    I can identify absolutely with you are required right now, as I was in precisely that place over Christmas & New Year, and the “elephant in the room in my head” seemed to cloud everything I did. 
    However, as soon as I went to my lovely chemo unit at High Wycombe, I sailed into a far more comfortable place mentally.  There was so much expert support & love at the Sunrise Unit there that I completely relaxed & just got on with the FEC treatment, which seriously has not been too onerous. I finished on May 9th & am now recovering normal energy levels & can see some short tufts of hair pushing through.

    So, I really hope your Chemo journey won’t be too arduous,and that you will get loads of support & love  from your family and friends. 
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    This probably seems like such a long time ago for you. I hope all is going well for you.

    i just wanted to thank you for sharing this as I am about to go through FEC for three treatments and then T for three more. It is encouraging to hear how well you coped.

    Much appreciated

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  • Hi, I have just read your post, it says that this was 7 years ago at the top of your post.  I am due to start chemo in 2 weeks time and feeling nervous. I am having EC-T for 6 rounds, 3 weeks apart, I know it’s been 7 years since you’ve had this but what was it like for you during and after chemo, and how are you getting on now.  Thank you.