First visit to Chemo ward. Feel worse now

Where have the emojis come from!

Hi 

I hope this is some consolation I have just had exactly the same experience as you today. My husband & I were given a PowerPoint presentation and asked not to ask any questions until the end. Like you we were given all the worst case scenarios for chemo treatment - I came away thinking I really wish I had never done that - I knew all the information we were given in the presentation from reading etc (I have also been a nursing lecturer for many years - nobody was interested in what I might already know) . I wanted them to give me examples of some of the experiences patients they have nursed have experienced as well, but  just read from an information sheet. Try not to feel to low about it I am sure we will both find it is way better than we’ve been told today ! 

If we keep in touch we can compare notes and hopefully this site will help us with survival tips! 

Ps don’t forget to give them feedback about how it made you feel

Hi Ruth

It would be great to keep in touch. I feel very isolated tonight . I also wish I hadn't gone. My husband has a PhD in molecular genetics and I was a science teacher and we still got the idiot's guide to cell division. I was also hoping for personal success stories and a bit of encouragement. I was concerned that she outlined a treatment plan for me that was wrong. Not exactly reassuring

Helenx

Im going to our chemo suite to have a look around tomorrow ( start chemo on Friday) hope they don’t do the same I’d like to hear positives not negatives

feeling scared right now xx

Hi ladies, please don’t feel alone, you definitely are not!

i didn’t get a tour etc of the chemo ward, it sounds as if I did well dodging that one! 
I finished my chemo on the 9th Oct, and had my last radiotherapy today. So I thought I’d tell you how I got on, it may make you feel a bit better about it all.

i had 3 x ec followed by 3 x docetaxel, the ec was very doable, a bit of nausea, tiredness towards the end and a bad cold was as bad as it got. I worked throughout, but only part time. I still went away for the odd weekend,looked after my grandson, went on trips, ate out, went on spa days, basically did what I wanted. The docetaxel I found much harder, but I still managed the odd weekend away. Some find it the other way around, we are all different.

You may find that you are fine or you may not, either way ask for help and advice - always. I was lucky in that I didn’t need to - I rang twice to check I could take over the counter meds.  

You can always ask for help and advice here, or just rant away if you need to. I did find the mental and emotional aspects far harder to deal with, and was completely unprepared for it. I’ve since started seeing a counsellor and so far it’s going well. 
Keep on posting and let us know how you’re getting on ️

edited to add that I’m no spring chicken at 55 but reasonably fit with no other health issues at all

My daughter's friend was at another hospital in the same group as mine and had a lovely ,caring visit last week.She has since had her first treatment and said everyone was really supportive so try not to worry

xx

Hi everyone 

all I can say is Thank god I don't live in your areas wherever that is .

In my area Onco did the this is what your plan is and these are possible SEs these were listed on consent forms.

She also said I would be very greedy if I got all SE but she had to tell me all of them .

My visit to chemo unit was a friendly chat while details taken . Swabs etc done .Then a look around the unit . Very relaxed and friendly visit with cuppa and biscuit thrown in. So holefully Julus this is what it will be like for you.

My plan was EC x6 ..no6 is due on Weds . So we all differ in how we react to chemo and there are many different plan combinations . Also It not always a bad experience .

I have had SE but minimal manageable ones so I could cope .Yes hair gone but I chose not to use cold cap so expected that .My way of taking control was to get pixie cut before chemo .

Yes there will be some rough times but your team is there to help take your anti sickness meds if they don't work tell your team they will change meds .

keep a diary of your SE a pattern will emerge so plan treats for good days .

Most importantly listen to your body rest when you need to ,your taste buds will change eat what you fancy . Also drink lots at least two and half litre a day chemo dehydrates your whole system .

look at the December chemo thread you will see some people who have had a bad time but have managed to turn it around also some like me who have managed from beginning it just all depends 

Check out the link on first page with hints for coping 

Any question ask on chemo thread you will get lots of support 

Margaret x

Hi Helen

I read your profile and it sounds like we are very similar like you I have two v small tumours 1mm & 3.5 no Lymph node spread but was HER-2 positive hence the need for chemo and then herceptin. The chemo seems so daunting and all that goes with it. We both felt worried after our visit to the chemo unit but did conclude we need to understand the treatment & feel like we are in control - such as making sure the plan is right - take care & keep in touch 

Please don’t feel scared Julie 

I imagine my experience is rare 

It will be good to know how you get on 

Best wishes for tomorrow 

Hi I will let you know how it goes  hopefully a good experience 

my oncologist went through all the good bad and uglies about chemotherapy ( which I’m sure they have to) and gave me the sheet telling me all about the SE 

so all I want tomorrow is someone to walk me through what’s going to happen on Friday (my first chemo) so I know what to expect 

I have asked the questions here and I have had loads of replies ( everyone is so supportive) 

but just want to see first so it doesn’t seem so scary on Friday xx