Im so frightened to start chemo

Dab believe me in the run up to chemo I was a wreck, inconsolable, full on anxiety shakes at night, panic attacks in the day.  I can only say I wish I had listened to the brilliant advice & support on here a little more! My unit were amazing, so caring & supportive every step of the way, never once made me feel like the nutcase I thought I presented as!  

Chemo IS a bit scary, if you weren’t scared you wouldn’t be human, it is also very do-able as so many on here, including myself will confirm.  Once your first session is over, you will realise these people are here to scoop you up & cherish you, chemo is your own personal superhero!  

I am a chronic needle & procedure phobic, a week before my first session I said ‘I can’t do this’ I could & I did, my first 4 sessions were fine, I was still riding round on a lawn tractor, lulled me in to a false sense of security!  Second four, a bit tougher but still manageable.

You have got this, buckets of strength & understanding xx 

Hi Deb,

Sorry to hear that you are struggling with the thought of starting chemo amid this whole Covid-19 situation.  I have my 3rd cycle of chemo on Wednesday and whilst I was scared now that I have started I realised it was more the unknown I was scared of. 

Appreciate that hospitals will be different but certainly my one is well geared up for chemo patients which I have found to be quite reassuring. 

Try not to stress too much which I know is easier said than done. Follow the shielding and social distance guidelines which are there to protect us.

Take Care

Christine

I am no expert Dab but of course you are worried sick and crying. You would be unusual not to be. It is upsetting for your husband, he will not like seeing you suffering.

Again my opinion but if you are going to be given chemo your doctor/ oncologist must be satisfied that you are going to be safe in hospital or they would have deferred/ cancelled your treatment.

Chemo is a very powerful mate to have on your side. May be toxic but certainly is to your tumours and that's what matters.

More expert and knowledgeable people on here can advise much more than me.

Best wishes to you and your husband.

Hi Dab

first things first ...take a breath .

My story on my profile just click on my name  to read .

What you need to know us we've all been where you are now don't think I've actually heard anyone say they weren't a mess in the run up to Chemo or an op . The waiting is by far the worst thing once you get there you realise that your imagination made it far worse.

I take it you have been told all the SEffects and then read all about them . Well can I just say you are extremely unlikely to get them all and certainly not all together . That would be very greedy !!

You haven't said what chemo you are having but we are all different and react differently .

 I had  EC x6 and found the SE minimal and manageable not pleasant but ok .  5& 6 got a bit rough but again still doable .

have a look at the sticky thread under discussions for chemo April 2020 lots of tips on first page link .

Also yes I know I haven't mentioned Covid but believe me you wouldn't be feeling much different coming up to chemo with or without Covid.  

I still go for treatment every three weeks Herceptin injection in the thigh . So close contact with nurse although not in unit as long as for chemo .  I follow shielding rules at home and when I go to hospital ,hubby drives car I sit in back so distance in confines of car . He stays I car .  I have antibac ,wipes etc . 

A chemo unit was / is a very hygienic area all patients are shielded and nurse are extremely careful 

When you feel rough it meanscchemo doing its job and kicking cancers butt 

my attitude is I have cancer I need to get rid . I don't have Corona that's a risk  that I'm protecting myself from .

take care 

margaret x