Hi all. Had my first round of chemotherapy on Wednesday. Ever since have been unable to relax, sit down or sleep. Had pains in right side of chest. Got this checked and nothing serious. Think it’s my health anxiety playing wild. Has anyone experienced these feelings. I have 5 more sessions of chemotherapy to get and now dreading the thought of it. Xxx
Dear Big purple unicorn
good that you got the pain checked , anxiety can cause all sort of things , it plays with your emotions . You need to learn to be good to yourself and out yourself first - YOU are the main concern for now . If you can financially afford to treat yourself to treatments like manicure and pedicure then definitely do it. I had my nails painted black then fancy colours on top , NOT GEL only normal nail polish , I actually needed to do this to keep my nails as with some chemo you can loose yours nails as they become photosensitive. I treated myself the day before chemo, this keeps you busy . You could do this yourself or have a friend round to do it for you .
Reflexology by a suitably qualified person ( ask to see cancer patient therapy qualification certificate ) . I loved getting a foot massage while getting chemo , didn’t get it every time , only when therapist was at the ward .
I did jigsaws , available at charity shops , it’s important that you love the picture on the box !!! I found doing jigsaws when I couldn’t sleep was great . I had fleece blanket , music on and do my jigsaw, usually dozed off after a while but I was comfy and cosy with my fleece . I would start with a 500 piece jigsaw and big pieces . I sent one to a friend with cancer and she enjoyed doing it and it was a conversation piece when family or friends visited . Some friends liked colouring in.
I had some wonderful friends who would take me out for a cuppa , some brought flasks etc and we sat in the garden - any garden. But some “friends “are “fair weather friends “ don’t get upset we have all had our share of those . I’m sure you will have some gems who will be great for you but you may need to ask them to help you cope - walking , chatting , tea and scones . People assume your family are taking care of you but that’s not always the case and even if it is , it’s nice to have outsiders .
Remember anxiety is a mega thing just now with lots of people due to the covid situation and you also have cancer to cope with , your doing well by coming on here . They AWAKE thread is also a great place to chat , serious , silly etc but sooo good to join.
Remember to drink plenty water / juice as advised , I used to get “funny” feelings, almost like mini panic attacks and I realised I hadn’t drank enough ,
Hope this helps . Be good to yourself .
Love
Ruby Rose 
