Hi all, I’m just getting ready for bed and packing my bag ready for my first chemo cycle tomorrow. I’m feeling so apprehensive. I’ve been given so much information so am well informed but I just don’t know how I am going to feel. Cancer is a world of unknowns! Once I have had my first cycle I’ll know what to expect but right now I have no idea. It’s quite scary. Any extra advice on what to take would be great. Any advice in general would be great.
It's hard to offer advice as treatment is tailored to each individual. My first chemo was last December I had been and seen about a wig and had my hats ready . I found doing jig saws kept me stay occupied as was being careful due to Covid. I tried to go for a walk with my dog and husband each day after first few days. Take the meds you are offered and drink plenty. A man in my bay also having chemo said remember to pace yourself if you over do it you pay the next day. I seemed to have a week not very good, then a week improving, then a week ok, almost and then it begins again. I did struggle to sleep with the steroids and wouldn't have believed I could feel so tired and not be able to sleep. You will get through it , i didn't think I could do it but I did. Good luck stay as positive as you can .
Also staff are lovely so kind and will try to answer your questions so ask
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Yes just to echo the thing about pacing - I was wired on the steroids and invincible and could do anything - but then I’d crash half way through. Once I realised what was happening I managed to talk done sense into myself - the first round j was wanting to go cycling at 5am and dig the whole garden (neither of which helped my surgery heal!) then when the steroids wore off I could hardly move for a day or two. Once I realised the pattern I could make better choices. I found puzzle books really helpful when I was anxious - portable and something to concentrate on. I used a cold cap and they got me through that first fifteen minutes of discomfort until it settled. Apart from being manic at the start I coped ok - I developed a fondness for prunes - if you start to feel constipated take early action - it’s easier than sorting it out when it’s bad. I didn’t even take a vitamin tablet before cancer so I found the tablet regime hard tk get my head round - a friend ordered me one of these which helped and I drew up a little spreadsheet as it can get complicated depending on what you’re prescribed and whether it’s before or with food. It’s important to take everything exactly how/when they suggest. And don’t be scared to ring and ask for advice. Hope it goes well. 
