Chemotherapy starts in 2 weeks, feeling scared

Hi Lana65

It's good news that you have a treatment plan. It's hardly surprising that you are scared, the thoughts of having chemo is scary, but while I won't say it's easy it is doable.  Everybody reacts differently to treatment but it's very rare that people get all of the side effects that they tell you can happen. You may even get away with not having any.  You will find the nurses on your chemo ward very friendly and they will do their best to put you at your ease. They will keep a close eye on you during chemo, particularly your first one.  Remember to take the anti-sickness tables even if you are feeling ok as they help counteract any nausea. You will probably get anti-sickness meds before your chemo infusion.  If you don't feel well during treatment don't hesitate to ring one of the numbers you will get after your first chemo session if you haven't gotten them already.  If you feel ill at all during your chemo let your chemo nurse know straight away and they will sort you out. 

Bring something to keep yourself occupied while on the chemo ward as there can be a bit of waiting around while they set your treatment up.  Bring some sacks as well in case you are there during lunch time and in case your chemo ward doesn't give you a cup of tea and sandwiches.  Also bring a blanket in case you are cold especially if you are cold-capping and a bottle of water to have while having treatment though your chemo ward may supply water, mine did.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids between each chemo cycle as it helps with side effects.

Wishing you the best of luck with your treatment.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thank you as always, Daisy! The whole team that is looking after me is great, I know I am in good hands and I know they are doing their best to help. And yet the whole chemotherapy thing is pretty scary and I feel overwhelmed. All your advice is taken on board too! Thank you again! xx 

That's good to hear.  Like you I have a great medical team behind me and it makes all the difference knowing that.  Hopefully once you have your first chemo behind you it won't seem so bad. xx

I hope so, Daisy. I noticed that you too were given AC chemotherapy and Taxol - this is what I will be having and I read the AC is considered to be one of the strongest anti-cancer drugs. Needless to say, I am very concerned about the more serious side effects like damage to the heart, etc but I'm going for it. It is what it is.  Let's hope for the best, all of us. xx 

Hi Lana

its natural to be scared it’s going into the unknown your treatment sounds much like mine . Soon as you have done the first you know what to expect.  I just finished EC and to be honest the only side effects was the first few days I felt tired but I managed to get out for short walks my second and third I was fine because also I knew what to expect.  I took all the anti sickness tablets and drunk plenty of water before and after treatment.  I am starting taxol on Thursday so I will be glad to get that first one over with,  to know what side effects come with that one.  Take Daisy53 advise take a drink, I also take some sweets and biscuits because sometimes they are busy and you don’t get a cup of tea . Also take a book to read but I notice the time does go quick.  the weeks will soon go by , I remember starting mine and I had 18 weeks to do I’m now half way and it’s surprising how quick them nine weeks went .

don’t worry this is doable and if you got any problems phone the helpline .xxx

Thank you so much for your reply, Janey! I'll definitely follow your and Daisy's advice! Not knowing what to expect is always the worst! Thank you again and the very best of luck with your treatment! xx

You will be fine don’t worry take care xxx

Hi. It's completely normal to be scared. I was told I would be having chemo just before Christmas starting first week in January. New year's Day I had a meltdown on husband as it became this year not next year. When I went for first cycle first thing I did on being called through was burst into tears. Nurse greeting me said you are bricking it aren't you? To which I replied yes. It was fear of the unknown. Once I had done first cycle and got used to the routine I was fine. And fortunately didn't have too many side effects. As others have said the majority of nurses are fine (I had issues with one nurse who was obvs not a morning person) and there is a team to support you if you have illness or issues when at home. 

Wishing you all the best - you got this

Thank you for your reply, F1 petrolhead! I too cried today when my oncologist started explaining to me what kind of treatment I will be having. I feel as if I can still not believe that cancer is happening to me. So much to process and accept! And yes, it is really important for the nurses to be nice especially to their cancer patients because we are so vulnerable, like it or not. Or at least I feel I am. Thank you again! xx 

hi Lana i am starting my first tomorrow, and started an aug starters, and late july people if you want to share. i am freaking out but will update when i can. it helps others have been before.