Hi my name is Claire I am 40 years old and was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in sept. My first ABVD chemo treatment was scheduled for 2nd of october 3 weeks after my diagnosis.
Although I had fully accepted my diagnosis and have found peace with it, the three weeks leading up to treatment were daunting, I had read a few articles and watched 1 video on you tube which conveyed mainly negative experiences which lead me to feel anxious and unsure of the unknown.
My experience was however a very positive one. On the day of first treatment I was walking into the complete unknown and uncertainty of it all. The minute I walked in I felt at peace, I was warmly welcomed with a nice big leather reclining chair, just in time for lunch, a sandwich and had tea on demand through treatment, the canula I had fitted into my hand was no bother " they first administered what they call a “flush” through my canula which is basically salt solution, this flush you receive in between each of the 4 Chemicals ABVD being administered. You just sit nice and comfy in your chair and the change over of chemos is completely painless. You can get up and go to toilet whenever you need as your hooked up to a little moveable trolly. For the first chemo the red looking chemical they give you a glass of ice water with which helps prevent mouth ulcers after treatment. I had came well prepared with my book, headphones and podcast but barely used them. I just sat and chatted with the 4 other people all receiving their treatment. We all shared our stories, laughing and joking at each others misfortunes, It felt so immensely humbling. After chatting for some 4 hours with these people and feeling that deep connection, I did not feel alone any longer. I have the most amazing friends and family I could of possibly ever wished for but cancer is the most loneliest mental state I have ever felt. At the end of it all all we have is ourselves and our minds. Although each one of our battles is completely different we all shared this underlying understanding and compassion, I felt the moment I walked in.
I have experienced so far very little side effects a little nauseous and tired but thats it and Im 5 days in. I have no idea how rest of treatments will effect me or their side effects but I live with extreme gratitude for all that I have right now. Things could always be way worse and I am just thankful everyday that I even get to wake up.
