Starting 6 months of chemo

FormerMember
FormerMember
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  • I'm starting 6 months of chemotherapy on Thursday 1st August and feeling terrified, especially about the side effects and living alone. I'd be so grateful for any help and advice. Thank you so much. 
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Little Oak,

    So sorry to hear about your situation. I too went through it alone although I do have a  supportive family and some great friends who stood by me. I started in July of 2017 and finished chemo in January of 2018. Don’t be scared as it is doable but obviously some days are not so good.  The first few days of each three week cycle were tough but then it eases up a lot. On the not so good days I relied on clear soups and toast. I did my shopping online and managed my own washing etc. Just remember that it is only six months which may seem a long time but when you get to the other side and cry victory it will be worth every hour. I will be thinking about you on Thursday. Many hugs. 

  • Hi

    I live with my two kids so no adult help at home. 

    At first I was stubborn and tried to power through, but about 5 weeks in I thought why am I doing this? and slowly started to let others help. I'm fiercely independent but some days you just can't do it, and that's fine.

    Chemo has not been as bad as I feared and I have been well 80% of the time. It's getting tough now I'm 2/3 of the way through but it's the school holidays so they are always difficult!

    Do you have friends and family close by? 

    Xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Morning can i first welcome you to the community none of us ever wanted to be a member of but under the circumstances its the best place to be.

    You're going to feel scared i think we all do at some point but the waiting and the unknown is the worse thing. So hopefully by talking to people on here you can have your questions answered and you will feel a bit better.

    Take a look in the July Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Chat a new one is started every month but that doesn't mean you can't pop in and say hello ready for August. I found this helped me immensely as there were other people going through the same as me or who had been through the same. You will be welcomed with open arms, they give excellent advise and support and there is always someone who can answer questions. Never think a question is a silly one. Believe me i asked a few i thought were silly to find someone else was wondering the same. 

    Once your treatment starts you will hopefully feel much better and in control. The actual treatment will surprise you, i can remember walking out thinking, was that it. 

    I don't have a partner, i live at home with my grown up son. To be honest being on you own isn't all bad, when i wanted to rest i did and didn't feel guilty for not doing anything. You will be able to manage on your own but if anyone offers any help make sure you take it. Chemo isn't nice but it is doable and i had far more good days than bad.

    Keep talking to us, thats what we're here for xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Portia4917

    Thank you so much for your lovely reply, it's so kind of you. I'm so glad you're out on the other side and sound like you're doing really well. My chemo will be weekly for 12 weeks and then 3 weekly for 12 weeks followed by radiotherapy. My grown up children don't live near me but will visit when they can. I have good friends around me and they've got a rota together for taking me to my chemo appointments. The thing I'm most scared of is the side effects and living alone and having to call an ambulance etc if my temperature goes up with the dangers of getting an infection. Many hugs to you too :-) 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Haysie

    Hi Haysie 

    Thank you so much for your lovely reply. I'm like you, fiercely independent! My grown up children don't live near me but will visit when they can. I have good friends around me and they've already got a rota together to take me to my chemo appointments.

    My chemo is weekly for 12 weeks and then 3 weekly for 12 weeks followed by radiotherapy. It's the side effects and living alone that I fear the most and having to call an ambulance if my temperature goes up etc with the dangers of getting an infection.

    I'm glad that you've felt well for a lot of the time...that's brilliant!

    xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi TheScriptFan 

    Thank you so much for your lovely informative reply. It's so very kind of you. I will look at the things you've suggested. It sounds like you're through your treatment and doing really well and I'm very pleased for you. 

    My grown up children don't live near me but will visit when they can. I have good friends around me and they've already got a rota together for my chemo appointments. They will be weekly for 12 weeks and then 3 weekly for 12 weeks followed by radiotherapy.

    My biggest fear is living alone with no one else in the house and the side effects. Having to call an ambulance on my own if my temperature goes up etc with the dangers of getting an infection.

    Thanks again 

    xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    if you get a temperature don't panic, ring your chemo emergency number and they will tell you what to do. I had to wait an hour for them to ring me back when i got a temperature so don't be worrying yourself that you won't have time to get someone to take you. I never went with an ambulance and fingers crossed neither will you. Also don't hesitate to ring the chemo number if you're worried about anything, they give it to you so you have 24 hour advice. Sometimes they will ask you to go in as a precaution. 

    I got a high temperature twice, first time was the day i'd gone for my wig, my temperature was high and they told me to call in so they could check me out, i went to the hospital, they put me on a drip and then sent me home and hour later. The second time i was at home on my own, i rung the hospital and they told me again to go in so they could check me out,i stayed in but they are really good so don't ever worry about ringing and asking if you need to.

    Once you've had your first you'll feel better because you'll know what to expect xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi The ScriptFan 

    Thank you so so much for your lovely reply. I really appreciate it. 

    I've made lots of lists and packed a bag with some nice things for tomorrow including a blanket and my slippers!

    I'm taking in my new thermometer too so I can practice using it with the chemo nurses.

    Take good care and thanks again. 

    xx