1st chemo today
 

Hello all,

Well here goes. I am drinking a little juice this morning. NPO after 9 am. I am getting a port around noon, then first tx about 2:30. I am a little nervous. I have been trying to do things one day at a time and now this today has an ending that is unclear. I know that I will be okay but just trying not to think the worst leaves me avoiding all the possibilities.

I will stay in touch.

Thanks for everything you all share here. Although I may not respond much, I appreciate reading and learning from you. I will share more as this goes along in an effort to help others.

Hi Shadowpilot, I don't know which chemo you are starting, and I imagine you are very nervous. Know I was. I'm not going to tell you it was easy but it is as they say very doable. There are many different responses to chemo and it's hard to say what yours will be. Remember all the great new medications available to you for side effects, if one doesn't work another will. I did not have a bad time with the first treatment and snapped back pretty quick. Sending you a huge hug, you're ARE going to be okay.

Hugs, Diane

I remember being told that after the first treatment I would feel like a big balloon of anxiety had been punctured. And it is true. The relief of having it behind me! I also recall that they took the first treatment very slowly and it involved drugs that afforded relaxation. It was a LONG day but not a bad one. The anticipation was worse than the event.
For me, the side effects got progressivly worse in later sessions. But, also, I was better equipted to deal with them as I went along. Maybe an example of "God doesn't give us more than we can handle" at any given time.
ETA: I see that you are having your port installed today also. I expect you will already be drowsy from that proceedure when you have treament. And it will be a long day indeed.
Keep us posted.

Hello Shadow,

Oh, the 1st treatment. I remember it well. I'm sure all will go well for you as mostly chemo is pretty doable. I will pray "doable" is what you get. I, too, just felt better knowing we were finally DOING something.

LOL, as I scroll and read what others have written, I see Diane used the word "doable" too. Yep, that word describes it well. It just becomes your new way of life, for a time, and you "do" the best you can and life goes on.

So, here's asking God for protection of your body from the drugs. May they do for you what they are intended to do and may the rest of you be protected.

With love and sincere care,

Mary Jo

It's normal not to feel well. It's normal to be tired. Some people feel sicker than others. However your body reacts, please go easy on yourself.

When I first started chemo I did the same as you -- had my port inserted and then went immediately for chemo. The first treatment is always the worst as you have no idea what to expect. You can read and ask questions but it does nothing to reduce your anxiety. By now your first treatment is completed. I don't know what chemo regime you're on but do remember that everyone has different side effects. Hang in there it does get easier.

Hi Shadow! Praying that your first treatment went well. As said, the worry and fear leading up to the first treatment is ususally the worst. Once you get into the "routine" of going to the treatments, it seems to get a little better. A natural fear of the unknown, I guess. Please stay strong and hands on and aggresive in your treatments and like the ladies say, take care of yourself and take the time you need for rest and healing. Thoughts and prayers to you. Love, Bill

Shadowpilot,
So good to hear from you! Okay you are officially in battle! The first
treatment is hardest - the unknown is the worst. Now you can start
the countdown of your treatments. You already have one behind you.

Drink water and flush your system...and rest...we are all here for you.
Sending you a big hug!
Jean

Hi ShadowPilot; what an interesting "handle"! I hope your first treatment went smoothly. It's always the unknown that's the worst part, once you know what to expect that's at least half the battle. Let us know how it went, when you feel up to it.

<3 Lolly

Good Luck....
 

God Bless and Welcome to the Club! Hope all goes well for you!

Donna

I hope your first chemo went well with few side effects. I remember being so scared the first time I had treatment. I think the word doable describes treatment well. I hope everything goes well and I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Hi Shadowpilot,

I hope you are doing ok after your 1st treatment and if you are having side effects, just remember it will get better. One day at a time is a great way to go right now. Think of this, you now have one treatment behind you and you now at least can put a thought on what treatment means for you personally - the scary unknown is gone. You are in my thoughts tonight and I wish you well and a good weekend.

Hugs,
Patricia

Hey Shadow!

Hope that today your anxiety has lessened with your first treatment behind you. Your apprehension will decrease as you progress thru this journey, which, although not fun by any means, "doable" as many have said.

I always had several things with me like knitting, embroidery, reading, and also something to drink and even snacks during treatment. It kept my mind occupied. I usually ended up napping about halfway thru--good idea as you need all the rest you can get.

Come here often for support, and just reassurance that you are not alone, and there are many who understand exactly what you are going thru.

My best,

Shadowpilot
Hope today you are feeling good, you got alot of good advice from seasoned veterans here....the unknown is always the scariest....hope it goes easy from here out....you are already one step closer to being done with the chemo. Now take it easy today...we are here for you/

Hi Shadow, hope all went well with your first chemo. Where are you getting your treatments? Check in and let us know how things are going for you. YOu are doing the right thing by fighting with everything available!!!

Gentle hugs to you as you go through your txs. You are well on your way to kicking this cancer to the curb!

Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi

How are you? Are you proceeding with treatment? I've been thinking of you often and have been surprised not to see any postings from you.since your first treatment. Hope to hear from you soon.Hugs....Lynne