[LAURIE]

Here my checklist for my emotions and feelings on the first day of chemo especially.

1) know that it is okay to cry, and to be nervous.
2) bring a friend or loved one
3) prepare to feel dizzy, each time they change a bag ask what it is, so you know how each med makes you feel for next time. (tell your nurse to slow it down, if you get too dizzy)
4) expect to NOT throw up. the chances are you will not. I did feel sick right before the needle goes in. That is just your nerves. Take a deep breath.
5) Seek out the newbie chair. Usually the one in the corner, that is private. I have noticed that newbies in my office go to one of the two chairs in the corner.
4) I chose to play my nintendo DS video game during chemo. Sometimes I got so dizzy that I just close my eyes and try to relax. (during A/C) Now the nurses can hardly find me to change my bag. I get up and talk to others, go the bathroom, etc.. It is also a good time to get things done like: thank you's, birthday cards for the whole year, etc... But don't beat yourself up if you just want to do nothing.