1st chemo today

[Shadowpilot]

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.

[Diane H]

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

[BonnieR]

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.

[Mary Jo]

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

[PinkGirl]

Hi Shadow

I'm glad you will have the first treatment "under your belt".
The waiting, anticipation and "not knowing" were the worst
parts for me. I was relieved to get my first treatment, for
lots of reasons. I wanted to start the fight and I wanted to
prove to myself that I could do it. I breezed through it, laughing
at myself for having been so scared.

I'm sure you will feel both relieved and proud of yourself
when that first one is over with. I'm happy for you.

[MJo]

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.

[Bill]

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

[lexigirl]

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

[lynne.risdon]

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