chemo 1st time tomorrow

[Snufi]

Hi to all, am going to chemo first time tomorrow. Needless to say I am very scared. Say a prayer for me and I will let you know how it goes. I still cant believe this is all happening. does it ever become a reality?


Snufi

[ElaineM]

Chemo has a bad rap, but every patient will not get every single side effect listed on print outs of information doctors pass out or on the drug company's website.
Everyone's body is different. Some folks will loose their hair. Some folks will not loose their hair. The same goes for every side effect listed. Your doctor can suggest things to help you for whichever side effect you do get.
If you share the name of the chemo I bet someone on this website has tried it and may be able to share her or his experience with you.

[Snufi]

The chemo I will try is TCH every three weeks

[RhondaH]

you'll do fine. Prayers are with you. Take care and God bless.

[Jean]

The unknown portion is the hardest part of treament.
No matter how much we share our own experience you still will feel concerned, it is only normal.

I think I would be more afraid of not having treatment, than having treatment. We are all different in how we
consider this disease. Some are upset over hair loss,
others about weight gain, the list is long....but at the end of the day I feel this way....my hair will grow back, I could have gained weight by pigging out and eating too much even without having chemo, I will lose the ten pds or so since I make up my mind to do so. I would rather have no hair, be a bit heavier and survive.

If you pick apart each and every item that can happen
you will get yourself so upset with it. Rather view treatment as a "I will deal with it on a one to one issue as they come"....some side effects will hit and some will not, and maybe you will go through the treatments smoothly....but know that your dr.and his team are there to take care of you...don't hesitate to ask questions.

Drink fluids on treatment day and be sure to flush your system. Wishig you the best.

Jean

[Melissa]

Hi,
Yes drink plenty of water and if possible get lots of rest. Allow others to help , they wouldn't ask if they didn't want to help. I will have you in my thoughts tomorrow, let us know how it goes. I had AC then TH followed by H and it went by quick. We actually had a chemo party every time someone was finishing up with final treatment.

[kcherub]

You are going to do great! I did the same treatments, and the steriods were worse for me than the actual chemo! Take water, something to suck on (my oncologist had these great little candies), and if possible, a family member or friend to help you pass the time. They also come in handy in case you get hungry--I was ravenous at each treatment (steroids) and the other patients laughed at how much I ate. I am kind of on the small side.

As for it seeming "real"...I am 16 months out of chemo and I still cannot believe that I did it. It seems sooo long ago. To be such a life-altering experience (I mean, who wants to do chemo???). I made it through, and you will, too.

Let us know how it goes.

Take (good) care,

[Paty]

Dear Snufi,

I am sure everything will be alright, I do not blame you that you feel scare, it is soo normal. I remember my doctor will always say "let yourself flow, everything will be fine" and that is the same that I say now to you. It really helped. Drink a lot of juices when you feel like, if you can keep a dairy, do it, that way you will keep track of your reactions. I will pray for you my dear, nothing will happen, try to rest and keep in touch with your doctor for any question or doubt. Do not hesitate to come to us we will be here for you. All our love,

Paty

[BonnieR]

Snufi, it will be good to get tomorrow behind you. The first day is always the hardest. Trust the process. Remember to be prepared for a long day. Bring diversions. Books etc... The journal idea someone suggested is good. I have been keeping one since this all began...
I recall even sleeping alot the first day of chemo because the premeds in the infusion make you sleepy. It will be cold. Dress warm and comfortable. Bring snacks. My cancer center served sandwiches. Stay hydrated.
Let us know how it goes. Keep the faith.

[harrie]

Hi Snufi!
We will be thinking of you.
I had the same regimen that you will on. After my first treatment I hardly felt a thing, much to my surprise!!
The above recommendations are good..to dress warm and drink a lot to flush out your body. I drank a whole lot during my treatment and was dragging that IV pole to the bathroom at least once per hour! I think I drank like 6 bottles of water!!
The first tx was long because they give it to you much slower to make sure you are tolerating it ok.
Take care and know you are making a good decision to just go for it...
Maryanne

[Mary Jo]

Hi Snufi......

I know....it's like it's all surreal, right? I remember that day well and it was way back in 2005. I, too, was scared out of my mind. This is the girl who takes no drugs.....nada....and to think they would be infusing my body with chemo.....well, that just went over the top to me. Honestly, I fought it every step of the way....always hoping chemo would not be a reality (now looking back........and knowing what I know.....thank God it was a part of my past) but Snufi....the good news is......it all went well. It wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated and I pray the same for you.

Asking God to surround you with His peace today.

Love to you....

Mary Jo

[Paris]

The first round is the hardest just because you don't know what to expect or how you are going to feel. Yes, it does seem surreal at times. I'm two years out and there are days where I can't believe I had cancer and went through chemo, surgery etc. because fortunately that chapter of my life is getting further away. You will feel this way too one day. Every treatment will bring you that much closer to the finish line. Use this as a time to be good to yourself. Rest when you need it and accept any and all offers of help. The ladies have given you great advice. Please let us know how you are doing. It's tough but you will get through this!

Hugs,

Jamie

[nitewind]

Hi Snufi,
Just wanted to send my best wishes and prayers to you. You will do fine. I think we all remember that first treatment, fear of the unknown is the worst. But in the end, it wasn't as bad as you think. God bless you and post with an update.
Love
Susan

[flynny]

Snufi,

I know you will do great. You will be amazed at yourself and like everyone above has said, drink, drink, and drink more water to flush your system. If you get sick of plain water, try some with lemon or a cucumber.

I'm thinking of you today and wish you the best in the beginning of your treatment.

[Shobha]

Hi Snufi,

Sending a lot of prayers and positive vibes your way!

Like everyone here is saying, you really will do fine.

The oncologiest have learnt how to manage the side effects very well. I had my first chemo in july 2007 and it was easier compared to what I had imagined. The only issue I had is the benedryl since it made me sleepy and sort of groggy. I would drive myself to chemo and back, so benedryl was a pain. I stopped taking it after a couple of treatments and after that chemo was much easier.

love,
shobha

[rebecca0623]

Snufi - I just finished the "TC" part of my treatment December 17th. I had few side effects until last 2 - then just very tired. One thing I treasured about the chemo was the women who joined me in the chemo room every Wednesday - we truly went through this together and they are now close friends. Do not be afraid to reach out - the support you will find is invaluable. Prayers for you on your journey,

Rebecca

[suzan w]

I don't know if any of this ever becomes a 'reality'! Chemo will go quickly, you will see! And take all the anti-nausea drugs they recommend!!

[harrie]

Hey Snufi....we are waiting to hear how you did!!

[schoolteacher]

Snufi,

Hope you are doing well.

Amelia

[MJo]

Snufi - you aren't a chemo virgin any more. God bless and I hope you are handling chemo ok. MJO