Bon Voyage
 

Thank you all for the postings I have received. I am so fortunate to have found this site and to have gained enough courage to join. I lurked for some time before taking the plunge but am so glad to be here. I have met many wonderful women (and a few men), gained much insight and knowledge as a result, and will have found friends I did not know I had. Thank you for your encouragement for tomorrow. I am scared but will endure. As a friend told me, "Chemo will be like running in the rain; put your head down, one foot in front of the other and wait until it is over." I think that may be the case. I have decided to get well and not worry about reconstruction for the time being. I did talk to my ps and he said he would not begin reconstruction until the portacath is out so that will be some time, a long time from now and what will be, will be. I feel like I am about to embark on a long journey and have been seeing friends this weekend with the idea that this will be the last semblance of "normal" I know for some time. Tonight I will have my hair shorn. Thank you for all the helpful hints for enduring chemo and please wish me a bon voyage. Carolyn

Carolyn
You will do fine tomorrow...we have all been there with the fear factor...it is the unknown that is so fearful...then afterwards, I know I felt so silly for all the worry. You will be in my thoughts tomorrow as you begin the next phase of this journey, and one phase closer to insuring a long happy future.

We're all with you. I think you'll be surprised at how much better you'll feel than you think you will. The fear of being on chemo will lessen once you see you're actually managing it. I'll be starting a new chemo treatment tomorrow so I'll think of you as we both take our first steps.

Bon Voyage
 

You are not going anywhere. You are just adding something called cancer treatment to your life.
Chemo has a bad rap, but docs can do alot to help with the side effects etc. Hang in there, hold your head high, stay positive and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

The fear of something has usually been worse than the actuality for me, and I think you will find the same for you with chemo.

It will pass one day at a time.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Chemo isn't fun, but it is doable!

Carolyn,
We all felt the same way the day before chemo.
I can only share that our imagination is unkind to us.

Sending you positive energy and best wishes.

Kindest Regards,
Jean

Hi Carolyn,

Good luck tomorrow, you will do fine. Chemo is not as bad as its reputation for most people. Listen to your body, rest, and you will get through it.

Let us know how you are doing when you can.

Cheers from a fellow Canuck.

all the best
caya

I agree with everyone else. The thought of chemo is actually worse than the chemo. It is not the dreaded thing of days past. Just remember to follow all instructions and you should be fine.

Good luck, Carolyn. Let us know how you're doing and how we can help.

Good luck to you....I can understand how hard the change is. Look forward to a good future and try to focus on that!

Bon voyage!

I'm betting that you will do just fine! It is scary to begin something new that is so important to our very life. But it is also exciting too. You'll meet new friends, kill off some very bad critters called BC cells, and prove to yourself how very brave and wonderful you are. We'll be waiting to hear all about it. Luv, ma

We've got your back, girlfriend! Prayers for peace and protection coming your way.

Bon Voyage, I like it. Okay so the chemo might make you a little sea sick. Just remember to get all the right antinausea medicine. Also, make sure you have the chemo nurses phone numbers. I remember that it was helpful to call them when I got home and had questions about how I was doing. I believe in drugs....I took ativan before chemo and took and antidepressent for the 4-5 months I was on chemo...maybe I took it longer. Can't remember. I was scared too. We are hear for you. If you are up in the middle of the night and can not sleep, post a little note. It can be a tough march with your head down, but just remember one day at a time. Try to walk a little every day, if it is even just around the inside of your house. We are behind you and want to help support you.

All the best, Catherine

Let us know how things are going.

Amelia

I am thinking of you today and sending good thoughts. Remember that YOU CAN DO THIS and each day that you do brings you closer to the end of treatment. Follow the nurses' advice.
Warm wishes,
Karen

Praying for you and wishing you speedy recovery. Like everyone has assured, chemo will be ok. Just drink lots and lots of water and you will be able to minimize most of the side effects.

love,
shobha

Embrace the journey
 

I began my treatment journey on March 17 2008. I intend to complete it on May 18 2009. I have received a great deal of support from family, friends and this people on this site. It is imperative for you to be able to lean on somebody when times "get tough" Speaking as one who has travelled the treatment you are about to embark on, I can assure you, it will end and you will be cured. As I reflect on my course of treatment, I know how daunting it can seem. I now look back on it as an epiphany for my husband and me. Believe me, if I could turn back the clock and never have had this diagnosis I would! But as one of those who have walked in your shoes, I can offer you the assurance that your treatment will have a beginning, middle and an end. The end of your treatment and your cure will be here soon! Arm yourself with information and a plan. Do not be afraid to be your own advocate. If you do not understand something your doctor is telling you, ask him/her to explain it again. Never be afraid to seek second and third opinions. Focus on the end product—your cure!! I wish you the very best and a peaceful “journey.” Be very sure that you will, very soon, be rid of this disease. My prayers and most sincere best wishes are with you.
YOU WILL PREVAIL!
Brenda

Hi Carolyn-
We need a report on chemo day #1!
--Another West-coast Warrior Woman

Go get em Carolyn! Sending you positive thoughts on your journey.