Hi Shadow! I'm glad you made a decision. When my wife and I faced the same thing you a facing, my father said to me,"Just remember, it gets easier to deal with once you start going and it becomes almost routine. You'll get through this." He was right, as usual. Shadow, Jean gave some great advice. I can add a few bits that came from my and my wife, Nikki's experience. She was on Taxol, Herceptin, and Tykerb ( and Zometa) for about 15 months. We went to chemo. every Friday. For Taxol, they gave her Aloxi (nausea, I think), Decadron(steroid), and Benadryl. Here's the important part- they normally infuse the Benadryl over 10-15 minutes. That made Nikki really antsy and gave her "restless leg and arm" type symptoms. She could not sit still. Once they began infusing the Benadryl over a 30 minute period, however, it made her drowsy and she slept through most of the treatment. I observed this in other women in the chemo, room as well. Nikki had very little nausea from the Taxol treatments. The nurse gave her 2 Tylenol before every Herceptin treatment. Also, I understand how difficult it is to keep all of the doctor's appointments and medications and every thing else straight. That's alot of stress all by itself. If you haven't done so already, start keeping a notebook with you at all times, and write down all questions you have, doctor's apps. and dates and times. Often you'll have questions for the doc or nurse and can't remember what it was, lol. Also, if possible try to have the same person go with you to all doctor's visits and treatments. I know that's tough for some, we were lucky that I was able to be there for all of Nikki's. Also, use a technique I often employ. If you have a question, ask your doctor, ask the women on this site, and ask your chemo. nurses( a great source. of info.) Some things are not a black and white situation, and by using this "survey" method, you can usually gather enough info. to help. Please remember, once the first treatment is over, you will probably feel better. The worry and stress at this point might be the worst part. Chemo for the most part has come a long way. I hope this has helped. We're thinking and praying for you here. Love, Bill
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