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Treatment date very near now

Escholzia
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Hi all.

i was diagnosed in April and start treatment on 16 June. Despite wishing for things to hurry up and start happening I’m getting very anxious now. I’m terrified of the side effects as treatment progresses and this stems from being in a lot of pain and on morphine for 5 weeks after the biopsy. It felt like it was never going to end and in my mind I’m going to have to return to that awful situation and make myself vulnerable again. I know I’m lucky that this treatment (chemo radiation) is available I really do but it’s such a daunting prospect. I’m 66 and have been a strong, confident and independent person all my life but this is very difficult for me mentally even though I try to be positive. 

  • Hello Escholzia and welcome to the Cancer Chat community.

    I'm really sorry to hear that you were on morphine for 5 weeks to help with the pain after having your biopsy.

    Given what happened I think it's completely natural, and understandable, to be feeling scared about the side effects of your upcoming treatment but remember that you will have a very caring medical team by your side and they will be doing all they can to accommodate any potential side effects that may occur.

    I know this doesn't make this any less scary, but I hope knowing that you will have people looking after you throughout this process can give you some strength, and comfort, at this time.

    So many of our members will know what you're going through at the moment Escholzia, so you are not alone, and hopefully some of them will stop by soon to offer their support and advice.

    Looking after your mental health on this journey will be very important, so if you ever need to talk to someone about how you are feeling you can give our cancer nurses a call on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very easy to talk to and will do all they can to support you.

    We're here for you Escholzia and wishing you all the best with the start of your chemo-radiation next week.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    I completely relate to the anxiety you are feeling.  I have had 16 sessions of chemo and it really wasn't too bad at all eg no sickness.  But everyone is different...They have so much medication in play these days that I imagine they will be able to counteract most of the side effects you feel with drugs.  I found certain aspects of the treatment very difficult but it always seemed to be in advance of a treatment.  When it actually happened it wasn't nearly as bad so you may well find the same.  I have also had therapy inc.  CBT and I found this tremendously useful in managing my anxiety.  It might be worth you looking into this.  Keeping busy to distract yourself is also useful.At any rate once you get started on the treatment you may well start feeling better as action is finally being taken..  Let us know how you get on.

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