Scared of chemo

I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on 5th march and when i went for my results on wednesday the doctor said my lymph nodes tested positive and i need chemo.  Im really scared as i hadnt prepared myself for that.  Because we foumd it early i thought they would say i needed radiotherapy.  Im trying to stay positive but inside im petrified.

  • Hi Sue, 

    Don't be afraid, you got this. I met so many brave people when I had my chemo sessions.  At first, I was so terrified and overwhelmed, I didn't speak to anyone.  But, a nice man who had much more experience drew me out and spoke to me and gave me advice.  For me, talking to the other people in the chemo lab was invaluable, it made me able to get through it.  Yes, I was tired and sick, but I made it through.  You will, too. Take a notebook and make notes about any questions you have or feelings, etc.. I did that, it helped. Good luck, keep us posted on how you progress. 

    Laura xx

  • Thank you Sue

    im praying that you’re right and it’s just a tough few months ahead. My aunty told me last night that we’re all just tiny droplets in this huge river and there are rocks and bumps along the way, and now and again there’s a big bloody waterfall to get through, there are also these stagnant swamps along the sides which is totally where I’m stuck at the moment. I need to get out into the fresh water and join the current again and just go with it. She told me so much lovely stuff last night and wish I’d taken notes as she really put my mind at rest last night, but I’ve woken up and the panic has returned.

    we absolutely must get through this Sue, our children need their mummies. Apologies for assuming you had twin girls... one of each, how lucky we are. Let’s be grateful everyday for them and choose not to let our negative minds take over. We’ve just got to hand ourselves over to the experts. (This is my Aunty talking from last night! She’s in New Zealand and had throat cancer a couple of years ago). She’s quite spiritual and her wise words really sunk in last night. I really need to read some books about controlling the mind and not letting it overwhelm us with unhelpful negative thoughts.

    think I’m going to right down some notes now so I don’t forget some of what she said.

    im thinking of you and so sorry that you’re scared like me, this feeling is out of this world.

    best wishes 

    Catherine xx

  • I'm petrified too. Mine was supposed to be grade 2 but 3 weeks after op told it was grade 3 cancer. Can't stand the thought of chemo I'm a single parent with a son of 15 and don't know how to cope with this

     

  • hi

    just spotted your post. I have grade 3 BC. Diagnosed in March. I’m 43 with two young children. I’m having chemo first then an op. I started chemo 3 weeks ago, have my second cycle tomorrow then four more after that. 

    I was anxious about it, but it was fine for the first one, I just think of it as a process I have to go through and imagine it zapping the bad cells.  My mum had BC 17 years ago, also had chemo and she’s still here living a normal life. There’s a few of us on another thread going through chemo which you are welcome to join, I will tag you into it.  Here if you need to chat. 

    WL

  • Hello all

    Just want to let u know that tomoro is my 4th cycle of chemo and so far im doing ok.  Yes the side effects can be tough.  I decided not to cold cap so ive lost my hair but most of the i go bald.  Ive heard of people who have used the cold cap but still lost their hair.  Ive got lots of pretty scarves but because of the hot flushes i end up taking them off.  Once this weather improves its nice to sit in the garden.  I have days when i cant pull myself out of bed, especially in the week after my chemo, but most of the time im up and about even if its just to do my food shop or go for a walk.  Dont focus on the negatives - keep strong and tell yourself u are going to fight this ***.  I saw a post on another forum which said "2019 is the year i invest in my future" and that is so right!!! This year has been crap so far as ive lost my mum and been diagnosed but im focusing on the fact that in a few months from now this will all be over and i can get back to leading a normal life with my children.  Good luck everyone xxx 

  • Hi runningsue, i think the main issue is if it helps you, I'm glad i did if i hadn't had any i would have been dead about two years ago I'm still fine living a normal life with a lot more years to go,. i don't like it after forth session i was in hospital for eight days bad side effects but it's worth it when it's finished,. 

    Billy 

  • Hi I'm new to this site I start my chemo on Friday folfox I'm scared and anxious  

  • Morning, sorry you find yourself on here but there's a lot of comfort in this forum. The first chemo is the scariest, get that one under your belt. The nurses will put you at ease...

    Take some mags or a book , a drink and some sweets, biscuits , mints....honestly I looked like I was going on a flaming pic nic on chemo days! 
     

    pop in and let us know how you got on? Good luck....

  • Thank you it does help to chat,I've been told the nurses are great and will put me at ease just a very scary journey

  • I know love.....what cancer is the chemo for? Mine was breast cancer...FEC chemo.....

    Everyone will have their own experience's with chemo, my friend was able to work throughout ( so did I ) but she beat me by always stopping at Burger King after each cycle...honestly, all she felt was fatigue....

    you will get through this, remember one step in front of the other x