Starting treatment soon -- what happens the first day with chemo?

Marynb said:

Starting treatment.
Hi there. I finished treatment a little over a year ago. I want to reassure you that you can do this! I remember the level of anxiety that I felt before treatment. Of course, no 2 patients respond similarly. For me, the treatment was nowhere near as bad as I had anticipated and feared. It was tough, but you can do it! I was not hopsitalized during any of the chemo treatments. For me, the chemo was not bad at all. No nausea...I was out to lunch in Boston soon after the infusion. I had a chemopack through a pic lne. After a brief rest, my sister and I left the hospital and went out to a restaurant on the waterfront, i covered the lines and pack with a sweater. What really helped me was drinking a lot of water. It felt a tad like morning sickness when I woke up in the morning, so a little cinammon toast helped. The doctor had given me a prescription for antianxiety, but I never took it because I did not need it. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times......room temperature. For me, the chemo was not a problem until further along in the treatment when my white blood count got too low. Radiation effects were quite painful for a short period of time. I used the cream they recommended, and a hand held shower with room temperature water on a very low setting. Also, I had no hair loss at all. I washed my hair every day with baby shampoo and did not blow dry. Treat hair very gently.

Prayer helped me. Knowing that everyone was praying for me was so helpful. Also, I had my sistrer with me to laugh with. As bad as you may feel, laughter helps! So, know that I will be praying for you as you begin your journey to wellness! Have faith!