Thoughts to share after ringing the bell for those facing chemo

I am just two days away from one of the most emotional days of my life, ringing the bell for the end of chemo. My nurses and I cried, danced and might have even snuck in a hug or two. I am sure chemo is always scary. Being diagnosed and treated during a pandemic was surreal. I have a long way to go--I'm triple negative and still have surgery and radiation to face. But, I've found so much support on these boards and wanted to share what I've learned on my chemo journey. Maybe I can help someone the way others on this site have helped me.

- First and foremost, find a doctor and care team you can trust. Sadly, during the pandemic you will be on your own for many appointments. The trust and bond you build with your care team will be what gets you through chemo. Keep looking until you find a team you can believe in. My chemo nurse truly became a friend. The impact she had on my treatment and my life is huge.

- Before your first treatment, have someone walk you through what are the steps of your treatment. I found this helped me mentally prepare for all of my medical procedures. Not knowing is scary. Chemo is scary...take away some of the unknown by having a call with a chemo nurse who can give you an outline of your day. Believe me, it helps.

- Chemo is tough, but you are tougher.  Never forget that. One bit of advice my oncologist gave me was to not fall back on what you see in the movies. Hollywood makes this scarier than they should. Your doctor will get you through with the right meds to ease your symptoms.

- The mind/body connection is huge. Don't underestimate that ever and find ways to look at your chemo not as the problem, but as the solution. 

- You are going to be tired, and you're going to be emotional. I'm not a crier, but throughout all of this have become one. And sometimes even at sappy commercials. Allow yourself to feel this way. It's not a sign of weekness. You're going through a lot. Give yourself the space to feel your emotions. Take the time to rest. You're fighting a tough fight--but you can do this!

- Chose carefully when and with who you tell your diagnosis to. We are all different. I chose to keep my diagnosis very private, but was challenged several times on my decision. Don't let anyone push you into sharing what you don't want to share. It's your decision.

- Go for your wig selection early. Check your insurance to see if they will cover. Don't let anyone push you into spending more than you want. There are some unethical wig sellers that can prey on your emotions at this time. It's scary and easy to be manipulated into spending more than you need to. Decide early on where you are comfortable. And no matter what they say, I got a synthetic wig against much advice and got tons of compliments. You don't have to spend thousands to keep your hair loss private.

- walk every day...it's good for your body and for your mind. It's especially important on the days you don't want to.

I have gotten so much help and advice from these boards, I wanted to share something to give  back for those facing a new diagnosis and the first chemo. For us all, life will always be different after diagnosis. But we are strong, and we are warriors. Keep fighting the good battle, and never give up! Soon you will be dancing at your bell ringing ceremony, too. Sending you all strength and love!