I havent got date yet to start my chemo and feel so worried and scared im already very anxious and suffer anxiety terrible and makes me worse when im out of control is it bad for everyone?
Hi Jinny
Honest answer is NO it’s not ‘bad’ for everyone, and by that I mean it’s not as bad as you are probably imagining! It is perfectly doable! Its not much fun and you might have days when you feel you can’t do it anymore. But with support from friends and family, or on line support, you will get through it!
I managed to work throughout my treatment, both Chemo and Rads. I am now out the other side 
I had lots a days when I thought I couldn’t do it anymore! But honestly if it’s facing Chemo, or facing the Cancer taking my life, then I know which I would chose!
You are probably alot stronger than you give yourself credit for, and you will find lots of help and support on here! Remember you are not alone. Sending you ((((((((((BIG HUGS))))))))) good luck with your journey ahead. If you haven’t already, then maybe join one of the starting Chemo threads. You will find lots of people feeling exactly how you do.
Wishing you all the best
Sal x
Hi Jinny,
I had chemo from February 5th 2013 until May 23rd 2013. I had no sickness, and only had a few days feeling a bit grotty each time. For me, day 6 to day 10 were the worst - very tired, couldn’t concentrate. Then I was ok. Yes, I got constipation, diarrhoea, (not at the same time) and a few other bits and pieces, but my oncologist gave me meds to counteract that. Just make sure you tell your onco every time what ill effects you have and they will deal with it. Admittedly there are some who have a bad time, but if you read through some of the monthly chemo threads in this section, you will find others who were ok. Please try not to worry, the time will pass quicker than you imagine and if you join one of those monthly threads when you begin chemo, you will get support from others who are going through the same thing and will be able to compare your side effects.
Sending hugs and wishing you well.
Poemsgalore xxx
I have had 4 cycles and still managing to work apart from the week after when I stay at home and rest, sat here right now if I didn’t know better i would think I didn’t have cancer feel absolutely fine, chemo 5 is next week so again will expect to feel grotty for a few days but it really isn’t as bad as I expected, people don’t always no what to expect and then your mind makes everything worse, I think most hospitals are good lots of support available, take advantage of any free reflexology and aromatherapy sessions speak to the macmillan volunteers at the hospital to see what’s in offer where you live, good luck x
Hi Jinny. Please don’t be scared. It’s natural to feel scared as it’s all the unknown and out of your control, but it is do-able. It’s not the first choice of how id like to spend my time, but it’s not like they portray it on the TV. The best advice is to listen to your body, tell the docs if you have any side effects and drink lots of water. The side effects vary enormously from person to person and mine have been different-ish every time. However, last time I was fine except for bad heartburn. Use the forums to support and if you let us know which regime you’re on, we might even have some tips to help you out. Join a monthly chemo thread once you’ve got your date too. Best of luck, Mel51
Hi jinny,I am halfway through chemo (yay!) I too was really anxious and so worried about starting it, the fear of the unknown is worse than the chemo- I have worked part time all the way through so far and that helps me to feel normal! Side effects are manageable, I had my sickness meds changed to a drug called Emend after 1st dose and found a big improvement, so they will adept meds etc to help you.
I can’t agree with other ladies enough on joining a monthly thread with others starting at same time: I am finding it such a massive support and comfort and also gave a good laugh too with various funny stories!!
Very best dishes and good luck! Xxx
Hi jinny,
I have just finished chemo, its really not as bad as I thought it would be! Yes there were times when I thought I don’t want to do this anymore, but I think thats normal for most of us nobody is doing it by choice! I really only had 2 or 3 days when I felt very fatigued and a bit sick but the anti sickness tablets are amazing ask for emend if you suffer from it- it really does work! i went back to work after a week off during chemo and I really believe that working can help you mentally as well as physically I dont think sitting around is good get that chemo flushed out! I am not the worlds strongest person in some ways and I can get anxious too but I think that having cancer has made me draw on some reserves I didnt know I had.
i hope you wil be ok good luck and best wishes,
Emma xx
Hi Jinny
I am in same position as you. I know I have some scary stuff ahead but no actual date to start. But I do have a date for meeting the chemo team. I am self employed so I rang them so I had a handle on what I could fit in around the appointment. My SN gave me the number to ring and so at least I have some idea now when it will start. It helped me a little to be proactive and feel a little in control of something.
I am starting FEC/T - do you know what treatment you are having?
Best of luck
Quiltlover
Hi Emma , yes it made a big improvement on fec2 ! Think everyone should have it on first one!
Hi jinny, I really feel for you, I felt just the same ( I haven’t had my lump removed yet) but had lymph node biopsy op, I am on 3rd chemo of 6 cycles, when diagnosed and until recently couldn’t eat and lost half a stone- as I am quite thin anyway I couldn’t really afford to lose anyway, also had panic attacks- I went to g.p and was prescribed citalopram which helps with anxiety/ panic. Maybe that would help you cope a little, it did for me.
When you start chemotherapy you will feel hopefully more in control as you will feel like things are moving on more, it’s not too bad, you will cope , like other ladies say : we work and have normality a lot of the time.
All the best and sending you a hug, please if you can try the anti anxiety meds . It will help in this awful time.x
I was like you when I had to start chemo but beleive me it is not as bad as you think. I felt sick for a few days and had the constipation and some days felt as if I couldn’t go on with it any longer but you do keep going on because you know it is doing good.
I had mine Last year July- September but it all seems so far away now. My hair has grown back and I am doing really well.
So just put your trust in the nurses and your Oncologist and you will get through it.
xxx
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Hi everyone, I’m new to the Forum but I just wanted to say hi, I’ve read some of the posts on here as I too am very anxious about starting my chemo. I’ve had a lumpectomy on 12 May but I’ve to get more surgery next week as my margins weren’t clear, I’ve to meet my Oncologist on 10 June and chemo to start a couple of weeks after that, although no actual dates given. I am a very strong, optimistic person but all the waiting and uncertainty is making me very nervous and anxious. I read this Forum every night and I go to bed feeling uplifted that I can get through this.
Jinny I know what you are going through, you will get through this, you are stronger than you know, you have kids and you have a lot to look forward to.
My treatment is surgery, chemo, radiotherapy and hormone treatment, today is not a good day as I’ve cried a lot, but tomorrow is a new day and I will feel better. x
Hello
I’m in the same boat as you, I literally can’t stop crying and stressing myself out about it. I was diagniosed on NYE, I have since had a double mast and immediate reconstruction (feb 4th) since the operation I have lost my job through redundancy (nothing to do with my cancer) and I had to have my dog put to sleep after being with me for 11 years. I have never felt so low in my whole life, I used to be such a different person but now I’m a wreck. The thought of losing my hair after loosing everything else in the last 4months feels me with dread, I made the decsion NOT to have chemo and I was happy with that but I feel guilty because everyone tells me I should have it. It has gone past the 12 weeks now where Chemo is effective so I think to myself whats the point in putting myself through it all if its not going to work. Its only because I have been told to have the Herceptin that I keep telling myself I should have it.
I’m HER2 Positive, Grade 3 but my nodes were clear but I also carry a TP53 gene which is a cancer causing Gene. My mum has just had a mastectomy 3 weeks after me (she has had cancer 3 times and also sarcoma once)
The word Chemo makes me feel sick, walking to the hospital for appointments I sweat, clam up, turn into a horrible nasty person, getting an appointment in the post makes me cry for the rest of the day.
I meant to be having the Chemo talk and the first session on Wednesday and I just don’t know what to do
Is there anyone who has decided against Chemo out there and never looked back??
Thanks for reading xx
Hi Gilly and thanks for the comment. I agree that taking one day at a time is the best way to get through this, I have no doubt that I will have numerous questions about my treatment once it’s started, so I will post regularly for information and to keep everyone updated. This forum is great, let’s keep up the good work everyone x
Hi coffee girl and Lottielou, welcome to the BCC forums
Along with the support you have found here our helpliners are on hand with practical and emotional support for you on 0808 800 6000, lines are open weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2, please feel free to call to talk your concerns through
Take care
Lucy BCC