Starting chemo tomorrow---need all your support!
Friends---
I have been on the wonderful site for several years and have received (and I hope also given!) a lot of support.
My own battle begins tomorrow in earnest as I begin a 6 round chemotherapy for my lymphoma.
It's been just over a month since I found 'the lump' that sent me reeling into the Cancer Center here--I've had tests that only the clueless would agree to--and tomorrow, the die will be cast.
R-CHOP, as it is called. 1 day of infusion (the 1st is bad, so I hear) as they introduce, one by one the poisons and then dial back until I can stand it, then another one--well, I don't care too much about the mechanics--I just want the time to fly.
If all goes well and I tolerate the infusions, they make the time between then slightly shorter, so I could be done as early as Sept 1st--or who knows when, if I don't tolerate it well.
Too much time spent on the internet---people say it's the worse thing they've ever done, a lot say they scheduled infusions for Friday so they could be back at work on Monday.
And I WILL lose my hair. Oh well. I hope it grows in pure white and curly.
Dh is going to attempt to be my caregiver---but has already said he cannot stay with me tomorrow (8 hrs)...as I get the first infusion. Maybe that's for the best. He's really struggled with this--he is not a natural CG and tends to just go to bed and leave me to my own devices.
Just need words of support now this thing is real. I will be honest on this board as I might not be around others: I am absolutely terrified beyond reason.
I hope and pray I can be brave and that the IV's go in easily--and that any and all barfing makes it into the appropriate place (not DH's leather interior of his car!) I hope I can have enough 'good days' to out weigh the bad ones.
Funny, I don't worry about a cure, because we caught this so early---but that would be nice, too.
This has humbled me a lot--we always wonder why things happen to us and I am still trying to figure that out. Probably no rhyme or reason--stuff happens because we live and this is part of life.
I thank you in advance, I am already so loaded with different drugs my cognitive reasoning is not the best.
Just prayers, please and good thoughts.
I've been down the cancer trail ten years ago. Also, my sig other had no patience for anything medical, unless he was the patient... [rolling eyes]. Thus, I also was pretty much on my own.
I also had been wondering why things happen to us.... like, what did I do wrong? I never even had an overdue library book !! The surgeon said stress was the factor in my case, as I had no other markings. And caregiving was filled with stress.
We have your back!
I stand by my recommendation to hire a housekeeper, at least 1X per week, until this is over. Ask one of your kids to set that up.
Again, ((((((hugs))))))).
You got this! You are strong!
And that hug I used to use all the time before AC remodelled - IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY.
If your chemo nurses are anything like ours, they will be lovely and they will be fine with it however you want to cope. I wouldn't pay too much attention to how other people managed. They're not you. Heroes or big fat babies alike, they had to please themselves and so must you.
Take treats in case you want them, but put them in a zipped bag so that you don't even have to look at them if you don't.
I just had an evil thought about DH's brilliant idea of taking you for lovely long drives and the possibility of making him deeply regret that offer - but I'll keep it to myself. I didn't know he had leather interiors. 😈
I'll wish you courage, but only if you promise not to use it more than is sensible. Brave faces are not helpful to good nursing care.
We'll be here when you're safe home again.
It's how HE copes---trick will be him learning to let me cope how I DO and then not being angry b/c I'm not acting like he wants me to.
Try not to look to far ahead, just get through one day, then the next. Sometimes the time horizon is too daunting. Self care, focus inwards and you will get through this. You are strong and capable!
{{{hugs}}}
Thinking of you today.
We are here and have your back.
Let others help or ask your daughters for help. You must take care and be easy on yourself.
You got this!
(((Hugs)))
All the best; and be sure to stay in touch with us because we all DO care about ya!
Maybe listening to soothing music during the infusions might be helpful and make the time go by quickly.
Take care of yourself during this time. Hire a housekeeper and whomever else you need to keep DH from freaking out (going to bed 24 hours/day).
{{{HUGS}}} and Prayers 🙏 , a colorful scarf or turban 👒 and a barf bag 😊.
My dear son is a survivor, and has THRIVED since he was treated, and my prayers are with those in treatment, and I’m shoving you to the top of my list.
Keep us all up to date. A friend, also a survivor, lost her hair and when it grew back, it was thicker and glossier than what she’d lost.
Ride over this, and come back to us at the other side..... ANN
Visualize the big burly and mean looking buff chemo - ites beating up the cancer cells.
Pow!
Kaboom!
Take that, you!
Get out! And stay out!
Sparkles
Treatment for lymphoma has come a long way. Have faith & try to keep positive; attitude is everything.
Thank Heaven you found it early. Thank Heavens you have physicians in your family ; I am sure they are looking out for you.
This journey is intimately yours. Don’t base anything on what you’ve heard about the journey of others. Again, take it day by day.
Regarding losing ing your hair, that’s tough, but fortunately these days there are options for wigs and a chance for you to have a little fun picking them out.
Try to remember to hydrate well. The staff will have an easier time finding a good vein for the infusion, plus hydration is important. As is nutrition - I suggest you think about purchasing Ensure or Boost as a supplement if your appetite is affected.
You can beat this. There are many success stories out there. As a nurse I have seen people work full time during their chemo, as you said. I had a specific client who is a school janitor and he continues to work full time, & he is in his 50’s & in remission.
Go in there with your chin up, knowing that you have a family that loves you & has your back. Draw on your faith if you are a believer. Thank goodness you have access to the best healthcare in the world.
Get through it one day at a time. You got this....
Regarding losing your hair, well as one who has always had thick long hair, and has always admired women who take the challenge of cutting their hair Really short and cute, I reccomend you take that on and enjoy it, especially now that it is summertime. Of course you know that it will grow back in, hopefully "white and curly", but for now, one less thing to worry about, lol! Get a few bandanas, just like in the old days, and as it grows back in, gel it up and have fun with it!
I know you will beat this! You are stronger than you think! Take things as they come, and concentrate on you and feeling better.
I'll be thinking of you as the weeks progress, and praying for ease in your fight against this Unwanted Intruder, You Got This! HUGS! Stacey B