Navigating chemotherapy isn't easy. The "cancer" tidal wave has suddenly hit your world. Your head is swimming and you are trying to absorb this information along with a new language filled with medical jargon and terminology that you don't understand.
After what seems like a million and one tests, scans and blood tests, you've received your treatment plan and chemotherapy looms. Whether you have already had an operation or you are going straight into chemo first (like me) you will most likely have the fear of the unknown in the pit of your stomach.
We all feel differently going into chemo, navigating chemotherapy isn't easy. For me, I just wanted to get it done, but inside I was terrified and I was uncertain how my body would cope - both physically and mentally.
My nurse, Kay was amazing, she gave good solid advice. Kay told me that I should plan to eat little and often, she told me my body would be working incredibly hard and when it works so hard it needs fuel, if it hasn’t got the fuel that is when the sickness could be worse.
I cleared a cupboard in the kitchen, then filled it with lots of things I like, both sweet and
savoury, everything from milkshake powder, pasta sauces, nuts, cereals, to biscuits, sweets, crisps and everything in between. My strategy was that I at least would be able to find something to nibble on, even when I didn’t feel like eating.
Your taste changes on chemo, so some things you usually love you may not be able to eat, so give yourself lots of options.
My Top Tips!
Stay hydrated!
It really is important, as fluids help flush the drugs through your system, to support your body.
Give yourself options because what you can stomach one day the next you may not. I tried everything from milkshakes, all manner of juices, herbal teas, cordials, ice cream, lollies, yoghurt and even hot Ribena was a winner for a time! But in the end the only thing I found worked for me was water.
Take your Meds!
When I came home from the chemo unit I had a bag full of medicines, mouthwash
and injections (that was a shock especially for a needle-phobic person! – no one warned me about that!).
Prior to my diagnosis I tried to battle aches and pains with little or no pain relief. Why was dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy any different I asked myself? BUT they give you them for a reason! My nurse asked me why I was allowing myself to suffer when there are things that you can take to help make the side effects more tolerable. As much as I hate to admit it she had a point! So I took the anti-sickness medication even if I wasn't feeling sick - I am sure that they were the reason my feelings of sickness reduced.
Treatment Day Essentials...
I won’t lie I looked like I was moving in! But this chemo business isn’t exactly a party so my point is make yourself as comfy as possible!
I’d take my blanket (with the pictures of my dogs on) a pair of fluffy socks, a book, a
magazine, my iPad (Netflix featured heavily), and earphones to drown out the noise of the
machines.
Queasy drops and snacks - Freddo's, marmite sandwiches (no judgement please!) and grapes were my go to.
Not forgetting tissues, anti-bac gel, hand cream, face mist, drinking bottle, and a pack of paracetamol (chemo always gave me a headache).
And of course "Chance" was always by my side!