How do I get mentally prepared for chemotherapy?

@cholangiocarcinomact
My Dr. said I could get my teeth cleaned so I did. No problems. I even had to have a root canal and again, no problem. It's important to keep life as 'normal' as possible during treatment - it really helps your mental state stable.

Fear is normal. I am four years post treatment now. I just accepted it as something I had to do for a period of time to fight the cancer. Once you see what the routine is it gets a little easier. The medicines they give before chemo help alot, too.
Bring music, a book, I brought slippers and a lap blanket to get more comfortable.
Some people brought water or some form of Gatorade.
When I lost my hair I bought chemo caps off of Amazon and sometimes the cancer clinics have them for free.
The nurses are great if you have any questions they are there to help.
You can do it and hugs to you.

I had the best chemo nurse. My oncologist had me spend 1 hour of chemo training with my nurse. It was so helpful and she answered all my questions and offered great information. One piece of advice she gave was take Zyrtec or Claritin because the chemo (I was taking) would cause aches and boy she was right. Beyond the closeness I developed with her, I had conversations with fellow chemo patients I sat next too. It made me realize some patients had it so much worse then me. Everyone’s experience is different just know your family, friends and fellow chemo patients are there to support you.

Hola, el mismo día tengo mi visita a la Dra que me intervino hace una semana de una cuadrantectomía de la mama derecha con retiro de ganglio centinela. Allí sabré como ha cicatrizado todo, los pasos a seguir y que resultados habrá arrojado. Sé que iré a rayos, y como tú tengo las mismas dudas, miedos por los efectos en mi cuerpo, la caída del pelo, la fatiga, si lo podré soportar, el tener que enfrentar a los que me conocen y no saben de mi enfermedad, etc. Trato de mantenerme fuerte y positiva porque sé que eso va a ayudar a pasar el momento, pero no quiero hacerlo forzado, también me sieto sola, aunque tengo a mi hijo y también a mi ex marido, sólo ellos. Por eso es bueno saber de otras mujeres y sus experiencias, ayuda mucho para sentirse acompañado.

I am afraid too but I will be your friend through this if you need me. I have kidney cancer but will also be receiving treatment soon. Let me know if you would like to connect. Erica

@mmvaz25, welcome. I'm glad that you found our group. Breast cancer can be isolating even when we have people around us.

When do you have a follow up with the surgeon? How are you doing?

When i prepared for my chemo I read info from reputable websites on individuals experiences to help me prepare. I eventually made a chemo bag that had snacks, a drink to hydrate, a lap blanket, music, something to read and a small knit project because I never knew where my head would be to distract me. I was also fortunate to have a mediport implanted so my hands were free to do whatever I wanted. I also changed my diet to be higher in protein by having high protein shacks in the morning. I also carried candied ginger in my chemo bag in case I got nauseous.

@lifeoferi, I invite you to join the discussions in the Kidney Cancer support group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/kidney-cancer/

You may wish to start here:
- Kidney cancer patients: Let's connect and introduce yourself https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/wanting-to-connect-with-kidney-cancer-patients/

And I had chemo, following mastectomy, within a few minutes the process starting, I would fall soundly asleep and woke up near the end. I lost my hair pretty quickly and always had a soft cotton cap on my head that I could pull down over my eyes which helped me sleep. I’m not sure that happens for everybody. That’s what happened for me.

It is so normal to be frightened about chemo. I burst into tears when my oncologist informed me that my best chances of survival was to have chemo. I was 84 at the time, 2024. She was very patient and asked me about my strongest fears. Nausea and vomiting were one. She said she had zero patients having N/V. She was able to add me to the list. The pre chemo drugs and treatment plan took care of that. My chemo visits included a very close friend to go with me, reading material, my cell phone, a cozy blanket and a snack. Everyone is different and also, there are different chemo mixtures. I had another friend who walked with me every step of the way, answering questions and giving me support and suggestions. Pick up some soft, maybe bamboo, chemo caps. When out and about, wear dangling earrings. Yes, that was one thing she suggested and I loved that. Move around as much as you can. Stop negative input into your mind. Be around positive people. Find something to laugh about every day. I started watching funny animal and babies videos on Facebook. Keep your fluid intake up. I had one post chemo next day injection that gave me some aches and pains for 3 days. I could take Tylenol but I was being silly and didn't take the allowed amount. That was my mistake. Take it and it does help a lot if you are in that situation. I kept up with as many activities as I could. I asked for help when I needed it. I live in an active retirement community and my family isn't near, living in other states. My community came on board and helped carry me along with support. I was chair of the residents at the time and my fellow board members were absolutely helping as needed. It is OK to ask for help. People want to, but don't know how. Be specific. Make a list of who you can call if you need a ride, need groceries, need medication pick up at the pharmacy, get your mail, give rides to your children if that is your age group. Keep that handy. Contact your faith family if you have one. Join a support group. Stay in touch right here on this site.
We are all in this sisterhood of which we didn't want membership. Many of us are on this journey together. We are making it through and you will too. We all take it a day at a time and with the way medical care for the cancer patient has changed, our outlook is so very much better than even just a few years ago. Sending you a gentle hug.