@sqdncnws- Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You don't mention what type of cancer you have or when you were diagnosed. I'm a mentor for the Lung Cancer Groups and Lung Diseases for Mayo Connect. When I found out that I had cancer, even if I was not completely surprised as a long time smoker, it felt like the earth just opened up and tried to swallow me. I had one panic attack after another and went around dry-heaving my way to my pre-surgery appointments.

Any cancer is life-changing and because there isn't any guide book, it's very frightening, to say the least. My first thought when I could think again was, of course, that I was going to die. But not all cancers lead to death and there have been so many advances in treatments that it's a different cancer world. My first cancer was in 1997 and I'm still here after almost 23 years. Although I have still do have lung cancer my cancer is being managed as a chronic illness and not terminal illness.

When I checked-in for my first chemo appointment my blood pressure was way high and I swore that everyone could hear my heartbeat. I almost had my head shaved but my hairdresser suggested that I find out if the chemicals that I would receive caused baldness. I found out that they might not, so I didn't have it shaved. My hair thinned but I was not close to being bald.

Chemo is a double-edged sword but it's a damn great thing that we have it. It's wonderful that you have an excellent immune system, it will help your body to heal and work along with the chemicals. Are you having chemo or immunotherapy? Drinking a ton of water will help get rid of the chemicals. You really do need water to do this and to help lessen the side effects and keep you hydrated, otherwise, you will feel worse. You will also need to keep up your strength by eating as well as you can. If you allow your anxiety to rule you will find that your body won't be able to help you as much as it can.

I suggest that you sit down with your husband and explain exactly how you feel. Be kind and gentle so that he can better help you. He has to know how his actions make you feel. You can help guide him on how to best help and support you. It's his first time with cancer with you, I assume. He also is probably scared to death.

Having cancer takes away your power over your body. You have to let people whom you have never met touch you, stick needles in and otherwise reduce your choices of what needs to be done. Research everything that you can about your illness. Education is power and the more that you know that better off you will be. It will help you keep a sense of control over your life. You will be a better patient because your appointments will be less about fear and more about treating you. It will also help lessen your fears and stop your imagination from running wild and clouding your mind. The more control that you feel will also help lessen the drain the toll it takes on your body. You need every bit of energy to stay healthy throughout your treatments.

As long as you feel well, walking will help you keep up your strength. Try not to stop your life. I did and it was a big mistake. If your husband can shop then have him do that so that you can stay away from crowds as much as you can. COVID-19 is still out there so be more vigilant with your own protection.

What are you doing more carefully now to protect yourself? How are you feeling?

Merry

@sqdncnws - I concur that anxiety and stress quickly follow after a diagnosis of cancer.

I see a few folks have already connected with you and have offered some of their experiences.
I was extremely fortunate that I had great support system when I was undergoing my various treatments.

I see that the support of your husband at this time does not seem to fit with your hopes and expectations.
As a husband, we can sometimes not truly understand what is needed for support from us at times. Merry makes a great point to have a discussion on expectations with your husband.

I want to bring to your attention the "Caregivers" group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a link is copied below.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers/
Perhaps this is something that you could jointly investigate, that will hopefully find helpful.

Continue to reach out at anytime, as there are many members on connect that can hopefully provide you with peace of mind from sharing their experiences, or just listen.

@sqdncnws- How are you feeling today after reading some of these posts?

I can totally relate to your story! I have the same problems. I told myself, and anyone that asked, I was great, I was not sick from the Chemo. I in fact, had already been sick that morning. I stayed positive,I drank everything I needed too and still ended up in ER room with dehydration. I also ended up needing 2 large bags of blood, New Years Eve, at the Mayo. I wish I could be there with you.
I was told by my husband to “get back” it was the 1st month the corona Virus was found here in Minnesota. I really needed a hug, a shoulder to cry on. Nope not with him, he was staying so far away. I wish I could tell you how to get thru this journey...... I want you to know, it is now 10 months since I heard the words, large tumor in your lung ...... it does not get easier, trying to figure the husband out, but I have found some love on these sites❣️❣️❣️ Thank goodness they have this.❤️