They found a mass: How do you cope with anxiety and all the tests etc?

@loula Cynde, sounds like all went well with your first chemo session! You know, you did all the hard work of staying positive and asking for help. Looking forward, I know you’ll do well. Proud of you! Becky

@loula. Cynde, you did it! You conquered the worst of the anxiety, traversed the mountains of information, made many informed decisions and got your show on the road. On your terms! Along the way you have met new friends and managed to inspire others, including me. Put that all together and look at a huge amount of strength. Congratulations, friend!
Peace, Nancy

Yes I did make it and the panic mode is over, I am so lucky to have found this site and a big bunch of hugs and kisses to all of you that have helped me through this to this point.
Cynde

Cynde I am so happy you are finding so much support. I am an 11 year breast cancer survivor who received strong chemo for 6 months and radiation for 7 weeks and I am still taking anti estrogen medication. My suggestion is to find a good support group at your hospital with people at your same level of treatment along with survivors like me who are years into their survivorship. I know during my active treatment when I felt like an alien seeing women looking normal again gave me the hope to go on. My daughters took me to lunch with my grandchildren every week which kept me going. I am now a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and wear my survivor pin proudly. I participate with my church prepandamic with serving meals to the patients and care givers at Hope Lodge which is run by the American Cancer Society. Once I recovered and got my strength back. Also alittle time passed nothing gives me more joy than to help a cancer patient through their journey as those who helped me. I wish you love and light. Donna

@loula- How are you feeling today? I'm glad this this one is over for you. In anticipation of my first chemo my B/P went up to 150 over something. Be kind to yourself and rest if you need it. Do you have everything that you need at home?

Had my port put in and biopsy done yesterday sister with me 6 hrs there, I am hurting a little and very tired, anyone know after you have had the chemo you feel pretty good then you start to hurt and feel tired how long does this last? hope all is having a nice weekend.
Cynde

@loula. Cynde. I’m so glad your sister was able to be there for you! But now you’re hurting and feel tired. That’s exactly how I felt after my chemo infusion. It’s sort of a big let down after all the worry and anxiety. I try not to do anything but rest and maybe read a good book. You’ll probably feel tired each time. Are you taking any anti-nausea medicine?
I’m so glad everything went well! Becky

Everyone is different. First few days will tell you more. It is very important to during those 8 glasses of water a day to get that chemo moving in and out of your body. It is also hey to stay hydrated

Glad you decided to get a port. It will make the process of receiving chemo so much easier. The nurses can take blood from your port to ck your white blood cell count before you begin chemo as long as your count in in normal range. 11 years ago I had to get the Nulasta shots in the bottom of my arm it was always painful. Now I see advertised different way Nulasta can be delivered. It is for people who receive strong chemo. Be kind to yourself. Rest when you need to. Chemo effects everyone differently. Some drugs did not hit me for 2 days. Then it was like a mack truck hit me. Some drugs hit me immediately. Eating was difficult. I would eat a could fork fulls of food and be full. I lost a great deal of weight. My oncologist gave me very good antinausau meds. Zofran and I forget the other. Try not to listen what others?tell you how they felt and how you should feel. Your body is unique and will respond differently than others.

Cynde

I will tell you the effects of chemo are cumulative. The longer you have to undergo infusions the worse you will feel. I had chemo for 6 months. There were days I could not get out of bed. It also depends on how strong of a dosage amount of chemo your receiving. I worked the first 3 months of chemo. It then became too difficult physically. Sorry to say you can expect to feel more tired as you continue to receive chemo. Rest when you need to. If you are receiving radiation after chemo that makes you very tired radiation. Radiation is every day for 7 weeks.