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How do I get mentally prepared for chemotherapy?
I’m assessed 10/14/25, to see if I’ve healed enough from my DM to begin chemotherapy. I’m more anxious for chemo than I was for the DM with reconstruction.
How do I become a light throughout chemo treatment? I want to be a strong woman. I want to make my people proud. I want my daughter to see me as strong and determined—not scared and timid.
Admittedly, I’m terrified. I am trying to find something to cling onto in order to get through the 12 weeks but I’m coming up short. It’s all so different for everyone.
How did you set your mindset before chemo and stay walking in the light? Yes, I know there will be bad moments and I pray to God I can handle them with grace. But, what do you tell yourself? How do you keep going? When you want to quit, what helps you walk back in there?
I feel so alone with this but I guess I’m really not. Strangest. Feelings. Ever.
TLDR: I’m scared to start chemotherapy. I feel like I don’t know how to stay positive or walk in the sunshine. Help?
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I want to add one more thing to my earlier comment. Please take someone with you to all appointments with any of your providers so they can take good notes. You are going to miss some of what is said and it is great to have the notes to refer back to later.
@ksue3
What a courageous woman!!!
I had my hair cut in a pixie before starting, then clipped about 1/4 inch long when it started coming off in the shower. Get some nice soft warm hats!
It’s been 8 years since I completed TCHP chemotherapy which was very difficult. But, I am here today, doing workouts and living life. You can do it.
About 3 years after I completed treatment, my best friend was diagnosed and given the same treatment plan (during early days of covid! - imagine). She, too, is here today better than ever. She did not have such a difficult time with the TCHP as I did. You may be like her (driving herself to appointments!) but if you’re more like I was, just hang on and do your best to follow the guidance the Cancer Center nurses and your ocologists give you.
I also kept a journal, tracking meds, food/drink intake, thoughts.
Best of luck to you - sending a virtual hug ❤️
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2 Reactions@cedarlou, such a helpful and hopeful post for @missmollyd and anyone else getting ready for chemotherapy.
Mary Lou, how are you doing now? Do you ever go back to the journal or was that more of a tracking journal, useful in the moment, but not for revisiting?
@colleenyoung I am doing well, thank you, 8 years after completing chemo, lumpectomy, and radiation plus 5 years of anastrazole(arimidex). Thankful for every day! Sometimes I think about pulling out the old journal and looking at it, but it really was for tracking in the moment. It was helpful to share with my care team as they tried to help me manage my chemo symptoms.
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1 ReactionIm 84, had chemo at 79. Other than the first two weeks when they had to ajust the strength of the drugs, it wasn't bad. I lost my hair but it came back in beautifully and curly. I was sad when it went back to my normal thin hair. They treat y u very well at chemo. Soft warm blankets, apple juice. It was a pleasant experence.
4 years later the oncologist says I'm fine.
Hi Missmollyd, I am just seeing your message now so perhaps you have already started or even completed your chemo treatment. Best wishes either way. I remember feeling frightened as well and wondered how I would be able to get through it but reminded myself that thousands of people are facing the same challenge everyday. But more importantly, I told myself that chemo is going to be my friend...tough as it can be, it was going to help me and I decided to take everything that was offered since I was triple positive, making it one of the more aggressive breast cancers. So I am still here 15 years later, telling you that you can do this. I had a double mastectomy, no reconstruction so I go flat, chemo, 28 rounds of radiation, 18 doses of Herceptin...it was a long haul but worth it. Many have written with great ideas to support you on this journey so I won't repeat them, just endorse them. Sending a virtual hug.
Chemo was my first experience with breast cancer. It really wasn't bad. The nurses were wonderful. It was in the middle of winter so the worse part was going out in the weather. Once you got there, they gave you a warm blanket and each recliner had it's own little TV. At first, I didn't have a port so I had to get poked, but even that wasn't bad. Try to relax, take something to read or watch TV. They will take good care of you!!
Hi Very sorry to hear about about your feelings of fear and terror. A new diagnosis of Cancer must be very stressful.
Please contact your Oncology medical office and request an immediate referral to the MSWs and Psychologists, or Psychiatrists based at your local or neighboring hospital who are assigned to cancer patients.
They should be able to meet with you and provide stress management and psychological support . If you meet with talk with the hospital Oncology department affiliated Psychiatrist, he will decide if Anxiety medications may be helpful.
CANCER CARE probably provides free counseling, as well.
I can imagine how you are feeling fearful and stressed. Fear is a natural reaction to a new and or continuing diagnosis of Cancer.
I hope that you will be feeling less stress soon after meeting with the hospital based MSWs, or Psychologists or Psychiatrist.
Best
Susan