My First Chemo
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My First Chemo
You've just been diagnosed with cancer. You start chemo very soon. You're still trying to understand what is happening. I know...I've been there.
In April of 2008 I was diagnosed with Stage IV Follicular Lymphoma. Within a week of my diagnosis, I started the first of 8 rounds of chemo. To put it into Lymphoma lingo, I had NHL and underwent C-PVR treatment.
That's me, on the right side of the picture, with my best friend the night before my first chemo. The big smiles are really just a cover up for how terrified we both were.
By January 2009, I was in remission.
I remember how frightening and confusing those first few weeks were and so I've started this page to answer questions about what to bring, what to do, how to prepare yourself for your first chemo.
Everyone's cancer and chemo is different, my experience was a relatively positive one and I'm grateful to chemo for making me better. But while your cancer, your chemo and your journey through it are all your own, we all share in a few similarities.
1) Chemo takes time. It takes time for the medicine to get in you, so you'll need to be prepared to wait.
2) Chemo takes place in a medical facility. Like it or not, you might have to enter a hospital or medical type place to get better, so be prepared for that.
3) Healing takes time. Don't rush it, be patient and be prepared to celebrate the little miracles.
In April of 2008 I was diagnosed with Stage IV Follicular Lymphoma. Within a week of my diagnosis, I started the first of 8 rounds of chemo. To put it into Lymphoma lingo, I had NHL and underwent C-PVR treatment.
That's me, on the right side of the picture, with my best friend the night before my first chemo. The big smiles are really just a cover up for how terrified we both were.
By January 2009, I was in remission.
I remember how frightening and confusing those first few weeks were and so I've started this page to answer questions about what to bring, what to do, how to prepare yourself for your first chemo.
Everyone's cancer and chemo is different, my experience was a relatively positive one and I'm grateful to chemo for making me better. But while your cancer, your chemo and your journey through it are all your own, we all share in a few similarities.
1) Chemo takes time. It takes time for the medicine to get in you, so you'll need to be prepared to wait.
2) Chemo takes place in a medical facility. Like it or not, you might have to enter a hospital or medical type place to get better, so be prepared for that.
3) Healing takes time. Don't rush it, be patient and be prepared to celebrate the little miracles.
The Blog that started it all...
- Cancer Becomes Me - The Blog
- A funny, surprising, shocking, sexy, happy, scary journey that one young, single, urban woman goes through to survive cancer.
Portable DVD players from Amazon
First thing first...
You'll need one of these, so pick one and order it.
Privacy and Sharing Necessities at Amazon
Be a good neighbor (in your chemo ward)
You might be sharing a room and you might want to share your movies with others, so here's some necessities that make that easier.
Music Magic
Music has incredible power to heal...
...so let it heal you. Choose the music that will ease you, calm you, inspire you, move you and assure you. Find your music magic.
Television Series at Amazon
One episode per chemo
Allowing yourself to get caught up on a TV series you've heard about (but never have time to watch) is a great way to have something to look forward to with each chemo. A new episode (or five) of your favorite series - new or classic - per chemo makes the time fly!
First Chemo Movies at Netflix Movies
Keep it light, keep it fun, keep yourself entertained
The Netflix module has been phased out. You should edit your lens and try adding an Amazon module instead!Cancer Becomes Me Stuff at CafePress
You're going to need something to carry it all in, some place to journal and your own cup...
Yep, you got the cancer. So own it. It's yours. Be loud and proud, use these items for wearable/useable courage, it will remind you to keep fighting.
Wigs at Amazon
Face it, you're probably going to lose your hair...might as well start shopping now.
I can tell you that I never entirely lost my hair...but it got very thin. I do own a wig, two in fact, one blonde bob and another pink one. But I never did wear them outside.
Just having them for when the hair started to fall out was re-assuring. Then again, if you can rock the bald look, the work it!
Just having them for when the hair started to fall out was re-assuring. Then again, if you can rock the bald look, the work it!
Your Dream Vacation on Orbitz!
Little trips, big trips, it's your life, live it.
Your dream vacation is waiting to find you.
Last Little notes
Learn how to be kind - to yourself
You're about to enter a journey that may or may not change you...so be gentle. Go into this new stage in your life with forgiveness. Forgive yourself for whatever you think caused this. Forgive the people around you who are unable or unwilling to be there for you.
Surround yourself with the people who are able and willing to be there for you. Most importantly, allow yourself to be taken care of. Your body is strong, it will get you through this. Have faith.
Finally, prepare to get better. I know the last thing on your mind right now is food, but pretty soon - about a week after the chemo you're going to get hungry (especially if you get those nifty anti-nausea pills), so...the night before your first chemo, go grocery shopping.
Buy some fruit, some fresh veggies, some dark chocolate, some gingerale and crackers, and the ingredients to make grilled cheese sandwiches. Do your best to avoid junk food, try to eat well, it helps. You're going to want some comfort food...so prepare to eat the good comfort food.
Your chemo is what you make it. Yes, it might be hard, but you'll get through it. I did.
To read about my whole journey, go to my blog: www.cancerbecomesme.blogspot.com
Surround yourself with the people who are able and willing to be there for you. Most importantly, allow yourself to be taken care of. Your body is strong, it will get you through this. Have faith.
Finally, prepare to get better. I know the last thing on your mind right now is food, but pretty soon - about a week after the chemo you're going to get hungry (especially if you get those nifty anti-nausea pills), so...the night before your first chemo, go grocery shopping.
Buy some fruit, some fresh veggies, some dark chocolate, some gingerale and crackers, and the ingredients to make grilled cheese sandwiches. Do your best to avoid junk food, try to eat well, it helps. You're going to want some comfort food...so prepare to eat the good comfort food.
Your chemo is what you make it. Yes, it might be hard, but you'll get through it. I did.
To read about my whole journey, go to my blog: www.cancerbecomesme.blogspot.com
by Becomesme
to read about my whole journey, go to www.cancerbecomesme.blogspot.com
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