When I originally started this blog, I had every intention of turning it into a book. And I still may, down the line, but right now I am enjoying adding to this masterpiece when creativity strikes me. One of the chapters I was going to put in my book was something called "Dos & Don'ts." I wanted to share all the things I learned on my journey in the hopes that it could help someone else.
Every single person has a different experience when going through chemo. What may happen to one person, may not happen to you. Below is a list of tips I have come up with from my experience.
1) Do NOT look ANYTHING up online. I repeat, do not go on the Internet. I cannot stress that enough. All the Internet will do is make you crazy and you'll start to bring on side effects just by power of suggestion. The Internet is not your doctor.
2) I chose not to speak to too many people who had gone through chemo for breast cancer at first because I didn't want to hear their horror stories. I think it was a smart move for me, however, some people feel better talking to someone who has gone through it. And that is 100% okay. I chose not to join any support groups because I was just afraid of what I'd hear.
3) Do let people do things for you and do not feel bad about asking. I had a hard time with this at first. I didn't want anyone to feel bad for me and I didn't want to be helpless. But there are just some days when you don't want to get out of bed or you don't have the energy to do a thing. If a friend wants to buy you lunch, shoooooot, let them! You can get them back later. They want to help you and do this for you. And, you would do it for them.
4) Be as prepared as possible before starting chemo. Some people, including myself, would say I was a little too prepared, but it took a ton of stress off of me. I made sure to purchase my wig before I lost my hair. For me, I didn't want to go into a wig shop totally bald and try wigs on in front of people. I also bought a ton of scarves and hats. I bought sunscreen, eyebrow pencils and makeup, any drugs my doctor suggested or prescribed. I had a whole bag of stuff. I put together a chemo kit that I carried in my purse which consisted of hand sanitizer, hand sanitizing wipes, sunscreen, a thermometer and tissues. I used the hand sanitizer the most. I got a ton of stuff from Headcovers Unlimited (http://www.headcovers.com/). They have everything. Fake eyebrows, eyebrow pencils, wigs, hats, etc. The eyebrow pencil I got from them is amazing. It doesn't smudge at all and it stays on all day. The stuff I didn't use did not go to waste. I donated it to my chemo center so someone else could use it.
5) Wash your hands often and try to stay away from big crowds. I went to Century City during treatment because it was outside and I needed to do some shopping. I walked into one store and a woman was coughing up a storm, so I turned my ass right around and walked out. Just be more aware of sick people.
6) Try to get a bit of exercise in every day. This one was very tough for me because I got muscle pain and weakness, and later swollen feet and legs. I do have to say though, when I pushed myself to even walk Bert, I did feel better.
7) See a shrink. Do not be ashamed if you feel like you need a lil help, mentally. This is a huge deal and if you don't need a little help, then you may be a robot. I also found that writing this blog was a great source of therapy for me, along with talking to my actual wonderful therapist.
8) Stay positive and keep a sense of humor. I cannot tell you how much these 2 things helped me get through it. Breast cancer is not a death sentence. You will get through it, but if you are a Negative Nelly the whole time and feel sorry for yourself, it's going to be a hell of a lot harder. Make jokes about your bald head. Let people know you are enjoying the water weight you gained. Laughter is the best medicine, especially during chemo.
I am going to add to this post as I remember some good tips, but those are the main ones that helped me get through chemo. I've said it before, but it is do-able. It's not as awful these days because there are so many drugs/remedies you can take to ease an unpleasant side effect.
No comments:
Post a Comment