Postby Pollyanna » Sat Feb 24, 2007 8:39 pm
My advice? Go in to this with a completely open head, heart and soul. Know that the drugs that they give you will be very strong, but they need to be strong to eradicate the cancer.
Go in with an attitude of "receiving" chemotherapy, not that you're undergoing chemotherapy - see the difference? I look at my onco nurses as amazing, giving angels, and treat them accordingly - it is with them that I am on this journey.
There's an excellent CD of Dr. Bernie Segal's - it's called "Getting Ready", and it breaks things down into three sections - gettting ready for surgery, getting ready for radiation, and getting ready for chemotherapy. It's a wonderful meditation - he's got a very soothing voice, and I've fallen asleep every time I've listened to it - something must have sunk in subliminally, because it's truly lessened the apprehension.
As for any side effects, the big thing to keep in mind is that everyone is different. So just because it said something may happen in a book, it doesn't necessarily make it a given that it's going to happen to you.
If music calms you, take it along. Some people feel a metallic taste in their mouth once the infusion starts. My friend took a yogurt along to coat her mouth. Others take candy. Usually the oncology dept has supplies like this, along with juice and ice chips, and popsicles.
Best of wishes for a healing time on Monday.
Hugs,
Shelley :>)