Struggling with Chemo and Feeling Misunderstood

Marie, let your doctor know how the AC messed you up. They can adjust your chemo and order medication to combat the side effects. Take all the medications as prescribed so you can stay ahead of the side effects. Today is AC number 3 for me. Number 2 was easier than number 1 for me. Hopefully you will experience the same.

I’m going to start the first round of AC on Thursday. When I spoke to my doctor about the side effects, he told me that he is ordering premeds before I get the actual chemo part. I did really well with the first 12 of carboplatin, taxol and keytruda. Fatigue was my biggest problem, and I found it was cumulative for me. The further I got in the treatment the more fatigue I felt. Also hydration was definitely a factor in how I felt……or feel. I was blessed with only some constipation in the beginning, but I spoke with my oncologist and oncology RN and got that under control in the first few weeks. I’m grateful for my “helicopter husband” who is always there for me. Keep faith that this will pass without many more side effects 🙏❤️

You're being faced with some real challenges. Although it's hard to do this, try to concentrate on the fact that your body is being attacked by new medicine and procedures. Don't hesitate to talk to your oncologist and members of that team to see what they can recommend. Every treatment is different for every patient, and it took me a long time to understand that. Mostly, be patient with your body as it adjusts to all these changes. I had many moments when I thought the cancer I have wouldn't kill me but the treatment certainly would!! Take one treatment at a time and keep your oncology team in the loop so they can troubleshoot for you. Your team is there to help, as are the people here.

What you're experiencing with treatment is incredibly difficult, and those feelings of fear and exhaustion are completely valid. Many patients in this community have shared similar struggles with the physical and emotional toll of chemotherapy, and your honesty about how hard this is right now takes courage. Consider reaching out to your care team about managing side effects, and know that this community understands the reality of what you're going through when others in your life might not fully grasp it.