What to expect starting chemo at 45 with young kids - need advice and support

Starting treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing being a parent with facing a cancer diagnosis. Many community members share that the anticipation is often harder than the actual experience, and having a strong support system - including your daughters as motivation - makes a significant difference in navigating treatment. This community understands the unique challenges of parenting through cancer treatment, and there are many here who can offer practical advice about managing side effects while caring for children.

Kara, I am with you on dealing with the unknown as you move through this illness. I was diagnosed in April of this year and have already completed 1 round of Chemo. Anxiety is going to be a constant you just have to figure out your coping mechanisms. There will be some days you will feel bad and then there will be good days. Please allow yourself to admit you are not feeling well if someone ask how you are doing. That is something I had to realize. Take it in stride and try to stay positive.

Hi Kara, Cancer brings Chaos to one's life. I was diagnosed in June of 2024. Have been on chemotherapy & immunotherapy twice a month for about a year and a half, that's 32 cycles. I didn't get sick, nauseous, or lose hair, i did have some thinning, but since no one really noticed, i have lived pretty normally for all this time. Hobbies & projects keep me going. As for turning that Chaos into calm, try Cancercompanions .org, become a prayer partner, start a group, whatever helps you get out of self. I finally had a reaction this month from the immunotherapy that inflamed my lungs, so treatment has been paused for now. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of help. cvcancercompanions@ gmail.com

Hi Kara By now you have probably had a few treatments already. I hope everything is going well for you. My oncologist started me with small doses so the side effects weren't too bad. Everyone is different when it comes to tolerating chemotherapy. It would mostly make me sleepy. My most annoying side effect was numbness and tingling in my fingers and toes. I was also very sensitive to cold temperatures. I couldn't taste my food and at times I felt nauseous. I've been on chemo for three and a half years. My third year was the worst when it came to my side effects. I went to the hospital three times for different medications that didn't agree with me. I was mostly weak and slept all day and night. I wasn't in any significant pain but I did lose some weight and had to be given some blood transfusions. At this point I'm feeling better and I got my appetite back. So you will have some bad days but when your meds are just right you can catch a break. Just keep up the good fight and go through it so you can come out on the other side hopefully with a remission.