Thoughts on Chemo: a patient’s perspective

As I approach 8 years NED I find myself in the interesting position to be the person who knows cancer treatment and what it’s like to have chemotherapy.


I wanted to share a little bit about what it’s like going through chemo for those who are UNFORTUNATELY new to cancer. I want to clarify my view is as a patient and I am not a doctor.

Chemo Sick is not Flu Sick. You can use similar remedies to handle symptoms, but generally speaking there’s one way to get through it... and it SUCKS. 😣

Chemo treatment builds up in your body and creates a toxic buildup in your cells and side affects often take their time to appear. Side affects vary for each person.

Some side affects are:  nausea, diarrhea, night sweating, fatigue, neuropathy, hair loss and extreme bone and body aches. Women are often put into menopause. These side affects can be mitigated with medication and various natural remedies but unfortunately they are the nature of the beast. Staying hydrated and resting are the most important things to do while recovering from chemo treatment.

And chemo brain is real. It’s very odd to get foggy thinking and become confused. Focusing on things becomes difficult and it’s important to understand this is normal.

Fatigue: for me it lasted for years due to the extreme nature of my treatment. Chemo fatigue makes the once energetic find that getting dressed takes it out of ya! With rest and time this gets better. Please take it easy with yourself and REST when you are tired and NOT feel bad.

 REST IS PARAMOUNT TO RECOVERY! Sleep in your chair... sleep so your body can heal.

Going through chemo is not like going through the flu. Chemo is a buildup of toxic medication in your body to stop cancer cells from growing.

Most of all... be gentle with yourself and REST! You can do this! It’s not going to be easy... find a support system and hang in there... sometimes going through chemo is like walking through a fire and it’s the only way to get rid of cancer.

Hugs to you as you!!!