The waiting is driving me mad!

[chromodoris]

Hi, all,

I'm due to start chemo in 2-3 weeks' time, that being the oncologist's stipulated 8 week wait after my last surgery. After two ops the first few weeks were ok as I was concentrating on recovering from surgery and considering treatment plans. Having struggled to finally reach the decision that I would give chemo a go, I'm now finding it mentally hard to have to wait so long for treatment to start.

So far I've kept busy and had two trips abroad to distract my mind and pamper myself, but apart from preparing the house etc now I feel at a loose end. I find it hard to get this disease out of my head, and I hate the way it seems to be dominating my life. But I'm determined that it will not continue to do so as there is so much more to life.

Just venting a bit, really...I know that I have to just take it day by day, although maybe I'll fit in another quick trip to friends in the UK...

[Bagrat]

Waiting is definitely the pits! Do realise this is a tough time. Don't know if you have ever considered meditaation but I use the headspace app. Also google Mark Williams or search you tube

youtu.be/nlEFKxGNPHk(Not working as expected?) I find this one a great help

[chromodoris in reply to Bagrat]

Thanks. Yes, I have been considering yoga and meditation but not yet looked into it. Will do as you suggest.

[SuePS1958]

Hi doris, handling your head and thinking is one of the biggest parts of chemo. You've been doing well keeping active. Like Bagrat I took up mindfullness - Jon Kabat-Zinn for me - it helps clear my head of the emotional stuff and enables me to think more clearly. Well worth the time to care for yourself. To avoid the day being dominated by chemo, we always went somewhere else before or after, so the end of day chatter was about the coffee shop or garden centre - much nicer. What are you going to do while having chemo? I enjoy puzzles/sudoku and adult colouring so I got myself some little books/pens to keep my head and hands occupied. I popped music I love on my phone to listen to. I also had some eat treats to tuck into as sometimes it takes longer than expected. Feel free to vent here - it is a safe place and we need those who understand. Take care.

[chromodoris]

Finally got my start date of Monday 20th, so I've booked the ferry to UK for Thursday morning to visit a couple of friends before it all starts. Taking my dog for his first 'overseas' trip! Before then I've got to give the house a good clean, and find someone who will take over the cleaning for the next few months.

Got my cocktail of meds, soft toothbrush, and plenty of fluids of various types (don't know what will taste ok yet) and I've dug out lots of old scarves to play with...decided against a wig after trying them on and finding them hot.

Fingers crossed...

[SuePS1958]

Hi there, Hope you've had a great time visiting friends. Great idea to get someone to do the cleaning - some of those workarounds I put in place for chemo are still there now 3 years on - less chores for me - fab. I had a wig but only wore it twice. Most of the time I wore a variety of hats which worked well. Scarves I struggled with putting in - nothing new there. Let us know how things go on Monday - any questions please ask - nothing worse than being in that 'uncertain' space. Take care xx