The Experience of Undergoing Chemotherapy
So What does chemo feel like? As a 2-time cancer survivor, I would like to share my personal thoughts about my experience with chemotherapy. Having undergone chemotherapy for the treatment of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma twice, I can say that it was a challenging time in my life.
However, it was also a period of immense personal growth and learning. I’m going to keep this one short and to the point!
Physical Sensations of Chemotherapy
The physical sensations of chemotherapy can be compared to a terrible hangover after a night of heavy drinking. Nausea, fatigue, and the overall feeling of being unwell are similar. Chemotherapy is administered through an IV, and the process can take several hours. During this time, I felt extremely anxious and scared about what was happening to my body.
Other physical sensations I experienced during chemotherapy included muscle aches, headaches, and a heightened sensitivity to light and temperature fluctuations. In addition, my appetite lessened significantly and food became unappetizing. It was also difficult to concentrate on tasks like reading or watching television.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
One of the most difficult aspects of chemotherapy is the side effects that it can cause. Nausea was my constant companion, and I had to take anti-nausea medication like Benadryl regularly to manage the symptoms. I also experienced hair loss, which was originally a significant emotional blow. Seeing clumps of hair falling out every day reminded me of the reality of my situation.
I ended up shaving pretty much my whole body to deal with the itchiness that I experienced. The emotional toll of chemotherapy combined with the physical side effects often made me feel exhausted and depleted.
Emotional Impact of Chemotherapy
The emotional impact of chemotherapy is also significant. Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty are common emotions that a patient may experience. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and it can be tough to remain positive throughout the process. However, I found that staying hopeful and focusing on the small things in life helped me to stay grounded and keep my spirits up.
Friends and family are also invaluable sources of support. Having the people I love around me made the experience a little bit easier to bear. In addition, engaging in activities that I enjoyed like playing music and writing helped me to stay connected to my passions and gave me something else to focus on besides chemotherapy.
Impact of Chemotherapy on Daily Life
The impact of chemotherapy on daily life is considerable. It can be challenging to maintain work and social activities, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself and others during this time. I had to reduce my working hours to manage my symptoms and rest more frequently. My social life was also impacted, as I had to avoid crowded places to reduce my risk of infection.
This was especially true since my second experience with lymphoma happened before and during the lockdowns during Covid. I was confined to my house most of the time and had to rely on loved ones and my dog Enzo for emotional support.
Strategies for Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
In addition to anti-nausea medication, I found alternative therapies like cannabis and exercise to be helpful in managing my symptoms. However, it’s important to note that not all states allow the use of cannabis as a therapy for chemotherapy side effects. Speaking to your doctor and following their recommendations regarding alternative therapies is crucial.
Exercising was especially helpful for me as it helped reduce my stress levels and improved my mood. Getting outside in nature, taking walks, and bicycling were all ways that I managed the physical and emotional symptoms of chemotherapy.
Importance of Patience and Grace
Patience and grace are crucial when approaching chemotherapy as a new patient. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that chemotherapy will cure cancer overnight, but the reality is that it’s a long and challenging process. It’s essential to remain patient and trust the treatment process, even when it feels like it’s taking forever. It will be worth it in the end.
Final Thoughts…
Chemotherapy is a challenging but essential treatment for cancer patients. The physical and emotional sensations can be difficult to manage, but with the right support and strategies, it’s possible to get through it. It’s crucial to remain patient and stay positive throughout the treatment process. Remember, you are not alone, there is a support network of medical professionals, family, and friends to help you through this difficult time. -T
