Getting through treatment

The prospect of the many months ahead of treatment can seem daunting in itself, especially after finding out that you have cancer.

Visions of intolerable sickness, diarrhoea, pain and exhaustion went through my mind, after discussing the treatments I was about to undertake, and although the support from the nursing staff is very good indeed, when you go home after treatment, even if you have the luxury of help from friends you are still on your own in terms of the treatment itself, so you must think what is best for you at all times, as it is you who primarily has to get through. I would really like to say here that the treatments weren't as bad as they first seemed, unfortunately in my case they were, but I do know that some people just sail through them, mentally I did, but physically no - well in all fairness my body had taken a full on battering before the treatments began, so I had to expect the worst!

Whilst on the chemo, I suffered severe neuropathy (frost bite) to my hands and feet and sometimes my throat,  I felt exhausted and of course sickness and diarrhoea were a given. I pushed myself through, I made mental notes in my head at what I would do each day, not what I had to do, but what I would do. I made myself prepare meals, bathe the children, do the washing -  things I would usually take for granted. But at the end of each day I felt a bit stronger in my mind, as really I should have been flat out in bed the whole day, and in between doing my jobs I was, but at certain times of the day I was fighting a mental battle, and winning.

Mental strength is a key part to all of this, and if you have that - you'll get through. There were times I could have easily given in, but remained focused and battled through.

If you have a good group of friends use them. My husband and I are a two man unit so do not have a circle of friends, so just  had to get on with things, which in a way worked all the better for us, as we had no time to dwell, but there is no need to be a martyr if help is at hand. Looking back, if we had  more help, things would have been a damn sight easier I can tell you, so if we got through it with 5 children, so can you. 

Remember, you are facing your demons, not waiting for them to appear, be strong and think positive and you will be victorious in the end.