Anxiety about Chemotherapy

Feeling anxious about getting chemotherapy is normal.  Many breast cancer patients don't feel sick at all when they are diagnosed.  The prospect of taking drugs that will help treat your cancer but might make you feel bad for a period of weeks or months can be difficult to accept.  You might fear a specific side effect.  It could be a physical symptom, such as losing your hair or fatigue, or a concern about maintaining your lifestyle, such as missing work or being unable to take care of your family.  Or maybe you just dread the whole experience. 

It's good to address those fears upfront.  Talk to your doctor and your treatment team, especially the nurses, before and during the time you receive chemotherapy.  Tell them what is happening with you.  They can often take measures to lessen your side effects and provide emotional support.  Think about joining a support group or talking to a counselor. The social worker at your hospital can make recommendations for both.  Call the Y-ME Hotline 24/7 to talk to a peer counselor who has been through chemotherapy.  You might also consider taking advantage of complementary approaches ranging from yoga to journal writing to mindful meditation therapy, which will help manage both the emotional and the physical stress that you experience.

Let people help you during the tough times by making a meal or driving your kids’ carpool.  People vary a great deal in how they handle their time during chemotherapy treatment.  Some stick to regular schedules, missing as little work and regular activities as possible.  Others view this period as an opportunity to devote time and energy to treatment and put many other things to the side.  There is no one way or right way to handle chemotherapy.  Your experience – how you feel emotionally and physically – will depend on many factors in your life and treatment.  Be sure to communicate with your treatment team and others who can help you to help yourself during this time.