It helps to have a pre-treatment ritual.
The first day of treatment is like the first day of school, exciting but your still a bit hesitant. The day before, your mind starts racing with both good and bad thoughts, but regardless, I always make sure to get my game face on. I always bring my protein shake and a packet of saltine crackers with me. Although most cancer treatment centers have an array of sodas, snacks and lots of coffee available for patients and loved ones.
I always do my best to look presentable. I guess this is just my way of feeling normal, not sick. A new pretty fingernail polish, curling my hair before leaving the house or even putting on my lucky pair of earrings. I've learned by my own personal experience that every cancer patient has their own way to psych themselves up the day before or the day of treatment.
Side effects... some come on quicker than others.
Your oncologists and treatment team will give you a general idea of how you may feel 24 to 48 hours after treatment, but each patient is truly unique in how your body responds to various treatments. I am one with major delays when it comes to post-treatment side effects. Although when going through radiation therapy, my stomach began gurgling right as I got off the treatment table. Chemotherapy makes one feel overall weird with their body. Headaches and even migraines are very common so keeping Tylenol around is a must.
Zofran and Marinol are wonderful drugs to help with post-treatment nausea, but as with any pre-existing GI condition, expect nausea and vomiting regardless of what you are prescribed.
Some of us have to take it easy the day after treatment, while others may feel fine. Once again, our bodies all respond differently to cancer treatments. I have my good days, some even back-to-back. Also... I have my bad days, sometimes as well back-to-back.
Diet usually consists of keeping it very bland and taking in additional fluids. Decaf iced coffee works great for me as well as various protein shakes. While other patients do well with cream of wheat oatmeal, saltine crackers, frozen popsicles and powdered shakes.
At the end of the day... the most powerful weapon you can have during any cancer treatment is a strong support system.
I am blessed to have amazing friends and my little family.
XOXOXOXOXO
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