Listen to no one...it's all going to be ok. There isn't anyone out there who was more afraid than me..truly. And the strength that comes through when you need it and believe in it is amazing. I will be saying many prayers for you. With the exception of my husband and my youngest sister (who lives in another state), I went through this entire process alone. It's going to be ok. You'll be happy you got the port because it makes the treatments much easier. I had the port in for a year (Herceptin) for a year and really, you don't even know it's there. I had 8 rounds of Taxotere and Carboplatin and a year of Herceptin. It will fly by...DO NOT STRESS. It doesn't do a single bit of good. Put your faith in the Lord that He's right by your side and will not leave you...He's waiting for you to take His hand. Hugs to you...xxoo

Wear comfy clothes, bring someone with you, there were always snacks in my chemo room (I went on "Soft Pretzel Thursday") but bring your own if you want and bottled water. There are lollipops and hard candy that are made especially for people going through chemo to help with any dry mouth but other things work well too. Rita's Mango Italian Ice was a particular favorite. Earphones and music or guided imagery (there is a great one for going through chemo..let me know if you want the name of the one I have or you certainly can find others). My first day I looked like a deer caught in the headlights - lol! I brought playing cards and books and crocheting...I figured if I was going to be there for hours I would be prepared. Lol! Mostly, I listened to the music and guided imagery, people watched, my friend would read to me, or I slept. I had T-A-C all together with a neulasta shot the next day. When you get home, let people take care of you if possible - a casserole from the neighbor, etc. People really want to do something only they don't want to "intrude" and they don't know what to do so it is okay to ask for what you need...they will be more than happy to have something "concrete" to do for you. Drink plenty of water...as much as you can throughout the day during the whole time you are in treatment...It will make a huge difference. Ask well-meaning friends who are sick, have been near someone who has been sick or who have children (who are always exposed to someone sick at school) not to visit especially when your numbers are down. When people do visit, let them know when the visit is over -"I'm feeling tired right now, I think I'm going to take a nap, thanks so much for coming". Call your doctor right away if you experience anything on the list they give you (temp, etc). Remember that chemo is cumulative and with each treatment you will experience more fatigue...plan for that - take naps, watch movies that make you laugh out loud, pray/meditate, get out when you can. You may want to blog your experience for your own sake as a creative outlet to look back on, and also so that friends and family can read updates and offer their support through the blog (unless you and your family like repeating every aspect of your treatment 64 times a day...)but that gets old once the fatigue and "chemo brain" sets in...that term just means that sometimes it will be difficult to concentrate and focus...The support meds really do a good job of dealing with any side effects and you may find yourself saying, "hey, this is not the chemo experience I was anticipating..." If you do have any questions or issues, talk to your doctor and post here...chances are some of us will have little tips on how to make things easier. Many blessings to you, you will be held in thought and prayer.

Honestly, I don't think there are too many women who have horror stories any more. Chemo isn't as bad as it used to be because the side effect drugs are better. I generally just felt tired and didn't have much of an appetitie for 2-3 days and then I rebounded. This isn't the same for all women, but the horror stories of "I puked every day all day" are very few and far in between now.

A few of the "wierder" things to know about your first chemo... the A of AC is otherwise known as "red devil" because it's red. You will pee the color of red kool-aid for a few hours after your infusion. It's not blood. Just good to have a heads up before you hit the potty for the first time :)

Consider taking food/snacks with you. The day will be long and while most places have snacks, you might want to eat an actual meal while you're there.

I knwo it's scary, but you can do it. You will be amazed at how strong you are.

drink a lot of fluids, get lots of rest it goes by quickly. take one day at a time Good luck!!!

For some reason the clariton can help with the bone pain you may get from the neulasta shot. It really made a difference for me. It also helped with the constant dripping of my nose. :)