BREAST CANCER: THE PROSPECT OF UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY
The prospect of undergoing chemotherapy is frightening. Many women are more worried about chemotherapy than surgery. Start by forgetting all the horror stories you have heard. Remember that each person reacts as an individual to treatment; it is also crucial that you realize your oncologist wants to help minimize any unpleasant side effects you may experience. However, s/he can only do so if you communicate how you are feeling; physicians cannot read minds. Your oncology nurse will become a person upon whom you will rely heavily; s/he will help prepare you for your treatments by talking with you, providing you with booklets and information sheets, and answering questions you will have. Remember to communicate how you are feeling; if you need help, askfor it. Don’t assume that if you feel very ill, you must suffer in silence; while some discomfort is to be expected, many medicines and salves may provide you with relief. You should not be miserable from chemotherapy! Call your doctor if you are. There is no correlation between how “ill” you become from chemotherapy and whether you derive benefit from it.
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