I didn’t have any real idea of what to expect when I went for my first chemo session. I think that adds to the anxiety even though I try not to think much about it. I do think it will be helpful to know a little more about the process and most people seems to have a curiosity of the whole process.

The worst part of chemo is the waiting before it starts. The 2nd worst part is the first chemo cycle and what happens after that. Hopefully this post (and the next one - Chemo-Cycle #1) helps to demystify parts of it.

Chemo process is different for different cancers. My chemo process runs on a 3-week cycle, for 8 cycles (so about 6 months).

Week 1

Day 1 starts with a short consultation with my oncologist. She reviews my blood tests, we discuss the side effects I have from previous cycle and we discussed if add any meds/supplements need to be added based on the test results and side effects.

This is followed by what I call “The Infusion” - basically, I am on a drip where the chemo drug is pumped into my body. This takes about 4 hours; essentially, I spend about 4 hours at the chemo clinic.

After my first infusion cycle, I was sent home with a whole bag of meds. This is because no one knows which side effects will occur so I was sent home with meds for constipation, diarrhea, nausea, mouth wash (for ulcers), steroids (for nerve symptoms and inflammation) and chemo oral meds.

Weeks 1 & 2

For the next two weeks, I am on chemo oral meds (morning and night), in addition to supplements I have to take for other deficiencies.

Week 3

The third week of each cycle is rest week. Your body is off cancer meds so it can recover in time for the next cycle. This is also the week where I have to go in to get a shot for my low white blood cell count (thankfully, I experienced no side effects from that).

The day before my next infusion, I go in for my blood test. This is also the conclusion to one cycle.

The next cycle starts the next day.

5. Chemo - The Process

4. Telling Your Family

6. Cycle #1 - Week 1