I unofficially qualified for this group early last month...

[PennyK]

6. So sorry, dixiegrrrl

One important thing to know is that every iteration of cancer gets its own chemo regimen. So you might get some of the side effects and none of the others. They will give you a printout of your drugs and what each one can do to you.

The Benadryl is normally one of the drugs they give you, and yes, it does make you sleepy (it's Sominex, lol). Chemo itself doesn't hurt...you'll most likely feel the side effects over the next days. My regimen was just once every three weeks, very different from yours. And I started with that. I get my mastectomy next, and then possibly radiation and finally reconstruction. Then, I have to do a year on Herceptin.

I hope you do well. Everyone told me I was "strong..." I mean, what other choice do you have? I just suggest you have stuff to do when you're up to it...computer games, books to read, easy crafting or other hobbies (I sew and have been making stuff all through my treatment). Having a great partner is the best! Although he does make me laugh every time he comes back from the market with the wrong stuff.
Oh, and I recommend chicken soup when and if you can't eat anything else. I brewed and froze vats of the stuff when I was up to it. The shakes are good, too.

I know it's last minute, but really look into supplemental insurance. I've paid a total of $10 out of pocket thus far. Now the DRUG plan is not so good; I'm in the donut hole right now.

Keep us posted.