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No cancer journey is the same. But chemotherapy is hard any way you slice it. I've compiled a list of things that helped me through chemotherapy in the hopes that maybe it will help someone else too! These are my opinions and experiences and are not meant to be replaced with advice from your doctor. As always, consult with your doctor before trying something new.
Check out my recommended items list here.
Check out my recommended items list here.
1. Pray Pray Pray
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:11-13
I can't stress this one enough. My relationship with God grew exponentially during my cancer journey and I'm so thankful for that. Prayer saved me over and over again. In the dark of the night when everyone else was sleeping and I was left alone with my thoughts and couldn't sleep, I would just talk to Jesus. I'd ask Him to just let me be able to go to sleep for a while. And He always answered. He was there for me in the darkest part of my life just as He is in the brightest. I kept a Bible and several devotionals near my bed, on the coffee table, and in my chemo bag. Whenever someone asked what they could do for me I just asked them to pray. Many many people reached out to me with calls, messages and cards and they all meant so much. Never underestimate the power of prayer. It's real. To see some of my favorite devotionals click here.
2. Have a good support system
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. - John 15:13
I've been truly blessed with an amazing husband, family, friends and employees. God truly knew what He was doing when He put Eric in my life. We have been through so much together in our short almost 5 years of marriage and there's no one else I'd rather have by my side. When I was first diagnosed I was so sad for him and our son. I didn't want them to have to go through this too. Because this will affect everyone around you - good or bad. Eric has known the effects of cancer his entire life. His mom had a rare bone cancer when he was just 5 years old. He would stand by her bed and hold her pinky finger during chemotherapy; praying she would make it. By the grace of God she is still here today enjoying her grandson. I was blessed to be surrounded by love and support throughout my treatments. I had wonderful people to take care of our son, help with cooking and cleaning, help run the business and take me to the appointments. So many friends sent cards or messages and many many people prayed for me. None of it went unnoticed. I'm the type of person that doesn't like to take help - I'd rather do it all myself. But now is not the time to try to be a superhuman. Others truly want to help out during this time. So let them.
3. Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. - Psalm 42:1-2
Everyone will tell you this for a reason - it's important. Trying to cram a gallon of water down your throat is going to be the last thing you feel like doing, but you need to try. I drank a TON of Pedialyte. My husband is a bit of a Pedialyte Pusher and we should have bought stock in the company. Some of the flavors did not agree with me though and I'll never drink Pedialyte again. I can't even think about the Wal-Mart brand Mixed Fruit flavor without wanting to vomit. But it got me through. Before and during your treatment visit try to drink as much as you can. It's also recommended to eat ice chips if you're getting the "Red Devil" to prevent mouth sores. I took some Pedialyte popsicles with me in my cute hot pink Yeti lunch bag along with my hot pink Yeti cup with straw. (It was a gift from my Mom before I started treatment and there's nothing wrong with looking cute during chemo!) I like Pedialyte for it's added immune benefits but it is high in sodium if you're watching that. BodyArmor is a good alternative or Gatorade and just plain water! I always take an Emergen-C once a day too.
4. Eat What You Can
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." - John 6:35
Before I started chemotherapy we were on a mainly plant-based diet. It was a total change for this farm girl, but I felt the best I had in years despite the fact I had cancer growing in me. My husband and I each lost almost 30 pounds. I was juicing, eating fruits, veggies and whole grains and I eliminated sugar. And then I started chemotherapy. Let me give you a bit of advice I wish I'd known - don't eat any of your favorite foods on the day of your first treatment. My treatments were in the morning and we lived an hour and a half away from the cancer center. Getting in any type of breakfast usually didn't happen. I was so nervous and anxious I didn't really feel like eating any way. After I got there and got settled on the first day, I ordered some oatmeal, banana and peanut butter for breakfast. Oatmeal was one of my favorite things ever - but not now. It's a reminder of that day, the smell of the cancer center, and how sick I felt later. I've been able to work it back into my diet but it's just not the same.
My favorite thing to eat during chemotherapy was cheeseburgers. I've always loved cheeseburgers. Growing up on a farm we always had freezer beef and we are blessed to have local beef in our freezer now. I've been spoiled with quality beef and pork my whole life! My husband got pretty good at grilling for me and we'd have burgers several times a week. Sometimes it was just a simple PB&J or whatever I could keep down. I did try to have a protein smoothie every morning made with frozen berries, plant-based protein powder, ground flax seed and powdered greens. That way I felt I was still getting in some nutrition. But give yourself some grace. You have to keep your strength and energy up and you need to eat. I'm not proposing you live on ice cream and potato chips, but there is a happy medium out there!
For a list of my favorite smoothie items click here.
My favorite thing to eat during chemotherapy was cheeseburgers. I've always loved cheeseburgers. Growing up on a farm we always had freezer beef and we are blessed to have local beef in our freezer now. I've been spoiled with quality beef and pork my whole life! My husband got pretty good at grilling for me and we'd have burgers several times a week. Sometimes it was just a simple PB&J or whatever I could keep down. I did try to have a protein smoothie every morning made with frozen berries, plant-based protein powder, ground flax seed and powdered greens. That way I felt I was still getting in some nutrition. But give yourself some grace. You have to keep your strength and energy up and you need to eat. I'm not proposing you live on ice cream and potato chips, but there is a happy medium out there!
For a list of my favorite smoothie items click here.
5. Keep Moving
For in Him we live and move and have our being. - Acts 17:28
Ok I know this sounds hard. And it is. But try to get up and get moving every day. I didn't handle the steroids very well and was unable to lay down for long or even concentrate on the TV for the first several days after the infusion. I eventually had to cut my dosage in half to be able to get some rest. For the first couple days after the infusion you may be in bed and not feel like moving at all. I was able to at least get up and shower or take a bath every day. I would make it downstairs to eat something and move around. Once I felt up to it, I would go for a walk around the driveway. This was not only beneficial for the body but mostly for my mind. I would put my Airpods in and listen to my Christian music playlist or a sermon on YouTube. Focusing on walking and the promises of the Lord helped me through some really tough times - the times I couldn't turn my mind off and I thought I'd go crazy.
6. Put Only Positive Things in Your Head
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. - Proverbs 12:25
It's very easy to listen to all the demons in your head and get bogged down with fear and hopelessness. Don't let the devil win. Fill your mind with the word of God, uplifting stories, devotionals, upbeat music, positive affirmations, sermons, testimonies or whatever you enjoy. If you read something, don't let it be someone's cancer horror story or what could possibly go wrong. Stay off social media if you have to. Now is the time to focus on your healing and finding hope in your journey. I spent several weeks in a very bad funk. My mind was constantly drifting to thoughts of recurrence, death, leaving my family behind and who knows what else. With a few changes in my mindset and many many prayers to Jesus for peace, I was able to overcome the darkness in my mind. I truly believe God sent me peace because it was almost like someone flipped on a light switch and the veil of darkness was lifted. I was able to enjoy moments with my husband and son and look around and appreciate the beauty in the world. Maybe it was a combination of things or maybe it was just a miracle from God.
I recommend checking out this website for some positive affirmations and YouTube for healing frequency music. I would put my AirPods in at night and fall asleep to the soothing music. It definitely helped me fall asleep! I also worked with a Reiki specialist that I would see once every few weeks.
Check out some of the books and devotionals I read to help me find peace here.
I recommend checking out this website for some positive affirmations and YouTube for healing frequency music. I would put my AirPods in at night and fall asleep to the soothing music. It definitely helped me fall asleep! I also worked with a Reiki specialist that I would see once every few weeks.
Check out some of the books and devotionals I read to help me find peace here.
7. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor
I can't speak highly enough of the care I received at Goshen Center for Cancer Care or the team of doctors, specialists and staff that worked together to heal me. I had a comprehensive care plan that included an oncologist, surgical oncologist, naturopathic doctor, counselor, dietician, and a team of nurse practitioners, nurses and staff that worked together to take care of me. I didn't know how good I had it until I transferred to another state for radiation. I sure miss my cancer family at Goshen, but I will continue to see them for follow ups for years to come.
As part of my comprehensive care, I was blessed to have a wonderful Naturopathic Doctor that I worked closely with to keep me healthy during chemotherapy. One of the biggest concerns during treatment is your white blood cell count. If your numbers get too low they won't administer the infusion. The last thing I wanted was to delay my treatment any further. I was on a regimen of vitamins and supplements to keep me healthy and to help with side effects. I know for certain that working with her kept me going. At the end of the 9 treatments of Abraxene, my favorite Nurse Practitioner told me that she rarely had anyone make it all the way through without having to take a break. I accredit it to the grace of God and my Naturopathic Doctor.
*Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any type of vitamins or supplements. Some products may interact with your chemotherapy or even lessen its efficacy.
As part of my comprehensive care, I was blessed to have a wonderful Naturopathic Doctor that I worked closely with to keep me healthy during chemotherapy. One of the biggest concerns during treatment is your white blood cell count. If your numbers get too low they won't administer the infusion. The last thing I wanted was to delay my treatment any further. I was on a regimen of vitamins and supplements to keep me healthy and to help with side effects. I know for certain that working with her kept me going. At the end of the 9 treatments of Abraxene, my favorite Nurse Practitioner told me that she rarely had anyone make it all the way through without having to take a break. I accredit it to the grace of God and my Naturopathic Doctor.
*Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any type of vitamins or supplements. Some products may interact with your chemotherapy or even lessen its efficacy.
8. Talk with a Counselor
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. - Romans 12:2
If you have access to a counselor I recommend taking advantage of it. When we first visited the cancer center, they had my husband and I meet with a counselor. I kind of thought to myself "I don't need to talk to her. I'll be fine." Well, come to find out, I really enjoyed talking with her during my treatments and looked forward to our visit. She helped me work through feeling and emotions I was having not only about cancer but things that had been stuffed deep down for a long time. I really struggled not being able to work and do everything I wanted to do every day. I was feeling guilty about being a bad mom and not earning my keep. Come to find out, it stemmed from my childhood and I had to work on being kind to myself and giving myself grace. It was a wonderful opportunity to get better for myself and my family.
9. Be Proactive with Your Care
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. - Romans 15:13
Now is not the time to sit back and take what is handed to you. If you have questions - ask them. If you don't like the answer - go somewhere else. This is your body and your health. You have every right to ask questions, get second opinions and do some of your own research. I'm not saying you should solely rely on Google and WebMD for all of your medical advice, but it doesn't hurt to be knowledgeable and prepared. Do some research on your cancer treatment facility and your doctors. I was looking for a place that offered a comprehensive treatment plan that treated the whole body and mind in addition to doctors that were using the most current and advanced treatments. Often times cancer treatment is solely focused on killing the cancer (which is a good thing) and neglects to take your diet and overall health into consideration. I was so blessed to have a complete team working together to make sure I stayed as healthy as possible during treatment.
10. Pamper Yourself
You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. - 1 Corinthians 6:20
My husband was getting concerned about the amount of Amazon boxes that were coming to the house during treatment but he didn't say too much. He knew it was a way for me to cope. When you're laying awake at all hours of the night with no one to talk to, do you know who is awake? Amazon. The moments spent shopping and scrolling through suggestions is a nice reprieve from the issue at hand. Besides, I had cancer and I deserved it!
I took a lot of baths during chemo, sometimes even twice a day. It helped me relax and ease muscle tension. I'd use some epsom salts and an all-natural bath bomb or soak, put on the essential oil diffuser and grab my devotional. It became a ritual for me and something that soothed me more than anything. It was some quiet time with the Lord while trying to destress the body. I still love baths now but find it harder to make the time!
I suggest making your space your haven. Have a comfortable place to relax and sleep. Get a comfy blanket and pillow, use room-darkening curtains, redecorate, or whatever it takes! When you come home from treatment you need rest and relaxation. Eliminate stressors, toxins, smells and whatever you have to to feel comfy and cozy. After I finished the A/C part of treatment I redecorated the living room where I had spent a lot of time trying to sleep. I was able to move back to the bed to sleep and the living room was a reminder of a difficult time. So my sister-in-law and I set out to get the perfect fall decor one day while my wonderfully patient husband and soon-to-be brother-in-law carted us around.
A perfect pillow is very important as well. I had trouble sleeping on my side like I usually did because of my port - especially for a few days after they pumped the poison into my veins. I tried several and eventually found this super comfy pillow from Amazon. This one really lives up to the reviews.
For a complete list of all my Chemo Must Haves click here.
I took a lot of baths during chemo, sometimes even twice a day. It helped me relax and ease muscle tension. I'd use some epsom salts and an all-natural bath bomb or soak, put on the essential oil diffuser and grab my devotional. It became a ritual for me and something that soothed me more than anything. It was some quiet time with the Lord while trying to destress the body. I still love baths now but find it harder to make the time!
I suggest making your space your haven. Have a comfortable place to relax and sleep. Get a comfy blanket and pillow, use room-darkening curtains, redecorate, or whatever it takes! When you come home from treatment you need rest and relaxation. Eliminate stressors, toxins, smells and whatever you have to to feel comfy and cozy. After I finished the A/C part of treatment I redecorated the living room where I had spent a lot of time trying to sleep. I was able to move back to the bed to sleep and the living room was a reminder of a difficult time. So my sister-in-law and I set out to get the perfect fall decor one day while my wonderfully patient husband and soon-to-be brother-in-law carted us around.
A perfect pillow is very important as well. I had trouble sleeping on my side like I usually did because of my port - especially for a few days after they pumped the poison into my veins. I tried several and eventually found this super comfy pillow from Amazon. This one really lives up to the reviews.
For a complete list of all my Chemo Must Haves click here.
11. Serve Others
For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. - Mark 10:45
I know I said to pamper yourself and take care of yourself during this time, but doing something for someone else is good for the soul. Plus, while you're focusing on others, it takes your mind off of your situation for a while. There is a wonderful lady in our community that puts together and delivers bags to cancer patients going through chemotherapy. Her husband has been fighting many battles for several years, yet she finds the time and strength to do this for others. It's such a wonderful testament of God's love and kindness. My husband requested one of the bags for me before I began treatment and it was full of a ton of goodies! When I was looking for a way to serve others, God put it on my heart to help with the bags. I spent time ordering or shopping for items that she needed for the bags and arranging to get them to her. Through this I gained a friendship and was thankful we were able to help continue her mission.
I wasn't going to share much about my cancer journey. I didn't post anything on social media or really tell anyone. I'm not the type of person that seeks attention or sympathy and most of the time I put a smile on my face and act like everything is wonderful. Then, one day were were flying and I opened my Kindle app to see if I had any downloaded books to read. I tapped on The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren and it opened to a section about serving. He was talking about different ways to serve and that everyone has different talents or experiences. You don't have to be a great teacher and work with children or show up to every function to help set up or send cookies to every bake sale. You need to use what you have and what you can share to serve others. After reading this I knew what I had to do - God made it loud and clear! If He is going to get me through this experience I need to share it with others. What got me through this may help someone else manage their own cancer journey. Sharing my testimony on Facebook showed people that you will come out on the other side and you can do it through God's strength.
I wasn't going to share much about my cancer journey. I didn't post anything on social media or really tell anyone. I'm not the type of person that seeks attention or sympathy and most of the time I put a smile on my face and act like everything is wonderful. Then, one day were were flying and I opened my Kindle app to see if I had any downloaded books to read. I tapped on The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren and it opened to a section about serving. He was talking about different ways to serve and that everyone has different talents or experiences. You don't have to be a great teacher and work with children or show up to every function to help set up or send cookies to every bake sale. You need to use what you have and what you can share to serve others. After reading this I knew what I had to do - God made it loud and clear! If He is going to get me through this experience I need to share it with others. What got me through this may help someone else manage their own cancer journey. Sharing my testimony on Facebook showed people that you will come out on the other side and you can do it through God's strength.
It is more blessed to give than to receive. - Acts 20:35
12. Be Thankful
Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
You may be angry and sad and scared - and that's ok. But there's always something to be thankful for. If you don't think you have anything, just remember this - God loves you more than anything. He created you and breathed life into you. He is there for you always; even when we're angry and sad and scared. Even if we sin and curse Him for our situation and blame Him for cancer. Remember God didn't give us cancer, He gets us through it. I've asked the question myself - why do we get cancer? Is this from God? No it isn't. God wouldn't want His beloved child to be sick and in pain. Maybe it's the devil. Maybe it's our environment. Maybe it's some bad DNA. Whatever it is, let's be thankful we serve a loving God and He'll see us through.
I recommend keeping a journal for verses you like, a prayer list, and a list of things you're thankful for. Look at this list everyday and remind yourself of God's love and provision and all the things you're blessed with. Go for a walk and enjoy the beautiful sky and smell the flowers. Take time to play with your children and spend time with your spouse. Really make every moment count and be thankful you're able to enjoy them.
I recommend keeping a journal for verses you like, a prayer list, and a list of things you're thankful for. Look at this list everyday and remind yourself of God's love and provision and all the things you're blessed with. Go for a walk and enjoy the beautiful sky and smell the flowers. Take time to play with your children and spend time with your spouse. Really make every moment count and be thankful you're able to enjoy them.