I'm meeting with a Chemo Therapy specialist and a Radiation Specialist next week. What does it feel like to have chemo and/or radiation treatments? What are the different side effects? I researched it a bit, but wanted to hear from experienced patients.

It doesn't feel bad at 1st unless you worry about it. Then things could get miserable but nothing you can't handle. The worst pain I have had is the Rad seed implants and these things make you foget rads and chemo. You won't feel much except the needle jab from the chemo but not much else at 1st. Good luck and maybe you are one that won't have after affects when it's over. Some here have had no problems.

I was forturnate, the Chemo did not make me sick. As Jim said, just feel the needle jab for the Chemo drip. The radiation itself feels like nothing - I took a 15 minute nap during my radiation treatments. It is the after affects of the radiation that you feel. Fatigue, fatigue and more fatigue and difficulty eating were my main side affects. I was lucky. Others can tell you what they experienced.

Ashley, Your question is a tough one. If you knew all that went into the chemo & radiation...would it really help you, or just make you anxious? It is not an easy treatment, is all I will say. Once you do start treatment, post any questions as you go along. I think sometimes the more we know, the worse it is. Every case is as different as is every person. I would recommend getting a RX for Adavan (relaxer) it helped me through rad. treatments. I also had a port & feeding tube, both before I started any TX. Again, every person makes different choices. The main thing is that this will soon be behind you & before you know it...you will be the one giving the advice !

Ashley, as everyone has said, we're all different. I can't speak to chemo but only radiation.

I personally found it very debilitating after about 3 weeks. If you can get someone to go with you I'd recommend it, especially in the latter weeks. Radiation itself, as the others have indicated, is not painful itself. It feels like nothing in fact. There's a lot I could say here... but I won't elaborate further until you know your definite course of treatment.

I found it helpful to listen to music (and later on a book) while going through it. They wouldn't let me use earbuds so I borrowed some small speakers and literally balanced them on my chest. The mask can be confining (although you get used to it), so having a distraction is a good idea.

Keep posting questions as you go along. You'll get the best advice possible here from your new friends.

Courage!
David 2

My experience was also not painful at all. I had rad and chemo. The techs at rad let me bring in my own music and played it for me at every session. I left it there for each visit. I wasn't too fatigued and I felt better than I looked which I didn't realize until I saw pictures of myself! I really looked sickly! After the 2nd chemo it did me in! I needed help walking and used a wheelchair to get to my rad tx at the hospital. But you will bounce back quickly from all of it no matter what side effects you experience. It's really great to have support during all of this, as much as you can get! You'll do just fine!
Pat

Well, hmmm, thanks for being brutally honest. That's what I was looking for. So, basically, it will suck. It's comforting to know that a person can bounce back afterwards. Thank you to everyone for your advice. I'll update everyone after my doctors appointments. On the bright side, my doctor and his staff are really handsome, so maybe that will give me something to look forward to:)

I never thought of my experience as one that sucked. The staff at both rad & chemo were always upbeat and encouraging which made it pleasant. I felt kinda "special" being wheeled into the hospital when that became necessary and equally proud when I could finally walk in on my own later on. You haven't mentioned it but I'm hoping you have a good support team of family and friends..they make a huge impact on your sanity and how well you get thru this! As everyone here has said, we are all different but attitude will also play an important role. Hang in! You really can do this!
Pat

Make sure you get proper nutrition both before and after treatments. Your PEG is you friend! I didn't get enough nutrition and ended up back in the hospital on an IV for a couple of days. After that, I made sure that I kept taking Ensure Plus, as well as drinking a lot of water. I had more problems with the after effects than with the actual treatments themselves. It really saps your energy.

I never had a chemo that lasted just 15 minutes. If I remember right they were 45 minutes. I did crossword puzzles and might have dozed for a few while doing them.