A Few Short and Sweet Lessons I've Learned During Chemo

During this cancer journey, I’ve met some amazing people and medical staff and learned many things. I wanted to share some of the tips and lessons I’ve learned along the way so far.

IV Tip

I have deep and rolling arm veins and it makes it tough to get an IV started. I learned that if you hold a hot cup of tea, it will warm up the veins and keep you calm.

I tried this trick and it worked — it made it easier to find a vein.

Chemo Brain

If you experience “chemo brain” during treatment (forgetting things, trouble concentrating, etc.) it is a normal side effect of treatment.

Looks Can be Deceiving

Cancer, like all illnesses, is not a one-size-fits-all look. During my first treatments, I thought I looked like the typical cancer patient because I lost my hair.

Other patients, in my opinion looked “normal” but they have their own diagnosis and treatment.

There is No “Normal”

Although you may come across people who look “normal” to you, they may be battling their own invisible illness.

My advice: Be kind.

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Thinkstock photo by Eucalyptys