Coping with chemotherapy

Each chemotherapy drug causes its own specific side effects and each patient reacts differently to chemotherapy, both emotionally and physically. Other people might have different ways of surviving chemotherapy, but here is a small list of what is helping me to go through chemotherapy:

1. A caring and dedicated support network: husband, family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, acquaintances, nurses, doctors and all healthcare staff.  Having emotional support is more important than I ever imagined. This had to be the first one on my list because it is by far the most important.
2. Trying not to compare myself to other patients, side effects vary and tolerance to pain and discomfort varies greatly from person to person.
3. Drinking plenty of water, and I mean really a lot of water.
4. Drinking ginger tea and eating ginger cookies to help with the nausea.
5. Eating only what appeals to me and in small amounts, making sure it is a balanced diet.
6. Resting, taking naps, sleeping.
7. Going for walks every day, avoiding lying down of the sofa all the time.
8. Keeping myself informed and planning ahead.
9. Keeping a positive attitude and never giving up.
10. Accepting the changes, after all, it is only temporary and chemo will help me to live longer.