Despite having gone through one of the hardest surgeries known to man, I was terrified of the chemotherapy leg of my journey.

Nobody’s chemotherapy journey is the same, which makes it hard to plan for. All we can do is be as prepared as we can be.

In February 2026, I began my 12 rounds of Fulfurinox chemotherapy, and I was scared to death. I did my best to give my fear and stress to God and let him carry the burden, but that fear of the unknown was really working its way through me.

It was helpful to get advice from friends who’d endured chemotherapy. One in particular gave me a fantastic list of what to bring to your chemo appointments, and what side effects to expect. Even though she’d endured a completely different kind of chemo, her advice was invaluable.

My biggest piece of advice, now that I’m on the other side of 12 rounds, is to start Round 1 with a positive outlook. Envision it all going smoothly, envision it all working, envision it being your healing.

What I quickly discovered about chemo:

• Your attitude is everything. Go into your chemo treatments with gratitude that you GET to do this and that it will provide your healing. You’ll never dread your appointments with an attitude like that.
• The nurses are the best around. In all of my 12 rounds, I never had the same nurse twice, but it didn’t matter because they were all phenomenal. They are highly trained to help you through any situation and any side effect, and they’ll do it with an infectious calmness. They also have “server mode,” where they bring you drinks, snacks, pillows and blankets and genuinely want you to be comfortable.
• Expect the unexpected. No two rounds will be the same (there’s that frustration again about not being able to plan!), so stay in regular touch with your oncology team about your symptoms. Your mitigating medications will change all the time because of your changing needs.
• People want to help, so let them. Let your friends take turns driving you to chemo and sitting with you during the infusions (if your center allows guests). The time goes much faster with great company.