Hoping everyone here can spare some good wishes to our JohnnyRingo who started Chemo today.

[TNNurse]

48. I am an example of the fact that you can live through chemo.

You may not think you will, you may have moments when you hope you won't.

I am glad I took it, but will not do so again. I was 62 at the time, I am 70 now.

There are lots of different kinds of chemo depending on the kind of cancer, some have worse side effects than others. The standard mixture for my kind of breast cancer was three medicines. I lost my hair, had uncontrollable diarrhea (I was warned), lost 50 lbs, had mouth sores, passed out and fell from low blood pressure and dehydration. Not asking for sympathy or anything, but if you have not lived with it you do not understand. Actually when I went back to the work at hospital both doctors and nurses asked me "what is it really like?".. My response was you had live with it or in the house with it to understand.

I am wishing him the very best. I am frightened not knowing what kind of support system he has.

Do not get disappointed if the food you fix for him is not eaten. I had no appetite, temporarily lost my taste buds and knew eating would just give me more diarrhea...it was a tough time. Liquids are key though. Energy drinks with some calories and electrolytes will help.

Please keep us updated.