First, chemo

Being told that chemotherapy will be part of your treatment is unsettling at best.  Most people understand the concept, but until you've actually been there it's difficult to even imagine. Granted quite a bit of time has passed since I completed the prescribed sessions, but here's some quick memories......  Hope they help someone who reads this know what to expect.
--You will sit in a chair for hours at a time.  This was the worst part for me considering I can't stand sitting still, doing nothing, for 5 minutes--let alone 5 hours.  Depending on what chemo regimen they're using, it takes a lot of time to let the IVs of anti nausea meds, the actual chemo drug, then a saline flush (designed to minimize damage to the kidneys).
--The nurses are awesome; they often have many patients to deal with at the same time but still manage to make you feel like you have their undivided attention (most of the time).
--Doing anything while you're there is difficult--this includes working, reading, watching TV, etc.  Either the stress of the experience or the brain cell killing drugs make it impossible to concentrate.
--You realize very quickly that many patients around you have a much tougher situation than you're facing.  You can't help but hear bits and pieces of their stories since you're all sitting in very close proximity.  These tidbits include information about how long they've been enduring this routine, some for months, even repeating the process over again--dragging into years. 
--For the above reason--strangers personal lives so close to you--I found the most important thing to remember to bring is an Ipod.  No better way than to block other people's conversations from an already overtaxed brain. Don't get me wrong--I had all the empathy in the world for people there, but some people just can't shut up--even when sick.
--It is impossible to look healthy when you're bald.
--They tell you to bring snacks, but never felt like eating.  When I tried it, I was immediately nauseated. Some people had family bringing them in McDonalds, or whatever fast lunch was available so this obviously varies from case to case.
--Don't feel like you have to bring someone with you. I was never sick enough to not be able to drive myself...not to mention I usually went from work to chemo.  My daughter came with me once on a school holiday, and she was bored silly. Unless you have someone you can talk to for hours at a time, you're better off alone so you can NAP.  Napping is good.
--The warm blankets are great!  Always say yes to the blankets.
--The absolutely worst part of chemo is managing the impact of the drugs to your bowels.  Life starts to revolve around pooping.  Anti nausea drugs cause constipation.  Radiation to the pelvis causes diarrhea.  Managing this to a middle ground is miserable at best.

The most important take away from my ramblings here:  
You will survive this experience.  When you're faced with it, the courage will be there.  You can do this.

Next up.....the radiation chronicles.