Navigating the Emotional and Physical Challenges of Chemotherapy: A Personal Reflection

By Linda Athanasiadou
Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used treatments for cancer, but it’s also one of the most daunting. I, Linda Athanasiadou, have been through it myself, and I can tell you that while chemotherapy is a powerful tool in fighting cancer, it’s also incredibly challenging—physically, emotionally, and mentally. In this article, I want to share my personal experience with chemotherapy, the obstacles I faced, and the lessons I learned along the way. If you or someone you know is about to start chemotherapy, I hope that by sharing my story, it can offer a little comfort and help prepare for the road ahead.
The Physical Toll: More Than Just the Treatments
When I first began chemotherapy, I had no idea what to expect. I knew about the side effects—nausea, fatigue, hair loss—but I didn’t truly grasp how deep and all-encompassing the physical toll would be.
The treatments themselves were a ritual of sorts: the long hours spent sitting in a chair, the IV drip feeding chemicals into my veins, and the cold, sterile environment of the infusion room. While the nurses were incredibly kind, the process was still difficult to endure. The physical side effects started to kick in almost immediately after the first session. Fatigue wasn’t just tiredness—it was a heaviness that settled deep into my bones, making even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable. Walking around the block, which used to be effortless, suddenly felt like climbing a mountain.
The nausea was another battle. Chemotherapy often affects your digestive system, leaving you feeling sick for days, even with medication. I remember days when I could barely keep anything down, feeling weak and disoriented. The taste in my mouth changed too, making food feel tasteless, and even my favourite meals became unappealing. One of the hardest parts was losing my hair. It wasn’t just the physical change—it was a daily reminder of everything I was going through. Every time I looked in the mirror, I saw a different version of myself, and that was hard to accept at first.
But even in the midst of all this, I had to remind myself that these physical challenges, though overwhelming at times, were part of the process. They were a sign that the treatment was doing its job—fighting the cancer inside me. Slowly, I began to accept that these side effects were temporary and that they didn’t define me.
The Emotional Struggles: Feeling Isolated and Overwhelmed
Chemotherapy isn’t just physically exhausting—it can also feel emotionally draining. When I started treatment, I was flooded with emotions. Fear of the unknown, frustration with the loss of control over my body, and a sense of helplessness that would sneak up on me when I least expected it. I felt vulnerable in a way I had never experienced before.
There were days when I felt completely alone in my struggle. Even though I had a supportive family and friends who checked in regularly, there were times when the isolation of treatment felt suffocating. People would tell me, “You’re so strong,” but I didn’t always feel strong. Some days, I just wanted to break down and cry, but I felt like I couldn’t because I didn’t want to burden anyone with my fears. It was a strange balance—putting on a brave face for the outside world while feeling like I was falling apart on the inside.
One of the hardest parts emotionally was dealing with the uncertainty. While chemotherapy was doing its job, I still didn’t know if it would work completely. What if it didn’t? What if the cancer came back? I realised that I couldn’t control the outcome, but what I could control was how I chose to face each day. I learned that it was okay to not be okay. It was okay to have bad days and to express my fears. Crying didn’t make me weak—it was just part of the emotional journey.
Coping Strategies: Finding Comfort and Support
Through the emotional and physical challenges, I found ways to cope, and these strategies made all the difference in helping me get through the tough days.
First, I learned to lean on the people who cared about me. It was difficult at times to ask for help, but I came to understand that accepting support wasn’t a sign of weakness—it was an important part of the process. My friends and family were always there to lend an ear or offer help with daily tasks when I couldn’t do them myself. I also connected with other cancer patients. It was incredibly comforting to speak to others who were going through the same thing. There was a shared understanding that no one else could provide. Those conversations helped me feel less alone in my struggles.
I also found solace in small, simple pleasures. Even on the hardest days, I allowed myself to indulge in things that brought me comfort. Watching a movie with my family, enjoying a warm cup of tea, or reading a good book—all these moments gave me a sense of normalcy and peace amidst the chaos of treatment.
Physically, I learned to listen to my body more carefully. I allowed myself the space to rest when I needed it, and I didn’t push myself too hard. Chemotherapy is draining, and I accepted that I needed to take it easy. Sometimes, the most important thing was simply getting enough sleep and nourishing my body with food and water, even if I couldn’t keep everything down.
Mental Health Matters
One of the key things I learned during chemotherapy was the importance of mental health. I sought therapy, and it was a game-changer. Talking to a professional gave me a safe space to process my emotions and work through my fears. There’s no shame in seeking help when you’re going through something as intense as cancer treatment. It helped me stay grounded and reminded me that it was okay to ask for help, both from others and from myself.
Finding Strength in the Struggle
Looking back, I see chemotherapy not just as a physical challenge, but as an emotional and mental journey as well. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t always pretty, but it taught me more about myself than I could have imagined. It showed me my own resilience, my ability to endure and adapt, and my capacity to open up and lean on others for support.
In the end, the most important lesson I learned through chemotherapy was that it’s okay to be vulnerable. You don’t have to face this battle alone, and you don’t have to hide your fears or weaknesses. Strength comes not from pretending to be invincible, but from acknowledging your struggles and continuing to fight despite them.
If you are about to start chemotherapy, know that it’s okay to feel everything—anger, sadness, fear, and even hope. Don’t be afraid to take things one step at a time and to lean on the people who care about you. It won’t be easy, but it will make you stronger in ways you may not expect.
Chemotherapy is hard, but it’s also a step towards healing. Hold onto the small victories, find comfort in the support of others, and above all, be kind to yourself. This too shall pass.