Hi all, I’ve completed surgery a week ago for mascectomy, turns out all the swimming, circuits training, climbing and work on my allotment I did in the 2 months since diagnosis plus healthy eating boosted my base fitness and has helped me get back on my feet really quickly. I caveat this by saying I am following medical advise but I’m up and about, daily walks, cooking dinner etc… so far better than I’d hoped.
I think I will need chemo based on initial diagnosis of high grade DCIS (if I don’t that’s a win) so what tips do people have to try and prepare physically and mentally for chemo, if that’s possible?
I’ve booked onto a look good feeling better workshop next week, I plan to cut my hair short in case of hair loss and making loads of smoothies to freeze with fruit from my allotment to boost my system in chemo. We have lots of fresh organic veg we’re growing and can cook over the summer. Any tips are welcome xx
My goodness me, you sound wonderfully well organised and well done for taking things so methodically. You will come through well, I can just tell.
Like you I had all my hair chopped off which meant I didn’t have all the worry of it. Chemo was horrid but, to be honest, not quite as bad as painted. I learnt to plan the months carefully. Was always fine for three days directly after, then downhill fast for a bad 5-7 days, then back up the slope. I planned nice things for the up time and took it easy for the rest of the month.
If you are in to music some Airpods are good and I listened to Podcasts on mine. Took a good supply of fruit sweets as well. I also recommend looking as good as you can when you go for the sessions. Wonderful for morale - and for the other patients. Comfy shoes or even slippers are good
Don’t forget to get your water wings if you have a PIC line (Amazon) and some hats and scarves for your head. I went with wigs purely out of vanity and found a great lady who would order them in for me and then cut them to suit. Unfortunately they only last about two months so a recurring expense.
Post chemo recommend UK lash for the eyelashes.
Wishing you all the best
Hi @teddy271, are you able/willing to recommend any particular types/brands of things to protect/look after the picc line please?
Good morning Mary. I used this brand Fasola PICC Line Shower Cover, Reusable Cast and Dressing, Bandage Cover, Watertight Protection for Elbow, Arm from Amazon. It is one of the cheaper ones but I found it very good. The trick is to do your measurements properly before ordering as you want one thats not too tight but also not so loose that when it stretches, it will be useful. Used this one for the bath.
For use when I was going out, I bought a couple of the lacy ones as the picc line is not a thing of beauty for others to look at.
Hope that helps and wishing you the best of luck.