Hi there,
I’m due to start Chemo in January. Unsure how many blasts yet, but most likely fec+t. (Meeting Oncologist beginning of January). Ever organised, I’m puttting together a chemo survival kit! So far containing mouthwash, senokot, soft toothbrushes, lotions and potions, anti bacterial wipes etc…but I seem to have come to a standstill and I’m now adding chocolate and biscuits which I think is missing the point!
Any tips, on other Chemo must haves? Any do’s, don’ts?
General chemo tips much appreciated.
And Happy Christmas!
Debbie X
Good idea!!! Im meeting with my oncologist today to discuss how many sessions etc… I start in January too hopefully will be given a date today… might as well start Christmas off 
I will be following your post… xx
Hi tittlemouse,
Here’s the link to a thread called ‘Top tips to help you through chemo’, it’s been running for a number of years now and I’m sure you’ll find some helpful info here.
breastcancercare.org.uk/community/forums/top-tips-help-get-you-through-chemotherapy
Jo, Facilitator
Hi Tittlemouse, I’m sure others will come along with scads of ideas, but at the top of the “Undergoing treatment: chemotherapy” page (in the menu at left) is a sticky at the top that I read and re-read and read again before my chemo started. It had tons of tips and advice, and made me feel better about the whole thing:
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/community/forums/treatment-side-effects/undergoing-treatment-chemotherapy
Don’t get too worried, it is not as scary as it seems like it will be, so to some extent take it as it comes. Also, some of the advice didn’t work, or wasn’t necessary for me. For example, I made about a ton of candied ginger, ate it ALL out of nervousness the first chemo-session, and to this day have gone right off ginger of any sort! AND it didn’t help with my nausea (although emend–prescribed by onc–did!) Chocolate was a must-have for me. Don’t forget the digital thermometer. Some soup for the freezer?
Good luck, and try to enjoy your Christmas!
As I was laboriously typing, Jo was sending you straight to the link!!! That’s why we love the Facilitators!!!
Lidl have some digital ear thermometers in stock at the moment. I started off with an oral one, and then replaced with one of these after the first couple of cycles and it’s sooooo much better. Really quick to use, and the readout is nice and clear.
I also find that sugar-free sweets help for the first ten days on tax (I never eat sweets usually), as you may have a sore tongue and dry mouth.
However, you won’t get all the side effects and you will find it easiest to deal with them as you go along. It really won’t be as dreadful as you think.
Wishing you minimal SEs.
Margaret
Well that was an emotional visit to the oncologist today… Im to have FEC x6 and 3 weeks of RADS afterwards… then hormome stuff for 5 years… cos of my heart condition they will probably have to take one of the chemo meds out and give me something else…Ive just put all the paperwork in my folder and will look at it after xmas… I will start in 3 weeks time… enough time to get my head around it all… xx heres wishing everyone here a peaceful christmas and an even healthier new year xx
Thanks for the tips ladies! I would be lying if I said I wasn’t petrified of starting chemo. I feel like I’m never going to be the same person again when I come out the other side, mentally and physically! Especially as I feel so well now and everyone is saying how great I look.
I had axillary node removal and lumpectomy 2 weeks ago today, have recovered really well and have regained full movement in my arm already, so seems strange that I’m going to be taking medication for the next few months thats going to make me ill!!! I’m cool as a cucumber though, so I can’t help but thinking I’m still in denial, and I’m going to have a major wobble, when the chemo comes along!!
Sandra, I’m in the same boat as you, chemo, herceptin, rads, and tamoxifen. Meeting my Oncologist at beginning of Jan, although already know the score so don’t think I will get anymore surprises sprung on me now. Just need to find out if I’m to have 6 or 8 blasts of chemo. Fingers crossed for 6!
Anyway enjoy the rest of the Christmas break ladies, I will be back to have a moan in the New Year when the chemo looms!!
Debbie x