Hi I have been reading the postings about chemo and would like to add my experiences to help those about to start, by sharing the best advice I got.
Firstly drink LOADS of water before and after I mean 3 to 4 Litres a day, yes I know it sounds too much but I have had 2 cycles of EC now and the second was better than first by miles all down to water. Also if you are drinking all the time you have less time to eat so dont blow up.
Second is if you are going to loose your hair get a great wig. I went to the shop suggested by the hospital and ended up wasting £85 on a wig I will never wear as I thought it was my only option. However then I went onto the internet and researched what was available and have bought a stunning wig from Wigsandpieces.com, I spoke to them on the phone and they were really helpful, and you can return stuff if it is not right.
I discovered that there are different qualties of synthetic wig, which were not available in the shop and have bought a monofilament one which is lovely.
Also weraing a wig is fine my hair got too thin to got out without covering just in time for an annual ball so my first outing was very public and I was with people who knew me really well so knew I was wearing a wig but I had a lovely evening danced until 1.15am and cant wait to do it again.
Finally non alcohol based mouth wash twoor three times a day helps keep mouth ulcers at bay.
Hope my positive experiences can help make things easier for those of you who are staring chemo soon.
Best of luck to eveyone,
Tracey x
Tracey
Thanks for the post, I’m going for my second EC tomorrow, and although I drank plenty of fluids last time, it’s great to know your feeling better than after your first round. There’s hope for me yet.
Take care
Maggie
the fluids are so important, and i found drinking loads of water very easy before, during and on that first day of chemo. Then i got a really horrid taste in my mouth but, by trial and error discovered that I could drink dandelion and burdock! Everything else was just too revolting, especially fruit juices or plain water.
For my next chemo I have a whole row of dandelion and burdock sat waiting - chances are it will be that that i go off and be fruit juice that tastes ‘right’!
I keep reminding myself that my entire body is affected by the chemo and, until it is over, just to take each day as it comes. The hairloss, tiredness, poor skin etc will all pass. When I was dx my breastcare nurse said it would take at least 9 - 10 months, so patience is the key.
Hi folks
Just out of hospital today after mastectomy and reconstruction - thought I would feel better after this as I thought it was the worst thing but am now dreading the thought of the chemo which I suppose will be in 4-6 weeks and find myself getting quite tearful at times - the thought of what it will do to my body is pretty scary. Did any of you change your diet or start taking supplements before your chemo - I have an appointment with my breast care nurse on Friday and will see what she says. Good luck to all of you during your chemo.
Take care Love Lenise XXX
Hi Lenise
You may find Breast Cancer Care’s DVD ‘Eating well-being active: Healthy living after breast cancer’ helpful. This 30-minute film is for anyone who’d like to know more about living healthily after primary breast cancer, it includes top tips from our diet and exercise experts.
To can either order a copy via the website on the link below or call the helpline on 0808 800 6000
breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=7650
Kind Regards
Sam
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care
Hi Lenise,
I was diagnosed in June, had op at end June. Started chemo in July, I have had 4 chemo - epi, and am taking aloe vera gel as it is a healer inside out. I hav been lucky as my side effects have been minimal. whether ths has helped or not I will never know!!
Just make sure you have a high content of aloe vera as some are 3/4% - useless, mine is 97%, doesn’t taste so great but who cares if it helps. I get mine from a company called Forever Living, you should have a rep near you. If not give me a shout, I will give a contact.
Also listen to your body - if your tired - sleep, I found I could drop off at a moments notice at all times of the day.
Good luck, sending lots of love, keep us informed
Tracy xx
Hi Lenise,
Just to go over what Tracy has said, I am also taking Aloe vera gel by Forever living, I have to mix with fruit juice as it tastes bitter. I also take Astagalus again to boost the immune system.
On a less expensive note I have added garlic and onions to everything I can and I take a teaspoon of Manuka honey morning and night. All or non of this might be helping but it makes me feel like I am doing something.
For me having chemo has a bit like being pregnant, odd food cravings and increase in appetite with tiredness settling on me like a cloud and lifting as quickley.
Get a good wig it does wonders for your confidence.
You will be fine, I had some real low points before chemo started, fear of the unknown is often the worst thing. Positive attitude gets you a very long way on this journey. Best of luck, let us know how you get on
Tracey C X