Hi there,
Sorry you find yourself propelled into this world but you will get through it. There are lots of helpful friendship threads you could ‘join’ such as the ‘starting chemo in October’ one, though a lot of the women on that are on FEC or FEC-T which is a bit different. I did FEC-T this time last year as neoadjuvant chemo and was one of the lucky ones with relatively minor side effects.
Here, for what they’re worth are a few thoughts…
What to wear - be comfortable, something that is easy to free up your arms (assuming you are using a canula) or line/port if that’s the case. Teeshirts are easy if you have a cannula, but you might want a cardi/fleece/pasmina to put round your shoulders as the drugs and/or room can leave you cold sometimes.
What to take in - bottled water, ideally with a sport top as it’s easier to do one handed - if you keep sipping it helps. Also magazines, puzzles, mp3 player etc as there can be loads of hanging around.
What to buy in - my BCN gave me a mega shopping list, some I used, some I didn’t but here goes…
a soft toothbrush (childs is good) and biotene toothpaste (tastes foul but is kind to sore/dry mouth)
alcohol free mouthwash
a baby brush/comb - kind to scalp
immodium/diocalm - in case of trots
sennacot - in case of chemo clog
unscented moisturiser/body lotion and use it head to foot daily (chemo dries your skin)
gaviscon - heartburn/indigestion can be a problem
Simple soap/shower gel/shampoo (ph neutral)
pocket size anti-bac hand gel - take it everyhwere, use it often
Thermometer (digital ear one is great, but flippin’ expensive)
Notebook & pen - to write down your symtpom diary day by day
Some treats for good days - nibbles, drinks you like etc.
I was told to avoid all citrus and acidic drinks, but some people swear by pineapple juice. Ginger and or peppermint can be good for sore tums. I found sucking boiled sweets helped when my mouth was rough and I drank GALLONS of water (in small sips).
I think you have to be careful with aromatherapy and I’m fairly sure lavender is a no no.
I will have missed something, and someone will have been told something a bit different, but hopefully these will give you a start
You haven’t mentioned whether you are using a cold cap, but if not then it’s worth starting to look for scarves/hats etc sooner rtaher than later. Like a lot of folk on here I used annabandana (just google it) which is very inexpensive and offers a wide range. Not the poshest, but I was happy with them.
Right now you are no doubt in a whirl, but it will pass, once you get going you will find ways of dealing with it, and in a few months it’ll be behind you.
Take care, and come back anytime with more questions
<hug></hug>
(editted for bad typos!)