Hi!
I am starting chemo in the next weeks, any advice on how to prep for this? Nutrition? Exercise? Cold gloves? Cold caps? Electrolites?
Thanks!
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Hi @tativ you may be interested in joining the ‘Monthly chemo starters’ thread for April, these threads are very supportive and can help connect you with others who know what you’re going through at a similar time. You can find the April thread here: April 2025 chemo starters - Going through breast cancer treatment / Chemotherapy monthly threads - Breast Cancer Now forum
We’re thinking of you,
Lucy
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Hi Lucy, thanks! I will join the threads but I thought I might ask in the more open forum for experienced women in this area since in the threat we would be all new…
Thanks again!
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I went in pretty well prepared for my first session but I didn’t realise the timetable of how it all works until another patient mentioned it. Appreciate each of us is different but, broadly speaking, you don’t feel too bad on the day and for the two following days. Then its all a bit pants for 4/5days, after which you start to feel better and build back up to the next one. I mention this because at least it allows you to plan your life a bit, e.g. do nice things in last ten days of cycle before next session.
As for my shopping list: waterproof cover for PICC line for baths, airpods if you have them or can borrow, a lovely cold smoothie or similar in a flask to sip at, hand and foot cream (my skin went scaly). Later down the line pastels for mouth ulcers (sometimes the hospital pharmacy will play ball), loose fitting trousers or dress as you will swell up and you want to be comfy, warm socks as it can be chilly sitting there. I don’t support cold caps as IMHO the end result (even if they work) is pretty pathetic and you will have subjected yourself to another layer of pain and discomfort during what is a difficult treatment. However some ladies are desperate about their hair and if cold capping makes them feel better, then go for it. I had lots of hats etc but wore wigs most of the time as I felt it was important to try to keep some semblance of femininity going. I always went to chemo fully made up and not wearing my gardening trousers!
Socks or softs shoes as your toe nails MAY fall out. It doesn’t hurt but was a bit alarming the first time. Lots of pocket tissues as once the hair in your nose goes, you may do a lot of sniffing and have an irritating drip.
Once its over, Revitalash or UK Lash serum really does promote growth. I coped with losing my hair but hated that caught in the headlights look that comes with no eyelashes. These products are not cheap but they worked really well. For the bad days, lots of rubbish daytime telly (I got hooked on Say Yes to The Dress (!) and packets of fruit chews from Lidl)
Wishing you masses of luck. One foot infront of the other, follow the plan and then, hey presto, you get to the end.
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Hi @tativ
You’ll find a lot of great tips on the forum!
My personal advice is to just do what makes you feel good. No one knows how their reaction will be to chemo, as @teddy271 says you’ll soon work out what days you feel rubbish and when you feel better enough to eat well/exercise. On the days you don’t feel good, be gentle on yourself and take it easy! And on the days you feel great, you’ll find you can manage easier and it might help to catch up with friends and family to keep you going, or just do things you enjoy 
I had a chemo bag with all my essentials, which doubled up as an emergency hospital bag (I had 2 stays in hospital during my treatment so it came in handy). Things like pyjamas, a blanket (my chemo ward was cold and sometimes I liked to snooze so I would be cosy!), toothbrush/toothpaste, spare chargers, some snacks with long expiry dates. I also had a load of shows and movies downloaded on my iPad ready to watch.
Hydration is super important throughout treatment to flush out all the toxicities. If you are struggling to drink, you could try carbonated water or squash. Speak to your team if this is a problem for you though and they should be able to help.
I hope your chemo goes as smoothly as possible, wishing you all the best! 
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Hi there
I wound suggest a chemo bag and also to keep a journal it really helps looking back on previous cycles as to when your good and not so good days will be.
First 3 days you’ll be on steroids then from day 4 you may notice a crash. If you’re tearful then this is why! So don’t panic
Set alarms on your phone for all the tabs in case you fall asleep
Steroids may keep you awake
Remember that if you don’t feel well then phone the 24/7 line. Nothing is too small to ask, better to be safe than sorry.
Unfortunately I’ve needed to go into hospital on my first 2 EC cycles, and they were great. Be prepared for a min 4 hour wait for blood tests to be done.
Hair loss - book an appointment with wig company asap as sometimes a delay
Get lots of hats, especially a sleep hat
Ginger nut biscuits are my go to graze!
Drink loads of water, before during and after chemo (and few days after - like 2 litres a day
Hope this helps x
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I am literally writing all your advices down on my notebook and making checklist.
My heart feels warm already for your words and very thankfull that you have taken the time to write! I will let you know how it goes…!
Thanks, thanks, thanks!
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I also read that side effects could also manifest in the teeth, any tips there? I booked an appointment with my dentist just in case prior to chemo.
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