thank you so much. I am listening to Dr Liz O’Riordans book - the cancer road map at the moment. I didn;t realise she has a podcast too, I’ll check that out.
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thank you so much, I am scared about losing my hair. It is the one thing that feels so massive. I hadn’t though of a head band as well as wig so thank you for that.
The thing I’ve found about losing my hair is how much I feel it makes me identifiable as a cancer patient, especially as a woman.
While it can still be a big deal for men when they lose their hair through treatment, from a third party perspective I don’t think anyone really thinks it’s weird when they see a bald bloke, but seeing a bald woman can have quite a different impact as it’s pretty unusual.
It’s definitely affected me in that I’ve not been anywhere alone since it fell out as it makes me feel too vulnerable. I wear scarves and hats and have considered a wig to make me feel more normal and give me more confidence to head out alone, but I don’t really want to. So for now, I’m chaperoned everywhere. It’s working though as it gives me regular social time too even if my idea of partying now is a trip to the supermarket!
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I’m sorry you’re having to have chemo, I can understand your fear because I was in your shoes last October.
I won’t lie to you that there aren’t moments when it is tough. BUT there are more times when you will feel ok than not. Your oncologist and chemo team are there to make things as comfortable as possible. You will have access to medications to ease pain, manage nausea and gastric issues. If you’re struggling, talk to them. I do want to emphasise though that the times I felt really awful could be counted on one hand.
In the lead up to it, maintaining fitness is key. Once you’re on chemo, doing a short walk every day - even just ten minutes really does help. Ask for help and let people help you. If you’re not planning to cold cap, hang back on getting a wig. I bought 2 and wore neither. Your BCN can also arrange for talking therapy if you need it. Finally, the BCN ‘Someone Like Me’ service is incredible. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
Once you start chemo there will be a chemo starters thread for that month. I found it very helpful to connect with people there.
Lean on us. We’re here for you and no-one gets it more than we do. Sending love and support. xxx
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Chemo is hard but just relax and stay calm
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How do I find the forum for chemo now pls. Starting in a week. Thanks
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No one looks forward to chemo and so your reaction is entirely normal. When I felt rubbish I got through my trusting my body and trying to remind myself why I was doing it; to lower my chances of recurrence. The most important thing is to be kind to yourself, and accept all the help that is offered.
Put together a chemo bag with all the things you would like to have with you on the days of chemo. Plan your diary so you don’t have much on in the days immediately after chemo. think about all the foods you love and have those in stock for before and after.
Wishing you all the very best.
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hi - She has another book too that my surgeon recommended.
I found this book really empowering too…
Good luck with your treatment, almost need to get going as before it is so daunting but you will do it !!
xx
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Hi @coco3, I started chemo Aug 25, and similar to yourself it had not been expected. I was shocked and discussed with so many medics to try to avoid, but there was no avoidance. Its a tough regime, I can’t deny, but I got through and you will too. You’ve been given lots of good advice already. A soft toothbrush, a fresh mouthwash to help with nausea feeling (I used Colgate Plax), Bonjela (for any ulcers), and take the anti-sickness tablets regardless. If you can get some Suzi pad cooling gloves. I used these on hands and feet to try to avoid any neuropathy. They helped, even though it was difficult to wear constantly, so on/off regime. The other ladies on monthly thread will boost you and get you through, as well as share advice. It’s invaluable. I struggled to eat for several days post treatment. If there was one thing I could have done better, it would be to try and eat more nutrition on the better days to help boost my immune system. Sending hugs & best wishes xx
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Hi @coco3 , I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Please make use of all of us on here though - there is a huge group of people stood behind you willing you on and through. Others have shared great advice already I just had one more thing that helped me get through chemo that you may find useful. When I was told I’d have to have chemo I thought about all the tings I could do to get through it as well as possible and thought sitting having the chemo on my own (I’m single and have no family close to where I live) could be a time my thoughts could veer to the less than positive. I mentioned it to some of my friends, most of whom said they’d come with me, and so when I got my timetable for my 16 sessions I set up a sign up sheet, set up a Whatsapp group and messaged those who’d said they’d come and shared the sheet. I felt very lucky having someone come to every session with me, I wasn’t expecting it at all. But a lot of them said it gave them a practical, tangible way to help when that was what they wanted to do but didn’t really know how. I know I have been lucky with my friends and not everyone is, so I do not take it for granted. Best of luck! x