Starting Chemotherapy

Public Archive
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Hi, Everybody out there in cyberspace.

I have recently been Diagnosed with Breast Cancer and have undergone a Lumpectomy and then a Full Mastectomy.
I am starting Chemotherapy on Thursday.
I am really worried about the chemo.
Has anybody got any tips or advice about handling Chemo and its side effects.
I have heard about something Called thistle milk.
I would be happy for any of your thoughts.

Thanks.
Janet.

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Just bumped the Top Tips for Chemo to the top for you.

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Hi cat.

Just bumped the Top Tips for Chemo to the top for you.

What does that mean

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Janet,

Apart from reading the top tips, one of the most beneficial things you could do is join one of the threads on this chemo site with others who are starting at the same time. Recently there’s a group of us who started around 2 Oct, another 14 Oct, so if there’s not one started already why not start one yourself then you’ll have a group going through this sh*t at the same time, which I’ve found to be really, really helpful.

Hope it goes OK, Bella x

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Hi Janet

I have had a left mx and started my chemo 6xFEC on 14th Oct. I was more worried about the chemo than I had been about the surgery, mainly because I’d had longer to think about it and had also heard some horror stories. The actual administering of the chemo was quite straight forward. I had my hubby with me. I am using a cold cap to try and hang on to my hair and that was quite uncomfortable, not painful, bit very very cold although after wearing for about 45 minutes the discomfort did seem to stop. So far ( day 7 after chemo) and I haven’t had any side effects to speak of, well apart from being a bit constipated and having a raging appetite. This I am told is because of the steroids given to help with the anti sickness tablets which I think were a godsend as I had no nausea at all. I must say that everyone is going to react differantly but I think you do just have to see what happens after the first one and that will then enable you to ready yourself for the next one. The site cat has bumped for you is very good and so are ones entitled ’ first FEC 2nd Oct’ and ’ chemo starts 14th Oct’. Remember that you are not alone there are a lot of us going through this together and these threads have been for me a big help, full of support, advice and good wishes.
Hope this helps
Take care
caz x

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Hi Janet…I was scared stiff of chemo too…still am truth be told.

I would go along with all Cazz has told you. Join us on one of the other threads. Ostrich is starting this Thursday too and she has joined us on the FEC 2nd Oct thread’

Once you get going it’s not as bad - I agree, the waiting is a killer though.

Try and stay calm on the day. It will definitely help.

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Hi Janet

Here 's the ‘Top tip’s for chemo’ thread you were asking for:

breastcancercare.org.uk/bcc-forum/discussion/12623/15/top-tips-going-through-chemo/#Item_6

Best wishes
Lucy