triple neg grade 111 tumour no nodes affected I had mast & reconstruction on 26/09/2008 and recovered well from surgery I am really anxious about chemo especially my first one, Dont know what to expect what di i need to bring with me I feel like stamping my feet and saying im not doing this. I know I will getr my head down and get on with it when the chemo begins but beginning to be very tearful Have you all felt like this
Hi Wicky
If you have a look at the Top Tips for Chemo sticky, that has a wealth of information and good advice about what to take with you. I think the worst bit about waiting for your first chemo is the waiting and not knowing what’s going to happen. It really isn’t bad at all, and is something you’ll cope with.
My top tips for chemo - take a non-challenging book or mag to read, an iPod with some relaxing music, and water to drink all the way through. If you think you might like to have something to nibble on, take something that you like. With my chemos, the nurse who does it chats away to me the entire time so I never need a book or iPod, and everyone else in the room is also friendly, it’s almost a party atmosphere with everyone supporting each other.
Being prepared is the key, so take along a bag with PJs, spare underwear, your toothbrush and toothpaste, and other little treats. It’s unlikely that you’ll need these but just in case, it’s better to have your own nice things with you.
There are few threads on here with ladies posting about how they feel after their chemos and I’ve found that this is a lifeline, people with whom you can share your feelings who really understand. You’ll get lots of love and support from all of us on here.
Best of luck with the chemo, it really isn’t as scary as you think it’ll be.
Cat
hi!
have you been to visit the chemo suite?, I found it a huge reassurance to see the place where it would be happening, and that it really wasnt so bad cos i could see it wasnt the ‘frankensteins lab’ i was expecting. the nurses were there to answer any questions. if you havent been already, ask your breast care nurse if she can arrange it or even take you there.
and then when i went for my first chemo, i knew more or less what to expect and felt quite comfortable, still was scared of the whole thing but not as bad as if i didnt know what was going to happen when i got there.
sorry to go on if you’ve already been.
good luck with everything
love Nettie xx
Hi Wicky
Its normal to get tearful and worried about starting chemo. Most of us were, but once you get on that journey you can think about the finish date and make plans again. A lot of the BC drug treatments are given by injections so the lovely nurse is sat there with you. They chat away about anything you want or answer any questions or fears you may have.
At my hospital you are allowed to take one friend into the chemo suite with you but its such a friendly place and you will meet lots of other nice patients too that I found it not necessary. The most important thing I needed to take was my bottled water.
Good luck with your treatment Wicky regards Judy xxxx
fruit ice lollies in a wide neck flask are refreshing and help prevent mouth soreness if you suck them during chemo if not then iced water.I always took my husband and we read or chatted.The staff were wonderful.A young girl next to me had her boyfriend with her and they played scrabble!Take some tasty nibbles if you like but remember you may feel nauseous post chemo.I was triple negative Gr2 and had 4xFEC and 4xTaxotere.What are you having?
Thanks to everyone who replied I have seen around the chemo suite as I actually work in the hospital I am having my treatment in and I guess it is just the fear of the unknown. I have discovered very quickly BC is a journey of discovery with lots of hurdles and I suppose just like my surgery chemo won’t be as bad as i expect. Thanks for all the reassurances