Hi Butler10 First a virtual hug. Your head will be spinning from the diagnosis and I distinctly remember feeling totally numbed in my appointments as the news got worse each time. These times are different but normally you’d take a friend to act as PA, as mine did, taking notes and asking questions I was too past caring to think of! So, as the others say, never consider yourself stupid - the mind can only deal with so much at a time. It would be a good idea though to make a note of any question you want to ask on your phone. You can then ask to see a doctor during your chemo session when you are chilled and a bit bored and present her/him with your phone! You got some excellent advice already but I wanted to add that I have emetophobia (obsessive fear of vomiting, not the best phobia for chemo - tho I never was or even felt sick), agoraphobia and panic disorder! So I was more than a bit apprehensive about chemo. I was completely honest about how I might react, how I was feeling etc. My GP prescribed a short course of sedative in the build-up period and my oncologist prescribed 2 lorazepam tablets To take just before chemo which made me just feel completely normal and I didn’t do a runner. So, if your fears are considerable, contact the hospital to tell them and ask if they can help. Tbh, the experience is not remotely scary, just an awful lot of waiting about. When you are having chemo, it’s essential you ask advice before taking anything. Rescue Remedy probably won’t make any difference (I used it), but homoeopathic remedies might. I asked because I bruise easily and wanted to take arnica. The oncology pharmacist investigated and rang me to advise me not to use it as it may have a blood thinning effect (rather strange considering that the world of medicine denies homoeopathy can even work!! Equally strange was that no one appeared to have mentioned it before). Your pink consent form should identify the treatments you are going to have. You can match these against the information sheets you’ve been given. They are obliged to list and explain the main side effects but most people don't get them. A lot of people sail through, others are wiped out. I was a zombie. You just don’t know till it happens I’m afraid. You’ll be under an adjuvant oncology nurse for side effects during treatment but try to maintain contact with your breast care nurse as she’ll be the one in the best position to advise you on things like emotional support, hair loss service (if relevant) and support services you can access for free. It’s all manageable and it isn't forever - but it is for a good cause. All the best next week. Jan x
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