Hi. Got dealt a curveball just before Christmas and told I need to have adjuvant chemotherapy. You read so much on Dr Google but would appreciate advice from people who have been through recently. What are peoples experiences of cold caps? I'm reading about doing my laundry separately to husbands amd putting in a bag until I can do it - anyone else read this. What do people take with them when having treatment. Is it a good idea to get covers for picc line? Any help and tips appreciated
Hi F1 petrolhead and a warm welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
A cancer journey is such a stressful and challenging time but you have done the right thing in reaching out to a place where you can ask questions and getting support from others who are on the ‘exact’ same cancer journey.
Every chemotherapy treatment can be ever so different across cancer types, a simple example is for my chemo a Cold Cap was not recommended.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) but you don’t say what type of cancer you have but if you care to have a look through THIS LIST you will find all our many dedicated cancer support groups listed.
These groups are safe places to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the (Bold) Link I have created above. Once you find the group for your cancer type……. Join the group by clicking on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
We also have our Telephone Buddy Service where you can be matched with someone who understands what you're going through, and they'll give you a weekly call.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
