Hello I am new! I have been diagnosed with triple neg Breast cancer and am starting 8 cycles of chemo on Friday. Initially I’ve focussed on staying positive -as a mum to 2 youngsters I have to. Now that things are starting to get started, I’m having my PICC line in this afternoon.. I’ve got an influx of questions whizzing round my head. Not particularly important in the grand scheme of things.. but still better to get them down somewhere.
For example… Ive got long hair and I’m hoping to cold cap.. been looking at natural shampoos and conditioners but many of them advertise they promote hair growth.. I’d this good or bad during treatment? Does it matter? Same with supplements I’m a great believer in nutrition and benefits of antioxidant and anti inflammatory foods but the hospital team were vague.. non commital on whether this is a good idea and of course Google throws up all sorts. Including maybe don’t eat Brazil nuts (as an example) so it’s starting to get overwhelming, because these are the things I can take some control of which would really help my mental health right now! I realise they’re not important.. I wonder if there’s a more specific thread or something? I think it’s the worry about doing anything that could affect my treatment but wanting to do things that make me feel better about it all.
Hi LJroux and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses. Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer type journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
As you have found out the Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Specific Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in some of our dedicated Breast Cancer support groups. These groups are safe places to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group click on this links> Breast cancer for the under-50s (that I see you have already joined) and our Triple negative breast cancer then once the group pages open click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
When you are ready you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
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 give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
