Starting chemo treatment on Thursday this week and absolutely terrified!

Hi , welcome to the group it's a very supportive place to be but sorry to hear your diagnosis.  I think pretty much everyone would describe this as a rollercoaster,  you've done a lot of the hard stuff waiting for results and surgery.  At the top of the page is a monthly chemotherapy thread where you can post and ask advice with those of us who are going through it too. Try not to worry too much, everyone has a different experience and for most people side effects can be managed with medication. Definitely give cold cap a try, there are some ladies on here that it's worked for. Keep posting, we are all here to help. I'm half way through my chemo and it's been hard but doable.  Variable side effects last first week but generally feel ok after that and can still manage to do nice things before next round. Good luck with everything xxxx

Hi

Welcome to the group and yes it does feel like a rollercoaster. Things seem to happen so fast you hardly seem to have time to think.

You have done right coming on here and will get lots of advice and friendship from people going through this with you. Check out the March chemo chat. At the beginning is a really useful list of things that can help you get through this although you won't need everything!!

Have you had a tour of your chemo unit? It can help to put your mind and ease. Everyone is very friendly. I didn't bother with cold capping but it is very much a personal choice. I have a couple of wigs and a lovely variety of beanies and scarves that I love and are really comfy. I had my hair cut short just before chemo and then had it shaved when I started to lose it.

With regards to work again it is a personal choice and depends on what you do. You might be able to work from home. I have gone on long term sick and I know I could not have worked through this but some people do. 

Be kind to yourself and we can get through this together. 

Hi Mella32

You have done great so far.....so well done!

I see you are joining the chemo train.....it's not a ride any of us want to take but it is doable! 

The chemo threads are excellent...........and those of us who have travelled this journey can help you with any tips and tricks that we have learnt that will help with any side effects that you may have.....and of course were here for support!

Please bear in mind that although you have no doubt heard of all the possible side effects.....that does not mean you will get all of them.....this ride varies for each person.....so.....just take it day by day.

Cold cap is a personal choice....i tried it once but discontinued using it.

The sleeping part....ahhhhh the insomnia.....stress, chemo and the meds were given (steroids) all contribute to bad sleep.....but some people try sleeping tablets to help.

As for work everyone is different..... i work in retail and continued to work through all of my treatments...but i'm also a single mum so for me, carrying on as normal is what helped me through. (you can read all about me if you click on my name).

The nerves and fear of the un known are just awful....but just take it day by day....were all here for you.....you've got this!

Take care

Lucy x

Hi Lucy, 

Thanks for the reply! I will take a look at the chemo info. 

Take care

Melanie x