New to this - due to start chemo 12th feb

Hello and welcome to the forum

Sorry you find yourself here but I'm sure you will find lots of help and support.  

It is a whirlwind in the first few weeks,  though for me it slowed and dragged on over Christmas and NY.  I'm happy (not happy) to be on with my next treatment, which is chemo.  Had my first cycle yesterday.   After reading up I went all prepared with a big bag of 'chemo kit, the nurse took one look and said "how long you planning to stay?".  In the end all I needed was my phone and notebook.

I had a picc line fitted, it makes the whole process much easier on the day as it's a permanent line that stays in.  I have rubbish veins and it's taken a lot of needle anxiety away.

I now feel like a ticking time bomb, apart from a bout of nausea last night and a short sleep, I feel great, wouldn't think I've had anything done.  I know that's going to change but it's made me feel so much happier having a gentle start.

I've grown a nice collection of hats and have been warned my hair will go before my next treatment.  I feel ok about it now but I'm sure there will be a few tears when it happens. 

You will see a February chemo thread pop up soon.  Join us on there the ladies are lovely.    Best wishes to you x 

Hi Sadie, sorry you find yourslef here. I start chemo on the 11th Feb. So we will be having it around the same time each month. Its scary but I am trying to stay positive. There is a thread which has a long list of things people recommend to get or bring with you. If you put "Chemo Aids shopping list" in search its about the 5th Heading down. Are you having ECT? I am and its 6 sessions. Sending big hugs, we can do this. Anna x

Hi cupotea, 

Yeah same for over Christmas and NY, celebrating my 30th in lockdown helped a little bit with passing time. That’s good to know, I think I would have been one of those people, I’ll just take my iPad and book and a note book for starting off. 

I’m also getting a Picc line put in, how did you find it? I’m not great with needles and get a lot of anxiety with them and also have bad veins myself. 

That’s good to know, suppose I won’t know until after the first session. I think the worst bit of all the unknown at the moment but we will get there. 

I have bought some head scarfs and hats to try and be prepared for it. Good luck for your treatment and I hope it all goes well. I will join the February Chemo thread when it appears. Thanks x

Hi Anna, 

yeah trying to stay positive myself, currently going through fertility treatment so my hormones are all over the place this week, to be honest it’s not helping. Thank for the advice on the list, I found it and it is very helpful. Yeah I think I’m starting with the ECT for three sessions and then going to 9 sessions (1/week) this is all still to be confirmed with my doctor as when I seen her my her 2 result wasn’t back. 

All the best with you treatment xx 

I'm not keen on needles either and its removed a lot of the anxiety.   The actual procedure doesn't take long.

It took place in a xray room, laid down, arm out to the side and a supportive team of about 3 people who were all lovely.   I did have a bit of a wobble as the xray machine sits very close to your face and it suddenly felt a bit overwhelming.   A little scratch of the local anesthetic and then felt nothing and over in about 10 mins.  The tube is tiny but the dangly connecter thing is a little bulky, they tape it up and it feels secure. 

I needed no pain relief after and can not feel anything, I forget its there.  It made chemo day so much easier and it's much kinder to your veins.  It does mean an extra trip to the hospital for a weekly flush and dressing.  But overall its definitely worth having and I don't have any regrets.

I bought some picc covers which I use if it's on view, if I have long sleeves on I use tubigrip (what the hospital put on for you) as it's a closer fit and does not move as much.