35 year old about to start chemo

Hello glad to hear you have a wig and you have your daughters wedding to look forward too x x In UK some hospitals are doing it some aren’t during Covid.  Mine isn’t...... let’s hope the cold cap works.  I had first session 15th next one due Easter Monday.  I was in hospital due to vomiting 16th.  Feel better this week.  Glad you feel better the second time around.  I am having F.E.C chemo treatment they will try a different preventative anti emetic next time only had E.C chemo last time as they needed to test my blood for the F.  Yes you just have to ride the wave and celebrate when you do feel well.  Last week was a right off for me.  Hope your treatment goes well and your daughters wedding.  

How are you feeling?   X x have you signed up to the Macmillan telephone support service and breast cancer now someone like me service? 

Hi Cinnamon6,

Sorry to hear you felt so ill after your chemo. I really hope they can get on top of your nausea/sickness next time. I know I’ve been lucky (so far). Fingers crossed that the cold cap works for you. My hair is now practically all out but I’m OK with that.

I’ve signed up for the McMillan phone buddy but not the Breast Cancer Now, I’ll look into that.

I’m having my next chemo on the 8/4. I really do hope you won’t have so many side effects next time, must be horrible. I was better the second time, so who knows!

Bluebell xx

Hi Char,

Sorry to hear you’ve been feeling rubbish. Like Cinnamon said, you could try the phone buddy. I’ve signed up for it. Still have to get the first phone call.

Bluebell xx

Hello yes ‘someone like me’ service from breast cancer now is really good.  I just gave them a call and they organised it.  They match you with someone who has gone through what you have been through.  They try and find someone who is similar age, same cancer and treatment pathway they then get them to phone you at a prearranged time.  The lady who phoned me had gone through it five years previously.  I have my first Macmillan phone support appt next week.  Hope your next chemo goes well too :) x x 

Hi Cinnamon,

 I will definitely give it a go. Must be reassuring to talk to someone who has been through it and come out the other side.

Thank you

Bluebell xx

Hi Cinnamon611

I hope that your first Chemo went well, i find i feel different every time to be honest (had 6 sessions so far). The medication for nausea has worked well for me (IV and tablets) and i don't refuse anything. I have started doing a relaxation tape during my chemo once it is all running (Andrew Johnson - power nap... free to download onto your phone). Also i take my book to read and have lunch if i am there over that time. Yes hand creams are good to take and i take a fleecy jacket/cardigan, however i now always wear a cool top as i have had hot flushes (especially on the second session) and palpitations and wearing a jumper was not a good idea!!

It is great if you can use the 'Cool Cap', but at our local unit they are not giving us this opportunity due to Covid and the fact that they are so busy..... you have to use the cool cap for half an hour before and for 2 hours afterwards. They simply could not fit everyone in if they allowed the cold cap timings. My hair has come out lots this week and although it is evenly coming out, it feels inevitable that it will all come out.

For anyone looking to go to an amazing Wig shop/supplier....... I went to Sandhurst (Beesley Wigs), it was amazing!!! my partner was allowed in and we were the only ones in the shop for 2.5 hours, Sally the owner was very patient with me and the first wig i tried completely relaxed me as it looked so 'like me' and not false at all. I tried many wigs on (there are over 2000 in the shop) however Sally knew what i wanted and i ended up buying 2 (tax free) and buy one get the other for half price. I bought the Shampoo pack  with wig stand etc and you are shown how to care for the Wig and given instructions. I wish i had gone to Sally first as i ordered some Wigs on line at URHair and i am still trying to get the money back for them (they are awful!!). I would advise not to use online wig suppliers as going to a shop that specializes in Wigs was so much better. I was not rushed, could see them in daylight outside and also had the wig cut slightly to suit my needs. 

One thing that i would say is to tell the nurse that is looking after you if you don't feel well whilst having the Chemo as they sometimes stop it for a while or slow it down a bit. I have seen 4 ladies who have felt unwell so far and the doctors come in immediately to support and treat/give drugs as needed. Drinking plenty is a must and sweets and chocolate are a good idea. I feel very 'woozy' after my Chemo and just want to get home to rest.

Hope that this helps!

DCS1

Hi I agree, the hair loss side of things really has affected me and i have been using my own 'cold caps' and taking them in to hospital in a cool bag. My hair is falling out, but evenly..... although it is week 6, i think that it will all come out very soon. Thank goodness i have my nice Wigs and headscarves to wear (Simply Wigs had the best ones i found). You are right ....when people say that your hair will grow back!! it is insensitive as it is not them going through this!! i must admit i am dreading looking in the mirror with no hair but will try and embrace it if i can!!

Hello thanks for tips :) x x My first chemo was fine it was after that was the issue but I’m sure it will be different next time as they will try new medication pre chemo to prevent the vomiting.  Sorry you couldn’t use the cold cap.  Your wig experience sounds positive x x 

Hello p.s have been advised to use lash conditioner or Vaseline to keep lashes conditioned no mascara to help,preserve lashes and the elf eyebrow gel and setting powder pallet is meant to be good for when eyebrows fall (from Superdrug).  Think I’m going to take mirrors off the wall......we aren’t all Sinead O’Connor.  Also nail oils are good to help preserve nails like Boots, Cutex or Sally Hansen x x