Chemo sucks

Hi Jules

Don't know if I'm having chemo yet (I find out my treatment plan this afternoon)

I've heard mixed reviews about the cold cap. People say the first 10 minutes is the worst. I suppose it's the big decision of being in pain or losing your hair. I don't know what I would choose.

I'm dreading having to slow down too. I'm usually on the go all day so it's going to be tough - us women never stop do we.

Keep posting ((hugs))

Hi Jacala. All the best for this afternoon. I hope you have someone going with you as there is so much to take in and it will help.

I've got 3 to 4 of ec then 3 or 4 of something else then surgery then radio. 

Cold cap isn't worth it  in my opinion and doesn't always work. I think we just need to get through it the easy way and not punish ourselves unnecessarily.?

Admitting defeat at work is the hardest

Let me know how u get on. X

Chemo does suck! I chose not to cold cap as my oncologist said hair loss usually happens anyway with EC-T and you're just delaying the inevitable.I also get headaches/migraines and it can trigger those, plus extra time in the hospital and lastly, not knowing if any cancer cells are lurking in your scalp!! The last was my paranoia but I did think it.

I shaved my hair ahead of chemo and was completely fine with the hair loss. I had very long hair and have always had it so it was a big deal, but strangely liberating to embrace the bald head look! Mine is now growing back really well, lovely colour (similar to what it was pre-chemo) and now growing back pretty fast, 6 months on. I'm going to have fun with lots of different shot hairstyles as I gradually get back to long.

Give your body a chance to recover so if you're feeling dizzy/faint, make sure you slow down a bit. 

All through the first lockdown when hairdressers were shut my other half kept saying get me the clippers I'll shave it all off for you (he's bald). We keep joking now that he may get his wish. My 2 grown up sons say that we can all do it

I have heard that often you lose 40% of your hair with a cold cap. I have extremely thick hair, we find it all over the house and the shower is always clogged with it. 

Hi Jacala. How are u feeling. Have you got your treatment plan.

If it’s any help I’m 3 cycles in using the cold cap. I sadly have lost about 70% of my hair but it still feels worth it as I can wear a cap when out and nobody would know. It’s not what I would call painful but uncomfortable for first 10 mins but for me completely bearable and then you get used to it. I would recommend chewing sweets when it goes on as takes your mind off it (recommended by nurse and def helps) and taking blanket with you, wear warm clothes and take a hot drink oh and a hat to cover your head for when you leave. I also find wearing a silk cap at night helps to protect hair and head oh and my mums just bought me a silk pillowcase so giving that a try. Don’t be disheartened if you do loose hair - I think you will always loose some with the cold cap anyway but nurse told me on my last session that if I hadn’t have used the cap I would have lost all my hair with the first treatment so it’s worth a try. Hope it all goes well xx

Sorry to hear that! I chose not to go for the cold cap as I’d heard it may produce headaches and I’ve always suffered, so didn’t want any extra time added to treatment! Had my first cycle of chemo 6 days ago and finding it hard to function! 

Hi 

yes I met my dr on Wednesday. I’m having a lumpectomy on 10th August (my partner’s birthday) and then chemotherapy 6 weeks or so after.

Im triple positive too so am having Herceptin injections too. 

To be honest I’m just concentrating getting to the operation first then will think about chemo x

Hi jacala - I’m triple positive as well and had my lumpectomy in March and now on my 3rd round of 6  of chemo. I was very much the same just concentrating on one thing at a time. I think I was waiting for a miracle that they would tell me they had changed their minds I didn’t need chemo. I think that is the best thing to just take one stage at a time concentrate on getting over that stage.

I would say between the op and starting chemo I did lots of nice things as well and managed to get away for  few days so good to take care of you. It’s very funny as your whole life becomes about cancer but behind that you are still you. Once you get past each stage or tick the appointment off the list you definitely realise you can do this.  
take care 

Kate x

Enjoyed reading this Kate, I am waiting to hear if I need chemo, had mastectomy nearly 3 weeks ago. All happened v.quickly for me (within 2 weeks) Dr - Hospital mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy - back following week for surgeon on the Thursday, pre-op on the Friday,Surgery 0730 Monday morning with weekend online ordering post surgery bras for click and collect! Got my head around it just, other half still struggling! I am more than this (worked in NHS for 20 years!) and don’t want this to define me. Sometimes say right will have a Ca free day today unless absolutely necessary, however, a fellow colleague nurse been through same thing suggested I might like to keep a diary and then you start to see you are having more good than bad days and I like this idea, but I still have this to go through. Xx