Chemo Starting next Week

Hi  First thinks first BREATHE and again ....good yes it can all happen very quickly but the best advice is take a breath and you and mum take one step at a time don't race ahead worrying about what happens in future waste of energy . Concentrate on now . 

So welcome we know you'd rather not be here but it is the best place to be for answers and support . Stay away from DR Google he is usually wrong and likes horror stories.

I Didn't  use cold cap ,my decision just didn't fancy cold head and extra time in unit .  Have read on here to make sure lots of conditioner on hair and cold cap to fit well .but I'm sure others will come on to help .

my story is on profile just click on name to read . I am Her 2+  diagnosed june 2019 ..chemo EC x 6 done herceptin x 18 done now on infusions every 6 months another three to go .

The shopping list is very comprehensive songet what you think mum would use .Chemo is very dehydrating for inside and outside of body so handcream .vaseline for  lips , shower/ bath creme with 0% parabens , mouthwash to help stop ulcers and child soft toothbrush .

I used to have a small canvas bag and would take book ,magazine ,little snacks ,sweets to suck you sometimes get metallic taste in mouth .

At home I would have small boxes of treats in fridge like pots of rice/custard or jelly . Also plain ham ,cheese pieces of fruit . Also I made lots of soup ,you don't have time do buy some . The idea being little and often . Can defeat the nausea.

It isn't automatic that mum will be very unwell yes there are SEffects but I was lucky to have minimum/ manageable . So yes mum likely to feel sick but take meds whether you do or not prevention better than cure . Most probably be tired so rest when body tells you . Keep a diary of SE thru the cycle then you will see a pattern emerge . Its usual to start to feel better on around day ten .

The unit does not want anyone to suffer so do tell them if mum is sick they can change meds . Get a decent thermometer if you haven't got one cos the first question is have you a temp . Ok I've boiled your head enough you and mum have a read of some of the threads . The Awake thread is where a lot of us who have been there hang out lots of advise and banter  

feel free to ask any questions 

Thank you Northener, we have read through ur story, you have accomplished so much, I’m proud. 

thank you so much for help, I have added these to my list and I will get a thermometer tommorrow :) the oncologist told us the same take one day at a time and we will get through it. Just want her better and all I can do is support her. 

thank you so much for replying I’ll have a read through all the posts with her this weekend xx

No problem if mum gets a minute get her to fill in story so far on profile . It helps when people reply . If you want to post a reply to anyone just jump in they'll reply . If you want to tag then use @ then name then click on name that will appear click on that . 

Theres quite a group of newbies on the Jan 2020 chemo .  Also quite a few diagnosed Her 2+ Lately 

Just remember all doable