First Chemo

Hi

I took a fleece blanket but to be honest I didn't use it. I also took a water bottle and a book to pass the time xx

Hi, 

I’m almost finished with 6 months of chemo. Didn’t take any blankets as they had some at hospital. I took thick socks and slippers. Also, a book or something to do...iPad or podcast/music to listen to...sometimes found I couldn’t concentrate on reading a book. Also took a journal with me. 

Oh and a bag of dried mango or other fruit, could only stomach fruit during my treatment :) I know some people take ginger sweets  with them. 

Hope it all goes well. 

Phone, notebook and pen (they share a Lot of info), have space as they will give you Meds. I took a drink but they give you water and make you a cuppa. Biccies for a snack. But they also had them there. Book. Fleece blanket. I had the cool cap treatment so took a jacket and thick socks but didn’t really need them. I took paracetamol in case I got headache with the cold cap but didn’t need them. Thermometer. Tissues (my nose ran as soon as chemo started!!). Good luck!!

I should also say I got through all the chemo. Take it one day at a time. Listen to the advice they give but also tell them if you are struggling, they will help. And you can do this, it’s ok!! Not the best of things to get through but ok!!

Hi Robbo16

I am starting my first cycle of Chemo on the 21st April and was thinking about trying the cold cap, how did you find it?

Thanks

Emie

I’m wondering the same as you? Hair is currently well below my shoulders and very fine, I’m going to have it cut to shoulder length and want to try everything I can to keep at least some of it - don’t yet know what chemo I will be having. My follow up to the lumpectomy and lymph node removal is 21st April so I assume I’ll find out then xx

Hi Monalisa1869

Its all very scary not knowing what to expect, I have very short hair but I am still unsure if I want to try the cold cap, as we will be going through enough without feeling cold and uncomfortable during treatment as I have been told that you have to wear it an hour before, during the treatment and an hour after, brrrrrrrr!!!!!

I have also been reading up about my first 3 cycles of Chemo which is EC, and most people I have spoke to have had side effects and felt rough with it. Its just not knowing how your going to react to treatments that is scary. Hope your treatment goes well.

Stay Positive

Emie X

I found the cold cap ok.  It worked for me as I lost only some of my hair during my EC chemo, but that already started growing back during my Paclitaxel chemo. I know it’s different for everyone but for me it has been worth it. 

Thanks everyone - once I know the names of the chemo drugs and dose etc I’ll be on here again asking for advice. I’m trying not to google too much. When the surgeon visited me after the op he said “ relax and recuperate and we’ll see you again in clinic for your results” easier said than done but I’m trying Xx

HiMonalisa1869, 

my Chemo was Dosetaxel. I wore the cold cap , I took paracetamol 20 mins before outing it on ( nurse advised snd I obliged )

I took a couple of fleece blankets as I’m a cold fish at the best of times . I was given a nice hot cup of tea at the beginning and I was fine . After the first I took a flask with me as I enjoy a cuppa and everyone is busy . I also took sandwiches etc as I’m fussy and I didn’t like the choice of sandwiches they offered me but my husband did !! I took my wig with me as it was handy as your hair is damp with the cold cap . 
I did loose some hair - more like thinned .I wore my wig occasionally. I loved my hair when it grew back to normal but curly , straight again now though . 
chemo side effects - everyone is different , every chemo is different . Most people I know would say one week out if the three they would feel tired etc . You just need to plan for a few duvet days and if your not effected then great . 
don’t go looking for side effects - they will find you . 
I did speak to my dentist before starting chemo snd he prescribed High floride toothpaste snd packets of sugar free gums to help my saliva production snd look after my teeth . I’m sure you could phone for this. 
You will be advised to drink 2 to 3 litres a day for at least first 2 days after chemo - def worth going - do buy some diluting juice to give you something tasty to drink . I really stepped up my fluid intake even now 3 yrs since I began my chemo ! Finished Aug 2018. 
Do not Google ! Stick with Macmillan and Breast cancer care . Google can be so old and out of date snd written by anyone ! 

wishing you all the best 

Ruby Rose