**SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2021 BREAST CANCER CHEMO**

Hi  

Your feelings seem totally normal to me - I had my last chemo on Wednesday but I remember how everything felt overwhelming and confusing before I began treatment, and telling friends and family was emotional too. But once you're through that and ticking off the chemo sessions you're going to feel a lot more in control (and more bored than nervous!). Denise's advice is spot on and has always helped me a lot (thanks Dclem4!).

One thing I'd add is that while it's good to feel prepared don't stress about it – you'll find there's always someone on the forum to help as and when you need it. I sort of felt I wanted to be an expert going in but of course you have plenty of time for researching possible side effects and a bit of online shopping and you will get a clearer idea of whatever you need as you go along. Other than that, I'd say also try to have even a short walk even if it's only around the house, even on days when you don't feel like it because it really, really does help. Drink lots on the day after chemo. And something else that worked for me is literally ticking off each round of treatment and giving yourself a treat afterwards.  Good luck for your first chemo - and to   Jacala too. Once you've started it's a lot easier XX

Hi  just to add to what Denise said... I've recently found a mouth spray...A.S saliva orthana... Lubricating mouth spray. It's like fake saliva. Only used it after Chemo but wished I'd tried it during. Helps with the changes in taste. 

Also my eyes used to water a lot... Looked like I was crying. Nurse suggested eye drops which seemed counterintuitive but really helped.

The key is to see what SEs you get then work to address them. But don't hesitate to take the meds provided. Prevention is better than cure.

Good luck.

Will take a look at headwear! Good to have something in and be ready!!!! Thanks

All of this info is really fantastic!!! Adding to my shopping list!!!! Thanks  

Thanks!!! Feel like I need to get a wall chart to tick off each session! Really reassuring to have replies from this incredible group!!!! Good luck everyone!!!!

I found hoodies really handy for wearing around the house when my scalp was sensitive. If my head got cold I'd just put the hood up for a while.

If you're having a PICC line in you'll want something with loose sleeves.

Don't stress too much about getting everything in before you start, I was able to get everything I needed on Amazon which was great during lockdown.  It also acted like a retail therapy, looking for different wigs, head coverings etc

If you can, treat yourself to some comfy clothes and nice bed linen. My skin was really sensitive for a while and my husband kindly treated me/us to high thread count bedding which really helped.  The day before each treatment I made sure to have fresh bedding and comfy clothes to relax in.

A heat pad helped me with the pains from the Docetaxel, if you can get one it should help especially as the weather starts to change.

Let your team know about ANY problems you have, they can help with most of them.  Ask straightaway and take the maximum dose of pain meds as soon as you feel the need.  Keep hydrated and where possible just go with your food cravings...one day I ate 7 chunky Kitkats and I don't actually like Kitkats lol

The help, advice, support and chat on here is invaluable.  You can do it!!!

Lynne xx

Hi, teacher here too on this horrible journey! Let me know if you find any good sites for wigs etc. 

, I bought about 10 inexpensive wigs on Amazon. I have always liked changing my hair colour and style and decided to embrace the opportunity to do it every time I went out.

I also got 3 baseball caps with hair attached on Amazon, very handy for throwing on to go out for walks.

Lynne xx

I'm starting 3 rounds of EC then 3 rounds doxetal starting this Friday. Any advice greatly welcome. 

Hi 

Sorry you find yourself in this group but it is a great place for help and support.

I finished chemo 11 weeks ago and my memory of it has already blurred somewhat.  My strongest advice would be to take all the meds your team recommend and to contact them straightaway with any concerns.  You will be given a 24 hour helpline, do not be afraid to call them.  Some people sail through it and even continue to work, some have a tougher time.  

Don't stress too much about trying to be prepared, I was in lockdown for much of my treatment and was able to get pretty much everything I felt I needed online.

If others rely on you for cooked meals it might be a good idea to batch cook and freeze meals just before each treatment (generally when you feel your best).  I had the .most weird and wonderful food cravings and quickly learnt just to give in to them!

Get an extra soft toothbrush for days when your mouth is sensitive.  Let your team know if it really bothers you, there are mouthwashes they can prescribe.  Rinsing with salt water also helps and Xylimelts (available on Amazon) help with dry mouth.

Take each day as it comes, rest when you need to and keep well hydrated. Sipping ginger tea and eating little and often helped me with the nausea.

Vent on here if you're feeling lousy.

Take all the help you can, it can be a rough journey but it is doable.

Good luck!

1. Lynne xx