1st Chemo in 11 Days

Hi Helen,

That's great you have your first chemo date. Its all moved very quickly. It sounds as though you are having chemo prior to surgery. Are you going to use the scalp cooling cap? Little things to take with you, snacks, drinks, book, ipad, phone, headphones/airpods to listen to music puzzle book so you  have something to do and keep you occupied. (if using scalp cooling cap, blanket, cosy cardigan (i took but never used) a spray leave in conditioner, sports head band to help make front of cooling cap more comfortable, you don't have to. I tend to take my shoes off so slippers or something to keep your feet warm is a good idea plsu if you want to go to the loo in between its saves having to put your shoes on and off. These are just some of the things I take but everyone is different on what they fancy. Hope this helps.

At the moment I am having EC chemo so my nurse sits with me whilst they are been given and we chat so I don't look at anything I've taken. When its finished as you have the scalp cooling cap on for a while after this is when you may want something to occupy your time. I generally just sit and watch the others on my chemo suite or kind of drift off into my quiet world as I call it. My husband comes with me so we can chat too. He does all the driving as I wouldn't want to drive after my chemo, I feel top spaced out hence drifting off into my world.

Have a great Christmas and wish you all the best for your first chemo in January.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Thanks cuffcake that is really helpful. Yes you are correct chemo first then surgery. I have a pretty large lump and small boobs. Hopefully chemo will shrink it and I’ll be able to retain more breast tissue. 

I’m going to try cold cap. I have pretty crap hair though, fine and already thin so not sure how successful it will be. I’m not overly attached to my hair weirdly. It’s never being a crowning glory as it were. I’m going to get it cut short as it will look horrific even thinner at its current length.  I feel more worried about other side effects like neuropathy. I have autoimmune disorders and pretty poor circulation so I’m concerned about my feet getting worse, but I’ll deal with it if and when it happens. 

Once again thanks so much for your input it’s incredibly helpful. A very Merry and peaceful Christmas to you. X

I agree with Cuffcake's advice, good luck with your treatment xx  I have had my first round of EC a week before Christmas and I felt fine again by Christmas Eve.  Everyone is different, and going the first time is a step into the unknown isn't it?  Don't be afraid to ask the staff for advice too, they're full of good tips.  xxx