Starting chemotherapy June

Hi German shepherd mum

No apologies needed here, we all understand what your are going through. It's good that you have a start date for chemo.  I  know the thoughts of chemo is frightening but while it's not easy it is doable.  After each chemo session make sure you take the anti-sickness meds to help prevent nausea and drink plenty of fluids. Try to get out for some fresh air everyday even if only for a short while as it helps your mental health. I also suggest that you tick off each chemo session from your calendar according as you have it that way you will be able to see the end in sight.  I kept a journal of my journey while undergoing treatment which  I found it very useful. 

There is no reason that you can't see your friends during treatment as long as they aren't sick. You could arrange to meet them outdoors rather than indoors if that's what you'd like. Would you consider arranging with your GP to get a COVID jab?

Make sure to bring something to the chemo unit to keep yourself occupied as you can have a bit of a wait while your chemo nurse set up your infusion.  Bring plenty of snacks with you in case you feel hungry though your chemo unit may provide a cup of tea and some biscuits and maybe lunch if you are there at lunch time while you are getting your infusion.

You should find the PICC line no bother.  I had it in while I was undergoing treatment and I didn't have any problems with it.  They not only give you your chemo through the line they also take your bloods through it.

Wishing you the best of luck with your treatment.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thanks for your support and encouragement 

I would like to update everyone.I had the picc line fitted as planned. It wasn’t pleasant but that was due to my fear of medical procedures. The nurses and doctors were lovely and even gave me a cup of tea while they located my oncologist to ask additional questions. The picc line is usually filled in the arm that has not had lymph node removal, both my arm pits have be operated on as I had bilateral lobular cancer. The oncologist decided due to my fear of needles that this was the best outcome for me and explained that there may be a greater risk of lymphoma and clotting.

my husband cancelled his dentist appointment and attended with me.

Everyone was lovely.

i decided to try cold capping as I decided that I had nothing to lose.

firstly your hair is wet, then smothered in conditioner.

the cold cap is fitted and switched on.

I was told if you can stand the first 10 to 15 minutes you will do ok. After 5 minutes I wanted to take it off, but I laid the chair back and tried to think pleasant thoughts. True enough after about 10 minutes it was the weight if the cap that bothered me not so much the cold, very similar to getting into cold water and your body adjusting.

a lovely volunteer came round offering drinks.

at lunch time a sandwich, drink, crisps and a yogurt were provided.

the cold cap had to be left on for 90 minutes after the chemotherapy had finished.

so my sessions will take approximately 2 to 3 hours longer than if I didn’t have it. I am willing to see if this works.

I had the treatment on Friday, Saturday I walked my dog and went to a steam fair. Rested in between, let husband cook tea. Remarkably feel ok, a bit worried that it might come crashing down but feel ok. Still having trouble sleeping hence writing this so early 

hope this helps other people to be less afraid when attending their first chemotherapy appointment.