First Chemo

Hi Christalia24 welcome to the forum and I am delighted to hear how well the first session of chemo has gone for you..It is so great that you have thought of others at such a challenging time for you and are willing to share that for the benefit of others just starting out. Thank you so much for sharing and sending very best wishes to you for the rest of your treatments. Xxx

Thank you. I hope you are doing well. The 'cancer coaster', as I like to call it, isn't an easy ride. I've only been on it since 8th May but have already experienced how much things can change in a small amount of time. You get your head round something to be told it's not going to happen that way after all! I had been told I wouldn't need chemo but there I was Monday having my first session - during which I was given a present - a little box of self injections that I have to start tomorrow. Nobody had warned me about that! My husband and I have decided to name the process "grab the flab and give the jab". 

Big hug to you too.

Hi Cristalia24, thank you so much for sharing your first chemo experience.I am sorry you going through this, I know it’s hard and understand you were scared, exactly how I feel right now.I had mastectomy and DIEP end of April believing I’m not gonna need any chemo or radiotherapy and here I am now waiting for a CT scan and Prosigna results. So soon to start chemo which I am scared the most. Send you hugs and best wishes xxx

I'm sorry you have ended up needing chemo too. It's so hard to get your head round the changes in treatment plan. Do you know when your chemo will start and how often you will have it? 

I was advised to buy some chemo sensitive skin care stuff by a friend and I bought some Moo Goo products that are lovely. I've found drinking ginger tea has helped with feeling slightly queasy today. You need to keep well hydrated too. 

I can't really offer any more advice as it's all new to me too. I hope you have a good support network around you. 

Big hug  

Ps. How did you find your post op recovery? I'm anxious about having the drains in. 

I don’t know yet when, need to have a CT scan and I’m still waiting for the appointment, but the dr said most likely I will have chemo    I will come back with details once started. 

Well recovery it’s a different story .. was very brave and decided to have DIEP, not scared at all, I was almost 100% sure I’m not gonna need any chemo or radio, so going full speed on hopes and everything. Month after the op found out that 2 of the 3 lymph nodes checked had cancer too..so here I am now .. 

The breast drain was removed day 5, before going home,  been 5 days in hospital in total. The tummy drain I had it for 13 days. Can’t say was easy, but with the right help and patience you can do it. I can’t complain at all, been very well looked after in the hospital, and then at home I had my sisters for a week to help me, and after that on my own. 
Had to measure the fluid from that drain every morning and call the ward to inform them. 
I hope I gave a little idea about the drains. 
Send hugs xxx

Thank you. 

I've been told I'll be going home the same day. 

You’re very welcome. 

All depends on type of the op you’ll have. I’m sorry, I didn’t ask you about that. Don’t know why I’ve got the impression you’ll have the DIEP reconstruction.