The countdown to chemotherapy!

I see a couple of super things to hang onto in there. First of all your consultant said your surgery was successful, and secondly the impending arrival of your new grandchild and the wedding. They do make super distractions!

I am sorry your lymph nodes were involved and that you are now facing chemo and other treatments. I think we all worry about chemo before starting. The oncology teams are exceedingly good at managing the side effects - they will be able to support you through whatever happens. My two main tips would be to keep yourself well hydrated before, during and after, and to keep a diary of your symptoms. That way you can see changes between cycles and also plan around the times when you will be more well. It might be worth having a chat with your oncologist to see how best to fit treatment around your family wedding.

Don’t be put off by the long list of possible side effects. It’s unlikely you will get all of them and you won’t have all of them all the time. 

Wishing you all the best. 

Ooooh thank you for your wise reply - whilst I am trying to focus on the new family arrival in a few days time and the wedding .

I have to say that the idea of chemotherapy is bothering me.  Thank you for the idea of keeping a diary - I will definitely do that.

It is just the problem that my chemotherapy is starting all around what should be happy, sparkly, magical family moments and there will be me feeling dreadful and rock bottom.

I need to perhaps get a grip and stop overthinking things because I might manage a lot better than I expect to do.

Thank you for taking the time to reply - I appreciate it xx

It’s definitely worth talking about the wedding with your oncologist. I don’t know what drugs you are having but for example for those given every 3 weeks you are likely to feel reasonably normal in at least the 3rd week.

If you are worrying about your hair at the time of the wedding, some people get really good results with cold capping. It didn’t work for me but my hair didn’t shed until about 17 days after my first treatment. Cropping it and wearing a wig or head covering was my answer. I held down a non-exec board position all through treatment and I don’t think anyone realised I was wearing a wig. Admittedly they were mostly men and not people I saw frequently! 

Hi there, I have a very similar diagnosis to you and completely get how desperate you are feeling BUT I have also had the ‘belt and braces’ approach as many of my lymph nodes were cancerous. I haveompleted a robust chemotherapy plan and got through it successfully. Not fun granted but found it ok and not nearly as bad as my head was telling me it was going to be . The first treatment I was trified and by the 2nd realised it was unpleasant more than  this awful thing I had built it up to being in my mind . I found being prepared really helped - so I had a mouthwash prescribed, eye drop moisturisers - you get the idea !!! And I subsequently didn’t experience many of the expected side effects too badly . The mouthwash worked a treat and every time I got the tiniest mouth sore - oucame my mouthwash and the mouth sores went away. I was able to eat really healthily and well all the way through . I did have some morphine which helped me sleep and also helped with minor aches et I didn’t want to take it at first but my nurse said - if  it helps and enables you to have a good nights sleep- why make life harder for yourself . So I went with her advice on round 2 and it help me enormously. I could relax and know I would get a good nights sleep . I only used it for maybe 5 days each cycle and just one dose but it helped  radiotherapy was fine - no side effects until towards the end and this was just a bit of tiredness . I am nearly 3 weeks done now and my energy levels are back and my skin is beginning to feel better again and less sore and itchy ( antihistamines really helped with the itching). I am also just starting Letrozole and so far have found that fine . I started cdk 4-6 yesterday and will keep you posted ! So far so good . It is daunting and I like you had planned a summer with my little grandson and my daughter and hated telling my grown up children what was happening. We are all so close. I had a McMillan counsellor who was just wonderful - we spoke once a week and I was able to tell her my innermost fears and worries. I don’t know what I would have done without her . Take one step at a time, don’t think beyond the chemo - do countdowns and charts whatever helps you to see yourself getting through it . It sounds like you have so many amazing things in your life and that will make you stronger and give you the strength to get through this unfair, horrid time . I hope this helps a little - sending so many hugs to you Xx

Remember side effects are different for everyone and you don't know until you start what's going to happen. Ask for help if you need it, family, friends or medical staff. One of the golden rules, medically, take your temperature 2x/ day to look out for signs of infection.