Hi, not sure if I am posting this in the correct forum, apologies if I am.
I have lobular cancer & am due to start chemo in the next 2 weeks. I have had a mastectomy & full node clearance & immediate diep reconstruction. The tumour was 17.5cm, much bigger than the 8cm predicted & cancer found in 13 of the 21 lymph nodes removed & not just the 1 as first thought.
I was hoping that you may have some advice on how to prepare for chemo, cope with any side effects, including hair loss, cold capping & what to actually take to chemo with me. I will be alone as visitors aren't allowed in the chemo suite, so really dreading it. Any advice is very welcome. Thanks in advance xx
Hi Acorn
I'm Daisy53 one of fhe Community Champions on this forum. I'm sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with breast cancer and that you need chemo.
While I won't say chemo is easy, it is doable. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to help cope with any side effects you may have. I didn't do cold capping so I got some turbans to wear when I lost my hair which I found very comfortable. Take something to read, or your tablet with headphones in cause you want to download a film to watch or to listen to music. Bring some snack with you in case you feel hungry.
Try to get some fresh air every day if only for a short while as that can help you cope with any side effects you might have. You mght also find it helpful to get a notebook and keep a journal of how you are feeling and if you have any side effects. If you have any side effects let your team know as they can prescribe medication for you to take if you need it.
Wishing you the best of luck with chemo.
Best wishes
Daisy53
