Awaiting chemo

Hi Abbs 123.

welcome to the community. I had a similar experience to you in the I had the debunking surgery and that the ovarian tumour had been removed intact. Cancer never showed in the CA 125 blood test. Like you I was advised to have chemotherapy (6 sessions of Carboplatin and Paxitaxol 3 weekly) to clear up any floating cancer cells. I have to say that my experience was not as bad as I expected. Sometimes the fear of the unknown is worse than the reality.

yes I lost my hair as I did not choose the cold cap. I was advised that it could be quite painful and there were no guarantees that you would not lose your hair. Some people chose it and their hair thinned and it could look worse than the wig. I don’t know which health area you live in but I had a terrific choice of wigs and there was no financial limit on the one I chose. It was man made material but it looked so natural, as comfortable to wear and no-one could tell it was a wig as it looked like my normal hair style, colour etc.

I was never nauseous or sick with the chemo as they do give you anti sickness medication. For me the fatigue and lack of energy was the worst because I am a very active person. It took a lot of adjusting to this but it only lasted a few days as your blood count increased and the energy increased. I found walking in the local countryside very beneficial both mentally and physically. I took a small fold up seat with me in case I needed a short rest if there were no benches or seats around.

everyone is different and our bodies react differently to medications. The chemo nurses are brilliant. Go prepared to stay for a few hours. Take a book or something to do while you are ‘hooked up’. They should also provide a light lunch and drinks. Or you can take your own.

good luck with everything and please contact me again if I can help in any way.

Dahlia 2270

Thank you so much for your reply Dahlia. I am also choosing not to have the cold cap for the same reason. My chemo will be the same as yours too. I'm pleased that your experience wasn't as bad as you expected and I understand that the unknown can be daunting but you have given me hope that my experience will also be like yours. I am also an outdoorsy girl as I have 2 horses that give me great comfort and just being with them takes me away from the situation I'm in. I'm based in the North East so need to find where I can buy a wig from. I already have half a dozen scarfs. If you don't mind me asking, how quick did you loose you hair. I'm led to believe it's after the 1st cycle.

Hi Abbs123

yes I started to lose my hair after the first treatment. I found that combing or washing my hair would bring it out  in my hand. I thought I can’t cope with this so took the decision to cut it all off. It felt better the fact that I had control over the situation.

I live in West Yorkshire. Continue to take comfort in your horses. I love horses and all animals generally. They are brill at picking up on emotions and having that affinity with them will keep you focused  and take your mind off things. Keep busy.

I was working (at 71) when My Cancer was diagnosed. It eventually forced me to retire at the age of 72 after a year on sickness. I should have retired earlier!
my cancer was diagnosed as Stage 1A clear cell aggressive cancer which was caught early. Even so the ovarian tumour was the size of a melon. Luckily I had a good GP who sent me for an ultra sound scan as soon as possible after I realised something was not well with my body.

I know it is not easy but keep positive and keep talking to people about how you are feeling. Hopefully you have friends/ family who will listen and are supportive. This is such a comfort. It helps talking to those who are also going through the cancer journey.

I am here for you if needed.Take care.

Dahlia 2270

Hi Abbs123

welcome to our group.   I had 6 chemos then surgery, then 2 mop ups- i was rough for about 3-4 days - like the hangover from hell- but then I was okay- I agree its the fear of the unknown, but follow your bodies lead and rest when you need to.   I was given a prescription for my “surgical  appliance” ( wig! )  By my CNS nurse, and told The nhs would fund half of the cost, she told me of local wig shops that participated in this service- my wig was lovely- much better than my real hair! The shop were so kind and very sensitive to the situation.  I got my wig before I started chemo, so as soon as my hair fell out - which was 2 weeks after my first chemo, I used my wig .  
good luck with chemo, and feel free to ask anything if you are worried- I found the chemo nurses were wonderful and you could call them about any concerns-

take care

love 

Abbs123

there is a great place for wigs in the Victorian Arcade in Leeds. The staff there are used to Cancer customers and can offer private interviews It is called Hair Plus, 10 County Arcade, Victorian Quarter, Leeds Tel 01132341048. Email:hairplus@daxbourne.com

If you can look online at www.natural image wigs.co.uk. I had a wig from the Natural Image collection from Inspired. Fantastic styles.

It would be worth asking your Gynae team for a referral or who they could recommend or advise on it. They should have already discussed your options with you.

it is not worth looking at a real hair wig. They are more expensive and not as easy to look after and (strangely enough) they have a brittle look about them. It is also worth investing in a bamboo wig liner. Much more comfortable and cooler than the nylon liners especially with the warmer weather coming up ( I live in hope).

I hope this helps.

All the best in your search.

Dahlia 2270

Thank you Dahlia 

1. Will definitely have a look at that, thank you so much. I have a telephone appointment with chemo ward this Thursday and maybe they will have some information about wigs n things then. I will be shaving my hair off when it starts to fall out. I don't want the trauma of it all. WOW still working at 71! Such ap brave lady x

Thank you for replying Janet. It's nice to hear from people who have experienced all this and I have taken everything on board. I hope your well.

Hi Abbs123

Good luck for Thursday. If you have any further questions or just want to chat in future just get in touch. Happy to help in your journey iif I can. I may be of the older generation in terms of my birth certificate but I am told I don’t look it and am young at heart. Years of life experiences!

good on you for shaving your hair off when it starts to fall out. Grab the Bull by the horns (so to speak). It is a positive decision.

love Barbara 

Hello abbs123

I was diagnosed with stage 4a ovarian cancer in June 2020 and had chemo for secondaries in Dec 2020.  I didn't know what to expect  so just took each day as it came. On my first session the staff were so reassuring and it was such a calm and relaxed atmosphere in the centre. Please dont be afraid to ask questions.

My cancer nurse advised me to take the anti sickness medication immediately as opposed to waiting for any nausea to  develop. I did lose my hair but just wore a beanie. Not having to shave my armpits legs moustache or pluck eyebrows for months was a bonus!!

• I did lose sense of taste but found that smothering everything in chilli sauce sorted that out.

I took a shawl with me as used to get chilly and wore gloves to keep my veins near to surface for cannula. 

I hope that all goes well for you and that you have agood support network around you.

Best wishes