Here we go again!

Hello  I'm very sorry to hear this. What a blow. It sounds like your team has a plan and great that they can start treatment so quickly. I'm sure your positive attitude will stand you in good stead over the coming weeks. I'm sending you some gentle supportive hugs and lots of good wishes. You are in my thoughts and prayers xx

Hi Nannasuki,

At least you don't have long to worry about the chemo. Maybe the best way!

All the very best for your treatment. xxxxx

, I am really very sorry to hear about the bugger escaping and deciding your liver and chest lymph nodes was a great place to go too. I am really pleased to hear though that you clearly have a fantastic team looking out for you and getting you booked in for chemo tomorrow. I know tonight lots to digest but as you say in your positive altitude your not going to let it bet you, your positive altitude will help get you though tough times. I am wishing you every strength and positive thoughts to you. Good luck tomorrow with your first chemo

And for good measure sending you a big hug your way.

So sorry to hear your news but you sound very positive and I am sure you will beat this.

Sending hugs, Lesley xx

Thanks everyone. If anyone has any tips for getting through chemo I would be very grateful. What head coverings did you find best etc?

Nannasuki x

Good evening ladies. I had my first chemo session today. It wasn't as bad as I'd feared but it was a long day. I did get lunch though which was a nice surprise and the meal I chose was very tasty! Came home with lots of meds and dire warnings to phone the helpline if anything doesn't feel right!  I know they have to do that but it does make me feel stressed in case I don't report something I should have done! 

Feeling fine so far. Let's see what tomorrow brings. Maybe I should join the chemo group as well for more specific support.

Night night everyone, sleep tight xx Sending a special goodnight kiss to Mrs Woodentop.

I'm glad the first one went ok nannasuki. It's awful when you step into unknown territory but thank goodness we have got all our friends on here we can refer too. I hope tomorrow goes just as well for you. Sleep well..God bless and as you say, a special goodnight kiss for Mrs Woodentop. Love lamb.xx

I am glad it went OK today , 

I agree and what a lovely thought. Sending Mrs Wooden top a special goodnight kiss, so she rests peacefully.

Hello  Im glad your first chemo went well and I hope that you don’t have too many side effects. Yes it’s daunting especially when they give you all the warnings and the number for the on-call oncologist. I had 6 cycles of chemo (carboatin/paclitaxol ) in 2016. I only called the on-call oncologist once and that was when I developed a horrid, hive-type rash. She was fab, told me exactly what to do, what strength antihistamines to buy, how much to take etc and told me to call back if this didn’t help. It did and I was fine and the next cycle they gave me extra antihistamines with all the pre-infusion meds and it never happened again. 

My top tips would be ginger (ginger biscuits or ginger tea) to help with nausea, take your anti sickness meds regularly, keep well hydrated to flush out the toxins, pineapple (fresh or tinned) for any metallic tastes in your mouth, Cordosil mouthwash for moth ulcers, eat small, light meals if you feel sick. When you feel well, eat good proteins to build up and repair the good cells that are being damaged by the chemo. Now is not the time to diet - if you fancy something, eat it! 

Yoyll probably find you need to pace yourself as you get further in to treatment. There’s nothing wrong with having a sofa day if you need to, but do try to take a day walk (however short) because it helps to fight fatigue. 

You asked about wigs etc. I had 2 during my chemo months. The second one had a lace front and was much more natural looking around the hairline, plus you can put a parting in if you want to. I had a couple of scarves but to be honest I preferred the wig in terms of looking like me and retaining some confidence. If you get offered the chance to do a Looking Good, Feeling Great  session grab it - a fun couple of hours helping with make up tips, drawing on eyebrows etc plus a fabulous goodie bag full of wonderful products. My daughters were very interested when they saw the top name foundation and lipstick in mine! 

Last tips - keep a diary of any symptoms and if you get any odd rashes take a picture on your phone to show your team. Always ring them if in any doubt or with any concerns. They want you to get through this in the best shape possible. Looking back, chemo was very tough going at times but doable. You can do this and we are all here to cheer you on xx

Thank you Fairycake,  you given me some really helpful information. I'm going for a wig consultation tomorrow. I'll try to find out if my cancer centre do the looking good sessions. I'm keeping a daily diary so I can see the pattern for each cycle so I can plan days out.

Nannasuki xx