Hello and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling anxious and unsettled about how you are feeling.

I think starting anything new can be anxious making but when you have had your first cycle of chemotherapy you will have an idea of what to expect and hopefully things will feel better for you.

You have posted in 'Ask the Nurses' but if you post on another thread you may find it helpful and supportive to hear others who have been through chemotherapy.

You may also find it helpful to contact the charity 'Breast Cancer Now'. They have a service called 'Someone like Me' where they can put you in touch with other women going through treatment. Have a look here

We have some information about chemotherapy for breast cancer which you can see here

Once you have got a date you may find it helpful to use that time before you start to do a bit of food shopping and perhaps some cooking so you feel like you are doing something positive.

There is some information about eating well during chemotherapy which you can see here

It can help to drink plenty of water, at least 2 litres of water  just before and for a couple of days afterwards. This can help flush the drugs through your body when you eventually start.

Maggie Centres are attached to various hospitals up and down the country but they offer lots of help and support either online or in person. Have a look here

If you have a Maggie Centre near you then it may be helpful to pop in and see them either before you start or after you start treatment. They offer support on line and in person and you don't have to live nearby to visit them.

I am sure that the nurses giving the chemotherapy will explain more about  the drugs that they are giving you but if you want to ring one of the nurses on the helpline then we could also go through it with you.

You may find it helpful to line up a friend or a member of your family to take you for your first appointment

Try and keep yourself busy and your mind occupied whilst you are waiting. 

I do hope that you hear more soon. The nurses are on the helpline during office hours Monday to Friday 9-5 so if you want to talk any of this through then you are more then welcome to give us a ring.

Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040.

All the Best,

Catherine