I just had my first appointment with the oncologist and hopefully my last with her as she was horrific, cold totally lacking empathy and not a sympathic bone in her body.

The cold cap has never been mentioned to me by any of the Bzc nurses or the oncologist even though I know the local hospital was gifted one and had it still in 2022.

All Ive kept being told is I will lose my hair.

I've bought loads of wigs from shein since November when I was first told chemo was a possibility. I was told by the nurse on Tuesday that they will supply a wig and names of salons who can style it for me. (I'm in Scotland) 

Please keep us updated on how your chemo goes x

I'm so sorry to hear this.

My breast care nurse wasn't compassionate.  When she told me in January that I might have to have chemotherapy, I burst into tears. I was on my own that day. When I cried, she got up and walked me out the the door. 

So I completely understand how you feel , I really do. Could you speak to the Oncologist receptionist and ask if you could have the cold cap? If that's what you would like?

Luckily,  I only get calls from her now. The last call was from her colleague as she was absent and she was so much better. Sympathy and didn't rush me.

My Oncologist was amazing and the nurse who accompanied him was amazing.  

At first, I had a fear of going out but once I did, i was ok. Im upset about my hair but it is what it is. 

Omg, that is alot of treatment. Yeh, wait until you see your Oncologist. Hopefully their take is different. If you are still in treatment next year,  just think that all this is to make you better.  This is all I keep saying to myself. 

Every 4 weekly,  I have to have injections to suppress my ovaries alongside the hormone tablets, which should start in September x

How are you feeling in yourself now?x

The chemo is to stop it coming back, they removed it all from my boob.

I find the whole cancer thing so confusing. Chemo is a brutal way to cure cancer, but for it to be used as a preventative measure I find confusing, and if they removed all the cancer and chemo kills any stragglers, how is it possible that it can come back? I got told that 30% of people in my particular situation will either get a reoccurrence of/ or secondary cancer.

I started the hormone treatment a few weeks after my diagnosis. The oncologist I saw said it was the best treatment for my breast cancer the chemotherapy and radiotherapy add an extra layer of protection.

I just cant get my head  round chemotherapy as a preventative measure and 6mths of it the  radiotherapy. 

When I asked that oncologist I saw first, she just kept saying. It's the standard treatment for the type I have. 

I'm terrified of losing my hair, I've practically hid behind my hair all my life and I have major issues with how I look. I don't know if my mental health could cope with seeing me bald, I avoid mirrors as much as I can anyway but I'd need to look in one to put a wig on.

The fact the cold cap didn't work for you, has just enforced that fear.  

Now I don't know if its worth trying.

How are you getting on with the wig? Are you wearing caps and scarves? I've bought a heap of wigs, mass panic buying even though I know they will supply one!

Did you go out with a wig on? Or just left it.

I'm glad you got over that fear and you have a good way of looking at it all xx

Hello Crytchick and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your situation. I can understand how unsettling it can be not knowing what to expect. I am sure that when you start things will become much clearer.

The doctors will do all they can to help prevent the cancer coming back with the treatment that you are having. It is difficult for me to comment on the statistics that you have been given without being involved in your care so do continue to ask them if this is causing you some concern.

I can understand how difficult it can be thinking about losing your hair. There are so many good wigs and beautiful scarves. We do have some information on our website that has tips on hair loss that you might find helpful to look at.

You may also find it helpful to look at some tips on how to prepare yourself for chemotherapy eating a well balanced diet, making sure that you are eating fruit and vegetables and drinking enough fluid.

Have a look at the information on what to eat before and during treatment.

If you would like to ring and talk through any of this with one of the nurses on the helpline then you are welcome to get back to us.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

All the best,

Catherine

Yes, it's to prevent ot coming back.  I had clear margins from brwast and lymph nodes. 

It is very confusing indeed. 

Il be having hormone tablets too which will benefit me the most.

I wear a hat at home which I bought from Amazon. 

I have worn wigs out. At first,  I wasn't feeling the best about it all but afterwards I was ok.

Cold cap only works for certain people. It just didn't work for me.

I don't look in the mirror without a hat on etc. So I put my wig on first then look in the mirror to fix it

I have a extravasation on my hand from when the 1st chemotherapy.  So now I have damaged tissue abs unable to use my right hand,  which is my dominant hand.

Hospital reviewed my hand on Monday when I went for my chemotherapy and I'm not happy. 

I was listed from pillar to post and now I'm having sleepless nights in agony. 

I'm going to ring my brwast care nurse for support and advice because no-one wants to take responsibility. 

Thank you I shall have a look x

That's shocking, as if chemo isn't bad enough. I hope you get it sorted sending you lots of love ️ 

Had my appointment with my NEW oncologist and a total difference from that awful one I saw.

I will be getting 1 treatment of chemotherapy a week, with 3wks off, for 12wks.

Then 1 a week for 9 wks.

They are getting things started. Had my letter through for making an appointment to get a wig fitted but I don't think I will do it. I think I will be too emotional xx

Thank you 

Thank you