Thank you Louise.

Any chemo tips? What should I take with me...

k xx

Drink plenty before and during. 

Wear something comfy, I had something on phone to watch but didn't as nurse was with me majority of time first session and all of second. I got offered a sandwich, biscuits and tea and got given jug water. But you can take own food, snacks in. 

Get some imodium and also heartburn stuff in ready. You will be given anti sickness meds and possibly 7 days of injections and steroids. 

Xxx

Thanks for the advice.

How are you?

karen xxxx

I'm ok thanks back to isolating as have my final EC session Friday then I change regime. 

It's not easy going through this so you just have to take it a day at a time.

Louise xx

Hi,

So sorry to hear you are going through this. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April and am having chemotherapy before surgery. Im 36. 

In terms of losing  hair I feel it's important to do what works for you. My hair started shedding towards the end of my first cycle and then a lot more after my second.

For me personally I went and got a wig and some nice hats/ fashion turbans before I started the chemo. I did have thick waist length hair that was also a huge part of my identity. I had it cut into a short bob and donated my hair. I tried to hold off on shaving it completely as the thought was very upsetting for me. I did end up shaving it on a number 2 then decided to just leave it from there. I'm on my 4th cycle and my hair seems to be growing back. I haven't gone completely bald and have retained some thick hair at the back. Most people I've spoken to have gone bald and I suppose I still could. I allowed myself a good cry before and after I'd shaved my head and to be honest it felt like a relief when it had fallen out. Almost like I didn't have to worry about it anymore. I think it's important to be very kind to yourself during the whole chemo process especially the hair loss as it's not fun and can be upsetting. I don't really think too much about my hair now and am wondering what style I can pick when it grows back. I also got some cheaper wigs to mix things up that Ive warn with a hat. 
 

Hair loss is such an unfortunate part of the process. I've met other ladies who decided to shave their head before chemo and others that just decided to leave their hair or shave it and wear a wig. The best advice I could give is to do what works for you, allow yourself a cry and try to focus on how it will grow back. I also found once I'd got used to not really having hair it gave me more time to do things like my makeup and outfits to give me a bit more confidence. I've also found it helpful to get a nice scalp oil to put on my head and really focused on self care.
 

Always here to chat if needed. 
 

Best wishes