Hi Carole,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry that I can't help you with your chemo question, as, although I've had 2 bouts of breast cancer, I was fortunate enough not to need chemo. I can however concur that the fear of a recurrence is  never far from the mind of anyone who has had cancer. I am glad to see that you are now 8 years in remission - I am 14. Initially, I spent almost every waking moment worrying about this, especially after I was diagnosed with a second primary, just a year after my initial diagnosis. I eventually decided that life is too short to let it be taken over by cancer and that I would have to do something about it. 

I attended various classes on mindfulness, moving forward, pain management, physical fitness, strength and balance, fitness, weight management, etc. I also saw a counsellor. This helped me both mentally and physically. I made a conscious decision that I had to get on with living my life, without letting cancer be my overriding thought 24/7. It took quite a few years before I could accept this, but it has made my life much more bearable. I'm not saying that this is always the case, I still have my low moments, but they are now far fewer than they used to be. I was reading a post from someone on this forum recently. She has terminal cancer, but thinks of this and treats it, not like a life sentence, but as she would treat a chronic disease. I thought that this was a great way to look at the situation.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Carole 

I do believe chemo affects everyone differently so I can only share my experience and what I did and didn't do. Apart from some temporary side effects I actually sailed through it. The hair loss is one well known side effect. I was mentally prepared for this. I bought lots of scarves, hats and a couple of wigs ( my free one from Robert Ogden charity was the best). Its grown back now & I do like my new style.

I had issues with my white blood count a number of times which resulted in my chemo session being put back but I got through that. They gave me injections after each session to try & manage it. I also looked after myself very well. I stopped drinking throughout, kept away from crowds & ate healthily. It did the trick, for me anyway. I was able to work throughout it too.

I had no sickness whatsoever, they gave me meds at the beginning of each session and they worked a treat. I was quite fatigued after 6 months of it but just rest. It will pass

Be kind to yourself 

Hope this has given you a little reassurance & the very best of wishes

Love Dawn xx

Thankyou. I really appreciate your taking the time to reply.

C x

Thankyou. I really appreciate your taking the time to reply.

C x