Hi Jess,

Sorry to hear your news. I don't have TNBC but do have breast cancer, I started chemo Fri 17 Feb, so it's early days. I have to have 20 weeks of chemo. 

Do you know what chemo you are having?

With the nausea with the current chemo I am on (EC) eating beige carbs has really helped. When I felt the most sick I couldn't stomach anything else. Toast, crumpets, bagels, crackers etc. The oncologist recommended it and I don't say no to an excuse to eat more carbs, haha.

When my mouth will begin to get sore ice pops are good. I've made loads from mango purée and put them in the freezer, so I'm prepared.

The general advice is just to eat a balanced healthy diet. So I am not using this as an excuse to eat toast 100% of the time haha. Just when I need it. When the sore mouth comes I have been warned I may need foods that are easier to deal with then, also if you get a metallic taste that might change what you want to eat. But hasn't happened to me yet.

My skin hasn't started to get dry yet but I know it will and I've done a lot of research and spoken to lots of BC survivors. Aveeno body wash and body lotion, the skin relief soothing range (the blue bottles) is great, always on offer at Boots.

Get a sensitive toothbrush and toothpaste. For your face, stop using retinoids or peels, scrubs etc. I cannot recommend La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Repairing Balm enough, it's so soothing and calming. 

I have chosen not to cold cap. Personally I think patchy bits of hair looks worse than going full bald (for me), so I just went ahead and shaved it off. It was ok actually. I felt like I was taking back some control and I look not too bad, haha. It's just temporary, hair will come back.

The cold cap stuff looks so uncomfortable too and it extends the amount of time you're on the chemo ward significantly, I'm already going to be there long enough, I couldn't be bothered! I was also worried because they need to factor in the extra time in the chair, that it would limit the speed in which I could begin my treatment.

Hope that's helpful, any other Qs fire them my way. Don't apologise, there's no such thing as too many questions. All my love x

Hi Chars,

Thank you for such great advice. 

I haven't reached out until now and I'm so pleased I have with your response.

I'm not sure which chemo as yet ... I'm hoping to find out this week.

I'm so undecided with the cold cap I've heard lots of mixed reviews. I'm scared to look different I have 2 very young babies and I'm trying to keep everything as normal as I can....

Thank you for your advice I will definitely back with more questions for sure ! 

Jess xx

Hi Chars,

Thank you for such great advice. 

I haven't reached out until now and I'm so pleased I have with your response.

I'm not sure which chemo as yet ... I'm hoping to find out this week.

I'm so undecided with the cold cap I've heard lots of mixed reviews. I'm scared to look different I have 2 very young babies and I'm trying to keep everything as normal as I can....

Thank you for your advice I will definitely back with more questions for sure ! 

Jess xx