Hi Jolamine, appointment went well and everyone was lovely and very reassuring. They mentioned a picc line, but I requested a port instead. Although a bit more invasive to put in place, there is less maintenance and hospital visits. Hoping to get a start date for chemo this week, they said it should be end Feb/ beginning of March. Also need date for having port fitted and to see nurses at chemo unit. Hoping to get a Wig sorted out soon and get my hair cut short. It's all starting to feel very real now and I am a bit nervous to be honest. Xx

Hi Pippin,

I appreciate that this will all be becoming scary now, as the reality that it is all about to happen kicks off, but I'm also sure that you'll be glad to get your treatment started. I am happy to hear that you've made your decision to have a port. It sounds as if you are getting everything put into place and it won't be long before chemo starts. 

I sincerely hope that it all goes well and that the chemo achieves what it sets out to do.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much. Xx

Hi pippin,  glad you're appointment went well,  when you do start the Chemo make sure you religiously follow the instructions they will give you regarding tablets for anti sickness and also I took some ice pops in a little cool bag for when I was having my treatment to protect my mouth from getting too sore,  after you have had each treatment I wouldn't overload your stomach,  maybe a slice of toast if you fancy it,  anti sickness has come on in leaps and bounds since I had my first treatments in 2012, hope everything goes well for you it sounds like you're very prepared although actually loosing your hair is a very distressing time,  I've still got my wigs in the wardrobe from the last  2 times.  If you ever want to talk or just need some advice I'm here xx

Hi Rufusblue, thank you for all the good tips, it is really helpful. Did you use any particular products to protect your nails? This is something that I'm looking into at the moment. Really keen to sort out a wig, just waiting for my voucher code to come through. Hoping to hear this week when my treatment will be starting, although getting really nervous now. Got a phone call today asking me to attend the hospital for an echocardiogram at 8am tomorrow, also having flu jab at 3.15pm.  Do you know how much longer you have to wait for your results?

Hello Pippin,glad you have a treatment plan now . I agree with Rufusblue ,take all your medication,luckily it was ok for me and I never had any nausea or sickness . My nails went a funny colour but that just grew out . Some places just recommend to paint them . Regarding the hair loss ,try the cold cap ,nothing to loose ,if you don’t like it you can stop that .Good luck now ,I am sure it will be ok ,any problems,tell the team and they adjust things for you ,

keep in touch xxx

Hi rumplestiltskin, thanks so much for your advice. I will definitely be sure to take anti sickness meds as directed, hope I'm lucky like you with regards to that. I will probably give cold cap a miss, as I'm already prone to headaches and don't think I could cope with it. Just had echocardiogram this morning as I'll be on Herceptin as well. Hopefully treatment starting very soon. Xx

Good to hear from you ,yes as I probably mentioned,I wore nice hats and didn’t do the cold cap either . It’s so amazing how fast the hair grows back too . I had a mugga scan ,after first chemo ,think that’s similar to echocardiogram. They will probably start your treatment soon, have you had date for blood test yet ?
Once things get going ,you will be surprised how quickly it will be over . 
Take plenty to drink with you and snacks and a good book too . 
All the best now and keep in touch xx

Hi Pippin I couldn't find anything to protect my nails on either of the occasions from the Chemo,  they got ridges on them  and kind of separated from the nail bed, it isn't too long before they return to normal,  I didn't want the cold cap as I thought if I'm going through the treatment I want the whole of the body to be treated.   I've got to have a PET  scan which the breast care nurses assistant has kindly got me booked in for today at 5pm, another wait then to see the oncologist on the 8th of March,  I'm so apprehensive about this because it feels like it will be the moment of truth as to how far the cancer has spread and how they will treat it and whether the treatment works xx

Hi rufusblue, thank you so much for keeping in touch. It really does help to share information. Hope all goes well with your PET scan and with your oncology appointment. Please let me know how you get on. Xx