Worried about chemo side effects and possible hair loss. Can someone help me through this?

Hi

I have now reached the chemo stage after my mastectomy.

I am due to start 16 weeks of  chemo every two weeks  very soon.

I am very anxious and upset about hair loss and the brutal side effects they tell you about!

Can anyone who has been through this help me please 

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  • Fluff1;)

    Hello:) I was diagnosed few weeks ago with cervical cancer, stage 3.

    And I'm still waiting for last test results. Doctor said it will be chemo and  radiotherapy. 

    So basically I will be in the same place that you are right now. I'm scared and terrified of the side effects of chemo. And in my surroundings I never had somebody who have fight with cancer, so I don't know how it "looks like" if that make sense. I tried to read in internet, forums what to expect or what can we do, to survive it But I think I'm even more lost than I was at the beginning.

    So if you want to chat with somebody who's in the same place you are I'm here.

    Sorry for my grammar, English is not my first language, but I'm trying my best:)

  • Hi there Natalia. I see we both can't sleep! It's nice to connect with someone in the same place as me. Sort of. I am 6 weeks post mastectomy which was very traumatic. I am due to visit the chemo suite on Monday to show me around before I start chemo. Have you not been offered this option? This will either reassure me or make me more anxious. Let's hope it is a positive experience.I can get back to you and let you know if you would like.I can't give you any advice as I too have turned to the Internet for help. I know the side effects are scary but they tell you the worst case scenario and it doesn't mean we will be affected by them all. As for hair loss I think that is a given and we will just have to cope. I do know that the team who will look after me are kind company people and they understand our feelings and are there to help.keep in touch if you would like and I will let you know how it goes.

    Sending you a hug ( we all need one of those,)

    • Hi I have been to the chemo suite it was so busy. Start chemo next week. So I will let you know how it goes if you want me to x
  • Morning! Are you able to take a friend or family member with you that would help? Yes please keep me updated only if you feel up to it … remember 1 day at a time. What day do you start?

    eileen

  • Hi Eileen. No I can't take anyone with me I'm on my own!l start on 19th.ll

    I will try and get back to you when I can

    Thank you

  • Hi Fluff1  I think it is wrong that you can't take anyone with you, especially for your first time.  My chemo unit lets someone come with you and stay which I find reassuring.  Is someone going to drop you off and pick you up?  Good luck x

    Lee x

  • Yes I have pick up and drop off. They say its because it's so busy to fit extra people in. So scary! X

    • Are you a reader if so take a book and I always had a wee pack lunch with me just to nibble if I felt like it. I will be thinking of you on 19th. I got word yesterday to go on Thursday for 2 scans pelvis and pancreas and then a bone density one on Friday… I’ll be scanned out lol. Chin up girl you can do this God bless! Xx
  • I hope you get on ok with your scans Eileen. Yes I will take my tablet with books and games on it. As for snacks not sure what to take? Unfortunately I am not a lover of fruit I am more of. Cheese crackers savoury kinda girl and haribo . Keep in touch ie your scans.

    Thank you so much x

  • I couldn't take anyone with me either i had my chemotherapy in 2020 when covid was ripe. But to be honest  you will make friends with someone whod going through.chemo,and the staff are usually lovely. I was so scared and a staff member sat holding my hand and talking to me all the time  when I had my first chemo  they really do care and that you with kindness and respect . You will be fine  Fluff 

    Xxx

  • That is reassuring thank you. The thought of it is probably worse than the doing!

    Thank you

    Jan x

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