Hi Fluff1

I completed 12 rounds of chemo in March last year followed by lumpectomy and 9 rounds of radiotherapy.  I had a pretty rough time to be honest and my hair started to fall out after about 2 weeks, so I had it cut short as it was going everywhere.  I then reverted to the usual headscarves and a wig, though I ended up only wearing the wig when I went out out.  There are some great websites out there for chemo head wear and Macmillan have contacts regarding wigs. Where I was Macmillan gave you £70 towards the purchase of a wig with one of their regular suppliers who came into the hospital for consultations and fittings.  I tried to get ahead with the game (pardon the pun!) with wigs before my hair started to fall out, but I just wasn't really mentally ready for it and did better once I had lost my hair.  Although I had a rough time, I did manage to work from home most days.  It was mainly fatigue that knocked me out and a loss of appetite.  I live alone, so I think I survived on toast a lot of the time lol.  You are normally allowed to take someone with you for your first treatment, then you have to go it alone.  This is mainly because of lack of space in the treatment areas.  I did have a tour of the chemo suite before I started treatment and if this is something that's offered, I would definitely recommend it.  I used to take my Kindle and some snacks like crisps, chocolate etc.  Sometimes the volunteers came round and offered sandwiches and biscuits and hot/cold drinks.  Definitely take a cold drink with you, I always took a bottle of water and you can top it up during your treatment.   the chemo suite I was in had recliner chairs and they were quite comfortable.  Wear layers - sometimes the bays are really warm and others were quite chilly so it was always hard to know what to wear.  But definitely wear something comfortable.  

I was dropped off and picked up for treatment.  I was advised that although I'd probably feel ok after treatment, sometimes it can throw up a false positive for alcohol in your blood if you are pulled over by the police for any reason.  That was an eye opener lol.  I used to find I was ok for about 2-3 days after treatment then it would kick in and I'd feel a bit poorly for another 4 days or so then not too bad after that.  I had treatment every 3 weeks.  

Good luck with everything.  The nurses and staff are all lovely and it's a very upbeat environment which surprised me.  We had the radio on in our treatment areas, but I appreciate every hospital is different. 

We are all here when you need us. 

Carol xx

Thank you Carol for your advice. I am trying to prepare myself for the loss of my hair.I do want a wig which like you I think will only wear when going out

I am prepared with things to do.I have 8 round every 2 weeks so praying it all goes to plan.

Thank you so much x

Thank you Carol for your advice. I am trying to prepare myself for the loss of my hair.I do want a wig which like you I think will only wear when going out

I am prepared with things to do.I have 8 round every 2 weeks so praying it all goes to plan.

Thank you so much x