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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  • Hi Fluff, your post really resonated with me. Im five years on from my treatments...chemotherapy 8rounds,radiotherapy 15 rounds. I truly understand how your feeling ,I was petrified of having chemotherapy, my son was having chemotherapy, and he said mum  you have to have it ( I didn't think I'd could do it, the thoughts of losing my hair  and how my body would react to the chemotherapy  terrified me ,id told my son and daughter I dont think I can do it) so I out my big girls pants on ,and told my oncologist id have the chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  

    The first chemo I sat there like a deer in the headlights of a car,I didn't know what to expect,I really was petrified.  I was given anti sickness pills before chemotherapy.  I can honestly say the first chemotherapy session i had,was nothing like id built it up to be in my head, it didn't hurt  I didn't  feel sick and that was such a relief.  I did start to lose my hair after the second chemotherapy session, and yes it was distressing ,but I took charge and shaved it all off with hair clippers,yes I cried,but they were happy tears that id took control,I was getting treatments ,which was kicking my breast cancer to where the sun doesn't shine,and it felt good.  Yes as chemotherapy progressed, I did get tired,but I was never sick once,and still had a good appetite. I did have great care  and comoassion from the staff in my chemotherapy unit at the hospital . Radiotherapy wasn't as bad as id built it up to be in my head  either,yes it makes you tired  but its nothing you can't handle,its kicking cancer, and your hair does grow back once chemotherapy finishes . As I said I was petrified ,but I've come through it,I did it ,I bought three wigs  one a bob, and two other longer ones one was a real hair wig  very expensive,but I preferred the other two to be honest, I went to a wig specialist shop ,and the wigs were amazing ,didn't look like wigs when worn. It was a hot summer, so I didn't wear them indoors  I used turbans chemo head scarfs,which I bought on line.  I bought my wigs before I started chemo, so they were there whrn I lost my hair. You've got this,but if you ever need to chat, just send me a message on here . Good luck with it all, im sure you will be OK, your treatments are your way to recovery  just keep that in mind ,staying positive  really helps you get through it all . 

  • Hi there can you give me some advice about headwear. I am worry about buying online incase they don't fit and fall off! Can you reassure me on this please? Xx

  • Your so welcome,that's why I'm still on this chat platform five years on from my opp,chemotherapy, radiotherapy im still here because I found it a wonderfull help to me,so its nice to be here to fo  e same if I can. Glad you are having a relaxing Sunday with your husband ,stay positive about Tuesday,remember it really isnt as bad as your imagining Jan,but your bound to be apprehensive and anxio ,I know I was,and your body is unique, just as everyone's is ,we all react differently to different medications,treatments. But im hoping g you will be telling me soon that I was right ,first one.wa OK. Obviously it gets a little more tiring as each chemotherapy goes on,and losing the hair is awfull when it first starts to fall out,I think that's when it hit me....ive got cancer,I obviously kne ,but it felt.like I was.in a dream up untill thst point. But you've got this,your first chemotherapy will come and go quickly, and you're be kicking cancer to the kerb. I will be thinking of you on  esday Jan,sending you much love and positivity  and a few virtual hugs    .Do let me know how it goes on Tuesday .xxx 

  • Oh I can't thank you enough for your support it really helps. Knowing nyou have been there and done this and come out the other side gives me a bit more confidence.

    I will let you know how I get on.

    Xxx

  • Hi there it's me again sorry. I have chemo appointment for 10.30 which says 90 mins but sure it will be longer knowing what it is like. Reading peoples blog they are advising to take snacks. Did you do this? Xx

    Jan x

  • Hi Lyn all the very best for tomorrow… yes take snacks I always took a wee salad which was really fresh xx

  • Hi Jan,yes i took a  few snacks  and a drink . But Chemotherapy staff do sometimes come round asking you if you'd like a cup of tea or coffee,sometimes your also offered a biscuit or a sandwhich, but its not always the case,it depended on how busy the staff were.  I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Xxx

  • Ok thank you. I will take a little something and always take a drink wherever I go.

    Thank you 

    Xx

  • Good luck today Fluff1.  After today, you can tick one treatment off.  You can do this.  Big hugs.

    Lee x

  • Jan I called you lyn sorry!  for you today x

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