Hi,

I had my first round this week so this is what I learned. I wore lounge wear as I was in all day and was very comfy. I'm following quite a strict diet so I took my own food. You do get snacks, cakes, biscuits and fruit as well as hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and crisps so it's your call.

Nobody really talks much so take something to do, read, downloads, headphones to get you through it.

Buy a fabric headband to go around your head for the cold cap. The first 10 minutes are pretty bad as it goes down to -6 but it's bearable.

The staff were lovely and explained each step and how long it would take. I didn't have any problems with my treatment at the hospital but did start to get breathless last night. I'm asthmatic so my GP prescribed steroids today so I'm fine. 

I've got homemade ice lollies in the freezer as a sore throat and mouth are common problems. Other people had boiled sweets with them.

I hope you find this helpful. Good luck. It all suddenly becomes real as you step through the doors but it's your time to fight back so I was quite happy to kick butt.

Barb xx

Good luck with your chemo 

I have just has round 4

I agree with Barb wear something comfy take a good book or iPad to watch a film .

i have had various people sat beside me some will chat as much as me others you can tell don't want to but the nurses are fab.

They do supply you with a sandwich crisps etc if you want them but I don't always bother.

having the chemo is the easy part , I'm not going to lie I have suffered after effects quite bad but everyone is different.

feel free to stay in touch it can be hard going and a friendly ear can help 

Michelle x

Ncd

Hi hope this helps.

I have had 4 EC chemotherapy  and 1 paxitaxol, uve 3 more to go.of Paxitaxol, 8 in all.

I was told never ever compare your treatments with anyone's, as everyone's body responds differently, and each chemotherapy thst you will have will.be tailored just for you.

At the hospital where i have my treatments thry do.give you water  a cup.if tea biscuits and a sandwich, but you can bring your own food and snacks, drinks if you so wish to. 

I found chewing gum ,or Trevor mints help if you do get a funny taste in your mouth.

People in my chemotherapy trestmenrs are friendly and do chat to.esch other, but uts a good idea to take a good book to read if you enjoy reading, or a kindle or a tablet  if you have one to play games or listen to.music to.pass the time, earphones as well so you don't annoy anyone . Hope everything goes well for you.xx

Hi all,

Thank you all so much for the info, I hope your treatment is going as well so it can I guess.the tips are great, writing up my list.

did anyone use a cold cap what do you think how successful are they ??

wishing you all so much positive vibes and you are such brave women xxx

Ncd

Hi in answer to.your question does any one wear the cold cap, where I have my chemotherapy they do not have the cold caps. 

I did think about it,and read quite a lot about it,and from my research I think you should talk it over whth your oncologist or chemotherapy unit nurses  as it really does depend on what chemotherapy drugs your written up for as to wether it will work or not,some chemotherapy drugs you will lose your hair  even if you use a cold cap. Also i  read that its a good idea  to take a spray bottle of water and wet your hair before using the cold cap it helps it work better. I have heard its quite painfull,and makes your chemotherapy take longer because of  the time it takes to fit the cold cap etc. But as I said " i didn't have the chance to use it as thry didn't have any,but how true these things ive read are I can not really say.  If definitely talk it over with oncologist and chemotherapy nurses as they will be able to answer all your questions from experience of others using the cold caps   Take care and I wish you every success with your forthcoming chemotherapy treatments. Do let us know how you get on .xxx

Hi NCD

I found the MacMillan online community really uesful re chemo queries & support as there's a dedicated monthly discussion thread on there (you'll see it pinned at the top of the breast cancer group) which also gives a link to lots of top tips as well as lots of other people going through chemo at the same time as you.

Hope chemo is kind, as it was to me.

Sam