Lost

arpie

Great that you were attended to quickly at the ED, @Number2 ... I think they keep the front curtain open, so 'they' can see if you get distressed/have an incident - as many of these things are 'silent' & would be missed if the curtains were drawn - so anyone walking past would spot a problem situation pretty quickly & act on it.  They usually only draw the curtains when you are being checked out by the Drs or having procedures done etc xx.  Great that your partner helped you on the way out xx

Keep the fluids up and take some Gatorade as well now & then ... terrific you are seeing your GP tomorrow & also chatting with your Onc.

Hope everything settles down for you soon. 

Number2

Where is the best place to buy the bamboo sleep caps?

Blossom1961

Bamboo sleep caps can be bought online, at a wig shop or a good hat shop.

Number2

couple questions tonight. Had 2nd round of neoadj for her2+. So hair is maybe 1cm……do i get it shaved or leave it be and why? Sticky nostrils from no hair…..what do i clean and moisten with? Tounge feels wierd, I thought it was thrush but maybe just tastebuds dying?. And finally…. both armpits are tender , I can feel small lu,ps under the skin….do I GP or call oncology clinic and chat to them?

Suki

Hi @Number2

Sending you hugs for your neoadjuvant chemo.

I did TCHP for triple positive IDC last year.  When my hair started falling out, I did a number 4 with the clippers.  I didn’t need to shave as the rest fell out anyway, but there was less mess as it was shorter.  I wore a bamboo beanie as it was warm (for winter) and soft for my head.

Hopefully someone else can help with the nostrils and armpits, as I didn’t have those side effects.  Definitely contact your oncologist if you are concerned about the armpit swelling.

My tongue would be thick and horrible in the first week after chemo.  Everything tasted bad, including water so I struggled to eat and drink.  I would gargle warm, salty water all throughout the day or Oral7 mouthwash.  Also try chewing gum.

All the best

Katie46

Hi @Number2, I buzz cut my hair when it started falling out, it was more comfortable once I did that, but I left the rest to fall out by itself. I think I read somewhere that it was better to leave a bit of length to help the hair fall out.

Biotene mouthwash helped me a lot, I had a dry mouth, especially at night, and I'm sure I read on here you can get an oil you can use for your nose.

I would talk to your oncologist or breast care nurse if you are concerned about the lumps under your arm, they will know if it's a known side effect, or something they want to check. 

Number2

Thanks @katie46 but my breastcare nurse has not responded from 3 days ago…….as usual. 

Tri

Hi @Number2 my hairdresser took the clippers to me after treatment 1, as my hair was coming out at the slightest touch. 

Agree - Biotene or Oral 7 can help, it was explained to me that these are more than a regular mouthwash, they try to mimic the lubricant job that your saliva cells would normally do which might make eating and speaking a bit easier. I found having Fruit Tingles livened the mouth up a bit but not so good if you’re battling mouth ulcers.  

@Afraser recommends asking at the pharmacy about nose oil. 

Sending you lots of energy 🌻 and virtual hugs during this not so fun phase ❤️🌸