Hey sbp
Welcome to this wonderful site and congrats for finding us and all your pink sisters. I am sorry you have to be starting this roller coaster ride but if you need love, support, venting space, question time and all those other things along the way we are here for you.
Sounds like it is all happening quite fast for you which is a good thing as no time to think too much. A portacath is a wonderful thing to help with your chemo and bloods etc.
Have you been given the care kit and the my journey kit from your breast care nurse on behalf of BCNA? If not you can go online here and order it. If you are like me you will find the my journey kit invaluable.
As far as losing your hair I think a lot depends on which chemotherapy you are given but the majority of us have lost our hair. There are some girls who used the freeze caps which they put on while having their chemo and I think you can also get gloves to help with not losing hair and nails should your chemo do that to you. Every single person is different but I know some of the girls swore by the caps.
Which state do you live in, do you belong to a support group at all. There is a search for groups on this website or some of the staff may be able to help you with this.
You can search different subjects by using the search button at the top of the page.
There are so many people willing to help you, all you need to do is ask.
I will be thinking of you tomorrow when you commence your chemo. It is the fear of the unknown which is the hardest for you. I am now post my chemo and radiation etc. and doing well and as so many other girls will vouch for it is very doable but tough some times and that is when you need lots of love and support around you and to make sure you look after number one. Good luck kiddo.
Lots of love, Mich oxoxo