BC Newbie

Hi, I forgot a couple of other essentials:

You need a good thermometer by your bed for when you might be neutripenic, and a spare thermometer in the draw in the bathroom that you can find if you lose the first one.

You need to talk to your GP and get him or her to write on the top of your file that you are going through Chemo and may need a GP appointment urgently, and for reception staff to fit you in with your regular GP on the same day if you ring and ask for it. I was told to take slow-developing health problems to my GP.

You also need  your oncologist  to give you 24hour direct numbers to the oncology nurses who have a direct line to your oncologist for assistance whenever you get sick quickly or are worried about temperatures, diarhoea or constipation or nausea that won't go away or any other chemo-related health concern. Find a nurse with plenty of experience who gives you good full answers and will check with the oncologist if she is unsure about anything. Put the number on a sticker on your Breast Cancer diary and another on the phone. Use that number when in doubt.

You will make it through, and we are here with you if you have concerns or distress or just want some company in the middle of the night

Best wishes