Chemotherapy

It's hard to to prepare beforehand as reactions to chemo are very variable. But probably best to assume that you may get the most common reactions - hair loss, fatigue and nausea. Hair loss can be at best challenging. Many advocate shaving or, my preference, a really short, short haircut, to avoid the trauma (and mess) of losing hanks of hair. Whether you go au natural, particularly in warm weather, use scarves, hats or wigs is personal preference. Check out day oncology or your cancer council branch about wig libraries so you can try that option cheaply. If working, you may want to do as I did - set up an option for leave, if required and if possible. I had no nausea or fatigue, preferred to work and did throughout, but it's not possible for some or just too much of a burden on top of everything else for others. Make sure you seek medical assistance for nausea - drugs can help. If others offer help for the early weeks - providing meals, doing shopping, childcare etc - say yes please! Time enough to rethink what help you need if you find you are going OK, but assistance in the settling in stage may be invaluable. Also prep spouse, older children, close family that this may be really tough going, and that stepping up, helping without asking, and maintaining a sense of humour (it can be utterly absurd!) will help everyone through it. It's finite, it will end. And, we all hope, so will the cancer. Best wishes.