Forum Discussion
Romla
7 years agoMember
Chemotherapy
Can anyone help a new member about to start chemotherapy end of the month with advice about preparing themselves , coping during treatment and any other advice they can share ?
50 Replies
- kitkatbMemberHey @Shellshocked2018_ and @CathyMac great that you are there to support each other going through it at the same time. You Gals have certainly got this and as Kate mentioned it will be over before you know it. Losing hair can be hard. I had a super short hair cut before chemo started. In the end it didn't worry me at all going bald and armed with a big supply of scarves and hats ( mostly donated by kind friends ) I just found them itchy. ( although if I was in direct sun always wore a hat ) One thing I didn't think about was losing hair everywhere else, even my nose hair hence the constant running nose. Now my hair is just starting to grow back and it has gone from brown /grey to pure white but love the look and since decided to keep it super short. Will be thinking of you girls going through it and in the big picture you will be free of this bitch of a disease BC. Big Hugs xox
- Patti_JMemberIt is amazing how many people that I come in contact with have the idea that now that my hair has grown back, my treatment must have finished.
- AllyJayMemberHi there @Shellshocked2018_...my grandson was 14 months old when I was diagnosed and his thing was when I was visiting, he also had to wear a beanie. As I had knitted all mine, I made two that matched two I had for myself, and took the appropriate one with me for the visit for him to wear. He loved wearing them. As the weather warmed and I took off my head covering, he took to rubbing baby powder on my head, and I'd look like a rather startled albino turtle...no hair, eyebrows or eyelashes... I find Little People take their cue from the adults in their world..if you show distress and discomfort, they pick up on it and reflect the feelings in themselves. Obviously each child reacts differently, but my Little Man never showed any fear or distress during my treatment. I was in and out of hospital for various things, and instead of him being frightened, he loved playing with my bed control...Granny goes up...granny goes down...and so on for ages.A trip down to the cafeteria with him on my lap in the wheelchair for ice cream (also known as upsum) was the winner. Good luck with your treatment to come, and always remember, we are hear for you. Ally.
- kmakmMember@Shellshocked2018_ You too :*
- Happy to help others who end up on this forum. I’m happy to give back as I have received the best support and understanding of how we are feeling.
No one really understands unless you’ve been there yourself.
Take Care of yourself ❤️😘 - kmakmMember@Shellshocked2018_ Absolutely no worries darl! That's what we're here for. Others were kind and encouraging when I was asking these questions. We pay it forward here. I've noticed you've already started yourself! I found it felt really good to help others here when I felt so out of control myself. We turn around what we learn so quickly. So many people being diagnosed.
In the end I loved my cancer caps! Got all sorts of colours and patterns. I wasn't a wig or scarf gal. You go with what makes you feel best. And before you know it your hair will be growing back and you'll be asking questions about how to deal with that! K xox - Thanks kmakm, I think you hit the nail on the head, actually looking sick, because at the moment no one knows what you’re going through, even close family.
I have decided though that I would get a hairdresser to cut my hair really short so it’s not so much of a shock for me when it does fall out once I start Chemo.
Have already ordered a couple of head scarves as I don’t want to upset my 22 month old grandson, plus I have a new grandchild due in early April, so photos with new grandchild with some headwear , wether it be a wig or head scarf would be nicer.
Yes the aim is to be cancer free, that’s my goal.
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement ❤️ - kmakmMember@CathyMac @Shellshocked2018_ I know this is hard to believe at this point, but most of us adjust quite quickly to having no hair. It's an interesting experience, and once you get over the shock, it's really not that bad. The worst bit is when it starts coming away in great hanks. That is quite distressing, and the mess is ferocious. Once you take it all off, it's suddenly much easier. The hardest bit is adjusting to the looks you get as you now look 'sick'. But as the others have said, you can get round this with hats & wigs if you really want to. Having no hair can lead to great kindness, generosity and the good ol' cancer discount that pops up every now and then!
You're doing everything you can to ensure you are cancer free. Hold that thought close when things get on top of you. K xox - CathyMacMember@Shellshocked2018_I am here for you all the way❤️
- Can we do this!
YES WE CAN!
Im there for you CathyMac we can go through this together.