My first week after 1st round of Chemo

Hi Anita, 

my beautiful long silky hair was the one thing people complimented me on and I just dreaded losing it. When the time came I found, as with most things cancer related, that anticipation was worse than when it finally fell out. 

Yes I cried when my hair fell out, but I now have a collection of beautiful scarves and cool hats, and have started wearing makeup. Kind of my declaration to the world that I remain beautiful and refuse to lose my identity with my hair. I'm not one for wigs, but looking at them online is a lot of fun planning my new hair when it does come back. 

Did you know the Cancer Council lends out lovely scarves and wigs at no cost? Also the Oncology clinic where I receive chemo has a huge collection of knitted hats donated by caring folk and you can swap a new hat every week.

for me the first week after chemo was my worst, I'm on 3week cycles. So I allow myself to hide away from the world, knowing that in a few days I'll be feeling stronger. We all have those days with tears, and that's okay. But treatment is such a short time and we have so much living to look forward too. 

You're not alone Anita. Know that we are all going through this with you. 

Hi Marlee,

I am okay today but it's the starting to lose my hair that gets to me but my daughter amazes me she is cutting all her dolls hair short and I think if she sees it that way at 9 then I am okay with it too after all it is only temporary yes we are used to being the strong ones now I think we have to let someone else take that role but I find it hard sometimes, I don't know what I would do without the support of everyone around me sending you a cuddle and a smile I hope you are feeling okay today Anita xx??????

Hi Trace, I'm feeling okay today I am keeping an eye on my temperature as my sore throat comes and goes and I am keeping up the mouth hygiene the nurses said was important and it helps I don't think I will be leaving the house much at the moment for fear of infection better to be safe not sorry, white blood cells might start to drop I don't want to end up in hospital, spending more time resting driving me nuts LOL sending you a cuddle and a smile Anita xx????????

Hi Maryrose,

The best part about the network is you are never alone everyone else knows exactly what to say to make you feel better and we all need that when we need someone to talk to your daughter is exactly right about how we feel about changes that are happening to us that are beyond our control my daughter is 9 and 1/2 and she knows exactly what to say when I need cheering up children are so amazing we are so lucky we have them, yeah I miss my friends but they still call but it's not the same but that's okay I have to look after me and be kind to myself sending a cuddle and a smile Anita ??????

Hi Anita,

i am also in the first week after first chemo, only day 2 for me

i understand all those feelings and feel them too.  It's such a hard thing, I think women are used to being the strong one and it's hard to think it might be us needing help.

I too am lucky to have support around me 

I'm not looking forward to further yucky side effects but one foot in front of the other is all we can do

sending you good vibes :)

Hey Anita. Sorry you are feeling a bit down but you are never alone here. Feeling crappy will pass you will start to feel better again soon.  I think the first treatment is the worse as you dont know what to expect. Despite being prepared for it i freaked out when my hair fell out in clumps and i had a little cry but my daughter put it in perspective for me.  'Whats more important mum your life or your hair' she said to me. Words of wisdom from a 10 year old!!

I found that some of my dearest friends were the most distant during my treatment. I guess some people dont know how to handle it and decide to stay away.

Hoping that you start to feel better soon.

Maryrose 

Hi Anita, that first chemo is the hardest one, with unfamiliar side effects, hair loss and fatigue. It is demoralizing, but it does get better, as you'll know what to expect and will be more prepared each time you have your next treatments. Keep a careful eye on your temperature, especially with that sore throat, Day 6 -7 your white blood cells will be low, so get to the hospital if you are concerned. Sending you a it cuddle, Trace ??????

Hi Paula,

Thanks for your support I took some pain relief and it has helped some my husband is going to shave my head when it starts to come out in clumps but I keep reminding myself it's a step towards being cancer free just one I hoped wouldn't be so hard but I will be okay I have lots of support around me my husband is my life and my daughter is my angel and her name is Angelena my friend just called me as I hadn't heard from her which was unusual but they had a sadness in their family so that was okay,sometimes our minds make us think funny things I thought she was mad at me how wrong I was. Sending you a cyber cuddle and a smile Anita xx??????

I remember that feeling well. Aching all over. Be kind to yourself. Take the pain relief. I used to gargle salt water or bicarbonate and water to try and keep my mouth throat etc ok. That's if you can tolerate it. Keep an eye on your temp. I remember lying on my daughters hammock with a book on those really off days and reading a book. Pretending I was at a resort. Once the hair is all gone you will actually feel better. I am actually at the hairdressers at the moment and my dear hairdresser came to my house and shaved my head when it started coming out in clumps. 

Remeber to keep telling yourself "this too shall pass". That was one of my mantras when I was feeling off. It does pass. 

Hugs.

Paula xxx