Hi Donna it was approx 8 weeks between my mastectomy and beginning chemo I had private surgeon but chemo and radio have been public and I didn't find the public system any slower once the old breast cancer word appears. Have a great night with your friends I'd say mentally it's hard to cope with also don't be afraid of speaking up for yourself otherwise you'll find not every nurse is as good as the next and that's what got me really upset you'll find your favs and in the end I stuck with my favs. As for the nails well I've always had long nails which I gel polish myself . my onco first told me to be careful of my 9 cats and 3 dogs yep I'm aware of infection I kept isocol and poured it on if I had a scratch etc. Nails I was told to cut them all I did cut them shorter but continued with my own gel polish I put nail strengthen on toe nails. I lost 2 toenails no fingernails I lost my hair my eyebrows lashes left boob and my fitness ( have had months of physio to get arm movement - not sure if expander has something to do with that) buggered if I was losing my fingernails it's actually epic nail stuff I use but I've always had strong nails. Pleased to say 8 weeks after chemo for almost 6 months 3rd week of radio I have hair, nails lashes eyebrows and can swim , walk etc. It's a long journey I wasn't prepared for the mental stuff that went with chemo drugs I'd be awake for 20 hours it's a weird thing rest assured post and we will all support you strong group of women we are here's a photo or two
