Young mum diagnosed IDC and DCIS.

Question

Hello!Im 37 and was recently diagnosed in November with early breast cancer - IDC (ER+, PR+, Her2-) and then following my surgery they also discovered DCIS. Plan is chemotherapy starting tomorrow and then mastectomy/recon 4-6 weeks post surgery!&nbsp;Looking for advice on:1. What to take with me to chemotherapy tomorrow (will be there approx 5 hours as will be trying scalp cooling). Also what do people wear when using ice gloves/boots/cold cap?2. Any advice on TC chemo and how you tolerated it (I’m doing 4 cycles).&nbsp;3. Any tips on managing chemotherapy with 3 children aged between 3-7yrs and a husband who works long hours but very supportive.&nbsp;Thanks so much!&nbsp;

mareealso · Answer

Hi JBE87, your diagnosis sounds familiar to mine, 2 tumours- one invasive and one in situ. I had 4 cycles as well but didn’t go with the cool cap as it lengthened the time I was at the clinic as the cap needs to go in for at least 1/2 hour before starting the chemo. Some people could bear up well with the cold but I developed bad headaches. The chemo type I had was a high chance of losing my hair so I cut it really short and had a wig on the ready. At about week 3 it really started to come out but other people experienced hair thinning but not total loss- this aspect is really personal and will depend on how your body copes..I made sure I had plenty of “stand by” meds for nausea, diarrhoea and constipation and also had a can of hospital grade Sustagen in case I lost appetite. Smoothies and soups were great and that’s something the whole family can have- bulk up with buns, rolls (I didn’t feel like them but others did). If possible, plan for little rest or down times for yourself to recover, chemo fatigue does catch up with you..this web site has loads of info so keep researching here but I would avoid Google…wishing you the very best on your journey to recovery..Maree