Getting ready for Chemo, any advice?

Thanks for taking the time to share, I had no idea about nails falling off or the mouth sores and it great just to know these things before it’s all happening. Will definitely find some good books! See the oncologist Wednesday,  will be asking about getting a port or pic
Love to you all  xxx 

Hi Sabina,  I finished chemo about 2 and a half years ago.  I had a course of 4 FEC treatments over twelve weeks then followed by 12 taxol treatments, along with herceptin and perjeta.  It was long and gruelling but eventually, almost unbelievably, you finally get there.  I had a port in and would definitely recommend this as the endless jabs for blood and lines does not get easier over time.  I did the head freezing initially during the FEC but then stopped because my hair all fell out anyway.  However, it started to come back during the weekly taxol, so the nurses urged me to give it another go.  Gotta say I hated it, particularly as my hospital also gave me frozen mittens and my well meaning sister brought in frozen eye pads to help preserve my eyebrows.  I landed on the idea of taking along some of the sedatives that my oncologist had given me early in my treatment and found having taken them, that I could doze off for a couple of hours which was brilliant.
My main recommendation would be to try to keep exercising during the chemo.  Initially, I felt I could hardly get off the couch but once I got going, it really helped me to feel better and like i was human again.  Walking in the parks was beautiful but I particularly came to love my bicycle.  I'd read that it was good to exercise on the day of chemo to get your circulation and metabolism all activated and ready to maximally soak up the chemo so I'd try to fit in a 30-45 minute ride before going to the hospital.  As my chemo was neoadjuvant (before surgery), I was able to monitor its effects upon my tumour and at the end of the first three months, the tumour was no longer palpable which was amazing and by the end of the six months the MRI was normal.  My treatment was fantastic but I definitely think that the exercise played a big part.  It will feel like a very long haul at the time but hang in there and hopefully before long it will all be in your rear vision mirror.  Fiona x

Hi @Sabina33, some great tips here as always , and so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.
I had a 12 week course of paclitaxel also known as Taxol which can give you neuropathy (numbness, nerve damage) in your hands and feet so I stuck my hands and feet in ice during treatment, also helped with keeping my nails. There's a whole thread on here,with photos, search 'ice therapy". Might be hard to achieve if you don't have a helper going to chemo with you but I hope you can take someone with you.
Take all the help you are offered, exercise and rest when your body tells you too.And what is about hot chips?? I also had cravings for them @Katy_Sodapop :) I convinced myself the salt on them was good for my mouth !
Best wishes and take care x

Thanks Fiona2, I will definitely try to walk everyday, thanks for the motivation, lovely to hear you chemo was worth it all x 

poodlejules I am having 12 weeks of Taxol after 4 doses of AC, will definitely look into the ice, thanks for your advise glad you had success with your nails, what a  journey! 

Wishing you all the best Sabina and sending you loving vibes for a great outcome.  I remember that feeling of just wanting to get it started so as to be able to focus forward. Your little girl looks beautiful and I hope it will not be too scary for her.  Don't forget to soak up all of the love and support offered to you as it will help you through the tough moments. xx

I bought my wig in advance, to be ready. I didn't want to shop for it if I felt terrible during Chemo. My health fund extras paid for most of it.
I'm using the cold cap, which seems to be working. But my fingers are crossed, I have only had 3 EC Cycles. Ask about the cold cap if you want to try and save your hair. Other than your ability to tolerate it, it will add approx 1 1/2 hrs to each session.
I had my eyebrows tattooed prior, as they were already very thin. 
That could be hard to do at present with COVID, also something that wouldn't be recommended once chemo starts.
I have chosen not to work during My cancer treatment, as I have a large amount of sick leave and income protection with my Superannuation.
I don't like to say, but so far Chemo has gone better than expected. Everyone is different, and not all Chemos the same.
I am still enjoying my food, and have not needed my anti nausea drugs that I was given.
I hope that this doesn't change when I go on to Pactlitaxal.
I take it as it comes.
I'm from SA. Support people haven't been allowed in to my Chemo sessions, due to COVID
Good luck. Be prepared, but try not to expect the worst.

I managed chemo pretty well - I think walking daily, even when you don't feel like it, and drinking lots of water are crucial.
Agree - it's daunting and I thought I'd never make it through those 5 long months, but I did. As will you. Best wishes

I managed chemo pretty well - I think walking daily, even when you don't feel like it, and drinking lots of water are crucial.
Agree - it's daunting and I thought I'd never make it through those 5 long months, but I did. As will you. Best wishes

I managed chemo pretty well - I think walking daily, even when you don't feel like it, and drinking lots of water are crucial.
Agree - it's daunting and I thought I'd never make it through those 5 long months, but I did. As will you. Best wishes