@Sister it's great you have some ideas re mental and physical health. Really, I know a lot of women worry about hair loss, and have every right to their feelings, but once I was into chemo I felt for me I had to stay on top of things mentally and concentrate on my physical health. Your gastrointestinal tract from a to z can take a beating and lots of self care is required. I missed a week of chemo towards the end as I was so sick of being sick and couldn't face another hospital stay. The one week off didn't impress my chemo onc but did me the world of good and I got to the end. I asked at my psych's request if a week off would harm my recovery. Chemo inc said no research avail. to say yes or no. So there are options avail. if you feel you need to steer your own boat at any stage. We don't want to harm our treatment but we also need to know what options there are if you hit a wall and are getting worked up about it unnecessarily. Good you have income protection! @kmakm I know just what you mean about us all being so different with our experiences and time tines. On my first hospitalisation for 7 days I was scared of going home as I felt safe and had a new routine. The second time I just wanted to leave because I had a few incidents of errors being made that irked me. After chemo ended I was quite teary as I knew the staff and had 18 weeks of a routine and rapport going. Bit like Stokholm Syndrome! But know now that I was depressed due to the long gap between chemo and rad, I should now start planning what to do post radiation. Yes, I need strategies too! I have some health appointments like dentist, optician etc but they are one offs. Strategies for the 'what now?' are needed. Not sure how I will go in group therapy. To be perfectly honest, I do love this forum but sometimes don't come on. I know when I am up to being more social and when it's best for me to be quieter. I feel quite guilty about that as there is always someone here to listen or help you out, and sometimes I am not here to help as am dealing with some or other issue. Thankfully there are so many of us here that when I need a private sook, one of the angel's amongst us takes my place. I'm very grateful for the troopers out there who are here come hell or high water! xxx
