Advice on how to prepare for TC chemo?

Did my TC chemo last year - remember that everyone is different so what I mention might not happen to you. I was lucky with some effects - I had little nausea, only one bout of chemo mouth (Biotene saved me), cold capping/foot/hands was very tolerable (bring cotton gloves) - but horrible with other - I had a reaction to the first infusion in the chair as my hand swelled & my wrist blistered, horrible Day 1-2 pain & the horrendous fatigue where you cannot move an inch. But it’s done now and only a series of sensory memories.

If you want to try cold capping my only advice is be realistic - I had hoped to save my hair but I ended up with a Mr Burns loss pattern - strap that cold cap on so tight it’s uncomfortable & if your hair is thick like mine I strongly suggest coming with your hair soaking wet & ideally cut it short or even get it thinned - if the cap can’t cool your scalp/follicles your hair will sadly go. The day it came out in clumps was the hardest day of my treatment. 18mths later I cut my chemo curls and I almost look like myself again when I look in the mirror but it’s been hard.

I also did cold booties & gloves which make chemo process a complete hassle as couldn’t read or play on my phone but I haven’t had any side effects in hands or feet which has been a blessing.

Wear something easy to pee in with cables connected to arms & head ie skirt, dress, elastic waist pants

Bring noise cancelling headphones - sometimes other people in ward drive you crazy.

If you’re in pain at home, call or have someone call for you - don’t just tough it out until next appointment. Steroids helped (I felt like superwoman those days!) but I had awful bouts of pain the next day that only the strongest opioids could touch. I wish I had the script ready at home just in case from the first cycle.

Good luck with everything - here’s hoping that in a year like me it will just seem like a distant, unpleasant memory of an event that you managed to overcome, with some good support & tips from those who’ve done the same

Hi greenplastic​ sorry to hear about your journey, what a lot to go through.

I finished my chemo in Feb. I did attempt cold capping, but gave it away after round 3. I did lose eyelashes and eyebrows, but truthfully they grew back so quickly and exactly as they were before. 

The side effects I experienced were fatigue, reflux (I tried three different meds to get the right one as it was quite bad), and joint pain. The breast care nurses are great at reminding you that there's a medication for pretty much every side effect and you should take the meds! 

The steroids definitely pepped me up and my nausea was not a huge issue. 

I did have chemo mouth. The only thing that helped me was the oral mouth wash from Black Chicken. It is oil based and helped me. I did get oral thrush once which once treated was ok. 

Try and stay super hydrated and eat well, it makes a massive difference to how you bounce back. Also walking and fresh air. 

You've got this 💪

Hi greenplastic​  

I hope you are recovering well from your mastectomy/reconstruction xx. 

I didn't 'do' chemo, so can't help with info on that  but if you click on this link, it will take you to other posts re TC Chemo xx. You can go to the 'search' magnifying glass to search for other bits, too, if you like (eg Cold Caps - some members have used them, with varying success rates.)
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Do you have a Breast Care nurse assigned to you yet?  They should be able to help you with many of your queries .... or give the Helpline a bell here (Mon-Fri, 9-5) on 1800 500 258 for a confidential chat with one of the Mods!  xx

Take care & all the best