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miss_lizzie's avatar
miss_lizzie
Member
11 years ago

Yep... I became a statistic!

Hi,

I have just had a wirlwind 3 week tour of being diagnosed with BC.  Sorry, I still can't say the word. 

I had my lump out last week and pathology back today - it's happened amazingly fast (private health fund). Only 3 lymphs out - no cancer in lymph nodes stage 1 grade 3 so they want to go back into clear the margins on Monday - small op.on scar already healing.  then have recommended 4 mths chemo then radiation. 

Very scared, trying to wrap my head around everything. Doctors says I will be ok, but seeing how scared my husbnd is and how he is handling it hurts.

Any suggestions to get me through chemo?

I was also thinking cold caps as a I have long hair which is devasting.

coping
emotions
hair-loss

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  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    I know what you mean about watching those close to you struggle with all this. I think in many ways it is tougher for them because they feel so helpless. My husband and I spent a lot of time talking and I think being honest with each other helped. We both wanted to shield each other but it worked better for us when we were completely open about things. You do get through this (I had chemo and radio too) but you need support. My family, friends and this network got me through things. I had very thick shoulder length hair. I had it cut short before chemo started and my husband and daughters shaved it on day 14 after my first chemo when it started falling out by the handful. It was sad but for me it was minor in the scheme of things and I have since discovered that short hair is very liberating (I am not spending lots of time blow drying it!). I did use cold mits to prevent damage to nerves and fingernails. These were uncomfortable but definitely seemed to work. My chemo was in winter and I just could not have dealt with having cold caps on. Good luck with everything. Deanne xxx
  • miss_lizzie's avatar
    miss_lizzie
    Member
    11 years ago

    hi shat.  not sure where you are situated, but im in penrith nsw so finding a place that does cool caps will be a challenge.  i dont know my chemo reime yet (monday) but it is suggested 4 mths so not sure how many rounds that is.  my hair is very long  thick curly down to my bra strap.  thought of cutting it to shoulders then giving cool caps a go.  have to find smoewhere that does this.  but your experience isencouraging

    lizzie x

  • margiemoo's avatar
    margiemoo
    Member
    11 years ago

    our hospital has a "library" of wigs that they lend out to you (borrow period is as long as you need) - mine was brand new and cost me nothing. I just have to return it once I am finished. I don't wear it that often, scarves/turbans more comfortable - but its great to have for special occassions. 

    not sure about the cool caps - maybe some others can answer this. 

    good luck

    Marg xx

  • miss_lizzie's avatar
    miss_lizzie
    Member
    11 years ago

    thankyou marg and hazel.  not sure what the wig library is.  this is all new to me    lizzie x

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    11 years ago

    It's so hard to watch our loved ones hurting. As Marg put it, chemo is a tough gig but it is doable. There are lots of preventative tips to ease some of side effects, I recommend being proactive instead of reactive, it really does help. I lost my hair which at the time was difficult, but now 7 months after chemo, looking back, that was the least of my worries. I also got a wig from the library and I became very adept with scarves. Some of the ladies on her have made mention of the cold caps, I'm sure they can advise you, all the best and keep in touch, 

    Hazel xx