You will need to ask your Oncologist about the order of chemo. With the ladies I was with we always had the icegloves, icy poles and ice for the second cycle. As far as the aches and pains, I just took panadol and nurofen and a lot of bed and couch rest. I am day 3 of my last cycle and am feeling unwell today. For me that usually goes on for about 7-10 days and then you start feeling better, but you may not be unwell for that long. As far as the hair loss, as soon as my hair started to fall out I had my hairdresser give me a number 4 razor cut. You have a couple of weeks after your first cycle before your hair loss which gives you some time to buy some scarfs and a wig, if you go down that track. I have been lucky enough to find a wig that is the same as my natural hair, only a bit better. Your head does get cold in the cooler months (I live in Melbourne) so a bed hat is a good idea too. You sound like me, very organised, so you will be fine. My sister was diagnosed with the same Breast Cancer 2 months prior to me, so she gave me lots of tips which was really helpful so that when I started my treatment I was able to tell them what I wanted and they were happy to oblige. "Good Luck" I will be thinking of you.
JanetH
