Recently diagnozed with Breast Cancer

Hi

I recently started chemo too. Just had my second round.

My personal experience - which of course everyone is different - was it wasn't too bad. First week was the worst - I slept a lot, very lethargic, various side effects but nothing too major. By day 10 I was starting to feel better and almost normal by the third week. 

I have also been using the cooling cap for hair loss. Not sure if I will continue with it though. I don't like it very much and my hair is starting to fall out now anyway - it could be the drug combination I am on.

Everyone deals with each aspect differently. Some people cope really well with the hair loss - going to shave it off before it all begins - others find it a huge emotional loss. Some breeze through chemo with few side effects, others have to deal with a few more. Some people like to keep their journey a private one, others deal better with it by making it public knowledge.

I personally have been through a rollercoaster of emotions. I have two small children so I first thought of how this was going to affect them. And of course how my husband was going to carry the load.

The way I needed to deal with it was to make it public knowledge. The thought of going through this huge, life changing event in my life secretly was too much for me to bear. I needed people to know - I needed help and support. Plus I wanted to avoid awkward situations where you run into people and of course they ask how everyone is. I couldn't lie - life was pretty sh***y to be honest. So I made a public announcement on social media, got it out of the way, everyone knows, life goes on. At the same time I also made it be known that we would need help and support so asked people not to feel awkward. Everyone around me has been amazing. I have meals delivered by various friends regularly, mums helping with school pickups, one friend has even paid for a cleaner for me for the time I am going through chemo! And my dear mum has been fabulous.  It has all made a HUGE difference and made the journey just that little bit easier for me.

Of course not everyone feels comfortable with letting everyone know and I totally understand that. It is just what I needed to do.

In terms of work, I have taken time off. I'm lucky I am in a position where I had some leave up my sleeve and I just wanted to focus on healing and getting better. But some people choose to work through it too.

I haven't made many posts yet but feel free to click on them to read my short journey so far. We are all here to support each other in any way we can.