Start Chemo in one month
Received my pathology results and the cancer is in my lymph nodes. Early next week I have a CT scan and lymph node biopsies. Chemo will start 3-4 weeks after that. I am trying to deal with all this an...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Sharon01 It's a whirlwind at the beginning. There are lots of posts on this forum with tips for going through chemo treatment. I don't live near 24 hour shops so I got stuff in before I started that the ladies here suggested:
Hand wipes
Sanitiser
Disinfectant wipes (when you're a bit unsure of public facilities)
Coloxyl with Senna
GastroStop
Sick Bags
Toilet Wipes
Biotene Mouthwash
A really soft toothbrush (toddlers style)
Movicol
The only things I didn't use were the sick bags and Movicol.
I stayed away from things that could obviously make me sick (no hugging people with colds, etc) but mostly lived as normal.
I started with cold caps so got some baby shampoo. The caps didn't work well for me so ended up stopping them.
Ladies up in Qld may be able to tell you about wig hire. I only wore a wig when I wanted to fly under the radar so would suggest that you investigate that option rather than buying one as they are quite expensive. Hit the Op Shops for scarves. There's some great sites for how to tie them.
Food is pretty individual and can change during chemo. There is a post here about what people have liked during chemo (maybe someone could post the link as I can't find it). While it's good to stay as healthy as you can, it's sometimes more important just to be able to eat.
Have you been advised to get a port?
Some people are able to work through chemo - some are not. You won't know how you're going to tolerate it until it happens. If you are employed and can't work, investigate your Super for Income Protection options.
I think many of us recognise what you feel. One minute you're feeling healthy and making plans and the next you're completely sidelined. Knowing that the cancer was going to make you sick eventually doesn't stop the feeling that you were well until you started treatment. You're on a rollercoaster and it is likely to play havoc with your emotions. That's okay. If it gets too much, please consider getting professional counselling.
We're here when you need support or information.
Hand wipes
Sanitiser
Disinfectant wipes (when you're a bit unsure of public facilities)
Coloxyl with Senna
GastroStop
Sick Bags
Toilet Wipes
Biotene Mouthwash
A really soft toothbrush (toddlers style)
Movicol
The only things I didn't use were the sick bags and Movicol.
I stayed away from things that could obviously make me sick (no hugging people with colds, etc) but mostly lived as normal.
I started with cold caps so got some baby shampoo. The caps didn't work well for me so ended up stopping them.
Ladies up in Qld may be able to tell you about wig hire. I only wore a wig when I wanted to fly under the radar so would suggest that you investigate that option rather than buying one as they are quite expensive. Hit the Op Shops for scarves. There's some great sites for how to tie them.
Food is pretty individual and can change during chemo. There is a post here about what people have liked during chemo (maybe someone could post the link as I can't find it). While it's good to stay as healthy as you can, it's sometimes more important just to be able to eat.
Have you been advised to get a port?
Some people are able to work through chemo - some are not. You won't know how you're going to tolerate it until it happens. If you are employed and can't work, investigate your Super for Income Protection options.
I think many of us recognise what you feel. One minute you're feeling healthy and making plans and the next you're completely sidelined. Knowing that the cancer was going to make you sick eventually doesn't stop the feeling that you were well until you started treatment. You're on a rollercoaster and it is likely to play havoc with your emotions. That's okay. If it gets too much, please consider getting professional counselling.
We're here when you need support or information.