Hi there @Sharon01..this truly is a nightmare, isn't it? The shit hits the fan and splatters everything in sight and without warning. I remember feeling stunned that my life had changed so much when I realised that the week before diagnosis, the biggest concern in my life was what to cook for dinner. Then it was what songs to play at my funeral. Then I thought f**k that, put on my combat boots and went into battle. Your feelings and emotions are quite normal under the circumstances, I mean really, your "Girls" have gone feral and are trying to kill you. The outward manifestations of your womanhood have been chopped off and you're about to have highly toxic chemicals introduced into your body. Who the hell wouldn't feel as you (and all of us in this rotten club) do?. You will probably be given a comprehensive list of information regarding the drugs you will be getting. Remember, you may get few and mild symptoms or severe and debilitating...it varies from person to person. Keep a diary and mention to your team any problems you might have. They can tweak your treatment in many ways, so don't be afraid to ask...loudly if necessary. Don't be intimidated by that list of possible side effects, they might never happen. When pregnant, a woman might have nausea or severe vomiting, varicose veins, piles, heartburn, round ligament pain, bleeding etc etc...you get my drift, but seldom will she have them all or even any. Avoid people who are obviously ill with infectious illnesses such as flu and keep hand cleanser in your pocket or bag when out and about on public transport or in shopping centres. My breast care nurse gave me the tip of keeping my hands in my pockets at times like this. Use your elbow to posh lift buttons, hold onto escalator rail, and things like that. You are more likely to pick up bugs by touching an infected surface, and then afterwards touching your nose or rubbing your eyes than from a sneeze. Some chemo drugs leave you very sun sensitive, so be aware of that. For me, food wise, I just are what appealed to me, sweet stuff was ughh and savoury things like salt and vinegar chippies were yummy. I started chemo in autumn, so knitted myself a selection of beanies, but there are other members who will be able to give you links to websites with summer headwear. I wish you the very best of luck with your treatment, and remember to keep in touch with your fellow tribe members here.
