My next stage

Firstly I'm very happy that it has not spread to your lymph nodes. I think Tash has given you excellent advice about how to handle telling your children. They will take their cue from you, so being honest but keeping it simple is good. I think this advice applies to all families but naturally those of us with older children or adult children will be able to give more complicated info. Chemo is scarey at first and certainly not easy, but it is usually not as bad as you imagine. I was on a 3 week cycle and found that I had one bad week (feeling like I had the flu), one week where I felt ok but knew my immune system was low, and then one normal week where I could prepare for the next round. You will be amazed at how well you cope but it is a good idea to accept all offers of help. You will appreciate things like meals cooked and offers to help with running the kids around. With regard to blood tests to check vitamin levels etc.this is best done after chemo. Most oncologists do not seem to go into this and some supplements can interfere with how chemo works so get this part of treatment over first. I finished my treatment 7 months ago and have just had my GP check my levels of iron, Vit B, Vit D etc. it makes sense to me to try and have my immune system functioning at its best. If you have a good GP (it took me a while to find one who seemed to know his stuff) this might be the best way to go once you finish treatment. Wishing you all the best. Take care. Deanne xxx