About to start chemo.

rylotajo

Hi Everyone!  I was just diagnosed at the end of April, and May 7th I had a bilateral mastectomy, with expanders put in for reconstruction.  Now that I am mostly healed, I am going to start chemo on the 11th of this month.  I think I am still in a complete daze about everything.  It has definitely hit me, but...I'm just dumbfounded by it all.  I have two little ones, 4 and 6, and I think that's the worst part of it all.  I just want to be around to see them grow up.  Anyway, I'm really glad that I found this place, I was very hesitant about joining any forums, I think I just wanted to bury my head in the sand about it all.  Can anyone give me some tips on how I will feel going through Chemo?  I'm not sure what drugs are being used, but I do know that I will be getting Herceptin.  I own a daycare center, so basically I work inside a petri dish. LOL!  So, I know my work load will have to change dramatically, but I was still hoping that I could atleast work a few hours a week.  So...here I am, and I look forward to getting to know you all, and exchanging stories.  I've tried to be very positive about it all, but it's hard when no one around you knows what it's like going through something like this.  They just can't relate, so it's nice to come to a place where just about everyone can understand and give suggestions.  Thanks all!

BethNY

Just wanted to say Hi-- I will drop you a longer response when I get a chance, but I wanted to tell you about two awesome resources that will be great for you and the kids...

One- you can get for free by calling the american cancer society- 1800 acs 2345 it's a book called, Mom and the Polka Dot Boo Boo... it will be great for your 4 and 6 yr old.

Then, there is a doll called the Kimmie Cares Doll. Some ACS's have them on hand, or can get them for you, or you can google it and check out the website-- the doll comes in different color skins, and hair colors, and the hair is removable, and the doll becomes bald, then has a hair cap to wear, and even a small hair attachment for when mom's hair is growing back in... another great tool for the 5-9 age group... I use both tools for all of the young women that I mentor through reach to recovery, and they have been a huge success.

Chemo isn't always a walk in the park, but it's not the end of the world either. You do it, get through it, and before you know it, you will one day have bad hair days again... this I can promise.

I was diagnosed when I was 26-- almost 5 years ago, and I can tell you a few things-- you're doing the right thing by having two support groups-- you're non cancer team-- family friends etc...

and your cancer team--your sisters here, and on other great sights like www.youngsurvival.org

You should go to theget me thru treatment forum, and find the chemo group starting the same month as you--- this will be a huge beneift for you, and you will become lifelong friends with these people....

I will write more when I get a chance.