What do I need on hand for chemo side effects

Coachbarb, welcome!, Yes, you have found a place where we "get" it! Hopefully you will find tons of support and information here. Plus the nicest people are here on these boards. It is a good place to land.

You are posting this question in the surgery forum, but I want to make sure I am answering you correctly...you are asking about chemo tips right? Not a problem just want to make sure I follow. Your surgery date was originally Oct 15, then chemo after?

Chemo is very do able. Is your health good, besides having BC? you will feel better of course if your overall health is good going into chemo.

For good mouth protection from sores, I kept a small container at my kitchen window that contained a dry mixture of baking soda and salt, and I could put a spoon of that in a glass of warm water and swish and spit while I did the dishes or was in the kitchen. This made it easy as it was ready for me, and I never had a prob with sores.

For surgery and chemo, I have one word...pillows. I cannot stress the importance of pillows enough. You know that fluffy pink pillow you always wanted at walmart but never really NEEDED it? Nows the time. I put pilows all around me in bed, You can hardly see me for them. But they make comfort more..just more I guess!

I know there are other tips too, maybe someone else can share their thoughts.

As far as telling the family, I see your name is "Coachbarb" which tells me you probably are accustomed to a team. You will hopefully have a team during this, a team of health care providers, and support at home from friends and loved ones. We here on this website are a part of that support team too. But this is a different kind of team than we have ever played on. It centers around you. So if you want to wait till after the trip, do so. If it means everyone has a better time not stressing and crying, then wait. But if you need their support now...dont wait do what YOU need to do. They hopefully will get on board soon, not be sad and distraught, for you need positive thoughts now. A positive outlook means so much in your healing.

Thinking of you!

Hi coachbarb, sorry to hear about your dx. Yes, chemo isn't that bad once you're going through it, it's just a part of our journey. We whine about it, and it makes us feel better to know that we aren't going through this alone. So go ahead and rant if you need to. There are a lot of wise ladies here.

I'm 27, very close to my mom too. I went for my biopsy by myself, and even hid my bandages for days. It was terrifying. All of a sudden, each extra night of blissful rest for my mom was SO precious. Well, I caved in the end one morning. And you know what? My mom surprised me. I was expecting her to break down, I was prepared to comfort her. But no, through her tears, she held me, and told me that we will fight this together. It hasn't been easy since, there were a lot of tears and laughter. And we are still fighting now.

You don't have to face this alone for any longer, if you choose to. There's no nice way to break such news, but perhaps your family will surprise you too. There are some things in life that we shouldn't have to go through alone. Or you could tell a close friend or 2 first.

We're all here for you, and with you. Hang in there.