Double mastectomy was a breeze but chemo scares me to death

Hi!

What chemo regimen has been recommended for you? I was nervous about chemo, too, but it wasn't too bad. I worked through chemo, though I was hardly my most efficient self. Of course, it's different for everyone.

Today, medical oncologists do a better job of preventing and addressing side effects. Some things can't be avoided (like hair loss in many cases, though cold capping helps many), but most of my side effects (e.g., heartburn and diarrhea) could be managed with over-the-counter drugs.

GameoneWin,

It's very understandable - I found the surgery a breeze ( well not quite but it was fine 😉) by comparison to chemo.

But chemo is doable. You will have some couch days and then some medium function/good days where you can get out, walk, drive, go for a lunch. Walk even for 5 - 10 minutes on your shittiest day and it help. Just get up no matter how you feel - that would be my strongest message

I think it much much harder if you have to work.

Lots of planning info on various past threads so keep reading. Most centres run a info session.

Without going into specific these are the broad areas to stock up on.

You will need some meal preplanning/freezing and some home help if possible. Take all offers. Order online if you have to. Herbal teas to hydrate - drink your fav but keep in mind your taste you change over chemo.

A list of what medictions to take for what side effects - and familiarise yourself with them now.

The list below is used by my centre ( obviously it needs to be individualised and proviso not allergic to anything!!)

Most centres will give you antiemetics with your therapy and two days of dexamethasone ( helps with potential drug reactions and the nausea)

Zofran - nausea ( can cause constipation)

Losec - reflux

Imodium - diarrhoea

Movichol - constipation

Loratidine - itch rash muscle and bone pain

Ativan ( lorazepam ) anxiety

Worth ascking to be prescribed a mild sleeping tablet - you do not have to take it if you do not need it.

If you are needle phobic a cream or patch called EMLA ( local anaesthetic in it) placed 30-45 minutes prior over the area will numb skin.

There are others but I would call the above the basic kit.

And a few surrounding comforting things for when you are flat - fresh linen, music, and DVDs worked for me.

It plays with your smell so perfumed anything does not help. Cheap clean natural creams/oils are best.

Biotene, natural yoghurt, baby toothbrush and toothpaste helps with mouth hygiene.

Some centres prescribe oral dexamethasone mouth wash but I go with natural Greek yoghurt any day for ulcers.

Make a decision about your hair now - multiple options com cold caps, synthetic wigs ( choose your current hairstyle in a wig if that how you'll go), wraps. Find a good pencil that matches your eye browses - you will loose some at some point. Get a lighter colour lipstick - your face will be paler all round.

Decide on a couple of comfortable outfits for home and out and keep that smart and simple for this time.

Find a class - yoga, reiki etc that you can go once a week so you have a little pocket away from home.

You can do this!!😊