Chemo.

[Daisy]

Clover, as Gem says not everyone loses their hair, but I do like the jaunty headscarves some ladies choose (although the wigs are brilliant).

Put a request for a nice heated throw on your wish/Christmas list. It will be very comforting as well as keeping you warm on cold winter evenings.

Grauntie's suggestion about the 'Look good, feel better' class is great. How lovely to get a whole new look with expensive make-up.

Gem, I think you're right about some people not losing their hair. There are so many different forms of chemo used these days, and much better treatment for any side-effects.

I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday, Clover. I'm sure the first time will be the worst. How will you get home from the hospital? Is it near home?

[Clover]

Again thank you all for your positive comments. I have been given a referral letter and a list of local wig emporiums should I need them. Also included is a money off voucher which would be very welcome should the need arise!

[Lizzie48]

It will be worrying Clover, lets hope that it all goes well, there are so many strengths of chemo, not everyone reacts the same. DH never lost his hair at all, some people do. Like Daisy, I admire those bright scarves that the ladies wear. I agree with her on the heated blanket as well. xxxx

[Oma]

My sisters wig was awful we called it Mavis 😂 she eventually chose to wear a scarf ,
B didn’t have much hair to start with so when he lost his it was ok , but it’s different for a man ,
It did grow back very curly the first time , next 3 times he lost it it came back straight and thicker than originally 😁

Not all Chemos do you lose your hair everyone is different sometimes it just goes thin , but best to be prepared so it’s not such a shock ,
When my sisters started to fall out we decided to shave her head and that made the process less stressful.

We both cried and laughed as I shaved her , so many emotions but it’s only for a short while it does grow back remember that .
Do you know what chemo your starting on ? A popular one to start on in our Hospital seems to be Rituximab for Lymphoma

One thing I would stress is ask as many questions as you need too , and never ever Google it .
Google only give worse case. Scenarios and usually they are wrong .

No question is silly , they would rather you ask than worry about something ,
If you can either write it down or ask them too , sure as eggs are eggs you will get home and forget what they said ,
Brain fog is common with treatment.xx

[Daisy]

Clover, I'm sure you've thought of these things, but just in case. Ask about diet - are some foods better avoided (eg sugar, dairy, spicy food) and is it better to do as much exercise as you feel you can, ie push yourself a bit, or better to try and get more rest. I agree - don't Google anything. Once you've seen it you can't 'unsee' it. How are you getting to and from the hospital for treatment?

Our neighbour who is in his late 60s and, like Oma's B, has gone through several rounds of treatment, has gone off for a cycling week-end. He'll probably do 50-80k, depending on the weather! He's an inspiration.

[Gemini]

I agree about Goggle. Our best friend, but at times our worst enemy.

When OH was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer I drove myself mad Googling and came to the conclusion that if she lived a further 3 years we would be very lucky.
I decide to stop looking up anything connected to her condition,for my sanity.
We are now 14 years down the line.

You have lots of support here on GRU Clover

[Oma]

Daisy it’s losing your taste that’s sometimes a problem diet wise ,
B could taste curry and Pineapple funnily enough 😁

[Clover]

I’m going in with an open mind. Though it’s not good to Google the Nurse specialist,Consultant and Information pack do rather spell it all out. I did ask a lot of questions at last week’s meeting. In fact I’ve got a little notebook in which I wrote my questions and worked my way through them!Although there is a Chemo Unit at the hospital all Haematology chemo is given on their day ward,so everyone there will have a blood condition of some kind.

[Gemini]

A notebook is an excellent idea Clover!

[Daisy]

Clover, we've found that they do seem to spell out the worst case scenarios, both in literature and during consultations. But I guess they have to, to make sure they've given patients full information.

I'm sure you will get to know other patients and medical staff, and can share experiences. I do admire the way you've prepared and organised everything you can. xx

[Clover]

I had my first Chemo today. All went smoothly as far as I could tell. It was a long session as they had to go slowly in case of any reactions.I got quite restless sitting all that time but two trips to the loo helped me stretch my legs.Tea and coffee were plentiful and what with the IV bags of fluid I had to go! The nurses were so kind and helpful. I ‘ve come home with boxes of various medications including two anti- sickness ones. I feel okay just rather shattered! Apparently it is day 5 to 7 that I will be at the lowest ebb so I’me preparing myself for that! An early night for me I think. Thanks again for all your kind words.

[Lizzie48]

I hope you can get a good nights sleep Clover, I am pleased the nurses are so kind and helpful. Sleep well.xxxx

[Gemini]

Glad it went smoothly Clover xxx

[Oma]

Clover , it’s a long day the first couple of treatments as you say incase of a reaction ,
The tiredness will hit at some point , fingers crossed the sickness will be mild but at least you have a supply of anti sickness meds ,
Sleep when you can it takes it out of you and try it eat regularly xx

[Nanto2girls]

Clover,so pleased it went smoothly.
Really hoping you have minimal side effects.