Chemo advice please?

[Reddalahorse]

I'm 65, had lumpectomy and flap reconstruction in July. Very soon to start chemo. Given that oncology have said my skin will be dry and sensitive (never experienced that before), I'm wondering about skincare, particularly shower gel and body moisturiser. Would something like Aveeno be suitable? Any advice about this, or any other hints for getting through this whole chemo crap would be appreciated. I know there's lots stuff on MacMillan but it's all a bit generic.

I've ordered wigs and scarves, and will get some false eyelashes. Im not a natural beauty but I never usually leave the house without hair and makeup done, more a confidence thing than vanity.

Anyone out there who can advise?

TIA

[Rainbow1901]

I'm sorry to hear that you are facing chemo for Breast Cancer - been there and done that and it's not fun! Like you my chemo was brought about after a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction but it is all doable. You may have some rubbish days but keep a note book or diary of how you felt, what meds you took and what if anything you did helped. Then when you see the oncologist you can discuss if other meds will help you and make your chemo cycles easier to live with.
I didn't change any of my usual moisturising products and was fine with them. I did however paint my nails with dark coloured nail polish and managed to hang on to them but did not do the same with my toenails and had issues with them. But I did use a nail oil to help support my nails too.
Everyone is different and it is very much a case of wait and see if you need anything. You should have had a voucher for a wig and do ask if there are any facilities that you can attend for support. My local hospice had a group session once a month for ladies with cancer and arranged crafts, tai chi and so on. They also offered complementary treatments such as Reiki to help you. After a year we were 'booted' out (lol) but we still meet for tea out every other month for chat, support and a good laugh. There are lots of things offered for ladies undergoing chemo - I attended a sessions at M&S where we were given advice on make up and a Goody bag full of lovely products from many very well known beauty companies. I cold capped but there were other ladies who benefited from knowing how far to apply foundation when you no longer have a hairline!! It's the little things that you don't realise about. Happy to offer any help or experiences but do look after yourself - some people sail through chemo and others are knocked for six - I myself had the odd shit day and plenty of days where I slept the day away but do what you need to do for yourself. Eat when you like and whatever you feel like and drink plenty of fluids - tea, coffee, juice, water - just drink plenty!! Wishing you lots of luck and encouragement.

[Saltysnack2003]

Hello, I am so sorry to hear you are having to go through this. Wishing you all the very best with it.

I had chemotherapy last year. You will be informed of a whole host of potential side effects (I was given a 15 page booklet!). It is worth bearing in mind that everyone is different and you won't experience all of them. I personally didn't experience skin dryness, but know others who did. You will get all of your medication to deal with side effects supplied by the NHS, so you don't need to worry about buying Moisturiser. That is, unless you enjoy the pampering experience of a particular type - I found it was nice to treat myself to certain things to help me to relax. The prescription Moisturiser I was given is called dermol lotion 500. Though I didn't particularly need it, it can be used as a cream or in the shower to wash with. I would highly recommend it.

You are definitely doing the right thing by preparing yourself with wigs and hats. I did this and felt so reassured that I had anything/ everything I needed. I didn't wear my wig in the end, but wore my hats. I just felt more comfortable. I assume you got a voucher from the NHS to help with the cost?

The biggest piece of advice I would give anyone going through this is to always keep your doctor/ nurses informed of any side effects. Don't suffer in silence as there are so many things they can give you to help.

[Reddalahorse]

@Rainbow1901 and @Saltysnack2003 thank you SO much for your fast responses and sharing advice on real life experiences. This is so helpful and gives me slightly more confidence! I won't go and buy all of the Aveeno stock in Boots just yet then! Don't know anything about a wig voucher, I'll ask the nurse when she phones today!

I decided against the cold cap because many people said they kept half of their hair, or similar. My hair is fine (ish) so I may as well let it all go. I think.. The No7 counter here do appointments for chemo patients but by all accounts it seems more like a sales opportunity for the No7 ladies, I'll see if M&S do it locally but it's not a huge store!

I'm so grateful to you both, you've been so helpful and kind. I hope you're both in good health now xx

[Rainbow1901]

@Reddalahorse

Breast Cancer Now is a very good resource and I think it was through them that I got the Make up session and attendance at various sessions they did when going through cancer and at the end when it all stops and you are left to pick up the pieces and get on with your life, but as I was in active treatment seven years ago much has probably changed. Do you have a Maggies near you?
There is something now called Box of Hope which you can apply for and it is free to anyone in active treatment. Cancer Support also offer Chemo/Cancer Kits so have a look around. Just receiving these packs is a boost in itself and lets face it - we all need a bit of love at these times. Take care!!

[Reddalahorse]

@Reddalahorse that's great thank you. I was given a "Little Lifts" gift box which is amazing, not so much beauty products just useful, thoughtful stuff. Following all your advice and suggestions, thank you so much xxx

[SummerCycling]

Ho OP, you asked whether Aveeno is suitable. I used blue Aveeno Dermexa throughout chemo and radiotherapy. I really liked it, it was soothing and very moisturising.

Unlike @Saltysnack2003 I wasn't provided with any creams on the NHS, but told to buy some myself.

[Reddalahorse]

@SummerCycling Thank you for this. It seems NHS provide less of the nice but not essential stuff these days, sign of the times I suppose. I might get some and have it just in case!

Hope you're well again now x

[SummerCycling]

Hi @Reddalahorse

Thanks x Yes, I'm near the end of my treatment plan now, finally!

True, in my experience, the NHS struggles to provide the very basic essential stuff, so anything nice but not strictly necessary is out of the question.

I even had to fight to get a prothesis after my full mastectomy. The hospital hadn't even told me they existed, but I heard from a patient somewhere else that we are entitled to one.

I had to fight to get a lot of things that were on my original treatment plan e.g. PICC line, bisphosphonates infusion, the scans stated on the plan etc.

Anyway, good luck with your chemo. My skin didn't really change on chemo, and I was on 4 different types for months. Hopefully your skin will also hold up well. x

[Reddalahorse]

@SummerCycling Oh how lovely to know you're nearly there! My mum had a false boob after her mastectomy but refused to wear it. I found it in her wardrobe after she passed away. That made me jump! I did think it was a shame it was wasted. I'm under a consultant that strikes fear in the heart of many patients, but I'm not scared of her, and I think that what she says goes so I shouldn't have to fight for anything! We'll see..

Hope the rest of your road to recovery goes smoothly! xx

[SummerCycling]

@Reddalahorse

That must have been a weird discovery! I wonder why she didn't want to wear it. I find it makes me feel more balanced - it's weighted to balance out with the remaining boob. Plus of course it fills the bra so looks more normal.

Thanks x

Good luck to you with everything x

[thesandwich]

Op, good luck with everything- the long running cancer thread is brilliant for advice and support about everything.
also have a look at the look good feel better website- they run amazing free workshops in line and in person. Great goody bags!
penny Brian website worth a look too.

[SataumaMeddler]

Was also popping on to recommend Look Good Feel Better Workshops. Fantastic goody bag sent afterwards and they give advice on pencilling your eyebrows on.

[Reddalahorse]

Gosh thank you all so much, so kind of you to reply and point me in the right direction. I'm following all advice, all of which is appreciated xxx

[CalamityA]

Where are you based OP?
There is a great support group in my area www.breastfriends.co.uk full of helpful advice and lots of ladies have had chemo and could offer support.

I've had chemo and it's very manageable I think you'll be ok. The time flies and soon it's a distant memory. Hang in there!

[Reddalahorse]

@CalamityA That's so good to hear! I never thought I'd be in this situation (duh..) so it's still daunting just thinking about it. I'm in Suffolk. I'm not exactly a loner but I find it hard to accept help, so support groups are a bit of an alien concept to me. About to google breastfriends (great name) xx

[CalamityA]

@Reddalahorse

@CalamityA That's so good to hear! I never thought I'd be in this situation (duh..) so it's still daunting just thinking about it. I'm in Suffolk. I'm not exactly a loner but I find it hard to accept help, so support groups are a bit of an alien concept to me. About to google breastfriends (great name) xx

Perfect. It's a Suffolk and Essex based group!

If you apply to join the Facebook page, make sure to answer the membership questions. It's a lovely group and lots of great support. It's not a stereotypical support group it's full of young women and positivity.

[Reddalahorse]

@CalamityA ok great I've filled in the form on Facebook, and see how it goes! Thanks for the advice. I'm sure I'll be back soon with more random questions! xx

[CalamityA]

@Reddalahorse

@CalamityA ok great I've filled in the form on Facebook, and see how it goes! Thanks for the advice. I'm sure I'll be back soon with more random questions! xx

All the questions are valid my lovely. Hope we can help you with the answers.

[Fuckmyliferightnow]

I found heavy creams better but nothing strongly scented as it made me feel nauseous.

[JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn]

I recently bought the light blue Aveeno cream to see if it would help my ridiculously sensitive skin that nothing else could soothe. It was incredible! I'd fully recommend it if you need something to soothe, calm and moisturise your skin.

[Reddalahorse]

Thanks all, great to have advice from people who have already been through chemo, feels so different from reading a booklet. Some of the user names are quite telling...

Going to Boots these week for a few basic supplies, light blue Aveeno now on the list (even if my skin's ok it won't be wasted!).

Any other tips will also be welcome, particularly about the first chemo session xx

[thesandwich]

Boots have Macmillan trained beauty sales people- ask if they’ve got one.
chemo- drink loads, makes cannula easier. Keep hands warm for same reason. Take snacks, earphones, phone or iPad, magazines etc.
one lovely lady at my chemo described it as her “ spa day” cos she got to sit down and get brought drinks and snacks!

[Reddalahorse]

Thank you, all good to know! Compiling a list of stuff to take with me (going to need a bigger bag).

[Fuckmyliferightnow]

How's it going OP?

[MintJulia]

I had two issues when I went through it.

The first was that I am allergic to docetaxel and it made my skin very sensitive to any commercial soap, cleanser or shampoo that I could find. It brought me out in sore welts. Then after treatment, while my body was trying to flush out the chemo drugs, I become allergic to my own perspiration which meant more sore skin until I worked it out.
I tried just soaking in warm water but in the end my surgeon suggested these people, https://cyrilssoapshed.co.uk/.

By the third round of chemo, I showered every three hours using their unscented soap. It is very gentle, handmade, non-drying. By keeping my skin as clean as possible I was able to reduce the side effects to almost nothing. I changed clothes that were in direct contact with my skin every three hours too.

My reaction was rare but if it happens, this may help.

Good luck. I'm two years down the line, and all good so far.