Try to stay positive. Being positive and laughing alot made it easier. Take a blanket, a pillow if you want and something to do or read like your kindle or tablet. Take some snacks too and some bottled water. Wear comfortable clothes too, I went in sweat pants. I had long hair and the day before I started chemotherapy I had my hair cut super short and donated it. It won't be as traumatic when it falls out. Good luck. You will get plenty of meds for nausea. I never had any bad side effects. Felt nauseous a little but never got sick. Everyone is different so not everyone has the same effects. Best wishes and big HUGS. Your journey may be starting but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

@A MyBCTeam Member Be strong and stay positive! I just finished Chemo last week. It has its ups and downs but we are here for you!!

HAIR~ If you are taking Chemo where you will have hair loss, I strongly suggest a super cute and liberating short doooo! I did, then my husband buzzed it as soon as it started coming out. I bought eyebrow stencils, pencils, 20 plus bandandas, sleep caps (for hair loss while sleeping) etc so I was prepared.

ESSENTIAL OILS~ This is all new to be but exploring Young Living and DoTerra products. Frankincense is what I am using now. I also use oils on my sons feet for bedtime.

SUPPORT~ I am using this now for online support but I also use The Caring Bridge site to update friends and family. While a blessing, It can be mentally exhausting to reply to all those concerned for you. You may find this helpful. The strong and courageous women on MyBCTeam has been a great help!

YOUR BODY~ Yes, listen to your body. Have water always handy, rest when you need to. Everyone has different side effects. At the beginging you may want to log what is happening with treatment to report to your onocologist, so you dont miss something.

We are all here for you!! ~ Danielle

Mentioned Users

A MyBCTea...

I agree with Hud. Stay positive! I know it's scary, but the reality is, it's quite doable. When they handed me the pages of side effects, I opted not to fill my mind with them, and just put them aside. I figured if I noticed something, I could then look it up to see if was indeed, a side effect. My first time, I packed a rolling bag with snacks, a pillow, magazines, water and my iPad. I also brought my daughters. It's good to have someone come with you, just for moral support. Make it a party! We all wore funny wigs!
Force fluids. Drink, drink, drink! It's okay. You can wheel to the bathroom. Even if you don't feel thirsty, drink water or juice for the several hours you're there. My place provided blankets, but bring your own the first time, just in case. They keep those places pretty cool. Breathe, meditate. Chemo is your friend and cancer's enemy. Visualize your own personal swat team beating the hell out of your tumor.
Even if you don't feel nauseated, take your meds! Stay on top of them. I opted NOT to take my meds, because I felt fine. Then, I threw up! The next time, I knew better, and each treatment went better and better. If I felt okay, I exercised. Usually, I would take a few days off, and then get back to the gym. Women who exercise have better outcomes. Ask if you have any more questions, because we are all here for you, cheering you on. You will do just fine. Really.
Smile. You're being cured!

Also--when people ask what they can do---take advantage, and if you have enough help, tell them you like presents. Not only do you benefit from presents--but they laugh and feel like they are doing something...lol

There is a book "Just Get Me Through This" A Practical Guide to Coping with Breast Cancer" by Deborah A. Cohen, it was my bible all through treatment. She talks about sucking a sucker, warming your arm (if you don't have a port) and T-gel for you head and hair--all the little tricks to make it easier.