I am almost half way through my total treatment time, and I Have gained a wealth of knowledge . I believe it is power . It had helped me prepare for each leg of my journey . The following is a list of some tips that have helped me prepare .
**Learn everything about your disease . You can do it at your own pace but when you are diagnosed everything moves quite fast and it helps to be prepared . When you get together with your health care team ,you will receive a lot of pamphlets on everything . Take the time to read as later it will be mandatory to go to a chemo class and everything is disused there.
**Get your self a day timer or book , there will be many people phoning you about appointments and what not .Its good to have to jot down any questions you may have to your surgeon or oncologist.
**Keeping my mind busy has helped throughout this as well as keeping my body relaxed . I bought puzzles, games , books , there is going to be some down time through surgeries, chemo and radiation.
I bought a how to belly dance for fitness ,even got a bunch of hip scarves to make it fun . I find these videos really good at relaxing the body . You will need to do specific exercises after surgery and this video is very comparable to what is needed to prevent frozen shoulder for example.
**Lean on someone , you will feel better if you are open and have someone in your life to release all the fears and emotions.
** Prepare for side effects, breast cancer is merciless to a woman's body first you will more then likely have surgery ,depending on your cancer or your choice you will have a piece or your whole breast remove . You can't deal with with all aspects of your disfigured body until you are through treatment which will depend on individual cases but in the meantime , Get yourself a comfortable bra ,front closer and one that has lots of support like a sports bra, I like to wear a lot of tank tops that are cotton for sleeping and just around the house. You maybe going home with a tube under your arm for a week, if there is lymph node involvement.
** Drink water, put healthy foods in your body , and try to get your rest. I had to take sleeping pills .At least I know I will get 4 hours.
**Prepare for hair loss, not all chemo will have that effect but your oncologist will inform you.
My hair was half way down my back and as soon as I was diagnosed I cut it to my shoulder , then a week before chemo cut it short . I went shopping with family members and pick up a cheap wig , scarves and hats . It made me feel better knowing I had something to wear on my head . It was good to include loved ones as it helps them to prepare for your new look . A week after I started chemo I arranged for a few friends to come over I picked up a few wigs and shaved my head ,We had fun with the different looks . I also registered for a look good feel good program I will be attending this tonight with my bff Cheryl
**Stay positive! Its normal to have bouts of depression but there is always a light through out any hard time in your life . I see that this is not my life... its just a year in it ! It will bring me closer to loved ones and make me yet a stronger woman .
** make sure before you start chemo you have some easy foods at home to eat , Jello's Popsicles,soup, crackers ,ginger ale , hard mints ,yogurt, cheese, fruit and eggs.
There are more tips to come just a few for now . Hope this helps someone out there in their journey.
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