1. Go to the dentist - This may seem like a weird recommendation but it is a good idea to get a cleaning before chemo begins to help prevent any mouth problems. The Adriamycin and Cytoxan combo especially is known to cause mouth sores so the better shape your teeth and gums are in before chemo, hopefully, the fewer side effects you will have.
2. Get a wig - Looking as "normal" as possible during chemo was a big deal for me so before my hair started falling out, I knew I wanted a wig that looked as close to my regular hair as possible. After researching different wig shops online and going to check them out, I found a place that made the wigs in their store and offered a length that was similar to my own (24 inches). It was hard to find a place that had a longer length and a colour similar to mine (dirty blonde) which is why I am glad I started looking right away as it can take a while.
The other debate is whether you want synthetic or real hair. I have heard people argue the pros and cons of both but my personal recommendation is definitely real hair for a couple reasons:
- It can be highlighted to look like your natural colour
- Synthetic hair does not look and feel the same
- It can be styled and blow dried, exactly like your real hair would
- It is more comfortable (I also have a synthetic wig and was constantly scratching my head when wearing it)
- If you are going to be wearing a wig for 12+ months, why not spend the money and get something that makes you feel confident
My wig was over $2,000 but when I wear it in public, the majority of people would never know it is a wig. It is so comfortable, even I forget sometimes! I know that this is expensive but it is worth looking into your insurance to see how much might be covered.
3. Read information online (with caution) - I say with caution because there is a lot of information available and not all of it applies to your situation. If, like me, you find that the information in the phamphlets from the oncologist are not providing all of the answers to your questions, chat groups can he useful. Do keep in mind though that there will be some people who experienced terrible side effects with chemo and others that had none. I am the type of person that needs to know what they are walking into and if you are the same, doing a bit of pre-reading might not be a bad idea. I found this article was helpful: http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/chemotherapy/what-expect-when-having-chemotherapy
4. Take a leave from work - Being off work during chemo has helped me through treatment in so many ways. Not having to book appointments around my work schedule, sleeping when I need to sleep and just generally taking the time to focus all of my attention on my health has been so important. I realize that some people choose to work during chemo as it is a distraction and others are not in a situation financially where they can take a leave. Everyone is different but for me, not having to be in the office 9-5pm on top of everything else going on has taken away so much stress and allowed me the time to concentrate on what really matters.
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