Get into internet shopping

During my chemo I avoided infection throughout by being super careful. I worked from home (when I felt well enough) and apart from my daily walks, didn't go out very often. I was absolutely committed to getting through the full six cycles without any delays so that meant staying well. This meant that shopping was a definite no-no! So we started ordering from Ocado and I have to say that they were fantastic! They gave us a voucher after our first order, and then when they saw I was going through chemo, they gave us another £20 voucher! They were also really helpful in packing the shopping in the right bags for easy unpacking, and their delivery drivers are lovely. Amanda.

I agree, online shopping is a must. If I ran out of the odd item, I had a fantastic support of friends and family who I could call on and who were more than happy to pick me up the odd bottle of milk etc. I was also super careful and didn't want to risk the thought of picking up an infection purely by running into the shop for one grocery item. Any infection at all and your next chemo session would be delayed but more importantly, your immune system is extremely low and any infection could be potentially life threatening so the easiest option is to not do it!! Debbie.

Eat well during FEC chemo and avoid the fridge!

As it's a month after my last chemo, I've started to look back at my diary to see what I wish I'd known to make my experience easier (I had every side effect going, so it wasn't the best of experiences!). What I've noticed is that the better my diet, the better I felt. I had a pretty rough time with the FEC - vomiting, migraines, piles, fatigue, mouth sores, digestive problems and diaorrhea to name but a few. However, it got easier each time. During the FEC my sense of smell became so sensitive, that if I opened the fridge I would be sick! This meant that I barely ate anything after my first FEC cycle. However, after the second cycle I started to get into a routine of eating a bowl of fresh fruit for breakfast, and plenty of fresh veg (spinach with everything!). I didn't go near the fridge (I would leave the room while my husband opened it!) and we didn't buy any strong smelling stuff. I had a much easier time of it after that, which is largely to do with the fact that as my digestion was better, the medication worked better, plus I was more robust and felt a lot better. So if you can face food, then I'd definitely recommend some healthy, light meals to get you through FEC.

Take suitable precautions when opening the fridge

Amanda

At the end of chemo, be patient with yourself

As I was coming to the end of chemo (around about my fifth cycle - the second of the Docetaxel) I began to get really excited. I couldn't wait to be free of the constant canulas, hideous side effects and isolation of chemo. I also did a lot of reading and people were saying that you can get really depressed after chemo's finished. I couldn't imagine such a thing since I thought I would be absolutely thrilled that it would be over! However, now I'm four weeks post chemo, I can understand why it's not everything you imagine. My baldness didn't bother me at all when I was going through treatment as I wasn't going anywhere, but it became more awkward when I began socialising again. I was also over-weight from the water retention from the Docetaxel and felt like a huge bald barrel. I was told by the nurse that some of the side effects can last for several months yet I felt under pressure to be the person I used to be - running, working full-time and socialising a lot. My advice is don't expect too much. It is wonderful on the other side of chemo, but it is also a time of adjustment. Be patient with yourself and make it clear to others what you can and can't do. Don't rush back into normal life, but build it slowly. And...the hair will grow back, and the weight subside (mine is starting to slowly drop off now). I promise!

Me, three weeks after chemo ended

Amanda

The chemo do's and don't list

When I knew that I was going to be having chemotherapy, the first thing I did was consult my friend Mr Google to research diets and/or the best ways of surviving chemo and it's glorious side effects. When I say diets, I mean diets as in the best foods to eat that would give me the best chance of getting through chemo without an infection and hindering my recovery. I found the following simple advice very useful and with only one cycle of chemo to go, I've pretty much 'sailed' through it with minimal side effects. Most of the advice that I researched was actually a case of using your common sense and being careful.

1. Sleep as and when you need to.
2. Take short walks, even the shortest walk can make you feel that bit better.
3. Stay out of crowds (I have not yet been inside any supermarket since treatment started-online shopping is a must).
4. Do not let anyone visit if they have even think they have any sign of an illness.
5. Constantly wash your hands.
6. Don't touch your face.
7. Eat healthily and drink plenty.

I stocked up on items that I deemed necessary and so far, I haven't actually had the need to use most of them but I know that I had them if I needed them to counteract the side effects of chemo.

1. A thermometer-this is something that you will definitely need because you have to take your temperature on a daily basis.
2. Immodium (diarrhoea).
3. Senokot (constipation).
4. Rennie (indigestion)
5. Gaviscon (heartburn).
6. Antibacterial wipes. Buy the miniature packets and keep them in handbags too.
7. Antiseptic wipes.
8. Crystallised ginger or packets of ginger biscuits (nausea).
9. Countless antibacterial sprays and surface wipes for around the home.

I also made and froze countless healthy meals prior to starting chemo. I would recommend investing in a Slimming World recipe book, they're low fat meals which are ideal during chemo as you won't be burning any energy.On the days where I really felt unwell or had no energy, I knew that I could take something out of the freezer for the following day and that I'd be eating something healthy. I found that making soups full of vegetables were one of the best things to freeze and I've felt better in the knowledge that even when I haven't felt like cooking, at least I've had a daily quota of vegetables.

I had a checklist of foods that I have tried to eat on a daily basis..

All bran cereal to provide fibre.

Pro-biotic yoghurts to aid digestion.

A few almonds daily for energy.

Whole grain toast and peanut butter, again for energy.

Vegetables/meat combo for dinner.

You will have days where you may not even want to eat but I forced myself to eat three meals a day, even if it felt like I was chewing on cardboard. The smallest of meals is better than not eating at all. Debbie.

20 lessons cancer has taught me

1. All the clichés are true.
2. There is nothing more touching than someone telling you they would rather be experiencing this than see you suffer. And knowing they mean it.
3. Laughter, even at the most inappropriate times can be magical.
4. The thoughtfulness of a friend can make a tough day bearable.
5. Scars are not ugly but a symbol of what we have overcome.
6. What you think is a bad day is actually a privilege.
7. There are some incredibly brave people in this world. And they’re not the ones you would think.
8. People are put into your path for a reason.
9. There is joy even in the darkest times.
10. Being loved is the greatest gift you can ever receive.
11. Even with no hair, people who love you can still see beauty in you.
12. You are stronger than you ever thought possible.
13. Whatever you’re going through, someone else is having a rougher time.
14. Finding the one you love more than anything is completely priceless.
15. Normality is seriously under-rated.
16. You need to enjoy what you have right now rather than dream of what you might have.
17. Prayers are always answered. Just perhaps not in the way you think.
18. Peace on the inside can counteract chaos on the outside.
19. Eating well can make a genuine difference to how you feel.
20. Patience is not just a virtue. It’s a skill to be learned.

Amanda and Debbie

Triple Negative Breast Cancer - don't believe the hype

When you've been diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, your first thought is to have a good read about it online. You'll probably wish you hadn't! There's lots of scary stuff about a poorer prognosis and limited treatment options. However, there are some good points! Triple Negative responds really well to chemotherapy and once you're finished with the chemo and radiotherapy, there's no ongoing treatment, so it's not all bad! There's a specific organisation dedicated to TNBC, and this is a really useful information source. So, don't panic! And, several of my friends (who are also about my age) had TNBC many years ago now and have practically forgotten all about it.

Amanda

Plan in some celebrations

Now cancer treatment can be pretty arduous so it's important to have some treats to look forward to. I've booked a multitude of holidays, and since my 41st birthday was on the day after my last chemo, I am having another birthday in July when I'll hopefully be feeling a lot better. Debbie and I also had a few appointments with the hospital's holistic therapist and these were brilliantly uplifting sessions to look forward to during our 'good' week (the third week after chemo). Being kind to yourself is so important, so whatever constitutes a treat for you, then go for it!

Amanda