Hello folks,
I was diagnosed with an aggressive primary, locally advanced breast cancer last year at the age of 33, and kept a journal of my experiences and tips that helped me through treatment. Apart from the cathartic element of sharing my experiences and tips (which I am doing in an A-Z format – hence the name!), I do hope that they will be of help to someone out there facing the cr*pness that is cancer. Please bear in mind that these posts are based on MY personal experience and I am not medically trained, so any references to the medical side of things is based on what I’ve been told or read – do not take my word over your healthcare professionals’! Please remember we are all different and will react in different ways to everything “C” – both emotionally and physically. Much of what I write will not be applicable to those with secondaries or other types of cancer.
It is a bit of a work in progress and I will be updating it daily over the next few weeks, so please bear with me.
To any of you about to start treatment, it’s not as bad as you think it’s going to be. For those of you in the throes of treatment, there is light at the end of the tunnel and you are getting closer to it, day by day.
Chemo For Beginners - an A to Z of all things "C" 
I am totally blown away by your web site. It is amazing! I joined a forum for Younger Women with Breast Cancer and someone provided a link to your site. It is so easy to navigate, really informative and realistic. I am due to start chemo on the 4th Feb so I found your chemo section and the section on weight gain very informative. I have already piled 5 lbs on since my diagnosis through comfort eating! Keep up the good work. I am very grateful! x
Hi Karen,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m really glad that you find it helpful.
I’m in the same Younger Women’s Facebook group as you, so will chat lots on there, I’m sure.
I hope you’re not feeling too terrified about starting chemo (says she, who was petrified!). Just take it easy for the first one. Once it’s done, the fear disappears as you know what to expect.
I’m currently writing my post about preparing for chemo – hope to get it live tomorrow. Had my recon yesterday, so a bit dazed and confused today.
Big hugs. X
Thank you for your honesty. I’ve read everything I could possibly find and I was able to stop the searching because you answered what I needed. The weight gain being at the top. I also believed my silver lining was in losing some weight and I’m greatly disappointed. Yesterday was round 4 and 2 more chemo to go for my Her2 breast cancer. Feeling blessed. Best of luck to all and drink your water. Love, Karen