💛Starting chemo in January 2026? You don’t have to do this alone.💛

moderators

This is your space to show up exactly as you are—and to be surrounded by people who get it.

Whether you’re feeling scared, strong, overwhelmed, hopeful, or all of the above, we invite you to share:

• How you’re feeling as chemo approaches
• Your planned regimen (if you want to share)
• How you’re preparing—physically, emotionally, practically
• Questions you have or things you’re wondering about
• Side effects you’re experiencing and what’s helping
• Wins, worries, and everything in between

If you’ve already started chemo—or have been through it—we especially encourage you to jump in with your hard-earned wisdom. Your experience can be a lifeline for someone just beginning.

Let’s support one another day by day, celebrate small victories, swap tips, and even count down to the finish line together. 🎉

As you prepare, be sure to check out:

• Tips for Getting Through Chemo
• More Tips (and a Shopping List!) for Getting Through Chemo
• Our Chemotherapy section, packed with info on medications and regimens, managing side effects, questions to ask your care team, and more

And if you’re craving deeper connection, our Virtual Support Groups are here for those in treatment—and beyond.

We’re in this together. You are supported. You are stronger than you know.
You’ve got this. 💪✨
— The Mods

baffled26

Hi,

Hope everyone is doing well. I'm prepping for chemo to start in Jan. Oncologist is leaning towards dose dense ACT. I'm nervous but ready to get started to beat this.

Wondering what everyone has in their chemo bag and what are you recommendations for minimizing side effects.

cparnau

Hello,

I got Triple Positive Invasive Ductal Carcinoma dumped on my chest and lymph nodes! Yay me. I recently had a double mastectomy, lymph nodes removed and then got an infection so my plastic surgeon had to remove my tissue expanders and chemo port that was just placed. Infection is gone and I had my first round of chemo four days ago. After 6 treatments, radiation and then hormone therapy and it will be a year of 2 other IV chemo drugs. So far I have just felt fatigue and aching joints and muscles. I am curious if the side effects get more intense as you get more doses. I am also doing the Paxman Cold Capping with my chemo treatments. Hoping to keep my hair, or at least some of it. My hair has been my identity since I was a young girl. I went to MAYO Clinic and got a 2nd opinion which was fine, but the Radiation oncologist said he thought the traditional radiation would be best for me, partially because I am on the thin side. My husband is trying to help me gain 20 lbs so the oncologist may use the beast radiation machine that MAYO has. It is like a billion-dollar piece of equipment. I just want whatever works best to heal me! Any advice or tips?

Thanks, Cara 🦄

moderators

Hi @cparnau, Cara! Welcome to the community. We’re really glad you found your way here, though we’re so sorry for everything you’ve already been through. It sounds like it’s been an intense start to treatment… But you’re in the right place, and we hope others will chime in soon.

Please know we’re here to support you along the way. Don’t hesitate to post updates or questions as you go.

Sincerely,

The Mods