@angiemal
I’m sorry you have to go through all this- it definitely is scary.
I had mastectomy and chemo many years ago- before some of the tests such as oncotype existed. However, with my cancer I believe I still would need chemo if it was now.
I did not lose all my hair- it thinned out. It depends on what drugs are used.
I have 3 children- at the time they were 5,9 and 11.
I explained what was happening and that I needed to take these medicines for a few months and then I would be fine. I told them that I would feel sick to my stomach for a couple of days each time I got the medications, like a stomach flu.
The 5 year old probably didn’t really understand, but he knew I would be fine. The 9 year old was afraid that I was dying and slept in our room most nights for the 6 months. The 11 year old accepted the explanation best.
I wasn’t sick all the time either so we did all the normal stuff families do- birthday parties, trips etc.
We got into a routine around the time I had chemo which made it easier for everyone.
You could ask your daughter’s pediatrician for advice on how to tell her.
I hope you don’t need chemo at all. However, if you do need it you can feel sure that everything has been done to eliminate any cancer cells in your body.