Hi @fastrategizer Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. In this community based forum, we’re not medical professionals so we can’t diagnose health problems or prescribe treatments. We’re members just like you who share personal experiences and insights to help find answers, give suggestions and offer encouragement.

For a young mom you sure have some unneeded stress thrown at you! I’m sorry you’re having to deal with the cancer issues. While I’ve not had your particular cancer I did go through my share of Chemo and all it’s illustrious side effects, though no radiation. But I have come out on the other side, cancer free, energetic with a full head of hair again!

It’s really frustrating that you’re getting grief from the outside for decisions which are personal to you. This is your journey and though you have people in your life, they will not be the one going through the mental and physical changes that might take place. You get to be in control of this and don’t be afraid to speak up. If you feel you’re up to planning the party then keep plugging along. Just set some realistic goals and be prepared to have those shift and make a Plan B or C. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Listen to your body! If it tells you to rest, do it! You won’t always have the energy to take on big projects and you might ask for some help from friends or loved ones to help with your little ones. You will get tired.

Will this be your first experience with Chemo and radiation? Both can have some side effects that slow you down significantly. But it shouldn’t stop you from always focusing on the future! Being positive and staying active are key elements to launching a successful battle! So keep walking and drink plenty of water daily.
I’m sharing some information with you but keep in mind you may NOT experience all the same symptoms. Everyone is different though these are pretty common.

While on chemotherapy, your immune system will be compromised as it will kill off white blood cells and cause your body to become more susceptible to infection with what is called neutropenia. It is generally temporary and when your blood regenerates you’ll feel less tired again. But you’ll have to be vigilant to avoid illness with everything from food borne illnesses to exposure of disease from contact with people.

You might experience some nausea. Ginger candy helps and if that fails, talk to your oncologist /nurse practitioner. There are meds you can be given which help significantly.

And of course the white elephant in the room….unfortunately a side effect from both can be hair loss. You may not have that but if you do, It’s temporary! I dealt with with it head on…pun intended. I had my head shaved and rocked that look! It was liberating. But I also had cool hats and a wig when I felt the need. Now I have to deal with styling hair again daily.

When you speak to your oncologist regarding the new regimen, you should be given informational guidelines as to diet, how to avoid infections and how to stay healthy. If you have questions I’m sure I can find all my guidelines for avoiding germs. A few are; hand washing, washing bananas and all fruit before eating. There’s no 5-second rule for dropping food and eating it!! Don’t do it! Avoid deli meats, bagged lettuce, artisan cheeses, that type of thing. Any foods that aren’t pasteurized.

I know I’ve tossed a lot of information at you. Do you have any specific questions?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemotherapy/in-depth/get-ready-for-possible-side-effects-of-chemotherapy/art-20111159
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiation-therapy/about/pac-20385162
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/preventinfections/neutropenia.htm