Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer: Who to prepare for first chemo?

The chemo nurses will be your biggest help. They are wonderful! They help you find a place to sit, set you up, bring nice, warm blankets if you're cold. They are wonderful!! I had a little TV set to watch or you can read, sleep, knit...........whatever! I had a port so I wasn't constantly getting poked. It really wasn't bad at all. Trust the nurses.....................they are the best!!!!

@mrsorozco831 - Hi there. I’m sorry you’re going through this. I think planning ahead can help with all different facets of the breast cancer treatment and experience.

I have not had chemo. But this site has so many thoughtful patients who can be good resources.

Also, when I was preparing for my double mastectomy, I did find two posts on Reddit that were helpful in terms of providing a list of things to get to prepare for recovery.

So many of us are thinking of you. Take care and keep us posted.

Let me agree with Chris. It is the scariest part of treatment even considering all the testing that you go through. But all that you weather makes you stronger. Initially I didn’t feel anything for the first couple of days, and then a kind of brain fog would descend for a few days. After that I’d feel sort of normal. My cycle was every three weeks.

St Joe’s in Towson, Md took care of me, and they think of everything: hot blankets, pillows, snacks and drinks. I brought my iPad and read or played games. And here I am, a year later and cancer free. I’ve never been as in touch with my body. All the blood work they do lets you see how that chemo is affecting your body.

My biggest tip is to stay hydrated and stay positive. Go get’em!

Hello @mrsorozco831 this might have been the most scared I have ever been. The week before my first chemo, since we can’t know for sure how it will be our brain tend to conjure up all kinds of things based on what we read and have seen and heard from others. My heart goes out to you now. I will tell you, the chemo regimen I took was not easy, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be.
Typically, it does take time for the infusion so I would take a blanket, some snacks, and a book, tablet or other thing to occupy your time. You will figure out after the first one, how long it will take and what you really want.
Your oncology nurse will your best source of information on that day. She/he will also be a great asset to you during your time on chemo. Ask them what to expect over the first few days after treatment.
Do you know what your regimen will be? Do you have a list of questions for your provider?