Chemo Experiences? Please share!

Newly diagnosed cancer warrior here- will be starting chemo after mutation and genetic testing results come back… I have absolutely no idea what to expect and would rather hear it from someone who has been through it rather than from Google.. what can you tell me.. any advice/recommendations? Tips to prepare?

Also if anyone has tips on how to manage the financial impacts of it all- I’ve had multiple hospital visits, tests, medications to date and am more stressed about the financial burden of what’s coming next than the diagnosis itself.. even though my whole care team is telling me everything is very urgent. is that normal? I think I might still be in a denial stage not sure..

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Hi Alexandria, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I didn’t have Chemo, only surgery so far, so can’t tell you anything about that sorry. But wanted to say you’re not alone. The process of getting your head around a diagnosis is like nothing else, I had a roller coaster of emotions, 7 months later I am slowly starting to feel more stable, still a ways to go.
Being a mum to small children at the same time is so hard. Make sure you lean on people, and maybe see what charity’s there are available for people in your position. Where I am in New Zealand I was lucky enough to access free counselling and support groups - this has been so helpful to me. There might even be some financial support out there too?Good luck with your journey, if you need anyone to talk to feel free to message me. X

Chemo is a catchall term. Individual chemo regimens vary greatly from diagnosis to diagnosis. Some chemos are inpatient, some outpatient. Some are incredibly challenging, some are a walk in the park. Some make your hair fall out, others don't. If you're open to sharing more about your specific diagnosis, you might get information that's more relevant to your particular cancer and chemo.

Re: financial impacts, do you have health insurance? Your hospital/cancer team should provide you with a social worker who can help you navigate resources to help in the event of financial hardship.

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Am I pregnant?

I lightly spotted almost 5 days ago, which is not common for me before my period.
My period was supposed to come today. I should have tested in the morning but its 5:30pm.
Is there a second line??

Anyone have this happen before?

We were not trying to conceive, used protection and had sex on week 2 of my cycle (accidentally on my peak ovulation day). Week 3 we had Flu A. Week 4 my period did not come (it’s very regular). I tested and it was negative (2 different brands).
What should have been week 2 of my next cycle (now 6 weeks post last period), I had light red/ pink spotting for one day when I wiped. The following week, I tested again, still negative, but this time almost all the dye was in the negative space, which I’ve never seen happen before. The area where it shows one horizontal line for negative and a plus sign for positive, the horizontal line was super faded at the 3 minute mark, and the negative vertical line in the next window was VERY dark. Now I’m on week 8 of all this, period did not show up yesterday. Nothing in my life has changed (no additional stress, no other illness, no changes in diet or exercise, etc).

Has anyone gone through this and NOT been pregnant? I’m super nervous as we thought we were done having kids.

PS. I know I should go get a blood test, does anyone know if urgent care will do that? I’m past being convinced by a pee test.

Help pls

I'm 7 weeks pp. Not had sex or even done anything but my tests have come back positive. I wouldnt test but had symptoms of pregnancy so I tested. What does this mean? Google says it should have been negative at this stage unless its a new pregnancy or bits of placenta has been left behind. I had a c section so 🤷‍♀️

Is it normal to test positive still? (Wouldn't usually do one)

Not the best pic and clearer in person. Is this normal? I've not had any sex since having my LO but I've had strong cravings, sense of smell is strong and my hair still hasnt started to fall out. Im 7 weeks pp so 🤷‍♀️ I wouldnt normally bother testing but with those symptoms that I never really have its like whats going on. Cravings for something very specific too and can only get from KFC now 😩 so its annoying

Can baby mamas be friends?

My son has an older brother from his biodad. Biodad has never had contact with my son. One thing lead to another though and the other child's mother and I got in contact and are planning a meeting for the boys. Biodad has no idea any of this has happened. Biodad also hasnt had contact with the other child in about 2 years. Just thoughts, opinions, anyone been through something similar?
Edit-Thank you all! Have definitely been feeling somewhat weird about it because we never met before but now know it can be a good thing definitely helps. I can't wait for them to meet. My son has been asking for a brother and I can now happily tell him he has one. That just happens to be 13. Im sorry for yall that fight/have issues with the other baby mamas. Sadly some women rather be stuck on the men, when the kid is the one who really matters. They're the ones that end up getting hurt and missing out.

Ovulation test

Please please someone clarify if this test is positive. Im pretty sure it is but Im in disbelief at the minute I haven’t ovulated in 8 months. I feel like crying lol. When is the best time to have sex?