The Chemo Club is so excited to get to know you!!! Please introduce yourself (Name, where you’re from) - What was your life like before undergoing chemotherapy?

I’m Mindy and I’m from Missouri. My life before my breast cancer diagnosis at age 29 and the chemotherapy treatments that followed was go, go, go and super active. I was a competitive runner and I felt great. I truly believed I was in my prime—until I wasn’t.

Bring us along your journey – when were you diagnosed with cancer? What was your initial reaction?

I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in early 2016. My initial reaction was shock and disbelief followed by not a fear for my mortality but instead a deep concern that I would lose my ability to again feel + experience true joy.

What was your first chemotherapy treatment like? What treatment/treatments did you or are currently undergoing?

My first chemotherapy treatment was surreal in that I hadn’t yet fully accepted that this was happening to me. I underestimated the immense physical toll it would take in the days that followed, and I quickly learned the value and therapeutic properties of prioritizing adequate rest and hydration. My chemotherapy regimen consisted of 6 rounds of Taxotere/Herceptin/Carboplatin/Perjeta and a continuation of Herceptin infusions to complete a full year.

Who did you turn to as your support system?

I will never take for granted the wonderful support system that was and is my family, my then fiancé now husband, and my social circle.

What is something you wished you knew before starting your chemo treatment?

I wish I knew how beneficial it would be to electively return to my oncology clinic 3x (the frequency that worked for me) the week following each chemotherapy treatment to receive IV fluids. It wasn’t until before my third round that I learned this was a possibility and considered supportive care. Absolute game changer for me in my rate and degree of recovery after each chemo day.

Have there been certain side effects that have been worse than others?

My most challenging side effects (profound weakness, fatigue, feeling all around ugh, loss of thirst/appetite) typically presented days 3-4 after chemo and those were days I had to reserve in their entirety for rest.

What are tips/tricks you have learned along the way to help with chemo side effects?

Adequate hydration (whether by drinking or via IV fluids) and protein intake (however I could consume it) were profoundly helpful.

Do you recommend any chemo friendly products?

The Lindi Skin brand skincare items (facial serum and moisturizer, body lotion) were incredibly soothing and helped me to comfortably manage the significant reactiveness of my sensitive skin.

Any advice for other chemo patients?

Know that rest is both restorative and therapeutic! Try to eliminate the word “lazy” from your inner dialogue and begin to honor this as your healing season. To slow down and be still when needed is an invaluable practice, as is showing your mind and body grace for all that you are overcoming. Your diagnosis is not your fault. Take all the time you need. The kindness you show yourself today will manifest as better, brighter days on the other side of your chemotherapy treatments.