Hi everyone,
I am really encouraged by all the comments and advice on the forums but I am really scared about Monday. I had a mastectomy on the 13th JANUARY
Hi Nelly49,
Really sorry that you are joining the forum but it is a great source of information and comfort at a time like this for you. I have been on the forum since shortly after my diagnosis in May 09 and it has been good for me. I have had two op’s and have recently completed chemotherapy. I had x3 FEC and x3 TAX. I too was extremely anxious before particularly the first bout of chemo. The first one is quite overwhelming because it is more to do with the fear of the unknown. There are side-effects - but we are all so different and we experience them to a lesser or greater degree.
There are things that you learn as you go along on how to manage them, but of course you may have none or very few.
If you want to PM me about anything you are particularly worried about I should be able to help you.
The main thing to do on the day is to keep yourself hydrated, eat a small light lunch ie sandwich and again a light snack in the evening. Take all the anti-nausea tabs they give you and drink as much as you can.
If there is anything else you would like to know please just ask or PM me.
The very best of luck for Monday
x
Hi nelly
Good luck, Lindin is right the anticipation is often worse that the actuality. Take something with you to distract you - I use comedy shows on my ipod, and the time goes quite quickly.
Also, take something for constipation early - don’t wait a couple days - take something as soon as you notice an irregularity - cos boy can that stuff bind you up!
Are you trying the cold cap? If so, would strongly advise having your hair cut really short beforehand, as will work better, and take a paracetamol before you go in.
Hope it all goes well - I had my third FEC yesterday, so am now proudly half way there - all down hill from now on!
Take care - come back and ask any questions.
Finty xx
Hi Nelly!
I’ve had my first FEC today and was pretty terrified about it, but i was fine when i was there, relieved in a way to finally be getting it over and done with. The treatment itself was painless and surprisingly quick. I don’t know what’s around the corner side effect wise, but am very relieved first one is done now. Please PM me if you want to chat or ask anything xxx
Hi Nelly, the anticipation and fear of the unknown is worse than the event.
I was terrified before my first chemo as heard all the horror stories. It’s a bit like childbirth, we seem to hear all the horrible experiences and not the good ones.
Whilst chemo is not a walk in the park, everyone’s experience of it is different. I expected the side effects to be horrendous and I was suprised. It’s highly unlikely you will be unlucky enough to experience every side effect.
As said in the earlier reply, drink plenty, also have a meal that is high in carbohydrates before your chemo. I always do and have felt fine during the actual administration of the treatment.
I hope everything goes well for you and if you have any questions please feel free to PM me.
the support on here is wonderful and everyone will help you as much as they can.
Good luck. take care. Debbie. xx
I am also very apprehensive having had mastectomy on same day. My chemo starts 23rd february. Please let me know how you get on.I was initially told Tamoxifen only but then they found microscopic amount in one node and it is HER2 so I will have Herceptin after 6 courses.Just the mention of the word chemo frightened me. My Consultant is very good and I am sure that it is the right thing to do. I couldn’t just sit back and live with the possibility of spread. It doesn’t make the thought of it any easer though.
Thankyou so much to all of you who have left me comments.I went for a talk to the unit this morning and was completely overwhelmed but quickly realised I will be in very safe and experienced hands. They gave me a lot more literature to read but as they said they really can only tell you possible side effects eceybody is different.I have had a good set of results back and I know that the chemo is to capture the undetectable in my case but you are all right its just the fear of the unknown. To know that there are others out ther like you and you have been so kind to respond really helps. Thankyou. I will let you know how I go on x