Hi, I will be having my first chemo session on 3 September - Thursday of this week.
I have been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in my left breast and lymph node in my armpit. 6 sessions of chemo, followed by surgery and then radiotherapy. I am 68 and live in North London. I am a seamstress and enjoy crochet and embroidery. I have 3 adult daughters who are very supportive. My husband is finding it quite difficult as he lost a very close friend to breast cancer 15 years ago.
Hi I am from sept sunbeams can’t believe a year as gone by I found and still do find forum supportive and informative it’s awful you have found yourself here and there will I’m sure more joining you just want to say hope all goes well for you and others joining you it can be rough at times but the forum is always here good luck DEN x
Hi
I’m starting chemo this month and have my first chemo on 10/9. I was diagnosed at the end of June and had a mastectomy on 23rd July which I have recovered from well. I’m having Fec T and feeling very anxious about all the side effects etc.
I’m 46 and have 2 children my daughter is going back to uni soon and my son is 17 and has special needs.
I have a lovely supportive husband and friends around me to help.
Hi ladies I’m from the August thread I had my first FEC on weds. Make sure you have plenty of anti sickness tablets emend being one of them. Get painkillers for possible headache and maybe something to help you sleep. Ginger ale really helps with the nausea. Everyone is different but it is manageable. Keep an eye in your temp hope this helps good luck ladies xxxx
Oh sorry drink lots of water is a must. Shazza I’m the same age as you with grown up children if I can be of any help to you and the ladies on here at any time. Xxxxxx
Thanks for the advise Sarahd. I guess it’s just not knowing how it’s going to effect you. The waiting is bad I just want to get on with it!
It will be lovely to chat and be in touch with others going through the same thing! Thanks again I’m sure I’ll have many questions! Xxx
Hi Sarahd - thanks so much for these useful tips!
How are you feeling now? Is it a week since your first Fec? Hope you’re managing ok
Xx
I am due to start the FEC part of my chemo today 02/09. I was diagnosed with an invasive ductal in the right breast at the beginning of August. I have found a lot of useful information here but as everyone says we are all different. My freezer is full of frozen fruit for smoothies and also frozen fruit juice ice lollies. This was a suggestion from my friend who took her mum for chemo. I found purpleclare’s blog very helpful and also funny. I am finding humour in lots of odd things which is definitely helping. I will be watching the threads to see how you get on. Suz xx
Hi shazza thank you I’m feeling ok today a bit tired but had a Lovely day yesterday accepting the complimentary treatments that are on offer. I would do any of them if offered. The frozen pineapple lollies are good and ginger ale is great for getting rid of nausea. Good luck for today susie for today. Antibacterial bottles are all over my house as well and I’ve become a right nag about it 
Hope all the ladies are in here are ok.
Hi Sarhad have found the thread Thank you. Due to start chemo week after next been married 37 years so have been given permission to go on holiday pre booked . Yet to have my marker fitted an off I go.
Glad you found it t.c you go and enjoy that holiday. This thread will be so helpful to you and you will feel supported which is something we all need big hugs good luck proud prestonian for tomorrow. Hope you got on ok Suzy xxxxxxxxx
Hi Sarah.
It went ok as soon as they sited the cannula, 3 attempts before they got it. I am just starting to feel nauseous but am still drinking lots. Glad the first one is over. Proudprestonian, it is ok. The nurses were very kind and sat talking to me the whole time. Don’t feel up to much at moment but very glad for anti sickness meds. All the best for tomorrow. xx
Hi suzy glad it went ok. Sounds like the same as I was and as long as you take all your meds and drink as much water as possible and anything ginger you will hopefully feel a lot better tomorrow. Xxxxxxxxx
Hi, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in August. I need to have chemotherapy, 6 cycles of fec/t followed by a mastectomy then radio therapy. Iam also her2 positive so need herceptin. I started my chemo today 3rd sept and had my first cycle of fec and as yet I don’t feel any different so bit worried it’s the calm before the storm.
i am interested in hearing how others have got on and welcome any tips
xx
Hi Sarah, Feeling much better today. The nausea is going and I have managed to eat solid food. Still drinking lots. I also have been using Corsodyl and hope that it will keep any mouth problems at bay. I can’t believe how tired I feel already, even walking up stairs. I am planning to go out for a walk later just to get out of the house.I don’t want to turn into a recluse. Lambo, I hope you are doing well and the side effects did not hit you. Proudprestonian Hope you are keeping ok after your chemo. xx
I had my chemo yesterday and it was fine. The cannula went in at first attempt. However with hindsight I can say that I made a bad decision to have the cooling cap on. It was very painful and when they took off the caps I developed a migraine and vomited. Very little sleep because of the migraine. I wont be doing the cooling cap again!!! I had migraines from being 7 or 8 years old till I hit the menopause about 12 or 13 years ago. I think the freezing temperature of the cap set off the migraine. If you have migraines regularly think carefully about using the cooling cap.
I feel much better this morning. Going out to the shops with my youngest daughter later. I am very fortunate to have 3 very supportive adult daughters. My husband is totally blind so cant do a great deal to help. Many of my friends at church are being very supportive and offering lifts and are praying for me.
I’m ok thanks Sarah just counting down the days and making a list of things to stock up on to help me through! What were the complimentary therapies you had? It sounds like they were good!
Glad to hear that all you other ladies are managing ok after first treatments this week. XXXX
Hi ladies hope you are all ok this morning? Proud prestonian how are you feeling today you sound like you are doing really well under difficult circumstances. I chose not to have the cold cap as I didn’t want to stay in the hospital any longer than I had too and I’m not good with cold or headaches. But it’s such a personal choice. Shazza good for you for stocking up it’s the best thing to do I have a box with everything I think I need. Hope you all have a lovely weekend xxxxxxx
Sorry shazza complimentary treatments where I live we have a place called penny brohn they have alsorts of lovely things to make you relax which when you feel this way is amazing they do shiatsu. Reflexology, acupuncture and also nutrition and relaxation techniques also your local hospital will do certain complimentary treatments too. I would google if you have a place like penny brohn in your area I believe talking to a few ladies on here that there are similar centres all over the country xxxxxxx