Just a quick hello as I may be joining you. Diagnosed in Feb, WLE in March. Originally looked like I’d be straight to radio based on tumour pathology but oncotype results came back at 29 (I’m 46) so chemo has been recommended. Haven’t got an official start date yet but likely to be before the end of the month. 4 cycles of EC and 4 Paclitaxel.
I’m a bit blindsided by it all. I’ve booked a last minute trip to Paris with husband + children for Easter weekend, which I’m not convinced is a brilliant idea but I’ve committed now. It’s also my son’s 12th birthday today so I have birthday doughnuts to cheer myself up.
I’m going to read through the thread to see all your advice. And try to decide what to do re cold capping etc.
Hi, I’m a bit similar to you, 42 with a 6 year old. I was told surgery then radiotherapy and hormone therapy but after lumpectomy and sentinal lymph node biopsy, they found pre cancerous cells around the tumour and micromestateses in lymph node so had to undergo more surgery and will start chemo on Friday. 4x ec and 4x Pacilatel. I would definitely go away now before chemo starts and you feel fine otherwise as well as side effects, your immune system will be down to will need to be careful about going places. The oncologist did re iterate life shouldnt stop but you do need to be that bit more careful so think going before, you can relax more without worrying about catching anything!
The filgrastim back/leg pain is REAL! I had a rough night, but it’s manageable with some OTC codeine/brufen tablets that I usually use for my endo pains and the comfort of my cats and husband sleeping peacefully near me - always soothes me when I’m sick
Plus I’m on day 3 now and still no gastro effects - I was so dreading being stuck on the toilet lol so am hoping I might have gotten away with it! At last a bit of luck
Hello & welcome.
I’m similar to you EC x 3 + 9 weekly Paclitaxel. Its strange that not one of us appears to have the same chemo program!!
My start date was brought fwd from 24th to this Monday 14th. I’m on here quite a lot asking questions as I’ve not been afforded a pre-chemo appointment with the nurse so not sure what to expect. I’ve been running around all week trying to get organised and order necessary things for the ‘journey’. Everyone on here can offer you advice and comfort so reach out for anything. We’re all in this together. Definitely go on your holiday and enjoy it.
Trying to keep busy this weekend to take my mind off Monday start date. I’ve painted the garden fence, mowed the lawn and done all the laundry washing. Off to the shops to stock up on ibuprofen & ginger nuts.
I’m on first name terms with the Amazon delivery driver!! Digital thermometer Polybarm PICC shower cover
Still waiting for the various headwear to arrive before shaving my head
Thank goodness for The Masters golf this weekend to keep me entertained.
Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the sunshine
Hi ladies, hope you’re enjoying the sun. @greenqueen enjoy Paris. @genericuser1 hope pain subsides soon and you can get some sleep in. Do hope your next session is calmer than the last. @gerbera1 Good luck Monday, sounds like you’re well prepared, strange isn’t it how our online ordering can take such a different direction to what we’ve been used to. And @yjmc good luck Fri. I’m back Monday for no 2.
Hi ladies just to encourage everyone that life can continue. I was an April 24 chemo starter, then had surgery and radiotherapy. I’m still on Kadcyla - done 10 of 14. But today I completed the race I should have done last year. The 11 mile race the Steam Train It was tough,and I was fatigued but I flipping completed it. Not bad for a 65 year old undergoing breast cancer treatment
@gerbera1 thank you I know how valuable this forum was to me this time last year, and still is, so was honoured when they asked me to be a Community Champion xx
@gerbera1 I’m wishing you all the luck for Monday… I’ll be just behind you. I’m due to start on the 22nd. My regimen is 4 x EC fortnightly, followed by 12 x weekly Paclitaxel, with Phesgo given every 3 weeks. I was hoping that my wig would be ready before my due date, so that I could brave the shave, but not sure it will be ready in time. I don’t know whether to cut it all off anyway, or risk the first round of chemo. How quickly does hair fall out? I’m considering cold-capping just for the first cycle, just to give my wig lady a few extra days. I really don’t want my hair to fall out before I’m ready to cut it, as I’m donating it to the Little Princess Trust.
My Polybalm has been ordered… I have a port-a-cath, so no sleeve required, but my thermometer is ready to go. I have also ordered compression socks, which I hear are good to prevent neuropathy, but I think I’ll only need them for my Paclitaxel infusions. I need to stock up on paracetamol and ibuprofen.
What else…??? Have you got a ‘go bag’ ready? I’ve been told to get an overnight bag ready just in case you need to go to A&E.
There is so much to think about… my brain is hurting!
@gromit12 What an amazing achievement… and that ice cream looks delicious! I hope to be able to do a challenge when I’m done with active treatment. It’s so comforting to see that fitness levels do return.
It is 6 weeks today since I had my mastectomy and TUG reconstruction, and I completed my first strength training session today. I feel so pleased with myself. It felt so good… although, I can feel my bum cheeks already, so tomorrow will be fun!!!
@maria1970 thank you and well done on your session today I continued walking and running all the way through my first lot of chemo. My oncologist told me that I wouldn’t be able to run so I was determined to prove her wrong!!! It was just in my 6 weeks post op that I stuck to the rules and only walked, though I was allowed to cycle! Keep at it xx
Not sure if this tip has already been mentioned.when my taste were so bad I was struggling even to drink water my Mum suggested using a straw. It really helped as it seemed to get liquids past most of my tastebuds. It definitely helped me keep hydrated.
Polybarm 
this weekend to keep me entertained. 
I know how valuable this forum was to me this time last year, and still is, so was honoured when they asked me to be a Community Champion xx
