Hi @erica I’m on the same regime. The echocardiogram will be wanted as a baseline before you start. Reviews with the medical team seem to automatically get booked in so I guess they’ll be looking at your progress on the chemo you should have started by then. Its a bit messy because if all the bank holidays at this time of year but sounds like chemo start date will follow soon.
Just for the record I’m really not doing badly on side effects a week on from my second chemo. The odd bad bits aren’t lasting long. Worst is dry mouth, throat and nose ( alternately dry and runny!) and metallic taste! Mouthwash they gave me is helping and I useda tiny bit of Vaseline on my nose. Good luck
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Hi @erica I think it must vary from NHSTrust to NHSTrust. My oncology appointment was 4th April when I also had my weight and height done. Initially chemo was due to start 24th but they brought it forward to 14th. I’m having EC every 3 weeks x 4. I went for bloods 5th April. This meant I didn’t get a pre chemo appointment or have had an echocardiogram. I signed the consent form on the morning of chemo. My next chemo is 8th May. I have a scheduled appointment with my oncologist 22 May but will be getting in touch with them before 8th. My understanding is radiotherapy for me will be approx 4 weeks after chemo ends.
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I had the ecg on the day of my first chemo, the week before each chemo I meet my oncologist and also have blood test at the same time. My chemo started a week after my first oncologist appt (this is when I signed the chemo papers). They really keep a close eye on you. If you have a picc line then you’ll also be going to the hospital once a week for a picc line flush x
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Hi @stafford22, can I just ask if you have had any issues with your picc line? I am having one put in on Tues afternoon xx
thanks @lizn1, I started Docetaxel, Carboplatin on 16th. I was hit with a wall of pain across my chest the day after steroids stopped which totally wiped me out and then I spent three days sleeping. I wasn’t expecting the daily filgrastim in my stomach so as needle-phobe I was really freaked out. No side affects with them thankfully.
I have only just had my first (TMI bowel incident) which started with stomach ache and me thinking i needed something to eat so had 2 boiled eggs. OH MY !! Now locating said tablets to nip this in the bud. I can hear my partner on the phone to his son (who is in Aus) and he’s saying everything is “going well” and “as expected”, and I’m upstairs cleaning bedding and showering. Is it just me, or do some people play it down?! No, it’s not going well, and it’s quite literally the worst experience of my life.
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Hi there, no issues at all. The only extra thing with a picc line is having to go to hospital every week for it to be flushed and redressed x
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you’ll find most partners try and be your rock so they dnt usually let in that they’re feeling scrambled and helpless to fix you it’s hard and you might also have friends that do a beam me up Scottie till after your treatments are done then beam back down again. You just concentrate on you and let others do what they need to do for them but if you feel you want to have a word so they try and understand then do, but I know a lot of us went into protective mode and didn’t really let on to them and just used the forum because everyone understands and just gets it be kind to yourself 
Shi xx
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Hi all, I’m also an April chemo starter EC x 4 and then 12 x paclitaxol, I’m 39 and have triple positive cancer, I had my surgery in January and started chemo on 8th April, it’s certainly been a rollercoaster I had my picc line fitted same morning as chemo, an allergic reaction to the filgrastim so was changed to lenograstim which was fine, I found the picc line very uncomfortable and irritating then my arm turned a nice shade of purple and was diagnosed with blood clot so my picc line is now gone (feels so much better without) is anyone doing a similar regime with just a cannula? I don’t want another picc line they think my body was just rejecting it too nervous for a portacath just incase same happens
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Hi all, been a bit quiet as been keeping super busy to keep mind occupied. Start EC Weds, and can feel I’m getting nervy now, and a bit ratty. Thinking if you all and hope as well as can be expected xx
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Hi @sunshine17 I am also starting this Wednesday. Trying to prepare as much as possible but it’s also occupying every waking thought and I want to try and enjoy my last day of freedom tomorrow.
Good luck for Wednesday and wish you little to no side effects 
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Hiya, wishing you the same Yes it’s all getting a bit real. I’m starting to think the mastectomy was the ‘easy’ bit 
x
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Hi Ladies… it’s been a little while since my last post as I’ve been busy getting ready for my first EC cycle tomorrow.
As I mentioned before, I decided to cut my hair before chemo takes it and I wanted to share my experience. It was one of the most powerful and emotional days of my life. I was flooded with so many emotions — anxiety & sadness, but also an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I was surrounded by my gorgeous family, who brought laughter through the tears, music to fill the quiet moments, and just enough wine to ease the heaviness of the day.
Today I feel empowered and ready to embrace my new look…
Keep well my lovelies… sending you all lots of love.
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Hi Maria1970, you look amazing in both pics, can’t tell there’s any nerves there at all! I start EC weds, and get my haircut short tomorrow, then will go shorter again soon. I too am feeling anxious and nervous. Your words are an inspiration, thankyou. Good luck for tomorrow xx
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Good luck @sunshine17 @maria1970 @maxyb with your starts, hope things go smoothly this week, @maria1970 you look amazing after your haircut. I know several ladies are having a bit of a rough ride just now but hope things settle for you. Someone on one of the threads commented they took the bad bits with the view ‘if Im having lots of side effects just think what its doing to any cancer cells lurking’ - Personally I’m hanging on to that one!
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You too, my lovely… let me know how you get on. Sending lots of positive vibes for Wednesday. … 
Thanks @carrie5… yes I’m going to try to stay positive and take each day as it comes. I’ve learnt that sometimes the thought of what’s to come is far worse than the reality. I was riddled with anxiety about my impending buzz-cut and whilst I did cry, I also laughed and danced and made memories with my family. We are so much stronger than we think… big hugs.
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I think you look fabulous before and after. I am two days behind some of you ladies, starting EC on Friday so I wish you all luck and strength .
Xxx
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Good luck @sunshine17 xx
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@maria1970 well done! You look gorgeous. Good luck! Xx
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Hello all, I have my last EC today I started chemo back in November 2024. I will then need an MRI to decide which surgery is needed and then radiotherapy so it’s not over but at least the chemo will be as I had it weekly for 8 weeks then switched to EC x4 definitely want this bit over with. Good luck all xx
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