This topic is for anyone starting chemo in August to share thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment.
You can find more info on chemo on our pages: Chemotherapy for breast cancer | Breast Cancer Now
Hi, I think I will be an August starter, I have my Oncology referral appointment on 27th July…so I’m assuming it’ll start a few weeks after that.
Been torn between wanting as long as possible before it starts and filling every moment but also knowing the sooner it starts the better.
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Hi I found out today I will be starting chemo in 2-3 weeks time.
I’m aged 64, diagnosed through routine screening with invasive ductal cancer triple negative. Was grade 2 size 5mm at biopsy - a few weeks later after surgery (lumpectomy and two lymph nodes taken) had gone to grade 3 size 6.5mm clear margins and 2 lymph nodes taken were clear. However had some lymphovascular invasion.
Plan is to give Docetaxel and cyclophosphamide by IV every 3 weeks for 4 cycles followed after chemo by radiotherapy.
Been told I will most likely lose my hair and given lots of information sheets about wigs and about all the possible side effects from chemo I might experience. Bit overwhelming.
Not sure how I’m feeling today to be honest - was hoping to get away without chemo as the lump was tiny but the change to grade 3, the triple negative status and the change in size in a short time means it’s necessary.
Interestingly my oncologist said her ladies who wear dark coloured nail varnish (black, dark blue or dark red) on their finger and toe nails seem to not lose their nails as often as those who don’t wear it. She thinks may be because uv light doesn’t get to the nails. That’s me going to buy some nail varnish this weekend! At least it’s something positive to do.
She also said she doesn’t mind her ladies getting their eyebrows microbladed as she recognises how important this can be for self confidence. I’m not too sure about that at the moment having never had it done before.
Be good to hear from other ladies starting chemo soon how they are feeling etc. I’m having a course of counselling from Macmillan which I started this week so I’ll have lots to talk through next week and maybe it’ll help me get my head around what’s happening.
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Hi sparkles2
I know what you mean about not wanting it but also wanting it to start asap. I’ve posted in here as got my treatment plan today. Good luck with your oncology appointment let us know how it goes. My oncologist was lovely - very thorough at explaining everything and I’d gone with my notebook full of questions which she was happy to answer. I’d recommend writing all your questions down - and the answers as you get them. Xx
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Hi surreydeb
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis, it is all very tough to get your head around. I’m not sure if I’ve accepted it or I’m just burying my head in the sand.
I’m 53 I had a mastectomy in 2024 after having DCIS found after first routine mammogram. Had 3 operations for that, then dec 2025 I felt a lump in reconstructed breast, stupidly thought it was scar tissue so waited until I went back for check up in feb. Surgeon thought it was fat necrosis, anyhow they luckily did a biopsy which showed it was invasive cancer. Had it removed 22nd May 2026 and what they removed was 40 mm of Grade 3 invasive cancer. Oestrogen receptor weakly positive (4/8), progesterone receptor negative and HER2 positive hence chemo & radiotherapy this time.
Interesting what you said about nail varnish, i’ll look into that.
I have had my eyebrows done semi permanent ones, wouldn’t have thought about it before but really pleased with them.
Hope your counselling goes well I hadn’t realised we could get it.
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The kind lady who sold me my post surgery bras slipped a note in about wearing black nail varnish, so I asked and was told no as they want to see my nails. Mind you, he also said “how many bald chemo patients have you seen”. Needless to say when I went for my pre-chemo appointment, I was told by someone else “you will lose your hair” and I am. I am finding it really interesting seeing how other hospitals deal with things. I am rubbish with eyebrows and eventually bought one of those wands which make hair strokes (I still have mine at the moment) but I practiced once, laughed at my efforts and cleaned it off. I now cant remember where I left the wand. Wishing you all the best for the next stage and hope you get all the help and information you need.
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Hey all, popped in from the July thread as I wont start my chemo until the 24th so kind of in a hybrid spot.
Im torn too, im clinging onto normality but also want this cancer to do one and the only way is chemo and the op.
I really recommend attending a Look Good Feel Better workshop on all things beauty including nails. I did the skin and make up one last week and as well as it being lovely and helpful, you’ll get to meet other people in your/our situation and get hints and tips and ask questions in real time. They also teach you about brows. You also get a wonderful goody bag.
Everyone i have spoken to says to do dark nail varnish but remove it and reapply regularly so you can check for any nail infections, plus nourish like mad - hand cream, cuticle oil multiple times a day and on your toes too.
I have TNBC, so looking at the long slog of chemo, if anyone wants to talk (though I haven’t started yet) my dms are open.
Xxx
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Hi sparkles2 what kind of eyebrows did you get? Was it micro blading or something else? I’m not too sure about the micro blading as from googling seems to take an age to do and it’s like tattooing and not sure I want to do that near my eyes!
Re the counselling my hospital has a Macmillan centre so I popped in there and asked and they started me the next day - 6 x 50 minute sessions. Might be worth seeing if there’s anything near you? I believe you can also do it online or over the phone. I think it’ll really help me as I know I haven’t even started processing having cancer yet even after the surgeries and think I will need the support as I start chemo.
Deb xx
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Hi Jo-lean
I’ve got one of those eyebrow wands too which I bought as I have quite thin eyebrows anyway but I’ve never used it yet - might have to dig it out and have a play!
Deb x
Hi there
Thanks for the tip about the Look good session I’ll definitely look into that - anything we can do to help us feel better 
I also have TNBC - mine was found very early by routine screening. Very scary. Do you have your treatment plan? I’m having 4 cycles of chemo then will be followed by radiotherapy.
I’m trying to sort my nails at the moment after a long time of having gel nails. I had them removed before the surgery and trying to get them into better condition as have been splitting. Will get myself some cuticle oil thanks for the tip.
Deb xx
Hi Deb
Good luck with the brows too. I bought eyelashes too in readiness. Never worn them before either. I suspect I am going to look a right disaster 
. I have never been good at makeup. I have leaflets for people who help with online courses but I suspect reading them that they are expecting someone who already knows the basics. Oh well, this situation we are all in is a steep learning curve for more things than I personally expected. Hope all goes well x
Hi Deb, the eyebrows I had are a semi permanent brow tattoo (similar to Microblading but done with a Machine instead of a hand tool). Mine are dark anyway so now while I still have eyebrows they look like Ive just had a nice tint and they are holding the colour. I think you just need to make sure they are fully healed before starting treatment so as no risk of infection. I am very happy with them!
Thanks for info on the counselling, I may look into it, it definitely can only help xx
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Hi Sisters_of_percy
Sorry about your TNBC. I assume from your post your having chemo with surgery after?
Thanks for posting about the workshops, I think I’ll definitely look into some local ones.
Ah it’s a strange place to be clinging onto normality, I’ve been crazily busy trying to fit as much in as possible!
Will be thinking of you on the 24th, let us know how you get on, please reach out if you need to. Take care xx
Hi, I think I’ll be an August starter. I have my first oncology appointment on Tuesday. I only found out last week that I am HER2 positive, so have gone from thinking it would just be surgery followed by radiotherapy and hormone therapy to needing chemo before surgery. I felt like I’d been smacked in the face with a bag of bricks. I’m also strongly ER and PR positive. I’m trying to be positive about it all, but finding it difficult. I know Tuesday will be full of information and a treatment plan. I just want this over and done. Hoping I’ll still be able to work most of the time during treatment.
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Hi Helold
Sorry to hear, it must be a shock…but it will be for the best. I think if I’d had it first time maybe I wouldn’t have been here a second time.
I know it’s difficult to stay positive all the time, we are allowed bad days.
Hope you get on ok on Tuesday, sending positive thoughts xx
Morning everyone, I believe i will be an August starter too. I have an appointment with oncology tomorrow (22nd).
I was diagnosed back in March with invasive ductal cancer, 18mm, grade 1 but after lumpectony it was found in 3 of 4 nodes taken. Then followed a CT scan which picked up two bone islands so I was sent for an urgent bone scan. Thankfully they were unrelated to the cancer but I then had to have an axcillary node clearance last month. 1 node out of 11 taken was positive so after what feels like a long time i’m relieved to be getting to speak to oncology.
I believe they are recommending chemo 6-8 sessions every 3 weeks, followed by radiotherapy then hormone blockers but that could change tomorrow.
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@surreydeb I met with oncology earlier today and looks like I will be on the same plan as yourself - Docetaxel & cyclophosphamide for 4-6 cycles every 3 weeks, then radiotherapy. I think I am starting on 14 August.
I’m torn between wanting to start to get rid of any pesky cells that may remain and being absolutely terrified x
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Hi bella80 I know exactly what you mean! Terrifying on the one hand but wanting to get on with it on the other.
I’ve been busy since my appointment with oncology last week sorting out things as she recommended - dental check last Saturday and another one for filling and hygienist this Saturday. Private COVID jab tomorrow as GPs were singularly unhelpful in helping sorting this, and appointment to try wigs next Tuesday. Bought some dark red nail varnish ready to try and keep my nails during chemo.
I don’t have my date for starting yet hopefully I’ll find out soon 
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Hi Helold
Hope your appointment went ok yesterday? Are you feeling a little more positive having your treatment plan?
It’s all just terrifying isn’t it?
Deb x
You’ve just reminded me that I need to ring my dentist tomorrow to get a check up.
I am considering trying the cold cap to try to save my hair or at least some of it. It’s the only part of me that I like so am actually dreading losing it.
Although I’ve got my plan i now feel mixed emotions. It’s the fear of the unknown i think isn’t it?
I’m so glad for this forum where we can all support each other x
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