Hi everyone
Had my 1st EC chemo today. I’m 68 with idc in right breast with lymph node involvement & Her2 + Hormone -.
I’m still getting used to all the terminology- it’s a learning curve! The staff were lovely & the chemo went through without any problems - so far so good. They gave me a ‘new’ anti sickness tablet that’s supposed to last 5 days (forgotten name but starts with an A), & steroids before my chemo. I’ve got injections to raise white blood count to start tomorrow for 7 days.
I’m lay resting now driving myself insane thinking about possible side effects & feel I’m being hyper vigilant - I keep taking my temperature(!) & I’m drinking loads of water to flush the chemo round.
Is it hard to relax through this process or am I overthinking? I need some positive stories to help me get back on an even keel (I’m usually very clued up with medical matters as I’ve worked in GP surgery’s for 35 years but I’m struggling to stay calm) x
I also am HER2 positive. I had my first chemo on 12 August. I take my temperature regularly and record it. I am drinking more than I ever have! It’s still all new so until my next cycle on 2 September I am keeping a close eye on everything. But, I found the first 48 hours like a bad hangover. Then felt much better until yesterday when I hit a bit of a brick wall….my steroids finished. The anti sickness meds worked well. The advice seems to be drink plenty, listen to your body, take your meds and if you need help, ask.
All the best……you got this
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Good to hear from a fellow Her2’er! Good idea to keep record of temperatures- I’ll be doing that! I’m also drinking loads more than usual - hopefully that’ll get me into a good habit!
I like your description of hangover symptoms - I’m feeling the same at the moment. I was only given steroids today before chemo - none to take home - just the injections - must be local protocol?
Having got the 1st chemo done, I feel relief that I’ve started the fight back. I’m sure I’ll settle into the treatment & trust the process.
Hope all goes well for your 2nd - mine’s on 11/9 - we’ve got this
Hi, try not to worry too much about your temperature, I know that’s easy to say but these chemos we have for breast cancer don’t often make us neutropenic (low white cells) so we are not that likely to get an infection. Ask about your blood tests next time and your white cells make be ok so then u won’t worry as much!!
Hope this helps x
That does help - a lot! I’m calming down now & really focusing on the fact that I’ve now started treatment & looking forward to recovery. Think I was panicking & worrying as the whole experience today was so alien & I had an adrenaline rush.
I’m in bed feeling more comfortable. tomorrow will be a better day.
I thought I would be in the September group, but just snook into the August group with confirmation that I will get my picc line fitted and 1st EC treatment on Friday 30th August.
I’m just happy it’s starting soon as this limbo period post surgery …and even knowing that you needed chemo from the diagnosis stage mid June (as I am triple negative) has been an agonising time…and I figure the sooner I start, the sooner I will be able to look back on some of this as a bad chapter in my book of life.
I will read all your stories and comments with interest.
Thanks in advance for all your support and advice.
So sorry you’re going through all this and agree with all that’s been said. I had my first chemo on 12 August 5 years ago when i was 70. At the beginning when we were given the treatment plan, my husband said, that’s 10 months treatment to go through. The nurse said, don’t think in those terms, just take it one day at a time. The best advice ever. Otherwhse it’s too overwhelming. The two inch thick information pack went straight into the cupboard and stayed there. Just deal with things as they happen, because everyone is different and it might not happen to you. If you can’t get hold of the hospital or whoever, you can always phone the Macmillan helpline. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
tomorrow will be a better day.