Hello to everyone, I’m new on here and have recently been told that chemo would be the best treatment for me even though they have taken all of my lump away. I had all auxiliary lymph nodes removed from my left side and all were clear. However when I had my first surgery they took the sentinel and another lymph node and the other came back with abnormal cells. I’m currently waiting for my oncology appt…Ive read a lot of articles on here and find a lot very scary. People put up all these letters that obviously mean something that I don’t understand lol. I haven’t worked for 6 weeks as I had 2 surgery’s and have had quite a bit of pain and discomfort under my arm and with the job i do there’s a lot of lifting and stretching involved and not much in the way of light duties. Anyway I may of gone on a bit but I’m really worried about the different types of chemo and some of the awful side effects. Is there anyone that is having chemo even though they have no more cancer. Any advice would be appreciated
.I await your reply from you very brave and courageous people
.lots of love to all. Nicho56
Hi Nicho,
you our sound very similar to me. I had a lump removed in October and had a 3mm cancer on one lymph node. I had an Oncotype do test which indicated that I should have chemo. I have had 6 sessions the last one was Tuesday. Don’t panic too much at the mo, it isn’t easy but it is doable and you get through it despite the side effects. You get lots of support on here too. Just remember that you have to do what is needed to make you better. Good luck and any questions shout up. Have a look at the December thread you will see the treatment paths and our experiences
I am a Nicholson too, Gillian x
Hi Nicho56, it can be scary reading all about side effects and the abbreviations can also be confusing.
I had a mastectomy and 9 nodes removed, 2 of which were cancerous, so for me the chemotherapy I’m having is to mop up any stray cells and improve my chances of the cancer coming back. I’m also having radiotherapy afterwards.
I’m half way through my chemo (started it 18 Jan) and gave just returned from an appointment with my oncologist. I’m about to have a different chemotherapy drug for my last 3 doses so what I did was ask him what side effects (SE) I was likely to have and got him to prescribe me extra tablets / medicine to deal with them. I’ve even been prescribed Gaviscon for possible heart burn!
There is loads of advice on here how to get through chemotherapy, is tough but doable and you usually have a week in each cycle where you feel well and back to normal.
Hope this helps, take care
Kim xxx
Hi Nicho. I start my chemo next Tuesday (22nd) and like you I am very scared. But like the ladies on here will tell you we don’t have a choice so we must stay strong and positive. I saw my friend go through chemo 2 years ago so I do have an idea what happens. I had a picc line put in my arm yesterday as I have a bad needle phobia so oncologist recommended I have one. Good luck with your treatment and keep in touch on here. I’ve found the ladies on here a big help (even with my sometimes stupid questions). Helen x
Hi nicho, I was wondering how you got on today, good luck with the picc it will be so much easier.
I am going for my onc appointment tomorrow and possibility of chemo at this stage when all along the plan has been rads has floored me. Can I ask how/what they used to highlight benefit of chemo? Just making a list of questions x
Hi Julie, well I have trotted off to starting chemo April threads to start FEC-T, very good oncology appointment and the onc was clear benefit in my case. Think it was just such a shock as was not expecting it with a grade 2 what was always thought you be a small area of idc, hey ho 
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Agree huge shock! My 15mm turned out to be 30mm (plus further dcis), metastatic sentinal node and lymphovascular invasion, I nearly wet myself ? . It was supposed to be small and followed up with rads and hormone treatment the bugger!
I start 6th April just might not get picc in time for first 1. Yes it us 3 fec and 3 t (i think need to read it again lol)Good luck x