This topic is for anyone starting chemo in December 2025 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
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Hello. I’m going to jump on this thread as I start on 26 November, so I might be ‘on the cusp’ as they say.
Sending love and strength to everyone about to start. It is good to know this space exists where we all have each other’s backs. xxx
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Hi I’m hoping to be a December starter too (waiting for oncology appointment) finding these groups so helpful x
What regime are you having if you don’t mind me asking? X
I am having ECTHP (still learning about it !) I start on three rounds of EC, then four rounds of THP at three-weekly intervals. Had a call with my chemo nurse about it yesterday and they are extremely supportive. It has helped reduce my anxiety about the whole procedure. I am HER2 +VE. Good luck with your appointment. xxx
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That’s good to hear you feel supported good luck with your first round xx
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I’m seeing oncologist 24th Nov and probably starting in December. Very nervous indeed but the wait is awful and can’t wait to get on with it now. Triple negative bc that need lymph nodes under arm removed once smaller apparently. It’s seems so odd to me because I got up and showered and there was a lump as big as an egg in armpit that wasn’t there the day before. Scary!
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Hello all, after lurking in the prior months posts to learn as much as possible of what awaits… my time has now come and I expect to get started in early December. I’m stage 3/grade 3 & 6 weeks post-mastectomy/full node clearance (ow to the underarm). Saw my oncologist this week & expecting a 2 weeks wait to have a PICC line fitted & then I’m on the EC-T regime, 6 rounds total every 3 weeks. Genuinely terrified but ready as I want my body and my life back please so going with sooner I get started sooner it’s over thought process! I’m so so sad we’re all here but hoping to tread the path partly here with others on the same journey. I live alone so it is isolating but here we are! Best of luck to us all
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Hi there, I’m just waiting on a date to start chemo in the next week or so.
I’ll be getting 8 rounds-4 of EC and 4 of Paclitaxel. I had a mastectomy and all nodes removed four weeks ago. It’s been a rollercoaster but just want to get on with it now. Sending love and strength to you all . X
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I can relate to the underarm. The strangest feeling or lack of🙄
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Mine’s been like a burning hot poker since the op. Start physio tomorrow due to cording all down my upper arm & under the armpit. Was hoping to be feeling in good shape going into chemo not still in the pain doldrums but the train has already left the station & as this could take months to calm down have to go ahead with chemo (& not sure I could wait any longer anyway such is the fear of the unknown…)
Hey lovely ladies. Hope you’re all well as can be given our circumstances.
I will be a December starter. Have first appointment with oncologist on the 1st December to find out regime and which drugs I will be given.
One thing I’m really struggling with - I just really don’t have the Xmas spirit at all this year. I have 2 daughters (12 & 8) and I do want to try and get in the mood for their sakes but I cant seem to shift this dread looming over me knowing this Xmas is going to be a lot different than I am used to. Maybe once I have my CT scan results, I can shake of this doom that I feel xx
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Hi I have my appointment 4th December to find out what I’m having I’m hoping I will start before Xmas not sure how quick it all starts to happen, you will feel loads better once you have ct results I’m sure I felt like I almost got my life back knowing it’s all gone with surgery and chemo is all just preventing it returning so bring it on!
I have kids too youngest 7 and usually so excited for Xmas but this year it’s just not there, we are good at faking it as parents army we so the kids won’t know we’re just not feeling it like we usually do. Big hugs x
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Sorry to hear that. Hopefully the physio will help. It’s the unknown that is hard to get your head round.
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Thanks Lexi-that’s exactly it/the fear of the unknown & how each of us will react to the treatment
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Good morning I have my main oncology consult on 10/12 (3 weeks wait for consultation ) I have received a low Oncotype DX score but due to vascular invasion in both breast & axila they were initially keen to proceed without Oncotype results straight to chemo. I pushed for Oncotype test as I fitted the parameters with 2 positive lymph nodes out of 7. Has anyone else had chemo despite low Onco score ? Sorry should have said I’m stage3 grade3 er/pr positive HER2 negative 5 weeks post lumpectomy & sentinel node removal.
I’ve never been offered this test, what are the qualifying factors to have it? Xx I have grade 2 hr + HER2 negative Idc 4 positive nodes x
Hi everyone, I should also be starting chemo in December 2025 and I have my 1st appointment with oncology on 3rd December. I’m currently going through fertility treatment which will have to be completed before chemo starts but all going well my 1st chemo will be before Christmas.
I have already had lumpectomy surgery and I have triple positive stage 2, grade 2 BC.
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Hello. Had my first session of EC today. I packed for a week’s visit and was only there three hours, As these things go, it was a positive experience filled with warmth and care.
Feel fine at the moment, a very vague headache but apart from that I’m ok and the nausea meds are working well, and I was hungry enough to have a bit of dinner - probably the steroid is helping. I think the next few days might be up and down, but I thought I’d share in case it offers some reassurance to others. Sending positive vibes to everyone. XXX
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@Jaygo one down!! So pleased today went well for you-get some rest & hope your days ahead are as peaceful as can be x
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Oncotype DX test is conducted on a sample of the tumour. ( I believe it is sent to USA hence why results take 2/3 weeks) .The qualifying parameters in my treatment centre were 2 positive lymph nodes but no more than 3 as then chemo was always recommended & they would not offer the test. The results come back with a numerical score that indicates whether chemo will have any benefit in view of preventing a recurrence
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