Hello! I’ve had my first chemo session yesterday which went great. I had some very slight nausea that came and went yesterday evening and was quite tired so got a good sleep from 9pm-6am and woke up feeling really refreshed today and so far no other symptoms. I just wondered if anyone else is on or was on this treatment and whether there are any nasty surprises lurking that I should be ready for in the coming days before I get too cocky thinking I’m one of the lucky ones 
I know things can get worse with each treatment, so just taking each one as it comes but would like to be prepared! Thank you 
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Hi @rh88
I wasn’t on this regime but I know somewhere you will more than likely find someone that is. There is a very friendly and supportive group called HER2 and need some buddies you may want to join. Here’s the link.
Have you joined the monthly chemo starters threads? I found it extremely supportive sharing and supporting each other through out treatments.Here is the link for May 2026
I was on two groups as I thought I was having chemo first but ended up with surgery then chemo. Reading previous months threads and using the search engine is really good for looking for things that may have been discussed previously.
Take care
Thank you so much for replying, that’s really helpful
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Good for you for feeling so perky and long may that continue. It is very hard to tell whether there will be nasty surprises as everyone is different. Maintaining fluid levels, good nutrition and exercise no matter how knackered you feel will help no end.
If you had steroids, you may notice a change in mood/energy in a couple of days time, but that soon clears up. Your positive attitude is really refreshing. Good luck and welcome to our group even if none of us would have chosen to be here. xxx
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How are you feeling today @rh88? Interested to know as this is the regime I’m starting too.. heard docetaxel can be a pain to have.
Thanks @Jaygo Yes today was my first day off the steroids and definitely felt more tired but still managed to get out for lunch with a friend and get my 10,000 steps in with my dog Violet 
That’s going to be my goal each day
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Hi @loopylea I felt a little more tired today but still managed to get out and about. Had a nap on the settee this afternoon and that pulled me around. I have a few aches from the injection I had to take yesterday to boost my white cells but it’s not too bad. All in all so far I think I’ve been quite lucky, nothing too unpleasant. When do you start?
Ah good I hope it stays that way for you.. I’m due in the next 2 weeks as I’m over the 12 weeks start from surgery otherwise.. I had an echo yesterday which they wanted first.. keep in touch about your journey please would be really helpful and happy to support you in any way I can xx
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Ah yes I had the echo too and an ECG the day before chemo - I think it’s for the Phesgo injections as I think it’s those that can affect the heart.
Yes of course, very happy to keep in touch. I’ve still been out and about today and the aches I had yesterday have eased off hugely. I did notice on a usual walk that I do that it took me longer today, also my tongue feels weird…not bad, just weird So this may be the start of the other symptoms so I shall keep you posted. Finger’s crossed you get your start date soon Xx
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It sounds like you are doing great on round 1 - I have my third round of Docetaxel carbo and Phesgo next week so happy to chat with you ladies as we cross each treatment off the calendar!
How’s the mouth stuff going? You sound to have a similar pattern of side effects to me. Mine come in chunks with nausea and body aches first. Then the mouth stuff starts- for me everything I eat feels like sand in my mouth for about a week. Lemon in my water changed my life during this! It tastes so refreshing when everything feels so dry!
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Thank you.. I hope that you have no more side effects but sounds like you’re handling them so well so far!!
Keep strong 
Were you advised to suck ice lollies whilst having transfusion? I’ve heard it helps with mouth symptoms.,? And to eat pineapple if you lose your taste?? Long sure it works but maybe worth a try? X
I haven’t heard about pineapple but I will give it a try - thanks for the tip! I do suck on ice during infusions which has helped me to not get any mouth sores so far - I’ve heard they can make it really painful to eat. Unfortunately it doesn’t prevent the dry mouth for me.
Am I understanding in your posts you had surgery first? How are you doing with the in between of surgery and waiting to start? I know it can be a lot waiting for that first treatment.
Hi. I’m due to start chemo Friday and will be on Carboplatin and Docetaxel. I’m having chemo before surgery. I’m seeing an oncologist for second tomorrow so presume they will then give me details of when I’ll be given antibodies and then what time my chemo will be. So nice to hear your first chemo has gone well and amazing you did 10,000 steps. I hope it continues this way for you x
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I might try ice chips.. how do you keep them Frozen for so long? In a thermos??
Yes I had mastectomy in march which was absolutely fine and I’m actually loving my new body image..
I no longer need to wait as I’ve had my pre assessment today and picc tomorrow to start Monday… it’s all of a sudden come along
I actually just ask for a cup of ice from my infusion center. The nurses and volunteers are amazing and so helpful with everything!
I will be thinking of you Monday! It’s a long busy day and I brought a bag full of stuff and didn’t touch any of it aside from my jolly ranchers, bottle of water, and cozy blanket. Some of the premeds have a strange taste so sucking on candy helps and also takes my mind off of the first 10 minutes or so of the cold cap.
I’m glad your surgery went well and you are feeling comfortable and fabulous with the changes! Hope everything goes well with your picc tomorrow!
Thanks so much.. does the ice help then? I read somewhere that you can have throat spasms if you have cold drinks whilst having chemo and the consultant said the same thing?
Oh that’s interesting. I’ve never heard that about cold drinks. The ice seems to help - so far no bad mouth sores…I’m not the most consistent with it though because my premeds make me sleepy. I do ice my hands and feet to prevent neuropathy. My oncologist recommended that more than almost any other question or tips and tricks I asked about.
Ooo how are you icing your hands and feet? I want to do this but was looking into compression gloves and stockings instead as was unsure how to keep them cold throughout infusions .. also do you take a cooler box or something for the ice lollies?
Hello! So glad you’re feeling refreshed - you take the wins when they come! My experience with Docetaxel started the same as you. I had the first treatment on the Thursday, and felt absolutely fine all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So much so that we decided to take a few days away as this new chemo didn’t seem to be as bad as the epirubicin previously. Unfortunately, the Monday afternoon/evening was when everything started to unravel, and the after-effects began to make themselves known. I suffered everything from mouth ulcers, burning soles of my feet, peeling skin from my fingertips and toes, all my mucous membranes were affected with sores, you name it. This trend of delayed after-effects continued all through my other five treatments, so I began to realise very quickly that the worst effects were always felt a few days afterwards. I really do hope it’s not the same for you, but be warned that Docetaxel was a sneaky, horrible drug for me. If it does turn out to be the same for you, I would recommend slathering every affected part with aqueous cream - it saved my life some days, especially before and after going to the loo! I’m sending you lots of strength, best wishes and support as you undergo this treatment. Remember - the worse it makes you feel, the more good it must be doing. That was my mantra throughout. 