@rizlacat95
Welcome to our support group.
You’ve been through a lot since last year.
Know how hard all this is. Sending hugs 
x
Good morning @pongo1
I’m sorry that you feel crap today. It will pass and in the coming days you will feel better.
I had similar symptoms on days 4 and 5. Fortunately the metoclopramide managed my nausea. If it persists despite the anti-sickness medication then contact the nurses at the hospital and they may be able to sort out a prescription for an alternative drug.
Have you sorted out your form with the GP for free prescriptions for 5 years? One of our few perks.
Sending you a big hug from Mid Sussex. X
Welcome to the group @rizlacat95
It is frightening when you think one thing is happening and then you are suddenly on a different path. Are you oestrogen positive? I’m ER + but just moderately and a grade 3 cancer . So I was expecting chemo . But still a shock when officially told. Did you have an onco type dx test. Mine came back as 40 . Which was a shock.
I’ve had a few knocks since surgery. My diep reconstruction failed. There is a 2 % chance of it failing . So now I think the worst for everything. I try to think the very worst so I can’t be too upset. I know what you mean about hiding away from friends. They are well meaning but often don’t know what to say. I did that a bit at first and sort of told friends in dribs and drabs as couldn’t face telling them.
It’s great on here as everyone understands.
What part of the country are you from @rizlacat95
@pongo1 @wba @mrsjelly sorry feeling the affects of chemo now. I’m on count down to mine on Thursday and anxiety starting to kick in a bit now.
Big hugs to everyone xxx
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You will be fine. I can honestly say that the hardest part has been the unknown and the waiting. I felt such relief getting the date to start treatment and on the day it was seamless. Staff were kind and knowledgeable. I feel in safe hands. The side-effects have been variable and interesting but I’m accepting that this is part of getting better and just going with the flow. 
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Lots happening for everyone and welcome to @rizlacat95 @Linda_Corinne @mrsphughes77 @anb1, hope I haven’t missed anyone, I’m feeling so anxious as mine starts this week, really glad we’re all in this together and can support each other and share experiences.
I’m so sorry you’re feeling rubbish @pongo1 @wba sending big gentle hugs
Had a crazy busy weekend and week to come as I’m trying to cram seeing everyone before Chemo starts Thursday (picc line Weds) Did anyone go alone and drive themselves for the PICC line? BCN said it should be OK as will be numb from the local.
Wondering what life will look like once Chemo starts as obviously I’m off work but unsure if I’ll feel safe going out anywhere with fear of picking anything up.
I’ve not heard of the dx test @mrsphughes77 would that be because I’m TN do you think?
Like you @pineapples123 I am feeling optimistic about my diagnosis, I’ve had family members pass away from other cancers so keep thinking i’m lucky that it’s a survivable cancer. One in two people now! We can and we will fight this x x
I didn’t drive to get my picc line.
Glad I didn’t really as my arm was very uncomfortable afterwards, but it did take two attempts to get mine in!! 
Think emotionally nice to have someone with you if possible.
My friend was allowed into the procedure with me. Really helped as I was so anxious.
x
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@mrsjelly yes you are right . Will feel better once it’s started. Wandering around today not really sure what to do with myself.
@zoemac i start this Thursday too. I’ve got my picc line going in first then straight to chemo so a bit worried about that. I was also wondering about picking up infections that sort of thing.
Will ask when get pre assessment on Wednesday.
I’m not at work and pleased about that. But if I haven’t arranged to meet up with someone I have to push myself to go out.
Wandering around a library now looking for books to read during chemo. As long as I can keep my glasses on my head when wearing cold cap.
Xxx
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My daughter has been busy researching cold cap and sent me this link from The Cold Cap Club, some very useful info https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uGLg876OoWw&list=PLHIqPjTUcZkh4polu3AztEnrScm9GW7l2&index=1&pp=iAQB
Yes I have lots of question for Thursday morning re going out etc… Hope all goes well for you on Thursday
Think I might take someone with me then in case I have the same as you and for company/distraction x
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Hello and thank you for the welcome. It’s so nice to be able to speak to people in the same situation. Family and friends are being really great but when it’s actually happening to you you can’t explain can you the terrible feelings. I start my chemo Monday 10 and am so anxious as well. Hoping to be able to cold cap but going to get a wig head coverings incase. Xx
Hi all,
I start my chemo this week too. Diagnosed 2 weeks ago with triple negative so it’s moved pretty quickly. I had my PICC yesterday and it’s still quite tender. I have 2 under 5s and didn’t realise I wouldn’t be allowed to pick them up for the next 6 months 
I’m trying cold capping to try and keep some normality for the kids but I know it’s only 50/50 that it will work.
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@zoemac Hi! Yes, Oncotype DX tests are usually only given to ER+ cancers. I hope everyone is doing well and I’m still counting down to my chemo treatment…8 more days!
Welcome to our support group.
Not the one I’m sure you expected. Like all of us it’s a scary place to find yourself in, having the support with everyone here is such a help.
Yes, you will face additional challenges with your young children, but as a mom I always think we find our strength to fight harder.
You can do this.
I hope you have a good support network of friends & family.
Sending hugs x
What part of the country are you from?
Hi everyone,
I’m about to start chemotherapy soon and will be seeing my oncologist tomorrow to finalise the treatment plan. I’m feeling quite nervous.
I was diagnosed in early January with triple-positive breast cancer (ER+, PR+, HER2+), with two tumours next to each other, totalling 34mm. A PET scan picked up a questionable 4mm involvement in the most inferior lymph node. I had a biopsy yesterday and am now waiting for the results—not sure if they will affect the chemo plan.
I’ve been reading the forum over the past few weeks, which has really helped me navigate this incredibly challenging emotional rollercoaster. I recently turned 36 and have a young child in Year 2. I’m unsure how much I need to adjust things at home and around my child—are there any particular precautions I should take? I’d be really grateful for any advice.
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My PICC insertion was pain free. Slight sting from the local anaesthetic but that was it. Achy arm for 24 hours but a couple of paracetamol did the trick.
I took my iPad, a book and knitting to occupy me on the day but I didn’t even get them out of the bag. I sat quietly and people watched, had tea, biscuits and sandwiches provided by the volunteer, chatted with the nurse and just sat with myself mulling over what I’d experienced in the preceding couple of months and what is to come.
We will all get through it. X
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Hi @jan30
Welcome to the group. Like I’m triple positive so our treatment plan can be long. I have found the HER2 thread really helpful. Spent 4.5 hours reading it one sleepless nights when I was waiting for more results after my initial diagnosis. The useful part for me was reading how the ladies have got through it.
@naughty_boob is the oracle, there are humourous writers, kind women who offer sage advice and we are all ages. There are younger women like yourself who like you will have navigated this journey with young children.
X
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Hi @jan30 I’m so sorry you find yourself here at such a young age with a year 2 child. I noticed @mrsjelly has already sign posted you to the HER2+ buddies.
I have worked in primary education for over 20 years and my best advice is to be honest with your child to their understanding. If they ask a question, given them an honest answer to their level of understanding. You know your child best. Let your child’s school know so they can support them and you. I have taught many children over the years with family illness and they can show signs of distress in many ways and the school can keep on eye on it.
I personally stopped working in school due to bugs and infections, I was already at risk before my diagnosis due to asthma and a heart issue. The slightest cold could become pneumonia. Obviously your child still needs to attend school, as far as your immunity, make sure you ventilate your home as much as possible and if you child is poorly, try, I know it’s hard being a mum, to keep away from them or wear a good quality mask. They do work, I wore mine in school with 30 children from different homes and only caught covid once, no other bugs. This was from an empty room that had been used in the morning with a covid positive person in and I ate my lunch for 30 minutes.
I was in the September 2023 chemo group and many had children and did the best they could as a mum. Collecting their child outside school when they could but asked partner or friend to take child to parties, no sleepovers at their own home. Talk to your team, many will say just live your life, but if you catch a bug it could delay treatment. You have to do what is right for you and your family. Don’t forget to ask for help. Many have said over threads that you need to be specific what help you need.
There are many book that can help explain what is happening for children of different ages .
The big bag of worries can be found on YouTube.
I wanted to also signpost you to * Younger Women Together: For people 45 and under. You can choose the support that suits you: online, one day or 2 day residential events. Find an event. There are several younger women on the HER2+ thread who also have young children.
Take care.
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Thanks so much @naughty_boob @mrsjelly really appreciate your advice.
I am about to let my son’s class teacher know, but I don’t quite feel ready yet—I don’t want to start by breaking down in tears with the first sentence…
I have told my son (who is seven years old) that mummy is unwell. Based on the conversations my husband and I have had with a few close family members and friends (we avoid using the “C” word in front of him), the other day he told me that he understands mummy needs treatment for her breast, that some good cells and bad cells are fighting, and that he wants to do things to cheer me up and help the good cells win. As you can imagine, that completely broke me—I couldn’t help but cry in front of him.
I’ve been trying to stay positive ever since my diagnosis, but thinking about how this will affect my child and my family has been the hardest part—it has shattered me.
One of my biggest worries is how to handle things during the week of chemotherapy (use separate toilets to avoid contamination from bodily fluid??). If I feel unwell or experience night sweats, should I keep my distance from my child? Should I avoid cuddling him or sitting together at the dinner table? I honestly have no idea how to navigate this around young children.
Thank you so much for all the recommendations and helpful resources—I really appreciate it.
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Thank you @jan30 for the update. I told you that @naughty_boob was the oracle and full of sound advice, particularly so around children given her lengthy experience as a teacher.
You will have spoken to your son’s teacher by the time you read this. I hope it went okay. If you have a wobble in front of them then so be it. It’s a normal response given the circumstances and the fact that this is all new and raw for you. I found saying it out loud to people, be it in person or on the telephone really difficult at the beginning. The more I repeated it the easier it became and the better I got at managing their reactions.
My children are both adults and I must say that telling them was the hardest thing I’ve ever done as a mother. I still want to shield them from it all so I appreciate just how hard it must be with a 7 year old. When I was around 4 my Dad was in hospital for a year Back in the 70’s there wasn’t the advice and guidance we have now but recall that they were open and honest with us telling my older sister and I what we needed to know.
In terms of sharing toilets post chemo, when flushing make sure the seat is down and double flush for 48 hours. If you’re a two toilet household then you could ban the family from your preferred loo for a couple of days. You will be fine cuddling your son as you always do, you both need normality and you both may need to hold each other a little more tightly. x
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