Hello, i am 38 yo mum with 1 kid. I had being diagnosed with breast cancer 4days ago.
My breast cancer is IDC HER2 positive and my doctor said that will have to do chemotherapy first.
I don’t know from where to start what to do what not to do,what should I ask my nurse or what to buy.
Any advices please.
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Hi, so sorry to hear this.
First thing is don’t panic! This is all very new for you.
When you know when you are starting make sure you join the monthly chemo thread on here for you, a great source of support, help and advice. It’s a very ‘we’re all in this together’ vibe.
Your experience on chemo will be shaped by the drug regime you are on, this varies according to your specific cancer. There are a whole host of side effects, but try not to worry about this as everyone is different and each regime is different. I was terrified of nausea, having experienced this really badly when on chemo 10 years ago, but this hasn’t been an issue this time at all and I haven’t needed any sickness drugs at all. Also there is so much support from your chemo team in providing medication to you. Chemotherapy isn’t how it is often portrayed on screen - it isn’t constant misery. You will have days when you are under the weather but also normal days too in each cycle. This is when you get out and about, catch up on those we must meet up for coffee and cake messages!
It is likely you will suffer tiredness/fatigue to some degree which tends to get worse with each cycle so you may need to be prepared to seek some support for your tired days, hopefully you have a good support network to help with child care etc. if people offer help do take them up on it!
You will have a pre assessment at your chemo unit beforehand where there is chance to ask lots of questions and meet some of the staff. The chemo staff are wonderful and really do their best to ease any anxieties you may have. This is certainly my experience and appears to be the same for most people on this forum.
There are lots of little hints and tips out there for dealing with nausea and taste changes, I find anything ginger flavoured or sharp tasting is great, etc.
I am sure you will get lots more helpful advice from the forum.
Good luck and be kind to yourself xxx
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Welcome to the forum @hasnae87 . If you are starting chemo in March you might want to join the March chemotherapy starters thread where you can some support from those going through treatment at the same time. March 2025 chemo starters
Best of luck with your treatment . Jill x
Hi
I’m sorry that you’ve found yourself here.
I started chemotherapy and targeted therapy mid January and have find the monthly thread really helpful. Like you I’m HER2 positive. I’ll be having surgery in the summer then there will be more targeted therapy.
Our treatment can go on for much longer and I’ve found the HER2 thread invaluable. I read it from beginning to end (4.5hrs) in December. I was able follow the women’s stories over the past year. It have found it reassuring to read that they’ve got through it.
Best wishes x