Thank you for your response to this thread.
I took have triple negative and awaiting oncology appointment next week. I know it’s not going to be an easy journey…but I know it’s necessary to future proof me. I am not looking forward to it…but conversely can’t wait for this all to start. I know I will be very worried anxious and scared before I start but will get through and take it day by day. Thanks again for the reassurance Xx
It’s the anxiety of the unknown and not sleeping with worry that was actually worse than the chemo itself. So many people tell more bad than good stories. Honestly you can do this. Just finished my second chemo session I. Wednesday and so far side affects are not as bad second time round. I did get a pic line in this Tuesday, which is working well so nonlobger feel like a pin cushion xx You can do this, one day at a time. And as advised, the helpline is there for any worries you have no matter how trivial you may think, just make the call and this helps with the anxiety. Fear of the unknown is the worst part xx you’ve got this! Wishing you well on your recovery journey xx
Hello
Please talk to your team or the nurses on here and please be honest about your fears and anxiety
They only want the best for you they want you to be ok
I’ve never met more caring, kind and lovely people. They will treat you like a queen and nothing will phase them
Ask again about someone being with you or ask about a chaperone but it maybe as others have said its about infection control because you and other patients need to be very aware of this during your treatments
You are going to have to put yourself out there and they will listen, big breath, big girl pants on and talk to your team/ nurses here
how to stem some of the anxiety ? Try on line breathing apps or videos, take up yoga or pilates now and try to kerp doing it during the next few months
Youtube and NHS /BECCA have lots of on line support and guidance for your mental wellbeing so try it maybe?
If chemo has been recommended then remember its going to hard for a while but you will come through it and might even surprise yourself with how you cope…
Suugest you join the chemo starter threads to so others going through this can support you too
Good luck
Aww thank you, that’s a great reply and I’m definitely feeling the “unknown” is the worst bit. And yes scaring myself with what I read and then reasoning with myself. It’s just horrible in all levels. I am normally a good sleeper but I’ve had two nights this week where I’ve just had to get up and have a cuppa and read! Normally this reading this forum.
How was the picc line fitted if you don’t mind me asking? Did you ask for it or did they tell you about it and give as an option? I have no idea and think if it’s easier than having a cannula (I’m extremely worried about leakage and veins) but I believe it needs to be cleaned but I’ve read good and bad experiences on here too.
Good look with your course of treatment and hope all continues to go well for you.
I asked about the pic. Line as a friend of mine had one, also treating breast cancer. Basically I was told they had to justify putting it in so very much depends on your veins. Mine took an ultrasound machine and 2 doctors quite a while to find one suitable for Camilla so that got me referred for the pic line.The fitting of it was painless, freeze with injection like they use at the dentist so not painful. Again it’s the mind doing the what ifs that’s the worst part. Trust the process, listen to the oncologists, ask plenty of questions from those qualified to answer on you individually and try stay away from the google, it will fry your head and every individual is different xx Good luck 
Hi, no one can answer those questions but what you are experiencing is normal. I had 6 months of chemo and took sensible precautions and was ok. My world was a lot smaller but that was ok for a while. Whatever you do has to be your decision. I wish you all the best. X
Hi nic nac 17
I think my hospital prefer to use a cannula , but in my case I have mild psoriasis on both hands . It was agreed that due to the possibility of veins stinging etc, that a PICC line would be best. It was fitted on Tuesday, really nothing to it, totally painless. Got to keep it dry when bathing and got to go weekly for line care. A little sore at the site for 48 hours but nothing now.
My first chemo was last Monday, which like everyone else I was dreading. I did obviously have to have a cannula for that. Yes my body knows something has gone on, but it really wasn’t anything I couldn’t cope with, and there is always someone to talk to.
All the best
i love your picture and flower power cheeks, you look very determined, good luck my friend.
Seagulls
I wish U the best with everything thankyou you have to be detmonterd xx
My breast nurse talked me and hubbie through all options for delivery of chemo and i chose a PICC line which was very easily inserted by a wonderful nurse in about 15 mins
I watched the whole process and was fascinated by the whole thing
Immediately after i had my first chemo and then got very used to the calendar of tests, flushing, delivery, district nurses
You may get comfort , reassurance from talking to the Someone like me support on here. Give them a call
Good luck
Thanks . Yes I might try the” someone like me”. I’ve got counselling with McMillan. Did 1 and the lady has been off sick since unfortunately .
Don’t be afraid of chemo. It’s been recommended by your oncologist who wants to use it to cure you. I was diagnosed with a new second primary in November 2022 ( my first diagnosis was in 2002 ) and have been having chemotherapy ever since. I was diagnosed stage 4 whilst on kadcyla. I’m now having weekly paclitaxel with a week off after three weeks and immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) every three weeks until it stops working. I have been able to walk our Labradors on a daily basis and have not restricted my diet or hidden myself away to avoid infection. Everything seems very frightening at first but you will soon get used to it. This is a great forum to air your fears and concerns as everyone will understand what you’re going through. Best of luck. Wishing you a full recovery. X
Totally get the fear. I have just finished 6 cycles of chemo (docetaxel, carboplatin) with Phesgo injections (I have her2+ cancer, spread to lymph nodes).
I know some people are unlucky, but I can say it was in no way as bad as I thought it would be. There were definitely some low points - for me, usually 5-10 days after treatment were the toughest. But even then I was still able to go out for walks, hang out with my kids, do some work etc. Side effects were manageable with the medication I was sent home with.
On the good days I have been dancing til midnight at 40th birthday parties, going out running and hanging out with friends on the beach. There’s been lots of chances for fun.
I wasn’t allowed anyone with me on chemo unit but the nurses were wonderful and I found the time passed quickly, even though was there from 8.30 until 4 (I had a cold cap too). I wrote a bit of a diary which helped.
I was worried about infections but even in a house with 2 primary school kids who seem to generate endless quantities of snot, I have been fine. Haven’t held back on the cuddles.
I had a PICC line put in as there were problems with putting cannulas in (I have v small veins). I am needlephobic so was freaked out about pretty much all options but having the PICC was a big relief. It made my chest feel a bit weird and achy but otherwise absolutely fine. My kids called it Jeremy and it was like we had an extra family pet that we had to be careful not to squash. (!?)
You can do this! You can.
I found explaining my worries to multiple nurses and my oncologist was useful. Sometimes it’s just finding the person with the right experience to say the right thing. I actually feel like a stronger person having gone through it all. My next stage is a double mastectomy so will be drawing on that strength a lot I think!
Hi,
I’ve not long finished 8 cycles of chemo, and yes, it isn’t fun. I wasn’t able to work or jog. I spent 6 months more or less at home.
I would do it again, and I have the lowest pain threshold in the world and am not brave.
The picc line insertion was ok, had Bob Marley playing in the background and didn’t feel a thing. Thanks to local anesthetic!
Having chemo doesn’t hurt, I promise no one in the chemo unit was uncomfortable.
You’re going to feel rough afterwards, and just go with how your body feels. Some days will be sofa days.
You’ll find everyone’s experience of chemo is different, and depends on the dose, you and where you are in your treatment plan.
I didn’t get sepsis, and like others, was very careful if venturing out. I would shop in the co-op to avoid crowds and on bad days would order food in. I was able to get out on week three of a cycle, end of week two at a push. Perhaps I should clarify, drive a car, parallel park, wander around the shops, have coffee and people watching - normal stuff.
Someone told me to think of the side effects as the chemo working, and that helped my mind set. It worked for me, reducing my tumour from over 5cms to 3mm.
I had counselling during chemo which was helpful and visits from friends who had been forewarned not to call me strong or brave - I’m neither.
All the best, wish I could hold your hand through it.
I had 12 sessions of pactlitaxol and 4 EC. It’s frightening the first time but I promise you get used to it quickly. People often post bad experiences because they need support but there are loads of us who got through it fine. I had a picc line and it made it really easy. My main symptom was tiredness and the EC made me feel a bit sick and headachey. The fear of everything was way worse than the reality. Sending love and strength.
Thanks everyone . You have been very supportive. Does anyone know how long after mastectomy would chemo start . I had my first lumpectomy surgery 18th June then another one in July but had to have a mastectomy 2 weeks ago ? I haven’t been given a new date yet .
I had my first chemo 5.5 weeks after surgery
I think it may depend if you had a reconstruction or not. I’ve had a similar journey to you and had an implant reconstruction and the BCN said 8-12 weeks after the surgery. She said the oncologist will want to be sure that everything has settled post-surgery and I don’t have an infection before starting chemo. Hope you’re healing well x
I didn’t have a reconstruction they said I had to wait for one at a later date
