Hi Lee
Welcome to the site - so sorry you have had to join us but like Lynne has said, you will find so much support on here.
I was diagnosed with bc on 4th April, and a sentinol node biopsy showed it had also spread to my lymph nodes. Because of the size of my tumour (5.2 cm x 2.5) it was decided that I would have chemo first, followed by a mastectomy, radiotherapy, then Herceptin for a year (phew!). The first two weeks were the worst I have to say, from diagnosis, scans etc, to starting chemo. It’s so scary. My first chemo was on 27th April, and like Lynne my first four were EC. Don’t worry, they explain everything to you and ensure you have all the anti sickness tablets, and information you need. I had my seventh chemo on Friday and my last one will be on 31st August. My last four chemo’s have been different drugs so I have suffered different side effects (arthritic, which is beginning to kick in now actually!) but again, the hospital do everything they can to ensure any side effects you do get (and everyone is different!) are minimal.
Overall, the chemo works. My tumour has all but disappeared which is fantastic. Yes, the other hurdle we have to face is losing our hair, and everyone will tell you that was hard BUT, I can promise you, you do get used to it. I decided against wigs and ordered a load of bandanas from a brilliant website (thebandanashop). I still wear make up, and everyone tells me how well I look all the time ! (maybe they’re just being polite, I don’t know!). I remember at the beginning telling my husband that once I started losing my hair, I didnt want to go out, see anyone, speak to anyone etc, but nowadays I honestly don’t give a damn - people have commented on how much more confident I am now.
Lee, I know how scared you feel at the moment but I promise you, things will get better. Once you start your chemo, you know you are getting somewhere. I would never have believed that I could feel as positive as I do now. I can honestly say, my good days far outnumber my bad, even though I’ve still got a long way to go.
We are all here for you, and I wish you all the best with your treatment, please let us know how you get on.
Lots of love
Julie xx