Welcome to the forum and the group nobody wants to join but you will be so well supported. I see a few of my fellow HER2+ buddies have given you some great information and support. The thread @sooz1 suggested is so popular and the Herceptin/Phesgo/kadcyla journey takes longer than some other treatments. If you look at this thread there are lots of helpful tips.
I cold capped very successfully on 12 weekly Paclitaxel, I did cut my hair into a pixie and had to small bald patches above my ears ( probably from trying to wear my glasses under the cold cap instead of on top) and some thinning. I took paracetamol 30 minutes before and did something to distract myself for the first 10 minutes. I didn’t feel cold as I was experiencing hot flushes but some people need a blanket. I washed my hair once a week after chemo and brushed daily.
This is Paxman’s own website, they are the main cold cap machine in the UK.
Also great workshops with a goody bag form some of them. Covers hair loss, hands and nails, clothes. Can be done face to face or online.
I didn’t feel unwell during chemo the side effects start a day or so later depending on your cycle weekly or 3 weekly will depend how long side effects last. Your team will prescribe drugs to help.
Herceptin injections tip, ask them to inject a little and wait 30 seconds to 1 minute for the local anaesthetic to kick in then inject slowly to minimise discomfort. It can sting.
Change of diet depends on your chemo, sometimes taste can be lost or you just don’t feel like eating. I was told to avoid raw or undercooked food, soft cheeses etc. check with your team.
Some BCN links that may be helpful
- Helpline: 0808 800 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm). Speak to our trained helpline team. No questions are too big or too small.
- Ask Our Nurses: You can message our nurses here on the forum, or confidentially. Whatever you prefer.
- Someone Like Me: Will match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. They’ll be a phone call or email away to answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen. Call on 0800 138 6551 or contact our email volunteers
- 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 is due to be a July chemo starters thread but can’t find it so I’ve contacted the moderators to find out when it will start. Many of us find it helpful to connect online with others going through chemo at the same time.
This is the link for June if you want to check it out.
June 2025 chemo starters - #128 by runnerjen
Take care
