January 2026 chemo starters

Going through breast cancer treatment Chemotherapy monthly threads
41

Thank you - I will monitor how I feel and try doing them at night. Yes have to keep thinking positively. Sxx

1 Like
42

The not knowing is terrifying .. I just hope that it isnā€™t as bad as we imagine.

2 Likes
43

Hi start next week , already suffer from anxiety so Iā€™m extremely anxious - ecd 3 weekly for 6 sessions

I am so petrified, any advice or anything at all welcome

Have already had my surgeries

6 Likes
44

Thanks - picc line is now in and other than hassles around wearing a waterproof sleeve for showering itā€™s not as cumbersome as Iā€™d thought it would be. I have 8 fortnightly cycles of chemo so perhaps not long enough for needing a portā€¦?

1 Like
45

Hello! I totally understand as thatā€™s how felt last week before I started on Wednesday. My best tip is to take everything day by day (or even hourly) as it can be quite overwhelming to deal with at first, and Iā€™m learning quickly how not to worry you will get all of the side effects just because someone else does. I have been so scared of starting chemo but itā€™s almost a relief to be underway and the care is excellent. Itā€™s a lot though after operations too isnā€™t it?

I was thrown into a panic around midnight as I woke from a nap really warm and my temperature was showing as 38.1. I checked a few times and the lowest it went was 37.9. I rang the helpline and was told I needed to go to A&E so spent 4 hours there overnight having blood! Luckily they said thereā€™s no sign of an infection and think Iā€™ve just picked up a virus and all of the chemo side effects are throwing how Iā€™m feeling out. I explained the worst side affects so far (which started on day 3) are the constant stabbing/electric shock feelings all over my body, the feeling of my scalp being tight and like itā€™s in a vice (hair related Iā€™m sure!) and the exhaustion. Every day there is something new at the moment!

Let us know how you get on, Iā€™m finding reading posts on here a great support :blush: x

1 Like
46

I am terrified too and tend to overthink and catastrophise everything. I had my first infusion last Tuesday. Iā€™m not a brave girl. We can buddy up if you like or you can steer well clear of me :grinning_face:

4 Likes
47

I think buddying up with others is a great idea! Iā€™m not brave at all, this is literally scaring me daily but am trying to stay positive :slightly_smiling_face: How are you today? x

2 Likes
48

Thanks girls I go to have my picc in tomorrow and I think the thought of it starting has really set me off

This wasnā€™t really on cards to begin with but due to one pesky lymph node it became an option

So as much as I donā€™t want it , I just want it over and done with

3 Likes
49

I had a picc inserted last Monday and it was ok. I cried when I arrived and the staff were really kind and patient with me. The nurse who did the procedure was really friendly and she and my oh kept me distracted. She did have to try twice but once she got the right place, it was done in seconds. I donā€™t like it, it makes me go ewww ewww ewww and I havenā€™t showered for a week. Iā€™ve been washing at the bathroom basin with a flannel. I truly am a definite wuss.

2 Likes
50

I have been so lucky with side effects. Iā€™m hyperaware all the time, scared to move my picc line arm much, scared to touch my hair, but apart from feeling anxious Iā€™ve been ok :hand_with_index_finger_and_thumb_crossed:

3 Likes
51

Itā€™s horrible that we are all having to go through this , it feels never ending , but i know the storm wonā€™t last forever :pink_heart::folded_hands:t2:

I feel like Iā€™ve done nothing but cry , but feel like Iā€™m getting stronger :folded_hands:t2:

Glad you havenā€™t had many side effects

5 Likes
52

Are you are Ecd also ?

53

Iā€™m 42 with 3 children and still getting use to complete up turn of my life. Iā€™ve got TNBC and I start Paclitaxol weekly on Thursday for 12 weeks, then move onto EC/Red devil. I had my picc line last week and although I found having it put in fine I had some heart palpitations so they had to pull it back a bit and now Iā€™m suffering with heartburn. I got diagnosed end of Nov so desperate to get started finally.

2 Likes
54

I donā€™t think we will ever get used to it , Iā€™m still coming to terms with it now

Everyone deals with it differently I suppose

2 Likes
55

@bird25 Iā€™m having 12 x weekly Paclitaxol with Carboplatin every 3 weeks.

1 Like
56

@loutnbc I also have TNBC and we are on the same regime except Iā€™m having Bisphosphonates added in too. I think because of my advanced age.

1 Like