January 2026 chemo starters

[sharync]

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

[awr]

The not knowing is terrifying .. I just hope that it isn’t as bad as we imagine.

[bird25]

Hi start next week , already suffer from anxiety so I’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

[rmdw]

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

[anncuk]

Hello! I totally understand as that’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 I’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 it’s almost a relief to be underway and the care is excellent. It’s a lot though after operations too isn’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 there’s no sign of an infection and think I’ve just picked up a virus and all of the chemo side effects are throwing how I’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 it’s in a vice (hair related I’m sure!) and the exhaustion. Every day there is something new at the moment!

Let us know how you get on, I’m finding reading posts on here a great support x

[grateful]

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

[anncuk]

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

[bird25]

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

This wasn’t really on cards to begin with but due to one pesky lymph node it became an option

So as much as I don’t want it , I just want it over and done with

[grateful]

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 don’t like it, it makes me go ewww ewww ewww and I haven’t showered for a week. I’ve been washing at the bathroom basin with a flannel. I truly am a definite wuss.

[grateful]

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

[bird25]

It’s horrible that we are all having to go through this , it feels never ending , but i know the storm won’t last forever

I feel like I’ve done nothing but cry , but feel like I’m getting stronger

Glad you haven’t had many side effects

[bird25]

Are you are Ecd also ?

[loutnbc]

I’m 42 with 3 children and still getting use to complete up turn of my life. I’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 I’m suffering with heartburn. I got diagnosed end of Nov so desperate to get started finally.

[bird25]

I don’t think we will ever get used to it , I’m still coming to terms with it now

Everyone deals with it differently I suppose

[grateful]

@bird25 I’m having 12 x weekly Paclitaxol with Carboplatin every 3 weeks.

[grateful]

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

[dogmom54]

Hi all, I had my first Chemo session yesterday. I decided against a PICC line but did have a cold cap. Feeling mildly dizzy and sick today but nothing awful. It was no where near as bad as I had feared. I hope it is the same for the rest of you xx

[birdlady78]

Hi everyone, I am also in the January 2026 club. Diagnosed with breast cancer ER+, HER2 +1, 8 mm but not spreading to lymph but got sent to docetaxel + cyclophosphamide chemo every 3rd week 6 times in total after all.

Did my first cycle last Friday, had Pelgraz injection Saturday and Sunday and Monday have been horrible. Now I am on the mend before my 2nd chemo on January 30th.

[anncuk]

Hello! This is very similar to me as my first (same chemo, same diagnosis!) was last Wednesday and the next is the 28th. The side effects (for me!) have been horrid, my latest new one is lower back spasms! Battling through each day though. Look forward to hearing how you get on!

[anncuk]

This is good! It’s a case of riding through it all isn’t it as best as possible?