Hey @brox similar thing happened to me. I was diagnosed in December, surgery in Jan. Was supposed to be a lumpectomy then radio and done by March. I’m 6 months and 2 surgeries in now with 10 out of 20 lymph nodes affected.
I was booked for chemo in April so I did lots of planning and buying stuff then, all except the headwear. Now I think I’m 2 weeks away from starting and I’m wondering if I’ll have a different chemo plan.
Many of you seem to be having EC and either pac? Or docetaxcil every 2 weeks in rounds of 4 each. I was due to have 3 lots each every 3 weeks but I wonder if that will change now it’s so much more than they thought.
I’ve never felt so out of control of my life, it’s weird. Xx
Hey @mummybear1 I wish I could play an instrument but no sadly not. We have a group of about 25 adults with learning disabilities that meet on a Saturday morning to practise songs that we perform at concerts.
We have music teachers who lead but I’m just one of the volunteers who support. I’ve been doing support at a variety of our social clubs for over 10 years. I absolutely love it.
I’ve started sitting in the garden first thing with my coffee, just listening to the birds and trying to get my head into the right place for the day. I’m finding that my mindset is something I can try to control and getting that in a good place helps me and the people around me.
If I could just get my sleep sorted I think I’d be in a relatively good space considering.
Oh and I’ve planted a bunch of seeds today, very late but I’m told broccoli, purple sprouting and mangetouts are ok to grow late. Fingers crossed.
X
It sounds like you’ve been through so much already. The constant changes and uncertainty can be so draining. I hope you get some clear answers about your chemo plan soon.
The headwear is something I’m struggling with, I just don’t like anything I’ve seen & also I’m shocked with the pricing! I’ve had a call this morning confirming chemo will start on the 4th June so I’ll need to get on it now.
Anyone planning on wearing compression socks during chemo? I’ve read on other monthly threads they might help with neuropathy. I’ve got some funky ones on my Amazon list. Also a thermometer & face masks. x
I have a thermometer, head scarf for after cold capping, face masks, an accessible hoodie, puzzle/quiz book, Netflix downloads and audiobooks, lip balm, tissues, a bag with daily dose boxes to keep medication organised. It’s probably too much but I like to be organised.
I haven’t looked at compression socks. Not sure if I’ll need a little blanket too - keep putting them on my amazon list just in case.
I have my appointment for my pic line on Thursday. Am getting very nervous about starting chemo.
Everyone I speak to says ‘you’re sounding very positive’ but that’s not how I feel inside. Not sure what else I can do other than ‘keep calm and carry on’
A little blanket is a great idea! I’ve got a big-ish scarf that works as a shawl or knee blanket I’m going to take. 2 of my head coverings arrived this morning and I tried them on …. They’re ok, not sure how I really feel about them.
My hospital starts off using a cannula apparently but will put in a picc line if they think you need it, so I’ve not got that pleasure yet! Hope it goes ok for you.
I get the ‘you’re so positive / keep positive’ comments. I know it’s well intentioned but I do find it grates a bit . As you say keep calm & carry on!!
Hello.You should add vomit bags/hand sanitizers for the house and for you to have on your bag, antibacterial wipes and electrolytes to keep you hydrated.
@hasnae87 oooh yes - I did order some keyring type hand sanitiser and bigger ones for the house - getting the kids to sanitise when they get home from school etc
Vomit bags isn’t something I’d thought about though - will put that on my list. Good idea.
Hi, I am new here. It is good to have this forum with loads of advice and to read personal experiences which has been inspirational and help me cope with diagnosis. I am a final year student nurse and had just started placement when I was diagnosed with BC on February 2025. This came as a shock to me and was difficult to process at the time. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node clearance surgery mid March, it is stage 2 grade 3 ER+, PR+ and HERS2 neg. I had my first oncology appoint 1st May and was told I will be having chemo, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy. I had a telephone consultation with my oncologist last week, who advised I will possibly be starting chemo first week of June. However, I do not have a date yet. I will be having 4xEC then 4x paclitaxel 2 weekly cycle. I am anxious about chemo and the side effects but at the same time I want to have it done so I can focus on the next chapter in my life. I have managed to complete all my academic work and I’m looking forward to finishing nursing school in a couple of weeks, and graduate as a qualified nurse. It hasn’t been easy but I am grateful that I have the support from my family and the breast care team.
Thanks for reading and for giving me the courage to share my cancer story with you all.
Hi @bc0225 welcome to the forum. That’s great that you managed to finish your studies and congratulations on your up coming graduation!
The prospect of chemo is definitely scary but I think it helps to think about the life we will have afterwards. Although I think I’ll be less positive and clear thinking when we’re in the thick of it!
Sounds like we are on the same chemo plan. EC x 4 and Pc x 4 2 weeks apart. I get my first dose on Monday.
Worked a little today and then had to take a nap. Technically I’m recovered from surgery and not on any treatment yet so doesn’t feel like I have a reason to be so exhausted.
Focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel in Oct/Nov or whenever I move on from chemo and radiotherapy onto the long term chemo tablets and hormone blockers (keeping everything crossed I tolerate them ok).
@bc0225 massive congrats on getting your academic work done through such difficult circumstances. You’re already smashing this
You’ve come to the right place for support. We’re all in the same slightly shitty boat but we can keep each other company along the way.
I’m seeing the oncologist tomorrow to finalise chemo plans which should start early June. I’m wondering if they’ll mix it up a bit given the unexpected lymph results (10 out of 20)
I just ordered my vomit bags from Amazon…!
Not my most fun purchase but I like to be practical.
Hi @runningandgin, thanks. I am not on any medication since surgery just like you. I don’t have my chemo dates yet, hopefully soon. I wish you all the best in your treatment journey. We will beat this and come out well and good, you’ve got this!
I’m just hopping over from March 2025, and I’m 5 cycles into chemo. If you feel sick you must phone 24/7 line or bcn as there’s v good anti sickness meds and they will keep trying different ones until it works. I have one that I take once and it’s strong but lasts 7 days x
Hey @stafford22 thanks for asking. All good. No surprises, which was a bit of a surprise!
All on track for 6 rounds 3 weeks apart, EC then docataxil, then radio then letrazol (7 years) and abemaciclib (2 years). And the bone injections, steroids and anti sickness etc etc.
She was very upbeat and positive which I found really good. I know all the shitty stuff that can happen but I was nice to not have that drummed home tbh.
She’s encouraging me to continue Padel tennis and volunteering just being aware of when I need to rest and take it easy. Avoid bugs but don’t lock myself away.
I’m just waiting on dates now, they’ll call tomorrow or Monday. She also said to go in my volunteer holiday next weekend but I’ll come back if they book me in that week as I also want to crack on with treatment. It would be a good week to start ref other things that are happening in the summer.
So yeah, I’m in a good place!
Great you’re in this thread too, your experience and attitude are great and inspiring xx
. As you say keep calm & carry on!!
, we have to keep laughing to help us go through the difficult times. Thanks for your kind words.