Hi everyone
We have info on Someone Like Me which @feck mentioned here: Someone Like Me | Breast Cancer Now
There are some FAQs at the bottom in case anything isn’t clear.
Bernard
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Thats so good to hear, glad you are doing well so far, I hope it continues xx. I am just freeking out at the moment, bloods tomorow, nurse phoned today and wants me to take in my concent form ready to start EC on thursday, I just want to run away 
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I know exactly what you mean! For me, fear of it was worse than the actual experience. It really was ok 
Staff were lovely, knew exactly what they were doing and worked hard to put me at ease and reassure me. They wouldn’t be saying have chemo if it wasn’t going to be of benefit to you. Knowing the difference it could make helped me no end. Good luck 
it’s my cycle 2 tomorrow. I know a bit about what to expect now which helps no end. See you on the other side 
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I was exactly the same. Terrified. However, the sooner you begin, the sooner you finish.
Drink loads. If water tastes funny try squash. Try your best to take a walk every day… slow as you like, minimum 10 mins…ideally 30 mins, don’t know why but everyone I know says it worked!!!.
Sending you the biggest virtual hug and so much love. You WILL get through this. Will be having EC 3 on Thurs and my blood test tomorrow (Tues). xxxx
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Hope your doing ok, are you still in casa nhs or home yet? Sending 
Shi xx
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Hi everyone, good to see that everyone is coping more or less ok!
This week I’ve got a clot in my arm because of the PICC line 
Now have to do injections for 2 weeks before they can put it out and install a port instead… The pain is real, hopefully the meds help soon.
I wish someone properly explained me the risks of both PICC line and port before I made a decision. It was so much info to process, how was I supposed to know that? Quite annoyed right now, feeling that I need to be on top of everything to make it right, quite a mental load…
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Oh no i hope you’re ok. They’ve suggested a picc line for me but now im a bit worried about getting one
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Just ask them to tell more about the risks or google it to have all information. Veins is a weak point for everyone in my family but it might go completely ok for you.
During the chemo session I noticed that majority of the patients around me had ports though
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In case anyone is in two minds about calling the BCN number here I can reassure you that it’s definitely worth it.
I’ve been struggling with some information spinning round my head and the nurse I just spoke to really helped me organise my thoughts and just throw a bit of water on the fire in my brain.
They are compassionate, patient and knowledgeable. The three things you really need when your head is spinning.
So thank you, I’m very grateful for that conversation today x
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They are v good and I found them much better than my bcn. They seem to have much more knowledge. Also maggjes is great.
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Has anyone booked onto Look Good Feel Better face to face? I was just looking at the dates and they seem to fall close to each of my cycles, so not knowing what my SE will be, wondering if its best to wait until treatments are over.
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It was the same for me, all dates in my city were the same dates as I have chemo sessions scheduled 
Eventually I found a session next day after chemo…if I don’t feel well then, I’ll just cancel
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Hi everyone. Started chemo 7th March 2025. I am having 4 rounds of docetaxel and cyclophosphanide (think its aka TC). Numerous side effects so far, the ones I expected ie nausea and gastric upset but a couple of others thrown in ie tinnnitus, headaches and bloody nose. Also had bone pain from the injections. Hoping I will feel better in coming days but does anyone know if these symptoms are likely to get more severe as the cycles go on ? Wishing everyone well with their treatment and beyond. Love & hugs xxx
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Take it a treatment at a time as day at a time everyone’s side effects are different. If your antisickness meds don’t work ring your team they will tweak till they get right combination for you. Any temperature or drop in temperature ring your team to see if they need you in, burning pee ring your team it could be uti and will need antibiotics during chemo not just over counter system. Thrush in mouth or below which can happen during chemo ring your team they’ll prescribe something for you )ask for fluconzole, sorry you find yourself here everyone on the forums here so ask away and use breast cancer now as much or as little as you need to Shi xx
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My hair started shedding today, first day after the 3rd chemo session. It seems to be in line with everyone else’s experience… The nose is much more runny as well, so I guess that nose hair goes away too
Even though I’m kind of ready for it, it’s quite upsetting 
Will wait as long as I can and then will book time to shave it. I guess no matter how well you prepare for it, it’s a shock
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Yes mine thinning out a bit after 2 doses now. Not overly noticeable yet but still 4 cycles to go and this one to complete so … tho wish my leg hair would go and save me a job 
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Poor you! Everyone’s experience seems so variable and I guess different drug combinations too. @Shi advice is good, do ask for extra support from your team, don’t suffer in silence!
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I took filgastrim about 6.30pm or 7pm with a paracetamol - didn’t have issues first cycle. In bed by 10pm or 1030pm and slept through.
Evening jabs might help? My nurse said big bone pain shouldn’t be enough to wake you at night - it didn’t wake me . Might help? On morning after the 5th jab I needed a paracetamol or two in the day but really was minor (I know I have been lucky so far though)
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Thank you for your kind advice. I am on first round so I am learning as I go along how to manage side effects and advice from others who have experienced similar is invaluable. I feel like such a wimp when I read what others have been through, especially the ladies with young children. I think you are all amazing and with your support I feel I can get through this xxxx
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So sorry everyone is going through this… I’ve been reading and dipping in & out for a while now actually before I was even diagnosed I rang the helpline on here which was a comfort to me.
I’m 39, triple negative I’ve been on 12 rounds of taxol including 4 of carbolplatin they tried 1 round of immunotherapy but my liver couldn’t deal with it. I made it to 6 rounds of taxol but did all carbolplatin I’m now on 4 rounds of EC I’ve had my 2nd one Tuesday. Worst effects for me is the nausea, better as the day goes on.
I’ve cold capped throughout, hair did shed but not noticeable on my head, leg hair, armpit hair & below gone, eye lashes gone but all came back recently! It’s so up and down but I just know in a few days time I will be myself again, I have to I’ve got a 3 year old boy and we’ve tried to normalise everything as much as possible because he doesn’t need this imprinted on him at this age.
Wishing you all the best of luck, I will have 2 more rounds of EC then an MRI, surgery & 15 rounds of radiotherapy xx
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