This topic is for anyone starting chemo in May 2025 to share thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment.
You can find more info on chemo on our pages: Chemotherapy for breast cancer | Breast Cancer Now
Hi I’m Emily. Due to start chemotherapy in may but don’t have a date yet. I had a local recurrence and although it’s er+ and her2- I’m apparently one of only 2to4% who get this in 10 years and there is no data or clinical guidelines so chemo it is 
Got to be honest I’m a bit anxious. I seem to have got myself a reputation for being brave and taking this all in my stride…I had dmx with diep reconstruction…so whist I let everyone else carry on thinking that I hope you don’t mind if I come in here and have my wobble. 
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Hi, im Trisha. Im due to start chemo w/c 12 May - 4x EC then 4 x Paclitaxel. Ive a Grade 1 cancer which doesn’t usually indicate chemo or radio but i have 45% of axillary lymph nodes involved, including apex lymp node so we are going tge whole hog! I’ve had single mastectomy and diep reconstruction in Dec 2024 followed by full axillary lymph node clearance in February 2025. Tbh - im a bit fed up being ‘brave’ and ‘positive’ and ‘coping so well’!! Im having my hair cut into a pixie cut this week so the shock of losing it is (hopefully) less, and I’ve ordered a couple of cute wigs which my hairdresser will trim to suit. Ive also been practicing hair wrapping in cute scarves!
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Hi Emily & Trisha, my name is Kerry and I had a lumpectomy for a grade 3 tumour and breast reduction in the middle of Feb. Originally I was told HER+ from biopsy but then this changed after further testing following surgery so HER2- ER+. I am also due to start the same Chemo regime as you Trisha (4xEC and 4x Paclitaxel every 2 weeks). They are planning for me to start at the beginning of May and I am just awaiting my appointment for pre-treatment checks. I too am feeling very anxious and nervous about how I will cope, the unknown is very scary. Hopefully we can support each other as we go through this process. Hope you are both having a good week.
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Hi I’m Kate,
Nice to meet you all. Even writing this first message, I’m already grateful for this group and to be able to ‘chat’ to people who understand.
I had lumpectomy and node removal in March. Triple negative grade 3 cells, ductal invasive, nodes clear.
Starting chemo 8th May. 9 weeks of EC (3 weekly) followed by 9 weeks of paclitaxel (weekly). Then radio to follow. PICC line fitted 6th May.
Taking it one day/appointment at a time and also digging my head in the sand, trying to pretend this isn’t happening for the next 2 weeks while I enjoy a normal Easter hols with my children, as I’m terrified of what’s to come in the next 5months!
@trishap1 I’m inspired with your organisation and planing for the wigs and head scarves. I’ve looked online at a few but feel overwhelmed with the choice and unknown of it all. I have always had long thick hair and I’m not great at wearing/applying make-up, so I’m nervous about being bald and also not being able to do my make-up (drawing on eyebrows and eyeliner etc) to a suitable standard. Sorry to sound so vain, I just don’t want to scare my children. We haven’t told them much about the treatment and I want things to be as normal as possible for them. I have also booked in with my hairdresser to have a pixie cut next week to minimise the trauma of losing hair 
. I’m hoping my hair is long enough to donate to the princess trust.
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Hi all. Really nice to speak to you all.
Go and look at Preloved reloved breast cancer and beyond…it’s a charity run by a lady called Jo. For a donation she will send some wigs and scarves etc. she’s lovely to chat to too.
I’m dithering about my hair. I was 50 in February…yay happy birthday me and I’m scared what to do. Pixie cut does sound good. But I just don’t know.
Kate I’m having my eyebrows microbladed today. It’s fine as long as 2 weeks before you start. I found a lady who does it half price for chemo ladies. It’s not cheap though but I decided I could lose my hair just not my eyebrows.
Trisha nice to find another DIEP lady. How are you getting on. I’m 8 weeks post surgery today x
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Hi lovely ladies,
I don’t have my dates through yet but consent signed this week so expect to start in May. I feel very lucky - this is Oncotype score chemo. Lumpectomy removed cancer (two surgeries as the margin was off) but because of score they’ve moved my plan for ‘mop up’ chemo just in case. 4 rounds of TC. Wig fitting at hospital on 2nd May. I didnt want to cold cap but consultant said hair might not come back due to TC…said id try it for first round as so insistent. Feels like a faff, because i want to get in and out with the minimum amount of time being vulnerable I think!
I have a 9 year old and I feel like I’m about to ruin her life for next few months by being not the life and joy I wanted her to have. As you can tell, I’m feeling really down at the moment but I am rubbish at waiting so knowing I have to do this I just want to get on. I remember when first diagnosed being warned it was the waiting that would mess with your mind!
Fascinated by microblading. I assumed you couldnt have it while you still had your own brows but now I must research more. Its that or transfers you stick on and I just know theyll end up half way up my forehead so I’ll be permanently surprised!
Anyway, love to you all. Xxx
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Hi, my diep recovery was okay. Im using silicone scar tape and its making a huge difference to all my scars in that they are soft and getting paler by the week. I got upset while stying my hair yesterday at the thoughtbof my long hair falling out so i got a last minute appointment at hairdresser and now sporting a very chic pixi cut! I’m loving it! Only sorry i didbt cut it short agrs ago! But at least i now know how ill look next spring when my hair grows in again! I also had my eyebrows microbladed a couple of weeks ago- stung like anything but worth it. Best my brows have looked in ages. Im struggling with the idea of being bald and losing my femininity but was joking with my husband that one moring he will wake up to find ive slapped a couple of googly eyes on the back of my head, staring at him. After 40 years together i may not give him butterflies but i definitely give him palpitations, which is almost the same thing!!!
Children are so resilient and although this time might feel your not focussed on her youre doing this so you have many more years with her. And your showing her strength and endurance as a woman.