Feeling really nervous about the start of my chemotherapy next week and associated side effects. I was told today my breast cancer tested as a weak positive for ER (3 and apparently 2 would be classed as negative), also her2 negative. Anybody else received treatment for the same type of cancer and have a positive story?
Hi, I just wanted to point out that you have post ed this in the ‘Ask the Nurses’ for a nurse to reply. Sometimes forum users add information but you may want to post in ‘Recently diagnosed with BC’. You may get more responses. Click the link and choose new topic.
Here is a link
You may also benefit from joining the monthly chemo starters thread where you can join others starting in the same month and support each others.
This is the link for May 2026
I wish you the best for your treatment. From my experience, chemo is not as bad as you may think, it’s not nice but it’s doable. They will give you medication to help with side effects and adjust the dose if they become troublesome. Keep your team updated with any side effects no matter how small.
Take care
2 Likes
Thanks so much for this I really appreciate it 
1 Like
Hi @tm89 ,
Thanks for posting on our forum.
We hope to be able to respond to you soon.
In the meantime our helpline is open until 4pm today.
If you do phone our helpline, please let us know that you have asked a question on our forum so that we know your query has been answered, thank you.
Best wishes,
Charlotte
Ask Our Nurses service coordinator
Please read the disclaimer
Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
Hello tm89,
Thanks for your post. It’s understandable that you’re nervous about starting chemotherapy and it’s associated side effects.
As @naughty_boob has suggested, you may find further support from the forum users, under the section ‘recently diagnosed with breast cancer.’ The chemotherapy monthly threads on the forum are useful to connect with people who started chemotherapy at a similar time.
@naughty_boob also stated, your treatment team will give you medication and to help manage any side effects and the staff on the chemotherapy unit will talk you through what to expect and how to take the medications provided..
You should be given a 24-hour number to contact staff about any side effects (often called acute oncology), who can then support you to help manage them. Before each cycle of chemotherapy, you’ll have an assessment on how you’re feeling and regular blood checks
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to help answer your questions, offer support and listen to how you are feeling.
We offer a range of other free supportive services which you may be interested in.
Some people may benefit from talking therapy, such as counselling, to explore ways of managing these worries and concerns. You can speak to your treatment team or GP about this. Some people also find mindfulness can also be helpful. You can talk to your breast care nurse or treatment team about how you’re feeling so they can let you know about any support available to you locally.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
Our number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 followed by our number and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
We are closed on English bank holidays.
We will be closed for training on Monday 11th May 2026.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes,
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.