Hi, newly diagnosed, invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 2 ER positive and HER2 positive with 43mm mass. My first chemo starts 6 February TCHP x 6 cycles then surgery. I am very anxious for the coming week and no idea what to expect.
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Hello @moonandstars1 welcome to the forum even though it’s the last place that you want to be. I’m sorry that you’ve had no responses yet, it can be quieter at weekends. I did not have to have chemo myself so can’t offer any words of wisdom however I would like to direct you to the specific thread for people starting chemo in February. You can find it by pressing this link February 2026 chemo starters . I’m sure if you post there, you’ll get support from others who are also in the same position as you. I wish you the very best of luck with the forthcoming treatment, I hope it will be more doable than you fear.
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Hello @moonandstars1 welcome to the club non of us wanted to join 
There are some great posts here and so much support. Another great thread to read through is Chemotherapy positive stories please 
Big hugs
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Thank you @foxgem
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I was where you are now a year ago. The 6 cycles of TCHP whilst unkind at times, it was doable. Once I got into the rhythm of it I knew what to expect and how best to manage side-effects. I opted further a PICC line as I knew I was difficult to bleed and cannulate. I didn’t cold cap.
I found the HER2+ and need some buddies thread invaluable. It’s a long read but covers everything. Ours is a long treatment path so it’s great to read that those before us have got through it. X
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Thank you for your kind words and support. I think it is just the unknown that worries me most. I know that everyone has different experiences and side effects and I am trying not to read too much. X
You have made it through the hardest part. The diagnostic period. The waiting, the unknown, the fear, uncertainty and the lack of control.
Once you start the treatment you are on the path to tackle ‘it.’ I can honestly say that for me it was a relief having that first treatment. I came home feeling euphoric - it might have been the steroids but it was also the fact that it meant I could cross the first one off the calender.
Make sure you’ve a thermometer at home so should you feel unwell you can check your temperature. Your chemo nurses will provide you some anti sickness tablets and with a box of loperamide (Imodium) to take home in case you get loose stools. Also helpful to treat yourself to some Anusol Plus with HC - the local anaesthetic is really helpful if it gets sore if you go a lot.
Draw on the support you’re offered from family and friends but if you need to hunker down don’t feel guilty.
Reach out on the HER2 thread if and when you’re ready. There’s never a daft question and someone will always respond if you’re having a difficult day.
Xx
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Thank you and I agree, it will be good to be able to tick it off the list. Also thanks for the advice. Having port fitted tomorrow so starting to feel real now. Xx
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Hi
I am also stage 2 triple positive. I have had 4 cycles of chemo and Phesgo with two to go. In case you were considering it, I have cold capped throughout with no issues at all. I have actually lost a lot of hair on top but new hair is growing. I may be very busy but the cold cap doesn’t give me any discomfort at all. I believe I would have been bald by now without it. I have to say the worst period is when doing the Filstagrim tummy injections when I feel dreadful. I have had to have a reduction in dosage ( first dropping the Carboplatin from the second cycle onwards and then reducing Docetaxel from cycle 4) because of experiencing bad side effects. The problem is you don’t know what is normal. So my advice would be to let them know what is happening to you. Good luck and hope you sail through
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Hi moonandstars1,
I was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer last July. I went through my first round of chemo with two small kittens and a full camp schedule. It’s scary but it will help save our lives, right? I go back to the oncology team and surgical team this month. Hopefully, I can still get back to part of my life. Lol