Hi all. I’m Jenny and just had my chemo start date of 3rd Nov. I thought I would start a November thread as there isn’t one yet. I had a mastectomy in Aug followed by an axillary clearance in Sept. I had two grade 2 tumors and I had one positive lymph node. Feeling pretty well recovered after my surgery. Just a bit or cording left but the physio has really helped. I have 6 cycles planned. 3 of EC and 3 of Docetaxel. I will also have Goserelin (Zoladex) whilst having chemo. Just want it to start now so I can get it over with. Hope everyone else is doing ok.
Hi I had joined the October thread but start the 27th. I am having 3 EC and 3 docetaxol too. I had my lump out and 2 lymph nodes ( negative) but my onco dx test on my lump showed high risk of re occurrence so now I’ve got all this coming.
I went to see the chemo ward today. Had even more bloods and checked for Monday. I did have a cry there. The lady was lovely and said she understands it’s overwhelming. X
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Hi all, I’m Keely - I’ve been lurking around the Oct25 thread too picking up tips. Had my first oncology appt today so looking like I’ll be starting in the next 2-3 weeks.
I’ve got a 42mm Grade 3 HER2-positive ER-borderline tumour so have the joys of chemo before surgery - 3 x 2 weekly EC then 12 x weekly Paclitaxel w 3 weekly Phesgo.
Trying to get as much ready at home to make things easier before starting treatment - have 2 daughters (5&8) so hoping to keep as much as possible normal for them!
How are you all recovering after surgery? x
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How have you been with your daughters ? My boys are 7 and 10 and it’s so hard. My 7 year old hasn’t let me lie down at night with him all week and then he said the reason is because he doesn’t want to catch cancer like you do a cold!!! You think they are fine then boom something like that is said ! X
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Aww that’s got to be so tough!
Mine are doing ok at the moment but I think it’s still quite an abstract concept for them as I haven’t started any treatment yet so nothing has really changed for them.
One thing we did find helped was we watched the Operation Ouch (BBC) special “Let’s talk about cancer” together - they explain it brilliantly for kids and go through all the different treatment stages. They make a point of explaining that you can’t catch it so might help your boys xx
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Yes thank you that would absolutely help. But I will cry my eyes out. Even reading that has started me. It’s all important though isn’t it and has to be done. Thank you for sharing the show. We will watch it. X
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Hi @jenhopeful our story’s sound similar I had single mastectomy on 7th October will be starting chemo in dec I had 3 tumours in the end grade 2 ER/PR+ and HER2 negative I believe and 4 out of 17 nodes positive, I’m keen to find out what my chemo regime will be, are you having yours every 2 weeks?
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Hi @emilyxxx
They have said my chemo will be every 21 days. 3 cycles of EC followed by 3 cycles of Docetaxel. Then radiotherapy afterwards. They have also said I will have the hormone therapy during my chemo rather than afterwards. I worked out last night that I should be finished with radiotherapy by mid March and I’ll continue with the hormone therapy for 10 years. Hope you are recovering well after your mastectomy and axillary clearance. I still have a bit of cording but generally the recovery has not been as bad as I expected. It’s the waiting for results that’s the hardest part for me x
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Hi yeah I’m recovering well thanks had results last week so chemo it is for me just waiting for oncology appointment to find out what I’m having x.
This is what I’m having too. They’ve added ribociclin for 3 years after the radio as well for me.
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Did they give you a % that that will decrease it by. I’m sure she said 3/4 % to me for ribociclib too
Hi Well done to all of you, and take your time and care of yourselves. Not sure if you have cnsidered COld Cap, it worked for me, its uncomfortable for the first 10 minutes but although i only lost 50% of my hair it grew back much thicker, curly and much better condition.
I was advised to note what my normal hair shedding was, so didn’t panic when to me it felt like i was losing alot. I blame myself for brushing my hair too much, which you are advised not to, and please don’t be tempted to wash using hot water, or the hair dryer on hot, as this can damage it further. Following treatment i felt Yuk for the first 2 days so rested, i didn’t push myself and virtualy ate what i felt like. Whilst having chemo i brought snacks that i could consume with one hand, the other being attached to infusion. I’d prepare my evening meal before i left home. I don’t want to over burden you with too much. But can advise for you to check other starters in previous years for tips.
The downside of Doxetaxel, are brittle nails and a red dye line travelling from nail bed to tip, but then you can wave goodbye. You will all get through this, and the beauty of having cold cap going into autum, even with turans and scarves and wooly hats, your head won’t feel as cold. Wings are free and fitting sessions fun. another great workshop is the 'fell good feel better make up session, wonderful tips and a free huge makeup bag, but pos best left until you know your routine, I had my in the 2nd week after my 6th cycle. Love and Light Moonsox xx.
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@moonsox what a lovely reply and very helpful I’m not sure if my plan yet and starting in December but trying to get as much info as I can before I start, definitely going to cold cap but will have a wig and hats on standby xx
Hi all,
I’m 3 weeks post lumpectomy & sentinel node removal, I’m waiting for the results which are expected in November. I’m Er+/PR+ Her2 - Radiotherapy has been confirmed but not 
sure ref chemo yet. If so, I may well start next month.
Anxious incase I need further surgery, really hoping that’s not the case.
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Hi all,
I am due to start chemo on the 31st October. Had lumpectomy and axillary node clearance in September. I feel very anxious regarding the chemo, mine is AC-T regimen, 4 cycles each every 2 weeks.
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Hi all, this is my first post, I am starting chemotherapy next week. Just had a therapeutic mammoplasty for 45mm grade 3 er/pr + and her2- lump with lymph node action. Feeling well after my op and almost normal. Really not looking forward to possibly feeling rubbish and the hair loss. Going to try a cold capping. It’s losing my eyelashes and eyebrows which feels most difficult 
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Hi Emily,
Both myself and my sister still have our unused wigs. But we both made notes how it should be worn, then consulted our mobile hairdressers that once fitted if they needed any further little trim tweaks. Many of my friend bought me wooly hats which ihad to reconate due to wool allergy, but equally i was able to get some caps via Equine world, as this helps advertise as well. [yes my life linked to horses]. I do remember that i needed to sleep for up to 11 hours, and then found upon waking i’d missed many of the pst treatment ails. But one key factor the first time you have cold cap, yu may suffer a headache, a Tip i was taught for endurance riding is to take the 1 paracetamol before the procedure/before the ride, this prevents the post treatment/ride headache often through stress/dehydration. Drink often and plenty, but they tell you to do this and or so with the Doxetal - because of the red dye.
Contact me again if you wish, WE are a marvellous forum, and you will get through this. look to the future, I’m 3 years the other side. Love and light Moonsox xxxx
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Dear jenhopeful, well done for being so positive, wishing you lots of luck for your next stage of treatment, together with all our lovely people who are starting chemo.
Health and happiness going forward.
Biggest hugs Tili 
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@clareheloise I hope all goes ok for you next week I’m still awaiting my chemo plan once I’ve had my CT scan this whole process is emotionally draining! What plan do you have? I’m sure it will all be fine for you x
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Thank you @emilyxxx 
My plan is 3x EC then 3x Docetaxel, then radiotherapy. Then it looks like ribociclib, hormone therapy and ovarian suppression. I had my CT on Saturday and don’t know the results yet and currently waiting for an ECG. Hope you find out your treatment plan soon and doing OK 
xxx
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