Hiya!
Anyone else starting chemo in October?
I have a left side HER2+ grade 3, 11mm IDC, Paget’s and 1 positive lymph node with some slightly odd looking smaller nodes behind.
I’m starting Docetaxel and Phesgo on October 1st for 3 cycles, then EC for 3 cycles. Then in the new year I’ll be having a mastectomy and full node clearance.
This weekend is proving to be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster!
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Hey @dilly! I’ll likely be starting near the end of Oct I think but I’ll know more once I’ve met my Oncologist next Thurs 2nd Oct.
I have Grade 3 IDC in my right breast, ER+ HER2- with 1 lymph node involved. Had a single mastectomy on 8th Sept with sentinal node biopsy and an expander implant placed which gives me options (DIEP Flap or Implant), once Radiotherapy is completed after Chemo.
How are you feeling about Chemo starting? I’m feeling sad and scared, but also want to get started with it as the waiting is the worst. We won’t know about the side effects until we get on with it!
I’m 49 yrs old with a husband and 2 teenage boys (17 and 15) at home.
Are you planning on cold capping? Best of luck for your first session next week. You got this!
Hi @Mairead_49, good to meet another likely October chemo starter! I’m 59 with adult kids.
I’m all over the place this weekend. I was desperate to get my treatment started, but now it’s in a few days I’ve been very teary and scared (probably very normal).
Cold capping: when I was told I would need chemo I decided I would prefer not to cold cap for various reasons, and was happy with my decision. But then I found out Docetaxel can cause permanent hair loss so now I suppose I should at least try the cold cap, although I don’t really want to! What are your plans?
How did you find your mastectomy? I’m trying just to focus on the chemo right now, but find it hard to process I will be having that surgery too as it feels like such a massive thing.
Good luck with your Oncology appointment next week x
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I can totally understand that feeling and I was like it before the mastectomy, like I wanted time to speed up to get it over with, but run for the hills at the same time!
My mastectomy surgery was fine. For me, I think I would be totally fine at this point (surgery 3 werks ago tomorrow) if it wasn’t for the expander implant which can feel restrictive and uncomfortable. I would assume as you are having chemo first, and then maybe radiotherapy (?), that you’ll probably have a reconstruction at the same time if you choose to so would’nt need to deal with the expander.
I’m goung to cold cap. I have long curly hair which is the thing people would generally notice first about me so I want to do everything to hold onto it if possible. If it doesnt work, it doesn’t work, but even if I lose my hair, cold capping can improve the strength of the regrowth and it looks like ppl get quicker regrowth with the cold cap.
I think the hardest thing is the unknown as the side effects can be so personal to us as individuals, so I dind I’m expecting the worst of everything. I read through the September chemo starters discussion yesterday and that helped me feel more positive as on the whole, people were fine.
I’ve decided not to have any reconstruction for medical reasons and I’m ok with that decision. One less thing to worry about too lol!
I think I will try the cold cap, because I can always choose not to continue with it. Good point about it helping with re-growth…I hadnt realised that, thank you.
I’ve got compression socks and gloves because Docetaxel can cause permanent peripheral neuropathy. I’ve also got cold gloves for the same reason, as I would really struggle to do my job if my hands are permanently affected. No guarantees of course, but at least I feel I’m doing something.
I’ve got my chemo prep phone appointment on Tuesday, so I’m hoping I will feel more confident after that. You’re so right, not knowing exactly how it’s going to affect you personally is the hardest part.
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Hi ladies,
Fellow October chemo starter here! 
I am 41, have had lumpectomy and SNB for IDC with high grade DCIS and unfortunately heading into Docetaxol and Cyclophosphamide chemo due to high Oncotype score …
My first round is on the 8th.
Feeling such a mixture of emotions about the whole thing! Mostly worried how my little one will be affected, as I have a 3 year old daughter at home and just don’t want her to be upset or unsettled about anything 
Think this thread will be a good source of support for us all!
Hey @rbf, nice to meet you.
It’s good to feel we’re not alone, isnt it!
I’d been checking for days to see if anyone had started an October thread…then I thought, blow it, I’ll be that person lol
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@dilly it’s good you are happy with your decision for no reconstruction, it’s nice that we have some control in this rather sgit situation!
I have compression socks and gloves but won’t ice my hands and feet aswell. I feel like I’ll be able to take a frozen head but the hands and feet might be a step too far for me. In studies, compression worked almost as well as or as well as the ice so I think I’ll take my chances with that one.
Let us know how you get on with the appt on Tuesday x
@rbf At 41, your younger age in cancer terms means the threshold for chemo is lower which may have put up your oncotype score. I’m 49 and that’s what my surgeon told me anyway.
I can totally understand the fears wirh such a young child at home too. I have 2 teenagers but they are pretty self sufficient so although I’ll worry about them emotionally, I don’t need to worry about how to balance it all. I guess the benefit is that your daughter will likely not remember this journey your are on 
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Hay guys
i’m starting the 30th so i know it’s not october but practically is!
i’ve been reading and getting some tips from the september starters but also feeling super anxious as the time is creeping up on me.
I have TNBC and only 35 with my babies 4 and 10.
getting my PICC fitted tomorrow and start Tuesday so things becoming very real!
Still awaiting PET scan results as had to have that saturday as they weren’t sure if in the sternum area there was a lympth they weren’t sure about.
So now terrified what this will uncover!
But we’ve got this and can help each other!
I’m also going to attempt the cold cap i have to give it ago more so for my girls as visually i think my hair loss will be the biggest hurdle for them!
Good luck this week guys 
Hello all for the October Club,
I see my oncologist nurse for pre assessment tomorrow for TC *6 chemo - all becoming a bit real, eek! Actually bricking it about that now. But on the flipside so over all the waiting. Prepping wise, I’ve had two vaccinations done so far - pneumonia and shingles, I get flu and covid on Saturday. My left arm is still dead from my surgeries and now my right arm is killing me from jabs. Trying to get dressed is proving tricky / hilarious.
I have had a lumpectomy and ALN followed by a margin clearance surgery as Phyll was a bit closer than they liked. I had IDC of lumpy left plus Phyllodes and 3 positive nodes. Her- / Hormone + ; so on top of BC they took my HRT away!!!
I’ve been quietly stalking threads for months creating the ultimate chemo shopping list. Got everything from lozenges to ice gloves Suzzi Pads (not really been able to do much over the Summer so treated myself to chemo supplies, how sad.)
I got my shoulder length hair chopped off last Monday, so cold cap should hopefully work better, but if it is too sore or doesn’t do the trick I have my back up wig - Barry! My hair feels in such good condition currently with the weight and treated hair chopped off - still weirded out when I catch my reflection.
I’m at the hospital at Noon today but can’t sleep. Tummy doing somersaults and stupid head won’t switch off. I just want to get the start date. I know TC is going to give me a superior kicking but I just want to start marking treatments off as done. Am I alone with the ‘just bring it on’ attitude or simply being an impatient patient?
My kids are 16 and 19. Hubby is fantastic, though hiding due to lack of HRT. I’m a lucky lady BC caught through screening. I was told it was cancer over 155 days ago. This has been a long journey so far … just getting to the evil bit. Looking forward to having people on the same path to laugh, whinge and share with. Big but gentle *hugs
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Welcome aboard @slc1 and @lumpybyebye!
Good luck with your PICC fitting today @slc x
@lumpybyebye I had my hair all chopped off too, and cant get used to it either! Good luck with your Oncology appointment today x
Have you seen that Asda have an Adaptive Clothing range online? I got a chemo-friendly hoodie for only £20! It has zips on both arms for PICC line access.
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@slc1 hi there. I totally get the visual with the hairloss for the children. I extend that to outside of family too. I think maybe its for me an advert of going through chemo and I think I don’t want people to see me as a sick person maybe. I’m trying to mentalky prepare myself for cold capping not working whilst praying it will.
30th Sept is definitely valid for the Oct group 
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@lumpybyebye I stopped my HRT at the end of July after being diagnosed and also had to have the Mirwna coil removed, all due to being ER+. Honestly, as if cancer alone is not enough of a kick to the guts, we can’t have HRT either. Mind you, it is trying to kill us so hey ho, fuck off HRT. I have pre-apologised to the husband and teenagers for any rages which happen. So far its not been too bad although maybe a different answer if you asked them 
I had a single mastectomy with expander implant 3 weeks ago today plus SNB. Still struggling to get dressed and do things so there is fear about how the chemo will add to that.
Did you chop your hair so that it’s lighter and therefore less pulling on the head? I have long curly hair which I recently had a couple of inches off but I’m wondering whether to go to shoulder length.
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@dilly I saw this Asda info on another thread the other day so have ordered a hoody and also a long sleeve top! I’ll confirm on the quality once received but hopefully it’ll do the job.
In other chemo prep, has anyone had their eyebrows done? I had something called Powder Brows which is similar to microblading, so I’m glad I’ll have something there if I lose the eyebrow hair. I have also been loiking at ‘C-Lashes’ which Eyelure and other companies do. Also treated myself to a new warm blanket for home so I’ll take my current one for chemo sessions. What else are you guys doing to prepare?
It looks like I’m starting tomorrow too (dental stuff tbc).
Also going to give cold capping and suzzipads a chance as will be on taxol.
Re hair loss. I’m grateful it’s hat weather for out and about. I have worn “twat hats” for many years - so called because even though I may look a bit of a t@@@ whilst cosy and warm - the hats serve as a radar for t@@@ts - most people may smile, but when encountering a t@@@, they tend to sneer. So if I lose my hair, I’m going to ramp the hats up even more.
Not sure that helps with the kids though. I did see some chemo hats where people can draw their own messages etc - might help with kids? At bold beanies I think
X
Hey there @buggeringon, welcome and good luck for tomorrow x
@Mairead_49…preparations: over the last couple of days I’ve packed a ‘go bag’ in case I need to go into hospital quickly. I’m also sorting out a basket for stuff to keep at hand at home, like a thermometer, lip balm, etc. I bought a very soft jersey beanie and baseball cap so if my head starts to look moth-eaten I’ve already got something. If my hair gets very tatty I’ve already decided I’m going to shave it off.
I’m waiting for my chemo prep appointment tomorrow to get advice about which laxatives, diarrhoea treatments, mouthwash, etc to buy.
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I think that’s half the battle visually i don’t want people to give me the head tilt!
but oh well this is our club now and we have to embrace and try and remain as positive as we can.
I’ve had my line in this morning and that was actually totally fine.
Turns out i knew the two nurses which helped calm me.
Now to prepare for tomorrow.
Have a good day everyone or try!!!
Take care xxx
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Hiya Guys.
I was diagnosed with IDC with Lymph environment. I had my surgery 22nd August, lumpectomy with Axillary clearance. My Pathology report showed the tumor was removed with clear margins and 10/14 lymph had cancer. I am ER/PR+ HER2-
I am 37 with a 14 and 7 year old.
I have my first Oncologist appointment Oct 1st so I am hoping to be an October starter. I had an ECO last week and they said they will make sure the results get to my oncologist ready for my appointment.
On the 1st appointment with oncology will everything be discussed and start date? Or what does get discussed?
Read all the messages you have put and it’s quite a lot to take in (or gone over my head) as I don’t know anything about the medication etc yet.
I do know I will give Cold Cap a go, but will have to see how it goes I guess.
We are all strong ladies and we are all going to Smash it 
x
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Hi @kjg, welcome and good luck for your Oncology appointment on Wednesday x
At mine, the Oncologist went through which chemo and targetted drug therapy I would be having and explained why. They went through the side effects and also gave me print outs for each drug.
I wasnt given a start date, but I think that may differ from hospital to hospital.
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@kjg welcome! I have my first Oncology appt a day after you on Thursday so it would be good to hear how you get on. From what the surgeon told me, the Oncologist will tell me what regime I’ll be on incl which drugs, and then he will send over the prescription for that to the Oncology team, who will then take it all forwards and I’ll then get a date when I am seen by the Oncology team. My Oncologist is in Bath whereas my local hospital is elsewhere so whether that’s why it will be this way or this is normal I don’t know - but it’s usually the nursing team (Oncology nurses in this case) that do all the appointments etc so it makes sense to me.
I’ve found it helpful to read some of the previous few months Chemo starter chats as they are ahead of us in time. It’s been good to see that overall, people tend to have a better experience than they fear. Let’s hope that’s true for us all!
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