Good luck and let us know how u get on! 
@capricorn I totally get not wanting to do the head aswell as hands and feet. I feel like I’ll cope with the head better than hands and feet so I’m going to try compression socks and gloves and hopefully that will help prevent neuropathy (studies have shown it can be as effective as the cold).
@dilly @capricorn hope your first session is going well so far.
@slc1 how are you feeling today after your 1st session yesterday? Do you gave injections you have to give yourself?
Had appointment.
Information overload today to say the least. 
. Cut a long appointment short.
I will be having two different chemos.
1st chemo is xalled EC, 2nd is called Paclitaxel
These will be given once every 2 weeks for 4 sessions. When I finish EC will move on to the next one…
I will have a pre assessment with chemotherapy department and hopefully get a date for the next 2/3weeks.
I will also have Zoladex injection which will likely start after my 2nd chemo session this will be done by the GP.
This will take 16 weeks at least to complete. Then I will be moving on to radiotherapy. They said about medication after too for 10 years but can’t remember what that was. They did say the will discuss radio/meds when reach that point.
I now have lots of information to read, not for today as brain overload . So I can ask any questions with my nurse if I need too
Also had BRCA blood test done today too (gene test)
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@kjg thanks for that information, I’m glad you know now and can prepare better now you know exactly what your regime is. I look forward to tje same from my appointment tomorrow. Did you get everything in writing from that appt? I’m just wondering whether I need to write it down myself as I don’t have the patience to wait for a letter in the post that will follow 
I know you said you’re planning on giving cold capping a go, and now you know what the drugs are, there is somewhere on the Paxman site where you can look up the drugs you’ll be having to see the likely impact for hair loss.
Hi everyone, another October chemo starter here (I think!).
I was diagnosed in August with Occult BC (formed in the lymph nodes rather than the breast), which is also triple negative…lucky me!! I had lymph node clearance on 8 September, and am now recovering from that. I will be having chemo followed with radiotherapy. Oncology appointment next Wednesday…feeling really overwhelmed right now, so dreading the chemo (well, all of it really) but I expect you have all felt the same 
….anyway, that’s me 
you all seem like a very welcoming bunch so looking forward to sharing tips/insights with you all. Have bought my Polybalm to get started with that!! Kim x
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Hi everyone
Just saying hello! I start on 14th…been long delay due to blood issues, got letter yesterday and been very emotional!
I’ve got lots in my Amazon basket from other suggestions but anything anyone recommends please comment!
I’ve decided not to cold cap as I hate the cold and I’m going to shave once my hair starts coming out…
Anyways love to you all, I find this all so helpful just to know I’m not alone 
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Welcome to our new friends.
I had my first chemo today and it was fine. I didn’t like getting the picc line fitted but it was very bearable and means no needles for the rest of treatment. The steroids and the anti histamines made me sleepy and everyone is so lovely that it went quickly.
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@kjg you did receive a lot of information today so just take your time and work through it. I remember feeling the same when I met with the oncologist 2 weeks ago so I just concentrated on the chemo as it was first It looks like you are having the same as me only I am having the EC last. The waiting and not knowing is the worst, but before you know it it will be happening and you will be fine x
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Welcome to our new October starters, @loupy and @eddiesmum. Sorry if I’ve missed anyone, but I am maxed out after my first chemo today and am already tucked up in bed!
I’ll update properly tomorrow, and I thought I’d list what I took with me that I actually used, etc.
Maybe surpringly, but I found it was a really positive experience for me, and a billion times better than I had imagined!
@capricorn I hope you are tucked up somewhere cozy after your first chemo too x
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@dilly I’m so glad it went well for you too. I am tucked up under a blanket on the sofa with tea and a curly wurly. I also had a good dinner so appetite not affected yet x
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Thank you for the welcome dilly, rest well and look forward to hearing how you prepped for today…
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Good news about the picc capricorn…I am a bit scared of that or the port but either would be better than a cannula every time! Sleep well…
Welcome @eddiesmum and @loupy I’ve found this group so lovely and helpful already so glad you are here too.
@capricorn @dilly well done for getting through the first one! Hope you get to sleep well.
Oncologist appt for me tomorrow afternoon so will be armed with more info and a step closer to getting on with it all - the waiting is hard!
I started back to work today, 3 weeks after my mastectomy. I can work from home so it’s easier for me to work. I found it a good distraction and want to limit the suck days where I can. What are all of you doing re Work?
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I’ve been working part time post surgery, very fortunate to be in a good team, with supportive manager.
They are covering my work interactions ( hrt removal and general stress of the journey means I would probably shout at people being stupid or irritating !) so that’s a good thing. Also means I work when I feel up to it only. Am supporting them by reviewing docs, advising them where I have expertise on a particular subject etc.
Team and manager very clear that I must put my health first - so they are actively limiting what they ask of me. Useful, because pre op I kept getting too drawn into work rather than focusing on pre habilitating!
I really feel for those people who don’t have decent support or sick pay in our situation.
I suppose we’re all different- some really need the distraction of work. I need the headspace to process what’s happening/happened etc
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Initially the surgeon thought I was Stage one grade 2 and would only need a lumpectomy and 5 days radiotherapy so she signed me off work for 3 months hoping to get it all done in that time. I did work up to the surgery but my concentration was rubbish with all the waiting for results and appointments. That was 2 and 1/2 months ago. Sadly with the tumour turning out to be G3 and the high onocotype score, that was not the case. Now with two hospital trips a week, one for blood tests and the other for treatment, and not knowing how I’m going to feel and still poor concentration it looks like I’ll be off for another few months. Work is extremely supportive though and tell me to put my health first. The sickness policy and pay is very good too. I hope everyone is managing ok and doing what works for you. We are all different x
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Hey everybody,
I’m going stir crazy waiting for chemo to start on Monday 6th so I know what I’m in for …
I’m having 6 rounds of TC - Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide on a three weekly cycle. I haven’t a clue if I’m getting steroids, immunotherapy, injections or anything else.
The side effects ‘agreement’ was daunting on Monday and just WOW with some of the issues. I swore. Lots. Head is a bit whirly so decorated my livingroom today to distract myself. I have nothing left to clean or organise in the house. I’m certifiable.
Is anybody else on TC? Have you anymore info? Desperately trying not to Google the shite out of it. Eek.
Good luck to all who start tomorrow. Sorry I’m useless with names and haven"t quite figured how to tag on this yet.
K☘️
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I was going to write things down but the consultant said don’t write things you will have sheets to go away with today.
I have the print outs of all the meds etc to read through, but it was so much yesterday I will read these bit by bit, they cover all side effects etc in the information I have come home with.
He asked there and then about cold cap so said yes I wanted to try it. He also said that’s fine but if at anytime you don’t want to do it anymore you don’t have to. He said if you don’t do cold cap from start you can’t opt for it later on x
They said when I have my pre assessment thats when they will discuss the cold cap more and what I need to take etc to the chemo appointments.
Good luck for tour appointment today 🫶🏻 hope all goes good for you. Xx
This has info on TC if nobody on this thread is on the same. Don’t use Google stick to this sight from real life experience. Hope all goes well for you xx
@lumpybyebye I’m so glad you said about no knowing about any “extras” I’ve seen everyone talk about them and thought it was just me that didn’t know - I start of going into appointments so strong and then my emotions kick in and everything goes out the window
Work wise I’m back working full time for the mental health side to keep busy and also going running regularly which I will really miss if I can’t go! I’m stopping work next week and then will see how I am!
I am dreading chemo starting too and it’s the waiting that’s taking its toll!
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I was signed off work from the beginning of term as I work with young children and the infection risk before and during chemo was too high.