This thread is for anyone due to start chemotherapy in September 2019. Others will be here soon but please come on here and introduce yourself and you can all help one another through this phase of your treatment. If you have any questions please post away on here and others in the community will watch over you whilst you are getting started. Once you are into it you’ll be pretty good at helping each other. You can also ask the nurses on this forum if you have any concerns. In the meantime, the top tip is always to stay well hydrated throughout chemo, aiming for 2 litres of water per day.
I finished my chemo over a year ago and doing very well again now. Here is my story which has some chemo tips on how I coped which were collectively shared from others who had gone through the same from this forum: lifeafterlola.com/
I was diagnosed 4 days ago with stage 3 BC which is also in my lymph nodes (2 I believe)
Feeling very lost and terrified but also feeling positive. I have a CT scan on Tuesday which is also frightening. I know it’s routine but still scary!
I have my Oncologist appointment on September 10th with a view to starting chemo not long after. They have recommended I have a mastectomy after chemo followed by radiotherapy.
This is all so overwhelming and I’m not really sure it’s all sunk in yet but I’m keen to get started…
There are more results with regards to receptors which I understand has to do with what treatment they will give me?! There is so much to take in and so much to learn but I guess that will all come.
I don’t even know which part of my breast it’s in? I didn’t hear that part?! I guess I can just ring and ask?
I’m sorry for all who are on this forum and to those who are about to join but together we will get through the grueling months ahead!!
Hi
Think I’m 2 days too early for the Sept issue but not letting that stop me…
I have my first EC on Thursday, I think I’ve bought everything (& more!) that I could possibly need to keep warm, look (more!) gorgeous and allow for the fact that at some point hair may go bye bye.
Not scared as such just interested to see how my body will react…its been an interesting journey so far which is moving up a gear.
Fairly new to this thread, I am meant to start chemo on the week commencing the 2nd of September: Plec = weekly and Carboplatin every 3rd week. I have PICC line insertion procedure due on the 4th so they’ll probably put a cannula on the first session. Not sure if I am going to give the cold cap a go. Also, I need to have a GFR test done on the 11th of September. I am really, really nervous and scared.
Start cycle one tomorrow ? Finding it all so difficult to reconcile what I am about to do to myself with the way I feel ie actually very well. Leaving work tonight was tricky- my colleagues are all so lovely - showered with wonderful thoughtful gifts.
Reflexology tonight though so hoping to feel a bit more chilled and less anxious xx
Hi everyone. I started my first treatment of FEC-T yesterday. Treatment and cold cap went well, but started feeling nauseous on return home and proceeded to be poorly through the night both ends!. Currently laid up on bed like a sloth and wondering if you lovely ladies have any tips/tricks for me. Am drinking water but cant get over the sea sticky feeling at present . Much love to you all xxx
currently day 12 since first cycle of FEC: interesting weekend - woke up on Saturday feeling ready to take on the world almost to the point of mania/ hyperactivity ?? Sunday back down to earth with a bump feeling dreadful and pretty certain I had urine infection brewing but no temp - all fitted parameters to make an urgent call to my unit only to be told “probably a touch of cystitis- ring 111”. Surprised I did as instructed only to have the lovely 111 lady check twice that this was what unit had told me to do. Anyway saw out of hours doc later that afternoon who confirmed I had rip-roaring infection; prescribed antibiotics and packed me off.
Yesterday evening, my unit rang to see how I was (good) I reported that my temp was 37.4, still had burning sensation and now also throbbing ear. She told me to ring my GP if it didn’t improve in 24hrs. Fortunately it has improved but the whole episode has left me wondering why they bother giving the initial written advice about when to make an urgent call.
Anyhow - today, my scalp feels as though I’ve left bleach on too long!! I haven’t bleached it at all but that’s what it feels like ?? - should I expect to wake up to a hairy pillow? Is this how it starts?
Hope you are all getting along ok- keep on keeping on xxx
Hi I’m Hazel and I started chemo in 4th September after an oncotype test came back suggesting chemo would be beneficial. I had grade 3 invasive ductal, lumpectomy in July no nodes affected. First chemo was daunting and took 5 1:2 hours due to staff shortages. No sickness yet as have been taking tablets regularly. Very tired into second week which even though I read about it didn’t expect to be so bad. Worse thing is my hair it’s shedding quite a lot after just two weeks and although I’ve cut it shorter now I think I need to get it shorter as I can’t cope with the constant falling out. Due next chemo next week as having 6 rounds of fec-t. No other major side affects as yet do fingers crossed but am prepared. Hazel
I had my first treatment of fec on Wednesday last week , I have to admit I was scared. Diagnosed in May and it’s just been a bit of a whirlwind finding out all the things that have to happen . First treatment I didn’t think was too bad until in the evening , overwhelming nausea . Have had a couple of really bad days but feeling much better today . Have to have a picc line fitted before my next treatment as veins too difficult to access and I have to admit I am a little worried about this . Really pleased to be able to ask any of you for advice .