Hi
I found out my treatment plan yesterday. I will be having 6 x TAC, 15 Rads and Tamoxifen and will start the first chemo on 7th April. Is there anyone else just starting out on chemo who is having the same combination as me or who is in the middle of it? It would be great to have the support of fellow sufferers.
Thanks!
Polly
Hi Polly, Just wanted to say hello and wish you the very best of luck for your treatment. Also, this will bring your message up to the top again and I am sure you will have some more replies. I am on 5th of 6 chemo treatments - a different regime. You will hear so many people say it’s not pleasant, but it is do-able, and you will be amazed how quickly the time goes. I think it is such a relief when you get you treatment schedule and can see the way ahead. I’m having 30 Rads after my chemo, and then will also be in hormones for 5 years. Have you had a look at the other chemo threads. There is loads of chat, fun and some great advice there, as well as the sharing of many experiences! Please join in wherever you like - I often write on “anyone starting chemo” which Dyzee started - a lot of us are getting quite a way through the treatment, but please join in! Very best of luck and be sure to let us know how you get on. You will certainly find great support here, and are in good company! (reluctant, but wonderful!!). Love Sarah.
Hi Polly,
I will be joining you shortly, haven’t got plan yet,but should know in about 10 days time. Expect it to be starting in April, too.
It’s scary isn’t it because you don’t know how you body will react, but lots of ladies seem to cope with it very well and I guess you just grit your teeth and get through it because you know it’s doing you good at the end of the day. Sort of " no pain, no gain" situation, to borrow the phrase athletes use!
How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?
Are you buying yourself some treats to help if you feel tired or nauseous?
I’ve got some funny films lined up ready!
Take care, and let’s try to look at it positively. Says she who may be shaking like a leaf on the day!
Ann ((hug))) xx
Hi Sarah,
it’s so lovely reading your postings. You always seem so positive and encouraging. Keep up the good work!
hope you are doing well yourself.
God bless,
Ann ((hug)) x
Hi Ann - What a lovely message, thank you! I do hope that your chemo will be as straightforward as possible for you. As you so rightly say, when the going gets tough (which inevitably it does some days) I think we just have to remember the game plan! This treatment is the best there is in the world and we are so lucky to be able to benefit from it. Will be nice one day when it is more specific and has less general effects on the rest of our bodies, but if it can mop up any cancer cells that just might be floating around then it has to be well worth it! I think we all have a few shakes on the day, or before or after, and that’s OK, my goodness we are going through a lot. But Ann and Polly, and anyone else about to start chemo, you will have such a lot of support both from the team at the hospital, and your loved ones, and from everyone here that you will get through it. And an amazing inner strength does come from somewhere or another to see you through the whole thing - not that you don’t get rough patches, of course you do, but I’ve had lots of great days as well - even managed a week at home in UK from Australia where we are posted at the moment in the middle of one of the three weeks between chemos! Must have been running on endorphins but it was wonderful. I started my chemo on Christmas Eve, and only one more to go now. Hope you two, and any other “newbies” can link up. We’re all here for you! Hugs to you as well. Sarah xx
hi ladies, i will know my chemo plan on 25th March so will be joining you Polly and AnnG. You are right Ann, Sarah’s postings are so warm and supportive. keep it up, Sarah it is helping me believe you me ! I have had depression and mood swings since I was 15 so bc diagnosis was another ‘condition’ to contend with. Communicating with everyone on here gets me out of myself and gets me focussing on other things and people. Good luck everyone starting their chemo soon.
Lots of love Rachy
Hi Ladies
Many thanks, Ann, Sarah and Rachy for answering my post. I’ve just returned from a weekend away in Shropshire visiting my mum and the family and have just logged on to see what is happening here and was delighted to see the replies!
Thanks, Sarah for the encouraging message. I have been reading some of your posts on the other threads and, as Ann says, you are always so positive. Good luck with the last 2 chemos!
Ann, I am 50 and my BC was picked up in November last year when I had my first mammogram. I’ve had 2 ops - mastectomy and then a node clearance. My cancer was a Grade 2 Ductal 25mm tumour with 2/25 nodes affected and I’m ER+ and Her-. I am married and have 2 children (married daughter, 27, who is expecting a baby in July - I am going to be a grandma! - and a son of 24). What is your profile as it will be great to compare treatments, etc when you get your plan? Sorry that you will be joining me but you sound so cheerful and positive that I am sure it will rub off on me!
Rachy, sorry that you are having to start chemo too but I’m glad to be able to come on here and find other people who are in the same boat so that we can help support each other through the weeks ahead. Good luck with your treatment plan tomorrow - at least it’s good to know what you will be having and when you start so that you can get your life planned.
I am now waiting for my wig appointment - as I have let my hair go grey I am looking forward to seeing what I look like with different coloured hair - it might even be another life changing event - this time for the better!! I haven’t really planned any treats yet but have 2 weeks now to get myself sorted with all the items from the top ten recommendations for coping with chemo that I printed off one of the other threads. Have you seen it, Ann and Rachy?
Anyway good luck everyone and keep posting - I look forward to chatting to you all in the weeks ahead!
Love and hugs
Polly
Hi Polly, Ann and Rachy
I’m Paula and I’m 35 (34 at diagnosis Jan 2), I’m married with two children who are almost 3 and 6 (boy and Girl)
I’m about to start chemo too, April 3rd 3 x FEC 3 x Tax, like you all i’m really scared but I’ve found these discussions so helpful. The inspiration from my of the women on here is wonderful, you feel like you’ve known some of them for years. I don’t think I could have got this fair without my regular visits to the discussion forums!!
Rachy, don’t feel your alone, I’ve had bad depression episodes since I was 19 (15 years) which was triggered when my brother tragically died. I’m currently on medication again as found this whole BC dx and journey difficult to handle - YOU CAN’T HELP WHO YOU ARE!!!, and if thats what happens it happens - just believe in yourself that you are strong and will get through this. Like Sarah said it is all do-able and you will find strength you thought you never had.
Polly so pleased you will have a new grandchild to look forward too, my mum told me recently that grandkids are more fun, because as a grandparent you have more time and less pressure to be able to watch them grow up
Ann - keep us posted about your treatment plan.
WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER
Love and hugs to you all,
Paula xxx
Ann - keep us posted about your treatment plan
Hi Ladies,
May I join?
I am due to start on Monday 31st 3 FEC, 3tax, I don’t know yet how many rads, 25 Herceptin and 5 years on Tamoxifen Yeah!!!
I was diagnosed by accident/luck whatever you want to call it, as I was told the lump I found was a bit of fat and that there was a second one. The surgeon just offered to remove them for peace of mind. I just opted for having them removed, for peace of mind…Little did I/they know it was a 10cm tumour greade 2 (don’t have the stage) Her2+. So two weeks after the two lumps were removed, I had a mastectomy. I have been coming to this forum off an on since diagnosis; as the 31st approaches I think I will be here more often.
As Paula said we will get through it together.
Good luck to you all
Sophie
Hi Paula
Welcome to the “starting chemo” clan! I look forward to chatting to you over the next few months - as you say, we will get through this together!
Yes, it’s lovely to have the new grandchild to look forward to and help my OH and me get through the next few months. I’ve worked it out that if I have all my chemos on time I should have the last chemo just before the baby is due on 24th July - just need the baby to plan his/her arrival when it fits in with my chemo schedule!
Do you have plenty of people to help you with the children while you are having your chemo? I’m lucky in that respect as I’m that much older than you and my children are grown up. I am not going back to work until after my treatment is finished (work has got someone on a temporary contract to cover my sick leave) so I will be able to get plenty of rest and enjoy the good days (hopefully there will be many of them!). I hope you will also have plenty of time to take things easy and get some rest.
Take care and keep in touch
Love
Polly x
Hello Ladies, Went to the chemo unit yesterday and will have my first epi on monday 12pm.
I remember it had a lot of tropical fish in it (the chemo unit i mean) I shaved my head ages ago so has grown back like a fuzz ball already. I am not having the cold cap as make the chemo session so long. I will be hairless. i have lots of hats and zandanas to wear if i want to. It was my second day back at work today and went very well. i think i can call this one of my better days !
Good luck to everyone with their chemo xxxx
Rachy
Good luck to all you people starting chemo. I have had two of my 6 EC chemos and due for my third on April 1st. So I will be popping in to see how you are all doing,. I think it is massively helpful to support each other through it and once it gets going, the time does seem to whizz by. Yes it is awful but you will all cope. Big (((HUGS))).
I would encourage everyone to look at the “Tops Tips going through chemo” thread as there are some fab suggestions
Polly, tell your daughter that’s it, there is no way she can have that baby until after your last chemo. Just be firm with her, I am sure she will co-operate!!!
Love to you all
Louise
Hi everyone
Just a quick note before I turn in. I hope all is going well for everyone.
Rachy and Sophie - how are you feeling after your first chemo? - thinking of you both and hoping you are coping OK.
Ann- any news yet of when your chemo will start?
Paula - good luck for Thursday!
Sarah and Louise - many thanks for your support, it’s lovely to hear from ladies who have already begun their treatment and are managing to stay upbeat!
I’m enjoying my last week before the chemo starts on Monday. I got my wig on Saturday so am getting ready!
Anyway, good luck everyone!
Love and hugs
Polly x
Hi Polly,
Thanks for asking, I am surprisingly well. I had my first FEC yesterday afternoon. No bad taste in my mouth. I slept OK ( a couple of hours of insomnia between 2 and 4), got up at 8 for breakfast and my medication, and back to sleep until about 11. I am taking it easy today, and hopefully side effects will be minimal.
I had bought most the bits an pieces suggested from the top tips thread and before going to the hospital, baked the “Go cake” on “can’t sleep after FEC” thead, sliced it, and in the freezer.
I was a bit unsettled on Sunday night, but we had a good laugh with my kids when they shaved my hair (number 6) kept the fringe. Took lot of picture, of my 10 year old son with my wig…
At the hospital the nurse was lovely. She spent the entire time with me as she is the one administering the FEC, unlike Taxotere and Herceptin where the intravenous works on its own. It was nice to be able to chat with her without feeling I was taking too much of her time.
Good luck to you all.
Sophie
Hi Sophie, Polly, Louise Rachy and Ann,
Good to haer from you and those that have started chemo (1 down only a few to go). Good to haer youe not feeeling too bad Sophie, and Polly I’m wishing you good luck incase I blip over the weekend. Went to see the cardiologist for my EEG today to make sure I’m well enough for chemo but she would’nt comment on my results she said the Dr would have to look at them first - these are the times that are so frustrating!!
Louise hope your third chemo has’nt been too bad and your managing to stay upright, you are an inspiration to me, like the rest of you its good to go through this with other women who are at the same stage!!
Rachy hope your still on the up too and enjoying work take it easy! I just hope I’m not too wacked out so I can look after my kids although I’ve a good network of family and friends who are around at the drop of a hat.
Take care - will keep you posted.
Love and hugs to you all xxxxx
Paula xxx
Hi Polly,
I’m glad you’ve got your treatment plan. I know my plan is different to yours but so far it hasn’t been as bad as expected. I’ve had 3 epi so far and haven’t suffered too much. to date touch wood I’ve coped and I’m due to start the tax on 8th April. I suffered more so with consipation - but prunes did the trick eventually.
just make sure you take your temperature and make sure you don’t get yourself dehydrated.
Take care and I will keep an eye out for your posts.
Sukes
Hi Polly,Rachy,Paula and Sophie.,and Louise,
This is marvellous that we can encourage each other through our chemo.!
Paula, I think you had your first fec today. Hope you weren’t too anxious and manage to sleep ok. Will look out for your reply.
How are you, Sophie?
Polly, sorry I haven’t posted a reply to you, I’ve not been on here for awhile.Been trying to do other things! My chemo starts on Wednesday, 9th. 3x fec, 3x tax,then 20x rads. hehe, there’s no way to make this treatment sound something glamorous! lol. I’m scared but steeling myself up for it.So many have gone before us and have come out the other side,maybe feeling battered and bruised, but they’ve made it! Heroines all. I’m praying for strength and a sense of humour to get me through.
Lovely to hear that you are looking forward to birth of your first grandchild. I’ll pray all goes well for your daughter.
I’m 52,and was dx with invasive lobular ca. on 20th Feb, just after my birthday! Not nice. Had mastectomy of left br. on 4th March.,and lymph nodes sampled. ( 4 out of 13 involved ).Have had a bit of trouble with fluid build up, but settling now.
I have two daughters,one 23 working, one almost 21 at uni studying fine art. Husband currently at home with me,and glad to be out of work so he can help me with the house. he enjoys cooking! Not so good with ironing, though.
I’m taking a good vitamin and mineral supplement to build up my immune system as much as poss., and trying to eat well.Also trying to go for a brisk walk everyday while I can. Get the oxygen flowing round! I keep wishing I didn’t have to do this chemo, as it’s not nice for the rest of our body, is it. One day soon they’ll have found something more targeted. Still we have to be glad we have something to fight it with. Did you see the new Casualty 1907 prog.? very interesting and well done. Glad we’re not living in those dark times! it was a bit too graphic at points!
I’ve got some funny films lined up for the days I don’t feel up to much. Haven’t got my wig yet,nor my hair cut! I thought I would have another whole two weeks, but they booked me in for 9th. Want to get started anyway instead of worrying about it. Had scan result today - all clear. Yipee! Thank God. Worrying about other breast, though. To have MRI scan at Oxford. it will show more detail. I’ll be on Tamoxifen or similar for 5 years.Having hot flushes with it already.It’s working!
Hope to be on here every 2 days, maybe more. let’s hope it’s plain sailing for us, and that we can keep our eyes on the golden horizon ahead, when we’ll be finished!
Hugs to you all, God bless,and sleep well, Ann xxxx
Hi Polly, I’m tagging onto your thread as my chemo starts Friday 11 April, 4x Epi, 4 months CMF, then rads and 5 years tamoxifen. I’m 51, dx 8 Feb after first mammogram, 3cm Grade 2 invasive tumour, ER+, HER2-, had left mastectomy with immediate DIEP recon on 1 March with axillary clearance, 2/27 nodes affected. My girls are 21 and 16, son 19, separated from their father but still get on and he takes me to my appointments. Youngest has GCSEs next term so I’m really worrying about driving for the school run. I’m probably off work until treatment is over, have lots of animals and they’ll hate it when I do go back, the cats and dog love me being home all day! Exploring ideas to boost immune system - manuka honey, raisins, walking… just been told about olive leaf extract and keen to learn more, but the oncology team have the final say on what should be avoided… I was very hostile about chemo at first, now just want it behind me! Lyn xx
Hello ladies
Glad you are all getting your chemo regimes sorted and got some dates in place. I had my 3rd of 6 this week and am on what I hope will be my last woozy day. The first one is the hardest cos you don’t know what to expect, and for those of you who have two different regimes (eg FEC and Tax), it will be like starting again when you start the new regime. As you can tell from other people on the site, we all get through it and out the other end
Good luck to everyone
Louise x
Hi Lyn,I see your chemo starts two days after mine and Polly’s is two days before mine. Thanks for comments, louise.
Sophie,how are you doing? You are on day six, i think? Hope you feel well enough to come on here and let us know how you are. Hope ok! Thinking of you. Hi Polly, how are you today? I’m hoping to buy some scarves/hats this weekend.
Paula, your first fec was on Thursday. How did it go. Hope you are ok, too! prayed for you last night before I went to bed at some unearthly hour! Good thing was I had such a tonic reading comments by FizBix, laughing out loud, that I slept really well! I read about the incredibly good effect that laughter has on our immune system, bringing neutrophils back up to normal levels. Now I’m determined to build laughter into each day, somehow! especially those days when they could be low. Can anyone recommend some movies to do the job? Not rude ones, if possible! I’ll even watch kiddies films, I’m so desparate to get through this chemo as easily as possible! I’ve got the old Pink Panther films lined up, but that’s all.
I know! Laurel and Hardie!! It does the trick for me, I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea! See if we can get hold of some from charity shop.
Anyone else up for the “Laughter Trial - A slightly random exploration into the potential good effects of funny movies on the depressed immune systems of chemo patients!!”
And let’s start a list of favourite funny movies you would recommend…with a brief description, and a rating of it’s laughter- producing factor.One star = raises a few giggles. 2 stars = laugh out loud. 3 stars = side splittingly funny! Preferably films that are rated 15 or under,to avoid the “cringe-factor” for those of us, like me, who are not keen on explicit bedroom scenes, swearing, etc. Is that ok? Anyone with me on this? It’ll distract us a bit during this time and may actually do us a whole lot of good!! I’ll pray for a good sense of humour for us as a group going through this together, and then let’s line up the movies ready for the appropriate week for each of us and give it a go, and see what happens! I feel positive about it already! Hope I’m not proved wrong!! let me know what you think, and any further suggestions, like You Tube clips.
For a quick 10 min laugh, I recommend a clip on You Tube, called " The difference between men and women’s brains" by Gungor. It’s so funny, and true. ; )
Have a great day everyone. catch up with you later. Hoping to go for a walk while the sun is shining! Love, Ann XXXXX