Hey everyone! Had my results through yesterday following my lumpectomy, they got clear margins and no spread to lymph nodes. It’s a grade 3 IDC hormone positive/HER negative so they have recommended me to have chemo to prevent a recurrence. I’ve not sat down with the oncologist yet so back in abit of a waiting time again before I know the full plan.
Ec-t chemo was mentioned but I won’t know for definite which one I’ll be having. If any of you have a similar diagnosis to me how many sessions did you have and far apart were they?
Did any of you cold cap and successfully keep any hair?
Was anybody able to carry on as “normal” throughout chemo with work/exercise etc? I have 2 young children and I’m self employed so I’m just worried it’s going to knock me for 6!
Hello I’m sorry you’re having to have chemo. I had grade 3 Idc, diagnosed in Feb 25. It was also in 4 lymph nodes. I had chemo from June to October. 4 x EC and 4 x Docetaxel, each 3 weeks apart. The two types of chemo both have their own side effects and I can’t say one was worse than the other, just different. EC was more nausea and Docetaxel was more bone aching. It was hard but doable. The hardest bit was the mental challenge of keeping going.
Everyone is different and it affects everyone differently and I think when you have young children you have to keep going to a certain extent for them so it gives you an incentive. But it is important to rest. My children are adults so I didn’t have the same worries as those of you with young children.
I found that at times chemo wiped me out but with each cycle you get good days after the bad days before it starts all over again. That’s what I meant about the mental challenge, it’s like a rollercoaster.
BUT (and this is the important bit) you do get better, there are many good days amongst the crappy ones, not everyone gets the side effects and any you do get there is generally something your team can give you to help. Be gentle with yourself and except any help offered to you.
It is very doable and it always helps to remember why you’re doing it. I’ve read of many people still exercising through out and working so it is possible, although that wasn’t my experience. Again we’re all different.
Also definitely join the monthly chemo thread on here when you start. The support from others going through it at the same time as you is invaluable.
I didn’t cold cap so can’t comment on that. I lost all my hair 18 days after the first EC but it is growing back now I think non of us realise how strong we are until we have to go through this bc rubbish. Standing at the beginning of chemo is daunting and it looks like a really long slog but honestly just put one foot in front of the other and you’ll be through the other side before you know it Best wishes to you x
Hi, sorry you have to go through this. I had an old protocol 6 x EC. I used the cold cap every time and kept my hair. I did cut it shorter and every 3 weeks it shed a little,but overall it was ok. It grew back super quick. I worked throughout all my treatments. I was an Nurse manager . I would have a couple of days off after each session, then back to work. Mentally Ineeded to work. I had good days a day not so good days, but overall it was ok. Things have moved on since and nausea management is so much better. I hope it goes well for you. Best wishes.
I had a similar diagnosis (grade 3 IDC, hormone positive/HER2 negative). I had EC then Docetaxel every 3 weeks. Chemo is tough, but many good days are mixed with hard days. Gentle exercise and rest help. Cold caps sometimes work, but results vary. Accept help and take it one cycle at a time. you’ll get through it. You’re not alone.
I had a similar diagnosis. IDC grade 3, no lymph involvement but highish onco score so chemo. 4 EC and 4 paclitaxel.
Agree with PP that both had different side effects. Generally the pax was easier. I could go about normal business the day after the pax treatment (partly due to steroid buzz) whereas I found the few days post EC I was fairly wiped out. I have a teen and tween with ASN and found it mostly manageable. Worst bit for me was the filgrastim injections, I was pleased when that was done!
The cold cap didn’t work for me, but it did for some other ladies I know.
Thank you! How many sessions dod ypu have if you dont mind me asking? I lnow each plan is different I’m just trying to gauage a rough idea during the wait!
Thank you, its nice to hear from ladies who have walked this path already (although i wish none of us had to!!). How far apart were your sessions spaced?
Ive not heard of the injections how long do you have them for?
It seems the cold cap is very hit and miss for people!
My sessions were fortnightly (though I delayed one by a week to attend an event). I liked that as it got it over with more quickly. I’ve heard good things about the Daniel field products used in conjunction with the cold cap.
The filgrastim injections are to boost your white blood cell count between cycles. You are given them home to self administer. My husband did them at first as I was a bit squeamish but got used to it eventually.
I think non of us realise how strong we are until we have to go through this bc rubbish. Standing at the beginning of chemo is daunting and it looks like a really long slog but honestly just put one foot in front of the other and you’ll be through the other side before you know it 
Best wishes to you x