Hi, I have j been diagnosed with basal grade 3 triple negative cancer on Thursday and start chemo next week. Chemo before surgery. I am dreading chemo, I still can’t believe any of it. Any useful advice and help. Very scared x
I am starting chemo the same day as you! I am anxious too. But it has to be done to enable us to get rid of the cancer. It’s a small amount of time for a better future for us. It’s the only way to think about it. I am having 4 lots of a drug called AC and 4 lots of Tax then surgery and radiation. I have IDC grade 2 with lymph node involvement. I am 44. It’s been a huge shock. Best of luck hope we get through it. X
Hi Sarah
I can appreciate that you are scared, so was i when diagnosed back in July this year. I had a grade 2 ILC with no node involvement but some vascular invasion so i was advised to have chemo. i started this in October and am due my 4th dunk on 16th Dec, whilst it is not a walk in the park it is doable. Just drink as much water/liquid as you can as this flushes your system through quickly and listen to your body - rest up when you feel tired, avoid all those dodgy foods like you do when pregnant and just have some me time.
It is a fear of the unknown but please join the monthly thread where ladies going through the same thing at the same time will be able to keep you going, i’m a member of the October Optimists and without those ladies, life would be so much harder.
take care Sally xx
Hi Sarah
My oncologist said there is no way my hair will stay and not to bother with cold cap, as looks like I’m having a different type of drug. So in preparation today I got my shoulder length hair cut into a short bob. I will have to shave it off once it starts falling out, which oncologist reckons will be couple of wks after first chemo session. I plan to take some books/magazines to read, my husband is coming with me for the first one. I believe the first one takes a bit longer (I was told 4 hours) I also have to pop in two days beforehand to see BC nurse. I do feel apprehensive and really wish I didn’t have to do it but I do - sooner it’s done the better should be finished chemo by early April if all goes to plan (fingers crossed)! How are you preparing?
Hi Sally
Have you still been able to work? What should you take with you to the chemo sessions (I’m thinking books etc)? Any other tips? Thank you appreciate it, good to hear from someone just a bit further on. X
Hi Marion
You and your fellow users may find the following link to the ‘Top tips’ thread helpful which our users have compiled over time:
Best wishes
Lucy BCC
I’m over 5 years past chemo but remember the fear sooooooooo well. I was scared stiff. No need. The process is a doddle. I used to go in the canteen and have a full english breakfast before it started.
Everyone reacts differently. I had chemo on a Friday, and after my first…by Sunday I was beginning to wonder if they’d given me the right drugs…I was feeling fine…Monday it hit…nothing too bad…sore throat, loss of taste. It did get worse through the cycles…but I was still determined to work when I could. My employers were great & I’d go in for a couple of hours…but then hit a brick wall. With hindsight I shouldn’t have tried to work…I was no use to anyone. I just needed my bed…
But it soon passes. It takes a while to get back to normal. It’s not a question of finishing chemo & rads and going straight back to work as normal. It takes a while.
I remember reading once that an onc had said ‘give me your life for a year and then you’ll get it back’. That’s about right.
Good luck to you. It’s a very scary time but you will come through this and before you know it will be ‘on the other side’ planning your next holiday.
Mal