Hi I am seeing my Oncologist for the first time today. I have just had a Mx with immediate reconstruction (DIEP) recovering well… I think, up and about, get to take the sexy stockings off on Tuesday as I will be 3 weeks post op.
I’ve had 2 earlier ops to try to get the cancer out but that was unsuccessful… I’ve felt really well throughout. I feel full of dread now at the prospect of feeling ill and looking awful… Anyone else at this stage? I’m based in Chelmsford Essex.
Hi Bimble! Loads of us! Come and join the July Junkies - the more the merrier 
. The thread is around somewhere - I think we’re on page 2 at the moment as we haven’t really got started yet.
Tamsin x
I found chemo wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I had various side effects including hair loss. Not very pleasant, but you just get through it.
They give you a huge list of possible side effects, but I think most people only get a few of them. If you look at forums, you sometimes find people posting who are having a particularly bad time of it. These are not necessarily typical - people who feel that they are getting off relatively lightly are less inclined to post, where as the unluckly ones really need the support.
So don’t assume the worst - it may well not be like that for you.
I agree Black Swan!
i was dreading side effects. However, they really have been so much easier then expected. They are manageable.
I have Fec t and usually have day 4 and 5 and 6 as worst days, ie tired beyond words, tearful, no appetite etc ( but bear in mind I was diagnosed as clinicalLy depressed BEFORE chemo) But even those days are not as bad as I expected!
one day at a time and baby steps…good advice I got from a friend who has been through it.
my advice is accept all help offered, rest and drink lots of fluids. And the most important thing for me has been to get fresh air!
and the July Junkies is a really good name for a great group - I have been reading their posts!
Wishing you all the very best
I also agree!
All I knew about cancer and chemo was what I saw on TV or films, and was dreading it just like everyone else.
However, it was all fear of the unknown, and absolutely nowhere near as bad as I was imagining. I am due to have my 5th cycle tomorrow and so far so good as far as side effects go. I am on the TCH regime (Docetaxel and Carboplatin with Herceptin) for six 3 weekly cycles.
My best advice is to do as you are told and not to be cavalier with taking medications to help with the side effects. Keep a diary of your side effects and tell your oncologist/chemo nurse what you have been suffering. You will get meds for it - so take them as instructed! Drink at least 2 litres of fluid a day, and this includes tea, which is good as far as I’m concerned! Have at least a short walk every day, no matter how much you don’t feel like it, plenty of fresh air and gentle excercise. Forget housework, it is unimportant in the grand scheme of things, accept help from wherever it is offered and if it isn’t offered, then ask for help. Rest and sleep, and listen to your body. More than anything, take care with hygiene and avoid contact with germs as your immunity will be low. You will need a reliable thermometer to take your temperature regularly. (The ear ones are supposed to be the most reliable)
I wish you luck, xxx
Sorry I have not been back for a while!! Thank you all that’s very reassuring especially the notion that people don’t post when they are not suffering too much…that makes sense… I will see if I can find July Junkies. I start on 25th July. Best wishes everyone.
I would agree with Lola’s post - very good advice! Don’t be shy about ringing the nurses if you are unsure of anything or if you feel unwell at any time, or asking friends and family for help.
I’m one of those people that generally won’t ring or ask for advice or help unless I feel like I’m dying. But I was feeling unwell with a sore throat, no temperature though, and didn’t think anything of it, just a minor cold I though. But I adhered to the advice given on my chemo card, and I rang the chemo unit who advised seeing my doctor just to make sure I was okay. Reluctantly I did (I almost didn’t because only emergency appointments were available and I didn’t consider myself and ‘emergency’ and didn’t want to take the appointment away from someone who might need it). My doctor sent me straight away for a blood test and I was found to have very low white cell count (neutropenia) so had to be put on antibiotics straight away.If I hadn’t made that inital call I could have got much worse.
Sorry, I’m not trying to scare you! That doesn’t happen for everyone, as other people have said. I just wanted to make a point about making sure you ask for advice and help, even if it seems like it’s for something small. Your body is going though a a lot, in addition to the emotional side of it all. So look after yourself, and be patient with yourself too:)