Hi my names Judy, I’ve just turned 48 last week and I am about to start chemotherapy tomorrow. I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer on the 26th March, nothing showed up on the mammogram or ultrasound but I feel very lucky that the doctor I saw was unhappy with the shape of my right breast and did a core biopsy. That was on the 18th march, I went home that day and scrutinised by breast trying to see what he saw, that he wasn’t happy with but saw nothing different, they both looked the same. It’s quite obvious now that something is definitely wrong as the right breast is quite misshapen. I am so pleased that the doctor could tell back then that there was a problem. I don’t know a great deal more about the cancer, other than its spread to the lymph nodes and is aggressive. I am starting the first of 6 cycles of FEC-T tomorrow. Once I am over that, they will do a full mastectomy followed by radiotherapy.
I am slightly worried as I have never been ill in my life, the only time I have been in hospital is when I had my two children, other than that, nothing, no broken bones or anything.
ive been reading chemonights.blogspot.com/ which is a big help, I feel a little bit more prepared, I think half the fear is not knowing what to expect. I’ve been told that my hair will all fall out, I’m not worried by that, I’m annoyed as I have been growing out all the hair dye which I have had on my hair for years. i am now virtually all grey with white hair at the front. My hair is the softest it has been for years as its not fighting with hair dye, but I have decided once it starts to fall out, I will shave it all off.
my only other fear is throwing up, I detest throwing up, but I will just have to see how it all goes.
Hi Judyd
Firstly, welcome to the forums, I am sure you will find it a great source of information and support.
I’m sorry to read of your diagnosis, the first few days and weeks are always difficult when coming to terms with things and getting to grips with your treatment plans, etc.
As well as the support you will receive on the forums you might find it helpful to order the BCC resources pack. It has been specifically designed for those newly diagnosed and contains information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available. If you would like to order a copy just follow the link bellow:-
Also, do give the helpline a ring if you need any further support or information. They’re on 0808 800 6000. Open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 10-2 Saturday.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Judyd
There are a lot of ladies going through the same chemo regime as you including myself. I start my second cycle of Fec-t next week.
I think the unknown is the big worry, but it’s not so bad and very doable. Take all the anti sick meds you get and drink plenty. I wasn’t sick just slightly nausea s sometimes but everybody’s different.
please join us in the Awsome April Angels, we all started chemo in April and are going through it together,
take care xxx
Hi judy if you go to awesome april angels thread on the forum you can chat with all the ladies who started chemo in april i thought i would be starting in april and may still tag on the end have seen oncologist and just waiting for letter to start everyone will have lots of hints and tips and understanding of how you are feeling .I hope things go well for you i may still make it into april lots of love caz xx
Hi Judyd
I had my first AC chemo yesterday and haven’t been sick or felt nauseous at all, they try to give you sufficent anti-sickness to stop it happening but if you do start feeling anything sicky phone your chemo unit and they can prescibe other anti-sickness. I am also using ‘seabands’ that I normally use for travel sickness - don’t know if they are making a difference but I’m willing to try anything to get through the whole thing with minimal SE’s!
Good luck tomorrow and hope all goes well for you
Kate
x