This is the first time I have posted on the site. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind with all the decision to make. Because I don’t have children I’ve just been through fertility, & had 12 eggs fertilised today, which is brilliant news!! The next step is chemo, which I start in Monday. Think it’s just the constant trips to the hospital that has done my head in, but once the chemo starts I should get into a routine.
I was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer & triple negative receptors. I definitely didn’t want a mastectomy, understand it made still come to that.
Not really sure what to expect Monday, anyone got any advice or helpful tips?
Hi Donna, welcome! Not the place you want to be. There is a thread “starting chemo in July” which you should find in the “latest post” section. There are quite a few of us, I am due my first tomorrow. Everyone is great and will cyber support you, and you will know you are not alone. Lots of tips and advice on here x
Jen
It’s like riding a tidal wave of appointments, scans, pokings, proddings, needles, jargon, emotions, fear etc. And you’re right - once you start the chemo you will get more settled into a routine. It really does feel a bit better then as you feel as though you’ve regained a bit of control
What chemo are you having? No real advice apart from it’s really not as bad as you think it’s going to be. I went out panic-buying (pyjamas, wigs, scarves, sick buckets!) as honestly thought I was going to be bedbound for 4 months! But I haven’t had bad side effects at all from my first set of drugs (switching to new ones in 2 weeks). My worst ones have been from the steroids which have given me serious munchies, so I’ve tried to stock up on healthy treats…but really it’s only the naughty ones that appeal!! And apart from a few days after chemo when my sleep pattern’s all over the place due to the steroids, I feel pretty much normal and go out to meet friends, out for dinner, shopping, walking my dog etc. Just sleepier than normal…
Are you having chemo prior to surgery (I am). And great news that you were able to harvest some eggs. I couldn’t do that as my tumour is sensitive to oestrogen so it would have been really dangerous for me. So I just have to hope that I’m not forced through an early menopause.
Hope it all goes well - and we’re here (alongside the helpline, your breast care nurse, oncologist etc) to answer any worries or questions you have. Makes a big difference when you’re asking people who are actually going through it!!
I am having chemo first, told consultant I didn’t want a mastectomy if at all possible, I like my boobs, didn’t realise how much until I found the lump.
I went food shopping today, and thought about what you said about munchies. I bought bread sticks, carrots, celery, humous, ginger biscuits, ritz’s.
I’ve also read on the forums that cream cheese isn’t good, why is that?
Well I’m off to get ready for a night out with hubby, our wedding anniversary today!!! Going to eat some great food before my taste buds go!!!
Hi Donna. I’m just finishing mine. I’ve had my last treatment and officially knock chemo on the head on wednesday.
I can’t say it’s not been hard, it has. It’s what we call ‘do-able’ You won’t be alone as your oncy peeps will be there for you, and we cyber forum users will be there too.
Have a dig through the forums, and meet some of the nutters, and most of all. Good luck :o)
Re cream cheese! Ummmm…some people whose cancer is sensitive to oestrogen cut out dairy as there is increased levels of oestrogen in it (from the cows) - but there are views either way as to whether this is necessary, and many publications (including NICE guidelines) say low fat dairy has actually been proven to help fight the cancer. Again, as you’ve had eggs stored, I’m assuming oestrogen isn’t a problem. I’ve cut back on dairy (mainly the high fat stuff as I need to lose weight anyway - have put on loads since starting chemo 7 weeks ago!) - but am still having bits and bobs.
If you’re thinking soft cheese then that’s because it’s safer to eat a pregnant woman’s diet when on chemo - ie nothing that can harbour bugs as our immune systems are compromised - so no shellfish, soft, unpasteurised cheese (like stinky, yummy, unpasteurised bries, camemberts, blue cheeses etc), raw fish, raw eggs, raw meats etc. Again, I haven’t really stuck to this!! And my breast care nurse didn’t mention it - so I didn’t even know about it for a while! But that’s probably what’s been mentioned.
Congratulations on your anniversary! Have a lovely evening and weekend!
PS - Where are you off to in Cornwall? I just got back from opposite Padstow. Was so nice to escape for a while (even in the rain!). Going back ASAP! x
hi x
I am 39 and recently diagnosed with IDC grade 3 ER+ Her - Had WLE ( with therapeutic reduction) and SLN biopsy on 27th June. Lymph clear and CT/MRIs all clear but as grage 3 and younger am starting AC-Doxetaxal chemo on Wednesday. I am at Bupa Cromwell hospital as I work there and get insurance cover as a benefit. Having a portacath inserted this week too.
Scared, worried, anxious, sda - all those and more! I know I am not alone! Have two wonderful children 3&5 and a wonderful husband, great family and friends but there are times when you still feel alone. Looking forward to chatting to you all xx Special thoughts and wishes to you all xx
Hi there.
Chemo is definitely do-able. The only problem I had was bone aches three days after chemo which lasted only 2 days. The hair loss aspect is rubbish but it is amazing what you can actually cope with when you have to.
Hopefully Bupa care will be good. God bless and take care. Xx
I’m 33 and started fortnightly AC-Doxetaxel at the beginning of June. I had my 4th AC on Weds. I’m having chemo prior to op and so far it has been completely doable and I have had very minimal side effects.
It’s great that you have such a supportive network around you - but also fab that this forum provides support from people in a similar situation who understand what you’re going through.
Good luck with Wednesday. Let me know if you have any questions at all.
Thanks fr the info Lucy, I have been keeping my own notebook but this will great!
As I’m triple negative on receptors, looks like I can continue with my love a ‘philly’ but may have to run round the block the off load the fat content !!!
I’m starting with FEC for 4 cycles & then tax
Do I need to take anything with me tomorrow? Will I be able to drive straight after chemo? My hubby doesn’t drive, so wondering if best to take a taxi? He’s going to learn when back from Hols. Going to St. Ives. Just hoping I feel okay to drive down there!! Optimist me!!! Looking at trains as well.
How far’s the drive? I don’t think we’re meant to drive…but many do. I feel fine after chemo - just a bit wired and dazed maybe. Maybe it’s safer for your first one to get a cab if not too far/expensive. Unless you could do something like drive and get a friend to pick you up if you’re not feeling up to driving home?
I drove without a problem, but not the first.
I think we are all individual though and any air of doubt, best not get behind the wheel. I must admit that I didn’t feel right a few days after and should have left well alone.
Thanks for the advice everyone. Will leave the care at home tomorrow & see how it affects me before I decide for next time.
Been looking at head scarfs, can’t make a decision. Anyone got websites the do funky ones?
Sorry you are here - but welcome anyway! I am hopefully starting my chemo this Friday - its been delayed by four weeks so far so am itching to get on with it and get it over with, am planning on trying to work part time through some of it - although how successful that will be I dont know! A crystal ball would come in handy sometimes wouldn’t it?
Ruby.x