Starting chemo

Hi all,

 

Im new to this website i was diagnosed in dec 2013 with breast cancer and its been like a whirlewind since then im on 39 and feel this has really taken all of my energy just to stay positive and focused which im sure is equally just as tough for whoever is going through this journey

I had a lumpectomy on the 20th dec 2013 and have just recieved the results from that fortunately they managed to get a clear line around the lump and my lymph nodes were fine but the lump was aggressive so therefore i have to undergo chemo and radiotherepy im very much looking at this as good chemo because my surgeon said it was to prevent the cancer coming back but none the less it will unfortunately make me ill and i may lose my hair

I think its the uncertainty thats scaring me really and i think i may be assuming the worst but its easy to i feel i found this site and hoped here i could find support and advice to help me and my family through this journey

 

Thanks for taking the time to read my story so far

 

Dawn xx:womanhappy:

Dear Dawn

Welcome to the BCC forum.  I’m sure other members will soon be along to offer you some support.  You might also find it helpful to have a look at the Chemotherapy monthly threads- there is one formed by members who began their chemotherapy in January.  I’ve attached the link:

forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Chemotherapy-monthly-threads/Jan-2014-New-Year-Newbies/td-p/800578

Just post on the thread if you would like to join and I’m sure other members will quickly welcome you.

You could also contact our helpline for information and support.  They are open from 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays.  The number is 0808 800 6000

Very best wishes

Janet

BCC Moderator

Hi there, You are in the same situation as me.  I had same op. Dec 18th 2013 and now follow up isgoing to be Chemo and Radiotherapy and I am also so dreading the hair loss etc.

 

I wish you good luck with your treatment and I am sure there are many of us out there with the same fears but we will get through it.  Must remember we are lucky to have been diagnosed.

 

Keep your chin up.

 

Denise  x

Dear djaz

Welcome to the forum.  As I said in my post below, do have a look at the monthly chemo threads and give the helpline a call if you’d like to talk things over.

Very best wishes

Janet

BCC Moderator

Hidawn and denise
saw your posts i was diagnosed in july aggressive triple negative had lumpectomy and needed chemo n radiotherapy just comin t end of chemo last one of seven next friday then four weeks radio
the chemo wasnt as bad as i was thinkin and most of the time have been able to do normal things even decorate my bedroom and declutter the house
i used the cold cap and kept my hair had it cut short at the start its thinner but looks ok no need f the wig i got cold cap adds to stay f chemo and could easily have given it up but worth it to just look and feel normal
i would not read too much about sypmtoms as there are potentially lots just see how you go and tackle them as you go i had lovely nails which i have never had!!! So some benefits gettin tired of it all now and last few months harder as i had docetaxel
for me keepin busy and doing the makeup and gettin dressed made me cope better days spent in pyjamas were needed but made myself feel worse
dont read toi much as this can make thinks seem worse im a nurse and decided too much knowledge a bad thing so only read what i was given and only focused on each stage
If you want to know about specific side effects and any tips on dealing with thenm will be happy to share how i managed it hasnt been as bad as i thought it would

Hi

 

Have been reading all of the posts this afternoon and just had to join. I want to join the facebook page but am a bit of a novice. Do I message on here or find you on facebook. I was diagnosed with dcis in Nov 11 and had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using the muscle from my back. In Feb 13 I had a new nipple created and had a reduction and lift on my other breast to make me more symmetrical. At that time I could feel a tiny lump on my original lumpectomy scar which my surgeon was sure was only scar tissue. This lump grew and last Oct she decided to do a biopsy. The result was a grade 3 invasive cancer so I had another lumpectomy on 2 Dec. Chemo and radio have been recommended this time and I am going to a group pre assessment on Weds and will probably start chemo the week after. I am having fec but the oncologist wsnts me to consider 3 x fec and 3 x fec t. She said it,s my decision because fec t has the worst side effects with the t being a 3rd generation chemo treatment. I,ve been reading up on it but don,t know what to do. My husband is against it due to the possible long term effects on my heart and nerve damage.

Thanks for reading.xx

Hi Dawn,
I’m starting chemo tomorrow,I would be lying if I said if I wasn’t sacred, but like you I am looking at it as good chemo as I have no spread either, I will still have a lymph node biopsy as I haven’t had surgery yet but on an ultrasound they can’t see anything.

I think this website is so reassuring for all us frightened women facing a tough battle, because in our normal everyday lives I think it can feel quite lonely especially if you don’t know anyone who’s gong through the same thing. I only know older women ( most I know have survived) and being only 37 I’ve found it tough and unfair- that’s not to say it isn’t as horrid for older women though.
I wish you well and stay strong I always console myself with the fact that there are worse cancers to get!
Lots of love Emma

Hi Dawn  - I had my op 29 Nov WLE and LNB and like you they were able to get a clear margin and it had 

not spread to the lymph nodes :smileyhappy: I start chemo on Tuesday 21st and like you am thinking this is a good thing - described as a belt and braces exercise!  I will then have 3 weeks of radiotherapy and then tamoxifen.

If I am honest, I have no real feelings about it - throughout the whole process I have felt very detached - its very strange!  I am not in denial I just feel I can’t change it so need to get on with it - in the best possible way that I can.  I am 46 but do not have any children.

I am going for the cold cap - I have decided it has to worth a try.  I have been reading loads on the internet but like everything we all react differently to things, so I have been preparing myself for what might happen, but in truth have no idea how I am going to feel!

I hope all goes well for you and I too am pretty new to these forums and think that they will be an amazing help to us.  Good luck and keep strong xx