Anyone starting chemo in July 2015?

[joyce11]

Well that's the first chemo done - unfortunately they had problems with staffing etc and I had to wait 3 hours before starting -not good. I had the cold cap and after the first few minutes I thought it was okay and will continue - I had to ask them if it was working part way through. Now to 3 days of drugs followed by 5 days of injections before the next lot in 3 weeks. No alcohol with one of the pills -what a blow lol

[lalie]

Hi nico , I started my chemo last week Thursday. I'm on eribulin i went for my blood results yesterday to be told that 3 out of the four results levels had gone down . Did not expect this so soon, looking really positive. I had Breast cancer 2007 and it returned in 20013 to my liver and bones. In total this is my 4 th chemo and do not regret having it. Hope all goes well , All the best xx

[carolec]

Sperry - I'm HER2 positive too - was only expecting lumpectomy and rads but then told after op my small stage and grade 1 was HER2+ so must admit I did break down at that point.  Anyway onwards and upwards - I'm having 12 rounds of taxol, rads, herceptin and anastrozole as its also ER+.  Glad to hear it went well yesterday - very reassuring xx

[Sperry]

Hi july ladies. Technically had first Chemo yesterday but feel journey starts now. First diagnosed with DCIS in April then biopsy which indicated possible spread. Lumpetemy and nodes surgery end May. All clear aprt from being HER2 positive so chemo (paclitaxel with herceptin and later radiography) is the way to go. World not fallen apart yet but there have been tears but also lots of laughter. I am having 18 weekly sessions but no cold cap (my choice). No adverse effects from 1st cycle but Could have slept better last night if not for heat. Best wishes everyone. Ps I chose my name as Sperry I feel it is short for Sperenza the Greek goddess of hope.

[carolec]

Hi all just come back from work and seen how this thread has grown - hope It went well today Joyce and good luck for the 7th Ros - big hugs. Nico I've wanted really long hair for years but could only grow mine about 2 inches past shoulders - might go for the "lady Godiva" look but would obvious,y keep my clothes on - don't want to scare anybody! Mind you long hair would be hot in his weather! Xxx

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi Ros53 and welcome to the BCC forums

Along with the support you will find here, our helpliners are on hand with practical and emotional for you on 0808 800 6000 and lines are open 9-5 during the week and 10-2 Sat

I am posting a link to further information and support from BCC which I hope you will find helpful:

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/going-through-treatment...

Take care
Lucy BCC

[Ros53]

Hi Ladies

Thanks Nico for starting this thread.  Starting chemo next Tuesday, 7th July and not sure what to expect.    This is my first posting but have been getting lots of helpful advice from this fantastic website which has given me reassurance and confidence knowing other people are on this roller coaster journey.  Fiday is chemo talk and a visit to the Unit so Tuesday hopefully will not  feel so daunting  Daughter home this week so we are going wig hunting;never thought I would wear a wig so should be a laugh. I am having Fec x 3 plus T x 3 followed by radiotherapy and Tamoxifen.

Sunny weather outside and so glad had my hair cut shorter.  Sending best wishes to all and I am here to join the virtual hand holding.

xx

[NicoFischer]

Hi Sheena

I don't envy you the decision.  It's really not easy & in a way I'm glad I didn't have a choice, odd though that might sound.  Maybe phone the helpline to discuss?  Life certainly can be pretty **bleep**, I agree.

Hope you find your answer soon.

Nico xx

[NicoFischer]

Hi Carolec

You're very welcome to this thread.  I hope you enjoy your holiday before the chemo onslaught begins.

It's great that you get to see the suite in advance with your nurse to reassure you.  I hope the same will happen to me - not sure if it's standard.

Hair loss  is a scary thought, isn't it?  I don't think I'm going to try the cold cap, so I guess I'll be joining you in wig shopping.  Maybe something funky.....?

Have a lovely holiday.

Nico xx

[NicoFischer]

Hi Joyce

Very best wishes for your first chemo session.  I really hope it goes well & that you find any fears are not realised. At least it's the right weather for a cold cap! (That is if it's hot where you are.) I've heard that the PICC line is nothing to worry about & makes blood tests etc much easier for you.

I agree family & friends aren't always the best people to talk to, as they either express their own fears without thinking how it will affect you, or they gloss over the situation which leaves you feeling lonely.  I think it's definitely something you have to experience to really understand, unfortunately.

Sending virtual hugs

Nico xx

[joyce11]

Hi All

I will be starting chemo in just 3 hours - a walk into the unknown regarding the side effects - hopefully none!! Going to try the cold cap so not sure how that will go but have read lots about it - maybe too much. Family and friends not always that helpful really because they can't understand - "all you have to do is sit there with a drip in your arm". Apparently my veins don't look too promising so may have a PIC line instead - great. Will let you know how it goes.

[carolec]

Nico I will be joining you on this horrible journey but as I have a holiday planned for 23 July starting as soon as I get back first week of August so will bump into this thread if you don't mind. I'm having a pic line put in and it all sounds really scary. Going to go to the chemo suite b4 holiday to look around and talk with Ron, the very nice bcn so hopefully she will put my mind at rest. Benn given literature to read but the bcn said don't read it unless you get any symptoms cos if you read it before hand you will think you have them all! Gonna try the cold camp and see if I can keep my hair but not hopeful so next stop wig shopping! Xxx

[missmore]

Hi nico

I may be able to join you,  have a week from today to decide whether or not to have chemotherapy,  advice is to have it but I have to make the decision. Aghh I am in a quandary. Life's **bleep** ain't it x

sheena

[NicoFischer]

I have an appointment with the oncologist on Thurs 2/7 to discuss my chemotherapy arrangements & wondered if anyone else will be embarking on this unwanted journey with me.  If so, perhaps we can hold hands virtually as we go through it?

Best wishes to all fellow travellers on the BC road.

Nico x