Starting chemo in October

[Guest user]

Hi everyone,

Hope you don't mind if I join the October group too. I was diagnosed at the beginning of Aug, and have since had surgery (quadrectomy) with all lymph nodes removed. 5 out of 24 were affected. Have been told the cancer is a grade 3 IDC, ER8 and PR8. Also had to rush to have 1 round of IVF before I have chemo. Had a port put in last week, and am heading in for my first round of chemo tomorrow.....Am having 4 rounds of AC and 4 rounds of TAX. I cried a lot when I first found out I was diagnosed - but that's settled down now and am kind of ready to just get on with the treatment. Have no idea what chemo will be like - really dreading it. Got all my hair cut short last week in preparation too. Fingers crossed will be ok. I just wanted to chat to other people who are going through the same thing I guess.

xxx

[Jo_BCC]

Hi fifirosalie and alfie73

Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums where I am sure you will get lots of good, honest support from the many informed users of this site who are always on hand to give that much needed support. Anything you want to know just ask, there's always someone with some knowledge and if not, then there's always BCC's helpline where the team are only a free phone call away to offer a listening ear and offer further support.

Take care,

Jo, Facilitator

[Guest user]

Hi all,
Haven’t posted for a while, have had a very mixed week, which started unfortunately really badly as have developed an infection in my post mastectomy seroma and so have had to be on antibiotics since last week, felt pretty unwell with it and really really tired and the treatment hasn’t even started yet! Anyhow the week ended better as we took the kids to center parcs for some last family time before the chemo starts on October 12^{th. -} looks like we’ll be having chemo on the same day Ribby.
Have had lots of tears over the last week, I am so desperate just to get on with the treatment now and have also been struggling with the kid’s reactions to everything. They saw my post mastectomy boob at the weekend which was really difficult for them and for me to see their shocked faces, I feel they shouldn’t have to deal with any of this at their ages (7 and 10) and I haven’t even got as far as the chemo and hair loss yet………..I liked your idea about the cards for each of the chemo treatments Ribby I might try that.
I have been reading a really good blog that I downloaded off Amazon it’s called The Glass Half Full by Elizabeth Glasson and has been really helpful as a lot of her feelings seem to be similar to those I’ve been feeling..
Anyhow the long stretch of pre chemo hospital appointments starts on Wednesday in preparation for treatment on the 12^th. It’s nice to hear from all of you that have started treatment so far and are on the other side! I have an appointment with the ‘wig’ man on Friday which I’m partly dreading and partly curious about…I want to get my hair chopped off too before the chemo starts as well, I think it’ll help to start the adjustment to having no hair, it’s bob length at the moment.
Anyhow speedy recovery to all you who have had the chemo so far
xx

[Fifirosalie]

Hello all! Joining in as I see oncologist for first time tomorrow. Had mastectomy and SNB on 10th Aug (one node affected) then AX clearance (no further nodes affected). Original diagnosis, after two biopsies, was extensive DCIS, so was a big shock to discover I had two tumours and lymph node involved. Still not sure it's all really sunk in yet, but staying positive as much as I can. Pretty scared of chemo - mostly of more needles and generally being medically interfered with! A relief to read others going through similar. Have been told to expect 1st chemo before end of the month, so that makes me a pumpkin too...

[dragonbunny]

Hi All
Day 5 after 1st FEC and have felt less sick as days pass. Thinking of getting the prunes tomorrow though....
Feeling bit tired but not too bad. The anticipation and not knowing how it will affect you caused the anxiety for me - we are all vunerable right now but getting through it. Seems bit of a long road right now with 5 to go. Luckily veins OK so far.
Trying not to pull on my hair but part of me thinks whatever will be will be and I need to go with it and deal with it as and when.
Good luck Ribby and all who are comng up to it
x

[Guest user]

hello,

just had my first FEC today, didn't feel to bad at the time but now I'm home and resting starting to feel quite sick, but taken my anti sickness tablets so hopefully it will pass!!
Went for the cold cap too, wasn't as bad as I thot it might b, it's tolerableFelty worse for the last 2hours as that's when my body got cold and shivery kind, but f it works it worth it!! Was a woman in opposite more who I thot it was her first treatment today as she had a full head of hair, but no this was her 4th so that's given me some encouragement to do it again!!!
just hoping I don't feel too ill over next few days!!

Good luck to you all who are just starting

xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Ribby
Nice to see another Beatrix Potter fan. I think waiting is worse than having treatment. had my first FEC last thurs. Now 1st one over I feel "in" the process and no looking back.
Line difficult to get in. Nurse said it was cos I was stressed - made the vein tense. Soaking hand in warm water for 5 mins fixed that, so they will do it next time. Cold cap gave bad headache for 15 mins, then felt OK. Unfortunately, the machine broke down part way through treatment, so will almost certainly loose hair now. Counting remaining hair days left and dreading weekend.
Felt very ill for 2 days, then rapid recovery on Saturday, with steroid-induced hyperactive cleaning spree. Now steroids finished feeling more average.
So far, I would say its been better than I expected, though no-one could really explain what to expect. I thought I would feel ill a lot longer, so its great to be out for walks and seeing friends etc.
Dried prunes seem to be effective to avoid the dreaded constipation, along with lots of fruit. Its hard to keep shovelling prunes down your throat when you feel nauseated, but worth the effort.
Good luck to all starting this week. Let us know how you get on when you feel able to face a computer.

[Ribby72]

Hi to any Pumpkins out there..
Really bad day yesterday - cried so much my eyes were stinging... god i havent even started treatment yet!Got fone call this morning saying to go in on 12th October for my Hickman line to be put in, then if all is ok they will start my chemo on the same day.... God, this is actually happening isnt it? At least now i have my date i can start to plan.... i want to take Princess to the circus on friday so i can book that now...
Hope you are all doing ok... x

[Ribby72]

Hi Pumpkins....
Not a good day today - went shopping with a couple of friends while our kids were at a party.... It hit me hard when i was picking up clothes & having to put them straight back down again when realising i couldnt wear them (due to having zero cleavage - not that i had much of one before but at least a good push up bra created an illusion!). Sounds silly now, i used to enjoy clothes shopping but at the moment its a complete chore - thank god its winter & i can layer up & wear thick jumpers......
Also its hitting home about having Hickman line put in & chemo - i just want a start date!! I hate the fact i am living on a day to day basis now & cant plan anything.....
Anyway, i hope you all have a good weekend & for those who have had 1st sessions, hope you are doing ok....

[Ribby72]

Hi Pumpkins....
Jane - you'll have to let me know how the Hickman line is.... My mum asked would it get in the way when im washing my hair.... erm, i wont have that problem for very long mummydearest! 😉 You had me lol with the clingon story!!! 🙂
Children are more resiliant than we give them credit for. I found by telling my Princess (8) quite matter-of-factly about things, thats how she has dealt with it too. Her headmistress has told me she is an absolute credit to me...... 🙂
Raonaid - my daughter seems to think im gonna look like Harry Hill (i wear lenses but the glasses will be a permanent fixture during chemo) so i may just invest in some wide collar shirts to get the look just right!
Told Princess last nite about having the Hickman in, she got a bit upset saying she doesnt like wot the doctors keep doing to me... that upsets me as i cant do anything about it. But she soon cheered up when i told her it just meant i didnt have to keep having nasty needles in my arm....
We are off to the stationery shop this weekend to buy 6 large pieces of card. We are going to number them 1-6 & decorate with lots of stickers, butterflies & im sure glitter will appear.... Then after my 1st session, we will have a ceremonial 'ripping up' of the card. And again after #2, and so on..... Just my way of letting her see where i am up to with treatment & to show there is an end to it. After the 3rd 'ripping up' i'll be halfway through & on the homeward stretch....! Cant wait to let her rip up #6!!!!

[raonaid]

Hello all I had a mascetomy on the 23rd August with all lymph nodes removed. Due to start chemo next Wednesday. Wahing machine brain really sums it up. I do fall asleep but wake with a start usually at 3am after having some weird or horrible nightmare and cant get back to sleep. I had my long hair chopped off too today Tabithia, I asked the hairdresser to give me it. I felt a bit silly asking but I've had long hair for the last 20 years and did'nt want to see it all on the floor being swept away. I told my 5 year old this morning I was getting my hair cut to prepare for the 'strong medicine' (terminiology from Mummys Lump book). She was quite upset. She said like Rapunzel? I hope she'll be ok seeing me ill over the next months.

[jane_813]

Hi Pumkins
Had MRI scan yesterday. What a bizarre experience. Thankfully there was music playing through the headphones- but The Killers ?- Killers of the cancer I like to think ! After lying with my face down for 20 minutes- head resting on a cushion, I got up to find a big red line across my forehead- I looked like a clingon from star trek !. Also getting a Hickman line in like you Melanie (Ribby72)- on Monday.
Well the time came to speak to my son (age 11) about what's happening. So when my husband and I had gone through everything- which he seemed to take in his stride, I said "You know- Kylie Minogue had breast cancer- and she is fine now". To which he replied "So will you be able to sing afterwards ?". Hmm- not sure that is one of the side effects of chemotherapy !

[Ribby72]

Hello again Pumpkins!
Had my oncology appt today.
Slightly disappointed cos expected a start date for my chemo but they said they will ring me when they have 'found an available slot'. It was confirmed the tumours were Grade 3 & hormone fed but that 0/20 lymph nodes were affected so i am very aware of how lucky i am.
Have been told its best to have a Hickman line put in (eek?!) cos my veins are rubbish in my left arm (they cant use my right cos thats the side of the mastectomy) so have to go in as day patient to have that fitted before i can start chemo. Looks like its gonna be another couple of weeks yet.....
Was told i would be having radiotherapy too (something i was told i wouldnt need when i got my results) so i just keep thinking treatment/recovery time is gonna be longer now.
Just realised i sound like a right moaning minnie! Sorry! 😞
The nurses at the Windmill Unit in Blackpool seem great, they let me have a look round the Unit & showed me where i'll be having my treatment.... They even promised if i end up having chemo on my birthday (17th) they will get me a balloon with '40' on!! 😉
But at least i now know im having Hickman line put in, treatment of 6 x FEC, steroid injections & hormone treatment as the tumours were hormone fed (Grade 3).... & finally radiotherapy....
Glad to hear a few of you have had your first sessions & are doing ok xxx

[suzee64]

hi gail65 and jane813,tabitha-twitchett
thanks for the posts, i'm in the dudley area and having treatment at russells hall hospital. the staff in the team i've met so far have been very nice, and really do try to but your mind at rest and have been given a big list of phone numbers and been told i can ring any of them at any time i might need to talk.
tabitha, when it comes to revision just camp out on sofa, and do a bit at a time, i'm sure you'll get there.
in the post today i got a family history form to fill in, only gone back 2 generations and have 4 people who have had various forms of cancer and i know there are more in the next generation, makes for very depressive reading, but need to fill it in has i've got a sister who's 2 years younger than me, so now i'm also worried about whether it will affect her as well.
suzee x

[Jayne_m]

Hi - I hope it is ok to join the October group! I had my first FEC today and so far so good.. I had the cold cap which was fine, worried it was too fine so hope it works a bit at least. Chemo nurse said cap was fine as I have a high pain threshold (I do). So far the only thing is my hand is slightly swollen where the needle went in - having a portacath fitted in a couple of weeks so the next 5 shoud be a bit more comfortable.
Got slightly dull headache so have sent OH out for paracetamol and dove shampoo.
We will get through this and by Xmas we will be nearly there.....

[dragonbunny]

Hi
Thanks Tabitha Twitchett and Chascat for your best wishes (on the thread re optional chemo). I am just back from it (FEC) and so far so good (know it may not last....). Cold cap was OK and bearable so again it's wait and see. I think the anticipation was worse than the actual giving of the drugs. Tabitha Twitchett - Hope today went OK for you and you are feeling OK...
x

[Guest user]

Hi Suzee and Jane813'
What a story. You certainly have my sympathy. You have to be so patient, waiting for surgery. I think it is very understandable to want to work to keep as much normality as possible (and income). I had to stop, but am still studying. Exam in October and concerned i may do very little revision because of chemo, but OU very helpful. If I had nothing to do, I think I would feel worse.

[Guest user]

Hi suzee
I was just wondering where you are from and where you are having your treatment x

[jane_813]

Hi Suzee (and other pumpkins)
When I read your post it makes me think that we are living almost parallel medical lives. I too am having chemo first, and your appointments - give or take a day or two- are almost the same.
My experience with the CT scan was also similar- when the liquid went in I though "this is NOT what I was expecting." Not the most pleasant of experiences. I've still to have bone scan, before chemo starts next week.
Like you, my head is spinning with all this new information. One minute working away, the next - this. Sometimes I feel like I just want to say- "okay- I've had ebough of this- can I get my own life back now ?"
As everyone is saying....deep breaths. Lets all fight this and get through it together.
Good luck everyone.

[Jo_BCC]

Hi Suzee,

Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums where I am sure you will get lots of good, honest support from the many informed users of this site. BCC have numerous publications which you can access from the link at the top of the page, plus offer support days around the country. Our helpline team are only a free phone call away if you need someone away from the family to talk to, nothing is too trivial, just ask. 0808 800 6000, lines open Mon - Fri 9-5 and Sat 10-2.

Take care,

Jo, Facilitator

[suzee64]

hi fellow pumpkins, reading through the posts it seems as though most of you have had surgery first but i've been told my treatment is going to be chemo first. just wondering if any one else is going this route. heres the story so far.
found lump in left breast on the morning of my dads funeral which was the 10 aug, went to the doctors 16 aug get letter from hospital with appointment for 21 aug there i had mam. scan and biopsy, then had to go back on 31 aug for scan guided biopsy then back on 11 sept for results. which was invasive ductal cancer, and in lympe gland under arm, the consultant explained that they had spoken with onc team and had decided that it was best to treat it with chemo first, and that appointment had been made with the onc consultant and would need some more tests. on 17 sept had ct scan, the radiologist put canula in and said the dye will be abit warm when it goes in, that was abit of an understatement, felt like i was on fire lol was such a strange sensation. then had to have bone scan on the 18 sept so was radioactive for a while lol, then got to see ocn con on 20 sept.
at this appointment was told i also have tumer in lympe gland between lungs, he said that that 1 was inoperable as was so close to heart, but hopefully chemo would sort it out, so have got my pre chemo check on 5 oct and the first chemo on 8 oct.
at the mo everything just zooming round inside my head at times i feel just like shutting down but then others think pick yourself up you'll get through this, everyone at work as been mostly supportive, they even got me some flowers to cheer me up, one woman said don't know how you can sit there so calm and why don't you go on the sick, but i don't feel sick, feel better than i have done in ages, has not had any headaches for a while or any ibs flare ups. plus as i'm a single parent i want to work as long as i can, have already spoken to work and they are being very good have said if i don't feel up to it after having chemo not to worry just come and do my shifts when i do
sorry this is a long one and hope i haven't bored you all
suzee xx

[Teej]

Hey pumpkins! This is nice, to have others in the same rocky boat!
Alfie73 - I had underarm seroma drained yesterday (actually spurted as so much pressure) and the relief is amazing, although already I can feel a little seam of it building up again overnight. Why don't you see if you can get yours seen to? It only took a few minutes.
Ribby72 - your oncologist will give you all the details of treatment. I asked for everything in writing (although haven't had it yet) as its impossible to take notes I found. I got best info from a chemo nurse on the ward I met after seeing onc. She gave me print outs (from Macmillan website) of exactly what chemo I was getting and info on fitting a portocath - sounds like you'd benefit from this with your vein problems. You're right - not sure Xmas will be the same this year. My 50th birthday is in Feb - I think I'll be onto radiotherapy by then, yipee.

[Ribby72]

Hi girlies (Hi Jane).... well i had my heart scan - wot a performance!! Couldnt find a vein (my decent veins are in my right arm & thats the side of the mastectomy so they cant touch that) so felt like a human pincushion! ECG machine packed in while i was having my scan (thought i'd flatlined for a moment!!).... ended up being there for nearly 3 hours!! Anyhoo, was an excuse to treat myself to couple of new post surgery bras from M&S!! 😉
How do u pumpkins (love it!) know about your drugs etc? I have been told nothing! All i know is ive got an appt to see my oncologist on Thursday to discuss chemo & thats it... I have a feeling i will need to take a notepad, im a complete scatterbrain at the best of times!!
Alfie73, yes i totally agree - the sooner we start this, the sooner its over! Just unfortunate we are gonna going through this over Xmas & New Year (& my 40th!) but a huge excuse for not cooking Xmas dinner or washing up afterwards!! 🙂

[Guest user]

Hi all, can I join the October pumpkins too?
I had a mastectomy and axillary clearance on the 6^th Sept and am about to start the rollercoaster of treatment on October 12^th I think FEC-T x 6 and herceptin followed by radiotherapy. My life seems to be mainly made up of many hospital appointments at the moment, have just bought an annual car parking pass for my hospital (!). Still have a lovely seroma under my arm but hoping that will disappear soon…… Good luck to everyone starting in the next week or so, I guess the sooner we start the sooner it all finishes??? xx

[suzee64]

hi gail, i was dx with idc last thurs and will start chemo on the 8th oct, the consultant and breast care nurse have both tried to but my mind at rest but still doesn't stop me from worring. has my kids are only 14 and 16 and being a single parent you think all the worst things. i've already had my hair cut short ready for the hair loss, has was almost down to my waist, so at the moment it all feels abit strange.

suzee xx

[jane_813]

Hi pumpkins- the name seems to have stuck.
Firstly -thanks to the April bunnies - I had a wee look at that forum. Part of me wanted to see what they'd been through and part of me didn't. But I must say- I didn't expect it to be funny ! Especially you Pixie- thanks for popping over and offering support.
Good luck to everyone starting chemo soon. Hello Ribby72 (Melanie). I have my heart scan Tuesday.
So another week of appointments before chemo starts next Wednesday.

[Ribby72]

Hi girlies.... I have my heart scan on monday (tomorrow) & oncology appt on thursday so hopefully get a start date then. I had mastectomy on 27th July & for some reason was expecting to start chemo end of August. So the last month of waiting has been a bit anxious. But i will def be having chemo in October! Just in time for my 40th birthday (17th) - oh well, if i dont celebrate being 40, then i get to cling on to 39 a little bit longer, right?? 😉

[Guest user]

Hi,
Starting chemo on 1st October, starting to sink in now, having my eggs harvested tomorrow just incase!
Getting FEC-T 4+2.

xxx

[libby12]

Hi all I too have hopped over from the April Bunny thread, just to give you all a virtual hug and just repeat all what the other bunnies have said, you will get through it and once you get started it does become a bit better as Southpool has said. Tabitha and Dragonfly I also used the cold cap, and still have most of my hair, please feel free to send me a message if you neede any tips on using the cold cap, I had Fec and Tax. Love to all will hop over again to make sure your all ok. Lots of Love Elainexx

[dragonbunny]

Hi

Thanks to all who have hopped over to give encouragement and info. Like Tabitha-Twitchett I am starting this Thurs 27th. Will stay with the Pumpkins. Must remember to drink water the day before and after. Going to have my long hair cut tomorrow and trying the cold cap to see how it goes. x

[sarabee2012]

Hello October Pumpkins! Popping in from the April thread to say hello and good luck to those of you starting chemo soon. As the rest of the bunnies have said, it is doable and once you get into the schedule you will find it easier to cope. Not much else to offer in the way of advice except to say don't worry if you have down days - that's completely normal. Just go with it and it will pass. Oh and if you don't have a line put in and have to have your veins searched for on a regular basis (as I did) don't get too stressed and drink lots of water before you go to the unit. You may want to pee more but they will find your veins a little easier.

Hugs,
Sarabee xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Octobercats
I start chemo FEC x6 Thurs Sep 27, so am counting myself as an October person. I wrote a bit about difficult decision-making under "Optional Chemo". Had my shoulder-length hair cut short a few days ago to make the cold cap and probable big moult more manageable. This makes me feel I have already started as I miss my hair and think I look 10 years older, though my marvellous hubby says he likes it. Had a professional photo of the 2 of us done to remind me that normality will eventually come back.
Thanks to Revcat for advice about it not necessarily being nightmare. Like Dragonbunny, just want to get on with it now.
Good luck to you all.
Is anyone else doing this after rads?

[pesteringpixie]

Hello you October Pumpkins!

I am Pixie, from the April thread "The easter Chemo Bunnies'... and shall think of you as lovely warm, orange pumpkins.

Bc is a bugger and the treatment is a bigger one. but you know, it does pass so quickly. Once you get started, your life becomes very scheduled, you know exactly how you are going to feel on each day of your cycle. Our April thread, okay i am bias, is the most glorious one on here - mainlu becasue it is so blooming funny. Who would have thought we could have laughed through this? But we have. Okay we have cried and ranted as well, but most of the time we have laughed and just got on with it.

We have now all finished chemo and some of us have finished our rads too. We are having a terrific meet up at the end of October when we are traveling from all over the country to meet in person for the first time. goodness, we shall be heavy on the tissues that day. So i am sharing this with you, as vans, campo and southpool have said, it is do-able but it is not do-able alone.

Just a few pieces of advice:

1) Do NOT rush out and buy wigs. I did. Spent a fortune and bought 3 and have only ever worn one intermittently. make sure you get your wig voucher from your hospital. i didn't get one so paid over £300 for one of my wigs - with a voucher it would have been £60.

2) Ask for a line putting in, either a PICC or a Hickman. saves all the hunt the needle fiasco and protects your veins. Chemo is very hard on the veins and can cause them to collapse or harden.

3) keep ahead of the constipation. I know, it sounds awful but believe me, constipation has been the constant problem for almost all of us.

I have worked all through my treatment, by taking one week off in three, working part-time week two and full-time week three. For me, being self-employed, i had no choice but am glad i did it as it is so easy to become consumed by cancer world.

the other thing i have done is get into fund-raising big time by making and selling happy bags.... am sure each and everyone of you would like one. please send me a message and i will direct you to my website where you can read more about them.

Do read our April thread - it will cover all your questions and also make you laugh.

Good luck and much love

Pixie
xx

[jane_813]

Thanks to Vanns, southpool and campo (Hilary) for their words of support- it really does help to hear from those of you who have gone through chemo recently.
I've just found out I start on 3rd October 12. But plenty of scans to go through before then. I had a CT scan earlier this week- but in the process of getting the needle put in my hand I fainted ! Suddenly I was surrounded by nurses making sure I was ok- best place to faint I suppose. However I was in a room where other women were having chemo so I felt like a bit of a 'softy'- they were all absolutely fine- and here I am fainting when the needle went in !
Consequently they've suggested that I get a 'line' put in (??) at my neck (?) so I don't have the same thing happening when I start chemo.
Hope things are ok bistobear. Good luck dragonbunny and Gail65. Looks like we're all in this together at this time.

[Guest user]

Hi Gail65, Dragonbunny, Bistobear, Teej, Nic1970, & Jane813 - Ditto everything Vanns & Southpool have said. I am also from April Bunnies. Without April Bunnies it would have been a very hard journey as I am living in Spain and do not have the benefit of support from the health system as is in the UK. Without my virtual bunnies I would have been a very sad & lonely bunny. So keep talking to each other, hold nothing back and be there for each other holding each others hands.

I am now 12 weeks since my last chemo and 3 weeks from my last radiotherapy. Chemo is doable - not pleasant and some horrible ses (side effects) but you will get through. We are now all heading to the end of our tunnel and starting to live life to the full slowly but surely. Always be kind to yourselves and yes be selfish.

Now something to help you through your darkest hours or when you are undergoing a scan, in a waiting room, having chemo etc.

Imagine yourself on a very quiet beach, you are looking out to sea, the sun is reflecting on the sea glittering like diamonds, you can hear the waves, feel the sea breeze brushing against your face, your arms, your legs, you are calm very calm - welcome to Campo Spa.

Hugs & Kisses to All October Cats

Hilary xxxx

[southpool]

Hi

Like Vanns I am popping in from the April thread & would second everything she said. You are in the worst place at the moment, once chemo starts oddly it gets better, because you can control at least some of the little things. Joining the April thread was the best thing I did, we have laughed & raged together and it is fabulous to share with other people feeling the same. Campo's spa has soothed us in our darkest moments and there has always been someone on a good week ( and you do have them) while others have been down. You will all obsess about the same things at the same time starting with hair (when should I shave) and ending with hair (is it growing back).

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, like Vanns I am 6 weeks post chemo, we held virtual hands all the way as we had chemo on the same day. Tomorrow I am going to Turkey on holiday & last weekend I went to a music festival and danced in a tent for several hours each night! I am still knackered on a regular basis, have no eyelashes or eyebrows but my hair is coming back and I am beginning to feel like the old me.

Also if any of you have a desk job & need to work for your sanity, it is possible. I am self employed so had no choice, but worked on average 2 days a week right through treatment & it kept me sane. I was lucky that my employer was very flexible but it is doable.

Hang on in there, hold each others hands & good luck.

S x

[Guest user]

hi girls,
im just popping in from the April thread to give you all some moral support. I am now 6 weeks post my final chemo and I can't believe how time has flown. please take some time to read our thread from the beginning as it covers just about everything for your whole journey. it's also very funny in parts and extremely positive and not full of doom and gloom ( although we are very honest) we were all terrified at the start but it really helped to have some virtual pals to hold hands with as we went through. I couldn't have done it without the other April bunnies!
My advise would be don't be afraid to ask anybody anything. phone your chemo unit if you are in doubt about anything and be positive as you will have lots of days when you will feel bright and well. Chemo is definitely doable and the thought is worse than the reality.
Many of us worry in the middle of the night ( we call it washing machine head) but that seems to fade when you actually start the treatment as you feel you are doing something totackle your bc. ( we don't allow breast cancer the courtesy of capitals! ) this forum is a place to share your deepest worries with people who truly understand and unlike family you wont have to worry about upseti g them.
do feel free to pop into us anytime if you need help or support.
take care
vannsx

[Guest user]

Hi all I've finally been given a date to start chemo its 8th October. 9 weeks after my operation I'm going to mallorca next Friday for a week so I'm going to do my best to put it out of my mind until I get back (don't think thats going to happen though ). I'm having FEC-T four of each. Not sleeping well at all so hoping the break away will help

[dragonbunny]

Good luck Bistobear. Let us all now how you get on. I will be starting end sept probably and will also be taking a deep breath some time soon
x

[Guest user]

I start tomorrow - did put a post somewhere else about my jourmey so far = but not very techy and now cant find it!!! MX 1st august 2nd op 21st August remove remainder of lymph nodes. 10 removed, 5 affected 5 clear (to my mind 50% positive), Chemo (TAX chemotherapy) 1st of 6 starts tomorrow at 11.30.
Deep breath and here we go.

[Teej]

Yep, I'm due to start in October too. I'm getting portocath fitted 2nd Oct, first chemo on 4th. I seem to be very calm about the whole thing except at night - not sleeping well due to uncomfortable fluid build up after lymph clearance (22 out of 24 were affected). It's when laying awake at night that I start thinking about it all too much. I had fluid drained off again today so hopefully will get some sleep tonight!
I'm having FEC-T and have bought two cute hats already!
Good luck all!
x

[dragonbunny]

Hi
Ditto Nic. Decided after seeing onc today. Appt Mon. and have been told I will start in 2 weeks or so. I will be booked in to a mobile unit about 2 miles from home at a local sports centre. Glad I won't have far to travel. Be good to read how everyone gets on. Feeling bit apprehensive and reading how others get on really helps. Just want to get on with it now.....
Good luck everyone
x

[nic1970]

I may be a oct but I am hoping it's Sept. I went to the onc last Monday. Totally shell shocked so back there this Monday to sign on dotted line and go thro stuff. It's so scary and trying to be prepared and stay positive. Lumpectomy seems easy compared to this. No worrying about that and the beauty of scar area.

[Jo_BCC]

Hi Jane,

Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums where I am sure you will get a lot of good, honest support from the many informed users of this site. To help you along I have put you the link to one of BCC's publications which I hope you find helpful, also our freefone helpline staff are on hand for that extra support if you need a good listening ear. Calls are free, 0808 800 6000 lines open Mon to Fri 9-5 and Sat 10-2

http://www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/diagnosed-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-you-diagnosis...

Take care,

Jo, Facilitator

[jane_813]

Hello-
Yes I have just been diagnosed and have been told I'll start at the end of September. A bit scary- but I saw someone advise that It's good to be on a forum with people going through it at the same stage - so here I am !
I know very little about my full condition yet - I've just been diagnosed and am still to go through initial tests.
It all seems abit unreal at the moment. I'm pretty squemish so at the moment I'm in the 'ignorance is bliss' frame of mind. But I'm determined to get through this well - and the good stories here are beginning to help get over the initial shock.

[RevCat]

Hi Gail, just BUMPing this up for you in the hope someone spots it soon.... Chemo seems incredibly scary before you start it, and there enough horror stories to fill several large books, but actually it is 'do-able' and the majority of people don't have too many awful side effects. It may seem ridiculous to say this now, but all too soon it will be behind you and a fading memory.

Keep in mind that people post more about struggles and yucky stuff than they do about it all going along in a steady fashion. Hopefully you will be one of the majority who finds it all goes along fairly smoothly.

Keep posting and don't be afraid to ask any question, however trivial it may seem.

[Guest user]

Hi is anyone starting chemo in October