Hi Anjaya, although I have no advice to give you, I do understand how you are feeling. I too am due to start chemo on 4th March and feel really nervous. I had my hair cut short yesterday in preparation and also purchased my wig. I have been keeping busy spring cleaning the house, doing jobs that I maybe won't feel like doing while on chemo. I too am interested in any tips people have to offer regarding side effects. Someone recommended a book called The complete guide to Breast Cancer, written by a GP and breast surgeon, who have been through breast cancer themselves. They discuss different types of breast cancer and treatments. They also give lots of information on side effects and tips on how to deal with them. Good luck with your chemo, would like to hear how you get on. Xx

Hi Anjaya, although I have no advice to give you, I do understand how you are feeling. I too am due to start chemo on 4th March and feel really nervous. I had my hair cut short yesterday in preparation and also purchased my wig. I have been keeping busy spring cleaning the house, doing jobs that I maybe won't feel like doing while on chemo. I too am interested in any tips people have to offer regarding side effects. Someone recommended a book called The complete guide to Breast Cancer, written by a GP and breast surgeon, who have been through breast cancer themselves. They discuss different types of breast cancer and treatments. They also give lots of information on side effects and tips on how to deal with them. Good luck with your chemo, would like to hear how you get on. Xx

Thank you.  Let me know how you get on too.

Did you not get a free wig through the NHS? My nurse at the hospital referred me on Friday just waiting now.

I'm going to try the cold cap but not sure if it will make much difference.

I'm too trying to keep busy. But finding it all very hard xx

I did get a voucher for around £150, but my hospital charges the prescription charge of £78, which goes to the government I think. Give it to you with one hand and take with the other unfortunately. Apparently a lot of hospitals give you the whole amount and don't charge you the prescription, not mine though. By the time I'd added to the wig cost and paid for care pack, spent about £300. The ladies in the shop were lovely and very reassuring. Good luck with the cold cap, I decided against it, as I'm already prone to headaches and didn't want to put myself through it. Also going to get a few nice hats. Do you know when your chemo is starting and which one you'll be on?

Aah ok. I was just told it's free for me to have an nhs wigs.

I'm starting on the 21st March xx

I think it just depends on where you live, as to what you get. Hopefully you'll get more than I did. Hope your chemo goes OK. Xx

Hi , how did your 1st chemo go? I hope you're ok xx

Hi Anjaya, sorry for the late reply, have only just spotted you message. First chemo went really smoothly and side effects minimal. I've  had a few headaches, which I'm prone to anyway. Sleep is my biggest issue at the moment. I wake up about 4.30am, then can't get back off. I think it's more to do with hot flushes since coming off hrt, than the chemo though. Started my 7 day course of injections yesterday, to boost white blood cells, that has also been fine. Try not to be too scared, it definitely effects people differently. I'm on Ec for 3 cycles, then move onto docetaxel  for 4 cycles. The docetaxel worries me a bit as I've heard this is a bit harsher. Hope your chemo goes well and I'm always here for a chat. Xx

I'm pleased that you have had minimal side effects.  I'm having the same drugs as you but x3 of each.

Glad the injections have gone well too. Have you seen any hair loss yet?xx

Hope your sleep pattern gets better. I'm worried about the docetaxel too xx

Thank you and likewise xx

No hair loss as yet, feel a bit apprehensive about this to be honest.I have heard the docetaxel can be hard on the nails, so I've already started using a product called polybalm. It was recommended by someone on this site, after a bit of research I decided to give it a try. Do you know when your first treatment will be?

How are you feeling now? Hope you're ok x

Hi Anjaya, I'm actually doing really well thank you. I've been lucky having minimal side effects. A bit of constipation and tiredness. I did also have a sore tongue for a couple of days and a slight backache. I finished the 7 day course of injections yesterday, so can enjoy the next 10 days, before I have the next cycle. Good luck with your treatment, hopefully you'll be lucky like me with minimal side effects. Xx