Chemotherapy

Hi,

I am due to start chemotherapy for breast cancer. 

Please could any share their experiences.  I'm a nervous wreck, unsure whether to carry on working etc... scared of the side effects etc.

Is the pain really bad?

Any experience would be much appreciated. 

Thank you 

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

Reply Children
  • 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

  • I'm so pleased you had minimal side effects. Yes, try and take it easy for the next 10 day xx

    Thank you,  I will keep you posted xx

  • Hello ,I also had to have dental checkup ,apparently the Bisphosphonate infusion which I have to have every six months now for three years can cause jaw necrosis .This infusion is to stop bone secondaries and osteoporosis.I haven’t had any side effects xxx

  • Hi Anjaya, I'm doing great at the moment, thank you. Go out with hubby for a 2 1/2 mile walk most days, which strangely seems to give me more energy. Still no hair loss so far, keep giving it a little tug in the morning just to check, stupid I know. I have my next treatment on the 25th and a port being fitted on the 4th of April. Would have preferred to have had the port fitted before my next treatment, but there were no appointments available. Hope your treatment goes well on Thursday, hopefully your side effects will be minimal, like me. Let me know how you get on. Xx

  • I'm pleased to hear you're doing ok despite everything with minimal side effects.  Good to see you out on walks too xx

    I will keep you posted xx