Hi everyone,

A late intro from me! I have breast cancer, I started my chemo on Friday. Two months of EC every fortnight, then three months of Paclitaxel every week.

Then potential double mastectomy :( was originally scheduled for lumpectomy but they found it also in my left breast so my surgeon has introduced the choice.

The first day of chemo I felt awful in the evening, my partner was cooking lamb and the smell of it turned my stomach, I spent a while vomiting.

But since then no throwing up and only a small amount of nausea. I was worried it would get worse when I stopped taking the steroids / anti sickness meds but it's been ok thus far, touch wood. I am very tired though.

I know chemo is accumulative so I am under no illusions that it is going to be a breeze for the rest of the 19 weeks....!

I feel like my whole year is going to be spaffed away now on treatment, but there's not much I can do. I just have to put myself in the hands of the NHS.

I fainted at my picc line cleaning the other day, never fainted before in my life, so that was something.

Gonna have to revise my 40th birthday plans for the summer but hey ho.

Best of luck to everyone x 

Hi Clars

It sounds like you've had a tough week but remember you are on your way to getting better now keep that in mind. Your doing it ️

I've had 2 Paclitaxel so far, couldn't have this weeks as my bloods showed high liver functions due to the treatment, so I'm hoping it can continue next week as I just want it done. I think you might find weekly Paclitaxel easier than EC. I haven't had EC but I've heard it can be tough going.

The taxol has been ok I've had a rash on my face which they've gave me cream for and stomach cramps but other than that been ok! Was disappointed this week as felt well but my liver just said No thanks so not much I could do!

let me know how you get on and take care xxx

Hi deedot!

I'm so glad you are doing ok on the Taxol, long may it continue!

My oncologist said the EC would be very intense (I think that is doctor-speak for hot garbage), if you are the kind of person to be very sicky (as in you get sea sick and what not) you will maybe suffer more, I don't get sea sick etc so that's good. She said the Taxol is less sicky, more fatigue and the stuff about the nerves with your fingers and toes.

I know I am brand new to the EC but we all respond differently don't we, so hope when you get to that part it will also be ok. It certainly gets a bad rep with all of its nicknames etc. Also people (certainly on message boards) tend to mostly talk about the worst experiences, you don't read much from people saying "I'm actually doing way better than I initially feared"! It's no cakewalk but I'm also not chained to my toilet bowl, so I take that as a win.

Second chemo next Friday so fingers crossed I don't take all this back hahahaha.

best of luck x

I'm sure you won't and once Fridays done just 2 more to go! I have. A chart and keep ticking off each time I'm done like a count down...anything that's helps is worth a try eh! I'm using the cold cap and been ok so far but it's 50-50 so just got to see how it goes but have a wig ready just incase (which I hate)! 
Just take it easy and on your good days treat yourself to something nice...mind you maybe I've been having to many treats can feel my waist line expanding haha god help me once this pushes me into menopause! But one step at a time ha.

keep in touch and good luck for Friday, you've got this xxx