Starting chemo tomorrow

Hi

After 3 surgeries to remove DCIS I unfortunately was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer last November. I’m now 9 weeks post op mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction. 
Having 3 lymph nodes removed during surgery it was found that the cancer had spread to 1 of the 3 nodes so chemotherapy was advised.

After a few hiccups and a wound infection I finally start my first round of chemotherapy tomorrow.
 EC every 2 weeks for  4 cycles then paclitaxel also every 2 weeks for 4 cycles.

To say I’m feeling a bit anxious about it all is an understatement, worried about the side effects and loosing my long hair, I’m thinking of maybe giving the cold cap a try.

Any advice would be appreciated. 

Parents
  • Hello, so sorry about your diagnosis. I also have/had IDC (it’s all removed now with a lumpectomy) my lymph nodes were clear but it was grade 3 and I’m quite young so chemo was recommended. I am due to start the exact same chemo next Friday. I am also going to try the cold cap, I’ve read a few positive stories where ladies have kept 70-80% of their hair but I believe it’s not particularly effective with EC chemo. But I think we may as well give it a go, you never know. I also have long hair, going to get it cut to like a chin length bob next week in preparation. Have you gotten a wig yet? 
    xx

  • Hi, sorry about your diagnosis but I’m glad to hear it’s all removed.

    Where are you having your chemo? 
    Im having mine in Inverclyde.

    I had a call this afternoon to say I need my bloods repeated in the morning and because my veins aren’t great I will need a picc line so they may not be able to give the chemo tomorrow after all.

    Im also going to have my hair cut to shoulder length this weekend. I had a wig appt last week but they only had dark coloured ones for me to try and I’m blonde so  the girl said she would order 2 blonde ones in and hope I like one of them .. takes 6 weeks so I’m going to have a look online see what I can order as a back up. xx

  • Aw small world, I’m in glasgow! Will be having mine at the beatson. I asked about a port or picc as most people seem to get one or the other but was told no, it would just be via my arm. But I would rather get one as worried I won’t be able to move that arm during the infusion.. I have an appointment with the oncology nurse tomorrow so I might ask again. Is it true the nhs give a voucher towards a wig? I am also blonde and have noticed just looking online there are less blonde ones. Are you looking at human hair ones? Seems like they are the most realistic looking, although pricey. I kinda think it’s worth it though if it means I can get out and about without feeling self conscious xx

  • I am having PICC line inserted in the morning, I asked my Macmillan nurse and she sorted it through the team. 3.5 hours tying to get blood after a kidney function test was a little too much, 

  • I got a wig voucher for £150 from Macmillan x 

  • Hi Em24ma, 

    I thought I’d be having mine at a cancer hospital in central Glasgow as I’m in Paisley but I was offered one further away instead.

    Yes you will get a wig prescription now then another in 6 months. It’s synthetic wigs they give you, I wasn’t impressed with the ones I tried on mainly because of the colour but they were also much thicker than my hair and seemed very heavy. 
    My daughter has ordered one for me online so will see how it is when it arrives.

    Nichola xx

  • What area are you in lynne? I was given a prescription but nothing mentioned about value. I would happily pay more if needed to get something better xx 

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