Lorraine c

Hi Lorraine welcome to the forum.

I can understand your worry  as to the chemotherapy, I like you was told at first it would probably just be radiotherapy  and I was petrified when I was told a bit later on that I'd also need 8 sessions of chemotherapy.  

I really didn't think I could go through with it I was aged 63 at the time,I'm now 67 will be 68 this year.  But after speaking to the oncologist and listening to what he had to say,and my adult children, I decided if it was my best chance to get rid of my cancer I'd do it.

Yes it makes you a bit tired,but the cancer team were amazing ,they knew how petrified I was ,and sat with me when my first dose was adminiisterd.  I has anti sickness pills about an hour before the chemo  and I didnt feel sick once.

It's not a walk in the park,but it really isn't as bad as your probably imagining. 

But anything that's going to hopefully get rid of the cancer  is worth it in my book. 

I'm also on Letrazole  Accord brand ,for 10 years. 

Hope you make the right decision for you .

You mentioned having 8 sessions of chemo. Can you tell me over what length of time did the 8 sessions last. I was told 18 weeks. If that's the case what effect did it have on your daily life, holidays etc.. 

Hiya Lorraine.  I went through 8 rounds of chemo which lasted approximately 18 weeks.  As Jassoscared has told you, it wasn't a walk in the park, but it wasn't as awful as I imagined it would be.  After each session, I would go home and sleep for hours.  I was given anti-sickness medication an hour before each session, which meant that I never suffered from any sickness, and the only discomfort I had was that I had pains in my legs from the first few chemo sessions, but I was given morphine for the pain.  Of course, I lost all my hair, and I tried wearing a wig, but I found it very itchy and uncomfortable, so I bought myself some pretty head scarves.  Having chemo does of course affect your life to some extent.  For example, holidays have to be put on hold, however,  I still went out shopping and I still went for meals and outings with my family.  Also, it seemed to pass very quickly.  Before I knew it, I was on my last session.  If there is anything else you would like to ask me, please feel free to do so.  Good luck, xx

Lorraine c

Hi again Lorraine. I started my chemotherapy sessions in  August 2020 first 4 were EC every  2 weeks ,then I had to have 4 paxitaxol chemotherapy sessions. 

That was stopped as I had an alergic reaction  nothing drastic,just felt really hot and  a small rash  came up. So I has to go home and chemotherapy team had to speak to my oncologist.  That took few weeks to sort out, he wanted to administer the same drug but in hospital, I refused and he eventually agreed to put me on another taxol chemotherapy drug,I cant remember the name but it began with an A, I think it mat have been Amitaxol but nit sure, something like that anyway. 

I dud lose my hair on second dose of chemotherapy at the start of my chemotherapy sessions. 

I bought 3 wigs ,and loads of beanie / scarfs and turbans to wear indoors.  My hair was very long. It's grown back .

I didnt have any holidays sheduled,so that didn't worry me. 

I'd rather just cracked on with all the trestments  to be honest but thsts me. I finished chemotherapy in Dec.  Then went om to have 15 radiotherapy sessions.  

You could ask yoir oncologist  or cancer care team about holidays ,and see what they say. If you've allready booked holidays and are advised not to go,couldn't you speak to whoever you've booked your holiday  with and see if you can take it another date and time here if you need a chat .

Good luck . .

Thanks very much for all your advice 

Much appreciated xx

Thanks for your help and advice.  Did you have radiotherapy after chemo 

No, I was advised by my Oncologist to have radiotherapy, to ensure that all of the cancer cells were destroyed, but I decided against it.  This was a huge mistake on my part, because the cancer came back, and I am now terminal.  Back in November 2022 I was told that I had about a year to live.  However, I am still here in April 2024, but I know that I am dying and that it is just a matter of time.  However, I don't see any point in looking back with regrets........what good would it do?  But for sure, if I could go back, I would definitely heed the advice of my Oncologist and have the radiotherapy.  I hope things work out well for you Lorraine, fingers crossed, xx

I am so so sorry.  Live your best life xx

Thank you, xx

I had radiotherapy after chemotherapy  15 sessions. It doesn't hurt you just get a bit red as it goes on,bit, uts a bit  like sunburn. I used E45 cream aa I  was advised.