Hi pipin24, just a wee update. I saw my oncologist and i too have to have EC then docetaxel same as you got. I'm getti g 4 sessions of each chemo. I'm also to get iv zometa (6monthly for 3yrs). Hopefully I will be starting my chemo next week x

I'm on zoledronic acid 6 monthly for 3 years, which is the same as zometa as far as I know. I'm due second one in february. Hope all goes well with your chemo next week. I actually found chemo OK and had minimal side effects. I asked for a port, which was fitted after 2nd cycle. First two were through canula, while I waited to have appointment for port. Pleased I had it though, as after only 2 cycles through canula, had aching in my arm for several weeks. Have they offered you a port or a picc line at all?

No they haven't mentioned that but I'm up at hospital on Monday for a wee pre visit to the chemo ward so will ask the question. Coukd I ask what a port is, I'm assuming is a more permanent line for getting the chemo? X

A port is a device that is fitted under skin in chest and a tube goes into vein in the neck. A bit more invasive to fit than a picc line, but less maintenance. A picc line has to be flushed weekly and more prone to infection. All blood tests can be done through the port as well as chemo and any infusions. You can also swim with a port, but can't with a picc line. 

Can't thank you enough for the info, so much to take in with all aspects of the treatment. Did you have any dental issues getting the zolendric acid? I'm getting my dental check up tomorrow as well so I can be ok'd to start  it. I got prescribed the high fluoride toothpaste too, I'm assuming I will need to use that unti after all treatment is finish? X

So far I haven't had any issues with my teeth, but have a dentist appointment at the end of the month, so will see what he says. I've only had one infusion so far, so don't know if teeth could decline after time, will let you know how it goes. Xx

Got my first EC on Thursday. Had terrible heartburn last night feel a bit blah and tired today. First chemo went OK on day itself just very tired afterwards and bit of headache but put some of that down to not getting much sleep  the night before start of my treatment. Had DN in to give me the tummy jags (filgrastram) that I get for 7 days!  Didn't know about that till couple of days before my chemo started! 

Hi Mumkat, so sorry to hear that you have had such a difficult time on EC, unfortunately it does affect people differently. Your doctors will do whatever is the right thing for you. If you do end up having the docetaxel, I would highly recommend using a product called Polybalm, to protect your nails. My hair is now growing back well, although still shorter than I'm used to. I'm now waiting for a date for my next surgery, a reduction and uplift if my healthy boob. Should have had it by now, but they keep saying they are behind with surgeries, which is annoying. I also had my 2nd zoledronic acid infusion in February, which was fine. I now have only 2 phesgo injections left to have, so should be finished with that by the middle of May. I'm taking Letrazole for the next 5 years, which is a hormone blocker. They do give me joint pain, especially in my knees, but not much I can do about it, as I need to take them. Please keep me posted on your journey moving forward. Xx