Hello

I'm 41 years old and just diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm starting chemo today and whilst full of positivity am worrying all the time. I have 2 small children and fear what this is going to do to them. 

  • Hi there, just wanted to say a massive good luck to you with the chemo. I'm not sure about your children, Macmillan would be able to offer advice/support of what to say to them. I don't think I'd tell my 4 year old unless I had to. Take care

  • my

    Hi

    Thanks. My son is only 2 so he won't understand but my daughter is nearly 6 and very clued up! I've told her basIcs and that I'll lose my hair but it's if the side affects are bad that I'll struggle with 

     

  • Hi Warcol,

    I hope that all goes well for your chemo appointment today.

    I had my first cycle of FEC-T yesterday and it really was fine! Preceding chemo I had an ECG, weight and height taken, chat with oncologist (who ran through possible side-effects) and then met with Chemo Nurse for 'Chemo Education' (bloods were taken previous day).

    I had a canula inserted - saline drip is attached to the this and the 3 three drugs (Fluororacil, Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide) are given consecutively as slow injections via the canula. (quite large syringes/ anti-sickness given also)  - so far, the only side effect has been red urine (a side-effect of Epirubicin).

    Take care and sending hugs your way. X

    PS I drank loads of water prior to treatment

  • Hi Dunanat1

    Thanks for thanks for telling me about your experience! Good luluck with your treatment, it sounds exactly the same as my treatment plan! The only scan I've got to have now is a bone scan which should have been today but is now postponed so I can start chemo!!

    Xx

     

     

  • Hi Warcol,

    Thank you for your reply. I was not offered mri, bone or ct scan. I had an ultrasound of internal organs (spleen, liver, gallbladder etc.) and a chest x ray and was told that this would suffice - the words 'peace of mind' spring into my mind. X 

  • Hello Warcol,

    You have already received lots of responses from our members who will be there to support you as you start your chemotherapy treatment. I just wanted to wish you good luck for today. Do come back here and let us know how it went.

    We also have some information about talking to children about cancer which you can read here.

    I hope it's useful. We will all be thinking of you today. If you have any questions about your treatment plan, our nurses are available to talk to you on this free number 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Dunanat1

    I had a MRI and CT scan and thankfully was told it hasn't spread, the bone scan is another reassurance and I agree piece of mind

    Regards Colista

  • I hadn't thought about hair, so I'd have to tell my 4 year old something as she too doesn't miss a trick! How did you get on?

  • All went well, got to return tomorrow to learn how to inject myself lol! Anti sickness and steroids to take and at moment feel ok xx

  • Hi Colista,

    Glad all went well this afternoon and that, so far, you are feeling fine - I too am still feeling grand. Good luck with everything tomorrow. X