Breast Cancer

Had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal in November. Breast now clear, but signs of cancer in lymph nodes, so having chemo, then radiotherapy. The first 3 chemo sessions have gone well, with only minimal side effects. I am due to start 4th chemo , which is taxotere, and seems to be a stronger option, or is that just me panicking because I am having to take steroids before my treatment starts. Anyway, hope to make friends on this forum who are going through similar. It helps so much to be able to share. 

Wendy

  • Hi Wendy. Welcome to the forum. I had a mastectomy last September and started FEC T last October. I too was apprehensive about the last three treatments, the side effects are different. I got joint pains for a couple of days whioh were controlled with ibroprofen and paracetamol. I also got an upset stomach again controlled with anti diarrhoea tablets. I was very tired and generally felt rundown for about ten days. I still managed shopping and cooking light meals throughout. To be honest I found the nausea with the first three far worse. I had my last chemotherapy three weeks ago and have just had a telphone call from the radiotherapy department to start this treatment I start this Friday with the measuring up appointment. If I can answer any questions or help in anyway please ask. I wish you well for your next treatment. Audrey x

     

  •  

    Hi Audrey. Thank you for your reply. Had the taxotere today, and had a bit of a fright with an allergic reaction (bright red face and tightness across the chest). However nurses responded straight away with anti histamine, and after a 30 minute wait they tried again and this time it was ok. Quite an eventful day. Only 2 to go now. Very relieved to hear that your side effects weren't too bad. Good luck with the radiotherapy. Let me know how it goes. 

    Wendy x

     

  • Hi Wendy, sorry to hear you had a reaction and pleased you responded well to antihistamines. I forgot to say that the effects didn't start for about two days. Also the other problem I had was the steroids kept me awake for about two days. Have you slept okay? Best wishes x

     

  • No. I was completely hyper last night. Felt like I could have decorated the house from top to bottom! Didn't of course. Read a book instead. Probably be the same tonight. Can't wait. Ha ha.

  • I know what you mean, when it first happened to me I wasn't aware of it. I just lay awake all night couldn't switch off, same on second night then third night exhaustion took over. I mentioned to nurses they said it was normal! I could have had sleeping tablets but decided to put up with it. Hope you manage some sleep tonight x

  • Hi Wendy,

    I've had 4 x EC chemotherapy 4 x Taxol chemo recovering from a lumpectomy which I had recently on the 18th February. I didn't have any nodes removed after a SEN biopsy. Hospital is looking to put me through radiotherapy next so off to see them later this month to see if it's a good option and to draw up a treatment plan.

  •  

    Hi Emz. We are putting our bodies through some tough stuff aren't we! Hope you are feeling ok at the moment. I find I have a tricky week in week one, then get back to being me in week 2 and 3, then they hit me again. Ha ha! Only 2 more chemos to go then I have a short break and then 3 weeks of radiotherapy . Good luck with your treatment. Keep in touch. 

    Wendy x

  • Everything tastes awful. Even my favourite foods. Quite a bad feeling of indigestion too. Joint pains not too bad though so that's a plus.