About to start chemo - any advice and tips

I received a firm diagnosis of breast cancer on 2July and will start Fec-T chemo with herceptin and  pertuzemab in the next fortnight. Does anyone have any advice on how to get through, what to do, expect, take with etc? Also any thoughts or experience of cold capping? Thanks very much xx. 

 

  • Hello,

    im sorry to hear of your diagnosis....I finished fec chemo end of May....

    The things I found most useful on infusion day was my blanket small handheld fan ( I was hot and cold) ginger water ( although I absolutely hate anything ginger now)  and strong mints...the nurse use to tell me when to pop the mint in my mouth as one of the chemicals sends your mouth crazy...

    chemo day itself is completely fine......it was a few hours after it hit me, I soon got in a routine. I found the first cycle the worse, I was very sick but by the second cycle all my meds were adjusted and I was fine.

    cold capping is 50/50, I know of ladies who did really well and managed to keep most of it but I also know of ladies who didn't...I didn't go for the cap and shaved all mine off before it all fell out, I am thrilled to say I'm now sporting a funky crew cut! 

    Your taste buds will go awol for a quite a while, everything will taste like mucky cardboard.....the only foods I managed were cheesy mash, cheese crisps and cheese pasties....I used to love chocolate but strangely I'm now off it and prefer salty stuff...my nurse said this is pretty normal...

    if you can go to you dentist before chemo starts, get any work done now...and stock up on difflam mouth wash ( your mouth will be extra sensitive) 

    use your thermometer everyday and don't be afraid to ring the chemo help line ( I was on first name terms with practically the whole team)! 

    Good luck with it all.....I won't lie to you, it's not a walk in the park but it's completely do able......and the time soon goes...

    im now on 3 weekly herceptin injections and tolerating them well.....

     

    here if you need to chat xx

  • Thanks Marlyn - really helpful info. It’s my birthday on Wednesday so I know what to ask for now ;)  Good luck with your treatment too - will let you know how I get on. Jo x ( Angry is my current coping strategy persona!)