Welcome to Cancer Chat JackyA although I'm sorry to hear you've been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Finding out you have cancer can bring about many emotions but it's good to hear you're feeling calm at the moment.

Many members of our community have contended with this diagnosis so you are not alone and I'm sure some of them will be along soon to share their experiences and advice.

I hope this information we have chemotherapy and its side effects will help but if you'd like to discuss this with one of our cancer nurses, they're just a phone call away on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

We're wishing you all the best on this journey and with your treatment Jacky.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi I'm so sorry to hear that,well everyone has different side effects,I did feel a bit sick and lost my appetite but I did find that ginger biscuits helped,also eating soup as I didn't really want to eat a meal.Just keep staying calm I also had breast cancer stage 2 and now after all the treatments and chemo I can say now that I'm cancer free,you will be fine keep strong and also keep positive through it all x

Hi Jacky

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Do you know what chemo you will have yet? I was diagnosed in Jan and started EC chemo in Feb for 4 sessions and I just had session 9 of paclitaxel today. I'm her2 positive also so I have phesgo too.

Happy to answer anything you throw at me :) xx

Hi again

I have bren told I am Her2 positive so need treatment TCarboPH.  I have 6 cycles of Doxetacel and trastizuman and 9 or 18 cycles of pertuzumab and trastuzumab

I am starting treatment on 3rd August and I am getting worried about how ill I may feel, loosing my hair and feeling sick

Jacky

Hi Jacky

I totally understand your fear. It is the absolute unknown and that causes us to feel all sorts of things. What I will say is that you aren't the first and you won't be the last and therefore these things are totally doable and you do and you will get through this. I now have 2 more chemo sessions and when I'm done I'll have had 16 in total. I NEVER thought I'd get through it all, but I'm doing it and it's genuinely OK. 

My first 4 EC chemos were the worst. I felt sick for days after each session, but then I got a break for days also. Some people don't feel like I did. It is different for each person, but it is all doable. 

The phesgo treatment for her2 is fine. My only slight side effect is needing the loo rather urgently when I get home after having it! I am sure you too will be OK on this. It is an amazing drug that does some kick *** stuff!

Re Losing hair, this was daunting for me, but only because it reminded me of what I was going through. I knew about a hair replacement place already so I had a custom wig made in advance of me starting chemo which was glued on and maintained every 4 weeks. It's expensive so not for everyone's budget. The lady I saw is called Jennifer Effie. If you Google you'll find her. Shes London based so not sure if any good for you.

Otherwise I can tell you that losing my hair was really no big deal emotionally for me as it will grow back and mine has already been growing throughout the paclitaxel chemo. My wig is no longer glued on. It is odd when it first starts to come out and I did have a little cry, but then got the clippers out and took control. Before my wig was ready I wore a baseball cap with hair already attached (Amazon) or had a cheap wig that I wore with either a beanie hat, baseball cap or sun hat (weather dependent!)

You will be OK. You will get through this and time will move quickly I promise. Getting into a routine with chemo and seeing the lovely nurses and familiar faces gives you comfort. Always ask questions if you're not sure on something and always call the nurses if you get worried about anything. They are just wonderful people who would far rather you call and get answers than sit worrying at home. 

Xx

Also...things I did when feeling gruesome on the first chemo sessions are:

Went to bed as soon as I felt sickly. I just rode it out and the really sicky part never lasted beyond about 5 hours. I listened to free YouTube meditations. There are loads and even ones for anti nausea.

I ate 'rubbish' just when I felt sick. Crisps and chocolate etc. It helped.

Kool strips for your forehead are good. 

Days after treatment I would have a daily epsom salts bath. Relaxes and also stopped any nausea. I'd wallow for an hour. 

Cry! Just cry when you want. You will feel rotten every now and then and after a cry you'll feel better.it is totally normal! 

Chat on here. The support from others who are going through this or who have come through the other side is invaluable. We are all here for you. 

Ask me anything anytime you need to. Xx

Thank you so much.  Sons wedding this week and then treatment  begins.  Onwards and upwards