Hi Hannah, I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I'm sure it has been quite a shock for you. I was diagnosed in January with invasive ductal carcinoma. I have two lumps, one lymph node affected and cells in breast tissue. I too am triple positive, so started my chemo first. I was put on EC-T chemo, I've so far completed my  three EC cycles and have my second T ( for me this is docetaxel) on Tuesday. I then have two more docetaxel left to go. When I started the docetaxel,  I also started phesgo injections due to being HER2 positive, these will last for a year as far as I know. So far I have had minimal side effects, although the tiredness has affected me more on docetaxel. I chose not to have the cold cap, due to already being prone to headaches. I have lost most of my hair, which was obviously upsetting when it happened and I did have a cry. I've got used to it now and have a lovely variety of headware. I also have a wig which I'm really happy with, which I wear if going out for a meal or just socialising. I'm 61, so a lot older than you and had to stop my hrt immediately, which caused me a few issues with hot flushes and night sweats. My gp was able to prescribe medication to help and this has improved considerably. I found out this week that I will be having bone infusions when chemo finishes, which I'll be having for three years. I don't think everyone needs these, I think it depends on where you're at with menopause. Next steps for me is a mastectomy, followed by radiotherapy. I will then start hormone blockers for 5-10 years. I wish you well on your journey moving forward. Feel free to ask any more questions if you have any, take care. Xx

Hi Pippin, I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and that you so much for sharing your story. I haven’t had my oncology appointment yet but from what the surgeon said when he told me the diagnosis my provisional chemo plan sounds similar to yours - I was told I will have 6 cycles 3 weeks apart and the phesgo injections. It sounds like you are coping amazingly well with the chemo so far! Are you able to carry on doing your usual day to day stuff? In my head I’m imagining being completely wiped out with the tiredness and nausea/vomitting and wondering how I will manage to look after my daughter. Did you get your wig and headwear before you started the chemo? I’m wondering whether to do this so I don’t get caught short with hair loss! xx

Hi Hannah, I know chemo can be different for everyone, but overall I have felt fine. I do get quite tired, especially now that I'm on the docetaxel. I tend to sleep on the sofa for a couple of hours in the evening. I haven't suffered from any nausea or sickness at all, they give you lots of meds to prevent this in the first few days. I still manage to do the day to day stuff, hubby and son do help out when I feel particularly tired though. I have been out for a walk every day with hubby, this was a goal I set for myself at the start of my treatment. The first week after treatment, hubby has to hold my hand and drag me round, but we make it lol! Think the walking has helped not just my general fitness, but my mindset too, which is just as important I think. Off to have my 5th treatment shortly, then only two more to go, which is great. Hope all goes well with your oncology  appointment, be sure to write down any questions, so you don't forget on the day. Xx

Hi Hannah, I know chemo can be different for everyone, but overall I have felt fine. I do get quite tired, especially now that I'm on the docetaxel. I tend to sleep on the sofa for a couple of hours in the evening. I haven't suffered from any nausea or sickness at all, they give you lots of meds to prevent this in the first few days. I still manage to do the day to day stuff, hubby and son do help out when I feel particularly tired though. I have been out for a walk every day with hubby, this was a goal I set for myself at the start of my treatment. The first week after treatment, hubby has to hold my hand and drag me round, but we make it lol! Think the walking has helped not just my general fitness, but my mindset too, which is just as important I think. Off to have my 5th treatment shortly, then only two more to go, which is great. Hope all goes well with your oncology  appointment, be sure to write down any questions, so you don't forget on the day. Xx

Hi Pippin, just checking in to see how you are getting on with treatment? Hope all is well xx

Hi Hannah, I'm feeling really well at the moment thank you. I still only have minimal side effects, which are quite manageable. I'm also still managing my 2 1/2 mile walk every day, which I'm pleased about. My next chemo is on Tuesday and my last one on the 9th of July. I had to go for another echocardiogram yesterday, which was all fine. They do regular checks on the heart, if you are on phesgo injections. Have you been give a start for your chemo yet? Hope you are feeling OK. Xx