Hello GL91

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It's naturally a worrying time for you. It sounds as if your hospital team is making sure that all the information they need is gathered through your scans and tests ahead of your treatment starting and hopefully, it won't be too long until you get your first treatment date. 

 Hopefully, some of the forum members who have been through chemotherapy treatment will post to share their experiences with you. 

If it would help to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice and support they can. 

Keep in touch GL91 and let us know how you get on.

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi GL91, sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it is such a stressful time. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on 18th January. It was decided that I would have chemo first, due to being HER2 positive  My chemo started on the 4th of March, but this could vary in different areas. Always here for a chat if you need it, or if you have any questions. I wish you well on your journey moving forward  xx

Thank you so much Jenn for the response.. the amount of support i have had from people and people i dont even know is amazing! Im going to turn this negative experience into a positive one and once i am on the other side of things i can help others. I know its going to be a bumpy ride but i think in another week or so my journey of healing will begin x

Hello and thank you for your reply. What chemo did you have if you dont mind me asking? Im going tomorrow  for my treatment plan so everything will be discussed there how long and often i will be having treatment. I know everyone is different but how often did you have chemo in a week? And how long will you be on chemo for? Im 33 so my consultant said he was going to treat it aggressive. How you feeling now? X

Hi, I was put on EC-T chemo, which has been every 3 weeks. 3 cycles of EC, then 4 of T (for me this was docetaxel). I have been fine throughout with minimal side effects, even though I was told that the docetaxel can be harsh.I did lose my hair as decided not to cold cap, but my hair has started growing back, even before chemo has finished. So please try not to worry too much, it may not be as bad as you think. I have my last one on this coming Tuesday. I will still be having phesgo injections, due to being HER2 positive. Good luck for tomorrow, it always feels better, once a plan is in place. Xx

They have acted fast i was only diagnosed last Thursday. I had my Ct scan and MRI on monday. Did you have a lump too? Mine was 2cm but subtle they said with 3 swollen nodes they only tested one of them. Sorry for the questions. I have not spoke to someone with the same as me.. all though mine is not hormone driven they said.. mine was a common one usually seen in over 50's my consultant said. He did say to me the chemo alone could dissolve it and might not need any operation as such. Did they say that to you too? Xx

That's so good that things are moving quickly for you. I went with a lump I could feel, but there was also a second one. Cells were also found in breast tissue and was told one lymph node is affected. I had another scan after first three cycles of chemo and they had started to shrink. I am due to have another mri before meeting with the surgeon again on the 25th of July. I think I'm going to be having a mastectomy and reconstruction, unless they change their minds. Hopefully will have a plan in place soon. Would be great for you if the chemo gets rid of it without the need for surgery. Unfortunately I don't think that's an option for me. Feel free to ask any questions you like, it's not a problem. Xx

I want a mastectomy too to be honest.. just makes me feel better that it cant come back if all tissue etc is moved. Will see what they say tomorrow. I have questions written down for them too. How you feeling with the chemo? Did you manage it okay? Its one thing im scared of but i know it needs to be done. Im a new mamma and got a 2 year old girl who needs her mummy. Xx

Bless you, it must be hard going through all this with a little one. Mine are all adults and I have 2 beautiful grandchildren. I haven't had any problems with chemo and have sailed through, with minimal side effects. I've also been walking 2 1/2 miles every day, I think it's good for the mindset. Good idea to write down questions  let me know how you get on. Xx

I have been today was all very positive. They said its treatable/curable its early and im having 6 lots of chemo. Once every 3 week then a possible lumpectomy and then some radiotherapy afterwards. Had bloods today and i need a heart scan before the chemotherapy. I feel a weight been lifted.. there is light at end of that dark tunnel xx