Hi Jane-K

Frequency of chemo will depend on the chemo drug you are prescribed.  Paclataxel is given weekly, but EC and Docetaxel are given every 3 weeks.  Your oncologist/breast cancer care team will advise of frequency once they have sorted your treatment plan for you.  Don't be afraid to ask questions of your oncology team, they are there to help. 

I am triple negative so had Docetaxel/Carboplatin for 4 weeks, followed by EC for 4 weeks.

I hope this helps. Am here if you want to ask any questions.  

Carol xx

Hi Jane-K I am also HER2 positive and estrogen positive  I was put on EC-T chemo, 3 cycles of EC, every 3 weeks, then 4 cycles of T (for me this was docetaxel) also every 3 weeks. As Carol says, it will depend on what you're prescribed. Xx

Thank you for replying I hope you are doing okay. 

I asked the question as I was told from the beginning it will be every 3 weeks going forward then I was told every week so my head was a bit scrambled. 
I have now been told it’s every 3 weeks for the first 3  cycles (EC treatment I think) then continue treatment weekly (Pacli teaxel) 

How are you feeling having started treatment and any advice on preparation for treatment would be great xx 

I decided before treatment started that I needed to get my mindset in the right place. I cut all alcohol, eat a very healthy diet and walked for 2 1/2 miles every day. I also decided to isolate for 10 days after each cycle (still went out for my walk), while my immune system was at it's lowest. I had to have a week of filgrastim injections after each chemo session, to boost white blood cells. It was my choice to isolate, you are not told that you need to do this. I completed my chemo on the 9th of July and had minimal side effects throughout. I would recommend a product called polybalm, which protects nails from any damage, caused by the chemo. You can find information about this product on YouTube. I wish you well moving forward and feel free to ask anymore questions  if you have them. Xx

Hi Jane-K

I'm feeling ok now thanks.  Unlike Pippin I had a really rough time on chemo, despite being determined to be positive all the way through. Sometimes the sheer exhaustion just gets to you.  Just keep talking to your healthcare team and keep them up to date with how you're feeling and never be afraid to tell them if you feel something's not right.  Everyone is different and hopefully you will breeze through it.  I just have one of those bodies that doesn't like new things!

I had EC for 4 sessions, every 3 weeks.  And yes, Paclataxel will be weekly.  Unfortunately I was unable to tolerate Pac so they swapped me to Docetaxel.  

I have just finished radiotherapy (9 sessions) and that was absolutely fine. 

I am continuing immunotherapy (which I had during chemotherapy at the same time), and have 3 more sessions of that.  I will need to take biphosphorates for 3 years to help prevent the cancer returning or spreading to the bones, but that isn't on the cards for everyone. 

I started chemo in October 2023 and finished in March this year.  Op was in April and as it was breast conserving, it was fairly simple and a quick recovery.  I understand mastectomy and reconstruction is a much longer journey, but worth it in the end. 

At the outset it does feel like a long journey, but you will have the support of your healthcare team, friends and family, and us here of course.  if you do feel rough, just keep telling yourself it's temporary.  That's what got me through mine. 

Good luck with your first treatment.  I hope it goes well.

Carol xx