My oncologist just said the generic things, what side effects to expect etc. Im obviously not looking forward to the side effects but just need to get started on it so I can try to beat this ASAP. But who knows, if my test on Monday show anything bad on my left breast it might change the treatment plan. 

Im getting them to recheck my lymph nodes on both sides as I've been feeling a bit of discomfort there, almost feels like my armpits are bruised.

What side effects have you experienced with your treatment so far? 

Amy x

mostly tiredness and diahorea and some hair loss im totally *** off with it all 

Horrid side effects but just have to remember it's not forever and it's all to get better by the end of it all. 

I was told by my oncologist that the last 3 sessions will be a lot worse than the 1st 3 because of the Herceptin.

Are you using a cold cap to see if it helps will hair loss? 

Hi [@WestieRuth]‍, anytime is dreadful to be diagnosed, but Christmas is absolutely the pits. I was diagnosed the week before you. Tumour size has absolutely everything to do with having surgery before chemo, at 3.7cm they would want to shrink it before anything else. It was originally thought I had one tumour of 6mm, luckily it was either attached to, or literally just under the skin surface at the base if my breast, so I found it whilst showering in late november. Seemingly at that very small size and being grade 2 Her2+ it was prudent to remove it fast. Infact it turned out to be two tumours one behind the other with only 20mm between, so it was a complicated lumpectomy because of the margins, so I opted for a mastectomy with recon which I had last week. The thing I learned early on, is the surgeon makes a best guess as to what is needed given size approximation and biopsy facts, I was told my nodes looked clear from the ultrasound, I am still waiting for the sentinel results to come in, it won’t suprise me if they aren’t clear as several weeks have passed - no ones fault. Everyone is in a state of constant flux, things can change on a sixpence. 6 chemos with herceptin and then a year of IV herceptin are on the cards for me, that could totally change when the surgery results are finally in. At first I was unaccepting of losing my hair, it was a big deal, now I just think WTH, it will either grown back or not. I would hedge a bet that every one of the wonderful men/ladies on here would admit to lowering their expectations at one stage or another. The one thing I do know is every health care professional involved is routing for us all. I feel humbled and totally in awe of them, and also everyone on here that displays true steel, guts and humility. Good luck with the chemo Ruth, I’m sending you a great big hug. lyn. X

im abit confused by 3.7cm do you think thats big for a lump

Hi [@Phili1]‍ , I’ve just read the thread right through, having contributed early on, I was so sorry to hear that your surgery was delayed due to the dye allergy, having psyched yourself up on the day it must have been a huge disappointment. Out of interest I went to the nuclear department for the blue dye to be injected on the morning of surgery last week and the isotope delivery had been delayed in traffic, it delayed things by an hour, I was already scheduled for surgery late morning, it was 10.30am at that time, so the surgeon who was in theatre on another patient was contacted and decided to go ahead with just the isotope injection and forgo the blue dye (as you know  the dye takes time to go round your system so would have meant more time lost) I think it was done to keep the surgeries on track that day. The sentinel and others were removed without dye or any issues at all, so I just thought i’d let you know in case it’s bothering you. All the very best for your upcoming surgery. Lyn.

[@WestieRuth]‍, Not at all Ruth, God I feel dreadful now, My point was more -  if it’s tiny and Her2+ they take it out quickly,  my surgeon was gobsmacked that I had found it at all, his very words were “females don’t usually ‘present’ (turn up) with tumours less than 2 - 4cm the reason being if it’s densely in the breast it just can’t be felt until it’s that size”. I was lucky because I had had a breast reduction 20 years ago and this tumour was on the surface, had I never had the surgery it probably would have been well buried in some of what was taken away. My cousin who had a larger tumour told me the reason chemo comes first with a larger size tumour is to shrink it to something really small (or even get rid of it altogether ) meaning the surgeon is removing a much smaller mass making it much more manageable, which poses less threat of the chance of cells escaping, things are easier to handle when smaller, because of margins that also have to be taken. Once shrunk It could turn what mat have been a mastectomy into a very small lumpectomy. I hope this helps. This has taught me a serious lesson in how to word things, so very very sorry hun. Lyn. X

im ok dont worry

[@yorkiegal]‍  oh thank you for your mention. 

I wasn't sure how difficult it would be for them to do it without so I really appreciate you taking the time to write that. I've got a new date for surgery Feb 18th . Apparently they are using a different SNB dye? So hopefully it will all be ok this time. That's hubbys birthday so I'm hoping to be in an out to not ruin it completely! Bless him. 

How's everyone doing?