Newly diagnosed-breast cancer her2 positive, chemo tomorrow

Hi 

I'm 36 and recently have been diagnosed with breast cancer in my left breast. 
I start chemo for 7 cycles tomorrow starting with fec for the first 3 cycles and was just wondering if anyone could post their stories of how they were during and after. I know everyone is different but it's good to hear everyone's journeys and how they are now.

I will be having surgery after chemo as I'm her2 positive and it's multi centric they want to do chemo first 

Thanks 

xx

Parents
  • Hi, 

    I'm sorry to hear you've been diagnosed so young. I was diagnosed last year with HER2 just as I turned 35. I had EC x3 then Docetaxol with perjeta and herceptin x4 cycles. 

    Yes, everyone is different, so it's best to just see how it goes, keep a note of your symptoms (if you get any) and take your Nurses' advice. I'd only say that with EC, take your anti-sickness meds after! I didn't, and had an awful bout of vomiting in the evening. For the rest of that cycle and the following ones I took them per the instructions and didn't feel any side-effects (apart from constipation caused by the anti-sickness, but they'll give you laxatives for that). Other than that, I had some tiredness which accumulated (was in bed by 8:30 p.m. for the first week after each cycle), but that was it. 

    I found the emotinal side affected me more than any physical side-effect. The Breastcancernow forums have monthly chemo threads you can follow- i.e. those started/starting chemo in June etc. who discuss their symptoms and general wellbeing. I didn't join but followed the conversations each day and it made me feel less alone. Instagram is also full of very inspiring women documenting their journey (search breastcancerunder40), and they're the ones who kept me smiling through it all - especially the ones with children who saw their chemo days as 'spa/relaxing days away from the children' and posted amusing stories- it's a really lovely community on there (although you may not want reminders of BC, so do look after yourself throughout).

    I remember feeling so overhwhelmed thinking about the mountain it appears to be when starting, but it honestly goes by so quickly. You'll be at the surgery stage in no time. All the best. X 

     

  • Thank you for your reply it's so nice to hear from other people regarding their journey.

    I've joined a few forums which has helped and will look on instag ram for the one you mentioned.

    it's fear of the unknown for me at the minute with the chemo although I think I will feel some relief tomorrow when I've had my first dose as least I will know the medicine is making a start at fighting this.

    Thanks for replying xx

     

  •  

    Hi Twinmum,

    I just want to wish you all the best for the start of your chemo tomorrow and hope that it all goes well for you.

    Do your best to stay positive, as this makes all the difference to how you'll cope.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 12 years and, although it was hard at first, I am still living a busy and fulfilled life.

    I shall be thinking of you tomorrow. Pease remember that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

Reply
  •  

    Hi Twinmum,

    I just want to wish you all the best for the start of your chemo tomorrow and hope that it all goes well for you.

    Do your best to stay positive, as this makes all the difference to how you'll cope.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 12 years and, although it was hard at first, I am still living a busy and fulfilled life.

    I shall be thinking of you tomorrow. Pease remember that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

Children