20) 5 days post 4th & final Paclitaxel

• Hi I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in December, I've had the lump and two lymph nodes removed and had cancer in one so I'm back next week to have them all removed. I've been told I'll be having chemotherapy which has always terrified as I've heard horror stories about side effects and I was worried how I'd get through it. I've just read your blog and want to thank you for writing it. I know everyone is different and copes with it differently but you've helped me see that even though it's difficult at times it's doable. I hope I handle it as well as you have. You've put my mind at rest and reduced my anxiety levels at what is a very stressful time. Thank you.

Thank you so much for your kind message.  I’m glad it helped you feel a bit more relaxed about the whole thing. I found the fear of it was way, way worse than the reality.  You will get through it - it seems like it will never end but it does go by really quickly once get into the routine of it.  Take care & feel free to ask any questions. 

Thank you, I think in the past I've just heard horror stories about it and expect to feel rubbish permanently from the start of the treatment to the end but am I right in thinking for a little time inbetween treatments you can feel almost normal?

I definitely had days where I felt good physically between cycles.  I had chemo every 2 weeks & while I felt rough the first few days, I was still able to get out and about (I kept everything low key though). I was expecting to feel really bad but it wasn’t like that at all for me & I hope it will be the same for you. 

I found it useful to keep a daily diary of side effects so I had a rough idea what to expect with the next cycle.   Drink loads of water which will also help flush the chemo out of your system. They will warn you to keep a close eye on your temp - I took my thermometer with me to the first chemo appt so that I could check how accurate it was with theirs (am a bit of a worrier so if you tell me something may happen, I will convince myself that it will happen to me!).

Take care & I hope all goes well for you. 

Thank you for writing your chemo diary.I just had my 4th and last EC round on Tuesday and I’m glad to see the back of it!  The 3rd cycle was starting to take its toll on me and this last round has hit me sooner than the others.  Along with digestive issues and weight gain, due to chemo, chemo-induced menopause, steroids (take your pick!) and the exhaustion, your words of “grieving your pre-cancer days” really hit me. Thank you for voicing these emotions and for your diary. Reading someone else’s experience really helps x