Please share your chemo experience

Momo 21 days ago

17 replies
24 subscribers
261 views

I'm new to the group. I was dignosed of breast cancer 2 months ago, had lupectomy surgery in 21 Nov. Now I'm in an extremly anxiety about chemo and really would like to have some professional advice or others to share experience.

1. Can I handle it all by myself : I lived alone. My family not living in the UK. I'm so afraid if I can take care of myself during chemo. I keep searching info but most would say it vary from person to person. Want to hear other people experience.

2. Timing for Chemo : I was suppose to meet doctor today for my pathology report after the surgery. However the appointment was cancelled becase the report is not ready. It is extended to 30th Dec. This means I have no idea yet when will the chemo to start. People told me best timing for chemo is 4-6 weeks after surgery. Seems I missed the best timing. Is it normal and safe to start chemo 8-10 weeks after surgery ?

Will appreciate it any of your feedback and guidance.

Wish you all have a lovely holiday.

Seven 2 days ago in reply to LynnC878599

Hi Lynn, just seen your message and wanted to say best of luck tomorrow. Got all my fingers and toes (with their neuropathy - lol!) crossed for you. Best, Seven.

Seven 2 days ago in reply to Chirs

I'm sorry to hear this cycle hasn't been great. Do you have feedback for your oncologist? And, sorry to hear that this is the second time you are going through cancer treatment. Last round - it will be an amazing feeling when you get through it. Does your hospital have a bell to ring when you've completed treatment? I know it's hard going, Chirs and you are a trooper. There's no point going through 6 rounds and not completing the entire course. Why wait for ice-cream until radio? Why not now?! Best to you, Seven.

Chirs 2 days ago in reply to Seven

Hi, thank you. Yes, I’ve fed back through the MacMillan nurses who have all been super and after the first cycle the dose was slightly adjusted. There is a ‘bell’ I’ll see what happens after my last cycle tomorrow! I agree, the ice cream should be available on demand, I think it assists recovery! Take care and thanks again.

Chirs 2 days ago in reply to LynnC878599

All the best for tomorrow!

LynnC878599 2 days ago in reply to Seven

Thanks so much just want to get there now as it’s the unknown thats scary

had a good long chat on phone today with the nurses answering lots of my questions

roll on June

I’m 63 diagnosed with BRCA2 sep 2023

was recommended to have ovaries/tubes out as I’m passed menopause, and discouraged to have DMX due to age. Lots of BC in family

I had 2nd MRI in October and a lump was found, had biopsy etc

results on 4th Nov and it’s TNBC with slight hormonal levels 3/8 so I need treatment to stop any spread

had lumpectomy on in 1st Dec all lymph nodes and margins were clear

healing really well and not too painful

start 6 months of chemotherapy on 8 January

I’m really dreading it but I know it’s the medicine that’s going to help stop any cancer returning

im in Newcastle/Gateshead and I’ve had amazing care from everyone

x we can do this x x

LynnC878599 2 days ago in reply to Chirs

Thank you

I’m 63 diagnosed with BRCA2 sep 2023

was recommended to have ovaries/tubes out as I’m passed menopause, and discouraged to have DMX due to age. Lots of BC in family

I had 2nd MRI in October and a lump was found, had biopsy etc

results on 4th Nov and it’s TNBC with slight hormonal levels 3/8 so I need treatment to stop any spread

had lumpectomy on in 1st Dec all lymph nodes and margins were clear

healing really well and not too painful

start 6 months of chemotherapy on 8 January

I’m really dreading it but I know it’s the medicine that’s going to help stop any cancer returning

im in Newcastle/Gateshead and I’ve had amazing care from everyone

x we can do this x x

AM333 1 day ago

Hi Momo you are correct in saying the timing for chemotherapy is usually between 4/6 weeks after surgery it was for me as I too had a lumpectomy for breast cancer they need to make sure you have rested and started healing beforehand. I had several rounds of chemotherapy before surgery (9) 9 rounds of radiation therapy and I am now starting another 14 chemotherapy treatments as I still had active cancer cells in my tumour.I understand your anxiety I too live alone family a long way away. I also have a anxiety disorder and suffer panic attacks to be blunt it's not an easy process and a lot depends on the type of chemotherapy you have and/if you have any reactions or side effects for me most of my side effects started on days 3 and 4 but to reassure you the nurses are so skilled and supportive there will be ample support for you via macmillan as well.For myself to conquer my fear was for me to try not to control the process but to go with it as silly as it.may sounds I did/do a lot of meditation and deep breathing and I always listen to music during my chemotherapy it does help! Again depending on what chemotherapy you receive you will be given steroids and antihistamine before treatment so on the first couple of days you will actually feel OK I hope this helps ( this is just my experience of it all ) best of luck!