Chemotherapy - your thoughts

Hi  I can answer some of your questions but remember we all react differently to any treatment we receive or come to that any op that is offered if you read my profile story you can see how I reacted .

My decision was made immediately for masectomy at my age I felt just get rid this led to surgeon making me go away and think overnight to make sure as he was saying he could do lumpectomy (Lge cup size) . The area was beyond the normal size for lumpectomy because of second area taken into account as it was already changing ! 

Have a read and come back with questions if you wish . 

Also can I point you in the direction of a thread that could get you more answers and support . I know things are a bit difficult to navigate at the minute as the site is getting a update .

If you go to back to Breast cancer forum you will see a thread titled questions about treatment etc or some thing similar if you open that one you will find threads about chemo and rads with posts from people having this treatment now .

Do have a browse around all threads you will be made welcome the AWAKE thread ( on right hand side at minute ) is very active for chat support and a bit of humour . 

Hi

Just a quickie re chemo experience, as Margaret says above we're all different but I did really well on chemo (as many do, you sometimes only hear the bad on forums as they're the ones needing help & support), I had a rough week following but other than that was able to exercise throughout, lost my hair but loved my new look (and got many compliments) - so you might be surprised how you actually look when the hair is much shorter.  I felt rough (not sick per se) and was able to eat healthily throughout (my stomach and I have a very good relationship...too good at times!).  I was able to work part-time (office job), about 50% on average but could have done more if I'd pushed myself I guess (but would suggest be kind to yourself and don't push yourself too much). 

I was lucky in that I was able to attend the 'look good feel good' course but I think these are being done online - have a look as there's good tips as to how to make the most of what you've got and create eyebrows etc, I did this very well and actually got to grips with false eyelashes which were great fun (gave myself marks out of 10 as to successful application each time! Never got beyond an 8).  I used this time as an opportunity to get quite dolled up and wear more makeup than I normally would, seemed appropriate somehow with a lot less hair than normal.

So you may well be able to keep up with the tennis, you'll know when you know.

Good luck.

Sam

Thanks Sam for your post not sure whats going to happen yet but know chemo is being discussed. Nice to hear a positive story. Great that you only felt ill one week out of the four and the beauty course sounds a great idea and that you liked your new hair.  And if i can play tennis at least i will keep my  toned tennis legs even if i do have no hair !!!

I exercised through most of my six months of chemo (except for the first week of each AC and docetaxel cycles), and I'm back to running properly a few months later. Online HIIT, dance and yoga classes are amazing if you can't get to the tennis court - you can try a different instructor each time or just stick to someone you like.

Hey

Firstly, welcome to the nuthouse!!

Chemo experience. OK, I install and service burglar alarms, and am a county level archer. When I queried whether I would be able to shoot with a picc line, they sent me to get a portacath. This is all internal, so no infection risk, no restriction on activities and no weekly flush. I was able to shoot 2 or 3 times a week most weeks, and continued working throughout.

My hair started shedding after 15 days, so shaved it off. Rather liberating actually!!

I don't tend to get nausea, can count on one hand the times I've thrown up in 20 years. EC I did use the pills they gave me, but the T part I didn't need them. That said, if what they provide doesn't work, shout out. Loudly. There are better drugs, but they keep the expensive ones back unless you really need them.

One thing about chemo, it tends to attack weak points. So those prone to morning sickness get bad nausea. I have a lot of old sports injuries and other joint issues. Every single one of them let me know all about it. Eventually got Cocodamol prescribed for that.

It's a big scary unknown facing chemo, because we are all different. Many have few side effects, most get some of them, very few get all of them. But those few are the ones you hear from on here. I wouldn't say I sailed through. But it wasn't that bad either.

If you have any concerns about reoccurrence, then it's worth giving it a try if it's offered.

Hugs xx

1. Hi Liz , I"ve got breast cancer. Currently I'm receiving chemotherapy, I had 2 treatments and 4 more to go ,I was very scare and expected the worst. I'm using cold cap during my treatment,  I lost some of my hair-volume but I still got my hair. After first chemo I wasn't feeling great for 2 days , more feeling sick and muscles pain. They give me medication, they helped a lot! Any extra anty sickness tablet are really helped. After 2 days I back to normal , I'm very active ,I can't work at the moment because of Covid and my boss she doesn't want me to come in the office because of risk. Just remember , you can go through this difficult time and you are strong. Hopefully that's helped a little bit.

Thanks for telling me about your experiences and encouragement it really helps. Have my first of 8 chemo sessions tomorrow . I am going to try the cold cap but really scared not just about that but everything. Also terrified of getting Covid as I am in an area where cases are very high. Trying to think positively though allowed to play tennis again in three weeks. Work is going to be difficult as  I am a frontline worker but could be a good opportunity to do all that stuff you never usually get time to do.

Thanks Karen interesting what you said about your weak points as I had a feeling that might happen.. Decided to go for it anyway as this is my second experience of breast cancer had it back in 2005. Do not want to get it for a third time. Got bad morning sickness in all three of my pregnancies so will have that joy to look forward too. Know a bit about the anti sickness meds and which work when others fail so I guess that might help.

Really helps to have other peoples experiences

Xxx

Hi and welcome! I had my second chemo session on Wednesday (EC) and have one more to go before I start decetaxel. I am using the cold cap and my hair started to shed on day 17 which for me was Christmas Day. I have no bald patches and have only noticed minimal thinning around my hairline so I’m hopeful that I will keep the majority of it all be it thinner than usual. I have found that I feel nauseous and tired for a the first couple of days after treatment but soon pick back up. I have been wfh since March on a laptop and have managed to continue..with reduced hours..I just do what I can when I feel like it but have been kind to myself to and rested when needed. I have also managed to get out walking every day. Good luck...you’ve totally got this xxx