Starting chemo

FormerMember over 3 years ago

2 replies
279 subscribers
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Hey,

So I start chemo 28th Oct.

I am having the taxel?? for 12 weeks and the herceptin injection drug for 18 cycles. Every 3 weeks for 1 Year. Running along side the taxel.

I'm a bit anxious about the side effects from them. More so loosing my hair. It's near to my bum and it's really thick and to know that I'm going to loose it all although it's a small price for my life really.

Its already been a hard few months from being diagnosed with Paget's disease of the nipple (a rare form of cancer) to dcis and needing surgery. I had diep flap surgery, reconstruction for my right breast, and lymphs removed all on the 14 Sept. I went to get my tape and plasters etc off at a follow up app.

I had originally been told that after surgery I wouldn't need chemo, possibly radiotherapy if anything.

I was told that day having my plasters off that a small tumour had been found when they took my breast away and now would need chemo because of the type grade 3 invasive

... I have felt quite strong and brave up until that app. I felt the worst I have from this had all started.. I felt petrified immediately.

I'm still quite sore and very tight around my stomach at times from surgery but feel stronger and more able to move freely

I know everyone's different but just to talk to someone who going through something similar would be great.

Sending Love to anyone dealing with cancer... It really is scary stuff xxxx

farmerann over 3 years ago

Hi Stacey2312 glad you have found the best place for support and advice. First things first, chemo is not as bad as its press, modern drugs can help most side effects and you will not get all the side effects but you will be told about ALL the side effects. Re hair the chemo nurses are the best top ask, they will know which chemo drugs are bad for that, I had one of the taxels and it didn;t damage hair but the EC I had first had already removed my hair sio that didn't help!!!!! All the amazing women on here will try to help support you so I am just one of many, chemo is doable, you can do this, you are not alone. Love from Ann

WallyDug over 3 years ago

Hello Stacet2312

Welcome to the forum and sorry that it is here that we meet. I had EC and then docetaxel with herceptin and pertuzumab. The EC did for my hair completely none left on head or anywhere else either. However, on the docetaxel I started to get a peach fuzz growing again on my head. I am sorry I dont know if Taxels alone cause hair loss. Ass Anne suggests, ask you BC nurse.

I expect you may know about the cold caps that some folk have used to help them keep their hair, or at least some of it. I did not try this as my oncologist told me in advance that it would not work for the drugs I was to get.

Chemo is not fun and we would all have preferred not to have needed it. However, it is quite doable and your care team will make sure that you get the support meds you need to control whatever side effects you get. We are all different and not everyone gets them.

Wishing you al the best with treatment. Come back and tell us how you get on and ask any questions that you have. There is always someone along who will have hints and tips at getting through whatever stage you are at.

WallyDug

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