Any advice for chemotherapy for breast cancer?

I could not agree with this more. Please don’t be afraid ladies, if I can come out the other side anyone can. Chemo has a bad reputation but it is doable and the nurses can’t do enough for you, you’ll be so looked after.
I’ve met some friends for life on the chemo ward and all the nurses were so so lovely. 

Thanks for this encouragement. I'm extremely scared at this stage as I start chemo on 18th September, so it's all ahead of me! 

I asked about a port but the registrar said they usually did PICC lines so I'm having one of those. (Interestingly, Kate Middleton said the port was her favourite thing and she was a bit reluctant to part with it, at the end!)

I agree with your comment about people, not just hospital staff, friends and neighbours but strangers have also been unexpectedly kind!

On the port - maybe ask again. They’re more difficult to put in because you have to be on an x-ray machine when they put it in to make sure they get it in the right place - that element of it really isn’t a big deal, but I think that maybe why they’re reluctant to offer it.

Once it’s in, it’s just like a disc that sits under your skin. It completely heals over. When they give you the drugs or take blood they just put a special little needle into to disc. Believe me, i am horrifically squeamish and it was a god-send to me. Your skin heals again almost instantly after they’ve used it.

I’ve still got mine in. It’s only needed now for blood tests and Zoledronic Acid infusions which I’ll have every six months until end 2027.

I really get how the prospect of chemo is overwhelming but try to put your faith in the team treating you and think of all the other ladies who have got through it. And think about how phenomenal the drugs are that you’re being given in the way they kill the cancer.

Very best wishes x

I would agree with SusanHB about the Port. Ask again.....I have had both...the port for chemo and later a picc for another operation. There is no comparison. Once in.... it's there. My unit gave me a local anaesthetic patch to apply each time I went for chemo so literally...nothing. The picc requires a lot more care. It can catch in clothes, in bedding, needs covering in showers etc. The port takes about a fortnight to heal after the initial insert. I actually had a general anaesthetic and then an x ray in radiology but all hospitals vary. I now have a very neat scar close to my collar bone which is only noticeable if you look.

I wish you well with chemo. The unknown is always scary and sometimes the after effects may not be pleasant but the time passes and as a treatment, it is usually very successful. It is ten years since I was diagnosed and treated. So far, I have been clear of further cancer. Take care.

I am having a PICC fit Friday and chemo starts next week. I did ask about the port too as my husband thinks it would be easier for me. They said a hard no - as they only like to fit ports for patients that need them for 6 months or longer on the NHS Trust in my area.  As the Chemo will be 6 times every 3 weeks its only 18 weeks. I am frustrated that it will catch on things and sleeping/showering will be harder and I have to have it flushed and dressed every week - but I felt there was no point pushing. 

I think the registrar said that PICC is usually done here, as not all staff are trained to handle ports...maybe that's just my hospital though?   x

Yes that said that to me too...not all staff trained to use them. I am guessing its a funding issue. 

just to add to the discussion re port or picc - I had to push - supported by the nurse on chemo day unit - to have a port. I think it's more expensive and slightly more invasive procedure - but they agreed on the end on the grounds of mental health / I exercise a lot and know I am too clumsy! I had it fitted after cycle 2 of chemo - the doctor doing it said I shouldn't have had to wait this long... but it was fine, super easy procedure - and today had cycle 3 and it was very easy , and good not to have a canula.

wishing you the best of luck xx