Chemotherapy

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Hi I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer at the end of August. I’ve since had a lumpectomy & they also found 1 of my lymph nodes were affected. I had to have another Hi I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer at the end of August. I’ve since had a lumpectomy & they also found 1 of my lymph nodes were affected. I had to have another operation as the margins weren’t clear. They then sent tissue off to have an Onkytyp operation as the margins weren’t clear. They then sent tissue off to have an Onkytype DX test done to see if I would benefit from having chemotherapy. It came back borderline so they’ve decided to treat me with FEC-T which I start on Wednesday. This has really scared me as the side affects seem so bad. Is everyone scared of starting chemotherapy?

ronstar over 4 years ago

Hi Rockey

A very warm welcome to the group. I see you have had a reply to your post in the emotional support section but wanted to make sure you had a reply here too.

Chemo is, indeed a scary thing to contemplate but it isn't necessarily as bad as you imagine. I had ECT just over 4 years ago and I did very well. I had some nausea and fatigue but kept very active and paced myself. Remember the side effects that they tell you about are the worst case scenario and not everyone experiences them - you would be very unlucky to experience them all. Key things are to protect yourself from infection and seek help if there is anything you are unsure about. I felt extremely looked after during chemo - things are quite different at the moment, of course, but you should be given a 24 hour support number to call and lots of guidance from the chemo team.

We have a dedicated chemo thread in this group which you can find here

It's a place for everyone having chemo to get together and share experiences, tips etc.

Good luck for Wednesday - you absolutely can do this and we are all here for you

Rockey over 4 years ago in reply to ronstar

Thank you Ron star for replying. It’s encouraging to hear that you thought chemotherapy wasn’t as bad as you were expecting. When they tell you all about the side effects & Fisk of infection it’s really scary. I do worry about COVID though & other infections but as I’m not allowed out I’m hoping I will be okay.Thank you for the link to the chemo thread I will have a look.

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