Recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Well done for getting through your first chemo! I had chemo to shrink the tumour before operating too and it did its job. My recommendation would be to keep a diary of all your symptoms. I found this so useful in subsequent cycles to check on progress and it calmed me down when side effects felt like they were going on forever - I would look back and see that I still felt that way in previous cycles. Other than the first few days, I managed to work throughout chemo. It is tough and not a pleasant experience but you will get through it. Most people find it more tiring and takes longer to recover the more you have, which makes sense as your body is getting battered. Try to drink lots and eat as healthily as you can, though your taste and appetite might go, so eating anything at all can be a bonus! I ended up just eating three meals a day out of necessity, I couldn't always finish them but I was determined to help my bloods recover in time for the next cycle. People say go for a walk every day but I couldn't do anything much for the first 4 or 5 days but then picked up quite quickly and was able to walk (and work!) after that. I even jogged during FEC, but I had docetaxel for my last 3 cycles and that knocked me over. The first FEC cycle, I did far too much when I got home and ended up in hospital as I couldn't stop vomiting. After that, I just took it really easy for a few days and got back on my feet when I felt ready. You will get to know you 'good days'. Good luck with it. Although it was one of the toughest experiences of my life, I am glad I had chemo. They managed to shrink my tumour enough for a lumpectomy and when you know its shrinking, it feels worthwhile!

Hi Caro,

Welcome. Sounds like I’m on a similar treatment plan to you. My sessions are every 3 weeks. Have had 2 EC then moved to D with P and T (Herceptins) for my 3rd, which was on Thursday.

I’ve not had much, if really any, nausea. I did take an anti sickness on the evening  of my first treatment, just to ward it off? Can you do this? No point suffering.

I’ve been taking immune boosting Filgrastim (same kind of thing as yours) starting 2 days after my chemo. I started taking them in the evening as I found I became tired a few hours after the injection. This has worked better, for me, than taking them earlier. I’ve been fine, pain wise, with the injections up until day 6 and 7. Then I’ve experienced ‘pulsing’ lower back and leg pain. It’s not been too bad. I’ve just taken co-codemol at night to help me sleep. I suppose you’ll have some painkillers handy.

A breast MRI showed that 2 EC shrank my tumour by about 15-20%. They look for 50% shrinkage but most don’t get this so I wasn’t too disappointed. Therefore I was moved on to the D with Herceptins. Been a bit rough for the first few days, very tired mostly, but turning the corner now.

Fingers crossed your SE are manageable. I’ve been OK but wouldn’t hesitate to phone the chemo unit if my symptoms were severe. I’ve tried to go for a walk but not managed it every day. I’ve been doing some Zoom Yoga too.

All the best for your recovery. Hope you have minimal SE.

Bluebell xx

Hello Caro and Bluebell,

Similar too. Almost level pegging with you Caro. I have a 3cm tumour HER2 right breast, started EC March 31 and will have 4 x 21 day cycles in total before switching to 3 months of pertuzumab, trastuzumab + weekly Taxol before lumpectomy and radiotherapy. I wasn't offered cold cap but am okay with that. Doing okay apart from rollercoaster energy levels which are very very food dependent. Bluebell, sorry about the rougher side effects with the new drugs. I'm a little anxious about that switch myself now . . . but every day as it comes.

Thanks for sharing your info, both. I live alone with good local support and friends beating travel bans to come for the chemo sessions, but it's comforting hearing that un-normal is okay and normal. Zoom yoga . . . I'm just not bendy enough. And my house isn't tidy enough. But maybe . . . . : )

Hi Bellestar,

Good to hear from you. My tumour was 4.2cm but, on last measurement (after MRI), was 3.4. Unfortunately some lymph nodes are affected too.

Actually the new chemo hasn’t been too bad. Only the first few days were rough. My breast and lymph nodes have been sore but I’m taking it that this means it’s working as things are feeling more ‘normal’ too.

I’m not too flexible either! I’ve been doing Yoga through a Maggies centre class so the instructors is gentle with us! The first time I done it I thought I’d leave my video off. Then the instructor asked me to switch it on so she could guide me in what I was doing. Oh no! Super quick tidy up!

I didn’t bother with the cold cap either. Lost nearly all my hair a few weeks after first EC. I’m OK with that though.

Hopefully we can all keep in touch throughout our treatment.

Bluebell xx

I like this youtube oncology tai chi. So far I've only watched it because I was eating ice cream. But next time I'll actually stand and participate. The movement shapes make sense for my aches and knots, and he can't see in XX  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U088PJhkxs

Hi Bellestar,

Oh I’ll definitely give that a go. I find that exercise really helps. A bit counterintuitive at times but there you go.

I’m also semi ‘shielding’ until I’ve finished giving myself the injections so, if I’m feeling well, slightly bored! Was working full time before this but now on sick leave.

Bluebell xx