Hello all - just had first chemo

Hi Cam

I think I will be trying to make friends if possible

If not I will get to sleep or listen to podcast. I am one who needs distraction lol

Good to hear your treatment is going well! 

C x

Hi

I also had my first chemo yesterday, I am also HER2 + PR8 GR8 

Hi

Sorry not sure what happened! 

I too started chemo yesterday, same diagnosis I think, HER2+ PR8 ER8

Same drugs and 3 weekly intervals x 4, next session on the 30th December, followed by surgery, and radiotherapy.

It was a long day, but good to get started.

I've felt ok today so far, took my anti sickness, husband did my tummy injection, I didn't feel it.

Waiting for side effects to kick in too.

Stay well, 

We HER2 ladies can share experiences ya. Before I was struggling to find anyone going through the same. Any tips what to bring or how to prepare for first chemo? What is your treatment plan if you don't mind me asking?

Hope your feeling OK? 

C x

Hi

My first session was booked for Monday 6th but didn't happen as someone had forgotten to apply for the funding! I was sent home after 6 hours, was so upset. Quickly rescheduled for the 9th so went ahead yesterday.. I some snacks, drinks and a sandwich, ( they did provide sandwiches, hot drinks and biscuits) I also took tablet for reading, and of course my phone.

It was pretty warm in there so I didn't need all the layers I had taken. Just remember they need access to picc line of you have one ( I do).

I got there at 9am and left at 5 pm so a long day. 

I am having four sessions at 3 week intervals of TPH which I believe is Herceptin, Pertuzumaz, Doxetal. Followed by four sessions again 3 week intervals of EC so 8 treatments in total (7now)

I took two anti sickness this morning, had couple stomach cramps but have been fine, took dog for walk, lazy afternoon though. I am waiting to see what happens next few days with SE.

I was given injections to bring home, to give extra boost to immune system ( I think) which is for 5 days after the chemo sessions. Hubby did it no issues.I

Once chemo is over I will have surgery followed by radiotherapy followed by 3 weekly injections of herself in for a year. ( I hope I have got that right) that's what I have written down, so much info to take in, I decided to deal with one thing at a time.

I am a little calmer now treatment underway, but terrified of more hold ups, like covid, or issues with blood tests etc, I just want to keep on track.  My blood pressure is always high when I go doc's not sure how I can deal with this, it's just my nerves!!

I have been signed off work for a month, but then will see how I get on in january.

Sorry for long reply, it's great being able to talk to someone in the same position. I still find myself trying to protect family and friends from my true feelings.

Take care

Bumblehead

Sorry you've bad to deal with a delay just because of overlooked paperwork. I can understand the frustration but luckily it was all OK yday for you to go ahead.

Don't worry about a long post. It's always good to get stuff off your chest for sure. It's overwhelming isn't it..what with all the treatment and each phase. You're wise to break it down in bits so it's more manageable. Thanks for sharing your 1st day at chemo...sounds a long day. How did you calm your nerves while waiting for chemo ...how long was it from diagnosis to chemo? 

We live in such uncertain times, I hope also no hold ups..I don't think anything ever prepares you for delays and how lonely this journey can be but I feel the ladies here are so lovely to keep help us think positively through it all

I don't think those who aren't in our situation fully understands and we feel it might scare them if we're honest. My mum doesn't know about my situation. 

Will be here for u if in need. You take care and sleep well. Xxx

C x

Had my first chemo today at NNUH ( I’m Her2! Invasive ductal) 

had the big 220 ml injection of herceptin-  ok though 

I’ve got 3 more sessions booked , if it goes to plan , I was there from 1:30pm to 6 pm with various Iv from saline flush to the dox …… sorry not good at the names yet , then final flush 

all ok so far , my injections start Tuesday for five days , when apparently you have a dip ?? 

then my oral medication starts a day before my next IV to save time on what I had via cannula today 

im sure I’ll know more next time: be more familiar 

had anti nausea by drip too , so no medication taken this evening 

yes my BP was a little high!  Anxiety!!!

only a few people plus my 2 kids ( young adults at uni and in first grad placement- living away) knew I was going today , so took a taxi!! 
a good friend came for me, and staying with me a few days …

looking at it as all

good medicine !!    

good luck ladies!!! 

now with this new omicron I may have to hibernate 

thinking of getting Netflix!!! 

I was nervous on that first day, I don't think that will change, I just see each step forward as one ticked off the list, there is sure to be hiccups along the way, I am trying my best to keep positive, obviously there are going to be down days. I took a good book and tried to block everything else, the mood within the unit was positive and very friendly, so that was immensely helpful.

From diagnosis to chemo seemed like an age, but lots of tests carried out quickly and with great care and compassion. MRI, bone scan, by scan, bloods, heart echo and EEG.

I have told my mum, she's 86 bless her, but is very tuned in, I would not have got away with not telling her, and I do most her shopping etc so she would realise a change to routine. I am also fortunate my boys, families and my sister's all live close and have been amazing. It's still a lo let place though.

Good to talk, take care, x

Thankyou Claud272

I dont know about the bloods. Originally I was getting all my bloods done on Wednesday ,but had a call from hospital about going to have pic line in on Monday and said to cancel Wednesday appointment as I'm having this line in,  and get certain bloods done that were marked off in an envelope that i was given from oncology, and we will send district nurse to your home on Tuesday to do the rest. My hair is mid length brown with highlights, so I said I don't mind if it's the same or just brown..really don't suit my hair short, only had it short once in my life and my aunty said to my mum,,,tell her to let her hair grow she looks like a boy..lol

Thankyou Bumblehead, yes you sound like me, staying positive because that's my personality and also I have my family to think of, if I was to crumble then they would too, so we're all living as close to normal as we can and I have  a very supportive family too so I'm very lucky. As you say 1 step at a time..I'm ready to start marking them off on the calendar.xx