Newly diagnosed start chemo on 7th June

Hi ALK67

Welcome to the forum, I was diagnosed in January with HER2 + grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma, my treatment is very simlar.... had three cycles of EC and currently having 12 weeks of Paclitaxel, followed by a mastectomy... hospital haven't confirmed radiotherapy at the moment, 

How are you coping with your diagnosis? 

Macmillian have been amazing throughout my journey so far... there is always someone to talk to here 

Sending you hugs and positivity!   

Hi Bert83

Thank you so much for responding.  I am ok - all a bit of a shock and sometimes it feels like I am watching someone else  going through it.  I guess the reality will kick in once treatment starts.

It's also good to know I am not alone - and have someone to share experiences with.

How have you been with the side effects of chemo?

xx

Hi ALK67, sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I had 4 x EC followed by 4 x Docetaxel with Phesgo injections. I had those 2 together. I’m still on Phesgo and that carries on for a year for me every 3 weeks. 
If you click on my name you can see my journey so far. 
Wishing you all the best for your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi ALK67

side effects from the EC were a little rough for me, but everyone tolerates treatment differently, i found I was tired a lot for the first several days after, had migraines too and heartburn, but no nausea and diarrhoea. My hair started to fall out within the first two weeks of treatment so I shaved it off, the hospital offered me the cold cap but I didn’t bother with it. I’ve found with the Paclitaxel treatment has effected my skin quite badly ( but again everyone reacts differently) tiredness isn’t too bad at the moment, seems to happen around day 7 for me and lasts a couple days, my hair has started to grow back too, I was shocked but happy … kind of looks peach fuzz but it’s hair ! Lol

You’ll been given medication to help with a lot of side effects

i think drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet has helped lessen the side effects

stay strong ! You can do this ALK !! ️

Hi. I've just finished my chemo journey 4 cycles ec and 3 cycles docetaxel. I prepared for every possible side effect and ec wasn't too bad. Had constipation and hangover first cycle but otherwise not too bad. Docetaxel cycle 1 I did end up in hospital with neutropenia but oncologist reduced dose for subsequent cycles. Cycle 2 docetaxel I caught paraflu so was totally wiped out for ten days but didn't get sepsis. Cycle 3 has been fine. However everyone is different. Take your laxatives and anti sickness before symptoms kick in. 

I'm amazed how different people have different side effects! My first EC session made me very nauseous and disoriented but I'm now on day 3 and feel wiped out but no more throwing up. Do you have any recommendations re not catching other people's bugs?

Have minimal visitors at house and ask people not to come round if they aren't well. Wear a mask when going out to shops.  I have self isolated week 2 of my cycle as it's supposed to be the riskiest week. Having said that with the docetaxel I had worse symptoms week 1. My mum has also done COVID tests everytime she she comes round to be extra safe

Hi, I have had exactly the same as you, just had 8 cycles, 4 of EC and 4 of docetaxel every 3 weeks, they start the phesgo when you start the docetaxel, I am currently still having the phesgo injections, I have had 12 out of 18. I have also had a mastectomy and also finished my radiotherapy. My breast cancer also was the same. 

Hi what is phesgo? I didn't have that with my docetaxel.

Phesgo is a targeted treatment for HER2 positive. If you’re HER2 negative then you won’t need it. 
Ots a combination of trastuzumab an pertuzumab.