Cancer free following single masectomy but next step chemo! all advice and experiences welcome as no idea what to expect

Hi Loubie, sorry to hear of your diagnosis but it’s great you have been given the cancer free diagnosis. Chemo is different for everyone. Some react more to it that others. I had 8 cycles in total 4 of EC and 4 of Docetaxel. I found EC harder and much harsher on the hair. Despite cold capping I did loose about 80% but was happy when it started growing back in Docetaxel. I went to my local MacMillan centre to arrange for a wig prior to starting . That way they were able to find a wig as close to my hair style and colour as possible. Be kind to yourself. If you feel tired rest. I ate what I fancied rather than trying to force myself to eat food that didn’t appeal or taste great at the time. There will be up and down days but try to keep mobile and go for walks this helps with the tiredness. Drink plenty of  water / squash and try to avoid caffeinated drinks. If you can go for decaf tea and coffee it would be better as they don’t dehydrate you like caffeinated ones do. If you want to click on my name you can read my journey so far. 
Whilst chemo is not something anyone wants it is doable. The nurses are lovely and are there to help if you have any worries.

Wishing you all the best.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi cuffcake, thankyou for taking your time to reply , I have res your bio and found it really informative and helpful. 

Sending lots of love ️ 

Hi Loubie

I had very  similar said to me. Cancer free after mastectomy which is amazing!

I am 2/3 of the way through chemo and although it isn't easy I like to think it gives me the best outcome so definitely worth it.

 You'll get there.

I bought a thermometer to check temperature and try to make sure I drink enough water which I struggle with sometimes. 

I make a note of any symptoms and phone the team if I'm worried about anything.

 Take care xx

Hi,

I'm start chemo next week - 4 cycles AC and 4 paclitaxol and have no idea how it will affect me except I will definitely loose my hair. Besides trying to improve my diet and general fitness,  I've watched 'The Cold Cap Club' videos on YouTube to help me decide if I will do this. I was told about Little Gifts, where you can get a gift bag of items which may help with chemo side effects. I'm setting up a 'chemo bag' with snacks, drink, phone charger, puzzle book, reading book, little pillow and a wrap - things I've seen on here that are helpful. I'm also setting up a shelf with custards, rice pudding, ice pops ready for the fridge etc in case I don't feel like eating/cooking when family are at work. The hospital I attend also have a preparing for chemo session, to explain what to look out for and who to call. They also organised an appointment with the wig specialist, which will be just before my second session. There is a chemotherapy forum which also has helpful information. There's also visiting the dentist and sorting out the medical exemption certificate.

Wishing you all the best.

Thanks for replying,  can I ask how many rounds of each chemo , just wondering time scale . I know everyone is different but i don't have a clue how many months this might go on for , my job is working in a school so I've already been told.its not a job I should be doing whilst having chemo due to the little.germ spreaders.

Many thanks xx

Hi

So I have had 3 x EC and now 3 x Docetaxel.

 Each cycle three weeks apart which I think is quite standard x

Hi. Congratulations on being cancer free. Sounds very similar to me only I was able to have just lumpectomy. I was told that was successful and I was cancer free but after further tests chemo was recommended as an adjuvant treatment. I had 4 cycles of ec and three docetaxel every three weeks. I was encouraged to work if I felt up to it by my oncologist but only from home. Chemo wasn't pleasant but it was doable and easier than I expected and prepared for.  But it is such an individualised treatment. Biggest tips are  buy a digital thermometer and monitor your temperature regularly at least twice a day and more of your temperature is raised, and keep a diary of side effects so you can see from cycle to cycle any changes and you have notes to tell your oncologist. 

Thankyou Petrolhead,  I am guessing and hoping you are through the otherside now and your life again is your own to live as you did pre cancer. Did you have radiotherapy after chemotherapy?

Really appreciate the advice, I shall order a thermometer today xx

I had 20 sessions of radiotherapy after chemo. Had a six week break between them. Yes major treatment is done but I still have meds to take daily and biphosphonate infusions every six months for next three years to protect bones

Hi, I blogged throughout my treatment and you might find this one useful, it's all I wish I'd known before chemo. Best wishes 

Chemo blog