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Hi Emma79 

It's natural to be scared of the unknown but you might not feel that poorly while going through chemo.

We all react differently but, apart from feeling 'under the weather' for about 10 days of my 21 day cycle while on EC, I didn't struggle with any other side affects. I did lose my hair, which wasn't fun, but I coped with head coverings and a wig, and some food tasted bland but I got around that by eating spicy things like curry and chilli.

I had 3 cycles of EC then 12 weeks of paclitaxel which I found easier than EC as I didn't have any side effects and my hair even started to grow back towards the end.

The main thing to remember is that if you experience any side effects, ring the contact number you'll be given and the nurses can prescribe you something to help.

x

Hi Emma 79,

I also have breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy lumpectomy and sentinels removed I required chemo also. I had four 3 weekly cycles of EC. Whilst I felt poorly for 10days of the 21 day cycle it was doable.

Keep a journal of any side effects and discuss with uour BC nurse. They will attempt to medicate any side effects experienced.

I have now moved onto radiotherapy and Letrozole medication fir 5 years.

There us light at the end of the tunnel.

 Try to concentrate on one step at a time. Plan small treats for the days you feel well. I list my hair after my 2nd cycle but have a wig which looks like mu hair. I thought I would be devastated but I wasn't.

Good luck with your treatments. Listen to your body. Rest when needed. It is time limited. Best wishes xxx

Thank you so much for the reply. It’s very reassuring to hear from someone who isn’t saying it’s horrendous. 

The plan at the moment is 4 cycles of EC followed by 4 cycles of paclitaxel. I guess that’s subject to change depending how it goes. 

I keep hoping once it starts I’ll feel better and it’s just the unknown getting me for now. I’m feeling confident this community will be a good place for me. 

Thank you again for the reply, very much appreciated x

Hi Emma79.

It is a worry for us all. I personally felt better when my treatments started. I felt I was in control and was fighting this cancer.

On the bad days if you have any and you might not. Remind yourself of why your doing it and if it's yukky it's because it killing all toxins in your body.

Good luck xxx

Thank you for replying. Hearing other people’s experiences is actually really helpful already… 

I’ve always been a worrier so it’s a battle to not get sucked into rabbit holes. I suspect this is a safe place though where I’ll be able to hear facts. 

Thank you again and sending you lots of love in your recovery x

Hi Emma79 

No worries I couldn't even say the word cancer without crying to begin with. I had terrible anxiety and couldn't leave the house. I didn't want to speak to anyone. I didn't want people to view me differently or write me off.

So everything you feel everyone on here understands.

Just take one day at a time one step at a time. You will get through this. We've all been there and now coming to the end of our treatments. 

Use this forum to vent and seek support. The macmillan nurses and cancer care are also brilliant.

Book yourself onto a look good feel good course it's brilliant for helping you to feel good about yourself.

Lots of love xxx