September 2021 Chemotherapy Starters

Hi Betsycar

Yes Im starting the end of Aug with 4 cycles of EC then 4 of Packitaxel  I’m absolutely terrified. I get days when I feel slightly better but on the whole I’m tearful and it consumes me completely. I try to look forward and think by the end of the year it will be finished but it’s so hard . 

I'm probably starting in September. I had a lumpectomy and three lymph nodes removed on 2/8 and have my results appointment on the 20th Aug. My surgeon said chemo would start approx 6 weeks later (as long as margins are clear) so I'm thinking early to mid September. 

I was told I'd probably have 6 cycles of carboplatin, docetaxel and herceptin (Trastuzumab) but presume  this may have changed since my surgery. I will know more next week. 

I'm very apprehensive, although everyone whose had chemo says the thought of it is actually worse than the chemo itself. I'm going wig shopping with my mum in a couple of weeks and have bought some turban type things off Etsy.  

I am waiting for a chemo start date, should be in the next couple of weeks. Sounds like we are having a similar regime Jacala. I’m nervous about what’s ahead but just want to get on with it and get it done. 
I’ve also ordered a couple of funky hat type things from Etsy but might also try cold cap

• Hi to you all. Thanks for replying I have been fine with surgery,  and been reading about people's experiences with chemo. But now I'm faced with it, I'm wobbling. My main upset is losing my hair. Is it vain to feel like this? I've brought some hats from Annabandana, so will see what they look like. I'm yet to wait for a date to start, they think it's either 1st or 2nd of Sept. 

I decided not to try the cold cap. I'm worried the chemo won't reach every single cell plus the thought of weeks of slow hair loss as opposed as it gone in one shave isn't ideal. But I know everyone is different. I had my hair cut short (from a bob) a few weeks ago. I'll probably have a number 2 when chemo starts and then take it from there. I'm dreading it.

Hi I start chemo 23rd august 3 x EC then 4 x Docetaxel,  plus the herceptin things and biophosphstes.  

Am now terrified, of feeling crap til after Christmas, of losing my hair and mainly how I.m going to cope as a single mum of 6 year old twins!! Xx 

We will get through it supporting each other as others have before and are still doing. My BCNurse said it’ll be a tough time but it’s doable. Roll on 2022! X

Very true xx 

What surgery did you have? I had a lumpectomy and go for my results on Friday, I'm not sure whether I'll get to find out what exact chemo regime I'll be on then or at a later date. What happened at your results appointment after surgery? Will I meet my oncologist at a later date?

I imagine appointments will come quick and fast from next week if clear margins.

Hi Missy

I hope this will help as I felt exactly the same as you did when starting my cycles of EC in May; was very apprehensive and even with my 5th cycle this week, I absolutely hate doing it.  My chemo unit crew are great - it is just the whole procedure that sucks.

Sometimes, it's the fear of fear itself that can dominate you and it is harder to face than the chemo. 

EC makes me feel like crap for nearly a week - loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, irritated bladder all drive you bananas, but the best way through it is to stick to the regime of anti-sickness meds and injections for the first 5-7 days and then.... it gets easier.  I asked my oncologist for tranquillisers as the anxiety and needle phobia were becoming a major problem, so don't be afraid to ask for any help you need.

Food will taste awful - I just eat ice-cream and milkshakes and if you need it, a dietician can help - you will need to let your chemo unit know earlier rather than later as it takes time to get this organised.

I was scheduled to have 12 cycles of Paclitaxel and have refused it, so I can't comment on what this will be like.

The bad days are hard - there is no getting round it.  But when they are done, the fog lifts and you DO start to feel human again.

It goes quicker than you think too and I hope you will get through it really well :)))

Xxx