ER +, full lymph node removal, chemo, 3rd op and radiotherapy

My first 3 EC were not too bad.  First 3 days straight after chemo was the worst, just feeling out of sorts but docetaxel was a beast.  I had good support and I think that helped me get through it.  

Just want to add, you will get through it even though it feels like you wont at the time x

Hi, I’m also about to start chemo this week following op with 3/16 positive lymph nodes in April. Will also be having radiotherapy and tamoxifen. It’s all very daunting isn’t it. I’ve been feeling OK about it until this weekend when it’s all started to feel very real. This forum has been invaluable and I feel as prepared as I can be. One day at a time x

Hi, I’m having my 2nd round of chemo next week,  I was so nervous before the 1st round, fear of the unknown, I felt ok when I got gone then a couple of hours later felt so tired, given lots of medication to take as well as injections to start a few days later, managed to do them myself and so proud of myself, had a really dry mouth and weird taste, I found the isotonic sports drinks helped me, I wasn’t sick, just felt tired and out of sorts for about 5-7 days then back to feeling ok, now the worst part has kicked in hair loss, coming out in handfuls now, I’ve got a wig & scarves in place, just getting the courage to get my hairdresser to do the deed and get rid, will be lots of sobs but hate seeing my bin full of hair, I’m having 3 EC then 3. DOC,  5 rounds of radiotherapy then Tamoxifen, meant to say I  was ER+ , had mastectomy and full axillary clearance, 8/34 nodes were infected, my consultant gave me a PET scan which after a 2 week wait showed no traces of cancer at all, so lovely to hear the words “cancer free! “  so treatment is all preventative but it’s still tough, I never cried when I lost my breast, just wanted rid of the horrible thing it was harbouring but I’ve had a couple of cries over losing my hair,  such an awful journey we are all having to take but we can do this and offer each other support & advice, hope all goes well and take good care of yourself, keep in touch if you feel up to it xxxxx

Hi HalleyI’ll also be on the same chemo as you. It’s interesting how divided the split seems to be between people tolerating EC or Doc best. I’m glad you haven’t been too poorly on your first dose and I’ll also stock up on some sports drinks. I’m sorry the hair loss is kicking in - that must be so hard. I had a pixie cut a few days a go and just starting to get used to it. All the best for your second chemo this week, I’ll be thinking if you x

HI watcherbee. It's seems surreal as I feel fine in myself but know I have a lot to endure. I have really struggled with the fear and anxiety and it all feels very daunting like you say. What have you done to prepare yourself? Really hope it all goes ok for you. Let me know how it goes. x

Hi Halley. Yours sounds very similar to mine too except I had a lumpectomy but had to go back for a scrape on the second op and now a third op to do more of a scrape of the margins!!! So frustrating. Think I am having the same chemo too. It sounds like the symptoms are quite common but effect people differently. Must admit I am dreading it as I feel fine at the moment and dont feel ill but know I have it all to come. I really feel for you with the hair loss. I am just debating whether to get mine cut before chemo as I have long thick hair. Did you consider the cold cap?

It is such a horrible journey but lets keep in touch as we may be able to help each other out with any tips, advice and support. Also with watcherbee. Take good care of yourself. You have now ticked one off the list!

Hi Sandie

i think the cd-cap is worth a try if you have thick hair. You can always take it off if you hate it. I am four chemos down and my hair is thin now (naturally thick) but nobody else would be able to tell as I’ve only lost underneath, around ears and then it’s just like thin hair on top. 

best of luck x

Hello, I felt the same before my chemo, didn’t feel ill but knew once I started the chemo I would maybe feel ill, I’m going to get plenty of isotonic energy drinks in, I also ate a lot of jacket potatoes, chicken, rice & veg, also had ginger biscuits in, I did think about the cold cap but I have really fine hair, if the success rate was high I think I would of opted to try but decided I had been through enough and choose a wig near to my own hair as possible, will let you know his 2nd cycle goes, take care & keep in touch xxx

Hi  I’ve had my 4th covid booster, had dental check up and stocked up on all the usual ginger biscuits, ginger tea, squash, etc. I’ve kept busy up until now researching it all but reality has definitely kicked in and having to have stern words with myself to keep it together. Sending the biggest hug to you and all the other amazing people here going through this. X