January 2023 Chemo Starters

Hello there! 

I'm slightly behind you - first session on Monday 9th Jan and feeling very nervous but wanting to get started as I am nearly 8 weeks post-diagnosis, and the waiting is increasingly draining.

I have a friend who had a PICC line inserted last year and had told me that it was a very easy and non-painful process (for her) so I hope it goes well for you.

Fingers crossed for us all - I'm sure it will be helpful to have support via the forum.

Kerry xxx

Hi Kerry,

I am sorry you also find yourself on this journey, but thank you for the encouraging words on the PICC line. I am getting so nervous now that chemo is about to start as I have freaked myself out reading of all potential side effects (not so much in the short term, but in the long term!) - ignorance is bliss! I alternate positive days to sad and angry days. But I am still hoping I can continue to work throughout this (at least at reduced hours in worst case scenario) and “sail” through treatment keeping a bit of normality (albeit a new one). Probably that is naive, but hey ho. I have gifted myself with hair replacement system to be prepared in the hope to continue to work. 
There is a chance my 1st chemo will be pushed to next week as we are still discussing what would be the best protocol in my case. My chemo is adjuvant treatment, to reduce risk of recurrence. 
Defo fingers crossed for all of us! 
xx

Thanks, & I’m equally sorry that you are having to go through this as well. It’s just horrid…

I’m hoping to work through as well, and to just make the most of the times when we feel ok - it’s just such an unknown situation though. I’m hoping that after the first cycle it becomes a little easier to predict what the side effects will be and to be able to anticipate & plan a bit more?!

My chemo is neoadjuvant & with every day that goes by without some treatment I’m imagining cancer cells multiplying & spreading, so I will be happier to get started even though it’s the last thing I want to do! That is keeping the panic at bay because the alternative to having chemo doesn’t bear thinking about. We can definitely do this one day and one cycle at a time…

Let me know how you get on xxx

Hi NeedingHope, I have already started chemo and have just had my 3rd cycle. Having a PICC line or other device like that is great. They can take bloods and do chemo through it and it saves your veins, especially if like me they can only use one arm because of lymph node clearance. 
Some things to take with you to chemo to keep you occupied, ipad, phone, AirPods/headphones, book, magazines, snacks and drink.
Not sure if you are looking to use the scalp cooling cap you would need to also take some leave in conditioner and maybe a blanket. They do have blankets there but sometimes it’s nice to have something you like to snuggle with. I haven’t used mine yet as the chemo unit is nice and warm. I also take a spare pair of socks and slippers only because I take my shoes/ boots off and make myself feel snuggly and relaxed. 
I have a bag that I leave packed so it’s ready to go for each session so I don’t have to think about it before hand. 
They will give you an emergency hotline number so you can call them for help and advice while going through chemo. 
Anti sickness meds are also given to help prevent nausea and sickness.

Hope all goes well with the PICC line and wishing you all the best for your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi NeedingHope, yes the side effects are scary and there are lots listed. I know I scared myself too when I read them all. I keep a diary and write down everyday how I feel and any side effects I have that way I have an idea for each cycle. So far mine has followed a similar pattern. I don’t think it’s naive, it’s great to be positive . It’s good you have a hair replacement system in place too. 
Wishing you all the best on your journey. 

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi SaleBee, I too was worrying about the cancer spreading whilst waiting. It is a scary thing. I agree we can do this and taking things a day at a time makes it a lot less overwhelming than thinking of the whole thing at once . 
I have just had my 3rd cycle and have kept a diary everyday and written down how I feel and any side effects I have. This helps me to know how I feel with each cycle as the pattern is similar. 

Wishing you all the best on your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi Ladies, 

I think I too will likely be joining the January start club. The irony of this phrase 

Adjuvant Chemo for me too post 8th December oncoplastic WLE surgery for early stage grade 2 triple + alongside trastuzumab and then later on radiotherapy.
Echocardiogram booked in for Friday 6th, but waiting on first appointment with Chemo Dept. 

I assume you both had a pre meeting with your Chemo depts already to find out what it all entails after seeing your oncologist?

Thanks cuffcake - that is a really good idea, and I also appreciate your chemo-day list of essentials! I hope your treatment is progressing well x

Hi addabitofsparkle, it's not a group you would choose to join is it?! January is usually the month for trying to get healthier and detox after Xmas excess, and here we are about to get as toxic as it is possible to be!

I'm also triple positive, so will be getting trastuzumab and perjeta together with the chemo drugs - I'm on docetaxel and carboplatin.

I had a consultation with my oncologist on 21st December during which I had the chance to ask questions and understand the regime and side effects however I have not had the chance to see the chemo department or talk to a nurse. My first visit will be on Monday 9th Jan when I have my first treatment. It would have been nice to have the chance to see it first but it wasn't offered to me, so I guess I will get to know on the day itself...

I hope your surgery went well and was not too bad. I have that to look forward to after chemo!

Indeed not the best way to start any year.

I’ve already parked 2023 in the ‘that was then parking lot’ so I can mentally try to look forward to January 2024!  

I have healed well from surgery thank you  (oncoplastic WLE) been doing my exercises like it’s my new religion

I’m going to ask BCN if I can visit the Chemo Dept when I go in for my ECG on Friday. It hadn’t occurred to me that they wouldn’t do that. I think I’d find it unsettling not to have visited before first cycle. 

I’ll be on 12 weekly cycles of paclitaxel only. 

I haven’t heard of Perjeta.