May 2023 Chemo Starters

My lump was 17 mm and not in nodes so I guess that’s why no immunotherapy?

not sure why docetaxel though when everyone else TN seems to be having paclitaxel

Glad your first session went ok xx

Hi my cancer was 19mm with no node involvement. I’m ER8 and HER2 positive, which has influenced my treatment plan. I started EC-T chemo yesterday- 3x Epirubicin, plus cyclophosphamide. Followed by 3 cycles of Docetaxel and Trastuzumab. 
I would ask your oncologist or BCN, to explain why they have decided which ones for you. They should fully explain when you do your consent appointment. 
Stay strong but ask the professionals in this case definitely. Hope that helps x

Has anybody else cut their hair before they started chemo? I had long hair but decided the other day to have it cut short and my daughter choose the colour

Hi, I agree that the best person to ask is the oncologist, but at the time that they tell you what regimen you will be on and ask you to sign the consent, you don't know what the alternatives are so you just have to accept what they recommend. I decided to go along with that as they have the knowledge and expertise and tailor the treatment to the individual based on so many factors. But I always read up on what I'm having, and find that others who seem to have the same diagnosis are having something different, then I take any questions to my next appointment. Don't be afraid to question.

For the record, I had Grade 3 IDC, 35mm, ER/PR negative, HER2 positive, one lymph node involved. I was 63 at diagnosis, post-menopausal obviously (!), overweight. I had 3 x EC, then 4 x Docetaxel with Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab (subcutaneous Phesgo). My MRI after cycle 6 showed no evidence of cancer, confirmed after lumpectomy and lymph node clearance (complete pathological response) and declared cancer-free. Will continue with Phesgo every three weeks to complete 18 doses. Some people continue with Trastuzumab only after PCR. Radiotherapy starts the end of this month for 5 days. I will also have a daily bisphosphonate tablet for 3 years (ibandronic acid).

Amy x

Trimbos, love the colour! I am planning cutting off to a similar length in the next couple of weeks, feel like I am in a bit of control then. We might decide when hair starts to grow back we like the shorter style, like the idea of colours and having a bit of fun with it. X

Mine was found in a node too so there must be something in that. My breast lump was 22mm

I love the cut I didn't think I would so might keep it this short after treatment. I thought let's go wild with the colour as it might fall out. I had it cut this short as it me say I'm in control of this x

Thanks Amy. You’re exactly right - it’s not til after you sign consent forms that you start to question and wonder based on what others are having with similar diagnosis. Will question at next oncology meeting although that will be after I’ve started …

Thanks Cazza25 , taking it easy, manageable nausea with my tablets and headache. But pleased first one done x