Chemo.

Hi New2this, my first was two weeks after oncology appointment but I had to telephone hospital as I hadn't received a letter.  (I'm in North West England- guessing it's different depending on post code). Your breast care nurse may be able to advise for your area.

I've had 3 of the 12 rounds.  On my first session I didn't have a picc line fitted (had one fitted today) I was shown to a comfy chair in a room with 5 others.  I was canulated in back of hand, they put through Piriton and steroid first, they then put a flush through before connecting the chemo (I'm on paclitaxel) it takes 1 hour to go through.  When finished they put another flush through and then I'm free to go.  I don't feel anything at all, a bit cold on my arm.

I had a little chat with some of the others and read my book but to be honest I just fell asleep, the piriton knocked me out.  I was there just over two hours. Tea, coffee and snacks are available.

I've decided not to have cold cap, I think they're a little longer.  It looks like a soft cycle helmet, the lady I spoke to last week had it on and she said it was OK. You have to have it on the first session if you want it, you can't go back to have it. 

Side effects wise everyone is different but I've had relatively few.  I've been tired but that's nothing new.  On the whole it's not been as bad as I expected it to be.  

Hope all goes well but if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  

XX

Hi your oncology appointment you will be signing consent for the chemotherapy. They will frighten the bejesus out of you because they will go through every potential side effect. It doesn't mean you will get them all but they will want to prepare you. Before your appointment have a notepad handy to write down any questions you think of as you think of them. And take someone with you to appointment. Don't use doctor Google either as that can frighten you too. 

All the best to you xx

Thank you auntflo.I too am in nw,fleetwood Lancashire.Up to this stage all my app have been every 2 week,just anxious to get the chemo started,but thank you for your info on what to expect & the time line..hugs.x 

Hi  AuntFlo and New2this,

My experience has been very similar to AuntFlo’s. I had the 8th out of twelve chemos of paclitaxel today. I also have herceptin every three weeks as I’m HER2 positive. I have to say it’s been better than I expected. My hair didn’t come out in clumps but went very thin…..too thin to style so I had it shaved last week. I now have two lovely wigs and a few turbans. I had diarrhoea last week but they gave me tablets for that. Apart from the thinning of the hair and being more tired that is the only real side effect. I tried the cold cap but didn’t like it as I felt the strap could make me feel sick. 

I’ll be having radiotherapy after the chemo.

I hope you all do well…..keep on trucking!!

xx

Hi mimicat.exactly same treatment plan as mine.Anxcious to start it now,not fearful anxious just want to get started.big hugs to everyone.x

Thank you for this, so reassuring! I’m due to start my 18 rounds in 2weeks!! New2this , good luck with your treatment.  xx

Good luck all new starters we got this.big hugs.x

Hi, I had chemo before surgery, but also had herceptin alongside it. I blogged throughout my treatment and this one Chemo blog post is everything I wish I'd known about chemo. You might find it useful. Best wishes 

Thank you, I will check the blog out.  Well done as well xx