Chemotherapy worries

Hi Gurn

I’m going to be having this regime too, starting on Oct 31st. Apparently, yes, hair loss is common. I was offered an appointment with the wig service and more info about cold capping.

Best, Cookie 58

Hi Cookie 58

Hope all goes well for you. Please let me know how you get on and I will talk about cold capping on Tuesday at my assessment.  Big hugs x

Hi Gurn! I was diagnosed 3 years ago! I ended up having a left sided mastectomy, not too bad! I managed to deal with that and come to terms with it, I was 61 years old not exactly in my prime, so easier than being a young woman I guess.  Anyway, I was even more devastated to hear that I had to have chemo! I had an oncotype test; not sure if you’re familiar with that, but my score was only three points above NOT needing chemo so the choice was mine! I wasn’t advised either way by the specialists so decided to go “ belts and braces” and throw everything at it! I was terrified. I Was prescribed 6 sessions, the first three treatments were a breeze!I felt great after all of them (maybe a steroid high, not sure), but each session was on a Thursday every fourth week (three weeks break in between) and every Friday morning I went to my keep fit class and felt very well, in fact, better than I usually felt!  My first 3 treatments were EC and the 3 subsequent ones were to be docetaxil. I managed the first docetaxil and didn’t feel very well after that (for about a week) so elected not to go through with the other 2! It could have been a cumulative effect, maybe if I’d had had the docetaxil first, the EC would have been worse . I was told when I decided to accept chemo that I could quit if I didn’t feel it was right for me, so that is what I did, I stopped. I feel I made the right decision. Of course I had already lost all my hair, it’s not fun losing your hair, but there are ways around it, I had fun with wigs and managed to carry on as usual. Anyway what I’m trying to say is chemo is not all that bad and I wanted someone to tell me exactly that when I was facing it, which is why I have come back to this forum after a long time away. I consider myself fully recovered both physically and mentally, so there is lots and lots and lots of hope, I am living my best life and I wish you all the best; it’s a difficult trial to deal with, but you’ll get there xxxx

Hi Mazz

Thank you do much for your reply it has made me feel a lot better.  I had the oncotype test and it was 26 and was told it had to be below 20 to not have chemo.

It is great to hear you are living your best life xx

My oncotype score gave me confidence to “try” chemo knowing that however many I could bear would help, and I could stop if it didn’t suit me. Give it a go, you’ll be fine; and, trust me, it passes and you’ll be back to “normal” sooner than you can imagine! Cancer is a life changing event (as you know) but can be a positive experience too! It has been for me, hope it is for you too xx

Hi Mazz

Thank you so much I do feel so much better now xx

Hi, I had 6 cycles of chemo, 3 weeks apart, including docetaxel. It wasn't a breeze, but I also managed to work (albeit from home) all the way through it.   The reactions are often pretty repetitive each cycle, so it becomes easier to predict how you might feel in the days after each treatment.

I blogged throughout treatment as it helped me. This one, which is all the stuff I wish I’d known before chemo, might be useful.   Best wishes

Chemo blog link here

Wow, I could have written that blog post! That is exactly what TCHP is like for me too! I just feel that everything is breaking and nothing works. It is doable though. 

I found fasting around chemo really helped with side effects. ‘You could consider cutting down  to 600 to 800 calories from 2 days before till one day after infusion finishes. You must make sure to nourish yourself well in between chemo. world cancer research fund has dietary advice for cancer. You might find a good cancer nutritionist to support you. Exercise daily also really helps, and getting outside, even if it’s just a walk. Penny Brohn charity are worth looking at for support. Life goes on despite chemo and you will find a rhythm. It’s hard not to worry until you know what the first one is like, but it is very doable. 

Just read and it’s been useful to have some honesty on what to expect I shall stock up on most of the things you have said