Has this happened to anyone?

Hi

i had chemo - docetaxol and Carboplatin.  It isn’t that bad you know.  The side effects like changes to taste and sickness and diahorea aren’t pleasant but they help you manage it.  It can be tiring but I found it best to listen to your body, if you are tired - rest.  I hope this helps. Put your faith in your Oncologist - they know what they are doing.  All the very best xx

Thank you GloriaJ - how long were you having chemo? Xx

I have just been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer that has spread to multiple lymph nodes so I have been told I need 6 months chemo before surgery. I just started on Wednesday.

i don’t think neoadjuvent chemo is unusual.

Try to relax and remember they know what they are doing and have your best interests at heart. Trust the process.

Good luck with it all!

Keely xx

I’ve just finished neo adjuvant chemo (where chemo is given before surgery). I had docetaxel and carboplatin for HER2+ BC. It’s all doable. They have a treatment regime for you and it’s not uncommon for it to have spread to lymph nodes. The chemo will kill the cancer so they can operate. You can do this. Best of luck. 

Hi Pluglover56.  I had chemo I think for 4 months in 2019 before surgery.  Based on my experience just accept that you will be feeling poorly but not in pain.  If you live with someone let them take the load, if not or as well accept whatever help is offered. I found that people were really lovely to me when they found I had cancer and frankly I just paced myself. I didn't work or try to work, fortunately, I got full sick pay. Take the medicines they give you, especially the anti-sick pills. I could ring the chemo nurses at any time during the working day and they always got back to me with unjudgemental and good advice. The cancer ward during the night. Food and drink can taste disgusting but we all find a way through this. I even had the odd glass of wine with my meals (I treated myself to organic wines, more expensive than my usual but then I was drinking a fraction of what I might have had normally) If you get a temperature, ring the cancer ward and go to A&E, but don't put up with sitting around for hours in drafty corridors. You are supposed to be away from infectious people and in my day they did give you your own space but I think it might be different these days. Take a partner, friend etc to advocate for you. Do wear protective nail varnish, I thought the dark-coloured nails so many of my fellow patients had were for vanity but they weren't, my nails and feet paid the price. If you can't sleep (because of the steroids, part of the meds they give you) ask your GP for some sleeping tablets. My rule was if I felt I hadn't slept properly in 3 nights I took a tablet, that way I didn't get over-dependent on them. Watch out for urine infections (cystitis) and get help ie antibiotics asap. Bouts of cystitis for me was probably the worst side effect.  I cold-capped and kept about half my hair which as I have thick hair meant I never had to wear the wig I was given.  Use this website, you will find people going through if not exactly the same as you, something similar. Maybe you will find a buddy on here and chemo wards are generally very friendly places. IT IS NOT ALL bad. A big big hug. If you can spoil yourself. I got myself a silk bottom sheet and silk pillowcases.  Not around in my day but I would recommend a coverless duvet. I also stayed in bed as much as I wanted, Bonus, not rushing off to work, lying in except on chemo days.  Oh nearly forgot there was a Macmillan Centre at my hospital and they did a beauty pamper session, it was amazing, do it if you get the chance. Macmillan and Maggie centres are a great support, they also have advice lines which are very useful. By the way you are allowed to feel aprehensive etc. In fact you can feel anything you like. Cancer gives you permission x

18 weeks.  I had Phesgo injections at the same time and I continue to have the injections now.  I will have had them for a year at the beginning of February and I understand my last one to be at the end of March.

I hope all of this helps xx

Thank you Rozalia, what a fab response. So helpful and reassuring. I have taken it all on board. Now just waiting to see the oncologist  xx

Thank you - yep it really helps xx