Hi, 

I'm sorry to hear you've been diagnosed so young. I was diagnosed last year with HER2 just as I turned 35. I had EC x3 then Docetaxol with perjeta and herceptin x4 cycles. 

Yes, everyone is different, so it's best to just see how it goes, keep a note of your symptoms (if you get any) and take your Nurses' advice. I'd only say that with EC, take your anti-sickness meds after! I didn't, and had an awful bout of vomiting in the evening. For the rest of that cycle and the following ones I took them per the instructions and didn't feel any side-effects (apart from constipation caused by the anti-sickness, but they'll give you laxatives for that). Other than that, I had some tiredness which accumulated (was in bed by 8:30 p.m. for the first week after each cycle), but that was it. 

I found the emotinal side affected me more than any physical side-effect. The Breastcancernow forums have monthly chemo threads you can follow- i.e. those started/starting chemo in June etc. who discuss their symptoms and general wellbeing. I didn't join but followed the conversations each day and it made me feel less alone. Instagram is also full of very inspiring women documenting their journey (search breastcancerunder40), and they're the ones who kept me smiling through it all - especially the ones with children who saw their chemo days as 'spa/relaxing days away from the children' and posted amusing stories- it's a really lovely community on there (although you may not want reminders of BC, so do look after yourself throughout).

I remember feeling so overhwhelmed thinking about the mountain it appears to be when starting, but it honestly goes by so quickly. You'll be at the surgery stage in no time. All the best. X 

Thank you for your reply it's so nice to hear from other people regarding their journey.

I've joined a few forums which has helped and will look on instag ram for the one you mentioned.

it's fear of the unknown for me at the minute with the chemo although I think I will feel some relief tomorrow when I've had my first dose as least I will know the medicine is making a start at fighting this.

Thanks for replying xx

Hi Twinmum,

I just want to wish you all the best for the start of your chemo tomorrow and hope that it all goes well for you.

Do your best to stay positive, as this makes all the difference to how you'll cope.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 12 years and, although it was hard at first, I am still living a busy and fulfilled life.

I shall be thinking of you tomorrow. Pease remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

I'm starting EC chemo on Thursday and am scared of the unknown also. The list of side effects scare me a lot but I'm sure we'll be fine!

Just wanted to send positive healing thoughts your way.

Good luck, you'll be fab!xx

Thank you so much for your kind words, it's been tough but I'm ready to fight back 

I'm glad you have made a full recovery and enjoying life this forum has been great for me, it's kept me sane 

xxx

Hi laurenren 

thank you for your message and good luck for Thursday, stay positive and keep us all updated 

I will keep you all updated on here 

thanks

xxx

Hi Laurenren 

Just thought I would see how your chemo went and how your feeling 

xx

Hi, that's so sweet of you. How did yours go? Mine was at 9am on Thur and all was well until later that afternoon at home. The nausea and other stuff was just brutal. I don't feel anywhere as bad now as I felt then. But just exhausted and not hungry in the slightest. Just making sure I sip lots of water/juice all the time and nibbling stuff here and there. I'm really just listening to my body and resting loads but every day is better so hoping tomorrow I'll be more normal! Hope you're doing good xx

Hi 

Mine went ok thanks, didn't take as long as I thought. I've felt just absolutely drained for the past few days can't say I've moved much. I've been describing it like a hangover . I've not been to bad with nausea but I have kept on top of the anti sickness tablets they gave me. Yeah think we just have to listen to our bodies and if it's saying lay down and watch Netflix all day that's what I will do. Hope you feel better tomorrow I see an improvement every day even if it's small one at that it's a good sign it's just more the extreme tiredness. I slept 11 hours last night.

on the plus side we are one step up that mountain 

xx

Hi,

Just reading some posts from newly diagnosed ladies. I can only offer my experience. After all the scans and biopsies I started with surgery for a 29mm lump in right breast HER2 pos. I opted for masectomy and I had lymph node removal underarm at the same time. Cancer was found in 2 nodes. I then had 3 rounds of FEC chemo, I should have had 6 but due to neutropenia my chemo was stopped at 3. Not a pleasant experience but you are closely monitored by your Oncologist and team. I then had 3 weeks of radiotherapy. I am now a year after treatment and doing well on Anastrazole medication. I get more fatigued and sad I've lost a breast, but getting on with my life. The journey is so scary but there are lots of us who have survived and always willing to chat! 
Best wishes 

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