Hi Kayjay,

Welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with grade3a invasive breast cancer. You are bound to be feeling anxious about starting chemo and targeted therapy on Wednesday. It is impossible to tell how bad the side-effects will be, as it is very much an individual thing.

Have you discussed your fears with your care team? It is always worth doing this. One thing that most people advise is to drink plenty of water during treatment.

I sincerely hope that it is all straightforward and, that you cope well with the chemo.

Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, 

Ive seen two oncologists. They gave me a leaflet for three of the drugs. One said I'll be on another one too but didn't have leaflet with details of it. One said I'd be on medication after chemo, surgery and radiation for at least 18 months, and another said it would be for 10 years. They didn't tell what drug that would be but that it would give me menopausal symptoms. I've not long got through and finished 12 years of horrible menopause, so that was disappointing to hear. One told me my life as I know it won't be the same again, and I'll be a different person at end of treatment. At the moment I feel fine and now feeling scared and depressed for my future. The picture doesn't look good, for treatment and the end of treatment. I will ask more questions when I go for my first session on Wednesday. Maybe I'll get some positive news. Thanks for replying. Karen 

I am on the same treatment, 2 more to go for me.

i get acid reflux starting the day after, and nausea, meds ease it.

on day 3-5 you start to get achey and you can get bone pain. It's a bit like having flu, take plenty of rest and have a litre bottle of water at the side of you in bed and just drink all day as much as you can. It honestly helps so much with nausea and bowl problems.

usually by day 6 I'm feeling better but into the next stage of symptoms. Your immune system will plumit in the second week. I get thrush in my mouth every time and it effects my sinuses. I get nose bleeds and I get mouth sores.

the worst thing about this week is what you catch (colds, bugs etc) as whatever you catch will just make you feel really run down. My advice is to stay away from people, unless you have young children like me who transfer every bug going to you. In that case battle down the hatches and just try get through it!

week 3 you will feel more human and can get about to do things as normal. I would still rest, eat and drink well so you can prepare yourself for the next round of chemo.

i started on a chemo called EC. And honestly this version of treatment is a breeze compared to that. I describe that as like having battery acid injected into you. I had a really hard time on that one.

good luck. You will be fine. Take each day as it comes and rest, eat healthy and drink plenty of water xx

Hey, I was diagnosed with grade3 IDC in March last year and have had 6 rounds of chemo, a mastectomy and reconstruction and radiotherapy, I have to take tamoxifen for 10 years and because of my age (43) I'm also having a monthly injection of zoladex for 3 years and a 6 monthly iv of zoladronic acid. My cancer was downgraded to 2 after my operation. I also had to have my appendix removed as they found I had appendicitis on one of my scans so the start of my chemo was delayed by about 6 weeks. 
So the whole thing is flipping scary isn't it because it's unknown. But you are braver and stronger than you think and you will get through this. I had similar side effects to Louisa with chemo, first three rounds were easier than the second three, the first three I was up and about after a week the second three took me two weeks to recover and I got quite fatigued at the end, listen to your body and rest. I bought myself some nice shower creams and body cream as a treat. I drank a lot of smoothies as I couldn't be bothered to eat and my tastebuds went funny. 

Have they said anything about losing your hair? It's worth getting a wig sorted or head scarves if you will lose it, and worth getting a dental check then you don't need to think about it. Also let people help, if you have support around you.

Also take someone with you to appointments if you can, they can remember answers to questions. 
 

Here if you need a chat or have any questions, you can totally do this. 
wl

Hi Kayjay,

It is normal for some people to take hormone therapy after chemo and radiotherapy. This used to be taken for 5 years, but has recently been extended to 10.

None of our lives are the same after a cancer diagnosis. The intense fear and worry are always by our sides, but you will become a stronger person throughout this journey. Try to look on the brighter side of your life.  Yes, you have been diagnosed with cancer, but you have caught it and can deal with it. The next year will be a definite challenge, but after that you can start to live life again.

Write down your questions for Wednesday, so that you don't forget anything important. I hope that it all goes well for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you all for reassuring replies. I'm sure I'll be okay. The unknown is very scary. I'm feeling quite jittery as the day gets nearer. My husband is supporting me all the way. I feel like I'm about to go into battle, but no idea if it's with a lightweight, a mediumweight, or a heavyweight. I'm sure I'll beat it, but it's the actual fight to beat it that I'm more scared about. 

Hi Kajay,

Rest assured that we all feel as you do whilst waiting for results. You will actually feel better once you know what you are up against and start to do battle. The fight is not always easy - it can be a difficult journey, but you will get there. Somehow or other, we all develop a strength that we never knew we had.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Started my treatment on Wednesday with Perjeta and Steroids. Then Thursday (yesterday) day for the other three. 

T - Taxotere (docetaxel) 
C - Carboplatin 
H - Herceptin (trastuzumab) 
P - Perjeta (Pertuzumab) 

I taking steroids and antibiotics sickness tabs. 
Feel okay up to now. Didn't sleep well on the first night of treatment, but slept much better last night. I'm waiting for side effects to kick in. 
 

I have to inject meds into stomach starting tomorrow for a week to boost immune system. 

Feel better now I know what to expect at chemo sessions. Met some lovely people in treatment. And nurses and staff lovely too. It was quite relaxing. 

I was told that after my treatment finishes and have had surgery, and radiation, I'll have to have Herceptin injection every three weeks for 18 months, and will be on Letrozole for 10 years. 
 

Hi Kayjay,

I am glad to hear that you've now had your first treatment and that you are feeling ok up to now. It's good to hear that you feel better now that you know what to expect from chemo.

Try not to complicate things by looking too far ahead. Concentrate on the treatment that you are currently having and, forget about what happens when your treatment and surgery finishes.

Thinking of you and hoping that all continues to go well for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Louisa, I'm on day 4 and have had aches since last night. I'm not too bad but have stayed in bed as feel better. I've not had bowel movement since day 1 but have spoke to nurse at hospital and they've said I can try a laxitives tonight, as I've had mild gripe pain on and off throughout the day. I'm worrying about the second week and what side effects I'll have. Been on a bit of a down day as it's hit me that my life as I knew it has completely changed. Had a bit of a cry thinking of before my diagnosis. My husband has been amazing with me. He's so good. He's been doing all house work and shopping and cooking. As lovely as it is, I miss doing it myself. But, if it's only for a few days of the three weeks I'm sure I'll feel better carrying on as normal for a bit. It's not feeling normal anymore that's more upsetting for me. I think having a good cry might make me feel better.