We are aware that there are bugs with our online community, and we still working through the bugs list and retrieving missing content. Thank you for your patience.
Starting chemo in June
Hello all!
As there are forums for girlies starting chemo in the months gone by, I thought I would start one for June. Anyone else out there starting soon? I'm either starting next week or the week after. Am terrified - but just want to get started - I hate the waiting around.
Would be lovely to hear from anyone else so we can support each other through this challenging time and chat when we're going through our sessions.
A little bit about me: I'm 33, live near Brighton, am married, no kids (that was a plan for this year 
- obviously not happening for a long time if at all now) and work as a travel agent. I was diagnosed on Monday after a month of being told it was just an infection and being pumped full of antibiotics and everything's moved so quickly since. A big whirlwind of tests, emotions, jargon and confusion. I lost my mother to BC when I was young, so am terrified I'm destined to follow in her footsteps, but am trying to remain strong and fight as hard as I can. Bring on the chemo!!
Much love to everyone.
x
Good luck Sandytoes and all the other June ladies. You might find it helpful to dip back into the early days of previous months' threads to see the tips others have found, and having others to talk to who are in the same boat as you is brilliant.
CM
x
Oh Sandytoes, it's a bummer. CM gives great advice, read threads that concern you, avoid anything that doesn't, don't google, keep busy and come here. I couldn't get by without this site.
Hi sandytoes,
This is my 1st post, have been reading for a while now as was dx beginning of feb. Had wle and snb beginning of march. Didn't get clear margins so had 2nd op mid april. Idc stage 2, 26mm, no node involvement and E+. Thought would only need rads and tam but when met with oncologist was told needed chemo (6x fec).
I'm 38, married and have 3 children 9, 5 & 4. I'm a hairdresser and we live in swindon.
I have been very positive about all of this from the start but I must admit I'm bricking the thought of chemo. Was a massive shock but its better I throw everything at it than think "what if?" Or "maybe I should have!" My stats were 83% without anything, 88% rads and tam and 95% with chemo (inc the other 2) of not recurring in ten years (think that's how you word it, sorry if not quite right) so you can see why.
They wanted me to start this week coming but our children have half term so we've delayed it until they are back at school (we're in devon getting wet!!) Monday 6th "new patient" talk them fec 1 wil be tues 7th. Already have my hair cut very short and coloured bright red. Lots of lovely comments from people that don't know which has been hard but gives the children time to get used to the change. Being a hairdresser I'm used to changing styles regularly but haven't had it this short for about 20 years.
Sorry for waffling on its late and I'm tired but so wanted to post as have been waiting for "june ladies" thread.
I really hope we can help each other thru this difficult time as we share the ups and downs together.
Clare xxx
Hi Mumax3,
Rubbish isn't it! And I'm terrified at the thought of chemo too - but reassured by lots of posts on this forum. Am hoping it's going to be a case of me imagining the worst and then being pleasantly surprised that it's not as bad as I thought...!! I haven't had much time to get used to the thought though as was only diagnosed last Monday...so only 6 days ago - and could well be starting this week if they can fit me in, after meeting my oncologist on Tuesday (first meeting so don't know any jargon about my condition at the moment! It's definitely spread to my lymph nodes though).
Given your stats I'd deffo have made the same decision. It'll be a challenge over the next few months, but will give you the additional benefit - and your hair will grow back.
We'll get each other through this.
I've got really long hair (have been growing it!) but will probably cut it this week. I'm going to see if I have the option of the cold cap though and see if I can bear it. I'm having a double masectomy (with delayed reconstruction) and the thought of no hair and no boobs is quite alot to get my head around at the moment (only found that out on Friday) especially as I've got pretty big knockers and my boobs were my favourite part of my body, followed by my long hair!!
. Obviously hate the boobs now, but still worried about being completely flat chested.
Stay strong - and keep in touch! I have added you as a contact.
xxx
Hi there,
I am Debs, i was diagnosed with breast cancer in March and had a single mastectomy on the 7 April. I live in Derbyshire with my husband and big fat cat Ambrose. The op went really well as did my recovery, now the hard work begins......
I started my first chemo on the 26 May, so just over a week ago. Although I didn't get any nausea or sickness I have had other side effects that I wasn't expecting. I must say I have been feeling very stressed about the risk of infection, particularly over the past few days. Has anyone got any tips on dealing with that and the growing paranoia??? Also how do you tell the difference between feeling ill from the chemo and feeling ill 'cause you have got an infection? I have 2 thermometers, but I think I have become a bit obsessed with taking my temperature!! I definitely need some sort of coping strategy to get me through the next 5 sessions of FEC.
Hi ladies
Sandytoes, you really have been thrown up in the air. I can't imagine how you are feeling at the moment. Its hard enough when you've had time to get used to each stage of the process! Although this is only my second post but I have been reading each and every day, it has really helped me thru. I see you have posted a few times already, I think you are really brave its not easy being that strong. I know I can't help you with all your emotions as our dx and situations are different but if there's anything I can do to offer support please let me know. Life really is c**p at times, just when you think your life is on track something like this happens but we'll be stronger for it I'm sure
) xx
Debs, just want to say hi and thanks for posting. I've not started fec yet (7th june) so I can't really help with how your feeling, sorry. I can send you a ((hug)) thou. Its rubbish isn't it? I guess the fear of getting an infection is very high on your list of fears/worries, hopefully this will reduce over the next few days/weeks. Have you talked to your bcn about how you feel?? I think it helps just getting it off your chest sometimes. Have you posted on any other threads?? Maybe start one, I'm sure there will be lots of ladies able to offer help and support that are/have gone thru the same. Please let us know as I'm sure I'll feel the same in a couple of weeks. Keep positive
Hope we all have a good bank hol tomorrow, has been gorgeous down here in devon today (catching a few rays while I can, pink nose!! Ha ha)
Clare xxx
Hello,
Dibdob - I can't help there either I'm afraid - but there's a thread for people who started in May, and I know there are people who started a few days ago - so it might be worthwhile joining that thread. Hope you are feeling better today?
Clare - I am either starting this week, or the same week as you. Let's hold virtual hands and help each other through this. I just want to start tomorrow, as think having time to worry makes it worse.
xxx
Hi all
I was diagnosed bc last week and expect to start 6xfec 7th June. I will be having a clip/market put in the tumour first (anyone else having this done?) the plan is then for surgery and then radiotherapy. I'm absolutely terrified of what's ahead of me and it's comforting to know that I won't be on my own for this journey...........x
Just met with my onc (see other thread!).
I am starting on 3rd June - 4 lots of AC, 2 weeks apart and 4 lots of Paclitaxel, 2 weeks apart.
So scared... But trying to feel strong again and looking for support from and to support other ladies starting this month!!
x
Hello Ladies,
I am new to this site. Just signed up today. I am young lady who was dx in Jan 2011 w/bc while I was pregnant w/my 3rd child. I have been taking the TAC regimen since March 2011. At 1st I was afraid because I was thinking I am too young to face this but now I can say it's all good. I will be complete with my treatments in July.
My advice would be don't google all over the internet on your condition because it will scare you. I had to learn that lesson. Continue to stay positive and watch time fly by fast... Before you know it you will be done and ready to enjoy life to the fullest. You will make it thru this.
Thanks for Starting this thread Sandytoes.
I am 31 yrs old and was dx with stage 3 BC with 2 lymph nodes involved.
I had a masectomy and reconstruction 2 weeks ago and its been hard I have a 4 yr old and 10 month old baby and havnt been able to hold my baby for 2 weeks now - cant wait to give her the biggest cuddle!
I went back to the PS surgeon today for a check up and have got an infection in the wound and so was due to start chemo 8th june but this will probabaly be delayed for a week now. I am having 3 x FEC and 3 x TAX and 5 weeks Radiotherapy. I have had so many sad moments over the past few weeks and I am trying so hard to be positive. I know losing my hair is going to be traumatic I have long curly hair and cant find any wigs that look similar. I have no idea what to say to my 4 yr old about the hair loss (she thinks I went on holiday when i was in hospital for ther op as i didnt want her to worry about me).
Is anyone else going to try the coldcap?
So pleased we can all help eachother through this and keep eachother positive. I have to say I am petrified to start!
Katie x
Hi Everyone
I got first dx May 4th extra tests since then = 4cm grade 2 mixed (lobeluar & ductal) with +ve nodes. See onco tomorrow (1st June) & will get def date for starting chemo then - hopefully next week or two! Hope to shrink tumour below 3 cms for WLE and rads. Good NLP tip is to imagine yourself in future cancer free and healthy and hold onto that picture - sounds good to me, power of positive thought and all that. So here's to all of us in a crummy place at mo and looking forward to us ALL cancer free and healthy 
good luck ladies xxxx
Fi xx
Hi ladies
Sandytoes - you sound low, have read your other posts. Really hard getting your head around it all
(( I'm sending you a big (((hug))) at least you know what the plan is! Try hard to keep looking to the future (one without all of this) it really is s**t but I'm sure you'll do just fine, look at that sassy girl in your pic (you look fab 
)) she'll still be there waiting!! Xx
Hello to our new ladies icare11 and fi. I'm sure we'll all be able to help each other along over the coming weeks, rough and smooth!!
Clare xxx
Icare11, what a lovely photo, you have a beautiful smile! Welcome to the forums, and how lovely of you to make your first post one of reassurance for people who are just starting on all of this.
For those of you with long hair, can I please put in a plug for a charity called Little Princess Trust who make wigs from donated hair for UK kids who have alopecia, mainly because of chemo. If your hair is 10 inches or longer they will accept your donated hair. I did that with my own long hair, as did alto, silvershar and several others, and I found it a really positive step as it meant others could benefit from my hair even if I wasn't able to keep it on my head. My daughter also had her lovely thick long hair cut and raised nearly £4000 for Cancer Research! I didn't do any particular fundraising with my haircut as I didn't have my head in the right place for it, but I saw it as my way to stick a middle finger up at cancer and help others too. http://www.littleprincesses.org.uk will give you more info.
Good luck to all of you. I'm off for FEC5 later this week and I've managed to survive - bald, a bit knackered, but I'm still here and I'm still me. I hope you all manage the same.
CM
x
Thanks CM! I really appreciate the welcome. That photo is old. My head is bald... That was a hard thing to deal with:( but its ok now I have accepted it and its going well.
So to all my fellow bc sisters let's continue to keep pushing because at the end we will ALL WIN! I'm so glad to be apart
icare
xx
Hello all,
Feeling more positive today. Yesterday was a really difficult day. First meeting with very serious oncologist who gave it to me straight (my consultant and BCN had made it all sound much more positive!!). Next big thing is CT scan tomorrow and the results for that (please, PLEASE some positive news for once!) and then I'm throwing myself headfirst into the chemo.
Katie, Fionhun and Catface - we're going to support each other through this! Times some of us will feel down, but the others will feel stronger and be able to boost us up again.
I am going to try the coldcap and will let you know how it goes, but my onc said it wont work with the accelerated chemo I am having. However, the paperwork my BCN gave me said it can...so I'm going to look into that. Will let you know how it goes!!
xx
morning ladies
Welcome katie (although sorry you've had to join us!) Didn't see your post til this morning, I know there's a delay (while the moderator checks the posts) but some off mine aren't showing at all???
I have a 4 year as well (she's my youngest, 2 brothers 9 & 5) we've tried to talk as openly as poss about everything. I've tried to make it fun with them helping me to choose what to wear in my hair/ on my head- hats/scarves, particularly my daughter as she's very girly and loves hair, jewellery, nails etc so she loves that. I've also had my hair cut really short, telling them before, so they can get used to it. At the moment they think its very funny that I'm going to be 'bold' but when it happens I know it will effect them. I started by telling them I had a 'bady' boobie (letting them look if they wanted, only had wle and snb thou) then said the doc needs me to have really strong medicine which will make my hair fall out!
Its been my biggest worry but so far I think they are taking it in their stride, chemo starts next week so fingers crossed xx
Hope this helps??
Sandytoes, sorry yesterday was so hard
( fingers crossed for ct scan tomorrow I'll be thinking of you xx
Clarexxx
Hi Clare
Just to reassure you we have set all of your posts live, they are in different threads so you may need to look for them.
I am posting a couple of links to the 'Mummy's lump' and 'Talking to your children about breast cancer' publications which you may find useful:
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/publications/diagnosed-with-breast-cancer/*/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/18/
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/publications/diagnosed-with-breast-cancer/*/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/21/
Take care
Lucy
Hi Katie
Welcome to the BCC forums, I have posted a couple of links to clare above which you may also find useful, please also feel free to call our helpline on 0808 800 6000 for further support and information, weekdays 9-5 and sat 9-2.
Take care
Lucy
Hi Everyone,
its so lovely to hear back from you all.
Sandytoes, I have never been so nervous in my whole life for my CT scan that I had a week ago. As much as everyone assured me it was routine I was convinced I would get more bad news as I couldnt ever imagine hearing good news aftet the past few weeks. However it was good news and I know you will get the same tomorrow. I will be thinking of you.
Clare thanks for your advice - we are going away to Bournemouth tomorrow for a few days (going to Peppa Pig World) before chemo next week with the kids and when we get back I am going to explain things to her.
Next week going to have my hair cut and will definately consider the Princess website so thanks for that, - is anyone shaving their head before they lose their hair, worried if i do that my baby will be scared of me??
anyway speak to you when im back next week good luck everyone
Katie xx
Hi katie i'm sorry you have had to join us but you will get lots of support and info on here I know i did.I'm 32 and had a mx and snb on the 12th May got my results yesterday I had a grade 3 ductal carcinoma 26mm with good margains because of mx so that was a hard but right decision and my lymph nodes are clear I'm recovering well from my surgery and im due to start my chemo,herceptin and tamoxifen in the next fews weeks. I totally know how your feeling life is so unfair,I also have 2 young children mine are 2 and 6 years old and I know I feel totally guilty about putting my girls through this.You can get a book called mummy's lump for children which is a story but i used it for ideas on how to explain things( yours might be too young though ).Im really worried about the hair loss too because you cant explain to the little ones whats going on,Ive decided to cut my hair short before im due to start my chemo to prepare the children and then a shopping trip to buy a wig.
I still cant believe this is happening to me (or any of us)but weve got to stay positive and get through this TOGETHER.
Good luck and i hope to hear from you soon maybe compare notes on the chemo.
Lisa xxxx
Hi All,
So glad to find others starting at the same time.
I am 42 , One 6 year old boy and 3 year old girl.
Diagnosed 2 weeks ago, Big shock , no history in our family.
I start Chemo tomorrow, 2nd June, No op yet as they are trying to shrink tumor first before removing it and lymph nodes. Thinking about cold cap but still undecided, had hair cut short and bought some scarfs so far.
Told the children mummy has a naughtly lump, my son can not wait for mummy to lose her hair, thinks it is funny. My little girl is more concerned with the loss of my pony tail in the recent hair cut.
Will let you know how I get on.
Bertha B
Hi Lisa - definately looks like we will be going through this emotional rollercoaster together!
I had my MX and reconstruction 13th May (day after you!) how u feeling now as I am still very sore (mainly under my arm where they removed 17 lymph nodes) I thought i would be feeling back to normal now but I am definately not.
xx
hi all. i have been reading the rest of your posts and it looks like we are all feeling the same way. ((((((((((((big hugs to you all))))). im 37 yrs old and married and i have a little boy whos 8 yrs old and hes my world. i was diagnosed on 18th april and had wle ans snb 19th may. awaiting to see consultant tommorow 2nd june im dreading this.. he will stage/grade/size me then. i already know my lump is 38mm and he has already said if its ova 40mm i wil have to have a mastectomy im praying that its not. im starting chemo the end june i think. waiting to see oncologist.im not looking forward to it but hey ho if it gets rid of this horrible disease in my body iwill take what eva they give me and this makes me lose my hair typical when ive just got it to the condition i want and lengh. my hair is naturally curly. im devastated about it.. my husband who has been a rock and my son have been fab....i got some bandanas in matalan for 50p each and there lovely as well...any way sorry for rambling....who ever is starting chemo hope its okay for you. and thinking of every one else. mwah xxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Sandytoes and everyone else
I expect to start my chemo next week too. Sandytoes, you sound exactly like me. I have been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer (last week)' with spread to my lymph nodes. So immediate start on chemo. Had my bone scan yesterday with ct tomorrow to see if it has spread. My biggest fear is it has spread to my neck and will be stage 4.
Hopefully we will all be okay together with our first session this month...
Special hugs to those starting this week.
Sue.
Good morning everyone
I was a late april starter and have just stepped in to give you a bit of encouragement, I had b/c 14 years ago had mx/recon/chemo/tamoxifen/zoladex. I refused rads, as onc said it was belt & braces, holding it in reserve in case I had local recurrence. I was 34 then. I went on to get married, which wasn't in the pipeline at the time, not even on the horizon but a good mate who became my hospital chauffer, my family all lived away, then became my husband, he was at the appt with me when I wastold that I was too old for 'egg storage' and children were most unlikely, he married me anyway...to cut along story short at the grand old age of 39 I was overjoyed at the birth of our first child, a boy (now 9) followed 20 months later by a beautiful brown eyed baby girl(now 7)I have had the best 14 years and I love them more than anything....
Fast forward to this year I was again Dx with b/c other side this time ext DCIS, grade2 invasive (last time grade 3) ext LVI and this time (none last time ) node involvement...the shocks kept on coming!!! just to say I had results of recent bone/ct scan and they were clear no evidence of mets,....so keep your chins up all you waiting for that!!!! I asked my consultant ( a well revered professor) when he dilevered the blow about the node involvement.. I said " I have had 14 cancer free years do you see any reason why I should not get another 14+ years" he answered " No we have every reason to invest in you heavily and you have every chance of seeing your kids grow up" I asked onc same question and got the same answer!!! Phew a long way to go but can breath again!!! My boy is autistic so it's not easy and he hasn't coped with the hair loss and won't be happy when I go in for MX having that after chemo, but it's all for the greater good I am having 3xFEC + 3X TAX just finished 3rd FEC, not great but not as bad as I feared FEC 2 was the worst ( but I'm sure I didn't get anti sick drugs I had first time, so made sure I got them this time... and the weeks are indeed flying past.. that's me half way through!!!!( well the chemo bit anyway). I hope this post gives you all hope that we can get through and come out the other side... it is a harsh reality some don't but I focus on the MANY that do,.. hugs and much love to all J xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx edited for spelling mistakes ..it's too early!!!
Hello...
This is my first post but have been reading through the older posts, esp the May starters, knowing that I too will have my own 'story' of chemo soon, the positivity they ooze are great to read. Am starting chemo 16th June, little frustrating that I have to wait after being told by my onc that it would be this week, but was told that bank holidays have put chemo slots behind. I was all geared up for starting but also really going to enjoy the time between now and the 16th and treat it like a holiday from work. Due to my nature of work I am unable to work throughout chemo
I am still totally confused by it all, I only found the lump on Good Friday (or not so good friday!) and was convinced it was one of the 8/9 harmless lumps.. (left it a week whilst head was firmly in sand and quite comfortable there!!)I have no idea what grade it is, I only know that it is too big for surgery first so it will be chemo first then surgery!! Oh and its positive to oestrogen and progesterone.. Like us all I am sure, I am mainly staying uber positive but have moments where I want to say no thank you to chemo and stay at work and forget about the whole thing!!
Is anyone else doing the ARTemis trial? I have agreed to take part but no idea yet whether I will be getting the drug or not, should find out on the 15th June... seems worth a shot though!!
Good luck to everyone and take extra good care x
Thanks for the motivation J - it's really great hearing stories like you - especially when you're feeling really down and scared.
Sue - I'm off for a CT scan this morning - appointment at 9.45. Sorry to hear you've had the same whirlwind diagnosis and straight into treatment as me! It's alot to take in in such a short period isn't it? With each piece of news (like when I was told, and then when I was told it had spread to my lymph nodes, and then the pessimistic meeting with my onc) I've been rock bottom, but the next day it's started to sink in, I start feeling more positive and then BAM! Another bit of bad news!! Anyway - fingers crossed no evidence of spread for either of us... They're going to be quick with the results - if they're clear, I start chemo tomorrow. If there is evidence of spread, I've asked for chemo to be delayed so I can come to terms with it being secondary cancer with a clear head before I start the long road of chemo.
Long Lashes - sorry to hear you'll be joining the chemo train with us this month. And another youngie (I'm 33). I went and bought some nice scarves and a wig yesterday. I'm dreading the thought of loosing my hair as at the moment I feel and look like me, although am battling with cancer internally. I'm dreading it being outwardly obvious that I'm a cancer patient.
Speak later!!
x
Morning all June Girls,
I've crashed for a minute from May, just to say Good luck and keep your collective chins up!!
I had my 1st of 6 FEC last week and I just want to say that it was not as bad as I feared. There was NO projectile vomiting, some queasiness and nausea feeling but I took my antiemetics when directed and also Crystallised ginger (available all health food stores like H&B), a godsend, really helps with the nausea.
I drank lots of water, about 2 litres the day before and the day of chemo and the 2-3 days after and I'm sure the hydration really helped.
The big thing for me was the sleepyness. I became Dormouse extraordinaire!! But, hey, if that's it, then its doable. The chemo drugs can sometimes give you se's as they are administered, fizzyness and/or headache but I didn't have any of that.
So Girls, you can do it, its not soooo bad and soon it'll be 1 down for you all.
Good luck, love and hugs
Wandyx
Hi everybody,
I go for my bloods done tomorrow(3rd June)and then start my 1st of 4 FEC on Mon 6th June.I have already had Lymph nodes tested- clear and have spent the first part of May in hospital having a skin sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using stratice. My results showed a 120mm mass of DCIS which contained 4 invasive cancers. 2 were +- and the other 2 were ++. They ranged in size 2,3,7,9mm and were grade 3. My treatment now consists of 4 x FEC, 1 year of Herceptin and 5 years of Tamoxifen. I am scared there is no point in saying otherwise, but i am also very strong and believe that everything will be ok. So for all you others who are going through the same i wish you loads of luck,keep strong and we will all get through this together.
Love and Hugs,
Julie x x x