Newbe

[Kezrankin]

Hi all, I'm new to this site. I was diagnosed with grade 3 triple negative idc breast cancer on 7/12/15. I start my chemo on 3/3/16. Reading all your posts has been a great help to me. Chemo frightens me, is it painful? Will I be able to give my 11 year old the attention he needs?

[ARLENEGALVIN]

Hi,

I had 6 sessions, every 3 weeks of cmf. I just finished 2 weeks ago. It is one of the easier chemos.

Honestly I've had worse colds, worse hangovers :-). I vomited only once, I kept my hair+ I online has to go to bed during the day 3 times over the whole thing. I had a 3 week old baby when I started, she is 21 weeks now. I needed a bit of extra help- my partner did night feeds but other than that I've been ok. It wasn't so bad.

I know I was lucky. I tolerated it very well+ it is an easier chemotherapy but I think its good to hear that it's not all like the movies!! Best of luck,you might be surprised how fast the time goes by+ you are counting down to the final one. X

[Lainey66]

Hi I had stage 2 triple negative and lymph node positive, diagnosed 2/10/15. I had three sessions of chemo and they stopped it. It didn't make me sick, but I did feel weak and tired approx 4-5 days after chemo for about two to three days. When you feel like that you must listen to your body and rest. It is very important that you do. Unfortunately chemo effected me differently. During one of the many blood tests it was found I was Neutropenic whereby I had absolutely no immune system and white cells were not regenerating. I was in isolation for five days while I was filled with antibiotics. I was told that the chemo was doing me more harm than good. So surgery was brought forward. I had a double mastectomy seven weeks ago. I found out last week that they think I need more chemo. I find out for certain tomorrow. Having chemo does not hurt, you are on an intravenous drip. Be prepared for a long day. I took a book to read, my laptop, rubik cube etc to keep me occupied. After chemo I was quite energetic for a good few days which is when I tackled housework. On my tired days I rested. It is on these days you will need help. Everyone has different reactions etc. You could be totally different. I have written a blog about my experience if you want to read it. elainemurphy66.blogspot.ie it may help to put you at ease. Good luck Elaine xx

[Hidden]

Don't be frightened of chemo, it's not pleasant but it's not terrible either. I did everything as usual on chemo just got a bit tired towards the end and went off some foods because they tasted different. I did lose my hair but it's only temporary. Main thing to remember is the good it will be doing you. All the best.

[Rattyp]

I had my chemo end of last year and I have a 9 year old. I managed to carry on being there for her although as it has been said, I got very tired. What I did was slept whilst she was in school. There are side effects after chemo has finished but u jst have to make the most of things. None of this process is nice but we have to be brave. Keep ur chin up and stay strong x

[Kezrankin]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm having FEC T , I have heard some side affects can cause heart and bone problems, I feel as if I'm walking on a knife edge. The triple neg diagnosis scares me. Would a double mastectomy and removal of ovaries be the best option. My husband thinks I'm being stupid thinking about this.

[Sarawill]

Hi was diagnosed with grade 3 (DCIS, HER2+, 14/17 lymph nodes) 1/12/15. I had a mastectomy 5 Jan 2016 with quite a few aspirations of fluid which was fine. I had my first chemo of 6 cycles last Friday. I did feel slightly nervous about what to expect but to be honest after surgery and needles, and what we have already been through, I can say it was a breeze. The hardest part was finding a suitable vein so I'd recommend drinking lot's of water before you go as this makes you less dry and the veins are easier to find. the nursing staff were great and explain the simplicity of things and what to look out for to feel confident about your treatment. I have anti sickness meds but haven't been sick. It's early days in to chemo for me, and I guess we will all react differently, but the only thing I notice so far is needing to sleep more. This believe me is not a problem as I love the excuse to hibernate. Sleep for me is always the best cure if I feel under the weather. Best of luck with it X.

[Bronwin]

Hi Kezrankin

Just had my first Chemo Session on Thursday...I was lucky just felt numb and sleepy whole weekend no nausea or the other side effects ppl are talking about i am definitely not looking forward to session number to coz i dont know what to expect some say they only start feeling side effect on they second treatment

[Kezrankin in reply to Bronwin]

Hi, thank you for your reply, I'm glad to here your first round went ok. I wish you all the best for the rest of your chemo and a healthy future x

[CancerkickerKathy]

Were all different. I myself would not want to have a child to care for right now. But moms are special people. They find strength to do amazing things. Stay strong.