chemo then surgery

[reubenbracken]

Hello I am new to here,I am 47 and have three children, i have been diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma i have had one session of chemo which i was sick with for two days but feel a lot better now just emotionally not doing aswell, off to hypnotherapy tomorrow to see if that helps, i am due my next chemo 2nd december and then after the eight sessions of chemo some sort of operation, it would be nice to talk to people who are going through or have come out the other end.

[Gracie66]

Hi there . June 2015 I had the same. mastectomy plus 8 sessions of chemo. it is a big shock. you question everything and things you took for granted become uncertain. it's all very normal but very difficult as you go through it and hugely upsetting (I was angry for months) it's now 9 months since my last chemo and life is pretty much back to normal. I'd be interested to hear about the hypnotherapy. .. if counselling is offered take it. try to focus on the fact that this will all be sorted and you will be out the other side and probably even discharged from oncology in a few months and you WILL get your life back. in ways it's better than before because you don't suffer fools any more or sweat the small stuff, and you appreciate everything you have that bit more.

Xx gracie

[reubenbracken in reply to Gracie66]

thanks ill let you know about the hypnotherapy, thanks for getting in touch, it is worrying that most people seem to have had surgery then chemo where as i am the other way round, just have to see how it goes.x

[Jennymary]

I had lumpectomies and radiotherapy, all I can do for you is send loads of love and hugs for a smoothish journey xxxx

[reubenbracken]

thank you.x

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I have had chemotherapy, mastectomy and radiotherapy, a few complications along the way but coming out the other side now. It's a tough time and like many others I was angry, frightened and desperate to have some normality back in my life. Have counselling as it really helps. You will meet some wonderful people throughout your treatment and I have made some fantastic new friends. Hang on in there, it does get better.

Take care x

[reubenbracken in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou

[biddenden_sue]

Hi. I was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma (snap) back in December 2013. I was also 47. I started my chemo just 10 days later. Yes, right now, your head is swimming. I asked for citalapram right at the start to help with the anxiety. It took almost 3 weeks to kick in, but it made a world of difference. I had FEC-T chemo, and after the FEC, they rescanned, and my tumour had collapsed like a dead jellyfish. By the time I'd finished the Tax part of the chemo, it was a tiny lump, almost gone, and they could no longer see any swollen lymph nodes. They still recommended a full mastectomy, which I went for, plus full lymph node removal, to be safe. Then after 6 weeks to recover, I had 15 rounds of radiotherapy. My cancer was ER+, so I was put on Tamoxifen, but actually the chemo made me post-menopausal, so after a year, I was switched to Anastrozole. I had breast reconstruction using fat from my tummy (DIEP flap) in August this year, which I have just recovered from. It's a long journey but all do-able. You can ask for stronger sickness pills. Just keep telling them which side effects are hindering you and take all the drugs they give you. This is an unexpected chapter in your life, but it will help to shape the person you become. I am definitely stronger for the experience. Do you know yet if your cancer is ER+ or HER2+?

[reubenbracken in reply to biddenden_sue]

My cancer is ER - and Pr- i don't know about the HER2 ill probably find out when I go back to see the Oncologist next thursday, thanks for getting back to me.x

[reubenbracken in reply to biddenden_sue]

I have got to go for a genetics test so that probably means that it's triple negative. I got the letter today

[biddenden_sue in reply to reubenbracken]

If that turns out to be the case, take all the treatment they offer you. Dose yourself up and take it all on the chin. I'd also recommend asking for a double mx. Good luck. Keep us informed x

[GinaD19]

Hi Ruebenbracken, I was diagnosed with invasive DCIS nearly 5 years ago but they recommended I have a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. I have since had a second mastectomy by choice as I did not want reduction and reconstruction operations and I have now had two breast implants. I agree with all the comments left by other women on this thread. If you are offered counselling, take it, it really helps. Don't put up with feeling sick, there are drugs that can help this but I personally liked crystallised ginger best! I am now 61 and the worst side effect I had was cancer fatigue. You feel like you have been steam rollered but it does get better. The best thing my counsellor said to me was to listen to my body and to pace myself. I still apply that advice 5 years later so when I get tired I take a day off and rest. I feel so much better for it. Onwards and upwards my friend. It's a long and tiring journey, but you will get through it. Xx

[reubenbracken in reply to GinaD19]

thank you

[SarahL321]

Morning. I was diagnosed with bi-lateral breast cancer 2 years ago. I have had lumpectomies, chemo and herceptin and currently on tamoxifen. the past 2 years have been an 'experience' however I feel that I have come out a much stronger person. I'm certainly more emotional, however my new outlook on life means I no longer fret or stress about the 'little things' I focus on what's important to me and my loved ones.

Thinking of you x

[reubenbracken in reply to SarahL321]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hello

I was diagnosed last year with grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 2b. I too had chemo first, then herceptin injections alongside the last 3 chemo, had 18 altogether over a year, mastectomy last December then radiotherapy. Long journey but I'm out the orher side, just waiting for reconstruction which should be very soon. Best wishes on your journey x

[reubenbracken in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Lorraineam]

Hello. I was diagnosed a year ago last August. I was meant to have 6 lots of FEC-T prior to surgery to shrink the tumours, but after the first three they rescanned and weren't happy with how it was progressing, so I had a mastectomy and then the rest of the chemo after Christmas. It worked out better for me as my chemo was originally scheduled to finish 3 days before Christmas, and I had recovered from the surgery by then. Best wishes to you xxx

[reubenbracken in reply to Lorraineam]

Thanks ill just have to wait and see, I'm not sure when i am due another scan, off to see the oncologist next thursday so i might find out a bit more then,x

[Mandywilson]

Hi .. I was diagnosed with the same in February 2010.. I had a double mastectomy as there was another tiny primary in my right breast .. I had chemo and radiotherapy .. I just kept telling myself my breasts were no longer mine and it was a journey I had to travel to rid myself of this disease .. You will get through it , use whatever method is right for you ! I was finally "signed off " in June of this year . The memories are always there but I find going to the gym and certainly doing Tai Chi helps !! Keep us up to date with your journey ..this is a brilliant group to unload to ! We all understand and someone will be there to support in some way ...Good luck 💋

[Mandywilson]

Sorry forgot ... For the sickness .. If it's bad tell them , I know we are given antisickness drugs but they may have something else ...I had a ginger & lemongrass cordial which helped .. Also nibbled on ginger biscuits ? Xx you must find a drink etc that suits you .. 💖

[reubenbracken in reply to Mandywilson]

Thanks I have the ginger biscuits they seem to help. x

[mags4]

Hi rubenbraken,

I to had chemo before surgery very sick on first one but once they upped the antinausea i was fine,to them about this it is very daunting but you will get through it ,and anyone on this site is proof .Just take it step by step sending you hugs 💓

[reubenbracken in reply to mags4]

Thank you. x

[reubenbracken]

Hi I have just a referral to the genetics clinic so Im guessing that means that Im triple negative so Im thinking this is not the best?

[Jennyannk73 in reply to reubenbracken]

I was referred as well. I think many of us are. I was 41 at diagnoses. I was not triple negative, but they need to find out if you have inherited breast cancer in case others in your family are at risk. No worries!

[reubenbracken in reply to Jennyannk73]

Thankyou

[reubenbracken in reply to Jennyannk73]

We're you negative at all

[Lorraineam]

I too felt really sick after the first chemo but I think I took my anti sickness tablet too late in the evening. From the 2nd chemo on I took a domperidone (the ones they give you to take when needed) as soon as I got home, and didn't really have any more problems after that. I also found the docetaxel didn't make me feel nauseous at all.

[reubenbracken in reply to Lorraineam]

Thankyou

[Jennyannk73]

Hi there! I am a stage 2b IDC and have had a double mastectomy, chemo, radiation and am on Arimidex to keep my estrogen levels down since my cancer is er and pr positive. I was diagnosed last September. This all stinks, and while I can promise it won't be fun, if you try to keep a good positive attitude it will help get through it all. It certainly wasn't the worst thing in the world, so just remember it is temporary discomfort. Please let me know if you have questions. It makes me feel like I can make something good come from this, when I can help others. Gives it all a reason I guess!

[reubenbracken in reply to Jennyannk73]

Thankyou

[reubenbracken in reply to Jennyannk73]

Hi just stressing I've been asked to have a genetics test so just worrying it's triple negative

[Jennyannk73 in reply to reubenbracken]

They send most younger women ....nothing to do with triple negative. They knew I was ER and PR positive prior to the referral. They just need to know if it is genetic for both you and your family. Don't stress over this part.

[reubenbracken in reply to Jennyannk73]

Okay thanks I just know that triple negative is not the best I just assumed that's what I've got but ill find out next week for define. x

[showmustgoon]

Hi . I had the same in 1998 with a mastectomy after the chemo . I'm still here ! It's rough but you get through. My children are now grown up but they could have used more support to understand and address their fears .

[reubenbracken in reply to showmustgoon]

Thank you it does help seeing all these posts I've just got to work out how to be stronger in myself to deal with it all. xx

[Julie21]

Hi, i was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal cancer 4 years ago this month. I started chemo and then after 3 sessions started on herceptin too. the chemo shrunk it by 70%. i then had a lumpectomy followed by 15 sessions of radiotherapy. i continued with the herceptin for a year. It wasn't in my lymph nodes luckily.

As soon as I was diagnosed I started on anti-depressants which helped loads. Half way through the chemo i had a scan to make sure it was helping, which it was.

I have checks every 6 months now but if I have any worries I have been told to phone the breast care nurses and they will make sure I see a doctor as quickly as possible.

I hope it all goes as well for you as it has for me x

[reubenbracken in reply to Julie21]

thank you, lets hope mine goes the same way as yours.x

[Julie21]

I just went with all the recommendations that the doctors gave me. The treatment I had in South Cumbria was fantastic. x

[reubenbracken in reply to Julie21]

thank you,x

[Jessydontcare]

what is radiotherapy like? hearing about it scares me that it may mess with your skin.

[reubenbracken]

i haven't read much about it yet ill probably have it after my operation, i don't think its as bad as chemotherapy you have to have it every day for a little while but i don't know much else at the minute sorry, ask on here I'm sure somebody will tell you all about it.xx