I was diagnosed with bc at the end of Feb being called back from a routine mammogram. It was grain of sand size they said and with my Mums history thought it best to do a core biopsy - horrible. I left in a state of shock and returned a few days later to hear they were shocked too as it was malignant. Then to surgeon who wanted more biopsies as there was another area-in duct. This meant it had to be a mastectomy as the area was too large. The surgeon also decided to do a sentinel node biopsy. Took two nodes and found it had reached the first. Mastectomy was done well, no pain after and felt good. The cancer was HER2 so aggressive. Just over two weeks ago I had my first chemo of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide which went ok. Side effects of course but not too bad, until I got increasingly breathless. Oncologist wanted me in hospital to check, everything was ok so just my reaction to it. Following blood test showed my WBC was very low. Today it's back to oncologist. I'm supposed to have Herceptin too but we are still waiting for it to arrive, which I find frustrating. Will find out today. Also have developed a very sore jaw as I must be clenching it all the time. Hair is dropping rapidly and have my beanies and scarves ready, also going to a look good feel better workshop next week which will hopefully cheer me up. Sorry if too long, but that's barely scratched the surface!

Sorry you are here, but this network is THE BEST place to come for support and advice.I had the same chemo as you and finished last December.I coped pretty well I think, and the side effects weren't too bad. Take a look at my blog if u like, it's not on a private setting.There is an end to all this, it just seems so far away when you are going through treatment.I wore hats and turbans, and I never worried about a wig.My hair is about 2 or 3 cm long now,and I actually miss being bald. It's so easy.Take care and stay on here to let us know how you are going.Cheers Robyn xox

Welcome by the sounds of it u are having the same chemo as me my next dose is next Wednesday I've had no side effects so no sickness ect but I got my ulcer :( my hair is falling out now aswell partner is shaving it tonight I went to the look better feel good workshop loved it the ladies where wonderful u get to play with makeup which u take home and wigs they let u try them on.

Thanks for the message Donna. I had spent some time looking at the site a few weeks ago but was so stressed I couldn't get down to writing anything. You are right about the waiting, so much at the beginning. The stress waiting to find out results was horrible but now treatment has started it is easier. Thanks, Sarah

The side effects I had weren't as bad as I had been expecting. My breathlessness is a reaction and we will see what happens this time. The oncologist has said to take the dexamethasone 2 tabs twice daily the day before chemo which I didn't do last time so hopefully that will help. My head is still tender in places so not sure if I could cope with a shave yet but it's going to be soon. I was obsessed with brushing my teeth with biotene toothpaste and rinsing with bicarbonate at least 4 times a day as ulcers are so painful and so far have been ok, but it's early days yet...

Thanks so much for the message. Have looked at your blog; I've a long way to go yet! It's good to read others experiences. thanks

First blog | BCNA Online Network

18 Replies

Linda27
Member
12 years ago
My cancer was a lump about the size of a pea that had already spread to 7 of my lymph nodes. I was hit hard with chemo (4 AC and 12 taxol) and radiotherapy. I finished my chemo in February and am now having difficulty remembering the side effects which were not pleasant at the time. I too found the the dexmethasone made me hyperactive.

I attended a looking good feeling better workshop after my first chemo just as my hair was falling out and found it fantastic and lots of fun. Not so much for the makeup tips but the opportunity to speak to women in a similar situation. I did get some good tips on headwear. I bought a wig and I have worn it 3 times. Like Robyn I wore scarves and hats.

I have found that these forums have been a great source of information and support through my journey.

Cheers

Linda
Linda27
Member
12 years ago
My cancer was a lump about the size of a pea that had already spread to 7 of my lymph nodes. I was hit hard with chemo (4 AC and 12 taxol) and radiotherapy. I finished my chemo in February and am now having difficulty remembering the side effects which were not pleasant at the time. I too found the the dexmethasone made me hyperactive.

I attended a looking good feeling better workshop after my first chemo just as my hair was falling out and found it fantastic and lots of fun. Not so much for the makeup tips but the opportunity to speak to women in a similar situation. I did get some good tips on headwear. I bought a wig and I have worn it 3 times. Like Robyn I wore scarves and hats.

I have found that these forums have been a great source of information and support through my journey.

Cheers

Linda
Sarah31
Member
12 years ago
Thanks! I was scared by the her2 diagnosis but feel more positive with the Herceptin treatment. My mum had breast cancer too but not the same as me. A friend is coming with me to the workshop and I'm looking forward to it; day before next treatment. Reckon my neutrophils are pretty pathetic, all gone in one dose! Hopefully this granulocyte injection will help and not give too much bine pain. My friend is keen on sorting me out with a wig...we shall see! X
margiemoo
Member
12 years ago
look forward to meeting you!!
Sarah31
Member
12 years ago
Yes, going to Narara. See you there!
margiemoo
Member
12 years ago
having my chemo at gosford hospital. are you going to Narara? monday? be great to see you there! I believe the look good feel better workshops are fun.

Marg
Kek
Member
12 years ago
Hi Sarah, I had 6 doses of the same chemo as you & have just finshed 12 months of Herceptin. I didn't have much trouble with either except my first lot of chemo I ended up in hospital for a week as my neurofills were right down. When I went back to my oncologist she lowered my dose of chemo & it was a lot easier from then on in. I travelled from the coast to sydney to ahve all my treatment as this is my 3rd lot of bc & as we only moved to the coast 2years ago I thought it better to stick my my docs down there. Anyway enough rambling from me I hope it remains not too bad for you & I wish you a speedy recovery. I also did the look good feel good & it was a wondeful day with lovely ladies. PS I brought myself a flame red wig...way out of character but gave me so much confidence when I wore it I sort of miss it now...maybe I'll wear it for fun again some day.
Kek
Member
12 years ago
Hi Sarah, I had 6 doses of the same chemo as you & have just finshed 12 months of Herceptin. I didn't have much trouble with either except my first lot of chemo I ended up in hospital for a week as my neurofills were right down. When I went back to my oncologist she lowered my dose of chemo & it was a lot easier from then on in. I travelled from the coast to sydney to ahve all my treatment as this is my 3rd lot of bc & as we only moved to the coast 2years ago I thought it better to stick my my docs down there. Anyway enough rambling from me I hope it remains not too bad for you & I wish you a speedy recovery. I also did the look good feel good & it was a wondeful day with lovely ladies. PS I brought myself a flame red wig...way out of character but gave me so much confidence when I wore it I sort of miss it now...maybe I'll wear it for fun again some day.
Sarah31
Member
12 years ago
I had my first chemo on the 15th too, at north Gosford. Maybe I will see you at workshop?
Sarah31
Member
12 years ago
I had my first chemo on the 15th too, at north Gosford. Maybe I will see you at workshop?