A wild trifecta but I am determined to beat this as I have a young son who depends on me. This has to be the scariest journey of my life and I’ve been through a handful. Looking for fellow thrivers who have tips on handling chemotherapy. I start on the 27th of December and have 6 rounds before surgery. I hear protein is important and doing some sort of activity daily (short walk) to help no matter how tired we get.Overall a lot of moments feel surreal, scary and lonely but also trying to remain present and positive.

Hi @J_Nelly sorry to hear of your diagnosis - it’s a hard and stressful time but you will get through it!I was diagnosed mid July with triple positive dc - same as @Suki, also 47 years old. Finished my 6 rounds of TCHP mid November and this week had my surgery.I second all @Suki’s advice. I didn’t cold cap either - have some growth starting now 5 weeks post chemo. I’m probably glad I didn’t as I didn’t want to add time to the infusions but I’m sure others who have will be able to advise you better.When it comes to exercise, walking daily (whatever you can manage) and yoga (if you don’t have a current practice gentle stretching or mindful movement) was hugely helpful. Reminding yourself to breathe is an excellent way to stay centred and helps both physically and mentally. Insight timer has free meditations.the cancer coach I saw recommended prioritising protein and I ate as well as I could but I did find it hard - protein didn’t taste great for me - plant based was a bit better than meat based. She also told me that at the end of the day eat whatever you feel like or can. It’s temporary and you can focus on your diet when the chemo bit is over. sending you positive thoughts and big hugs xx

I’m very glad chemo is done! Sadly I ended up getting an infection under one of my ‘chemo nails’ and landed myself in hospital for 6 days with surgery to have the nail removed which was a real shame because I was feeling pretty good and looking forward to a week off everything before the surgery I just had😅which is something to keep in my mind. Keep your nails short and clean and use hardner. Some people paint theirs but I wanted to be able to see if there was a problem - and even then I missed catching this one! During chemo I really focussed on one day at a time, walking, yoga and trying not to look too far ahead or read too much about anything to do with the cancer. I wfh a few hours a week and was lucky to have good flexibility to do so. Everyone’s experience is slightly different - a diary will help you so you can map out how you feel each round. Helps you to be prepared and give info to your team if you need some help. There’s lots they can do to help minimise any side effects you might get and they want you to get through with as little impact as it’s possible to have si never hesitate to ask for help with anything.Chemo isnt fun but is absolutely doable - youve got this!

Hi @J_Nelly Some great advice above. My suggestions to add to the above would be get in contact with a mcgrath foundation nurse if you have access to one. Also check out look good feel better lgfb.org.au for some good info/ courses etc on dealing with some of the issues around the physical and psychological effects of the treatment, hair loss etcKeep a log of your side effects as that will help your team manage them better.Best wishes for your treatment

Hi @J_NellyI was like you this time last Christmas - diagnosed HR+ and HER2+, starting 6 rounds of TCHP chemo on 29 Dec before surgery. I was 47 with two teens.It is a crazy and stressful time, but you will get through this. I was relieved to start chemo because it felt like I was doing something to fight back. My tips for chemo are:- take books, crosswords or a laptop for movies as your first session is likely to be all day (the next sessions will take less time)- take snacks and a big water bottle- you can move around while having chemo, just ask the nurse and take your IV trolley with you!- consider cold capping (I didn't do it and lost all my hair, although it is slowly growing back now!)Always check with your oncologist before taking anything, but for home afterwards:- get Oral 7 mouthwash and spray (I had the spray by my bed and gave myself a squirt if I woke up with a dry mouth)- get eyedrops for dry eyes- drink lots of water (during and after chemo)- use Hydrolyte etc if you can't stomach water- eat mild foods (not spicy) whenever you can- get some Sustagen if you are losing weight- use Metamucil (I got capsules because I can't stand the texture of the drink)- use Gastrostop if you get diarrhea- keep up the exercise if you can Try to enjoy your Christmas, hug your son lots and feel free to ask any questions xx

@Suki thank you! Tips taken! I’ve bought some matcha and protein supplements to help. I’ll grab some Metamucil, eyedrops and mouth wash, then I’ll grab the rest depending on what I might need. Hugging the little one as I write this and appreciating the moments a lot more than usual. Thanks again Suki.

Diagnosed stage3, grade3, her2 positive

11 Replies

Suki
Member
6 months ago
Hi @J_Nelly

I was like you this time last Christmas - diagnosed HR+ and HER2+, starting 6 rounds of TCHP chemo on 29 Dec before surgery. I was 47 with two teens.

It is a crazy and stressful time, but you will get through this. I was relieved to start chemo because it felt like I was doing something to fight back. My tips for chemo are:
- take books, crosswords or a laptop for movies as your first session is likely to be all day (the next sessions will take less time)
- take snacks and a big water bottle
- you can move around while having chemo, just ask the nurse and take your IV trolley with you!
- consider cold capping (I didn't do it and lost all my hair, although it is slowly growing back now!)

Always check with your oncologist before taking anything, but for home afterwards:
- get Oral 7 mouthwash and spray (I had the spray by my bed and gave myself a squirt if I woke up with a dry mouth)
- get eyedrops for dry eyes
- drink lots of water (during and after chemo)
- use Hydrolyte etc if you can't stomach water
- eat mild foods (not spicy) whenever you can
- get some Sustagen if you are losing weight
- use Metamucil (I got capsules because I can't stand the texture of the drink)
- use Gastrostop if you get diarrhea
- keep up the exercise if you can

Try to enjoy your Christmas, hug your son lots and feel free to ask any questions xx

Forum Discussion

Diagnosed stage3, grade3, her2 positive

11 Replies

Recent Discussions

Triple positive invasive lobular carcinoma

Fluoxetine and Letrozole

2nd operation DCIS

3rd Op.

Covid jab

Disclaimer:

Foundation partner	Major partners