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SusieJW's avatar
SusieJW
Member
10 years ago

I'm new here

Hi my name is Sue

Diagnosed at the start of May with Early Stage Breast Cancer Invasive Ductal Carcinoma during routine yearly mammogram and ultrasound.  Mother diagnosed at 39yo and cousin at 46 (one year ago).  I am 47.

Surgery to remove tumour with clear margins performed 26 May and no nodes were involved.  Pathology revealed triple positive result with grade 3 tumour.

I thought due to clear margins that would be it!!  I am now about to undergo 4 cycles of chemotherapy and 12 months of Herceptin.

I am really anxious about starting this drug therapy and curious as to how others have tolerated it and the impact it has had on your day to day lives.

It feels a bit like I'm floating down a river being pushed along by everything happening around me and I'm not sure if it even feels real yet.

Any thoughts?

 

 

 

chemotherapy
surgery

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  • SusieJW's avatar
    SusieJW
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thank you Katrina,

    I too have researched how to cope with the nausea and lots of people have lots of suggestions.  How to sift through and know which way to go?  What helped you?

  • SusieJW's avatar
    SusieJW
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thank you Paula

    I'm going for "chemo orientation" on Monday, I agree it's a good idea.

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Welcome to the site chemo is not easy for anyone. I had 4 cycles of chemo and 12 months of herceptin. It is a long haul and you will get there. Ask as many questions as you can, take a note book and remember no question is dumb. I have just finished my herceptin in May so you will get there. I did work on and off this was my choice as I needed something else to think about. I look back and don't know how I did it, one day at a time.

  • crass1's avatar
    crass1
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi sue, 

    I'm the same but double positive. I thought in the beginning it was just going to be radiotherapy but sadly not, 6 sessions of chemo and im half way through. How to cope??? That is the biggest question as everyone is different. Before my first chemo I got organised and read a lot about nausea and how to reduce the effects, also got lots of fruit and veg. I also thought if I had chemo on Friday I'd be good for work on Monday but that was not the case, generally to takes me 5 days to 'come good' and then after its a real roller coaster of emotions. I highly recommend seeing a counsellor, I've been going since I was diagnosed and I don't know how I would have coped without her, she's amazing. Also, I meditate to relax which helps most times.

    Here's to the good fight.

    Katrina

     

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Sue,

    I am a bit of an oldie here who pops in from time to time.  Starting chemo can be very nerve racking. My cancer was triple negative so the opposite of yours, however chemo is chemo no matter the diagnosis. I think going for orientation where you are having chemo can be a big help.  They will give you all sorts of tips.  Everyone copes differently.  I thought I was going to be able to have chemo on Friday and be back at work on Monday...However I found it too hard.  I do only work part time and I found if I took the week off after chemo I was OK for the other two weeks.  As I said though we are all different and you will find that out. some can work all the time, some not at all.  It doesn't matter though, as long as you do what's right for you.

    I wish you all the best.

    Paula xx