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annebirdy's avatar
annebirdy
Member
10 years ago

About to start treatment

Hi, have got my first meeting with the oncologist to work out chemo options this week and wanting a bit of advice.

What are the things I should be asking at this meeting?

I've been doing lots of reading but it seems to have confused me, rather than clarified things. 

Background: had mastectomy and implant, Her2+, oestrogen+, there were 3 small cancers and lots of DCIS (90mm in total). Already know I'll have hormonal, herceptin and radiotherapy. Have been told to expect 'light' chemo - 6 cycles every 3 weeks.

For those of you who have had chemo, what are the things in hindsight you wish you knew at the beginning.

Thanks

 

7 Replies

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    My hair was falling out in handfulls by the second chemo, I couldn't cope with that so I had it all cut off and wore a wig or scarves. I got used to having no hair fairly quickly. My head did get infected not sure why, very sore for a few days but then was ok. No I didn't get a port my veins lasted chemo and herceptin. I know of others that had a port and said it was good, for myself I wanted to avoid another procedure. I had a pretty rocky trip with chemo but it did end not all have a problem, as the ladies have said make sure you speak up when you are unwell. 

  • annebirdy's avatar
    annebirdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks. I guess there is so much written about side effects I would expect vomiting etc. But good point to always let the chemo staff know. Thanks for advice.

  • annebirdy's avatar
    annebirdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks. Does all chemo result in hair falling out? And did you get a port put in - what was your experience?

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Annie,

    I had 6 x 3 weekly TCH chemo. One thing I wish I had known was if you are really sick, don't just assume it is the way things are meant to be. If you are vomiting and/or runs for more than 24 hours contact the hospital. Every cycle for me was different and every one reacts differently. You will probably have more questions after your first treatment. Tell them every single side effect you get, no matter how small or insignificant. You'll be amazed what they can do for you to help. Good luck and take care. Karen xox

  • Marlee's avatar
    Marlee
    Member
    10 years ago

    All treatment is so different as is everyone's cancer 

    I had chemo first

    I thought it was explained really well and I agree with others to take someone with you. 

    I had more questions after my first cycle, unfortunately there are sometimes no answers though but it's always important to ask 

    you can do this !!!

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi I just sat down and wrote anything that came into my head My husband and daughter came to the first visit with the oncologist and my daughter had questions as well, I organised my wig before chemo started so that when I couldn't cope with my hair falling out I went to the hairdresser and had my hair cut off.

    Ask if you need to have a port put in, good luck and always ask uestions and tell staff about any side effects as everyone copes differently.