confused about treatment

Hi Michelle,

I have been pretty lucky and have had very few side effects from my treatment - more with chemo than just Herceptin alone.

From Chemo (Taxotere and Cycoclsphomide?? spelling) - fatigue, some nausea for the first few days after treatment (managed with maxalon), aching body, loss of taste buds, hair loss and hot flushes. I was really only unwell for the first week after treatment - then back to "sort of normal" by the following week.

As for the Herceptin and Tamoxifen, a few aching bones but nothing that impacts on my life like chemo did.

I lost a lot of weight before my diagnosis (from stress...I knew something wasn't right...just didn't know what!). I actually gained weight during chemo. I got the muncihes...probably from the steroids I took. I am now back to my normal weight...I haven't gained any extra from the Tamoxifen/Herceptin.

My philosophy when I went into this..."Keep your expectations low and you won't be disappointed". My husband went out, and based on the list of side-effects, bought everything we might need....buckets, rubber glove, soda water, THE WORKS! Didn't need to use any of it! YAY!! The only thing that I would recommend that is a must for chemo is a digital thermometer (monitor your temp for infection) and gargle your mouth with warm salt water after each meal to help with mouth ulcers etc.

I hope this helps and best of luck for your next appointment.

Simone