Starting chemotherapy

Hi twig88

Sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. You may know this already, when you first go to your chemo you will need to show them the letter you were sent and sign in. You will probably have to wait for a few minutes to be called in. There should be a place for you to sit while you wait. Once you are called in you will be shown to your chair. You will be given a infusion of steroids first and an anti-sickness tablet to help prevent side effects while you are receiving your infusion. The first part of the AC will be given by infusion and the second part of the AC will be given by syringe usually two of them. The infusion by syringe will be injected slowly by your cancer nurse, it usually takes about an hour.

Be sure to bring something to keep yourself occupied as you may have a bit of a wait before getting your infusions. Either a book, coloring book or a puzzle book. You can also bring your tablet and a pair of earphones in if you want to look at something while the chemo is going in.

Drink plenty of fluids, your chemo unit may provide a bottle of water for you, if not bring one in with you. Also depending on what time of the day you'll be getting your Chemo bring some snacks with you, again your chemo unit may provide you with tea and sandwiches.

If while you are receiving your infusions on the chemo unit you feel unwell let your chemo nurse know immediately so that they can sort you out.

Try and get out in the fresh air everyday if you can even if it's just for a short walk as it can help with side effects. I also suggest that you make up a solution of water and salt every morning and use it to rinse out your mouth after every meal to help prevent mouth sores. Also brush your teeth after every meal. Take your medication as and when you need it to help prevent side effects.

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer two years ago. It was in my left breast as well as my underarm lymph nodes. I had four cycles of AC and four cycles of Taxol. I didn't have too many side effects. After chemo I had surgery and then radiotherapy. At the moment I am cancer free.

Wishing you the best of luck with your treatment.

Best wishes
Jenni53

Wow jenni53, thank you so much for all
that. Sorry to hear you’ve been here but glad to here you’re doing well and please god continue to do so.

Hi Twig88,

Sorry you are facing into this. I just recently finished AC. Can I second the advice to bring water, I drank a lot during and after each round. I found the first day the worst..didn’t know what to expect…cried my eyes out silently in the waiting area and thought I was going to throw up or pass out… but then once I got in and shown around it all felt more manageable. The nurses are wonderful.

Tell the nurses everything you’re feeling or experiencing and use the phone numbers they give you if needed…they seem to have solutions to every problem and always so kind and happy to help.

Be kind to yourself at home and try to get some fresh air. I was at my worst during days 3-6 after each one, but maybe everyone experiences it differently. Not sure how you are feeling about hair loss…mine was gone on day 13. It was a grim few hours between it falling out and shaving the rest of it off that night but it was a huge relief too to get the inevitable over with. It’s been 8 weeks since I finished and something fluffy is starting to grow back now :)

Sending you my very best wishes x

Hi i started chemo 6 weeks ago, i was diagnosed with bowel cancer stage 3 A, ive had 3 rounds of chemo and find them ok, i was weak that evening and day 4, 5 and 6. I havent lost my hair and doc told me i wont. It has thinned out but im hoping thats all. I just registered here because im thinking of doing online counselling to help me get through this. Best of luck

I was also diagnosed with triple negative stage 2 breast cancer. I started treatment yesterday. So far no advice as I’m still finding my own way but the advice I’ve read from everyone else here is invaluable and I hope you are managing the side effects and chemo well.