Well it’s the morning of the 4th one! Last time was in at 9.30 and only got home at 8!!! That is just too long to be hanging round hospitals. Have to make sure my bag is packed, sweets, mags, ipod, conditioner e.t.c. Really don’t want to go cos feel so well now. Oh well, we are all in the same boat and have to do it.
Have been having reflexology a couple of days after chemo, am booked in for thursday this week. It has helped! Give it a go!
Good luck to all you 4th timers and anytimers this week.
Hi, Hope today went well for you… wow what a long day?? Why so long?? I normally get to my hospital for 10am (after the school run)and an hours drive through busy Leicester! Even with the cold cap I was done and out by 2.30pm. Could have even done the school pick up at a push!!! Number 4… well over halfway there now!! I understand what you mean…on the third week you really begin to feel ‘normal’ and well again… but you know what it’s going to do to you!! I hate the tired feeling, just not being able to do normal things- makes be feel so lazy and useless!! Does the tiredness get alot worse towards the end?? My 4th lot will be 16th Dec, hoping that it doesn’t knock me out for Xmas!! At the moment I’m normally OK again after 6-7 days.
Just read about the nose hair… I agree- I never realised what a good job they did!! You don’t miss them til they’ve gone!!! Sniff, sniff!!
Loocie - I’ve got a runny nose but hadn’t put it down to lack of nose hair as I can still see hair if I look up my nose, maybe it’s all gone from inside or something.
Just had a consultation with my onc who talked about the possibility of me finishing after four sessions of FEC rather than six, due to me struggling with the side effects. I’m not usually a quitter so there is some stubborn part of me which is going ‘no don’t give up now’ while the other 95% is going YAY! PARTY TIME! We’ll make the decision just before the next cycle.
Had to have a rectal exam today (fortunately by the nice female doctor) to diagnose an anal fissure - caused by the chemo drugs. Apparently this won’t go away until after I finish chemo and basically could turn into an anal ulcer if it gets worse on my high risk week. My onc’s advice was -‘don’t fiddle around too much down there as you might introduce an infection’. YUK YUK YUK YUK YUK. Sorry for anyone of a delicate disposition although I think we are all pretty level headed when it comes to parts of our body.
Anyway, passed the blood count so it’s me for the poison cocktail on Wed. Apparently the nurses made a mistake last cycle in not giving me my ondansetron in addition to the emend, which could account for why I felt no better last time round. This time I’m taking everything they can give me and a bit more besides!
Oh well, off to enjoy my last 1.5 days of freedom by getting as much work done as possible before the chemo brain kicks in.
I am starting to freak a bit now. 1st Tax tomorrow and am feeling very nervous. I have read too many horrible things about it. I have taken 4 steroids this am and about to take another 4 now - they are supposed to help stop allergic reactions and fluid retention…mmmm lovely!!! My stomach always feels ‘tweaked’ up after the steroids.
Good luck Helen for Wed - yeah take everything you can for the nausea. I don’t think the Emend helped my nausea but did stop me vomiting. So I took just about everything else I was given.
Loocie - I sniff all the time too - have constant wet tissues in my pocket…delightful!!
I am madly trying to get everything done before tom - Its my OH’s birthday tomorrow too (great birthday for him!) so decided I would make a cake as well as do all the chores etc. But trouble is I just can’t do anything right at the moment (think it’s the anxiety), and forgot to put the baking powder in LOL - looks more like a biscuit than a cake!! Wish I had bought the ‘Stig’ Top Gear cake i saw in Tescos this am - would have saved the hassle and possibly a trip to the dentist for him. I think I am going to stick to being c**p at everything till this whole thing is over.
OMG - just going to take a load of steroids and attempt to relax!
Good luck to one and all this week.
Lynn xx
hi, wishing you good luck too. Just take a day at a time and remember its temporary, you will soon start to feel better. I am going for my 3rd docetaxel on wednesday, only 1 to go after that.
rest up when you need to and drink lotsa water.
take care
anna
Hi Ladies,
First of all good luck to Lynn tomorrow, I’m on my third and last FEC in the morning too. Not looking forward to it because I felt worse last time. Hope the Tax isn’t as bad as you are expecting, where do you get the steroids from beforehand?
I am so pleased that over the last 2 days I have managed to keep my wig on, I was really worrying when I walked across Tesco car park in the high winds we have been having that it might have taken off and never been see again. Yay, it didn’t move!!!
Helen, about your problem (down below) was it due to constipation if you don’t mind me asking as I’m wondering if I may have a similar problem?
Yes, the washer in my nose has gone too, first of all I thought it was the end of the cold my OH kindly gave me but it is going on rather a long time. I also seem to still have nose hairs but maybe I have lost some and not realised.
Good luck to everyone having their cocktails this week.
Take care and love to you all,
Jane xx
Thanks everyone
Just thought I would quickly answer Jane’s question - I got the steroids at my last FEC appt at the hospital. They have given me 24 tabs - to take 8 per day (4 in morning and 4 evening) starting the day before Tax and then to continue for 2 more days. And good luck Jane to for tomorrow - I don’t think you will feel any worse, it seems to keep to the same sort of pattern (well did for me).
And good luck to anyone else this week that I haven’t mentioned.
Just wanted to add my good luck wishes to everyone getting chemo’d this week. Having my last Fec tomorrow then the dreaded Tax. Hope the side effects are not too horrendous for everyone. Love and Hugs
Karen xxx
Good luck to everyone, it will soon all be done. One positive thing about the tax is my hair growing back, so its not all bad, although my little nephew said my hair now makes me look like a boy!
hope chemo is kind to you
take care
anna
JC - I dont think it was due to constipation, although the onc said I probably was constipated without knowing it! He said that the gut, in a similar way to the mouth is affected by the chemo, with the mucous linings being eroded (best not to know some of this, I think) which can cause problems. He also said we are subject to getting cuts etc. and some people get nose bleeds in the same way. Just unlucky, I suppose.
good luck to all of you on tax this week. I don’t have to do this as I’ve got 6FEC, although I do feel that I know things won’t get any better which is is a downer.
Calm down Lyn! You sound like you’re climbing the walls, and I’m not surprised on so many steroids. Hope you can chill out a bit!
Hayz - regarding the wig, I know what you mean about not wanting to move your head, I feel like I have a stiff neck and have to move my whole body rather than turn my head! Been wearing the wig a lot more since last week and getting used to it now, although it does itch my head after a while. Not sure if this is down to my hair underneath but I am getting it cut short tomorrow so see how I go after that. I am determined to persevere with it, especially as I have been getting very favourable comments saying the style suits me (I have gone for a bit longer than normal) and I look younger, so I can’t give up now!!
Wishing everyone good luck with treatment and effects.
Hi everyone _ I have been following this page since I found out I would need chemo.way back in September. I like to be prepared and to know what is coming up BUT do not really read bad news posts! I have found your comments comforting and positive and wish you all well.
My big day is tomorrow - my first session, and I must admit to feeling a little nervous. I decided to try the cold cap after reading encouraging experiences (got to try everything) but am such a cold soul that I am thinking about wearing a couple of extra layers.
Would appreciate any advice on what to take with me _ I am told lunch will be provided (my appointment is 11.30 and was told I should be “ready for collection” at about 2.30) Any advice would be much appriciated. Love and good thoughts to everyone. Marli
Hi Marli , regarding lunch it may depend on where you are having your treatment but I found it like most hospital grub, awfull. I took my own snack.Tea, coffee and soft drinks are provided. I took a book but was unable to get into it as I am too nosey.I notice you are from Durham where are you having chemo? take care kittyx
I’m due to have my 3rd session next week- with cold cap. I took an extra fleecy jacket with me to put around my shoulders - remembering to put one arm in before the put in the canula!! Also I took a blanket in from home, just to feel extra cuddly and warm. The hospital also gave me a towel to put around my shoulders. They said they have one lady who brings in a hot water bottle with her (although they have to fill it with hot tap water rather then boiling water- health and safety!) The whole time is pretty boring. I take a bag with snacky bits, fruit, sweets, a nice smoothie etc. Ipod. Magazines and a good book also. Last time I also took my sons nintendo DS ( but never got that bored!) Lunch was provided, it was sandwiches and crisps. Not bad… Although my hubby stopped at Tesco on the way to get his lunch as they charge a fortune for guests lunches!!!
Once you get over the first one it gets better. I can remember being terrified… but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d imagined.
I agree this site is great, I only stick to the same posts, only need to hear positives!!! But it helps to read how others are coping and realising that we can all get through this!!!
Hi everybody I’m like Marli and have 1st Eip tomorrow and have been following since Sep as well, I think you’re all brilliant kept me smiling.I’m off now a bit shaky be joining you 18th help! best wishes Kath
Would agree with a lot that Sarah said about taking with you to hospital. First time I went I wrapped up as was having the cold cap and glad I did, although second time did not feel so bad. Best to be prepared though, can always take a layer off! I also took sandwich, fruit, snacks, book, magazine but did not need everything.
The first session was definitely nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be. Hope yours goes OK and look after yourself the next few days.
Welcome to ladies having first FEC this week and Hi everyone else having continued dreaded FEC and Tax.
My post is going to frighten all the new girls but please do not take me as a typical chemo patient - I just need to have a rant and moan - even though I feel quite good today - but not sleeping hence time,
My OH will do his nut in the morning when he realises I have not come to bed…again!!!
I am so behind eveyone else - remember I was in hospital with neuts sepsis after 1st FEC - well following 2nd I have developed a chest infection and now an ear infection too so 2 weeks of anbx. So instead of a 3 week gap it has been delayed twice and am having no 3 tomorrow. Over a week late but better than waiting until next week as chemo unit is so busy.
How can I be looking forward to this??? More sickness/nausea. I have not had the good/normal week(fortnight)!
My Charity Shaveathon is next week - to raise funds for a ‘sentinal node testing machine’ for our local hospital so that ladies do not have to wait 2 weeks to get results of node testing and can have axilliary clearance at same time as WLE or MX. They need £60K so I am trying to put a litte dent in it.
My OH and two cousins are having their heads shaved (and me as I have saved wispy bits to be done). I have been OUT today trying to get some raffle prize donations - good old Tesco have given me £50 vouchers = Asda, M&S and Sainsburys will come back to me - Cotswold Clothing donated a giant chess game- I have a bunch of flowers pledged from local florist - my son is giving a weeks worth of Bootcamp training - and my Bowen Therpist is donating 2 free sessions! So doing really well - must ring local paper tomorrow - oh and we’ve got my husbands barber coming to shave the heads!
Thats the most I’ve done in one day for a long time and it really invigorated me BUT has anyone else had this: The soles of my feet are soooo sore and were burning as i walked - the heel cushions felt like blisters were coming up - I was wearing my sensible ankle boots with low heel that served me well last winter so what is this?
Got to be well for next wed night so determined to take every anti sick i can get my hands on - have Emend - onc told me to take the ondasteron and dom perignon and citrizine (my versions of spelling), as well - so then I better take the anti-constipation drug too. Rattle rattle this will be fun - they dont work on me anyway but I will persevere for a few days. As on an earlier post some of us are just more sicky than others. My dishy onc really believes in all his cocktails though so have to. I can’t be that unlucky to get all the se’s on both chemo drugs. Hope he is right.
I have had a giggle reading last two weeks posts - flu jabs - not been mentined to me - have enough jabs with the granocyte - OH looking forward to inflicting more pain on me next week!lol.
Am in good spirits at the moment due to feeling like I have been doing something useful but had a big hiccup last Friday afer I got an e-mail form work mucking up my reduced sick pay and teling me they are changing how sick pay is processed - I am the Payroll manager and a temporary ‘accountant’ is covering my job but it seems she has been given a free rein to change things, although she is making mistakes left right and centre, some of them illegal - spent weekend crying and wrote a long e-mail to HR complaining about that and other matters which have caused me a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Anyhow yesterday afternoon decided enough is enough and will now be putting that out of my thoughts for a while. Positive thoughts are resumed = at least I have got a job!
Will catch up with you all soon - sorry my chemo brain is so bad I cannot remember to put in personal message to individuals - that sounds so rude - but i hope you understand what I mean lol I am a dumbo at mo. Hugs to you all and keep laughing - it helps. xxxx