Anyone due to start chemo April 14??

Going through breast cancer treatment Chemotherapy monthly threads
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Smoke clouds Welcome to the thread. I also started chemo on 1 April so won’t forget that date.

I emphasise with the hair mine was shoulder length but quite fine and I decided against the cap as me losing some would have been noticable

But yes the first thing I thought about when they said chemo was hair loss But the wigs overall are very good and the headstrong course is worth going to. You will be amazed at what can be done.

It’s hard but temporary if you are still wanting to keep going again while hard I suggest another haircut as shorter hair will be easier to keep. But I feel more in control abit still getting used to it with no hair. As watching it fall out and not washing as often to keep it was so much harder.

Look after you and also maybe see your BCN for help re a wig.

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I’m on 2nd cycle of FEC and have not used cold cap as I couldn’t bear the thought of being cold! I still have some hair, but lots of bald patches. Ironically, when at home I am not bothering to wear anything on my head, because it can’t see what I look like so it doesn’t bother me. My family seem more aware than me as they are looking at me although, they are getting used to it and there have been lots a cheeky comments from them!
When I go out I wear prefolded headscarves. The first time I wore one I did feel self conscious, but no one said anything so after that I felt quite ok wearing it.

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Hi Smokeclouds. Love the name. I am also on my second round of FEC and I think debilitating describes it perfectly. I feel much more wiped out than first time round, seem to have spent most of the last 3 days either in bed or lying down. Hopefully our energy levels will recover in the next 2 weeks.

I haven’t felt quite as bad about losing my hair as I expected and in some ways taking the decision to clip it very short was better than waiting for it to fall out. I think that was my way of exercising control. As you say in we don’t have a lot of that.

Having carefully tried to avoid people with colds etc my husband has now gone down with a sore throat and aching limbs. I’m hoping that if I do get it it is early enough in the cycle not to be too bad.

Joan

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Hi everyone, thanks for all the comments. I’ve avoided places like this until now, thought I was strong enough to do it all on my own but this last weekend everything finally hit me and I know I need some support.

 

I got a wig today and my friend says it makes me look like Suzi Quattro and he always fancied her, so I’ll take that as a win.

 

I blindly pushed my way through the first round of chemo, going out to my regular rock night 3 days after my first session and a concert 6 days after and just thought I’d do the same this but this session has hit me hard and even doing a load of washing has worn me out. That coupled with the bone pain from the Zarzio injections and handfuls of hair coming out, my best friend flyng back to LA yesterday and a husband who is in utter denial has just led to me crashing big time. And today I spent 2 hours crying on my best friends shoulder and telling him I wasn’t going to carry on with my treatment. He made me a cup of tea and then handed me the number for the BCC helpline and made me call. Has anyone else questioned if they want to carry on with chemo? It seems completely irrational in some ways but also partly makes perfect sense to me. I just don’t want to feel this ill anymore

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Hi Smokeclouds I’m sorry you’re having a tough time. I started fec x6 on 2 April and had 2nd session last Wednesday. I didn’t try the cc as from what I’ve read it seems to delay rather than stop the hair loss although everyone is different and it could well be worth you preserving, although we are all going through something similar we are all different and you need to do what works best for you. I personally have not considered not completing my treatment but can totally understand your feelings, it is sometimes very difficult to see the end of the tunnel. Im sorry that your oh seems to be denial and It’s great you’ve got a best friend to support you. The staff on the helpline are really great and helped me loads when I was first diagnosed, have you spoken to your bcn about having any counselling for you and OH ? Wishing you all the best sxxx

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Evening all,
Jackie09 & ashley97 - please don’t apologize for not posting - the last thing on your minds when you are this ill & stuck in hospital! So sorry that’s how you’re first chemo has gone & really hope you both pick up real soon.
I’m so sorry to hear about you’re mother in law wildpurl - not easy times at the moment. Hope it all goes as well as these things can & as for the journey you will be on day 8 so hopefully feeling pretty much normal by then? I have been similar to you for my 2nd round - got appetite back a little quicker but have felt really ‘low’ mentally. Wondering if some of the anti sickness or something brings on depression. Hoping to pick up a bit tomorrow.
Glad everyone seems to be doing pretty well & coping,take care all xxx

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Just realized I have missed so many posts so have just had a catch up!
Hi smokeclouds, I am on day 4 of my 2nd chemo & yes I have said to my husband I’m not having any more treatment! I know how selfish & defeatis it sounds but ive had a real dark cloud hanging over me this time. But trying to pick up tonight as day 6 is not far away & I have my lovely hubby ( who has been getting it from all angels!) & my 21month old little girl to do this for so need to get a grip!. As for the hair loss - iv always had long,thick hair but they told me from dx it would defo go so got used to the idea by first chemo & had it shaved at hairdressers on day 14 of first FEC as had been coming out a lot. Have been fine in little caps with scarf & flower clip accessories & awaiting wig which I’ll prob only wear for nights out anyway. Hope you start to pick up soon, being on here should help a lot xxxx

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Thank you everyone. I’m glad it’s not just me that’s had doubts & had these feelings. I hadn’t talked to anyone apart from friends until today as I’m a stubborn cow who was determined to make it all by myself. I’ve realised now that having people who truly know what I’m going through it just what I need

For you guys that have opted against the cold cap & embraced the razor, I applaud you. I’m not ready to do that yet & have decided not to make a decision about my hair or cold cap until either my next chemo is due or my hair develops obvious patches.
For those of you that have had neutropenia, you’ve convinced me to carry on with the injections, however hideous I find them as I don’t want to spend any time in hospital.
My OH has cooked dinner for the first time in the 17 years we’ve been together tonight & also did his first load of washing, so maybe things are looking up. He doesn’t want to talk about my treatment & emotions though so I’ll continue to lean on my friend for that

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Hi ladies on day 5 after first fec treatment good grief what is in this stuff?? I have spent 5 days being useless. I have never had anything like it and its not just physical its the mental thing too. CRYING? honestly I am boring myself l am a type 1 diabetic and this stuff is playing havoc with my blood sugar. But whenever I get very down I remember why I am doing it all. 2 teenagers and a lovely husband and plans for a fun future. When you are first diagnosed it’s all happening and all your time and emotion is poured into this once your op is over you have time to think between chemotherapy appointments and I think you become your own worst enemy. When I had my masectomy a good friend said that the Amazon who were legendary female fighters used to cut off a breast so they could shoot a bow better . So let’s all battle on embracing our baldness and knowing this will pass and please remember be
kind to yourself and forgive those who live with us because we are all just scared. I don’t know about u but I am still buying long life milk with every intention of using it!

Having head shaved this week hoping will look like sineade o Connor on the Nothing Compares to You video but resigned to looking like Yul Brinner but less sexy x

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Hi Louise! Yeah the crying thing… I’m a rocker/biker chick (just got me a new Harley for when I’m better) so the girly crying thing isn’t my thing but some days I just can’t stop, and for no apparent reason! I’m bored with it now though… hubby is useless with the tears too as he rarely has to deal with them so relying on my best friend for that (he looks like a scary bad ass biker but has actually been a godsend the last few weeks & I’m discovering he has a soft side!)

 

Wildpurl - hope the trip goes as well as it can, not really what you need at this time I’m sure. At the weekend, after so much hair had come out, I was ready to give up the cold cap but as of today the shedding has slowed and although my hair is very thin, I still have a full covering. That said I’m day 8 after second FEC so I’m expecting shedding again about day 18. I hope you manage to hold on to your hair

 

Rosie - yeah, having read through various threads & this one I know I’m in the right place now, with people who understand

 

EAM28 - my husband told me I was selfish to not want to continue the treatment and we had a right row about it, he’s still in huge denial about me having a life threatening illness & all I have to go through. I have an 8 year old boy who is the wonder of my world so I know I need to continue for him. By contrast my best mate actually asked me what my thought process was about not continuing chemo, he listened and then talked me through the alternatives like what my life expectancy would be without treatment versus what it could be with treatment etc.Made me phone the BCC helpline & made me tea while I sobbed down the phone. Then he showed me a photo of me & my boy… kinda sealed the deal.

 

Suzie68 - I would consider counselling but the OH defintely won’t. Things are even harder because our marriage has been rocky for a while & he wouldn’t even go to counselling for that - his prefered option is to make like an ostrich & bury his head in the sand. I’ve told him I don;t have the strength or energy to fight for him and fight the cancer at the same time so we’re in a bit of a limbo situation & I guess will be until at least the chemo is done. I don’t think that’s really helping my emotional state

 

Kirstie - if I decide not to carry on with the CC then I will take control and shave my hair off rather than waiting for it all to come out. The shedding is hard enough to take at the moment so I can’t imagine how I would be watching it all come out. I can rock the bandana look though!

 

Finally as I’ve come late to the party I’ll introduce myself a little. I’m 45 rock chick/biker with an 8 year old boy and a 44 year old manchild as a hubby! I’ve been in sales for 20+ years and am currently running a sales team though I’ve been signed off sick for the forseable future as I usually drive 600-1000 a week in my job and that’s not advisable with the chemo.I found a lump at the end of Feb and was diagnosed with Grade 3 Triple Negative breast cancer on March 6th after 2 more lumps were found on the mammogram & ultrasound. I’m having 6 x FEC, though I have no idea what the dose is, followed by a mastectomy & then radio therapy, then reconstructive surgery. I had no idea what Triple Negative breast cancer was & have been shocked to find out how little is really known about it considering the amount of research that’s been done into breast cancer in general. Anyone else Triple Negative?

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Evening ladies,

 

Welcome Louise, just read your post about crying and reminded me so much of myself… honestly thats all I did for the first few days, bcn said it messes with hormones and also coming down from steroids doesnt help.

 

I had to go to hospital this morning just because I had a nosebleed that lasted all of 20 seconds,  needed full blood count. Couldnt believe it but apparently I had to have platelets checked asap, all was well and all the tests came back fine. 

 

I was very brave yesterday and went back to work, only from home. I am really lucky that way, I work for a housing association and can get lots of work done from home so employer has been great. Is anyone else looking at working in between cycles?

 

In the ladt two days I have noticed more hair coming out on my brush so dont know what the next few days will bring, I did use the cc but was told only 50% chance of it working. How did happen with everyone else…slowly,  fast, in chunks ??? Did head start to feel strange ??

 

Take care

Louise x

 

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Smokecloud. You sound cool and fun. But definitely have a lot on your plate. I commend you for going out week one. I think the hardest thing I have found is having to slow down and change life plans ie put the suckers on hold. I am also in sales and manage a team. Generally my travel is to Europe which I will miss

I love all the variance in all of us and the support from all on this site

Re hair I wore wig out day two today is growing on me. In fact went to a look good feel better course today 12 women loud proud funny and 1 didn’t believe I had a wig on. Recommend it bloody good fun and great stuff in goodie bag.

I’m triple negative slso. Re what it all means ??!! I just want to get through it.

Q anyone else hideous heartburn Like really bad

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Joan47 ET? at least its still movie star looks!

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Thank u for the warm welcome ladies. I get heart burn but at least milk still tastes ok and that’s a God send. The thing is I feel so pumped with chemicals that I prefer natural remedies Loulou1262 my work is setting me up from home too I am in sales. I think if you can do it normality where ever possible is good in this madness known as cancer.I too had nose bleed never rang the hospital though Hmm maybe should have but all done now its just so not normal and all seems so dramatic that you keep thinking this can not possibly be happening x

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Hi there, I have been following you all for some time and hoped I could share my chemo journey too!, I am on my 2nd fec-t and a week on and just feeling " normal". I am having chemo first and then surgery, I have a grade 3 HER+ which I found in February and life is turned upside down ever since! I am 51 years old , have a lovely husband and 2 sons( 22 and 25 years), I have found your tips and thoughts so helpful and now I too have lost all of my hair and wearing my wig!

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Lovewine. Great name and welcome to the forum. I’m amazed at just how many of us EACH month seem to be diagnosed and start chemo and yet when we get diagnosed feels like we are the only one

Happy the forum is helping. I find it brilliant. Be aware there is a tonne of support for us out there good on you re wig I find getting easier each time today it will be outing 3 and hopefully tomorrow will go to work and I will be self conscious but bet others don’t notice

Hope your getting support from your family and reach out if we can help. I’m. 48 diagnosed in feb aggressive triple neg have had 2 sessions first. Amazing partner no children west london. C

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Hi lovewine and welcome to the BCC forums
Along with the support here you may find some of our other support services helpful, here’s a link to the BCC ‘I’m having treatment’ pages which contain lots of information and support ideas:

breastcancercare.org.uk/treatment

Our helpliners are on hand with practical and emotional support for you on 0808 800 6000 and lines are open weekdays 9-5 and 10-2 Saturdays

Take care
Lucy BCC

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Hi lovewine

 

Great to hear from another lady to share this journey.  I have some good news and bad today…Can thankfully now enjoy a cup of tea, sounds ridiculous but have been right off the stuff since chemo, normality :slight_smile: Bad news, day 14 and brushed hair and definitely starting to shed, I know im going to shed anyway with cold cap but just cant tell what the next week will bring. I am prepared and have a wig but still nervous…have any other ladies tried the cold cap? If so whats your hairloss been like ? Off for a cuppa and a dunk xxx

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Lolou cannot comment re cold cap but wish you all best there. But re tea hooray it feels like you are you when taste buds are back. Wishing you the best.

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 Hi, I thought I’d introduce myself… My name is Kate & I am a mum of 3, Abigail (5), Danielle (2) and Jenni (10 months).

I was diagnosed on 6th Feb after Jenni got really fussy breastfeeding. I was given a fortnight to stop breastfeeding completely and I had a mastectomy on 28 Feb with sentinal lymph node clearance. 

They found cancer in the lymph nodes so had to go back in for surgery on 24th Mar for a full axillary lymph node clearance. I’ve been put on anatrypaline to help with the nerve damage as they had to “sacrifice some nerves in order to get at all the lymph nodes”, I feel like I have a constant burning sensation in my arm, has any one else got this?

They’ve subsequently found the cancer had spread into the axillary lymph nodes, so I’m down for radiotherapy after my Chemo has finished and endocrine therapy after the radiotherapy.

On 9th April I had a cardiac scan and on 11th April I then had a CT scan, MRI scan and a whole body bone scan.

Yesterday I had my Hickman line inserted and my first dose of Chemo, I’m having 4 lots of Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide, followed by 4 cycles of Docetaxel.

I’m a bit confused with the info re my results, so hopefully someone can explain things… I’m grade 2 invasive ductal with associated intermediate grade DCIS, ER 8/8, PR 5/8, Her-2 neg, Prof Index 30, lymph nodes from axillary showed 2 macromet & 2 micromet… Not sure what the ER/PR numbers mean or the prof index, or the difference between micromet & macromet…probably was told but it didn’t sink in… Only found this page the other day, so haven’t read all the bits on the site yet…

After the 1st Chemo yesterday, woke with a banging headache, I was told not to take paracetamol as it can mask temp rises, but notice a few of you have mentioned taking paracetamol… Does it depend what Chemo you’re on?

Trying to drink lots of water, feel sick, but haven’t been yet!

Has anyone any advice with kids at nursery and school re the inevitable snotty noses and coughs? Must admit I’m a bit worried about it!

Sorry for the long post ;-)