Morning everyone
Good luck Linda and Sandy with the bloods today.
Kate - I love your new picture, your wig is really natural looking. I have an appointment with my Onc on friday , i was told at my first apointment that he would see me before my second cycle and when I had completed my 6th cycle. It may be worthwhile giving your BCN a ring to see when you are seeing the Onc again.
Nora - Sounds like a good idea about the veg etc, however I’m not sure about the live yoghurt. I was given a list of things i can’t eat whilst undergoing chemo and live yoghurt is on there along with all the other lovely food such as seafood, pate, prepared salad, meat cooked rare, unpasturised cheese such as feta, soft cheeses such as brie, blue cheese such as stilton, somerset blue etc. If you look on the internet there is video clips from headstrong showing you different ways to put on scarves, I found it really helpful.
I’m going to tackle the windows in the conservatory today, just in case the sun comes out over the next few days 
Kim x
Hi Ladies - just caught up with all the posts over the weekend, certainly lots going on!
Hope all those with s/e’s are feeling a bit better today and love the wigs ladies:) I gave mine an outing at the weekend, jury is still out as feels strange. I still prefer my little hats and scarves as have some really pretty colours and lovely bands for the hats with butterflies and flowers etc on. Had a really great weekend and weather on Sat was glorious which as you know, in Scotland, is rare! Feeling pretty tired today as was out and about the whole weekend walking, eating, and yes, vino was involved…
Getting ready for bloods on Wed and cycle 2 on Friday, here we go again…at least we can feel prepared for cycle 2 and know what to expect
Hope everyone is feeling well
Pauline xx
Very pleased to hear you had a great weekend Pauline - especially that it involved vino!
Thanks to everyone’s responses about ONC appointments, I’ll check with the unit tomorrow when I go for my bloods and see what they say about me seeing him at some stage.
Kim - I wasn’t told any foods were to be avoided, my chemo nurse said ‘if you fancy it eat it’ so I have…they suggested that seafood was a good one to eat as Omega 3 oils may have some beneficial effects but nothing has been proven yet. Unfortunately I’m intollerant to Omega 3 oils so I won’t be having too much of that! Its interesting again how different messags are given at different units isn’t it!?
Kate
x
Well that went a lot better than I thought. Maybe the Guiness (urrgh) I nicked off the OH last night helped and the litre of water I was told to drink with the two warm jumpers helped. 
Thanks Kate. Linda and Pauline and anyone else whoose 2nd cylce it is this week, I hope all goes well for us.
Amber, glad your 2nd cycle isn’t any worse than the first. I would have worried a lot more about mine if it had been.
Kim, I too was given a factsheet warning against any live cultures in food and especially no take aways as these could contain re-heated meat products, yoghurts, and cheeses such as brie.
Lori & Kate youre wigs look lovely and I will upload a picture with mine on when I have time. Like Pauline I prefer hats and bandanas for now. I do wear a cream night cap under them for now as its so comfy, looks nice with a little showing at the front and is warmer.
As for my dry and not so spotty face now. I took advice and use Clearasil Ultra all in one Wash and Face Mask. It really is so soothing. I leave it on if Ive got time and all spots have gone for now and its a cream wash which works on the dryness. Also, to my horror, I started getting mild toothache in one of my back molars having made sure all dentisrty work was up to date before chemo. I was told to try Sensodyne Repair and Protect as my dentist was reluctant to start any treatment at the moment. That too thankfully has gone.
Welcome to our new posties. Lv n Hugs to all AAAs. Sandy.x
Hi everyone
Kate - It is interesting how treatments and advice differs from unit to unit. I can understand the reasoning behind avoiding foods that are the usual suspecrs in food oisoning etc, but it is alittle restricting, especially if my OH is with me as he sticks to all the advice to the letter.
Been looking at headscarf tying on utube and practicing with some long scarves, it is really easy once you know hw to do it. I think i will be needing the hadscarves sooner rather than later as today my hair has started coming away in clumps and my scalp is really itchy. May have to bite the bullit and have it all shaved off this week.
Pauline - I agree vino always makes for a nicer time. I have become partial to any sparkly wine with a dash for peach a bit like a poor man’s peach bellini.
Kim x
Hi everyone,
Macmillan and other sources are in agreement that to help avoid infection during low immunity periods we should avoid the same foods ladies are told to avoid in pregnancy. That is:
raw or undercooked eggs including home made mayonnaise
pate
take-aways due to the fact many are re-heated. Re-heated rice is a definite no-no.
unpasturised milk or cheese, and all soft chesses
prepared salads
Thank goodness vino isn’t on the list!
FEC-T cycle 1 day 11
Well the hair is still hanging on in there, it’s itchy as hell but not falling out yet. I had an appointment with the oncologist today, I didn’t know what it was for but was quite surprised when I got there and was told to strip off and lie on the couch so he could measure the lump, I was expecting some magical looking medical instrument but low and behold he came out with a kids plastic ruler. He must be good, when I lie down I can’t see anything but he was positioning his ruler up and down my boob and measuring away … Maybe he has X-ray vision!
he couldn’t suggest anything for the spots as he said its a reaction to one of the drugs I’m on, so I’m gonna go with your advice Sandy and get some clearasil.
He did tell me I’m Her2 negative, so am I right in thinking that just means there’s no point giving me extra drug therapies later? It’s all still a bit confusing, as I’m having my chemo before any surgery so I don’t know that much about it, other than its in the lymph nodes, but I don’t know how many are effected.
i was given a fact sheet too with a list of foods to avoid, the only thing I’m really gonna miss is soft cheese.
E CMF cycle 1 day11
hi ladies
good luck to everyone starting the next round.
I asked about chemo nurse about food when i was given the chemo info etc and was told to eat anything I wanted to eat, except grapefruit as this interferes with the drugs. I specifically asked if I should avoid soft cheese etc and was told it was not necessary, and to continue to eat a normal varied diet. Chance would be a fine thing, considering sickness!! On that note things are slowly improving. Gp phoned to see how I was- unusual turn up! and is writing prescriptions for next cycle.
Judy I am also spotty think I’ll try clearasil too.
Mel X
Hi everyone,
I was also told to avoid any food that you would avoid when you are pregnant. I suppose it makes sense but agree that it is a little restricting.
I’m feeling a bit frustrated at the moment as I can’t seem to sort out any headwear that I like. I tend to wear sweaters and T-shirts and the hats and scarves I have don’t seem to go with them. I don’t tend to wear hats much anyway. Also I’ve taken a real dislike to my wig as I feel so fake going from short to long hair. I’ve not lost it all fully yet but know it’s coming out in the next few days and am starting to get a bit worked up about it. I thought I was prepared!
Does anyone know if fake hair wigs can be restyled?
Evening Angels,
Fec-T cyclye 2 day 7
Feel absolutely fine again, seems weird but not complaining
Linda & Primrosehill - good luck for tomorrow
Lori, can’t believe that’s your third come round already, hope all goes well
Maisiecake - glad you’ve turned a corner
Pauline - your weekend sounded fab, just what you need a little break and some vino, bet your ready to take on round 2.
So many boxes getting ticked this week.
I wasn’t given any info regarding food either but had read a lot of info on this site. I do feel a lot of the time it’s up to us to find out and research, maybe it’s a case of docs think on a need to know basis and if you don’t ask that’s fine. Where as I want to know everything about diagnosis, s/e etc
Feel a bit of retail therapy brewing for tomorrow, take care everyone and kick those s/e in the butt
xxx
Hi Mel A
I’m a jeans and tshirt person too and having been to a headstrong session I chose to order a couple of the things I tried on…one is a hat that was soft but looked like a scarf (elite hat) that had been tied and a band that has a scarf attached (elite band) so its easier to deal with…they are both from the scarfhut.co.UK. Might be worth having a look to see if there is anything there that may be suitable. I have photos of me wearing them that I can publish if you want to see them in ‘action’ for ideas.
kate
x
I was also told about diet and live yogurts, I thought they would be great if you have to have antibiotics, but apparently not!
I am now day 15 cycle 1 and have been very lucky with very few s/e. although thanks to this sigh I know my hair will be coming out soon.I have that strange feeling that so many of your have described, and really quite sore at the back of my head. Shears re at the ready for the first hairfall.
Interesting about the onc appts. I have not had a further consult and haven’t been booked for one, I will mention it on next cycle. Learning so much from this site.
good luck everyone
Hi Mel,
I can understand what you mean about hats, scarves etc not looking right I feel the same. I like wearing hats and have a few but now I have lost my hair most of them are too big and others dont have enough material at the back so you can clearly see i have no hair…defeating the purpose me thinks!! I feel quite happy with the wig but need alternatives for round the house, sometimes morning til night in wig is too much. Have a word with your hairdresser and see what she thinks about restyling your wig…I had mine trimmed ok but not sure about restyling? When your feeling up to it get yourself another trip to the shops to try on some alternative hat styles, buffs etc take someone with you for honest opinion too that always helps - try not to let it get you down you’ll find something…if its a hat get a few differnt colours!!! Try n have some fun with it cause lets be honest aint much fun in the treatment.
Good luck!
Pauline, glad you had a great w/e when your feeling ok the time is precious!
Kate, your looking very natural in your wig it looks lovely, glad you’ve got your dresses picked too hope you have a great time.
Looks like there are a few getting ready for next cycle - best of luck to you all…it will be another one to cross off!!
My 3rd is due next Wed so have planned a day trip to meet my Mum in Edinburgh and a weekend away with my OH before then…making the most of the good day’s.
Take care all
Love Lori x
Thanks Kate, I’ll check out that website.
Lori I agree a shopping trip is definitely needed. I think I’ve been stuck indoors too long, which doesn’t help the mindset. 
Good luck with round 2 everyone.
EC cycle 1 day 12
Evening Angels,
Looks like everyone has been busy, busy, busy.
Kate, your photo looks great. You’ll have no problem on ther cruise ship - just enjoy!
Best wishes to those heading into round 2 or even round 3 and pleased to hear you’re doing well with 2nd lot, Amber.
Mel, Mel and Kim and Philomena, oh the hair - dry, brittle, course, comes away with just the gentlest tug and the scalp is so itchy - so not long for me either. Went and picked up the wig today. Nice surprise - I didn’t have to pay. Didn’t realise I got the first one free. Now, I can’t decide whether I like it or not. The highlights looked quite subtle in the shop but at home at teatime, with the sun shining, it seemed to be glowing fluorescent yellow streaks.
We’ve booked a night away on Wednesday. Going up to Newcastle to see my brother and his wife. That will probably be wiggy’s first outing. You can bet your bottom dollar that baby brother won’t hold back the smirks and giggles if the wig doesn’t suit. Must remember to pack a hairnet to catch all the fallout just in case it hasn’t happened by then.
As for diet, I was told to follow a pregnancy diet and also to avoid bottled water. It’s all because the chemo kills off lots of high turnover cells in your whole digestive tract and with low immunity too, we’re all more susceptible to the sort of tummy bugs that are more prevalent in unpasturised cheeses, shellfish, undercooked meats and pates. Luckily, I understand vino can help cure many of these problems if taken in large enough measures 
Wow, I’ve found out how to use smiley faces!
Judy, my spots seem to be less red and sore but that might just be because I’ve no white blood cells left to go and fight them. If you’re HER2 neg then you’ve no protein receptors and herceptin won’t work for you. Do you know your ER status? I’m ER pos so will take 5 years of arimidex (I’m post menopause) after chemo / rads.
Wishing you all a good night’s sleep,
Moira xxx
EC Cycle 1 day 15
Morning everyone
Hair is now moulting everywhere, and the hair is the wrong colour to blame the cat :)) will be glad when i have it shaved off in Thursday. today me and one of my sister-in-laws are going to Leeds for a bit of retail therapy, hope to get some pretty scarves to wear around the house and in the garden, if the weather ever warms up, some high protection sunscreen and some eyebrow powder as mine are definitely on the way out 
. Last week i booked an eyebrow wax for this week, as they were getting a bit scruffy and overgrown but I don’t think i will need it now. I might even treat myself to a new handbag, I quite fancy one of those oilcloth satchels, a lady can never have enough handbags or shoes.
Moira - it was a nice surprise to get the wig for free. If you wear it around the house today I’m sure you will get used to the colour, I know I did as mine is a lot lighter than I normally I have it. I still have to venture out into the outside world in it though.
hope you all have a good day with either no or very few SE’s
Kim x
Kim, have alook on youtube at eyelineHerBlog - how to do eyebrows. It looks really good!
Fec-t cycle 1 day 12
hi all. I’m a little late joining this thread I know but better late than never. I had lumpectomy 2.5 and auxiliary clearance of 11 nodes 4 of which were infected On 13th march. Have a follow up with the onc on 3rd may As i had a couple of black spots that showed up on bone scan. Had further X-rays and hoping nothing sinister is lurkin in the old bones. Hair is still hanging on but dreadfully itchy at the moment, from what I’ve read I guess it starts to fall around day 15. Wig, scarves and hats at the ready. I want to thank you all for all the information on this thread, it has been very helpful.
Carolanne xx
Hi Lori, thanks. Its a lovely sunny day, hope it holds out for you. I’m off to Skye this weekend come rain, shine, side effects, hair, no hair.
Kim, thanks for the headscarf tip, I’m moulting everywhere and putting my hood up in high winds, so will need to look at Plan B soon…
Just been for Onc appt, starting cycle 2 FEC-T tomorrow.
Re food to avoid: I was told ‘none’, but I really think it depends on you and your treatment.
Kate, My neutrophil is back up to 3.2, thank goodness, that means cycle 2 will not be delayed. I will be getting the ‘white cell booster’ - apparently some chemo gives some people’s neutrophils a real hammering. I asked if the booster was cheaper than an emergency admission to hospital (it is!!) 
Also told I’m Her2 negative as well as ER negative, that means Triple Negative, will not respond to tamoxifen, herceptin, etc, so its all down to the Fec-Troops to battle it out.
Best wishes to everyone in your treatments xx
FEC-T cycle 1 day 12
today is the first day I have had no tablets and no side effects, still got the spots but I think the clearasil is helping. Plus the weather helps. We’ve walked the dog for at least two hours every day since starting treatment. Today we were down on the beach, sat in the sun, while the dogs chased after the ball, it was lovely.
Kate that scarfhut website is great they have some really nice scarfs, I like the ones with the headband attached, might get one of those.
Nora good luck tomorrow Nora, hope you don’t have too many s/e following your second session.
hello Carolanne , I’m at the same stage as you, we both had our first chemo on the same day. I’ve been lucky today, my heads been itching like mad but today it feels fine. When will you find out the results of your X-ray? That must be quite a worry.
Kim , sorry youve started moulting, I think shaving it off has got to be easier than it drooping everywhere. do you live far from Leeds. I was brought up in Leeds, but we moved to Bridlington 7 years ago. I miss Leeds for the shopping though! And your right, we can never have too many shoes and handbags, I just love handbags!
Moira , glad to hear your spots are getting better, I bought the clearasil last night and uh a&e used it a few times and I think it’s helping a lot. My skin looks awful and feels quite dry but until I get these spots sorted, I’m not risking putting moisturiser on as well. I havnt a clue about my ER status, guess I better put that on my list of questions to ask when I have my next hospital appointment.
Good luck to everyone thats starting there 2nd and 3rd cycle, hope the s/e are kept to a minimum.
judy xxx