Hi Ladies, I have given the forum a miss for a few weeks, partly because I was expecting to get bumped into May. (Diagnosed 20 Feb, 6 March lumpectomy 2.1cm and auxilliary clearance of 12 nodes, 5 of which were infected. Had to go in again 20 March to remove a bit more breast tissue. After that and CT and bone scans clear on 5th April, I finally had my first cycle of FEC-T yesterday.
I am giving the scalp cooling a go, which was not as bad as I thought, but not sure if that is because my hair is so thick which will make is less effective. Whatever, it didn’t seem to reach the bottom of my hairline at the back so we will have to see, and conditioner and icicles are definitely not a good look! My scalp seem itchy already. Hair is already a shorter bob and now looks like a shaggy dog with no hairdryer or straighteners allowed! Wig at the ready anyway and a lady in the chemo unit showed me an interesting way to tie a head scarf.
Felt rather dodgy yesterday evening but today has been a pretty good day. I’m lucky to be able to work from home and even pottered in the garden for a bit (must remember to get better gardening gloves as already had to remove a splinter!). Surprised myself doing the injection and not had to take any extra sickness tablets. I am sure this is too good to be true, but will enjoy while it lasts! Hubby went down with a cold yesterday so he might get banished to the spare room!
There is so much to read on hear so I must catch up with how you are all getting along with your treatments.
Best wishes and positive thoughts to all x
Hi and Welcome Carolanne and Nicolajane
Its good to hear everyone is getting along with less SE’s as we get nearer to the next cycle, hope the next cycle is easier on everyone. I had my bloods taken this morning and haven’t heard anything so assume I’m okay for cycle 2 tomorrow.
I asked about appointments with ONC and the chemo nurse was surprised I hadn’t got one so she went off to book one for me, next Thursday so mid point between cycle 2 & 3. Lets hope he has my final results and I’ll know the hormone details of each tumour…
After my bloods I went for a lovely Thai meal with a few ex-colleagues from my old work which was great fun especially as I showed them the photos from the headstrong session as well as me in my wig. Then it was onto the Look Good Feel Better session, that was great, there were 10 ladies all at different stages of treatment with various types of cancer and we had a lovely time. All came away ‘made up’ with our new make-up and a few tips on drawing eyebrows etc. If you haven’t been to a session I highly recommend it - and the goody bag you get is fantastic!
I’m now home having been out of the house for 7 hours so ready for a rest before I walk up to the pub for dinner and a glass or two of vino! I had some the night before my first cycle and it didn’t seem to do any harm so its a ritual I will continue just in case it was of benefit! 
Judy - the headband with scarf attached that I ordered at the weekend arrived today and I love it already! I think its likely to become my favourite once my hair does go wavy (wavy goodbye!).
Nora - great news on the white cell booster injection, I can’t understand why they don’t give it as routine as it would save money in the longer term but at least they are allowing you to have it to reduce the risk of delay to your chemo. Fingers crossed it works for you (I felt like I’d got a hangover the day after having the injection so don’t worry if you feel like that after it as apparently thats normal!)
Have a good evening in the sunshine if you still have it
Kate
x
Hi Ladies,
TCH cycle 2 day 1 (Taxotere/Carboplatin/Herceptin)
All went smoothly with the 3 infusions. My bloods are better than they were before I started chemo - despite no injections and neutropenia mid cycle! Got home and did some gardening in the lovely welcome sunshine - first sunshine here in ages. Fish and chips for tea. Gawd, I just LOVE my steroids! Wish I could have them for longer, they make me feel wonderful, apart from the red face!.
I have been given the single Neulasta jab to be taken 24 hours after chemo. The district nuse is coming to do it tomorrow afternoon. I did ask all about the side effects and any other options. He told me that with Neulasta - no neutropenia if I am lucky. Without Neulasta - possible wooden box. No brainer then! Neulasta it is.
My hair is hanging on, but is falling out at the slightest tug. Not done too bad to get this far. I think a number 1 cut will be happening tomorrow though. Clippers are ready.
Please forgive me for not replying to everyone personally. I do read all the posts, several times over, and try to keep up with all your news, and i love you all, Linda xxx
Kate,
My onco told me not everyone needs the jabs. It is a personal thing, and because there is a danger of over-dosing and your neuts going sky high, which can make you poorly, they suck it and see first cycle, then you can have them second cycle if you need them.
Hi everyone
Good luck to everyone starting their second cycle this week. I hope the SE’s are minimal and that you all remember to take your steroids before 2pm
Welcome caroleanne and nicolajane
Had a lovely day shopping, was very restrained and only bought a scarf and some sunblock. the lady at the Elizabeth Arden counter showed my how to do my eyebrows with one of their powders and offered to show me properly once my brows had all fallen out. She recommended a new serum that has been medically proven to promote eyelash and eyebrow growth once chemo is over. Apparantly you can see the results within 2 weeks…at £89 a bottle I will need a lot of proof before I part with that sort of money! Does anyone know anyone who has tried it? We spoiled ourselves and had lunch at Harvey Nicks
Moira - thanks for the you tube link, it was really good, she also does a good one for tying a headscarf. I have been practising and it is quite easy to tie them, I’ll just have to see if they stay in place.
Kate - glad you have got an appointment with the onc, have a lovely meal and drink Tom ight and good luck for tomorrow.
Judy - I live in a little village called Gomersal about 7 miles from Leeds. I’ve only just started to go shopping in Leeds since the new Trinity centre opened last month. I normally go to the white rose centre or the Trafford centre As it’s easier to park. Have you tried the Anna bandana site, I got a lovely scarf attached to a headband from there.
have a lovely evening
Kim x
Hi
Fec-t cycle 2 day 8
Lovely sunny day again, went out for lunch wih one of my friends and some serious retail therapy. The shops are full of lovely bright colours just now it cheers us up, bought a lovely sun hat for sitting in the garden, am I being optimistic?
Mel, Kate and Lori know what you mean about headwear, I can’t seem to get scarfs Iam really happy with. Realised today though I may struggle with my wig in the warmer weather, my scalp was roasting after shopping, could easily have whipped it off when I got back to the car, might have caused an accident though
Lori sorry got my weeks mixed up, next week for number 3
Moira & Fecinora enjoy your time away, it’s nice to have a treat. We’re trying to plan a couple of days after round 3
Kim hope your retail therapy was as successful as mine
Judy sounds like you’ve turned a corner, everyday should be better now
Kate good luck for tomorrow
Linda well done today, another tick in the box, steroids are great for getting the chores done lol
Carolanne & Nicolajane welcome to the gang
Hope everyone has a nice s/e free evening
xxx
hi amber
i know what you mean, i was boiling at work with my golden locks! i didnt wear a wig cap today so it was better that yeaterday.
was your 2nd cycle s/e’s better than the first ?
angie xx
Hi Angie,
I wear a wig cap too, maybe I should try the wig without it but Iam bit scared it may slide about a bit.
Second cycle s/e much easier, I think just knowing what I expect and how to deal with it made it better. Although I read loads on what to expect and picked up tips on here until you actually go through the first cycle it’s difficult. I can honestly say (dare I) that I’ve had nothing much to complain about this time at all. The thing is as well I knew that if I did have an off day it wouldn’t last.
Take care xx
E CMF cycle 1 day 12
Hi angels
good luck to everyone having next round this week.
welcome carolanne and nicola jane, the more the merrier!
i’m feeling more or less back to normal at last, going to make the most of it before next round. Having a second wig session tomorrow and hoping I get on better than first time. A decision has to be made, and that’s not my strength at the moment. We’re planning a weekend away this weekend, so hope the sun shines and s/es stay away-If I get the wig in time I might try wearing it while I’m away where no one knows me and see how i feel.
Debra if you’re out there hope you’re ok lovely, and s/es aren’t too bad. thinking of you and sending happy thoughts 
Mel x
Hi everyone and welcome to our new members…just pity we find ouselves here but we are helping each other through!
Debra
- hope your feeling ok, I know you normally scroll through on an evening but even if you dont feel like posting I/we are thinking about you hope your through the worst of se’s this time round.
Linda
- Good luck with the injection I have had it after each cycle and not sure if there is a connection but 48hrs after I have developed terrible aches throughout my body lasting 24hrs. I hope you have it easy this time round, you have had more than your fair share of issues - take care!
Amber
- love the cup cake pic…yum! Reminded me of the huge carrot cake muffin I had today with pot of tea, my OH finished his shift at 2pm and took me a ride up the coast to Bamburgh on our trike (can-am spider) it was great - loads of fresh air with minimal effort!!
Sounds like a few avid shoppers been on the loose…great stuff hope everyone getting what they are looking for, I’m on the lookout for a few buffs and hats as I find wearing wig all day a bit warm and sometimes itchy!
Hope you all have a peaceful night.
Love Lori x
Just looking through the posts! I am also ripple negative and will be having radiotherapy after FEC.
also I was wondering if any of you have had any problems with the arm/hand on side of lymph node removal? I only had one lymph node removed but appear to have already started with lymphodaema?
Philomena x
Hello everyone. Feel a little better than at the weekend and one more red stuff to go now, then the CMF whatever that is.
Mel I know you and I are on the same regime. I am hoping the CMF is not as hard as the other? Can I work some hours on this one? What happens to your nails? I am worried about them too, will they be harmed for good?
feel worried tonight about everything!
Debra xx
Morning ladies
at the LGFB session yesterday there were a few ladies with wigs, some took them off during the session. One lady who didn’t take hers off said she doesn’t because she uses wig tape to secure it, one piece front and one piece back. She said she gained lots more confidence after she started using it as the wig doesn’t move at all. Wig tape is double sided clear tape, you can buy it for securing bras to dresses etc in lingerie shops/depts.
debra, I was told to paint my nails a very dark colour or at least use nail hardener through chemo to help protect nails…
Off to the hospital for cocktail number 2…
kate
x
Hi everyone,
I picked up a little tip from my hairdresser last week when she shaved my head! I showed her my wig , which does look a little bit too shiny in the light and she said that the best way to dull it down a little bit is to spray some dry shampoo into the air and just `walk’ through it so you get a light coating. Sometimes make it look a bit less artificial! they never mentioned this in the wig shop so I guess it’s at your own risk but maybe it will brush out anyway as it does on normal hair! Good luck if you decide to try it, I might because I’m going to a wedding at the weekend and if the sun’s shining i don’t want to look like a Barbie doll!! Off for second cycle today (joy!) hope everyone is managing with the SE’s. Karen xxx
Good luck Kate and Karen, hope todays session is s/e free for you both
take care, judy x
Good luck Kate and Karen!
Debra, I painted my nails black from the start and use a top coat of Barry M mosaic in gold on top, looks really nice. I put Sally Hanson nail strengthen on before the varnish.
i have the Neulasta jab day after chemo and haven’t glad any side effects so far, everybody’s ddifferent have a good day minimal s/e to everyone xxx
Hi everyone,
Kate and Karen I hope the infusions went ok today and your SEs aren’t too bad.
I have an injection 24 houra after my infusion to boost my white blood cells. Is that the Neulasta one? I’m rubbish at remembering people’s names let alone medicine -lol.
I’ve ordered myself one of those headband scarves from annabandana to try and I’m out shopping for the day tomorrow. Will probably try some wigs on, but look out for some nice hats too. I’m really looking forward to a bit of retail therapy. Itried a scarf on yesterday and my husband asked me to tell his fortune. That one was easy - I told him the bank balance was going to dip with all the money I’m spending on headwear. 
Have a lovely day everyone xx
Hi Mel,
Yes, that sounds like the Neulasta one. Don’t forget the paracetamols. Start immediately after the injection for 3 days, then stop. Good luck!
Linda xxx
Cycle 2 - Fec - Day1 (I have 4 cycles Fec of Fec frist then 4 Tax)
OH and I saw my oncologist yesterday before chemo. She explained that my cancer is PR+, ER+, & HER2+. The positive is the receptors that the cancer feeds from.
She told me to imagine the cancer with three mouths on tubes sticking out of the cancer hungry for Pro-estrogen, estrogen, and protien. I need the drugs in Fec x 4 first which has worked already tumor has shrunk to under 2cm after the first cycle of chemo (it was 4.5cm ). Then Taxotere x 4. Hormone therapy to restrict proestrogen & estrogen production and Herceptin for 1 year to block the protien to kill the Her2+ receptor. She is unsure whether I will need Radiotherapy now after surgery in veiw of good FEC response and scans showing no spread. All is to be monitored and the reason why she opted for surgery after Chemo to see which works best for me. Also I did have history of low white cells in pregnancy. (Probably why I have seven days of injections). I had two fibroadenomas diagnosed in 2006 in each breast (pea size). They were biopsyed. They stayed the same size until 2011. The left then grew and was told if got to 3cm would be removed. It was removed nov last year. Right side was checked and had stayed the same. In Feb of this year I noticed harding of the skin underneath the remaining pea but wasn’t sure. Went in March to check and found 4.5cm stage2 ductal carcinoma hiding beneath with node involvement. No sign back in November.
Apparently we will all be on different drugs within the chemo therapies to deal with all our different diagnosis. But we should insist on seeing our Oncologist if we want to know more and all your details are sent to your GP if this proves difficult.
Thats the techy bit done. Sandy xxx
Fec Cycle 2 Day 1
Feel spaced out, tired and a little nausea this tme round. White cell count was low but within limits for another cycle. So I knew it was going to be a little worse this time.
Welcome Caroline and Nicolajane and anyone else joining. xx
MelA - A friend of mine went to the headhuggers.org website and found me a pattern to make your own bandanas, hats, scarfs etc in your own prefered material. (Will upload photo of mine that were made & given to me. And two others I wear with jeans on the chair behind me). The red one I wear at home when baking OH loves it.
Lori - Envious of your Can-am spider. I have no licence for OH motorbike so always ride pillion. After DX i have lost a little confidence even though I lean on our top box. (He hasn’t of course). We did look at the spiders before we bought the triumph 2 years ago and he loved them. Me think test drive on the cards. Are they reliable? Do you have a go at driving yours?
Pauline - Good luck for Friday.
Karen - Will try the shampoo that came with the wig and pop it in a sprayer. Mines a bit shiny too. Thanks.
Anyone else who’s cycle is coming round thinking of you. Sandy xxx