Sorry I pressed the wrong button.
Today I’m going to bake some soda bread and a spicy aubergine dip, hopefully I’ll be able to taste it. Today I’ve noticed that my sense of smell seems to gone awry. I keep getting wafts of horrible smells coming my way but can’t find the source, I sprayed the air freshener around, but this made the smell worse has anyone else had this happen? My oh says there isn’t any smells.
Hope everyone has a great day with minimal SE’s
Kim x
Posted twice - it must be my chemo brain lol
I can’t believe I’ve lost the first part of my long post 
so here I go again …
First of all thank you for all your lovely messages of support yesterday, it really means a lot. my sister and I had a long talk and a cry yesterday, we even managed a joke along the lines of ’ I know you have always wanted to be like me but this is taking it a bit far’ 
Moira -My OH has called me fester since I had my head shaved my brother says that I should get a pink onsie and I’d be a dead ringer for George Dawes!!! And only yesterday my sister said I had a lovely shaped head !
Amber - well done on the race fir life and the fantastic fundraising. I ran/walked it 3 years ago and had a great time. Hopefully I will do it again next year.
today I am feeling more like my old self. I’ve cleaned the bathroom with a vengeance and it is gleaming:). Will tackle the conservatory tomorrow. Most of the SE’s have gone except my lack of taste. I’m making the coconut, ginger and parsnip soup today, hopefully I’ll be able to taste it.
Kate - So sorry to hear about your MIL, big hugs to you and your OH. I agree it is terrible watching someone you love in so much pain.
philomena - I know what you mean about chemo brain I couldn’t remember my address when I went for my chemo last week 
angie - hope your SE’s are betting better
Linda. - hope everything is ok with you as you’ve not posted for a while.
Lori - hope you are feeling better today.
Take care everyone
Kim x
hi kim
last cycle i was heaving at the smell of wash up liquid and scented candles, soaps and that kind of thing, very strange.
angie xx
ECMF cycle 2 day5
Hi all big hugs and love to kim ,Kate and Pauline. I know we will all support you, so that you can spread the awesome angelness.
Well done Amber, I’m full of admiration for you, from my chemo sick bed!
Am managing the sickness better this time with different drugs, but my brain is completely addled and I keep muddling them up, and taking them at the wrong times etc. Have only had 3 or so hours sleep for 2 nights, despite finishing steroids by 2 pm. but am wide awake in the day and tempted to clean windows! The onc extended the steroids to 5 days, so who knows what might get cleaned by the end of the week. finding it hard to keep track of you all at the mo, but sending you love all round.
Linda, Debra, hope you’re ok. And Debra guess what? a chemo nurse told me your hair sometimes starts to grow back on CMF, as hairloss is not such an issue with this drrug- so hang on in there girl! 
Mel xxx
Fec-t cycle 2 Day 5
hello angels, sorry I’ve not been able to post for a few days, I don’t know why I couldn’t get on but I’ve read all your posts.
Kate, so sorry your MIL is suffering, your OH must be stressed out so much at the moment, hugs to you both x
Pauline my dad had mouth cancer about 9 years ago, he had the chemo and radiotherapy for it. They couldn’t operate on the cancer as it was too near his eye, but he is still with us and plodding on. He lost his eyesight due to it but it doesn’t stop him. He’s 72 now.
kim, what a week for you, at least you have each other and your sister in law will have you to guide her through this awfull time.
Amber, well done, you are an inspiration to us all x
i think this cycle has been worse than last time, I’ve been more tired and dopey, with aches and pains in my legs and the veins where the chemo went in. Today is furry mouth and the heartburn s back a bit. Hopefully tomorrow I will be back with the living.
take care ladies, hope you all feel a little bit better, each dday judy x
Cycle 3 Day 1
Ooo half way there !
Weird feeling this morning as this was may last Fec, suppose its because I know what to expect and what to do with the s/e. When I move on to Tax it’s a different ball game, asked nurse today, steroids start day before and s/e hit day 3 for about a week, bone pain, fatigue and diarrhoea what joy!
Infusion went well and no s/e as yet. Went out shopping and had a spot of lunch so just chilling now
Hope everyone is feeling a little better today
Debra & Linda noticed too that you’ve haven’t posted or a while, WHERE ARE YOU?
take care xx
Hi - just had a look for Linda on the Feb thread as I know she is usually on that - can’t fnd the thread so guess there have been no posts for a while! Hope they are both ok
Amber - can imagine how you feel about Tax - 8 steroids a day from the day before treatment - I’m really dreading that and the effect it has on sleep especially. might have a look through feb/ march threads to get some insight!!
Lori - hope you are feeling a bit better, you’ll perk up as you always do x
Philomena - i usually were a sleep cap, very cosy and stops the velcro effect on the pillows!
Angie - as ever, such vivid pictures and I just want my rad dates so that I can think about a holiday when this is all over 8) ,mmm choc Ice, you’ve put me in the mood for a mini magnum
still feeling good with no aches and pains, feel very lucky at the moment. thanks all for kind words and thoughts for my dad
take care
Pauline xx
TCH cycle 2 day 15
(Docetaxol/Carboplatin/Herceptin)
I’m here!!
I am sorry I haven’t been posting very much, but I promise you I have been reading and trying to keep up with everyone. To be honest, I haven’t had much to report.
I am tolerating Docetaxel much better than I thought I would. So far I’ve had no bone pains at all, despite being given the Neulasta jab the day after my last chemo to stop me going neutropenic again. Days 4 to 10 are the worst, in my case due to diarrhoea, but after seeking advice from the chemo unit I now have this under control. It was mainly my own fault for not taking the Imodium properly. Imodium is the only medication I have needed other than a 48 hour course of Paracetamol starting immediately after the Neulasta jab as advised by the Oncologist. It worked! Other side effects have been fairly minor and more like irritations than anything else. Before I started using the Imodium properly I was suffering, I lost my appetite and felt drained. The best part was that I lost 9lbs and could fit in my jeans! Anyway, lesson learnt and next time I will be prepared.
I hope those of you suffering turn that corner real soon, my best wishes to everyone having treatment this week, and lots of love to you all, Linda xxx
PS. My hair is growing back!
Hi everyone
This is my first post on the forum, so would be grateful for any replies. Had mastectomy and sentinal node biopsy at the end of Feb. Two positive nodes so have since had 2nd op to have all nodes removed - some good news (for a change) was that all of the remaining nodes were clear. So, I think the jargon is 2/16 were positive.
Chemo and radiotherapy recommended for me, got my first appointment with oncologist next week. Although I knew chemo was on the cards since the positive nodes after my first op, for the first time it feels that it is actually going to happen and I am REALLY scared.
Guess I’ll be starting treatment end May/ beginning June - anyone else out there in the same boat?
My head is swimming with too much information and I know I’ve read way too much online (and probably scared myself). Got my BCN visiting tomorrow and I have the longest list of questions for her.
I need to know practical stuff like:
I know I need to cut my hair short, but how short?
Should I sort out scarves, hats, wigs etc now, while I’m feeling well?
Does anyone manage to go to work during chemo? Most people I’ve asked say No. I’m signed off work until mid June, to recover from my surgery, but will have started treatment before then I think.
Anyway, before I ramble on too much, I would love to hear from anyone with any tips and advice. Having read some of the comments, there are some amazing women out there coping and helping others.
Thanks
Hi GlasgowGirl
I would suggest you wait to cut your hair, there are options during chemo depending on your drug cocktail that may mean you don’t have to lose your hair, speak to your BCN and ONC about the options before making any decisions on your hair.
Wigs/hats/scarves - as above but also book a Headstrong session through Breast Cancer Care - they are fantastic and allow you to try on headwear so you know what suits you before you buy as most ‘hairloss’ hats need to be bought on the web as shops don’t stock them (they have longer backs/sides to hide the lack of hair).
Some people do manage to work during chemo - again speak to your ONC about what the likelihood is for your cocktail.
I would also suggest you try to see if there is a ‘Look Good Feel Better’ session running near you as this gives you a chance to meet other women going through chemo whilst getting hints and tips on make-up during chemo - plus you get a luxury goodie bag with lots of make up and skin care products in them. They are in high demand so book as soon as you can.
I had mx and expander recon at the end of March and am having my 3rd cycle of chemo tomorrow, 5 more to go. I have had very few side effects so far apart from tiredness so am feeling very lucky in the grand scheme of things so don’t be too frightened, keep positive and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel!
If you want more info that you think we can help you with don’t hesitate to ask.
Kate
x
hi angels,
i have a couple of questions - for any of you,
1st - who is going on to docetaxol after the fec? anyone? i feel good because i only have one more fec to do so i’m already wondering what the next stage is going to be like. Linda has made me curious reading her very interesting post just now. just wondering how many of us have the same regimens.
2nd - am i the only person who’s only conversations are about ‘treatment’ or are we all in the same boat. Im going back to work tommorow (which is probably a good job because i’m getting pretty miserable at the moment) and i’m going to politely tell them all that i dont want to talk about it, what did we used to talk about before?
Amber - is this ‘tax’ the docetaxol? How delightful it sounds!
Philomena - yes i wear a little cap like a monk, stops my head sticking to everything.
Glasgow girl - hi - i’m sure there are many tips on this thread that would help you.
Judy - i know what you mean, ive been like a sloth this time, and miserable too. my mouth feels like its covered in pepper too.
Kate - thinking of you
To all other angels, sorry if i’m a bit of a whinge today, i think i’ll be okay when i get back to work tommorow.
angie xx
Hi Angie
I’m moving on to Paclitaxel rather than docetaxol not sure if its just a different name for the same drug (but I am also on AC rather than FEC currently) and I’m having 4 of each - not sure why so many but as we’ve said before there doesn’t seem to be much consistency.
Unfortunately I’m having conversations about funerals rather than treatment, my mother-in-law died today. My OH is staying in Durham and I’m hoping to join him at the weekend once I’ve got over the first 48 hours after my chemo - just trying to work out how I get there when I’m likely to fall asleep and don’t really want to end up in Edinburgh!
I’m having my bloods taken just before my chemo tomorrow so keeping my fingers crossed that my sleep today (and shepherds pie for tea) has rejuvenated me sufficiently to have good enough bloods for it…
Hope you are all okay
Kate
x
Hi Angie,
There are lots of different regimes depending on your own personal circumstances. The bog standard one is FEC-T. (3 cycles of FEC followed by 3 cycles of Docetaxel (Tax)) As they all come with different side effects, it is useful to us all to know which regime everyone is on, and for this reason it is a good idea for everyone to type in at the top of their post just what they are on, and where they are at.
I am on TCH (Docetaxel/Carboplatin/Herceptin) so would start my post with:
TCH cycle 2 day 15.
Then everyone knows what my side effects relate to.
I am on this regime because of my age (65). The “F” in FEC is harsh on the heart, and so is Herceptin. I don’t have any heart problems, but my oncologist thinks that as hearts can deteriorate with age it is more sensible not to put double the strain on it. Therefore he won’t give me both at the same time, so I go straight on Tax, missing out the FEC altogether.
Hope this helps, Linda xxx
Aww Kate you poor thing, my heart goes out to you and your hubby, I all I can say is at least she is in no more pain. Take care of yourself and your hubby, will be thinking of you. X
Angie I’m on the docetaxel or tax after the FEC, can’t say I’m looking forward to it.
Hi Glasgowgirl , I am also from Glasgow (assume from your name you are!). Couple of things which may help-
- you are obviously welcome on this thread and there is already a May thread ‘May Moonbeams’ where all the ladies on there have started their treatment in may, just like all us AAAs started in April. There will also no doubt be a June one as well. This is good because all the ladies start roughly at the same time so you can share story’s and support each other etc.
- re hair, agree you should wait until you know what chemo you are getting first, some are less harsh than others on the hair. most people get a pixie cut shortly after treatment starts then shave it off themselves just before or as soon as it starts to go - this helps as you feel in control of the situation
- I’ll assume you will be attending the Beatson for chemo (most Glaswegians do!) there is a Maggie’s centre there and they do the Look good feel better sessions on a Monday. Again, would wait until you get your dates sorted and then book just before or after your first chemo - I went and it was really good. You also get a great goody bag to take away for free
I attended stobhill at the start and breast care nurses were based there. to be honest whilst they were all really nice I found they didn’t tell you anything unless you asked so good that you have a list of questions. I have found out practically everything myself from all the ladies on here as well as other ‘good’ internet sites (beware of intenet though and stick to this one or Macmillan etc )
I am lucky that I can work from home, so been doing that most of the way through although some days that involves doing nothing if I feel bad. You just need to listen to your body and hopefully you have a supportive boss!
please feel free to private messgae me with any other questions which may be more local about treatment in Glasgow / beatson etc
Hope all goes well for you and I think most ladies on here would agree that we all had a pre conception about chemo (ie what you see on telly / films etc) but the reality is that it is nowhere near as bad as you think. You have some rough days but for me anyway there are far more good days than bad
Pauline xx
Hi Kate
so sorry to hear about your mother in law, my thoughts are with you and your husband, I hope that you can take some comfort that she is no longer in any pain, take care x
Kim x
Hi Glasgow girl, I would agree with Kate and wait before you cut your hair. I had mine cut into a bob 2 weeks after 1st cycle, but it will depend on which regime you get whether or not your hair falls out. I bought my wig just before chemo started so it was there when I needed it and got one very similar to my own hair style so less people would notice. I also bought loads of scarfs to play about with, found annabandanna good. IIts actually very liberating when you shave your head so please don’t be afraid, the thought is worse than actually doing it.
Angie yes it’s tax, I have cycle 4,5, and 6 of tax
Good to hear for you Linda
Kate, so sorry to hear your news, will be thinking of you, your oh and family.
Take care angels, sleep well with minimal s/e xx
Kate - sorry to hear your news, hope next few days go as well as they can xx