EC Cycle 2 Day 9
Good evening everyone
Moira - sorry you’ve had a bad couple of days, looks like the Se’s hit you on day 5 like me, as you say it’s manageable if it stays at 48 hours. Only SE’s that I have today are sore mouth, lack of taste and heightened sense of smell all inconvenient but manageable. Had some hot and sour soup for tea and couldn’t taste a thing, oh was sweating it was so hot 
Welcome Glasgowgirl, as Moira says it gets easier with time and you get some wonderful support from the rest of the angels 
Sandy - Brilliant news that its shrinking, the chemo is obviously working
Angie -Glad you are feeling more like your old self. Work must agree with you
Kate - the mango lollies sound wonderful, might have to give them a go.
Pauline - have started too use the talika, will let you know if it works.
earlier today there was a knock on the door when i answered it the window cleaner was standing there he had a strange look on his face and then didn’t really make any more eye contact, I paid him and he went. About 10 minutes later the phone rang as I answered it I looked in the mirror and realised that I didn’t have my scarf on, no wonder the poor guy wouldn’t look at me, I must have frightened him to death lol.
Hope everyone has a good night
Kim x
Fec-T cycle 3 day 2
Primrosehill, so glad your tumour has shrunk, great news
Pauline , Iam with you on holiday front can’t wait to get away. So far we’ve played safe and booked a week in Spain begining of Oct alspop pave a wedding in Poland in August wland sis after chemo and before rads. Going to wait until the start of the year for our celebratory holiday when Iam hopefully over the fatigue of rads.
Mel, Iam a rhubarb fan too
Kate, glad everything went ok today and you have your sister comming tomorrow. Must get some Mango pulp, I’ve been making smoothies from fresh mango and bananas.
Linda & Karen thanks for the info on tax, it’s good to have a heads up on what to expect next.
Felt a bit nauseas last night but meds sorted me out otherwise nothing to complain about. Steroids kicked in today and went into cleaning mode and made a Bananna loaf this afternoon.
Wishing you all a good nights sleep and minimal s/e. xxx
FEC cycle 2 day 10
evening lovely ladies, would like a bit of advice please.
next Wednesday I am booked to have a PICC line prior to my 3rd cycle. Although I have good veins, I am still suffering extreme tenderness in my veins from my last cycle of FEC. Just wondering if I am going OTT by having the PICC or should I just carry on with the normal cannula. All advice welcome .
PHilomena I have a Picc line and would definitely go for it. These were tbe cons for me.It was a bit sore for about aweek where it goes in my arm. You have to keep it dry, so I wrap clingfilm round it in the shower. It has to be flushed every week, district nurse can come and do this, but I go to the hospital for convenience.there are risks around infection so you need to keep an eye on it. The pros for me- no pain for chemo or bloodtests. No vein damage, or collapsing. No risk of leakage causing tissue damage . I’ve got 12 chemos all together so it was a good choice for me. Hope this helps
Love mel x ask to see someone with one in when you go to hospital so you know what it looks like!
Made a go cake today, for obvious reasons.teenagers have renamed it pooh cake, which I suppose leaves nothing to the imagination!!
Thank you Maisiecake for that. I am now happy to go ahead as your pros and cons make sence to me.Im also fortunate as my eldest daughter is a nurse so can come and flush and dress it. I love the way everyone on here has taken up the baking game, perhaps we should put together a cook book for people on chemo and put the money to McMillan or cancer research? Xx
Fec-t cycle 2 Day 7
I’ve not been too good the last few days, I’m a bit like you Moira, sore mouth, golf ball throat, painfull veins in arms and very dopey. I’ve got up this morning though and put on some makeup, lm hoping today will be a better day. I’ve still got my eyebrows and eyelashes though the lashes are thinning.
Mango lollies sound delicious, might have to have a go, everything tastes odd at the moment, but I can’t stop eating, not sure if I’m acting my way through all the food in the house, trying to find something that tastes normal.
have a good day ladies with minimal sshe hugs judy xx
ECMF CYCLE 2day 7
MOrning all,
Judy, hope today is a better day for you. We’re on the same day, and I’m just beginning to feel a bit better. I’m with you on taste thing. At the moment I’m eating haddock chowder a lot, humous and pitta and not a lot else. I keep thinking ooh that would be nice and then it tastes of nothing . Salt seems to be my thing,so I’m doing ritz biscuits today! I never normally eat like this it’s a bit bizarre. Only 4 hrs sleep again last night, but at last finished the steroids- unfortunately now feeling more sick. Sun is out though!
I’ve still got eyebrows and eyelashes but they are thinner. Trying the talika stuff now, I’ll let you all know.
Have a good day angels, minimal se’s and happy thoughts!
Mel x
FECT cycle 2 Day 8
Today’s the day! That awful heaviness has gone and I feel like I have some energy. I had some reiki done last night, which left me feeling nicely relaxed and much more positive. I have also made the decision that I’m not going to get used to my wig if I leave it on a stand at the end of my bed wigging my husband out (excuse the pun). I have therefore splashed on the slap, put on the wig and taken it for its first outing on the field with the dog. It doesn’t actually look too bad compared to my bald head and so far hasn’t been too uncomfortable. I’m wearing it in my new profile pic.
Kim you did make me laugh with your story of the window cleaner. With all the workman coming and going from our house at the moment it’s only a matter of time before I make the same mistake.
Judy I hope you are feeling a bit better today.
Mel I’ve stil got my eyelashes and eyebrows, though the eyebrows are thinning a bit at the ends. Unfortunately the hair on my legs has grown back. Go figure!
Hope today’s a good one for everyone. Take it easy.
Mel xxx
So I think this is the group for me as I started my chemo in April. I have been prescribed 4 EC and 4 Tax - does anyone know why some cycles are shorter? I felt awful first week but probably over did it but have been back at work for last 2 weeks and have almost been normal. tried the cold cap but think it must have not fitted correctly as my hair started thinning all over except for a massive patch at the front that fell out. wearing a little black yoga cap and not thinking about it! I may have an “advantage” here in that I have an artifical leg and often wear shorts in the summer so I am used to people looking at me twice. I think it may also help with the whole body image thing as I have spent the last 20 years without a pretty useful part of my body. Never thought I would be describing myself as a lucky amputee!!
So second EC tomorrow, earlier this week I had decided no more, but not for any sensible reason other than fury at life so I am going to do it.
I have an entry in the new introductions section which was written in my complete despair, I have had some tough things happen to me and this just feels like the last straw but I know there is something in me that will not let me give up.
I may however shortly be having treatment in prison for murdering the woman at work who exhorts me to “take it easy”, “look on the bright side your treatment has started” and of course “be positive, you are strong so you will get through this”. I am hoping the judge will be lenient
Will be watching this thread as we all go through our treatment
PS I haven’t seen many people who have EC rather than FEC, should I feel special or left out with the F
EC 2 day 8
Hi Angels,
Another day under way. This morning I have read the paper, eaten breafast (shreddies) and had a bath, slapped on a face pack (er…why?) and stuck the ferret on. Not much accomplished then! Least I’m feeling a bit more human. Still using the Talika but did notice one stray eyelash on my cheek!
Judy your last post was me entirely - even down to the can’t stop eating - even lost the taste of peas. This week’s fad is cherry tomatoes but mango sounds like it could be a winner.
Mel A you look fab in your wig. Think I’ll have to get an updated profile photo uploaded. And yes, it appears that leg hair hangs on in there.
Kim, you’ve just told the tale of my favourite worst nightmare - answering the door to some poor unsuspecting soul! Now walking round the house either bewigged or behatted!
Hello Kipper, I’m an EC girl as is Kim. Both of those chemo drugs play havoc with your follicles so Kim and I now both look like Uncle Fester! So when the woman at work says ‘but you have a nice shaped head’ you have my permission to finish her off!
Take it easy everyone (Sorry Kipper)
Moira xxx
Hi Kipper, I’ve just been to have a look at your original post and, Jeez girl, you really have had the sh*t end of the stick! Hope my words above don’t come across as too flippant but it’s my way of handling this horror. Just to let you know that we are all here for you. Rant and wail as much as you need. As for wigs let us know whereabouts you are in the country as someone will be able to point you in the right direction for a wig shop. Sometimes your first is free on the NHS, or the shop charges you without the VAT because it’s cancer. Sending lots of cyber hugs your way,
Moira xxx
Kipper welcome to the forum. So much support, advice and help is available on here from people who are going through he horrible trials of bc treatment. I can’t begin to comprehend the turmoil you must be in at the moment with all you have been through, but we are all here to support each other through the good days and bad. Chemo has some horrible SEs, but they don’t last the whole cycle and it is only for a temporary period of your life. Although I’ve not used the bc helpline others have and I believe they are a great source of information and support, so it could be worth a phone call. Big hugs xx
Mel A you look fantastic in your wig. well done for taking her on an outing!
Kipper, welcome to the angels. I read your post too and my heart goes out to you- sending big hugs and hang on in there. don’t really know what to say - It’s not easy but this too will pass.
Mel x
Fec t Cycle 2, day 14 - still feeling ‘normal’ today
Judy / Mel - I’m about a week in front of you and have had very similar s/e’s. The mouth and taste will get better - can’t say the same for the eating though, I am still eating loads more than I normally would and loads of stuff I normally wouldn’t! It is definitely a taste thing i.e. want to taste something so eat everything in sight! I need to get a grip…
Mel A - your wig looks lovely, really suits you. I just can’t get used to mine, i am taking her for a trim tomorrow as still feel the front is too thick and looks ‘stuck on’ lol
Kipper - welcome, the other ladies have said it all
take care all
Pauline xx
EC Cycle 2 day 10
Afternoon Ladies
today my mouth is much worse and I can’t eat or drink anything hot, but I find that cold black tea is quite soothing. sad that I am, I have counted the number of mouth ulcers, 18! The difflam also helps but I’ve given up on the bonjela. still no taste or appetite tospeak of which could be a good thing until the ulcers calm down.
Earlier this morning I went for my fortnightly manicure and facial and Moira guess what she said…yes I have a lovely shaped head…I just burst out laughing.
after the terrible start to the week my sister in law got her 5 year all clear today, her tamoxifen finishes on the 30th May, we are all going out to celebrate
Judy - hope you are feeling a bit better today
Mel A - lovely new photo, great wig
Moira - after the incident with the window cleaner I’m making sure my head is covered at all times tried a t shirt turban today and it is so comfortable, may have to raid Oh’s t-shirts
Mel - I’m using the talika as well not noticed any eyelash fall out but my brows are definitely thinning, pity the same can’t be said for my leg hair! Does the go cake taste ok and more importantly work I’m going to make some bran and prune muffins tomorrow, I’ll let you know if they turn out ok.
Welcome to the angels Kipper, hopefully we can give you some support and practical advice. After reading your first post my heart goes out to you and sending you big cyber hugs. Good luck with your chemo tomorrow.
Taje care everyone and I hope this lsunshine hangs around for a couple of days at least
Kim x
Hi Mosiecat
Thanks for your reply and your welcoming me to the group. Although I’m not starting my chemo for a couple of weeks, it is helpful to read all of your comments and support for each other. I hope someone starts an end of May/ early June “starting chemo” group that is as good as the Awesome April Angels. Once I get the date of my first chemo, perhaps I’ll start one?
Sorry to hear you’re not feeling well and hope you’ll pick up over today and tomorrow.
Took the huge step, last night, of telling my Mum and Auntie (both in their 80s) about my diagnosis. Initially I had hoped for a quick op and radiotherapy, managing to do it all without telling them. But after 2 ops, with chemo and radiotherapy to follow, I can’t keep up the “secret” any longer. Well, I only wish I had told ttem sooner - they have amazed me with their response and strength - I am so proud of them both. My Mum had BC 16 years ago, so I didn’t want her to have to re-visit it all - but she is being so strong for me, I should not have underestimated her.
Best wishes to all. Hope the sun is shining where you are (it’s sunny here in Cardiff).
Kim I’ve noticed the same with the drinking anything hot, it just feels boiling, but then again,it’s the same when I touch any ot food, like toast with my hands, they seem to be super sensitive too, very strange!
ive had a curry tonight followed by a lemon top ice cream, the curry seemed to burn my tongue but the lemon top was the tastiest thing I’ve eaten all week,it was to die for, cooled my tongue and tasted normal.
im struggling today, I’ve had a movicol every day for the last three days and still not been. Pauline, with the amount I’m eating though, I feel like the size of a house. I think I’ve put on nearly a stone since the start of chemo, which is really unusual for me, I’vbeen the same weight for years. It’s a good job I have plenty of baggy jumpers and leggins or I would be having a wardrobe crisis too. kim I will be interested to kow how the muffins work.
hi Glasgow girl, welcome to the group, I was reluctant to tell my mum too as she had BC 15 years ago, I think you’ve made the right decision though. Best of luck x
Love your wig melA, it looks so real
Fec-t cycle 3 day3
Evening Angels
Been an eventfull day, busy with the grandchildren, went to a new ice cream parlour and had to indulge then walked for a couple of miles. My legs are falling off now. We’re off to Oban tomorrow for the weekend so can’t wait, hopefully the weather will be dry!
Mel, your wig looks fab
Kipper, welcome to the group, you’ll get lots of support on here
Judy, can relate to the weight thing, I just want to eat everything
Wishing you all a lovely weekend with minimal s/e
take care xxx
Hi everyone,
Thanks for your lovely comments about the wig. It actually felt nice having the feeling of hair around my face again, though it really confused the dog. She kept looking at me in the mirror when I first put it on, then back to me and back to the mirror again as if asking what the woman in the mirror had done to her mum. 
.
I’ve been eating a lot too lately. I think for me it is more about trying to get the horrible taste out of my mouth, though it has been better today.
Kim, Corsodyl is pretty good for mouth ulcers, but you might want to water it down if it burns.
Judy I had the same problem with my bowels last cycle so I got some lactulose from the chemist and ate more bran. It definitely helped.
Hi ladies
im from march just pop over to see how u are all doing and also to thank carrot juice
CARROTJUICE- Yes it was mk hospital and im still fuming over it all .Yes when i was in hospital last time i met the chemo nurse like u said they are wonderful , but i do think mk is bad .well katie hope all goes well on tuesday and if any of u lovely ladies are going on next week good luck and also katie it would be nice to keep intouch xx shelley