Fec-T cycle 5 Tax day 4
Morning Girls,
All well so this cycle, a few twinges in my legs but no pain as yet.
Kim, glad you’re feeling better sounds like you’ve had a rough ride. Enjoy your time with your great nephew and thanks for the tips on travel insurance.
Moira, tried Insurewith online and got so far then froze so will try again today, thanks.
Philomena, chuckled at the shampoo story, I keep forgetting to buy shampoo for oh cos I obviously don’t need it now!
Pauline, good that your getting scans done pity you had to go private but it’s peace of mind and that’s what we have insurance for. Glad you enjoyed a nice birthday dinner pre chemo, good luck for today.
Diggy, good you’re feeling better you’ve certainly had a rough ride but sound like you’ve turned the corner. Being able to taste wine again is a sure sign I hate it when I fancy a glass then it tastes rubbish.
Take care angels and have a good day, the sun is shining. I’ll be glued to the tv later, come on Andy Murray! Xx
Well said Amber, planning. My day round being in for the Tennis think it will be a tough one. We Scots don’t like making it easy for ourselves, he can do it though. Good luck Andy.
Talking of shampoo, have any of you heard of Fast shampoo supposed to make your hair grow faster, about £25 for shampoo and conditioner, thought it might be worth a try when chemo finishes. It’s good we even thinking about it ending is it not.
Hope the pains in your legs don’t get any worse, I am feeling much better but still sweating buckets, don’t know if that’s the chemo, or the menopause, but driving me nuts. Getting real bad indigestion every night too any ideas, is that the chemo too.
Hope you all have as good a day as you can and for those of you who are well enjoy the weekend.
Lynn x
Hi Lynn
I had really bad indigestion for the few days after each chemo - i was told it was steroids that cause inflammation of the oesophagus. Anyway, this cycle I was prescribed some Ranitidine and had 2 tables a day just for 3 or 4 days - no sign of the indigestion. Very happy 
Had a fab day yesterday with my friend Sarah. Had a very long lunch, with glass of wine at local Italian restaurant and then sat in local park in glorious sunshine. When the cloud lifts for a bit, it is so wonderful. We are getting there!
Tennis later… c’mon Andy!!
Carol xx
Hi Lynn,
Ive heard of the Fast shampoo and will be giving it a go, let’s face it anythings worth a try. I have Omeprazole for indigestion s/e of chemo, which works really well, forgot to take it yesterday so took Rennies as a quick fix till it kicked in.
I was bothered with the sweats as well, my head would be cold then hot during the night driving me crazy. I bought a Chillow from Amazon which is great, it’s about £25 but you can buy smaller versions And can be used anywhere on the body. son problems sleeping since I got it.
Just nipping out to buy some food for the Barbie, got the strawbs n vino to enjoy the tennis, hope I can taste it!
have a great weekend x
Hi Angels
AC-T(Paclitaxol) - cycle 6 day 10
Feeling fine again today and feeling very lucky as my SE’s have again been minor. Have the rash back again but no pain, ONC wasn’t worried about the rash and said to continue taking Clarityn or Piriton(if I wanted even more sleep!). 2 more to go and then the next phase starts, filling my implant before rads as agreed with ONC last night! This means I get 4 to 6 weeks ‘off’ between chemo and rads and in that time I’m in the cosmetic surgeons hands to my implant as ‘rads proof’ as he can as after rads can’t do anything with it for a year - and I really don’t want to look like a back to front quasimodo!
ONC also said I’d be on Tamoxifen or Armidex (spelling?) for 10 years as that is what the new research is showing works best, the split of years may be 5/5, 4/6, 7/3 depending on what the research shows during my first few years but they have decided the combination gives a better success rate than one or the other alone. I start Tamoxifen 2 weeks after my last chemo but see him again before that just for a clarification of dates/status etc. He seemed pleased with my reaction to the chemo and my heart and lungs were fine apparently - first time they’ve been checked since first chemo so its a good job really!
Lynn - I have Lansoprazole indigestion/heart burn tablets that I take every day non-stop through out TAX to stop indigestion and they seem to work. I did suffer with indigestion first night through AC but Gaviscon was sufficient for that but for TAX they gave me these as its harder on the stomach apparently.
I watched the 2nd womens semi final yesterday but not sure I dare watch Andy today…my heart might be okay for chemo but not sure it is for Andy playing with us!
Travel Insurance - I struggled to get any to go on the cruise at the end of May and ended up with GotogoInsurance…expensive but seemed to be suffiicent for the people at P&O when they checked it before I went. I will certainly be looking at others next year or year after as hoping to go on a trip to Barbados once I’m fully out of treatment and have my new ‘boob’ job completed!
My OH has cut the grass this morning, put the chairs and umbrella out so now I am safely sitting outside in the shade wondering who is going to bring my next cup of tea! Hope you have some sunshine and can enjoy at least a little of it SE free.
Kate
x
Fec T , Tax 2, day 1
All went swimmingly today, no issues with bloods and out hospital by midday armed with much stronger pain killers, Dhydracodeine so hopefully sail (or sleep) through the worse of it next week!
Kim - sorry you’ve been poorly, hopefully the sun will be just the tonic you need
Amber - so far so good, hope it continues
Moira - glad your pain and hearing turned out to be less worrying than you thought - a wight off your mind I bet!
I’ve just booked a holiday in Florida for end of October, was planning to go to canaries end sept but decided to hold off a few weeks after rads to let things settle. Not planning to do parks n stuff just chill out by the lovely private pool and a little shopping! It’s on a golf course so hubby will be happy too ! I opted for Insurance which excludes BC which cost me nothing through existing plan - personally I think it’s a rip off as can’t see what emergency related to BC can happen in the space of a 2 week holiday but appreciate for some putting mind at ease is the best option.
Hoping to enjoy some lovely sunshine over the weekend and next week 8) - come on Andy, if he gets into the final we’re planning Pims and strawberries with the nieghbours on Sunday
Take care Angels, hope you get lots of sunshine and minimal side effects over the weekend
Pauline xx
Hi everyone,
Well as cycles go this next one on Wednesday is the only one I am actually looking forward to…
FEC-T (Docetaxel) -Cycle 6 - THE LAST ONE!!!
I have been feeling pretty much ok this week (apart from the Fatigue!) Had my Mum down to visit so managed a few trips out.
I, like others have lost a few posts recently so apologies for not responding to individual posts/topics but so annoying when you lose these after spending ages typing!
The points raised have been very interesting especially the scans as this appears to vary quite a bit. I only had 3/14 lymph nodes affected but Onc sent me for CT, Bone and requested MRI although I could not have this with having an expander fitted so sending me for MUGA scan instead. The latter is to obtain a base line for heart functionity prior to starting Herceptin & Tamoxifen in August but CT & Bone Scan were clear…phew!
Was sad to read about Berni Nolan, It is scary too as she was also HER2+ I really don’t think we are asking too much to have the peace of mind via a scan!!
Regarding scalp/hair revitizing treatments, I met a lady two weeks ago who had lovely little pixie hair do - she finished her chemo in March and had been using Aveda scalp revitaliser (varies from £35-£43) depending on where you buy it and they also do a shampoo & conditioner for later (obviously!) Anyway her hair looked great so think I may give it a go after this next (last) cycle and see how it goes. I know it’s expensive but justified by how much money I have saved on shampoo, conditioner, hair dye and trips to hairdressers over last 4months!
Best wishes to all of you at your various stages - thinking about you all and hope you are getting through it!
Love Lori x
hi lori
last one - how good is that ! i get cycle 5 next weds, almost there…
i’m seeing the oncologist tuesday to plan rads so ive wrote a list of questions, hopefully i’ll find out what happens next.
angie xx
Hi Angie
Thats great - almost there. I am planning a ‘happy dance’ just as the last of it goes in on Wednesday!!!
That will be good if you get started on rads straight away so you can cross that off too - good luck. I have not been offered radiotherapy for some reason, weird how it all differs. My friend got started on rads 3 weeks after chemo and apart from tiredness she is feeling ok she is 10 down and 5 to go so fingers crossed you’ll sail thru it too 
Take care Lx
Lori, can’t believe you’ll be graduating from the chemo class next Wed, its great to see light at the end of what seemed a massive journey for us all. Good news on scans.
Since starting chemo I’ve been saving the money I would have spent at the hairdressers to treat myself when this is over, not sure what yet maybe a nice handbag!
Pauline, glad all went well and a holiday in Florida sounds fab!
Come on Andy Murray! X
Well done Murray!!! Pims and stawberrys on Sunday… X
Congratulations all round!
Well done Lori, almost out of the dark, dark wood. Did you have full mx? That would explain the no rads. Only number five for me next Thursday.
Good news Pauline, two weeks in Florida - booked! Might look at insurance excluding bc too.
And well done Andy. Just a slightly bigger hurdle to get over for the title!
On the subject of shampoos, I bought a Boots three for two offer not long before losing my hair. It’s Lee Stafford Hair Growth stuff. Again it’s supposed to help hair grow faster but costs a lot less than Fast or Aveda - though Aveda does smell wonderful. Looking forward to the day I can see any point in using it!
Enjoy a sunny weekend everyone,
Moira xxx
Hi all
great that some of you are nearing the finish line- feel like i’ve still got a long long way to go with another 4 x 4 week cycles. think i might be the last angel to finish 
.
Went to a headstrong session today which was great- really uplifting. learnt lots of new ways to tie scaves ( don’t know if I can remember them now) and got a new scarf. But mostly just really nice, positive people. Go if you can.
We’re going away for a few days, now I’m feeling a bit better to Devon. may the sun keep shining!
Mel xx
FEC D, doxitaxel 2, day 4
Hi everyone,
Just catching up since my holiday to Torridon and Thurso.
Thank you all for your posts and feelings, fears, etc. The best thing for me has been joining this forum to keep a handle on this. Anyone else getting fed up with being reassured you’ll be fine because you’re such a strong person, and that keeping a positive attitude will beat it. Well, news flash, I’m putting my faith in the chemo!!
Thank you Philomena for putting this disease in perspective. My mum died of BC at 52 in 1982, and her mum when she was 12. I trained as a nurse later in life, but knew little about cancer. Thank goodness I am 53 not 33, thank goodness I have BC and not a hundred and one other horrible things that you dont get such good treatment and sympathy for! (Sorry folks, that the best positive things I can think of at the moment!)
Angie, sorry your Tax was so horrible - my first one was pretty horrible day 4 - 9, full compliment of s/e, and the second one is kicking in now. We had brilliant weather in Torridon, but my energy level was so low the biggest day I had was lunch at the Applecross Inn. We had a good four days in Thurso, raking the charity shops mostly!
Take care everyone, and stick with it xx
Maisiecake- I’m with you still I have 12 weekly tax chemo’s coming up! It seems never endingthrough my good news is I had a scan yesterday and its shrunk by a quarter!!
im going to sit in the garden and enjoy the sun, have a good weekend everyone
Cycle 4 docetaxel 1 day 9
So glad you all have good results from scans. Can you send some sun up here its a but cloudy here. Enjoy it while you have it.
I am still not 100 percent stomach is still upset but going to try and tidy the garden with help from my husband (when the rugby finishes)
Enjoy the sunshine while you have it Lynn x
Hi everyone
Lots of lovely talk about holidays going on and it’s so nice to see that some of you are nearly at the chemo finish lane. I have Tax cycle 5 on Thursday.
I’m having a very teary day today and I really don’t know why. The annoying thing is I keep replacing my makeup and then dilling up again and washing it all off. My poor hubby doesn’t know what to do with me.
On the positive side though my son auditioned to perform in a charity show at Manchester Opera House, but came away feeling a little dejected as he found the audition very challenging. A few thousand applied for 100 parts and he found out yesterday that he’s got a part in the ensemble. He’s so excited and we’re all really pleased for him. He’s a talented lad, but doesn’t have a lot of confidence in himself so this will do him the world of good.
Enjoy the sun if you’ve got it and I hope everyone’s infusions go ok this week xx
hi mel-A
well done to your son, thats great news. you must be very proud.
just to say, i was like that the other day, filling up, really miserable, feeling awful and so negative. just kept crying, everything was too much. got up next morning fine. dont know what that was about. so i think its just normal for us. you’re 1 day after me in the cycles, maybe thats just the way it is with the s/e’s.
angie xx
FEC T, Tax cycle 5, day 3
Morning Angels, was up at half past daft this morning thanks to my 8 steroids, last day was yesterday so looking forward to 10 hours tonight! I just hope the high sticks with me for today so that i can enjoy the tennis - come on Andy!! Scottish lassies - weather forecast is now looking great for today (yesterday forecast cloud for most of today but has def picked up 8) - and is set to continue all over the country for the rest of the week - enjoy ladies. I intend to lie in the garden when S/E’s likely kick in tomorrow - could be worse!!
Mel - great news abput your son, just the tonic to lift your spirits
Have a fabby day everyone, big hugs, Pauline XX
COME ON ANDY 8)
Fec-t cycle 5 Tax day 6
Morning Girls,
Scared to say but no real pain this cycle, a few aches that’s all, didnt bother with paracetamol yesterday,so fingers crossed. Have been very tearful today though guessing its the dreaded steroids. Trying to turn things round and now sitting out in the glorious sunshine.
Mel, pass on congrats to your son, you’ll be a proud Mum!
Fecinora, glad you enjoyed your break away its such a boost a few days makes a big difference to us.
Pauline, Iam sure Andy will keep you on a high to see the game through.
Spoke to a lovely guy from Insurewith yesterday, unfortunately they won’t insure unless 6wks post chemo and 3 weeks post rads so will probably go with Okto travel for trip between chemo and rads and then use them for holiday after rads.
Enjoy the day girls with minimal s/e
Going to enjoy has much of this lovely weather before the tennis starts…Come on Andy xxx