Hi Julie, I was talking to my hairdresser the other day and she has had a couple of customers who have had chemo and haven’t lost their hair it has just thinned. Just wanted to let you know. Everyone is different so finger crossed xxxx
Hi all
Congratulations to Sophiesmum- what a worrying time it must have been for you and your family: I am made up for your little miracle!
I am due to see the onc on the 5/8 so then I will know my dates for chemo and hopefully I can join this thread to help keep me sane and help others to keep sane too! My BCN said it will be at least 18 weeks so I thought “great- it will take me up to Christmas!” At least I will have an excuse not to do the catering for all the family!
LOL
Best wishes to all
Sallyann XXX
Avoid germs they said!
Yesterday I woke up to 2 snotty kids, dog sick on the carpet, went to the park and my 3 year old did a poo in his pants. Got home and the neighbour said they’d seen a squirrel climb through the bedroom window and sure enough there was squirrel poo on the bed!
Congratulations to Sophies mum- lovely for you to have a girl at last. It must be so hard for you and Jane going through chemo while pregnant,but great to see its worked out so well.
Radley - I have a heart issue too so they are monitoring me with an echo-cardiogram after each treatment- had 1dt one yesterday and no problems with it. I thought I had bad veins too (on the bone scan he had 3 attempts before he managed to get the radio-active stuff in me, by which time I was ready to pass out). Anyway, on the chemo there were no problems, like the chemo nurse said its all she does all day every day.
Vic, I was told by the onc at my local hospital that I would have 4 FEC and 4 TAX, but when I got to the cancer hospital at Christies it was 3 of each. I think it depends on the facilities they’ve got(it took an hour for the injections ) and may be preference of the oncologist.
Good luck everyone else!
Hi just to let you know how it went today, and it didn’t!
Was waiting to be seen, nurse came over and said the doctor wanted to talk to me about my ECG results as they were slightly different from one which was taken just before I had surgery.
I ended up having another ECG done, which again was slightly different, am now having an echocardiogram tomorrow morning which was booked anyway for tomorrow to double check I have no heart problems, then hopefully start chemo next Friday 6th August 6 x FEC.
The doctor said I could have had chemo, but the chemo nurses said best to check and make sure all is ok and FEC can do something to your heart!
Got myself so prepared for chemo and not to have was rather stressful, god knows what i will be like on friday now!
Hope all you ladies are ok today
Bev
xxxx
sorry to crash your thread ladies, just wanted to say congratulations to sophiesmum on the birth of her little girl, and i am so pleased that you and jane have found each other for support through this. Dibskelly, i am under the christie too but treated at oldham hospital and am having 3 fec 3 tax too. I just have my last tax left to do, it has been hard but it is doable and there are many more good days than i thought there would be. good luck everyone,
Vickie
xxx
dibskelly - hilarious on the germs front! I’ve never been paranoid about germs but have started carrying around a bottle of that hand-cleaner stuff, but hardly use it because I’m worried it might be carcinogenic! God I hope I get away with 3xAC and 3xTAX too.
Sophiesmum - I’m being treated at Brighton which has a very good team. (Onc’s name edited) who published the study on 4 London hospitals treating pg women. He confers with (name edited) the Royal Free, who apparently has more experience than anyone else in the country, treating an average of 4 women a year. So I do feel very lucky to be in good hands. Not sure why I’m not having Tax while pg while you did - from what I’ve read, it’s pretty risky, not just to the baby but also because there’s more risk of an allergic reaction, harder SEs, and of course these all all harder to treat when the patient is pregnant. So I feel happy to be getting the Tax at a later date, but really scared because everyone has said the same about cycles being harder after pregnancy than during, and so far I’m feeling pretty awful already. Not sick, but vile in every other way.
Do you have London consultant? Why were you induced 6 weeks early? They haven’t told me what they have in store for me… yet! Did you have 5xTax, and how many weeks pregnant were you when you started? And what about breastfeeding? Have you wanted to or been able to give it a go? I’ve discovered I can try to feed the baby myself if I have a long enough break between last treatment and giving birth, but then I’ll be back on the chemotherapy treadmill 1-2 weeks later and with 4 cycles of Tax lined up, there’s not much chance of feeding the baby for more than a week 
xxxx
OK Jane72 - here is my lowdown…was diagnosed December 2009 and had double mastectomy December 23rd (nice timing egh!) - therefore unfortunately and very heartbreakingly no breastfeeding for me… I had to wait until my second trimester to start chemo and then I had 4 EC (no F) and 2 t. I was induced 6 weeks early for 2 reasons a) they needed to start herceptin and i definately couldnt have that whilst pregnant and b) six weeks early was seen as a safe option in that the baby would be ok and I think it was basically - get the baby out just in case.
I had to be induced, as obviously a c-section was out of the question as chemo would have to be delayed for 6 weeks and there are risks as well due to chemo and having surgery. Sophie was in special care for 2 weeks and I had more chemo 2 days after she was born (f and herceptin). I had my 4th dose of f last week as well as some more herceptin. Im also on clexane as im high risk for blood clots due to pregnancy, childbirth, chemo etc.
Im being treated at Addenbrooks and they are absolutely fantastic. My local hospital had absolutely no idea what to do and it was all very scary. I had a portacath put in last week and will have herceptin every 3 weeks for the next 11 months. I start radiotherapy in September for 3 weeks. Then i have to have my ovaries removed (its an estrogen driven cancer), get my reconstructive surgery sorted (as my local hospital completely messed that up) and various other procedures that seem scary.
Ive coped with everything they have thrown at me, but since giving birth have found things really difficult. I have got the most amazing friends and family, but people think that now Sophie is born that everything is finished, but I feel like everything is only just starting. I also have 3 boys aged 3,4 and 6 and I am desperately trying to keep life as normal as possible for them.
On top of all of this my gorgeous amazing dad also has cancer and is in hospital critically ill, so most of my days are spent holding his hand.
I havent been anywhere near a forum, chat room or cancer website since my diagnosis but now I think I can just about handle it, and if I can be of any help to anyone out there…now is the time. Especially for anyone who is pregnant as there is no support whatsoever out there for us.
If you have any questions at all, no matter how ridiculous you think they are…I will answer anything, if I can help anyone in anyway to get through this awful time I will xx
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I really hope he’s comfortable and getting some pleasure from your visits.
What a lot you’ve been through. It’s interesting that you had the Tax but not the F while pregnant. I seem to be the only pregnant woman having AC, which I guess is because it can damage your heart (and the baby’s of course).
No one has mentioned having my ovaries removed, perhaps because I’m 38 and it’s taken for granted that they’ll have given up after all the chemtherapy anyway! I’d be interested to hear more about this as my tumour scored 7/8 on the ER+ front. So you’re having radiothearpy before recon? I need to speak to my onc about this next week as I haven’t met with a doctor since I had my pathology. Are you having radiotherapy to the chest or underarm? Mine is underarm.
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. It does help to know other women have been through this too. I can imagine how bloody hard it must be with a newborn and your boys and I hope you’re getting plenty of help, even if sympathy is beginning to wane. I’m afraid of this, just being expected to be glad to have a baby and to get on with it, when actually after giving birth with sleep deprivation and charging hormones, the whole experience is likely to topple me over the edge. My OH says he’s looking forward to being a mother and we do laugh about it, but it really hurts to know I will not be bonding with this baby in the same happy way I did with my daughter.
I hope you continue to do well. Please do stay in touch. xxxxxx
im 33 and my tumor also scored 7/8. I had reconstruction at the same time as my mastectomy but unfortunately it has been “cocked up!” so I will have to have it all done again. I dont know where radiotherapy will target - I guess chest and underarm as it had spread…I dont know how they work that out? Have appointment on monday and will have CT scan so I guess I’ll know more then.
Sophies mum Congratulations on her safe arrival. Sorry to hear that your dad is so ill. I hope you and your family will still get all the support you all need through the rest of your BC journey.Sending hugs your way. Jackie
Hi, im new to this forum, only joined today…I just wanted to post that I was diagnosed with breast cancer 6 weeks ago…Im 32 with 2 children and 17 weeks pregnant…cant believe there is other people going through what i am seen as nearly everyone i come across states they have never meet any1 with cancer whilst pregnant this inculdes the hospital im meant to b getting my treatment from?? I had my op 3 weeks ago Lumpectomy and all my nodes removed under left arm. The hospital is wanting me to start chemo next week and just see how i get on!!! So ive spent the last few days ringing round to find an Oncologist who may have knowledge of chemo whilst pregnant!!! At last i have found one!!! and have an appt to see him at Christies in Manchester.
hi papworth, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, esp whilst pregnant. I am 36 with 2 little boys ans was trying for a third when i was dx in march. There is indeed a consultant specialising in chemo for pregnant ladies at the christie. My friend is an oncologist there and she was telling me about it a feww weeks ago when i asked her if she had ever treated a pregnant lady. She said she hasnt cos the same consultant usually has all the pregnant ladies reffered so as to keep up the specilaised nature. I could ask her a bit more if you wanted me to? Its really good that you, jane and sophies mum can all support each other through this forum, and i am sure the rest of us will try and help you through it too. I live in manchester, am not sure if you are local as you would have been under christies in any event then? Christies is an excellent hospital with very good doctors, you have done well to follow your instincts and find an expert rather than “give it a go” like your local hospital wanted!!! Congrats on your pregnancy too, hope you are feeling well.
Vickie
xxx
Hi Papworth!
So sorry to hear you’re in this situation too. But glad we’ve now met and can confer.
We’re only 5 weeks apart then as I’m 22 weeks now and had mx and lymph clearance a month ago. It’s great that you’ve found an onc with good experience. I was told by mine in Brighton that the oncology world is a very small one and they all confer when they have pregnant cases as it’s worth putting their heads together. So I’m sure you’ll be getting the best treatment available. Shocking how many of us there are/have been.
I’ve been really unlucky and caught a cold straight after my first round of chemotherapy but if it weren’t for that, I think I’d be fine. Apparently we’re likely to be less sick because we’re pregnant, and I haven’t been sick or even felt nauseous yet, so that’s very lucky (so far!). I hope the same applies to you.
Let us know what regime you’re having. I’m having 4xAC while pg then 4xTax once the baby’s born.
Take care, sending you a hug to say you’re not alone. xxxxxx Jane
Papworth- So sorry that you’re having to go through this while pregnant, but I’m sure you’ll find the Christie very good- its certainly a much nicer environment than my local hospital.
Sophiesmum- sorry to hear about your Dad- you’ve certainly got your hands full, and a lot of treatment still to get through. Its bound to be a really emotional time for you, but you must be a really tough cookie to be coping with it all, so keep it up!
Bev- what an anti-climax for you! I thinks its the F bit that can effect your heart, which is why they are checking on mine with echo cardiograms 10 days after each treatment. I have an irregular pulse that gives me no problems what-so-ever, but they seem very concerned about it. My original surgery was cancelled when the anaesthetist saw it, and I had to have an MRI scan done before they would operate.
I’m 14 days in and still not lost any hair. I’m actually a bit disappointed as it desperately needs cutting, but I’d decided not to bother and shave it all off when it started to fall out!
Hi all, New to all this!
42, single, left MX in june. No veins so groshong line put in.
Started FEC 20th July. Was sick ALL night had to call seedoc who was lovely and gave me an injection of cyclizine.
Felt like I had the flu for 7 days then felt fine.
Still have Hair at the moment even if it does look like a fluff ball!
bought some great head scarfs from annabandana really good prices too.
I can’t believe the amount of pregnant ladies with BC? I’m scared enough with only me. My heart goes out to you xx
Hiya hearsay, nice to meet you - well, you know what i mean.
Sorry you were so sick. I wasn’t sick but did feel awful for a week after my first treatment, which was on 22nd July. Dreading the next.
My hair doesn’t feel like my own anymore. It hurts when I brush it, like when you’re a kid with your hair in a ponytail for ages, the way it hurts when you take it out! And it’s like straw. But at least it’s still covering my head 
The usual seems to be that it comes out in clumps by the end of the 3 week cycle.
I’ve bought a couple of hats and one scarf but think I could do with more so I’ll check out that website. Best of luck with your next session - next Tues I guess as mine’s Thurs? xxx Jane
I spoke too soon about the hair- it started coming out on Saturday- but not too bad at the moment although it looks very lank and lifeless. I was scared having a shower this morning in case I blocked it up! Phoned up to get an appointment to have my wig fitted on Thursday. I’ve got FEC 2 on Friday and hope it goes as well as the first one.
hiya hearsay
sorry to hear about your dx, but glad you have found your way here for support. Good luck with your next fec.
Jane, good luck with yours too. My hair followed the same pattern yours has, that kind of pressure pain then the straw like texture. was acually looking forward to shaving it off by the time i did!
Vickie
Hi everyone.
I have my 3rd FEC tomorrow. I have been told i’ll have 6-8 treatments in all. Half FEC and half TAX. Don’t know when I find out if its 6 or 8.
My hair came out just before my 2nd treatment, and my scalp was really tender and a little bit painful. So I got the kids the shave it off, so they wouldn’t be scared.
I’ve tried a wig but it isn’t working for me, the scarves don’t either so I seem to be bald all the time or wearing my wooly hat when i feel really self concious. In summer!!! talk about drawing attention to yourself!!!
I seem to be having panic attacks when I have my treatment, they give my diazapam but it doesn’t seem to do anything. I asked if I could have wine, but they didn’t laugh
I have an appointment with the consultant today, pre-chemo, hence why i’m online at vomit o’clock. Nervous as anything, I hate going to the hospital.
I like ready all your posts, they made me smile.
Anyone fancy a chat?
Take care everyone
Kate x
Hi Kate sorry nobody around earlier to respond. My five year old usually wakes me up at vomit o’clock( love that, gonna use that phrase all the time for at least a week now!) but I have put his clock back half an hour so he is currently being tricked into staying in bed for a bit longer! Good luck with your onc app. Must be hard not knowing how many sessions as can’t plan or countdown. Surely they have to decide now you are potentially half way there? Good luck tmrw too, one more done then . Have the wig/cap dilemma daily. Don’t do scarves as feel I might as well get the chemo badge to wear at tha same time . Just done an emergency wig putting on when delivery man knocked on door. My rocket ship has arrived.huge box so will just be getting a bow on it not wrapping. Ps rocket ships discussed in depth on June chemo thread! Take care
vickie
xxx