Hi everyone, just wanted to introduce myself and join this chat! I’m a bit late to the party but better late than never🤣 sorry to post in the middle of another convo too😬
I’m 36, HER2 positive and on EC-T chemo. I had my first cycle on 17th April and next one is 1st May. I’m doing 4 EC and then 4 T - all 2 weeks apart. I’m trying cold capping so can see how I get on with that bit already had my hair cut into a pixie cut as I had an asymmetric bob before that I couldn’t tie back and it would look horrendous without straighteners:joy:
So far I’ve been ok with side effects. A couple days of feeling quite nauseous which the tablets helped with, then the funny taste in mouth/dry mouth etc. Had the hiccups on and off for a couple days which seemed so random then it turned into full blown heartburn which was awful for a few days. Tried everything then phoned my GP and got prescribed tablets yesterday…. Fingers crossed they keep working as I’m feeling much better already! I also got tonsillitis so I’m on antibiotics for a few days …. That was worse than the chemo to be fair but again, a couple days of feeling rough due to that then much more normal now. I’m taking a note of everything to try and establish any patterns and i know it’s cumulative so I’m just thankful I’m feeling pretty decent with a couple of ‘blips’ I’ve been doing some light/lighter than usual exercise most days as I’m usually a very active person and I’m finding even a wee walk is helping me feel a bit better (physically and mentally) on my rough days. Also made sure I’m drinking lots to flush out the toxins.
I read Liz O’Riordans book before chemo and also have been listening to her podcasts - she’s really good and I thought it might be useful for others here. For cold capping I also sipped a thermal flask of tea for the first 20 minutes in addition to taking 2 paracetamol and it made a big difference for me in terms of coping with the worst bit!
@hc1973 this must be so hard … well done you for doing this …. It doesn’t sound easy and it will be my start in a few weeks. Keep going and be kind to yourself …. It’s amazing how resilient children are and they will love you just the same. Take care of yourself and big hugs xx
Good to see you here @belle1! Sounds as though you’ve had some of the side-effects of EC already. I didn’t have the hiccups but had terrible indigestion after my first session - although strangely not after my second EC. Liz O’Riordan’s book and podcast is great. I also found Rosamund Dean’s book ‘Reconstruction’ to be SO useful and would highly recommend it to everyone.
Like you, I’m usually pretty active. Before chemo I walked 15k steps a day. Not quite achieving that now as I get so tired but still try to do as many as possible, Emma
Welcome to the group @belle1 and thanks for the book recommendation, will have a look on my kindle for it . Glad you are not feeling too awful but getting tonsillitis was extremely unlucky, hope the antibiotics sort that out quickly for you,
So reassuring to read all the posts on here, well done to everyone getting through week despite all the difficulties In a first for me I have just gone to bed and slept for 3 hours, on a Saturday afternoon unheard of! I am due to go to a local theatre tonight so hoping this means I won’t embarrass myself by sleeping through the performance!
I had my 3rd EC on Wed and can feel the fatigue and indigestion again, with the horrible taste that spoils every meal (I love my food )
My hair shedding seems to be slowing, there are big empty patches but still some fringe and edges to pull down out of the caps. Wig wearing was ok yesterday so tonight I’ll seem like a pro
While I’m here I also wanted to say how impressed I am by those of you with children, still working and managing all the extra stuff - I think you are incredible.
My work is in clinical paediatrics and it was decided before my mastectomy that it just wasn’t possible to continue and I’ve been on sick leave since January. My children are adults and making me proud with their support and bravery to me. All I need to do is please myself and reassure everyone around me that I’m okay (even when I’m not!)
It’s made me realise how fortunate I am (despite the very obvious ) Thank you and have a good weekend xx
Oh thanks @collywobbles, how amazing is this forum! From someone who always says I’m fine I would never have thought a couple of months ago I would be sharing everything! It’s so valuable being able to hear from other people their ideas and coping techniques. Lumps of my hair are starting to come out today so I’m thinking this time next week there maybe a ceremonial shaving of the head. I am determined to carry on as normal and not let the stigma of no hair stress me out too much. I have to keep telling myself it’s all part of this journey and when it grows back I can try out so many new hairstyles! I hope that you are OK too. Helen x
sorry to read you had reaction to docetaxol, it’s happened to lots of us over the years and yes it is your onc will probably try you on abraxane lots have switched to that and been ok be kind to yourself even though you feel like running the 100 quicker than Usain Bolt outta there your team have seen it all before and know what to do Shi xx
@hc1973 well done you. It’s funny we sat and talked about “I feel fine” whilst eating supper tonight …. My hubby said it’s terribly English! Stiff upper lip and all that! I agree with you 100%…. I had no idea I would be on here let alone saying how I really felt - scared sometimes, pleased with myself other times and sometimes I’m doing just fine!! Keep going girl … you got this. Baby steps in the right direction and sometimes there maybe tears and backwards steps but we strive to move forward. Thank you for being there! Everyone on here means such a lot. Feeling very supported. Have a good week and trust the big hair shave is not too horrid. I won’t be far behind I’m sure. In reality we’re doing good xx
Well done @belle1 - you are coping with a lot and doing well! Thanks for the recommendation of the book - I will check it out. Best wishes for the next treatment next week x
Welcome to this group, it’s been a lifeline for me over this past few weeks. A lot of people have posted about the severe indigestion, it’s things like this when you see others have same side effects makes you feel reassured your not on your own. Sorry to hear about your tonsillitis hopefully you’re feeling better. Someone also recommended Liz O’Riordans book, I’ve just ordered it this morning. Xxx
I’ve been doing some light/lighter than usual exercise most days as I’m usually a very active person and I’m finding even a wee walk is helping me feel a bit better (physically and mentally) on my rough days. Also made sure I’m drinking lots to flush out the toxins.
. Glad you are not feeling too awful but getting tonsillitis was extremely unlucky, hope the antibiotics sort that out quickly for you, 
In a first for me I have just gone to bed and slept for 3 hours, on a Saturday afternoon 
unheard of! I am due to go to a local theatre tonight so hoping this means I won’t embarrass myself by sleeping through the performance!
)
your team have seen it all before and know what to do 
Nice, low key evening out - complete with make up and wig (that’s me, as well as the actors!)