@sunshine17 welcome to this lovely group, joining the club everyone wishes they weren’t part of. I had EC and Docetaxel this time last year, so really understand what you are about to start xx
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Hiya, hope you’re doing ok. With having them
Last year, any toptips on preparing myself on what to expect/how to cope with side effects please x
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So far so good, but praying I don’t feel as weak on day 5/6. I’m now on day 3 so still on steroids. Taking each day as it comes but so far the 20% dose reduction is a bit easier on me. So I’m praying this continues. Hope you’re ok x
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My tips is to be prepared to be v tired for the first week or so and make sure someone is around to be with you
Take your temp twice a day
Keep a diary
With injections. Take out of fridge 30 mins before and take 2 paracetamols beforehand
Drink at least 2 litre of water a day
Get a good breakfast inside of you before taking the tablets on day 1-3
Try huel drinks as packed with vitamins
Get hats, wigs and scarves in case of hair loss and also a sleep hat and silk pillowcase
Can’t think of anything else, except when you can go for a walk around the garden or house, even if it’s once or twice a day. The hard days last for 7 days for me then I feel like my oldself again for the next 2 weeks.
Biggest thing of all is to phone the 24/7 number for ANYTHING do not wait. They are there for you 24/7 and it’s best to get anything checked out. Hope this helps x
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Hiya
How y’all doing out there?!? Hope everyone is holding up well.
I was diagnosed January TNBC, grade 3, had lumpectomy in Feb and on 28th April will be starting EC-T with Carboplatin 
Waiting for genetics as suspect a gene mutation which may mean further surgery.
Bring it on - I don’t want it to come back …. ever!!! Like so many of you have already said, I’ve also struggled with all the waiting, loss of control and general impact this has had on every aspect of my life and my relationships.
I’m working hard to see all the treatment as a positive risk mitigation insurance policy and hope that will help carry me through this journey that none of us want to be on!!
Shaving my waist length hair off today to donate - which is right for me - hats off to anyone else doing the same AND those of you cold capping!!
Ladies- WE’VE GOT THIS!!! We are fierce, brave, and strong even in our most vulnerable moments.
Big love 
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@sunshine17 the waiting is the worst, as there are so many unknowns. Once number one is over you know what to expect. I was very fortunate and had manageable side effects. One of the key things is to keep moving whenever you can. Get outside and walk if only down the road. I tried to get out every day and walk, and I managed to keep running in weeks 2 and 3. With EC the side effects started straight away. My main issue was nausea- after the first I didn’t start taking anti sickness meds straight away and had a rough first night- I phoned the helpline and they told me to take regularly to prevent nausea. So I’d take first metoclopramide before leaving the unit and take regularly for about 5 days. Take plenty to do with you even if you don’t up doing it - I had audio books, iPad, puzzle book. I took snacks, though they did offer sandwiches for lunch. Ginger biscuits were a go to, and jelly sweets. I completely went off coffee so had hot ribena instead. Are you cold capping? I did. I wore compression socks for the day of chemo and 24/7 for 5 days to help prevent neuropathy. EC immediately sends your pee red so don’t panic. I took filgrastin injections in the evening with 2 ibuprofen beforehand. They stimulate your bone marrow to produce white blood cells to prevent infection, but causes bone pain. Sorry if that’s all a bit overwhelming but keep the questions coming xx
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Perfectly said. Well done with cutting your hair xx
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Hi is anyone putting anything on their nails? Ive heard of polybalm but it’s quite expensive and think need a few bottles to last through treatment but may havae to get it if works. I dont start till next Friday and will meet the nurse on Wed so she might go through things then but I like to be organised and feel they tell me things too late. I know I’ll be getting the voucher for the wig then but again I would have liked to have gone before I start. Luckily due to forums I know to expect but I still left it till they tell me, for example getting dentist check up and getting covid jag. Both were difficult getting apportionments before my treatment started bur playing the ‘I’m getting chemo so need it before’ card worked 
.
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@yjmc I used polybalm all the way through chemo. Yes it’s expensive but so good, and it lasts for ages. I’m now on Kadcyla and using the same one a year down the line xx
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Thankyou, everything is overwhelming so don’t apologise! The socks, what do I look for to get please? X
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@yjmc Im using polybalm too. Too early to say how its working, however I think my toes may have been irritated by it as red at the nail base, hands fine so I’ve stopped on feet for now to monitor. Can’t be sure its that but haven’t changed anything else.
I had compression stockings from a different surgery last year which I wore to prevent blood clotting risk, so I just wore those for my chemo. Again too early to know if helping prevent neuropathy. I’ll keep you posted. They were TED stockings, you need to measure calf for size. Good wishes to all
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Just spotted @gromit12 post now, much prettier ones than mine!
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Thanks, i will order some then
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Yeah i got white ones after surgery, probably a stupid question but are they the same even though they are tight around calves or are there different ones that work for the feet?
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@yjmc I tried asking that question when I went to pre chemo appointment! The nurse just looked puzzled at the whole idea!!
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I know exactly how you feel. As my chemo date moved from 24th to 14th I haven’t had a pre chemo appointment to discuss things and learn about what to expect. This forum has been a great source of information. Monday is going to be intense!
I didn’t know about polybarm but now I will order some (2 tubes £45) which I shall use sparingly!
I couldn’t get an appointment at the wig shop until 30th April so I’ve ordered a selection of turban and scarves to try. Unfortunately my hair isn’t long enough to donate to charity.
My scheduled dental appointment isn’t until June so I’ll just put it back a couple of months when chemo has finished. The dentist had to give approval for me to have ibandronic acid, so he’s aware of my situation.
Some lovely ladies on here talk about injections. As far as I’m aware this isn’t on my schedule?
I’m looking to get calcium D on prescription. I presume BC nurses can sort that?
Never thought of surgical socks??!!
Is there anything else I need to know in advance of Monday?
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They’re the same- I’ve got a couple of toe less pairs too
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Which type of chemo will you be having? The injections are when on EC and doxytaxal
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EC every 3 weeks x 3 then 9 x weekly Paclitaxel.
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