I’ve decided to stop as I’m having a rough time on EC so without the cold cap it’ll decrease the time. I’ve looked into wearing it without any hair but it’s meant to be painful so overall decided to stop. Especially as I’ll be going over to weekly so it now means a quicker weekly treatment. I was holding onto my hair so well then 2nd treatment and it just all came away. It was v fast so we shaved it on a number 4. It wasn’t as upsetting shaving it up to it coming out x
Sitting on sofa, nice and cosy with my daughter cooking some supper 
2 Likes
I decided against the cold cap only because I didn’t want to be in the treatment centre for additional time and am prone to migraines, but saw and spoke with quite a few ladies who had success with the cap when I was there one lady was on her last treatment and you wouldn’t know she had lost any hair at all! I’m two weeks post first chemo and mine has definitely started to shed today I’ve done similar to a few of you and went short a few weeks ago and will buzz it tomorrow
2 Likes
Lots of people say it’s around day 15 after first cycle when shedding starts x
1 Like
Hi everybody. I just found this site so happy to find others going through similar journeys! I’m 45, and I started chemo here in Canada on April 9th and will be gearing up for 5 more rounds of docetaxel/carboplatin and Herceptin for 17x. I had a DMX in February and have expanders in right now.
I’m triple positive and stage 2 - just discovered in a routine mammogram and I couldn’t even feel the tumors. Surgery pathology confirmed there were 9 (screening showed 2).
This is my 2nd go round with cancer. In 2015 I found a couple lumps (stage 1) > had lumpectomy > ACT + Herceptin > radiation and Tamoxifen for 5 years.
My first chemo this time was a lot. Since I reacted to Taxol last time (couldn’t breathe…) they loaded me up with days of steroids, antihistamines and more. They gave me cold mitts and they were SO COLD!!! I was in the chair a total of 7.5 hours (slow drip, monitoring periods etc.).
I didn’t puke once which was a surprise (I recall that from ACT) so those anti nausea drugs are good these days! I will say I was wiped out for a good 8+ days post (which included 7 days of filgrastin shots in the belly) and I think I caught a cold from having low defences (and having two school age kids at home). I also had a lot of tummy/loose poop side effects which is not great when also feeling so drained.
I finally started feeling good a couple days ago and will try to enjoy life and do some things before my next go on the 30th…
3 Likes
@fowkey72 yes you can take ibuprofen too. I also took a flask of hot ribena to sip, and some hand warmers to put on my cheeks in the first 15 minutes. Good luck! Xx
I don’t suffer with bad skin, but 9 days post first chemo and my face is erupting into spots and boils. I’ve had a small blister by the side of my nose. Has anyone else suffered with this? I have facial scrubs & washes but not sure if they are suitable during chemo.
Update: Signed up to the skincare & makeup virtual workshop tomorrow 
@triplepositive welcome to the group although sorry you’re here. Glad you are starting to feel a bit better. What interval are you on between sessions?
Thanks for the welcome @carrie5 
My protocol is to go in every three weeks. I’m assuming if they are proactive filgrastin-ing me that I will likely stay on schedule. Round two will be on the 30th.
@maria1970 Good morning lovely lady, How are you feeling today? I hope you managed a good night’s sleep.
Morning @gerbera1, thanks so much for checking in. I’m doing ok so far. I got home yesterday at just gone 3pm… decided to clean the bathroom, hoover the house and water the garden! Then settled on the sofa at 5pm as was feeling a little sleepy and had a lovely nap. Hubby made prawn linguine for dinner, which was amazing. By 8pm, I was struggling to stay awake, so decided that an early night was needed. Lights out at 8.30pm… the problem with going to bed that early is that I was awake at 1.30am, then 3am, then 4am, when I needed a poo! and I didnt manage to fall back to sleep until 5.30am. Finally woke again at 7.30am.
Even though my night was a little unsettled, I’m pretty happy with how day 1 went. I felt a little dizzy while I was in the chemo chair, but I had a couple of haribos which seemed to do the trick.
I’m hoping for an uneventful day 2.
How are you feeling? Sorry to hear about your breakouts. I was told not to use any actives on my skin during chemo, so check the ingredients in the products you’re using. Things like retinoids, vit c, etc. I personally would avoid face scrubs as they can be quite harsh on the skin.
2 Likes
Thank you so much! Found their website yesterday and it’s been really helpful! Just need Thursday to come and go so I can get back to sleeping!!
That’s very positive feedback, I’m so pleased you’re doing well. Delighted you had no 
issues. I think I’m still traumatised 
Keep up with all the drug taking, it becomes a full time job!
I went to bed covered in antiseptic cream last night. I’ve signed up to the virtual skincare workshop tomorrow morning
Rest and enjoy your day today 
Just wondering how you are @warmfuzzies, I know you got delayed from your April start. Did your lymphatic system problem get sorted?
1 Like
Has your face calmed down a little this morning? Let me know how the workshop goes?
I’ve done the hair & wig and the hands & nails workshops so far, both as virtual meetings. I think I’d like to do a face 2 face workshop next.
1 Like
Hi @maria1970
I like the Haribo idea (anytime not just for chemo!) I have been to see the Onco this morning and picc line put in yesterday so I am almost ready. 8.45 Friday I will be in the chair and I am wearing to get nervous now but also just want to get on with it.
Good to hear you are doing well.
@gerbera1 sorry to hear your skin is affected. I would ditch the chemicals completely. Your skin reacts more when on chemo I think. Hope it improves soon.
Have a good rest of the day
Xxx
3 Likes
Hey @carrie5 it’s all calmed down now, thanks for asking. Seems it was a reaction to the surgery. Not usual but as long as it wasn’t DVT or infection then they expected it to go, and it did.
I’m feeling quite good today so I think it was just a blip. X
4 Likes
Hope everyone is doing well today? I’m on day 6 and thankfully been fine past couple days. Just one thing i never really thought of and thats the trips to the toilet during the night! I’m 42 so thought had years ahead of me before I would start doing this 
3 Likes
Hey hope you’re ok, good to hear you’ve had surgery and recovering well. I’ve been thinking of you x
1 Like
Update on my docetaxel allergic reaction to my 2nd chemo yesterday. I’ve been given an oncologist appointment for 6th May so I’ll see what they are going to do. I’ve read that some people have had Abraxane (it’s paclitaxel with a protein - albumin added - the things you learn in this process!), so maybe that will be offered, but who knows. I’m feeling ok today, yay. Been doing light things - getting a bit organised, washing up, putting washing out in garden. And watching Astrid in Paris which is enjoyable). Managed to sleep normally despite steroids. Good luck everyone x Keeping an eye on bowel movements and may take laxido sachet later today. Nurse suggested waiting to see but I’m all for heading it off at the pass!!
2 Likes