Hope you’re ok. I found day 4-7 the hardest days (v weak). But from day 8 it starts getting easier each day. I’ve followed the same side effects on the same days on both cycles. X
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Thanks - ready for some rough days. Will wait and see. Nice to have others on here for advice xx
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Have a look at the Paxman and YouTube videos - some links in March 2025 starters. After 3 EC and cold capping I have still got most of my hair , few thin bits on top but not needed my wig yet. Not sure how Docetaxal will change this as only just had the first one. 
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This is such a great tip before chemo I’d wear make up every day but just haven’t bothered but maybe this is the trick to feeling more human again
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Has anyone had a dose reduction with their chemo?! I’m going to speak with the Bcn tomorrow see if I can do this I haven’t had one feeling normal day in 3 weeks!
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It really makes a difference, then when you glance in the mirror or a reflection you look like you. I find it picks me up. If I don’t put on makeup then I look and then feel worse. Sometimes I only put on some foundation and eyeliner but it’s enough to wake up my face!
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I am going to do this from today!! As I’m so used to a bit of make up when I don’t wear it I look ill!
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Yes do it! Honestly it really helps lift your mood x
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Had my first EC on Thursday morning. Started vomiting about 4 hours later which didn’t stop until Friday morning. I’m going to start taking anti sickness meds straight away next time if I’m allowed. Just fatigue now really on day 4.
Not sure I’ll continue with Cold cap. Nurse insisted on me keeping it on for 90 minutes post treatment and it started to get quite miserable.
Husband is doing my injections. We’re using my thighs rather than my stomach because I feel kinda freaked out about injecting my tummy!
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@greenqueen I took my anti sickness regularly right from the end of the session to prevent me feeling sick in the first place and they added some stronger ones for the first few days. Ondansteron causes constipation So I was straight on the laxido to stop that happening xx
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I did the same as you, I take as per the sheet to keep on top it it and I set alarms on my phone as a reminder x
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It’s a vicious cycle when you start vomiting as then you can’t keep the meds down. GP has prescribed me melt in the mouth Ondansetron for next time to help if this situation arises. It was those that calmed the nausea down for me. I took Movicol last night, wish I had started earlier! I’ve gone off coffee which is my usual ‘stimulant’ in the morning (apologies for the too much information)
Bit worried about the day 5 crash. Days 1 and 2 were bad enough!
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Hope you’re ok. The crash is horrible. The oncologist is tapering my steroids this time to try and prevent a crash….or soften the load a bit!
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@greenqueen ondansteron is the best! I never had a day 5 crash xx
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there has been lots of us over the years had a dose reduction hopefully you will have less se’s with a dose reduction 
Shi xx
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Tomorrow is my first cycle 
I’m starting to get frightened and anxious tonight and worrying about all the side effects…
After telling me how bad the treatment is for my veins they then told me not too worry because I would get a PICC line. They didn’t book me in to have one fitted which really upset me when I had my pre treatment phone call and I’m feeling less confident in the treatment I’m getting.
It makes me think that I’m not getting a very good level of care if I’m honest and I’m finding the lack of support really upsetting but am struggling to advocate for myself as I get so upset.
Sorry - just feeling really terrified about tomorrow and worried that I’m not going to be looked after 
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I’m really sorry you’re feeling so anxious. These feelings are really normal. I don’t think I slept the night before/of/after. I had my first dose last Wednesday and am now day 5. I have ‘bad’ veins too and didn’t get fitted with a picc line in time for my first infusion. I usually suffer terribly also (mastectomy, woke up with a cannula in my foot and 2 blown veins in wrist and hand).
However… The chemo nurses are excellent. Extremely experienced and caring. Tell them about your vein issue, tell them you are very sensitive and they can decide to do a slower infusion and will also do extra checks etc on the cannula area. I had a 2 hour infusion of Docetaxel rather than 1 hour plus 30 mins cyclophosphamide, and other than localised bruising that came out the next day, I had no issues.
Don’t hesitate to tell them ALL of your concerns. I felt like a hypocondriac but I’m so glad I did. I had peace of mind because I let them know all of the concerns pre and on the day.
Depending on whether you’re on steroids, you might find it harder to sleep anyway as they keep you alert. Even if just resting your body, try to give yourself grace and practice deep breathing. It can really help.
Good luck for tomorrow 
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@kayb26 tough start and I think you’re getting great advice from @maxyb - tell them about your concerns and the discrepancies in what you’ve been told and ask for clarity. Very best for tomorrow, we’re all here behind you.
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Please try not to worry. I was really anxious too but everyone at the unit was lovely, and asked all the things I was worried about. As the nurse did the infusion she kept asking if I was ok with everything and they took it slowly. They know you will be worried and will be patient with you I am sure.
Just think this time tomorrow it will be done.
Good luck and let us know how it goes
Xxxx
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Thank you x
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