August 2018 Chemo starters

Going through breast cancer treatment Chemotherapy monthly threads
21

Hello August ladies, sorry you find yoursleves here and sorry to see some of you are suffering SEs of chemo.  I have had 3 Fec and will be having 3 T staring August 13th.  I have already had a mx and will be having nodes removed, rads and hormone tabs after that.  I’ve found the worst effects to be nausea bit like being pregnant in waves but I take the meds and they are bearable after that.  I’ve worn anti sickness bands, nibbled anything I fancied and tried to drink lots, important to flush it all through.  If you are taking steroids be prepared for an energy and emotional dip for a day or so after you finish them, for me day 67 but it passes too.  Just take things easy listen to your body and you will get through.  As for hair loss, mine started shedding on day 12 and by 15 it was falling everywhere so had to brave the shave.  I won’t lie it was tough but once its gone the relief was immense as the waiting and worrying about when will it go was worse.  I still have eyebrows and lashes at moment but e everywhere else is gone. … everywhere:smileywink: as KTK said some of us have posted our baldies on the June thread.  

Take care ladies take one day at a time Kip xxxx

22

So I have my first chemo session this morning and as I’m going to give the cold cap a try I was getting a few things together last night to keep me comfortable. So a warm wrap, some ridiculously fluffy slippers socks, a few snacks, some puzzle books and the flask to make some hot chocolate. My partner washed the flask through as we haven’t used it for a while. I’ve just come to make said hot chocolate and was looking at the flask thinking something wasn’t quite right but wasn’t sure what - I then realised it just had a pop on lid not a screw lid. Well that’s a bit rubbish I thought - it could leak in the bag. How have we managed before with it in the rucksack?? I then realised it was the cocktail shaker…

Happy days ladies - hope this made you smile xx

23

Cocktails and chemo! Fab idea! ? should be available on prescription ?

24

Just had my first FEC and so far feel fine… had been t at 11.30 as it took them half an hour to find a vein… 

is my body playing tricks with me or should I see this as the calm before the storm?.. 

thanks 

25

Thanks for your chemo bag ideas. Hopefully I am all set for tomorrow.

 

Had a great day yesterday. I went to an amazing wig shop in Ware with a lovely consultant called Amanda. The experience could not be more different to the shop I went to in London. Thank goodness I tried again. Thats not to say it might prove too much faff in reality but I’ve now orderd one that I am very happy with - in the other shop I just felt I looked my father in drag!!

 

Today though I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. I had a portacath inserted this morning and my chest looks like I’ve been punched by a gorilla. Swollen and huge bruising. I cant believe they said I can have this a day before chemo! I don’t care about the discomfort, I’m more worried that they may delay chemo and want it to heal a bit first. It looks so raw. My husband lives in Switzerland and has flown over for 3 nights. He wont be able to be here next week. I guess I just have to wait until the nurse and doctor look at it tomorrow. Despite reading all the literature I didnt expect to feel and look like this. 

 

Has anyone else got a portacath? Did it look horrible after insertion? Did it take long to heal?

 

Fingers crossed for tomorrow

 

 

 

26

Georgie gee - that’s good to hear.

I had my first EC this morning. Attempted the cold cap but gave up after about 30 mins - it was cold, heavy and tight and it was starting to make me feel nauseous. Couldn’t bear the thought of wearing it for another 2-3 hours for there only to be a possibility it might work and then have to go through the same the next 5 times. Hats off to the ladies that do cope with this - the nurse told me everyone has a different experience so please don’t let my account put you off if you are considering it - my advice would be to try it and see.

SE wise - we got home about 2pm and I started to eat anything that wasn’t nailed down, had a bit of a fuzzy head, started to feel a bit nasueous around 4:30 so laid on the sofa with eyes shut feeling sorry for myself. However I’ve hauled myself upstairs to brush teeth and wash face and I’m feeling better so not sure if the nausea was imagined.
I’ve been monitoring my drink intake since getting home - one large coffee and I’m on my 4th pint of water - just don’t seem to be peeing enough out though I am peeing!! Oh what things I share with peeps I do know - it’s quite cathartic though.

Keep smiling I guess xx

27

Hi SB fabulous about the cocktail shaker… Maybe wishful thinking?  You should have taken it along to chemo and got it out … Would have been funny to see the nurses face!

You all seem to be getting along well, keepnup the drinking they thought maybe not the cocktails!

28

Georgie, if they have problems finding a vein I am surprised they haven’t suggested a Picc line. This is a permanent port that goes in your arm. It is flushed once a week and then bloods taken before chemo and chemo delivered through it. No more needles.

Multitasker the portacath is more invasive than the Picc. Is there a reason they gave you a portacath? Kx

29

Hello ladies.

Yesterday I had my picc fitted, no problems there as apparently I have large veins and then my first EC a couple of hours later and so far so good, slight nausea but barely noticeable it certainly hasn’t curbed my appetite, the meds seem to be doing their thing. I am trying not to feel smug though as I’m aware it’s only been a day lol. I suspect I could be in for a rubbish weekend but I’ll carry on taking it a day at a time and see what happens.

The chemo centre experience was grand, lovely staff and patients, I was only there a few short hours and I think the volunteers came round with a trolley of drinks and snacks at least three times! My nurse said I was very calm and well prepared for a first timer (I didn’t know what to expect so hadn’t brought anything with me, just my lovely daughter) but from what I could see everyone there appeared to be relaxed; a few slept and there was lots of chatting and laughter among others, altogether it was not an unpleasant experience. Still peeing a bit pink tho!

Lots of hugs and luck to all of you. Keep posting, it’s great to hear how you’re all doing.

Fran x

30

Hi Ladies

Pleased to see you all mainly seem to be coping with the chemo
I’ll be honest I’ve had a shocking week - mega nauseous, vomiting, heartburn, so tired although it is hot & now got s couple of moth ulcers. Fuzzy head starting to clear today though.Also been a bit weepy the last 2 days which is not like me at all.
For the 2nd cycle I’m gong to see if they can change my anti sickness meds, as the drugs don’t work ?
Had to cancel my wig appointment as was too ill to travel. Well done to you ladies who have founds wigs that you are happy with. I’ve ordered & received today a couple of scarves from www.hipheadwear.co.uk - quite nice to be fair

Take care
Jude x

31

Or even mouth ? ulcers!! x

32

Hi Ladies,

 

My first post…

 

I had a lumpectomy in July and my treatment plan consists of FEC and T and Herceptin, among other things. I have my chemo assessment on Monday with a view to first chemo session on 10th August (as long as all tests can be completed in time). 

 

Really helpful to read all your updates…sets the scene for what’s ahead! 

 

Loving the cocktail shaker idea…if only! :slight_smile:

 

X

33

Morning ladies. How are you all today?
I’m from the Oct 2017 thread and finished 6x FEC-T in Jan 2018.
If you have any questions feel free to ask or pop over to the Oct thread and leave a message on there.
X

34

Morning ladies

This is my first post but have found the forum really useful in the build up to having treatment. So thank you!

I had lumpectomy and node biopsy a month ago, found to be invasive ductal grade 3 negative to all hormones but no spread to lymph nodes.

I had my first FEC of x6 FEC-T on 1st August and so far have survived!! Then it’s radiotherapy (80mile round trip everyday for 4 weeks)

The treatment itself went fine, was in the department for 3 hours, was offered lunch whilst there. The other patients seemed quite happy too. I took my 21year old daughter for company which was a good idea. I had decided beforehand not to try the cold cap as my hair is very short and I have just prepared myself for losing it now.

I have bought some nice head wear in readiness and have an appointment to see the hairdresser at the chemo unit next time I go to look at wigs, get some advice etc.

The afternoon I got home The nausea kicked in and I took the metachlorpromide regularly that day. Was awake by 2am pounding headache and nausea so not much sleep had.

Yesterday started the steroids 2mg x3 times a day and have got to say helped the nausea. Started feeling flushed in the face late afternoon and it is still the same this morning. Don’t feel unwell though. 

Was awake again at 3am last night but did eventually get back to sleep.

Appetite not been too good for a few days(no bad thing as need it to come off, not gain) just drinking lots of fluids to flush toxins through. Pee is less pink today!!  Need to eat when take steroid so things like rice cake, banana, yogurt was managed yesterday.

I am lucky to have lots of friends and family support around me and for that I am grateful.

good luck to all you ladies out there going through it as well.

Be brave, strong and take what the hell they throw at us next!!!

???

35

Morning Ladies, just popping onto your thread to wish you all the best. I finished 8 rounds of FEC-T in October 2017 and life is all back to normal. Here is my blog which has lots of chemo tips which we gathered between us along the way: lifeafterlola.blogspot.com
You can get through this, it’s all doable. I hope I’ve shone a light at the end of the tunnel for you in sone way. Xxx

36

Hi AMB. It sounds as if your take home meds need adjusting. Ask for Emend. I think they are reluctant to prescribe it because it is expensive but it is very good. I also have Ondanestron with the Metaclpramide as an as and when back up bi am also triple negative like you. I’ve had 3 of the 6 cycles. Headache and sleeplessness for all three. You will feel better in a few days and be fine for the following two weeks. Good luck with your treatment kx

37

Hi Ladies

 

Had my first dose of EC this morning. I was real worried about the Portacath but nurses said it was fine to use.  Georgie Gee just be prepared for some bruising. The procedure doesnt hurt but a bit disconcerting ?. the oncologist came round but said once equipment is in, its good to go. He warned that chemo slows down healing so be super careful keeping it clean etc.

 

Used the cold cap, no lie, its uncomforatble at first - think ice cream headache but after 20 mins I was Ok. Its bulky and gets in the way a bit. Helped that today was so super hot. Just have to wait and see if it helps at all.

 

Main SE at the mo is extremely light headed. Almost felt like I was coming round from anaesthetic earlier, which Nurse said could also be to do with the cold cap. Still feeling woozy at home now.

 

Jude, I was told not to take steroids in the evening bc they would stop me sleeping. Maybe something to ask next time?

 

Sorry to hear you’re feeling sick AMB67 - hopefully they can swop the drugs a bit. It seems everyone is using something different.

 

Picking my wig up on wednesday, Sunflower. Hope I’m feeling ok.

 

Good to hear you are doing ok Katluan, and hope your tests come back OK Cat67

 

38

Hi Multitasker
No worries I couldn’t work out how to use the house phone earlier - chemo brain!
Yes I’m going to see if they can give me different anti sickness meds next cycle
Have improved today though, actually eaten a meal tonight!
Jude x

39

Hi very good tip to take steroids morning and lunch time as it helps with sleeping.  My nurse writes on the various boxes when to take them as I always get muddled.

40

I start tomorrow on a trial of Cabazitaxel. Had primary 6 years ago but now have secondaries in lung, bones and lung. Had FEC T for 18 weeks last time followed by 6 years of anastrozole but became resistant to it, big shock with diagnosis. But we keep smiling and taking the medication. Good luck to all other August starters X