Thank you lovely ladies - isn’t it great to have one another ?.. about the food taste thing, I thought to myself tonight, the only difference between all of the food on my plate this evening were textures… so I’m thinking, eat lettuce and cucumber as they taste the same as chocolate! And obviously some of each kind of essential food for nutrition, but this is one of the ways I plan to beat this. Feel sick whatever I eat so may as well be healthy.
One tip I have discovered that really has worked well for me, is to have a notebook and every day, first thing when you wake up, write down your drug schedule. E.g. 10am anti nausea, etc. And for the injection at 4 pm for me to keep it regular, I set the alarm on my phone as well. I tick off each drug as I take them, and it has helped with a sense of achievement and less muddliness generally. I also write down what happened on the day when I go to bed, to kind of journal it. Looking back I think this will be helpful next cycle.
Going to to try to sleep again??. See you all in the morning - when another day begins and it will be one day nearer to the end.
I have been taking paracetamol & piggy backing it with ibrufen as the headaches have been that bad. I did remember to take my temperature first ?- crikey there’s that much to think about constantly!
I had a decent walk this teatime which helped a little
as well
I feel for you if everything tastes the same - up to press I’ve not had that side effect, I’m a rught hungry Horace at the moment!
I’m being doing a blog & using it as a journal/diary & also as a bit of release.Hopefully it will help in the next cycles
It’s been a few days since I commented - I’ve been keeping my head down to ride it all out. My first treatment was 2nd August and I think I’m now coming out the other side of this first cycle. I’ve had some nausea and have been whacked by the fatigue so I’ve been having afternoon naps but that seems to be easing off now I’ve started on the injections to boost blood cells. Never imagined I’d be able to stick a needle in myself - it’s amazing what you can do when you need to. Got an unpleasant taste in my mouth - like I constantly need to brush my teeth but I’m starting to feel a bit more like me.
Now the physical symptoms are easing the emotional ones are rising and I’m feeling panicy about leaving the house - god knows where that has come from - I mean I’ve been to South America and Africa alone but the thought of going 2miles to Tesco leaves me with a churning stomach.
Unfortunately my mind now keeps turning to hairloss. I’m practically prepared for this - wig, hats and scarves galore but not sure I’m emotionally ready. Am i alone in this? Anyone have any tips on how to cope - I’m not sure that braving the shave will be my approach…
SB - hello I’m from the June Chemo Starters, I have had 3 x FEC so far and now about to start 3 x T so know how you feel. The hair thing is a big big deal for all of us, no matter how prepared you think you are. Mine started shedding at day 12 first cycle, little bits nothing much at first, but by day 15 it was falling out everywhere, so I did brave the shave. Bloody hardest day ever I won’t lie, but once it was gone I started to accept it, I have a lovely wig which looks good and it has taken a while but I am used to it now. Not to say I can’t wait to have hair again but you do adapt, lots of ladies on here have embraced the baldness and are quite happy to go out without a covering, I don’t wear anything at home and even pop out to the bin without anything, but haven’t really braved out without a hat. Do whatever feels right for you, if you don’t wish to shave, don’t, you’ll get there when you are ready. By the way… .by cycle 2 of FEC I have spikey bits of hair still all over, and some growing, and still have eyebrows and eyelashes (little bit thinner), underarms gone, down below very thin but leg hair STILL THERE unfortunately !! Big Hugs… Kip xx
I had exactly the same once the nausea started to abate I was quite emotional & crying randomly!
One instance I was watching River Cottage Australia & some piglets were being born & I sobbed for 10 minutes. The thought of losing my hair made me cry!
Yet a few days on I feel ok emotionally & whilst not looking forward to the hair loss it’s not making me cry!
I’ve got a wig appointment next week…
You will get through this little patch but a cry probably helps longer term
Thanks for the feedback, it’s really good to hear from ladies a couple of months in front of us as it helps/prepares us for what’s coming
I’m having 3 x EC & then 3 x T so will look forward to how you cope with the T
I feel for you and hope you are ok. The ladies on here all seem so brave and upbeat about things!
I am just a day ahead of you, had 1st FEC on 1st August.
I am just starting to feel have turned a corner today but would not feel confident driving or going far on my own as so woozy headed when upright for any length of time.
I like many others am anxious about hair loss and woke suddenly and panicked this morning thinking it was all laid on my pillow!! My head is starting to tingle and am noticing strands are falling easily. The texture has altered too and am afraid to wash vigorously or blow dry. I decided not to do cold cap and just had my hair cut really short last week. Am ready with some nice head wear and will see hairdresser at chemo unit when next there. I think once it starts coming out then it will be better to accept and will soon adapt. It just seems so frightening at this stage.
Like Amb I am just coming up to end of first week having started on 2nd August.
still not really cracking the nausea - I’m going to call the nurses again tomorrow if things don’t improve.
Temp seems to peak now and then - was 37.9 a little while ago, but I feel as if I would be making a fuss if I called anyone.
Hope you escape a and e Katluan - I don’t want to go as it could all be for nothing. I’m already started on my antibiotics as I developed a sore throat yesterday.
Been sleeping or resting most of today as fatigue is ridiculous. Hope to get a whole decent night in now as that may help tomorrow.
Still in a&e, blood taken, just got to wait an hour or so for results.
Georgie a high temp can be a cause for concern and you may need blood tests too to rule out anything more serious, please do say something tomorrow when you speak to someone.
Fatigue is the worst, I started chemo the day before you Georgie so we’re practically going thru this together, chin up lovely ?
i am going to take temp again in half an hour to see if still high and have made a bargain with myself to go to a and e if it’s still high. Live in my own so lots to organise if I do…
Georgie 37.9 is high. You are not making a fuss. Ring your 24hr helpline and see what they say. You MUST look after yourself. Please please ring the helpline. Kx
Hope you are both ok - good news that you can go home Fran, Georgie think you need to phone the helpline & take advice if still high
My breast care nurse phoned today to see how I had cooed with the first chemo & the upshot is she will contact the chemo unit & sort out different anti sickness meds to try next time & a tablet for my heartburn & some special mouthwash difflam? for my sore mouth / ulcers. Result!
Thanks Kip, Jude and AMB for your kind words and support.
Georgie gee - watch that temperature - I can’t say how much it was stressed to me that a temp over 37.5 meant a call straight to the helpline - don’t take any chances!
Hope everyone has a restful night and a good day tomorrow.