@bigpickle at least you’ll get a break at Christmas, hopefully x
@lou6 and @bigpickle My radiotherapy starts sometime in January but I’ve not heard anything about a CT, other than a cardio CT for heart muscle problem and some thoracic lesions’? Tbh that is bothering me more at the moment - why did I suddenly need to have a heart problem? but suppose I should be grateful they’ve picked it up. I’ll be on so many pills after all this! Trying to be positive but there have been so many scans and echos and ultrasounds…. I am truly grateful for the NHS though, just a tad overwhelmed 
. Hoping you’re all managing ok this weekend 
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@lou6 
great! So happy you’ve also got to the end of chemo! It’s such a relief! Had my last filgrastim injection last night thank goodness. Now to try and revive my hair 
and try to feel normal 
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Hi
Yes I know what you mean about being overwhelmed. I have 4 appointments next week, I can never forget what it is that has caused this. I wish I could just switch off but I can’t. Feeling a bit fed up at the moment.
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@bigpickle that does sound a bit much . I do understand. I was happy to finish chemo but then got the cardio consultant’s letter which sort of dampened my spirits 
. Oh well we’ll get through it I guess!
Yes, I imagine it did. Oh, for a normal life again.
We shall overcome, and I am going to do lots next year……can’t wait.
Xx
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Does anyone know if after we finish chemo but still potentially on phesgo (until surgery at the earliest) we need to continue with filgrastim?
I am pretty sure you don’t. Whilst it can affect your immune system, I am sure it is not as brutal as chemo. I have got to have Herceptin jabs for 12 months, so similar. I think they just take your temperature before you have an injection.
Not an expert though 
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I really hope not. I don’t mind having to take other meds (especially if they’re pills) but don’t fancy filgrastim for potentially next year too, bad enough likely having to keep having phesgo.
Thank you 
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No, I don’t want to be taking filgrastim for a year either !
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Hi
No filgrastim or steroids with phsego or herceptin, after chemo.
I think I would consider not going ahead if it we had to!
I have been informed you only need bloods every 3 months also.
My house is fully in the spirit of Christmas! It’s amazing how much you can get done when on steroids
My legs are not thankful and very swollen with fluid! I was hoping that getting around a bit more today would help but clearly not!
I am having the dreaded round 5 carboplatin in and Docetaxal tomorrow it’s been a lovely 4 week break, I’m hoping for a five week break and having my 6th and lady on the 30th December.
I hope you have all had a lovely weekend xxx
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Hi
Day 7 of second docetaxel cycle. Temperature is driving me soft. First thing this morning, literally whilst I was sitting in bed, it was 38.2. Here we go again I thought. Gave it 15 minutes, now 37.6 ! So I called the emergency helpline for advice. Explained everything , I feel fine, mild bowel issue, but don’t feel ill. So I had to take it whilst on the call….37.1. Advised to take it this afternoon and if raised, or I feel ill, ring for advice. I find this aspect the most difficult to deal with. I am keeping everything crossed that it remains below the limit. 
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@bigpickle hope it gets under control.
When I was on EC I was told not to check my temperature unless I felt ill . Not sure if this changes when on docetaxel which I start tmrrw and I’m really scared and dreading it ! Not sure I’ll turn up if I’m honest 
Hi @epic1 ,
You’ve been through EC and made it:muscle:
and you will do so again A tight hug and wishing all goes well tomorrow xx
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Another trip to A&E last night. Temperature decided to spike again about 8pm, measured 38.2. I have never seen A&E so busy, it was crazy. They did at least put me away from the general waiting area and I did have IV antibiotics about 2.5 hours after arriving. They said there were no beds anywhere. I was put on a drip in a triage office and spent 5 hours on an examination couch. At least I was isolated. Bloods were “almost perfect”. And I never felt poorly. Doctor thinks it was filgrastim injections causing the spike, but neutrophils for a change were ok. Doubtless in 3 weeks time I will be back 
@bigpickle no…. you’ll be so glad to be in your own bed tonight. How frustrating but best to get checked I suppose. Wonder why the injections cause a temperature only in some people? Bet you feel exhausted 
. Get some rest today! xx
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Hello
We are very quiet on here!
How are you all doing?
I had CT radiotherapy planning appointment yesterday. It was not quite what I expected tbh. I must admit the clamp over my nose and the breathing tube thing came as a bit of a shock. I suffer with asthma but did manage 25 seconds of holding my breath. Not a very dignified position lying on the bed . They gave me my first appointment date which was the day after my last docetaxel! I said what happens if I am not well enough ? Anyway long story short, I think someone made a mistake as they called this morning to say the consultant says I must have a 3 week gap, so my first is 2 January….thats better.
I do think my reduced dose is a benefit. Bowels are a bit happier and I don’t have any mouth problems yet. Just feel tired more than anything and a bit breathless. I do have an awful taste in my mouth though.
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What did they clamp over your nose and what was the breathing tube? That doesn’t sound like fun…and not something I had in my planning appointment. I’m back at the hospital tomorrow for a “day zero” appointment - something to do with the position I have to be in for radiotherapy and checking the machine doesn’t collide with anything I think! I’ll update after!
Hello @bigpickle
Ive been quiet recently as thankfully ive had nothing to report!
I moved onto the weekly paclitaxol infusions a few weeks back and have had 4 out of the 12 so far. Due to finish 20 January then will have a 3 week break before 15 sessions of radiotherapy.
So far the weekly paclitaxol has been so much better than the EC. Not really had any side effects to speak of…long may that last.
Ive been keeping up with everyone’s posts and pleased to see some of you have finished your chemo already or are due to very soon.
Sorry that some of you are still having a few bad experiences but there is definitely light at the end of the chemo tunnel.
Take care all
Xx
Hi
It’s called active breathing coordinator….if you google it you can see videos/photos. Like a snorkel in the mouth with a nose clamp. This is because it was my left breast that had the cancer so I have to do breathing techniques to move my heart out the way.