Hi, I had my 6/6 cycle Friday 1st April. Had 3 x FEC and 3 x T.
Have appointment next Tuesday with chemo unit consultant… Brain fried, and wondered if anyone had suggested questions I should be asking? I’ve read through my folder and a bit weary of looking too much online. Thought like minded folk may have questions to ask that I might not have thought of?!
I’m having radiotherapy, 15 sessions, told probably start second week May. And will see a different consultant for this on the 19th April.
Thanks xx Tina
I’m having 5th dose on Tuesday, but saw my oncologist yesterday and as well as talking about the new side effects from my first T, she also talked to me about radiotherapy and the hormone tablets I’ll be on. This was good because it made me feel the end of chemotherapy was getting closer!!
You might want to ask why you’re having radiotherapy - not to question it, but just the reason for it. I was told I ticked the preferable boxes rather than the essential boxes. (Not her exact words - just my interpretation!) I was also given a blood test form as I’m probably through the menopause but they need to be sure so they can decide what hormone tablets I’ll be on. She said it’s likely it’ll be for 10 years.
I don’t really know what else is want to ask - there are things I personally don’t really want to know, like reoccurrence percentages for my particular circumstances because I think I’d dwell on it rather than get in with my life. But we’re all different in how we cope.
I’d maybe ask how often I’d need to see an oncologist in the future? I know we’ll have yearly mammograms but when do we get signed off from oncology?
Good luck, I’ll be interested in what you asked and how you get on 
Kim xxx
Tina, thought of a question I’d ask! It came to me while I was hoovering the stairs bizarrely! I know we will be having yearly mammograms, but from reading on here some breast cancers only show up on ultrasounds. So will we be having yearly ultrasounds too? And if not - why not!!
Good luck with your appt tomorrow!
Xxx
Oh that is a good question Kim. My tumour didn’t show on the mamogram but was found via ultrasound. I will be asking that too. I have my appointment tomorrow Tina btw. Just came across this thread accidently and glad I did!
I think it is 5 years for me before signed off from oncology although my cancer isn’t hormone receptive so I won’t be having any tablets. Might be different if on tablets for 10 years.
I will be asking if he knows when I will see my consultant plastic surgeon again to get my port out that goes to my implant. Not that he will know as he doesn’t seem to know a lot!
Also is there anything I specific I should be eating/avoiding. I have read a lot about sugar feeding cancer but don’t know how true it is. If he can’t answer I will ask for a referral to a nutritionist.
I want to make sure going forward I am doing everything in my power to make sure I don’t get cancer again, breast or ovarian, as having the braca1 gene mutation I am more susceptible.
Erm can’t think of anything else.
Vicky xx
Vicky I’m the same about food etc. Mine is ER+ so I’m going to try my best to reduce my alcohol intake as that can produce extra oestrogen in the body and sugar too (not sure if that does too mind) Think if I’m really good in the week then I can enjoy the weekends without going over the top! I also read there’s new research to suggest that fasting for 13 at night helps reduce reoccurrence. We don’t eat until after 7:30pm as a general rule and I can’t function without breakfast before I head off to school, so an earlier evening meal is definitely going to be something I’m going to be strict on once the chemotherapy has stopped and I stand a better chance of not snacking throughout the evening!! I have told myself that I’ll do the best I can and try not to preach to family and friends - don’t want to lose them, haha!!
Good luck with your appointment
Xxx
I spoke with the genetics lady about ovarian as it is a possibility for me. There are not really a lot of signs to point it out as they present a lot like other minor things. Here ia an NHS link that tells you symptoms. You’ll see what I mean.
nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-ovary/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
I must ask about hair too. Want to know what I can do to get it to grow faster! My best friend had a little hair loss after giving birth. She said her doctor had given her a prescription for a cream that helped it grow. She said it was a little like the well known hair growth things on the tv that men use.
So May is it when it is out of our system. I was wondering that too. Thanks for the info Tina xx
Interesting Vicky! I’ve an apt with GP next week re phased return and gym referral! I’ll ask about hair stuff on prescription! Was looking at it all in boots other day!!
Good luck at gym today!! Xx
Thanks. Think I might need it. I have no idea what to expect!
Xx
Thanks for that Tina! That’s going to be really helpful to me for questioning my oncologist in the future! So I’m guessing as I’m approx a month behind you both, the chemo will be out of my system around June, which will be when my radiotherapy will start. Had no5 yesterday - relaxing and taking it easy before side effects kick in when the injections start tomorrow!
Good luck at the gym Vicky!
Xxx
Thanks Kim. I am nervous. Really don’t know what about exactly though. Good luck with cycle 5 se’s xx
Hi Ann
I put chia seed in all my smoothies. I use blueberries a lot! Not banana though as doesn’t matter how much i know it is good for me I start gagging and feel like I will throw up with the texture, taste and smell! I know it is a big pain but I really can’t. Tried so many times. Can’t even disguise the taste in smoothies.
Been eating a lot of green leafy veg. Did you know cauliflower and broccoli count in that. My friend is training as a holistic therapist and says broccoli sprouts are very good for cancer fighting vitamins etc. Going to get a kit and grow some! Xx