February 2024 chemo starters

Thanks, I’ll give it a go tomorrow xx

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Also have the same issue, I was advised to use Hypromellose 0.3% eye drops, which I got in Boots, which seem to help. Also antihistamine tablets.

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Hi All

I started my chemotherapy in the end of February and I’m currently finishing Cycle 2. I’m doing the neoadjuvant chemotherapy for my triple negative and the current plan envisages 8 cycles in total (4 weekly cycles and then 4 EC cycles every third week).

I’m 35 and so far the whole that has been a bit better than I expected. Maybe I had really low expectations! I have been feeling quite well, eating well. Th only thing that I’ve noticed so far are nose bleeds but otherwise so far so good.

Being outside and going for walks has been working wonders for me. I immediately feel much better afterwards.

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@tinatin That is so encouraging to hear you are doing so well on chemo. I am finding that I climb back up again by Day 6 on EC. I am hoping that the 12 x Paclitaxel will be more steady as it is weekly so I’m hoping not to get the ups and downs of EC. I agree that getting out and walking does wonders. Even when I feel bad which is always Days 3 and 4, I haul my sorry backside out of the door and get moving.

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Thanks for your kind message! I’ve heard that EC is harsher than weekly Paclotaxel, so hopefully it will go smoothly for you! On my Day 1 I get Pembrolizimab, Carboplatin and Paclitaxel and afterwards I usually have a bit of fever, but Day 8 and Day 15
(Paclitaxel only) have been a breeze so far. I just live one day at a time and whenever I get up well I plan something fun for the day. This (and therapy!) keeps me going.

@tinatin That is so encouraging to hear. And hallelujah for therapy! Agreed. :smile:

I’ve realised a positive thing about having a wig this morning.

I forgot I had a “cameras on” call with my team until 5 minutes before, and I was able to throw on my wig and look presentable with 2 minutes to spare… :joy:

I’m supposed to have my last EC tomorrow, fingers crossed that my bloods will be good enough to go ahead with the session. Does anyone know if being slightly anaemic will cause a delay? As far as I can see, most things look in range bar my haematocrit levels but I don’t know if that’s serious enough to delay treatment.

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My iron and red blood cells have been at the lower end but I have been taking folic acid and both have gone up a bit. The nurse was suggesting an iron infusion or a blood infusion if needs be. I’m not sure if it’s possible to do on the day of the treatment but it shouldn’t cause a major delay I think.

@kartoffel Really good luck with that final EC. What a lovely milestone that will be. Hopefully I will also be able to go ahead with my final EC on Thursday of next week.

I have been taking Spatone water and Feroglobin liquid to try and help the red blood cells as mine were slightly low too at last week’s blood test. I didn’t know folic acid would help so thanks for that info @tinatin

I have ordered a hat with hair which I am looking forward to receiving. It’s a lightweight blue summer beanie with shoulder length blonde hair. If it’s any good I’ll showcase it here. Love that you can just throw on a wig before a team meeting. Even when your hair has grown back it would be very tempting to keep doing it. I’ve also purchased a fringe that you can whack on under a hat. This could be life-changing!

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It’s arrived! I am thrilled with my hat with hair. It really matches my own in length, colour and style. I’m not taking it off ever. If anyone is interested, it is from www.headscarvesbyciara.co.uk

Dare I say it, but I think I rather prefer it to the knitted hair and the cowboy hat but please keep it from my relatives. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

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Looks fab @salbert and pretty natural! I’ve been looking at the face framer wigs from that site but I hadn’t pulled the trigger yet.

Hiya did you have your last EC? How you feeling?
Weekly you get into a rhythm however I had EC last so can’t compare. Every week was different for me. I could ride but started off w easy horse to see how I feel before getting my fast spooky Spanish horse out!

Whatever you do, :heart:DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF :heart: if you can do it, do it! If you don’t feel like it, dont :woman_shrugging:t3:. Pretty simple, when you’re on chemo, you’re the most important person in the room and you do you!! Big hugs. Get in that bike, if you can!

Love your hat hair!!!

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Visco tears are perfect but for more permanent relief, talk to your optician and get an Optase moisture mask. 20 sec in microwave and leave on your eyes for 10min…it works wonder plus it’s super relaxing! The same brand does a spray which I love :kissing_heart:

I was seriously anaemic, had to have 3 blood transfusion and it Amy have delayed treatment by a week or so but gosh I felt so much better afterwards for it! They can organise it for you, talk to your oncologist and nurses! :kissing_heart:

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@kartoffel Thanks! I love the fact that it’s a hat so I literally just whack it on my bonce and job done. I’m taking it campervanning this weekend. Must remember not to take off my hat indoors. That could give people a shock. :rofl:

@pinklilli3s I have had 3 x ECs so have 1 to go, a week today. It gets me for about a week if I’m honest. Then I have a week of feeling ok before the next one. I like the fast spooky Spanish horse analogy! I’ve just felt generally tired and a bit breathless, which is new.

However, I love that you say do not limit yourself. I booked a campsite for the Easter weekend because I refuse to stop doing things like that. I wouldn’t have managed last weekend but figured that because it would be my ‘good weekend’, it should be doable. I think that it helps your mental wellbeing to get out and have fun and that, for me, is important. Thanks for hat hair compliment. :grin:

Have a lovely Easter weekend, everyone.
xx

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@salbert I love easy things :joy: I might have to get one myself! Enjoy the camping! I need to dig out the camping gear bc we’re planning a trip in a few weeks.

I’ve finished my last EC now, am just killing time whilst the post infusion cooling finishes off. Next treatment will be more than halfway done, so it’s a good couple of mental milestones. I’ll probably be more excited after I go home and take a nap. The puppy has learned how to bark and decided to show us his skills at 2 am… :sleeping: it’s a good thing he’s so cute.

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@kartoffel YOU DID IT! LAST EC DONE! WOOHOO!! :partying_face:

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Hooray indeed… :tada::tada: Am definitely feeling the cumulative fatigue setting in but it is good to be able to say I’m done with a part of the treatment. I’m quite nervous about the next treatment though bc of all the talk about heart damage and phesgo but I’m going to talk to my oncologist about it rather than just take the experiences of random folk on the internet.

Hiya I would get them to check your hemoglobin, being out of breath usually relates to low Hb! Good you get to enjoy easter somewhat!

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Congratulations :partying_face::partying_face::partying_face::partying_face::partying_face:!!! Xxx

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