@pineapples123
Hi, I’m back.
Long day! Was at hospital for 6 hours.
Hour late going in anyway.
Then nurse does all the checks first.
The actual procedure was fine, my friend was allowed in room with me which helped, staff all lovely.
Typical for me couldn’t get it in first time, 2nd attempt successful but I had to have 2 x rays to check it was positioned correctly & they had to pull the line out slightly to get it right. So I was in for about an hour usually it’s apparently only 30 minutes.
Little bit uncomfortable tonight but that’s probably normal especially as my one attempt failed.
I had a short sleeve top on & didn’t have to change into robe at all for procedure.
I’ve been told as long as my blood’s & ECG ok I’m having my first chemo now Thursday
Hopefully they will give you a start date to.
Hi wba
Thanks for update. They have changed mine to 6 th February now. Apparently I will get my picc line in and have chemo straight after. I have to be there for 8 am. I haven’t heard from chemo unit so will have to have an assessment with them.
Have they mentioned that you have to give yourself injections for a few days after chemo to increase white blood cells?
Also are you going to do cold cap?
Xx
That’s good you got some dates. Early start, hope you don’t have far to go?
No mention of injections today.
Only thing I was given was anti sickness tablets to take an hour before.
Told to make sure I have thermometer which I already have.
loads more stuff to read & a book to log everything in for medication.
I’ve decided not to cold cap. I Watched the Amy Dowden documentary & just felt it’s not for me.
Already got my wig ordered & pleased with it, got some bamboo head caps that you can put a nice scarf on top.
Hate the thought of my hair going.know I will be upset but preparing myself as much as I can.
So much to take in at the appointment’s at the moment.
I ordered a shower protector for the Picc line off Amazon & picked tips up of previous thread’s that were useful.
Are you going to cold Cap?
Hi wba
Yes I’m going to cold cap. Going to see about a wig next week just in case cold cap doesn’t work very well. I’ve been looking on Amazon and got some things in basket ready to buy. Got the picc line cover. There was also a picc line sort of arm covering to wear in general which I thought I might get. Thought I’d get some hair bands and scarves as hair will thin even with cold cap. Is yours going to be every week at first?
Xx
Hi @pineapples123
Hope the cold cap goes well for you. Hopefully you will get on ok with it.
Yes, I’ve ordered a nice cover of Amazon, see what it’s like when it arrives.
Also got some queasy sweets someone recommended.
I’m going to be weekly for 12 weeks.
I’m triple negative, apparently that’s the standard treatment for they type I have. Then 3 weekly after.
So full 6 months for me before surgery.
Just got to try & keep positive, not alway’s easy is it.
Have my moment’s up & down.
So nice to share things as we go forward.
Hi wba
Yes definitely good to talk to other people going through same thing. Got lovely friends and family, but feel like I’m out on a limb sometimes. Mine is oestrogen positive but just moderately and it was multi focal too. I had mastectomy in December . So now the chemo. Mine is also a grade 3 so more aggressive. Sometimes I feel ok about things . Then others I’m in a right state . Thinking it’s spreading all over. Do you have family, children?
Xx
I feel exactly the same as you. Worries about what is ahead.
It’s hard just getting our heads around all the diagnosis terms.
So much to read & take in.
I know I’m grade 2 but still not given me stage. Awaiting call tomorrow after I called again yesterday. As I have lymph node involvement. So scan results needed.
It natural for us to feel like this. I had a good cry last night sitting just looking at the Picc line. Reality set in that this is not just a bad dream.
Does me good sometimes to let it all out.
I try hard to keep it together in front of friends & family.
I have a grown up Son & Daughter & 2 granddaughters who I worry I won’t see grow up. I’m very close to them. That’s why I’ve got to fight this.
Have you got children?
I’ve had my ECG today & Picc line dressing changed.
Also been matched to someone like you. Lady who had similar diagnosis previously.
I’m staying with you in February group even though I’m starting earlier than expected.
We will get through this time ahead of us.
Pleased I eventually signed up to this it really helps.
Hi wba
I’ve got 3 grown up kids. Boy 27 boy 22 and girl 18. Eve whose 18 has just gone to university. No grandchildren yet. I had breast cancer back in 2015. Same breast. It was a more slow growing one. Grade 1 . However it had gone to a lymph node so I had lymph nodes removed then and lumpectomy. No chemo Just radio therapy. It came back in same breast. Not really sure if it is a new primary as in a different place. Can’t have radiotherapy in same breast again. I had a CT scan back in September. Thankfully at time didn’t show up anywhere else. It was so nerve racking waiting. Was really messed around by Durham hospital because I wanted immediate reconstruction. Ended up changing hospitals. Been very stressful.
Been back to hospital today as had convinced myself I had found lump in other breast. They were really lovely. Gave me a ultra sound to ease my mind and they said all ok. But it does help to cry sometimes and get it out your system.
Did you find it yourself or was it from a mammogram.
I’m glad you staying on febs group. However I’m sure it would be fine to chat on January group as they going through it and be helpful.
Did you ring up to be put in touch with someone like me. I’m thinking of doing that
Xx
Hi, @pineapples123
Sound’s like you’ve had a stressful time changing hospital. The waiting just makes you more anxious.
Presumably they had been keeping checks on you since your last diagnosis. Or did you notice something?
Sounds like they were very understanding today to reassure you.
I found the lump myself in December. My last mammogram was February 23 which was clear then but 2 years ago.
Just glad I went to get it checked had not felt anything before this.
The breast cancer now site put me in touch. With the volunteer. I think you can call them & they will arrange it.
My hospital nurse contacted them for me.
You must miss your daughter going off to uni. I know our house felt empty when my daughter went off.few years ago now as she is 33 now
I’m already stressing about tomorrow.
I’m not sure what I’m scared of most the chemo or the surgery to come.
How did you find the surgery?
Xx
Hi
Are you having a lumpectomy? I had one back in 2015 and it was fine. Although they didn’t get clear margins and I had to have another one. Also sentinel node biopsy found a bit in 2 of nodes so had full clearance. That made armpit painful but nothing I couldn’t deal with. Then radiotherapy was ok. I was under them for 5 years. Back in July I noticed a dint in my breast . And felt lump. So went myself. I should have gone earlier and was annoyed with myself. As it was same breast had to have mastectomy
I wanted immediate reconstruction. Ended up having the one where take fat from abdomen and reconstruct new boob. The blood supply has to be connected. Unfortunately mine failed. Doesn’t happen very often but mine did. Devastated at time but can have another reconstruction after chemo using fat and muscle from back. Only upside is my stomach is nice and flat now. Even that operation I have healed quite well from. So far it’s been the mental pain affecting me more than physical pain. But haven’t had chemo yet. However people get through it and there are lots of things you can take to get through it. I think everyone will have a slightly different experience. I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow. Do you know how long the session will last.
Hopefully after the chemo your lump may have shrunk a bit.
Xx
Still sat having my chemo at the moment. On my third bag
Apparently I’m here for 5 hours today as the Carboplatin & Pembrolizumab only go in evey3 weeks.
Currently got the Paclitaxel going in.
Next week should be shorter session. I’m the QE Birmingham it only 15 minutes from home.
You went through a lot in 2015. You got through that & you will again I’m sure.
We will both have many up’s & down’s gong forward but can share how we feel.
Know mentally it’s hard m, I struggle as well, especially when trying to be brave for the family when deep down just scared.
Good you went to get yourself checked when you felt something not right.
same with me, I keep beating myself up thinking why had I noticed earlier. Feel I’ve let them all down & they all need me.
Only had one wobble today when I got here, so much to take in.
Not really anyone to chat to by me today here & I love getting to know other’s I’m very sociable.
The chair’s do change regularly as lots of in & outs.
I’m having full mastectomy & hopefully reconstruction afterwards hopefully.
Let you know how I feel. Not sure how long effect takes to kick in, I’ve got plenty of drugs they given me !
Make sure toy register for someone like me my lady calling me at the weekend. I’m sure it will benefit you.
Keep smiling we’ve got this x
Hi
Are you finding plenty to do while you having chemo. Do they give you food? I’ve been sent my schedule today. Pre assessment on 5 th feb. Picc line 6 th at 9. Then treatment starts 10.30. Then every other week till 15 May. The paclittaxel Is my second one. My first is EC which is epirubicin and cyclophosphamide. I’ve heard people say paclitaxel isn’t too bad. Though I suppose it depends on the person.
I’m thinking of you. It will be me sitting there in 2 weeks time.
Take care and speak soon
Xx
Morning @pineapples123
Well first long session done✅
Was there 5 hours.
Feel ok so far, Little nausea last night but anti sickness medication worked. headache this morning but awake early. See what the day brings! Got medication to take steroids, anti sickness & Lansoprazole.
Writing down temperature & blood pressure readings & times I’m taking meds.
Got some nice lovely 3 fabrics storage holders off Amazon for meds, & all the paperwork.
Lovely diary that’s ideal with lots of sections for all the notes I’m taking!
I like to be organised. Bedroom looks like a medical room now!
Thank goodness for Amazon!
The volunteers come round with snacks & drinks. Suppose it depends what time your there when they come round.
I took my bag with hot flask of honey & ginger & large water bottle with flavoured Apple & pear as I’m not big on just water in large quantity!
I also took snacks, phone, tablet to watch a film ear pods & portable charger, blanket, book, lip balm some sweets to suck. Basically anything you pack for a long flight really that you like with you.
Did you get a bag given you from the hospital with lots of things in?
If not think they will probably give you one when you get your Picc line, it’s has lots of useful stuff in it.
I Did have a chat to others that arrived by me when chair’s changed which was nice. It’s very spread out.
What to wear was my problem so they could easily get to Picc line so short sleeve top’s had to go to summer tops. Need to go shopping.
Not long to wait now for you. It will be a long day for you especially having Picc line as well. Hopefully you can take someone in for Picc line before your chemo session.
They also gave a free pass for car park.
My arm looks a bit of a mess at the moment. Very bruised from the first failed attempt, but not painful, just careful with it.
Have a good day
Xxx🥰
Hi
That was very helpful of what to take.Never thought about clothes for picc line. As I’m having cold cap I will feel cold but can’t really wear a jumper. Maybe just have to wrap a blanket round. When is your next session?
I’m getting my hair done today. Cut a bit shorter. Also got dentist appointment.
Are you working at the moment? I’m on the sick. I work for council supporting families if they have issues in early stage. Mental health children with disabilities. That sort of thing. I don’t know if I can face going back full time. Going to hopefully go back part time if they let me.
I hope you not too bad today.
Thinking of you.
Xx
Hi this is my first post and unsure I am posting the right way. I am starting chemo next week. Ive had a single masectomy and lymph nodes removed but the thought of chemo is scarier than anything Ive had done so far. Im 58 by the way. Im hoping to meet others in the same boat to chat to.
Sorry you find yourself here you’ve posted correct, do ask away breast cancer now and everyone on the forum is here so ask away as much or as little as you need Shi xx
Hi to new posters.
I’ve Just recently started posting. I start my chemo on 6 th feb. Had surgery in December. I’m having EC 4 sessions then paxcitaxel 4 sessions. They are going to be fortnightly.
How did you find the EC so far?
It is very scary. It’s the unknown and horror stories you hear. But hopefully once started you just go with it.
It’s lovely to chat to people on here.
Yes, your in the right place on the scary, unknown journey we are all find ourselves on. I know I’ve found it so helpful.
If you read through the posts @pineapples123 and I have put in the last week it will catch you up on information we have shared about situations and each other so far. I was due to start treatment in a couple of weeks but it stared yesterday.
You will see from my previous posts how it all gone so far, hopefully you will find information useful even though some of our treatment is slightly different.
it just so nice to be able to share our feelings, the up’s and down’s and tips going forward.
evening, @pineapples123
we have a new February starter @dkc66 I copied in to this. Someone else to share all our thoughts and feelings with.
My next session is next Thursday 30th, hopefully only about 2 hours.
I was reading some posts on the January starters and one person said that Primark are starting a range of tops for picc lines from 24th for click and collect. I haven’t looked if its on in advance but will to later.
Hope your hair appointment wen well? I’ve just booked to have my hair cut shorter in a couple of weeks, picking my wig up next week as well.
Hope dentist went ok for you? I ended up have to have a tooth out thankfully, back at bottom so you can not see it. He was concerned as not enough time to do root canal before my chemo started, so I said just take it out.
I am no longer working, I took early retirement at 56 (64 now) having worked as a Housing officer for 35 years for a Housing Association, spent my last 10 years in supported housing team. I was dealing with the elderly in sheltered housing. Our team also supported younger families a kids coming out the care system for their first home,I often helped out there as well, so same line of work.
When I finished, I then took over the child care 3 days a week for my 1st then 2 granddaughter so mom and dad could work.
Also cared for my elderly mom so kept me very busy.
You need to look after yourself, definitely not rush back to work until you are absolutely ready and then do a phased return or work or part work from home, the council should hopefully deal with this in a correct and caring way.
Still feeling ok after yesterday, no bad side effects as yet, but know it only been 24 hours as yet. keep you posted.
Off to get ready for the final traitors now. have good evening.
but preparing myself as much as I can.
why had I noticed earlier. Feel I’ve let them all down & they all need me.
we’ve got this 
x
you’ve posted correct, do ask away breast cancer now and everyone on the forum is here so ask away as much or as little as you need 
