Good to know. Thanks cazgib10. Tough times for us all. ![]()
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Imogies keep me smiling ![]()
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Thanks Foxgem.
Good to know we have some good days, and we get into a regular cycle. ![]()
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I read up more about PICC lines last night. ![]()
I am absolutely craving now to be able to sleep normally. I am a stomach sleeper. Sleeping on my back is sooo uncomfortable. Ive been on my back for months now, after a leg/knee injury, then mastectomy. All “right side” thank goodness.
Ive just started being able to sleep on my left side as my mastectomy area/seroma are less uncomfortable. But I read I now need to be very careful with the PICC line. ![]()
. So I have to remain on my back for at least another 4 months. Oh well. ![]()
The good news is I’d bought an adjustable bed for my Mum. When she died nearly three years ago, I decided to keep it “just incase”. Am I glad I kept it. It does mean I can sleep, on my back but slightly sitting up. This helps with keeping still.
I have a V- shaped pillow to wrap around me, that stops me wriggling. I use to wriggle loads as I have a bad back/neck. Now I am cocooned in one position ![]()
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So many new challenges to overcome.
Keep Positive Keep Smiling Keep Sharing Ideas. Xxx ![]()
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Hi cazgib10, so sorry you had the sickness, especially having been okay up to then. After my third EC I didn’t have sickness as such, more of a slight nausea triggered by the smell of my own clothes! I seem to have become super sensitive to smells (even though my taste buds have gone south), and the smell of laundry detergent is a huge trigger, especially the week after the infusion. Due my 4th EC tomorrow, then it’s onto Paclitaxol x4. Will be glad to reach the halfway point of all this. We can do it!
All the best for your next one, and hopefully the nausea (if it happens again) will pass quickly.
@m1sty.george Thankyou i am really struggling at the minute though with half way blues i cant seem to snap out of it the nerves are kicking in , i have done so well with EC considering how bad it is for most people and i know that pac is going catch up on me , i have no idea how its going to affect me or how il get through it but i have 2 weeks grace at the moment because they cant fit me in til the week after
That’s so helpful to know sprout78 - thank you. Maybe it’s the smell of the cold cap getting to me too - I thought it was just laundry detergent that was setting me off! ![]()
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Only just seen this! No no neuropathy but from reading different threads I think that is more common, the more you have. Thise having it weekly for 12 weeks seem more prone to the neuropathy. Falling asleep made it pass quicker ![]()
Not massively bas side effects. Ec did make me feel really ill. Paclitaxil not so much - almost felt normal! X
Hi All you brave ladies.
My first treatment is next Friday. I have to say, hearing about EC it does seem to be awful for most people.
Bracing myself for a rocky ride. ![]()
Thanks for sharing. I would rather know, than be totally blind. It helps me to plan better. I appreciate you honesty and kindness Xxx
@poppy261 Ec hasnt been that awful for me i have lost my taste only recently but thats been about it for me and some tiredness but thats mostly due to the Jabs i think makes ur legs a bit weak
Thats good to know @cazgib10 . Thankyou. There is hope then ![]()
Im confused about the jabs though. What are they for? Do you have them to increase white blood cells? Ive got muddled with those. ![]()
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@poppy261 filgastrim to help with white blood count u have to have 5 of each
Thanks @cazgib10
Doesnt sound like a fun thing to have. But I guess it helps the body keep us safe.
Xxx
I live on my own so I am assuming I will need to inject myself ![]()
thats scary.
@poppy261 u can get a district nurse come in if u ask them they might do it for u
Thanks so much @cazgib10 . ![]()
. Much appreciated. Will have a think.
Goodness there is sooo much to consider the nearer we get to Chemo. ![]()
I am suddenly feeling frustrated that, if it wasnt for this Forum, BCN etc., (best support ever ![]()
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) I would be going into Chemo knowing a bare minimum. Save a small handout from my hospital giving me awful side effects to look out for.
Nothing from my GP.
The BC Support Worker at the hospital has never rung me to meet up. ![]()
I understand they are run ragged. My heart seriously goes out to them on that front.
. But I feel we are going into something huge, that is life changing, and we are left to suss it out ourselves. That is massive. ![]()
It was by total chance that I heard about Hospital Trusts providing a Prosthetic Clinic for us to gain advice on prosthetics, even swim wear ones (free ones) ![]()
. So I Googled my Trust, and yes, these are available 4-6 wks after Surgery.
. Mmmm, Im 8 weeks in and ive heard nothing. No invite. No mention of any Clinic.
Slight grumpiness creeping in. ![]()
Trying hard to remain calm ![]()
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I dont care about losing my breast. But for some women it is beyond devastating losing a breast. Prosthetic advice is seriously important.
Its beyond frightening going through Treatment. For everyone.
For me the Treatment is unnerving to say the least. More so than the mastectomy. Which I even surprised myself how I just breezed through it. Perhaps that was due to the general anaesthetic side effects ![]()
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At the point I think I have everything covered, there is another thing I find I was not told about.
There is a huge amount of reading to do.
This week has been tough as I suffer from ME. The cancer and operation have kicked me hard re even more chronic fatigue. I sleep alot ![]()
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Then getting my head around Chemo side effects and all the extra drugs is like climbing Everest
. Plus even more fatigue. Now with pain. ![]()
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Could become a grumpy sloth.![]()
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Phew, if I get through this I will get myself, and everyone, registered for Superwoman Status ![]()
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Total respect for all you ladies who have already gone through all this. ![]()
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You are absolutely unbelievable. ![]()
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One week to go ![]()
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Hi Everyone. Ive shared my first session 8/5 . Its in May 2026 chemo starters.
Most ive had so far is feeling woozy. Eaten OK. Xxx ![]()
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Hi does anyone have trouble sleeping if so what medication were u given please?
Hi @cazgib10
So sorry to hear you are struggling to sleep. This is what I do, but all the medication will increase sleep problems I am sure.
….i take steroids in the morning to prevent them from keeping me buzzing.
…..i actually have an old adjustable bed. Its not perfect. Charity shop purchase, but it helps as I hate back sleeping. Laying flat is impossible on my back, and pillows move and squish: I raise the bed about 30cm, i wrap myself round a shaped pillow, and cocoon myself with pillows to the side .
……You can buy mattress supports from Medical sites for the elderly. Stupid, that they promote so much for one age group when their aids are brilliant for those of us with cancer.
The supports slip under your mattress. V shape, and just lifts it to a comfortable height.
….I use lighter sheets, teddy bear blankets, as my duvet was getting too heavy.
….I sometimes sleep with a low light own. I feel more SAFE if I need a wee during the night. As getting up gets tricky.
Drinking huge amounts is a problem. So I try to drink less before I go to bed. Then catch up in the morning.
……Some people buy different shades of lights to help.
…..others get sensory lights that move around on the ceiling. The Glow Company have sensory stuff for SEN children, but adults have bought the bedroom lights for themselves. Parent share them with their children.
…..I always (against ALL advice) have TV on programmes I can relax to (freely TV means I can access Iplayer craft programmes and nice films).
I equally put radio on via Iplayer. I find the dull drumming of people talking relaxing
…..there are many gentle YouTube videos for sleeping. A man called Thomas does lovely gentle stories or talks through History and Space. He reads in calming tones.
…..guided imagery videos are also good.
Avoid any that do adverts though…the adverts wake you up.
.
White and grey noise videos can also help. I have a dehumidifier running through the night sometimes.that helps. My friend likes Rain videos more and classical music. I dont. So you have to find things that work for you.
….it seems anxiety with meds is common. So its having to find a new you. Change things round abit.
…… If one night is bad, try and nap during the day. (I always nap) But thats not easy when you work/have teenagers and children.
….talk to GP. Oncology to see which meds create insomnia so need taking at different times.
……Fleece hot water bottles help some people. Mild electric blanket to make bed cosy. Not good on hot nights though. ![]()
Thinking of you ![]()
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@cazgib10 I know my ideas are not medication, but sometimes your body wants the other things. That may be why some meds dont actually help us. Even when they are sleeping tablets. Xxx![]()
Apologies for my late reply - I get confused by how these forums work and already get overwhelmed with other types of messaging at times.
I forget whether I’ve replied or commented, etc! I totally get that halfway blues feeling. It feels like so much left to do, and even though I’ve just had my 5th (1st pac), it still feels like loads to go somehow, even though friends and family are being really positive about it. I really hate wishing the time away, but can’t help it! We will get there though, as so many of the other women on here are doing. It’s good to know we’re not alone and can share our ups and downs. Take care and hope your next treatment goes quickly: another one to tick off! x
@m1sty.george Thankyou i had my first pac on friday had a lot of hot flushes and bone pain from the filgastrim which is realy annoying as it doesnt hurt much any other time, are u using the suzzi pads for neuropathy im still undecided but i know a lot of people get it , so it is a bit worrying