Interesting how different hospitals do different things. I had my Picc put in today. It took a bit longer than it would normally as the nurse was in training and they were trying out a potential new ultrasound so I had two nurses and a lady from the ultrasound company. I asked about a waterproof covering and was straight away handed a Limbo. As the learning nurse was checking the ultrasound position and measuring how long, I asked if it was too long would they just take it out and chop a bit off. I was told no - they measure twice. I just took off my top - I was wearing a vest top under my other top, so left that on. I could have put a gown on, but they were covering me in a cover anyway and although the air con was on, it was still quite warm. I was asked if I was wearing an underwired bra but at the moment, no as although just about healed, it is still too early. I didn’t have a tubigrip as I had bought Picc covers online so wore one of those instead. No Xray for me. Once it was in, that was it. Dressing on, cover on and off I went. Due to finding one vein getting smaller probably due to the lidocaine, I ended up having three injections in slightly different places on my arm while they found a larger one - it didn’t hurt at all and I am assuming it has worn off now, but feel OK. The last bit as it was going in looked like a computer game with a yellow “lollipop” waving around on screen. I will have to see how sleeping goes. I just have to remember not to put my arm in the air. All in all not too bad. Chemo 2 on Wednesday so it will get checked then unless I wake up in the morning with any issues.
I hope your cold cap is doing its job. I opted not to and a few days ago my hair started making a bid for freedom - I am fine with it - it is just very annoying and I feel a lot better now I have something to cover my head. I too, did not get nausea, I just felt slightly “off” and the last heatwave coincided with my first chemo, so I was knocked out for 3 days, forcing myself out for short walks in the evenings. I now have fans, so it might be a little better! I got the metallic taste for about a week, slowly getting better in the 2nd week, so no plain water, coffee, butter or marmite. I am currently drinking lots of coffee (and Ribena as a plain water replacement) expecting that after Wednesday it will be a no go for a couple of weeks. I had my bathroom as my “not go to place” 
The suggested remedy was foul with the metallic taste, but my oncologist said I could use senna tablets instead. I hope all of the soon to be EC starters also have relatively few side effects.
Hiya, I read the thread “Chemo made me eat” found it very informative, especially in regards to protein and chocolate and what other ladies are surviving on when they really don’t want to eat. I make sure I have some easy to forage food on those bad days. I do eat a lot of egg sandwiches ( good protein ) Things that don’t need you to think too hard to cook ( I got very spaced out on my first cycle of meds….so funny 
, but oh so hard to concentrate. Bowls of cereal have been all I could eat for dinner at times. For me, a cup of milk first thing helped….my tongue seems to like milk, and I think my stomach did too. Fruit corner yogurts work for me It is a challenge working out what works for you taste wise, and food can be very disappointing when it doesn’t taste how you expect 
. Keep away from the Deli counter, pre packed stuff with a date should be fine. Food hygiene is an issue as we need to watch for bacteria infections… No live bacteria yogurts, good gut products, unpasteurised cheese or yogurts etc.. Wash all fruit and vegetables too, even the bagged salads etc. Probably teaching you to suck eggs here now, sorry
Don’t take vitamin tablets, or herbal stuff or anything without checking with your oncologist. Your nurse doing your blood test/ picc clean, can sometime help if you mention side effects like indigestion or tummy issues etc. when chatting to them. They just want to help us.
I have put weight on, as many ladies do. Try to be kind to yourself, you just need to get through this part first, elastic waistlines are helpful…lots of light trousers available in shops with draw string waists right now, maybe buy a larger size to normal…. comfort is very important.
I also found that it wasn’t safe for me to drive ( being spaced out and all). Not an issue for me , as I am can walk to most places that I need to get to, on a good day.
Oh sweets to suck during EC….one instantly puts a funny taste in your mouth. Lemon sherbets are popular….but I found Mint humbugs were better for my tongue. Drink loads after your chemo dose, helps flush drugs out quicker. Don’t be too far from the toilet though lol 
….expect to see red Pee thanks to the red chemo.
I didn’t cold cap….my hair started falling out day 16….technically day 2 of my second cycle….shaved it off day 3. I still have my eyebrows and most my eyelashes (for now 
)…if that helps 
You can all do this you lovely, strong, brave women.
Hello all,
I’m a secondary bc patient starting nab-paclitaxol this month for bone metastases.
Previously ER8/8, HER2-low, WLE2018. Metastatic June 2023. Ribociclib / Fulvestrant / Denusomab. Capecitabine / Denusomab, E&C. 4th line Abraxane. 2x2 palliative radiotherapy on the way too.
Any words of wisdom welcome.
Thanks
Thank you - wishing you lots of strength getting through this new journey we find ourselves on xx
Wishing you all the best too. Yes it’s so hard to know what’s best to do…I haven’t booked holiday camps yet but I think I’m going to have to - my kid hates them! x
I did speak to Macmillan but I’m not sure what support they can give at the moment - I need childcare or another parent in the house to help 
xx
Hi all, firstly huge apologies that I’m just joining this group…but i hope my story helps….
I’ve just completed four cycles of TC chemotherapy…I was diagnosed in January this year with TNBC grade 3, no lymph node involvement in my left breast….this is my second diagnosis, first in 2008 when I was 34 in my right breast……I believe stress has played a huge part on my breast cancer diagnosis….but who knows?
I’m more than happy to answer any questions or give advice from my own experiences if anyone has any….
For me TC, has been a tough one, I had FEC, T first time…..but this time my dose was stronger, though tough, I’m through it now…side effects remain but I can manage them! I can’t believe the developments since my first diagnosis and today’s care…it’s blown my head how much more they know!
If I can give one piece of advice it’s this……..”yes it’s tough, it’s incredibly difficult and it will push you, physically, mentally and emotionally…..but remember your in charge…let your body do what it has too….chemo takes over, but see it as your friend not your enemy….its not easy”
You’ve already overcome the hardest obstacle….being diagnosed….your now on a path that you’re not sure of and certainly not ready or in control off….don’t wait for the storm to pass, put your wellies on and stand in those puddles, the hardest times pass……
YOUVE GOT THIS 
Ready
Hello, I’ve just been directed here from another group as my chemo starts on 23rd July. I cannot wait to start pushing back as this tumour is growing fast. I’m HER2 positive and HR positive, stage 3, which is scary but hopefully very responsive to the first EC dose they have planned.
46 years old and normally work full time in a busy role with 2 young teenagers, husband and dog. I’m hoping to continue working part time, but need to see how I am with treatment first. Of course I plan to be superwoman…
It’s been really interesting to read through your chats. Some good ideas for food and chemo tips.
That’s all for now. Look forward to more updates from everyone else.
Jenny x
Hi Jenny and welcome! I have same diagnosis as you and about to have my second chemo Monday. Feel free to ask any questions you have xxx
Hi everyone, hope everyone’s doing ok in this heat. Had my second paclitaxil this morning, and told nurses about my bad vomiting weekend. They seemed confident that it was likely because of the carboplatin rather than paclitaxil, but gave me ondestron to take as an antisickness instead this time, so will see how i get on with that.
Good luck with all the new starters!
Good luck with your antisickness meds. Fingers and toes crossed it stops it for you. Sending hugs xx I start the same regime as you next Friday.
Hey @wildthingsare
I had a vomiting episode after my second Pembro/Pac/Carbo round. It happened three times during the night of the infusion but hasn’t happened again so far. It was such a chemo cliche! I haven’t any nausea or sickness at all with the Paclitaxel on its own to date.
Hope the ondansetron helps. I don’t know if you know but that can be pretty constipating and certainly is for me! If that’s the case for you, let them know as they can give you something for that too if they haven’t already.
All the best. x
I had ondestron, Ìt certainly helped with the sickness from carboplatin.
Truly hope it also helps you and remember if it does not give the hospitals 24/7 number a call as there are other drugs and combinations they can go on to try to find what suits and helps you.
Hi all, I thought I’d let you that I had my first treatment session this morning. Pembro, PAC, Carbo. Seemed to go okay and I tried the cold cap and it was absolutely fine so I’m glad i did. I’m bracing myself for the side effects but this evening I feel chilled, a bit knackered, and just glad to have the first one ticked off. Hope everyone doing as well as can be expected and enjoying the sun x
Thanks for keeping us updated @daffodil10
Fingers crossed for a peaceful night for you. X
Morning all. I had my port fitted yesterday, was aching a bit last night and its quite sore this morning still. Is this normal? I read that people were mostly fine the next day but this feel tender still to touch and achy. Its not quite been 24 hours since it was put in, so my rationale quarter of my brain is telling me to calm down but my irrational other bit of brain is going wild.
Thank you x
Hi, I read it can take a little while to settle down, so don’t panic, it’s not been long since you had it fitted. You’ve probably got a bit of bruising. Just keep an eye on it but I’m sure it’s normal. Good luck for next week.
Thank you @daffodil10 - I think because im tired and wired by overthinking is in overdrive!
I had my first chemo session for stage 3 TNBC on Thursday. I’ve felt ok since then just tired. It’s day 2 today and I now have dark red / purple spotty rash under both my breasts. Has anyone else experienced this?
I used cold capping and found it ok, I’m wondering if it gets more uncomfortable as your skin sensitivity changes after further treatments.
I had a port fitted and would say the soreness improved around a week after it was put in.
Good luck to everyone on this journey.
Xx