Hi kip, sorry to hear your having a crappy day today, sending you big hugs. Your son sounds like an amazing young man. I have taken paracetamol before and after the hystroscope, obviously checked temperature first. I don’t like to take pain meds on a normal basis as it masks the feeling but sometimes you have to and if you are feeling ok with no temperature the relief might do some good. Managed to get myself motivated this weekend and a trip to see my mum, a little retail therapy and movies cuddled up on the sofa with my other half and the step children. The other half cheekily said he can see I’m starting to feel more like me as my insomnia is kicking back in. Brave it out in a head turban, hair is rather thinned but not all off yet, loosing a few eyelashes and has all gone very light. Personal question but have any ladies lost it down below? Mines mostly gone but the bits that remain are very sensitive and I don’t know ?♀️ if that’s normal because hairs falling out or the crap load of drugs I’m on or not or because of the ovary suppression or early menopause or hystroscope… Thinking of asking oncologist on Friday for some YES, the do a moisturizer and lubricants for that area that are nhs approved and on prescription. Anybody any experience or advice? Stay strong ?? ladies and don’t let all of this dull your sparkle, continue to be the brave, amazing, beautiful and caring warriors I know you are ? xxx
Hi reddi, I did wonder if it was just me. Thank goodness I’m not as crazy as I though I was. Loose fitting cotton clothing helps but it doesn’t sooth. I know all my skin is very dry atm the moment so have been using the vasaline intensive repair unfragranced body lotion which helps everywhere else but with it being that area you don’t know. You can buy the yes at Holland and Barrett but it does say on their website that free on nhs and to ask them, to be honest if it is just dryness making me sensitive I’m going ask, anything for some relief. Does anyone else other that me feel their skin is zapped of any moisture? Glad you got out in the fresh air, it works wonders when your able to be out and about. I certainly feel better for it. Fingers crossed ?? it won’t get too warm again, heat and chemo don’t mix well, I’m loving the cooler weather xx
@Lisa Marie My breast cancer nurse recommended an intense moisturizing regime, which I have been following. No shower gel – just creams. She suggested E45 shower cream, which I have been using all over. Also moisturize immediately after patting dry from shower – cream preferred (eg Nivea), but lotion okay if hard to rub in. And rub in direction of hair, to help avoid clogging pores. I tend to do E45 lotiin after shower for the simple reason that I upped the ante on another rec: she suggested using an in-shower moisturizer (again eg Nivea) 2-3 times a week, but I am using it everyday. Then before bed, moisturize all over again – and at night I do Nivea cream. I also do my nails and when it is cool enough to tolerate, wear socks and spa gloves to bed to maximize absorption. Once all my head hair is gone, I’ll see about moisturizing scalp, too. Either Breast Cancer Care or Macmillan has tips on that.
I did moisturize pre diagnosis, and used E45 lotion and Nivea cream, but not as intensely as this – and to be honest, my skin is in better shape during chemo than before. My oncologist even said I was glowing at my last appointment – and it wasn’t sweat. And while the moisturizers add up, I have found I can get through at least 1 cycle per item, and found stuff at Poundland and Savers.
P.S. Shi has also mentioned a product called Udderly that apparently can be bought via Amazon UK. I used to use it when I lived in the States and loved it. Super rich and effective.
Yes reddi, udderly smooth moisturising cream extra care cream unscientific with urea. From Amazon. A very wise lady called tatyana on these threads gave us this very helpful tip when we all started with dry skin as other moisturisers didn’t seem to work, especially on dry hands and feet and this did, so hope this helps with skin dryness if you wanted to try it ???
shi xx
Hi all. For info: horse pill is Emend, 1hr before chemo (125mg) then 80mg for following two days. Ondanseteron 1 eve of chemo, then 2 per day for two days. Dexamethasone 3,2,1 in following three days. I have Metoclopramide to take as required. Filgrastim injections from day three for five days.
I take paracetamol or ibuprofen if I have a headache and codeine for chronic bone ache or if the headache is unbearable.
Most hair has gone from down below and I am once again suffering from irritation and swelling down there. TBH this is the worst side effect I have had as I don’t know what to do about it!
A lovely lady from Chemoheroes gave me a bottle of Moojuice, which is like suddenly I think. I use E45 wash and lotion. My skin is softer than it has ever been! I am still shaving my head about once a week to prevent it looking patchy as I have truly embraced baldness and only wear a hat out if it is sunny. I have found it a bit chilly on the back of my neck these last couple of days!!
Just waiting for District Nurse to come and flush my Picc line and take my bloods. Chemo on Wednesday. Can’t wait ??. Love to all Kxx
So been to see Onc nurse today. I’m getting paclitaxel which only requires a small amount of steroids in case of reaction. I’ll also be given emend again and antihistamines plus antisickness for three days. I asked about increased steroids and she said not for me. Dr has put me on the one that doesn’t need loads cos of the effect on my blood sugars, so that’s good.
Hi Kip, sorry you didnt feel so good yesterday. We all have good and bad days and as i say to loads of people the mental stuff is one of the hardest parts of dealing with cancer. It f**ks with your head big time. Stay strong though x.had chat with Salvation army man again today as was up there 5 hrs today. Just took ages and no real reason to be honest? If you want to meet up for a coffee sometime (and not in hospital) just let me know as live in Stowmkt, im sure you not too far away x
Hi all, well day 9 and still feeling little sickly, i think k may have to see if they .can swap my metoclopramide for emend next time? Head ache has gone and emotionally feeling stronger again thankfully so that’s for all your kind words.
I’VE almost lost all hair down below too now but not dry or sore, tho m did get thrush first cycle when it started going so have canesten on prescription just in case. Leg and arm pit hair not really visible anymore but bit stubble to touch, eyebrows and eyelashes still there but j think j may have lost some eyelashes. As for skin, j have quite oily skin so it’s still ok, looking good but j use Nivea on my face, aveemo on body p, scalp and scar too. For my feet I use, and always have, Flexitol it’s a thick cream with urea which helps dry feet and cracks, it’s the best thing j have ever found as j suffer with cracked heels. I use it before bed. Head hair still 4mm sparse stubble and what can see is looking white! Eek although a full head of silver hair might be nice… well any hair would be nice tbh.
I don’t seem to know much about future treatment, you all see to see onc much more than me. I don’t see her until after 1st T j think 29th Aug. Must go armed with questions , don’t know anything about ovary suppression etc.
JUJU glad chemo went ok albeit a long visit, and a nice chat with salvation John! Would love to meet sometime I live in Capel st Mary so not too far away.
I think perhaps j am too worried about avoiding germs during this week and need to live a bit more… hmmm where can I go?
Take care all Kip xx
Hello ladies - sorry I’ve been a bit quiet lately. I’ve felt well and have been trying not to think about next cycle ? But it’s here again - 9.30 tomorrow morning will see me back in the unit. Last cycle of FEC and I’m halfway there.
How are you all doing with weight gain/loss? I’ve managed to put on half a stone over the two cycles so far - really do need to take myself in hand otherwise I shall be undoing all the good work I’ve done over the past two years.
See you you on the other side.
LJ
Hello LJ good to hear from you and glad you are almost half way. I’m day 9 of cycle 3 and now starting to feel normal ish again. Dry mouth and thinning eye lashes so far but otherwise ok. Starting to think about T cycle tho… eek. Have decided to focus on the thought that from tomorrow I can say “next month I finish chemo”?
Hi,
Re the hair thing, down below has more or less gone, underarm gone, arms smoother but a bit there and legs still hanging on though not enough to need to shave. Eyelashes still there, eyebrows have been sparse for years and seem a bit less. Random chin hairs still sprouting, bloody typical 
Hi LJ. Me too with cycle 3 of FEC tomorrow. Whoop whoop!! Sort of feel I know what to expect. Not arranged to do anything for the rest of this week, then will make the most of the following two weeks before launching into the unknown of T!!
Re weight, I have lost more than half a stone since the start. Only lost a couple of pounds this last cycle, but have been eating and drinking more this time. Not looking forward to what happens with T!!
Love to all Kxx
Sorry forgot to add about the weight loss or gain… j think I’ve put on some but too scared to test the scales, certainly not lost but I did lose half a stone or more in the beginning through stress. I’m eating a lot though, I’ll have to sort that after chemo, who knows how T will affect the eating?
Good morning all
Last T today then a 10 week break for surgery. I know the ROSCO trial has extended my chemo, but I am looking forward to the break. Just for information for those starting on T, my main side effect has been sudden diarrhoea on the day of infusion, it’s got earlier each time so today I’m taking spare undies! I really hope I don’t need them ?. Also my tastebuds are shot, just as they recover, the next dose knocks them out again. I’ve found the foods I can tolerate so it’s not too bad. I’ve been dieting too and have lost three stones since January. Sounds a lot but I began the year weighing nineteen stones. Aiming to lose another three and get to a normal weight for he first time in 25 years.
Sending best wishes to you all for minimal side effects and lots of good days.
Jacq xx
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Oops forgot to mention neutropenia! ??♀️ Had it twice on full dose but a bit like childbirth, I’ve blanked it out! X
Re seeing oncologist I saw one before cycles1 and 2 but just had a phone call from chemo nurse this time. I do have an appointment with oncologist before I start T in three weeks. Just off to find a parking space ?. Catch up later Kx
Nice early finish today! All the drugs were upon time and my nurse was very efficient so everything ran like clockwork. Gives me plenty of time to get lots of fluid through me today - am sure dehydration caused most of my issues last time ?
Halfway through though! Next up the big T! I’ve got an oncologist appointment the day before so see what she says then. But I’ve got my black nail varnish ready and then I’ll deal with what else comes along.
Three stone since January is fabulous Jaq! I’ve lost about that much in the last two years and have been ‘doing’ SlimmingWorld for just over a year. Trying to take myself in hand this time - I’ve got breakfast prepared and in the fridge for the next three days and I’ve got plenty of on plan food for my other meals so fingers crossed I’ll at least have a maintain when I next weigh.
Have good days ladies - take pleasure in the small things x
LJ
Took ages to park! A bit slow due to a man hujacking my nurse and having a meltdown !! Did a quick shop on the way home so the rest of the family can eat!! Just beginning to flag so I will go and lay dawn soon.
I am also half way through???. I’ve been given the steroids to take the day before T. Also booked my LGFB for the end of August and Lifekitchen session in Exeter ??. It coincides with my September chemo but I will try to get that changed! I have been looking at holidays for January ??
Love to all xx