Cdc, an Echocardiogram is an ECG. The Ct scan (well mine did) scans all the organs heart, liver, kidneys etc.
So I had a fun night. By 9 I was knackered so after having a hot flush whilst putting the dog out for the last time at night I checked my temperature. It was 35.5, my info sheet says contact hospital immediately for less than 36. Checked again, still 35.5. Checked again 35.3. Phoned the hospital and whilst talking to the checked again, 35.1. Advised to go to A&E. When they checked it it was back to normal but having another hot flush and heart rate was high and BP a touch high too. Did my bloods saw the DR who checked me over again (this all went on over several hours) heart rate up more. Had two iv broad-spectrum antibiotics just in case of infection, chest x-ray, urine sample. All came back ok and eventually my heart rate settled back to normal so was allowed home. I kept saying I felt such a fraud because I felt absolutely fine but was told I was right to go to be on the safe side. Got home at 3.30am completely knackered. I wish I’d just gone to bed at 9.30. Mind you I can confirm that menopausal hot flushes make your heart race.
Woke up at 7.30 and took all my morning antisickness which I had by the bed and straight back to sleep till 10.30 when I woke bright eyed and bushy tailed.
That sounds awful Sally but glad you’re feeling ok now. I thought I was having an electrocardiogram ECG but mine will be an echocardiogram which im told is something different. I’m learning all the lingo now.l! Not had a CT scan before so useful to know what they’ll be looking at thanks. I’m a bit worried about the hot flushes and fast heart rate. Were you warned about those side effects?. I need to read more about what to expect. I have a naturally high heart rate so that will be interesting! Have a super weekend. I’m being s couch potato after a really busy week. So nice to have a chance to relax xxx
Ah I misread the echo thing so I may have that wrong. The hot flushes are pre existing and I always felt like my heart was beating more when I had them so I wouldn’t worry, they’re not a new thing. Honestly, although I had to attend A&E I felt absolutely fine.
Hi CDC I have to have a bone scan, CT and MUGA heart scan which should happen before chemo but because my chemo date came first they said it would be ok to have one chemo before. I had bone scan which was fine, you have an injection which is like a blood test then go away for a few hours then return for the scan. It only lasted about 15 minutes . The ct is in the ring shaped scanner and that looks at your organs I think. Not sure what the MuGa is? I get my results on 26 June when I see oncologist after first chemo.
sallyg you poor thing with the temp etc glad you are ok now tho. I’ve just bought a new thermometer and it’s says my temp is 35.6 is that normal?
I did some pre chemo shopping, lots of ginger things, cordial, biscuits etc, sweets to suck, immodium, sennokot, lip balm etc. I got a nice water bottle that you can out fruit in the bottom to infuse to help with the fluid intake.
CDC, 35.6 is low but I was told at the hospital that the digital ones if you do under the arm or tongue generally measure 0.5 low so 35.6 would be 36.1 which is fine. Normal range is 36.1 to 37.2. My info sheet says to report under 36 and over 37.5.
Such helpful information everyone thanks. Going to spend next week getting chemo prepared so all the tips are really helpful. Not sure They’ll be able to fit in all the scans/tests before my first round but sounds like that shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Have a good night everyone. I’m feeling calmer after talking to a dear friend who had chemo 8 years ago and has been cancer free since then. Encouraging to hear her experience.
Hi all,
Just wanting to wish everyone well for chemo starters this week.
I hope it goes well and you all recover quickly.
I found the day after the hardest, thought I was alright but actually I should have stayed in bed. Will plan to for the next cycle.
Let us know how you get on,
Sleep well,
Em
X
had a good weekend. Got pretty tired a few times but that would have happened without the chemo if I’d been up till nearly 4am.
Getting ready for work. Normally I’d be there about now but with tablets and injections and not eating for 60 minutes after this one and insulin for my diabetes, my morning regime got long so I’ll get a later train after the main rush hour and get in about 10. The steroids are causing problems with my sugar levels and even tweaking my insulin I was way too high last night. My oncologist said to try and stay under 20 and I was way over that. I managed to get back to a semi normal level today but I have to take more shortly. Luckily I work with doctors and nurses for an occupational health company so I’ll have a word at work.
That sounds truly horrible Cazzy. I’m so sorry you’re having such a bad time. Glad the hospital were good. Hope you have a significantly better day today and you can get plenty of rest. Sending gentle hugs. Clare xx
Hello, well 1 down 5 to go. Wasn’t too bad at all, nurses were lovely and as FEC has to be given slowly by syringe she stayed with me and chatted whilst I asked 1000’questions. Took about ,2 hours all in but she did explain a lot as first time. Appt was 12 but home by 2.30. ate lunch when I got home and still feel fine, weird waiting for something to happen! Expecting sickness to start later but have all the pills to pop so fingers crossed… Good news was you mustnt wash up until chemo over due to possible infections… Every cloud hey… I’ll pop by tomorrow for an update
Hi CDC, yes lunch was fine, just had tuna pasta for tea made by my lovely 13 year old so taste buds still tact. Feeling ok maybe slightly woozy head but not sure if thats all in the mind. Feel like I need a walk so might trot round the block.
Sally that’s fab for you re no side effects, was this your first? What type?
Had my first round of FEC on the 4th and I cold capped. Getting home, the affects of the cold cap hit me like a bomb. I had to close the curtains, no noise, aura. Just like a full blown migraine attack. I was worried about losing my hair (I’m Afro-Caribbean and have been natural for over 20 years), I have a lot of thick kinky curly hair, but after the cold cap I decided that its just hair it’ll grow back right? I’m really struggling to eat as I take a mouthful and that’s it, I drink a lot of fluids so have made juices and smoothies with extra protein to keep up my strength.
The tiredness is what’s getting to me though, normally very active and I struggle. Helplessness is not a feeling that I’m used too. I would have liked to go back to work, but I’m a food teacher and have a long commute. The doctor has recommended that I stay off rather than open myself up to possible infections. I’m trying to stay positive, but sometimes its so hard…
Dunno why I’m not having the F bit. Mine is mopping up what might have escaped the lymph nodes. My Ct and Bone scans were clear and with the mastectomy and follow up muscle shave they are happy they got good margins.
Once I got used to the cold cap I had a bit of a doze when I was in the cooling phase after the drug administration. It didn’t even feel cold by then but the ice in my hair when they took it off proved it was. A few hot flushes and a seat in front of a sunny open window probably helped.