Thanks Jess. Just seen the anti nausea meds (aprepitant and ondansetron) and steroids plus just one injection tomorrow night for my immunity.
Will be taking all your lovely messages with me knowing you’ve all got through this. Keep thinking its 4 times every three weeks so not forever.
Hope the Paclitaxel is going ok. My bald head has hair growing back after my 12 weekly. Just not soft but more punk! I like that but sure EC will remove it again!!
Xxx
Just recovering from my first Docetaxel on 21st, so that’s one down, two to go!
The first few days were so much better than on EC, but as predicted the body aches kicked in from day 4 and they’ve not been fun. Its not been a vice like bone pain for me, but bad muscle aches and really bad muscle spasms. Then diarrhea and this lack of taste/metallic taste/slimy mouth.
Luckily my nails seem to be ok so far, although one is sore today so I’ll need to keep an eye on it. No odd sensations in my hands or feet. Very little nausea.
How’s everyone else?
Glad to hear your are recovering @Cali . You mentioned muscle aches. I’ve read Epson Salts can be good for relaxing in the bath, if you have one.
Take care x
Continuing as a total drama, no EC for me today. I mentioned to my oncologist this morning that my heart rate was fast over last few weeks. My oncologist taking no chances with EC because of its power, did a quick ECG, then spoke to a cardiologist and they agreed he’d do another ECHO and run a few tests to double check. For the sake of a week, we’d postpone
So every EC related on hold until next Thursday.
This has to be my final drama. Just need to get those 4 EC across the line!
Thanks for all your support. I’ll carry that into next week
Hope you are all doing ok. Xxx
Oh thank you so much for your reply and the helpful advice. I’m not sure why I left things to just “ happen”. I think it was just the fear. I’m takling it head on and wanting to learn and become part of your wonderful community. I will get in touch with the Macmillans for the look good feel better class … I’m sure that’s a great boost. So I’m day 1 … Already took my steroids late !! Oh well. I’m sure a few hours won’t make too much difference. All else ok ish. No major side effects yet but it’s early days.
Thank you so so much for replying. That’s a great boost 
Good luck my lovely and hope it has gone well today. I felt so relieved to have got it started and the first day ticked off. The waiting was much more horrendous for me than the actual day.
I felt ok last night and I slept like a log for the first time in ages. I hope you do too.
Let’s keep in touch for help and advice as we both find out our ways to cope. The look good feel better clases have appealed to me. Have you looked into them too.
All the very best. Take care and hope you sleep well tonight 
Hi @minty1
A fellow bilateral…there are not that many of us. I am having a PICC line put in next week. I have wide local excision on both sides. Have you had surgery yet?
How did your EC go yesterday? I originally joined the June starters but my chemotherapy will now start on 14 September, I’ve joined September Chemo starters but will also keep in touch here.
So pleased you are ok. I’m now a week behind you as today got postponed. I was bit gutted but your experience is really good to hear. Hope you continue to feel ok but huge well done for getting first one ticked!!!
Xxxx.
Hi Cali,
I had my second Doxitacel on Tuesday - feeling ok so far. Hopefully getting used to it.
At the first one, I was unwell on day 4 too with similar symptoms to yours.
Diarrhoea/mouth/tongue/throat sensitivity and soreness. Took about a week to come back to norm and enjoy food.
Took the loperamide they prescribed which helped with diarrhoea and salt gargles. Low or no alcohol mouthwash should help.
My hands are ok and nails (they are darkening). Skin is peeling badly on palms like sun burnt or like you have laid in a bath too long (prune) etc using lots of hand cream.
I hope there’s only one more to go in 3 weeks.
Good Luck & Stay well x
Hello fellow bi-lateral. Firstly the chemo went really well thank you. I’ve had hardly any side effects that are awful yet. Tired ( of course but nothing new there), I do feel ever so slightly nauseous but it has been controlled with tablets well and I’ve started with bright red flushes. But still walking 10k steps per day and planning a little birthday party for myself when I thought that would be a write off.
I wonder why you’re having a PICC line 
. My oncologist has stated clearly that I have to have nothing in my arms as I had lymph nodes removed when I had ops. Have they not removed any lymph nodes when they operated on you? So I have the port in my chest now and they went in through that. When it heals I’ll have no problem with showering and my arm veins won’t be touched. I thought that was the bi- lateral solution but I must admit I don’t know much !!
I had 2 ops. 3 cancers. Only one was oncotyped and sadly it failed. First op removal of lumps wide open incisions, second op margins grrrr.
I haven’t really got to grips properly with this site yet but I’m trying my best. Hope I’ve answered ok … and hope I’ve not ignored anyone when I was reaching out.
All the very best and please keep in touch … good luck fellow bi- lateral xx
Hi @minty1
Glad your side effects aren’t too bad.
My margins and sentinel node biopsies were both clear so I’m able to have a PICC line as my risks of lymphoedema are low. Good job as I had a MUGA scan for my heart with two cannulas in both arms to inject a tracer and radiation as Herceptin can cause problems. I’ve been advised to avoid unnecessary procedures so I’m hoping my flu and Covid vaccines can been done in my thigh.
It’s funny how we find out more about other’s treatment plans, no two people are the same!
I’m so glad you are able to walk 10k steps a day I am hoping to do the same, we have a dog that needs walking 
. I’m extremely tired and I’ve not even started my chemotherapy 
. I don’t sleep well, hot flushes 4/5 nightly, have some sleeping tablets but can only use 2/3 nights are they don’t keep me fully asleep.
Have a wonderful birthday and party 
.
Thinking of you fellow bi lateral
Hi Naughty_ boob
It is amazing how we are all on treatments to zap our cancers but they can be so different. The oncologist are highly trained and I’m sure they invest in you as an individual. Sorry that there is a heart problem that needs looking at for you and great they take that into account.
Thank you for reminding me about the vaccines. Hadn’t even crossed my mind. I’m sure they can do it in the leg. Good luck with that. I will ask for the same.
I’m still good re side effects but I finish my steroids today !!! I’ve been told ( by a non medic may I say), that my energy levels will drop then, I’ll see and let you know. Also my sleep is bad too now. I just bear it and read and play puzzles on my phone. Then I have a catnap in the afternoon which I thoroughly enjoy. Hope you can do that too. I think it really helps. But if you work, have animals and or children that isn’t possible and I’m sorry for mentioning it !
Is your start date still the 14th? It’s good to have a date and get started. I honestly felt a sense of relief when I walked into the chemo unit and they were absolutely lovely. I’d had a 3 week delay so I was very stressed previously). It was relaxing and kindness was in abundance. And they feed you !! 
… result.
Thinking of you.
Good luck and I hope to follow you through your bi- lateral journey.
Xx 
So pleased you are doing well. Fingers crossed you have no massive tiredness post steroids. But your attitude is great. Your posts are helping me to see that my nerves will be better when I have done the first one!
Hoping that will be Thursday. Just a few heart checks first which seem to be because my port caused a clot.
Fingers crossed for Thursday. And hoping Minty1 you are out and about!!!
Did anyone in our group work through EC?
Xxxx
Good luck for Thursday. I really do think and hope you’ll just feel the relief as I did. I had podcasts ready and my book, a magazine and my phone quizzes. I’d hardly got anywhere with them when it was going home time!!! Ssshh. Don’t tell anyone but I could have stayed longer it was so relaxing.
Also it’s a great place to find out more about chemo in general. I got ideas for hats for winter when I maybe hairless. The lady next to me looked so beautiful in hers … really lifts the soul. I have though chosen to go for the cold cap. Believe you me it’s flipping freezing. I was allowed 2 paracetamol first ( wimp). The trick I was told was to bear it with gritted teeth for ten minutes then you’ve got it cracked. I set my alarm and really did have to grit !! Hard. But I reckon by the 7th minute I was numb and there was no discomfort after that. But. I believe it doesn’t always work. I’ll post on that at a later date.
Well. I’m still up having been to a bbq this afternoon so still not doing bad ( did have my catnap this afternoon though … yum ). I’m being very careful about mixing closely though and sadly no hugs and kisses. I’ll make up for all that next year. Plus I’ll drink champagne and not water next year .
So it’s good night and good luck for Thursday. I’ll be thinking of you xx
Hello @rachel60 ,
Good Luck for Thursday. It’s the waiting that’s the hard bit. I have not stopped working but I am doing reduced hours. On treatment week, I stay home and do less ‘mentally taxing’ work like paperwork. It depends on your work.
It’s good to continue working to distract yourself, keep your brain active and keep negative thoughts at bay.
Negotiate with your manager if you can work from home or shorter hours (you are entitled). If you have an Occupational Health service at work, ask to be referred.
Hope everyone else is doing ok. Looks like we are having an ‘Indian summer’ down in London anyway. Hoping to escape next weekend to the coast.
Love to all and stay strong xx
Thanks for the tips! My side effects really dragged on for a while with the docetaxel, but I’m having a few days of feeling ok now before the next one on Monday.
Hope you’re doing ok with your last treatment. When you said your nails are darkening what did you mean? And have any strengtheners been recommended for nail/cuticle health?
Everyone going through EC, I wish you luck!
Hi @Cali
I am glad you are having a bit of respite from treatment.
The second time, the side effects are not as bad thankfully but my throat and tongue is still sensitive and I can’t taste much. Instead of diarrhoea, I was a bit constipated 
Lots of sage (antibacterial and soothing) gargles. I still smell chemo, taste chemo etc. it’s getting better and looking forward to my weekend away. A bit of respite.
In terms of my nail, it’s the base of the nail looking bruised (dark purplish). It’s not painful. Lots on here said they painted their nails black so they don’t have to see it. Nothing was recommended to me.
I just took it upon myself to use water based (less chemical) clear lacquer nail strengthener (allows breathing). Sally Hansen and Nailberry do them. Most medicated ones are for fungus and this isn’t fungus and may be too strong. It’s side effects of the drugs we are on.
Stay well and strong xx
@rachel60 good luck today. I worked during EC treatment but reduced hours. I was off on treatment day, the day after and day 4. I used to get very tired on this day. Try also to pace yourself - I allocated 8 hours per day for work/activities. Of these I would take at least 1 hour for exercise. And I would rest/sleep/relax for 16 hours. Treatment is now my full-time job
Thanks so much Guido. I’m certainly going to pace myself with how I use my spoonfuls. Chemo now restarts with EC on Tuesday but all good to go and I’ll be so pleased to get going! Xxx