Hi @Guida , hope you don’t mind me reading your post….well done for being assertive and getting your needs met. You deserve that. Hope the nex5 infusion goes well.xxx
Thank you @Geo23 for the update. I had my third EC yesterday, so my next infusion will be my last too.
Good to hear that you are coping well and taking good care of yourself ?
I also suffer from severe constipation. I had to take prescribed laxatives, as I left it too long and the stool impacted in the colon - not a nice experience… I eat healthy, plant based and drink lots water (need to try your smoothie) but I need to continue with the laxatives and my doctor halved the dose the Ondansetron for this cycle.
But so far I don’t have any other major side effects: a slight rash on the face, bone pain after my 6th/7th filsgram injection - but manageable with a single dose of paracetamol. My hair is still hanging on (I haven’t washed it since 21/06 ?) but I have to use a hairband to look more presentable. My appetite is good, so I also put on 2 kg ?. I also continue to work too which helps - it’s important not have to worry about finances.
Keep us posted.
Great that you got the help and guidance needed to advocate for yourself. We all know the hospital staff are trying their best and you’re more vulnerable than normal. I’m not having chemotherapy yet but my emotions are all over the place. I can cry at the drop of a hat. That’s not normally me. I find it hard to acknowledge these feelings.
The two hour wait must have seemed like a lifetime. Well done for being assertive especially it’s not natural for you. Glad you had you’re treatment sooner rather than later.
Thinking of you. X
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Hi Guida, it’s so good to hear you’re doing so well. Thanks for letting me know how you are. Think you’ve made me realise I need to be more proactive in looking after my gut. It’s good to be reaching the half way marker, which makes it all more bearable to managing know THIS WILL NOT LAST FOREVER. Keep going. I’ll see you at the end! Lots of love. Xxx
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Hi @Geo23 of course not. I explained what I did to help the introverts like me to speak up and to be more assertive. And thank you for your words. It means a lot. For some people it comes naturally, which is great. I found a new strength since this diagnosis 
Hi @Guida @naughty boob @Geo23 and all the other dear pink ladies.
The clinical nurse checked my rash and I still have no infection in my bloods so convinced it’s a vascular thing. I was given the green light to start chemo,
So I had my first EC cycle yesterday and I was so nervous! I had the cold cap also and it wasn’t as bad as I had expected. Next up the “Red Devil” followed by the other drug. I was surprised to find out the cold cap is 30 mins before, during and 90 mins after the chemo treatment.
I felt fine and even caught the train home after the treatment. The nausea set in a few hours after I arrived home, I was extremely nauseous despite anti-sickness tablets and fasting. I vomited some bile and was retching for most of the evening. Very unpleasant.
Thank goodness the nausea has lifted today and I actually had a little appetite and ate some soup and bread. I’ve taken some steroids and will for the next 3 days and have been told when I stop taking them will be when I’ll crash - but today I’ve even managed a short walk!
I take my hat off to anyone who works through this treatment. I don’t know how you can do it. I’ve applied for PiP but in the waiting game.
This Friday I’ll have to start the 8 days of injecting myself with immunity boosters. Apparently these give you body aches!
im swishing coconut and peppermint oil mouthwash which I’ve heard helps prevent mouth ulcers etc.
Keep going all!!
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Hello everyone. What an amazing group of women. Inspirational in how we are all coping from first time chemo this week to getting appointments sorted let alone the side effects. We should never underestimate our strength.
i had a “good” chemo todah. Finished early afternoon which has meant some time for us to walk, watch a movie. Nice.
tomorrow at 11am is hairdresser and a serious cut. Not shave but time to embrace the buzz. Just too much coming out and I can’t cold cap since the hospital switched me to Abraxane. I think I’ll be ok and it will be my sign of strength to get through this. Always got my pink wig for special occasions ? might be a tear or two.
hugs to you all xxx
@Beeza66 good to hear that you had your first cycle of the red angel ? If vomiting continues you should let your team know as they can tweak your medicines. Drink lots of water until the pee is no longer red. It’s also positive that you managed to go for a walk. With the injections, the nurse said to take them at night, remove from the fridge 30 mins ahead and take Latrazole+parecetamol (antihistamine), 30 mins before the injections. But please check with your team first . I only felt the bone pain on my last 2. I’ll be with you taking my injection this Friday. One tick 
Why did the hospital switch you to Abraxane ?
@Beeza66 bravo for your first EC treatment with cold cap! Sounds like you had a similar reaction to me on the first treatment. The nausea is horrible and I’m sorry you are experiencing it, but I’m glad someone else has as I was wondering if I’m particularly delicate! ? Do tell your team so they can swap your meds.
@Guida I haven’t spoken about changing my meds again but be sure I will before treatment no 3. The nausea only lasted about three days so I didn’t see the point in getting a new prescription straight away, but my appetite has been slow to return. Still getting there now!
And just well done to everyone living through this. It can be bloody tough, but we’re all doing our best together
Hi @Cali
Thanks for reaching out. The vomiting has stopped but I just have no appetite.
I managed some vegetable soup and bread yesterday but couldn’t face dinner.
I must say the nurse notes say don’t worry about loss of appetite the first three days - can make it up before the next cycle.
What anti sickness tablets are you on? I’m on Domperidone. The chemo nurse did say most patients don’t take them but why is that?
The Red Devil isn’t very noticeable in my wee as I had a heavy period anyhow while on chemo!!
I will start the immunity booster injections tonight - I’ll take paracetamol but are anti-histamines necessary? I wasn’t told anything about that.
it’s my youngest’s (of three children) last day at Primary School today so a very emotional time. She is still 10. My little summer baby! Born on the opening ceremony of the Olympics in U.K.
Keep strong friends - amazing how this cancer unites us ever closer.
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@Beeza66 my first treatment I was on Metoclopramide which most people have here in the UK I believe. Then I got Cyclizine for the second treatment and had a worse reaction.
With the injections I haven’t needed pain killers or anti histamines, but I do get fully body aches for a few days midway through the process.
I hope you also don’t find them too bad. Oh, but do look out for more hair shedding end of week 3.
@Beeza66 good that you have first EC done. Hope the Domperidone works to keep nausea at bay. I take that too and its done the job. I take it 30 minutes before food 3 times a day and I’ve had minimal nausea. I have had constipation with it so was warned about that. By day 4 is starts to get better. Prunes and drinking closer to 3 litres water a day which is what they recommended. I’ve stuck with both and it really helps. Also the hospital give anti sickness bands which have been great. You can buy them on amazon. Do they offer any acupunture at your hospital? That can be helpful.
On the Abraxane, I was switched because of an allergy to Paclitaxel. My liver didn’t like it. Since moving to Abraxane, the liver has calmed down. No problems. Except the cold cap policy because Abraxane stays longer in the system. But I’ll embrace the pixie today! It was reassuring just how closely our bloods are watched.
Hope you get to savour the moment of your little one’s move from primary. Such a big milestone and a strong mum!!!
xxx
Goodness you are all so brave! I have realised that in the great scheme of things I am having quite a gentle time with the drugs I’m having- Paclitaxol weekly and Trastuzamab every three weeks. It sounds as if some of the effects the other drugs have are so much worse, and I really admire those of you who are just getting on with it. I feel so lucky that I’m not working or having to look after anyone but myself tho perhaps the distraction might be helpful at times?
I had my fifth session yesterday, and the doctor gave me some cream for the acne like rash that had spread across my forehead, so hopefully that will fade soon. I’m getting to know the rhythm of my weeks now, so can plan a bit more, and I’m gearing myself up to have my head shaved- constantly moulting everywhere is almost more annoying! I’ve got a selection on nice scarves and a couple of caps and hats to play with.
Good luck for this week everyone- remember each session is another step towards the end of this strange journey. You can do hard things!
@Artylady your treatment might be milder in comparison to some, but cancer is cancer and treatment is treatment- you are fight the battle just like the rest of us and you are doing an amazing job. Thank goodness not everyone needs a stronger cocktail of drugs, etc.
How many sessions have you got left? I had my third session (out of six so half way) yesterday. I get docetaxol + carboplatin for chemo and immuno and hormone therapy on top because my cancer is “triple positive”. Like you, I feel I’ve gotten to know my cycles. I’ll start feeling significantly worse on Tuesday, Thursday is an absolute mess and then it picks up again. The following Monday I wake and it’s like nothing happened- blows my mind all the time!
I’ve got a bald patch on the crown of my head and shedding has definitely intensified. I’m cold capping which I think is why I haven’t lost more hair by now. I suspect I will though, but we shall see. Like you, I’ll brave the shave then.
I had an acne rash too, but after the first round, I started antibiotics early (on the day of treatment) and it didn’t happen again so fingers crossed for this time.
I’ve got a 1-year old who has just started walking. I’m back at work (Tue to Thu), but like you said, most of the time it is a very good distraction. Mind you I’m lucky I’ve got a lot of help, I’m sure single parents or women with no extra family around them would disagree at times ?
Sending lots and lots of love and healing your way, keep fighting like a true worrier you are! And I hope your treatment doesn’t bring out any new side affects.
We’ve got this xx
Hi @Guida , you are an exceptionally strong woman. Have a good weekend, do something to spoil yourself. xxx
@Beeza66 you’re really doing well, sounds like you’re taking each step at a time and being positive about all the things you’re managing. That’s a great attitude. Thanks for sharing. Sending a big fat hug. xxx
@rachel60 I love your gutsy attitude. You’re going to look great in that pink wig. Hold your head high as you wear it, and know you are beautiful inside and out. You are inspiring. xxx
Hi everyone, have a good weekend. Be kind to yourself and do something indulgent without any guilt! You’re all fabulous. I’m privileged to walk this walk with you. Sending a hug. xxx
@Artylady you are doing amazing - keep going.
I had my first immunity booster yesterday. Daunting as hub did it but they are all going away for August so I’ll have to do it alone. I’ve got some strong women lined up to support me through August though so I’m very very lucky.
Hub had to lift syringe a bit to check it hasn’t punctured s blood vessel which I will find hard alone while pinching my skin with one hand. So far no aches. I took two paracetamol just in case.
Took my last lot of steroids today.
Onwards and upwards to us all!
@Beeza66 That’s brilliant. I’m on EC in 4 weeks time and trying to think positive!
hope you are able to enjoy the weekend without too many side effects.
I had some acupunture today and it was so relaxing that I fell asleep.
xxx
@Artylady I’m glad you are getting into a rhythm with your treatments. I’m due to have same regimen as you and worried that weekly would be overwhelming. I’ve already had my hair cut short due to change in plans with surgery first and am looking at caps for treatment. My oncologist said hair loss was much less with Paclitaxol but reading on the forum it’s doesn’t seem to be the case in real life even with cold cap.
Keep the positive attitude. One step at a time…one day at a time. Each session is a session closer to being cancer/treatment free.
Think of you you ladies going through treatment. Xx