Yes up to now feeling ok, few bunged up issues. Hope your ok xxxx
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Hi all, I hope everything is going more or less fine for you 
3rd day after chemo and that nausea hit me hard, had to skip my wig appointment todayā¦in any case, canāt complain much, these days felt only some fatigue and sickness, could eat though.
Cutting my hair short later today at a hairdresser. I donāt do cold cap, the doctor said I would lose all hair anyway. After having long hair all my life, feeling a bit anxious but also curious about seeing myself with a short haircut. Will probably buy some hats over the weekend as well, hard to predict whatāll feel most comfortable.
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Glad you are feeling ok so far. Yes thank you, Iām feeling ok this morning. Hoping to go out for a walk in the sunshine today xxxx
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Sorry about nausea Chita - hopefully they can give you more /better anti emetics? Donāt suffer ā¦
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Hi everyone, just thought I would update on how day 1 went with EC and cold capping.
The cold capping was intense, had brain freeze sensation throughtout and used paracetamol to help with this. The cap is on pretty tight so my ears started hurting after 2 hours from the general pressure, and once the C of the EC was added I got sinus pain, but all normal apparently and resolved once cap came off after 3 hours.
So far the anti sickness is working, but am preparing for side effects to delevelop over the coming days, learning from other peoplesā reports.
Love hearing how everyone is getting on, its so nice to not feel alone in all this.
X x
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Hi all,
Had my first chemo yesterday, I had phesgo injection first which was quite stingy but ok. Then docetaxel, which also went in fine then i had the carboplantin, which unfortunately i had a reaction to, they were on it and i am fine now but was a bit scary! Might have to take more steroids beforehand next time and they will put it in slower to see if that will help.
I was wiped out yesterday when home but so far ok this morning, little nausea but taken meds and ok, felt like i was a little drunk when i got up for the loo in the middle of the night! Will probably get out for a walk today though.
Hope you are all doing well and get to enjoy the weekend a bit xx
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Hi @debly123 @zoemac and everyone
I originally posted on the February post as I was due to start on Paclitaxel. It was delayed due to having a slight cold but I started this week - Wednesday.
I have Secondary breast cancer. Primary in 2022, 4 surgeries and RT and all clear. My one year check up discovered Secondary in lymph nodes and spine and I was on Palbo and Letrozole for about 15 months. Progression now and I have moved to Paclitaxel for 18 weekly sessions and have been tested for something else. It has been terrifying - exacerbated by an unprofessional Oncologist but I have now changed Oncologist.
Paclitaxel- So first session was three days ago. I had a slight reaction after the infusion started - very hot face/neck and heartburn/pain in chest. They stopped the infusion and gave me more meds before waiting and slowing down the infusion. So all went ok after that.
Morning after - face/neck hot and headache but died down by lunchtime. Tired.
Next few days - gurgly tummy but not quite diarrhoea. Tired.
Hair - I have my wig but need my hairdresser to cut a fringe in which she will do once I need to get my head shaved as it will sit flatter then. Cold cap isnāt an option in NI - at least that was less decision to worry about.
Nails - Am getting my gel nails taken off next week. I have bought Nailberry Oxygene treatment. Also using Polybalm twice a day on all cuticles.
I am doing some online LGFB sessions for nails and hair loss this week. Hopefully they will be helpful.
I am in a SBC Breast Cancer Now group locally which is so helpful as we are all going through similar and we are a great support to each other.
Has anyone used cold/ice mitts/socks? I have bought them but undecided whether to keep.
Thanks all.
K 
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Hi everyone, Iām still struggling with nausea, like a constant mild food poisoning, cannot function at all. The prescribed drugs havenāt worked so farā¦ Did you get any advice from your doctor/nurse on what to use in this case?
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Sorry to hear that Chita. Have you tried the team to see if they can prescribe you better drugs? I was told any issues get in touch ā¦ sorry thatās the only advice I had. Very sorry youāre struggling nausea is horrible
The only other thing I was told was take the anti sickness meds on a schedule - donāt wait until there is an issue (I expect you are already doing this ā¦) 
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Gosh what a journey 
Iām so sorry , such a rough ride. I think there is a SBC group on here somewhere hopefully the nurses can connect you as well to āSomeone Like Meā
My hospital donāt do anything for hands or feet (I asked for when I start Docetaxsl) so was wondering about the mittens and socks. Would love to hear what you find/how you get on please
I hope treatment goes well for you - keep chatting!
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Thanks @feck
Iām in the SBC group on here too. I had a mentor through NI based Action Cancer. She was really helpful. She is now a good friend. I was about to sign up to do this for others but Iāve been a bit preoccupied!
K
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Hi @KazED what a mare youāve had. I did get the same hot face/neck for the first session but not had since. I have Pacli, Carbo and Pembro every 3 weeks and Pacli weekly on a Thursday, now on week 4 and main side effect is insomnia for the first few days, back pain from the Filstrim injections till the Monday and been diagnosed with IBS, serious tummy pain which is responding well to Buscopan but trying to get my waste disposal in a rountine is dire! Constipation followed by numerous bowl movements at erratic times is so draining.
My hair is coming out this week I think around half has gone now but even so no intervention yet although did pick up my wig on Friday and same as you need a fringe cut in.
I had my nails off before treatment started and have just been painting with clear polish to keep them protected, they are very weak as always had gel/biabs. The LGFB brows, lashes wig and hair workshop was really good with links on the website for various places to get reasonable hair/head accessories and tips on lashes and brow products.
Hope you get more reassurance with the new oncologist and donāt suffer with too many side effects, not sure if itās the same 24 hour line for you but if so do not hesitate to contact them as they can suggest over the counter meds that really do help. Iāve never taken so many meds! Youāve had such a long journey already you must be one super tough cookie. Chemo is a rough ride and knowing weāre all in it together is such a comfort. Sending healing hugs Z x
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Thanks @zoemac
New Oncologist is much better and I feel I can trust him which makes a big difference. I asked him about my nails and he said let them grow out but my fingers are going to look ridiculous soon as I will have more than half cm bare so at least that part wonāt be filed over and maybe keep a bit of strength. I will leave my toes a bit longer as they grow much slower. Hoping the Polybalm helps. Itās clinically proven to reduce chemo nail damage. 
Hopefully I wonāt have the red/hot face this time then.
I donāt sleep well and the last two nights my legs have been very achy. I have been taking amitrypiline before bed which has helped me stay asleep.
I attend the Macmillan Unit at Ulster Hospital in NI so prob a different helpline but they are very good and it is stressed so much to ring them with anything.
Healing hugs to,you and everyone else too.
K x
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Thank you @feck!
My nausea feels suddenly better today, I managed even to exercise for 20 minutes 
feeling out of breath so easily now! It make me feel quite weak comparing to my normal selfā¦ Feeling very old and sick 
My PICC line is acting up, causing a lot of discomfort, so I decided to call a nurse tomorrow and ask to switch to a port. Just want to feel a bit more normal again
@zoemac it seems we are on the same treatment, just youāre some weeks ahead 
Thanks for sharing your experience! Sending a lot of support to all of you!
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Hi Hasnae hope you are getting some support - how are you doing?
Hello feck, I am feeling bit down. Didnāt go out for two days as I had an appointment with breast surgeon three days ago stating that she canāt save my breast and I have to do mastectomy and there is sign of cancer in my second breast now and I am waiting for more ultrasound appointments.
I keep hearing just bad news and I didnāt get results from my genetic test yet which freaking me out as I have a twin sister that she lives in Canada and she is my only friend and my true love and I donāt want her to be affected like me.
I am still waiting for my oncologist appointment on Wednesday nothing about chemotherapy starting day yet.
Hopefully will go through this and become stronger.
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Sorry to hear that. This is not an easy road at all. Can suggest ask the nurses on here if they can match you with āsomeone like meā. There may also be other services they can offer? @Bernard_BCN @Shi
Hey everyone
I had my first chemo on the 19th Feb. Iām having my second this Wednesday 5th. So I thought the March starters would be the group to join!
Little about me, Iām 39 with 5 children, ages ranging (21-7)
Still really struggling with the diagnosis.
My mental health has taken a serious nose dive and I could really do with being amongst others who understand the worries and panic and also to help uplift each other x
I was diagnosed early January with IDC grade 3 er+ her2-
Although Iām still being tested and biopsied as a few more areas were picked up on mammogram. Oh also 1 aux lymph involved.
Surgeon suggested we crack on with chemo and then itāll be surgery.
Iām doing 4 EC 2 weekly and then paclitaxal (think thatās how itās spelt)
Hope everyone is doing well today xx
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@KazED thanks for the tip on Polybalm, going to get hold of some this week. @chita Iām glad the nausea has eased up, nothing been mentioned to me about needing a picc/port so Iām hoping I will have it in my hand. @hasnae87 im still waiting on my genetics report It was sent to Southampton on 12th Feb.
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Hi @hasnae87
Iām so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and all that is happening to you aswell. Please know that the BCN community is very supportive. Being part of this chemo thread will hold your hand.
I had bilateral (both) invasive carcinomas, two separate primaries and am also HER2+. I had bilateral lumpectomy, chemo with Herceptin, radiotherapy. Now 20 months on from finding a lump cancer free, with Letrozole soon to change to Exemestane and 6 monthly bone infusion (3/6 due early April). Over a year ago a threa called HER2+ and need some buddies started and itās had over 20k views and numerous people join at different stages of their treatment. Itās a really friendly and supportive thread you may like to join. Link below
Thinking of you. 
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