I’ve had nothing written down yet which feels odd. I am still waiting for test results so maybe that’s why. But definitely I can imagine it feeling strange to see it written down, I find it hard to relate any of it to myself at the moment.
Am going to have to get back up thread and get serious about these good diet things aren’t I? Fricking constipation. At least I have provided a learning experience for a student nurse today 
Second cycle of EC for me today! I was very relieved as I feared bloods would betray me after colds / sickness bug. I am anxious about the hair loss after today as I hear that is when it starts shedding noticeably for many.
First cycle was otherwise manageable. Few days of significant fatigue and other symptoms here and there. I agree with all the fresh air tips above - even a very short walk really makes a difference. And keeping ahead of the sickness meds and taking them even if you feel fine for those first few days was transformative.
@anncuk I have been unable to get enough cheese too - have wanted it loads!
Hope everyone is doing well xx
@felineoptimist Haha the student nurse! Invaluable experience for them!
So I’ve been receiving letters weeks and weeks after appointments, they get dictated and then take forever to be typed and posted! x
@jululemon That’s so funny about you and cheese too! I never thought I’d be choosing that over chocolate but I’m obsessed! x
Sorry to hear that @felineoptimist Of all the side effects I think that is going to be the most annoying for me because it’s not really illness but it’s really painful. Ive still got a bottle of laxatives from when I had strong painkillers after surgery but I didnt dare take any. It felt counter productive whilst taking antisickness meds haha but so far ive been ok, things got a little stoney 
but ive been drinking fluids like crazy and hopefully all the fruit smoothies are helping
@anncuk I’m definitely feeling the cheese cravings! What is that all about? Haha
Well done @jululemon on your second cycle. Ive got next cycle nerves also. Not just hair wprries but about anything being worse than what I had. I feel like my side effects were bareable but I don’t like the idea of them steadily increasing. I hope the next few days go ok for you, keep taking those antisickness meds. Big hugs 
I just did an hours walk. Music in my ears. It felt really great to have some energy back but now I feel like I 100% need to rest. Don’t tell my mum she will get mad at me haha
@foxgem Right, this cheese thing is weird! Honestly I have been eating appallingly but it seems to have got me through - I’ve had the best of intentions every day but it goes wrong and I just want cheese!! x
My crazy cheese craving extended to wanting fresh crusty wholemeal bread with thick cheddar and fresh pineapple inside - utterly bizarre!
The last 3 days of my cycle I felt pretty normal - a need for more rest but I could meet friends / walk a lot more. So I hope you all experience the same. But if you do not give into the fatigue a bit and just chill with TV and books and podcasts if work permits.
Here’s to hoping cycle 2 treats us nicely @foxgem. Am trying to be positive and think we are at least partly familiar with it now. Xxx
@felineoptimist for the constipation maybe try dried prunes (they work better than tinned), ground flaxseed/linseed (in a smoothie with banana, chia seeds are good too), and generally a Mediterranean type diet if you can. Hope things loosen up for you soon 
!!
@jululemon 
so I’ve had cottage cheese with pineapple in too! Maybe I should try your sandwich!!
I have a feeling most of our conversations are going to be food based or poo based 
Hi all, your chat has perked me up today as have been a little tearful for no reason. I blame steroid withdrawal! Day 4 and have been wiped out today and yesterday - didn’t even manage the “elderly dog walk” of 20mins for our lovely Lab Poppy who’s on mini multi walks daily. Felt quite “sparky” nerve wise after my jab last night and then was awake in the night - annoying. Today I had my PICC line installed - which was seamless and pain free. I was chatting to the the radiographer and said “will it hurt” and she said “it’s done already” so that was a win. However I got home and went straight into PJs and slept - obviously a far too exciting day for me!
Also weird but I am not a big cheese fan however at lunch thought I would quite fancy cheese on toast today and also I too have been cold but my temp etc all normal so no cause for concern 
We have formed a hive mind it seems!
@joodles Cheese for you too! This is so funny! Sorry to hear you’ve been tearful, I think steroids can definitely be to blame and just living through this daily too. Good news about the PICC line! You should definitely feel like you’ve achieved again today 
As for the pyjamas, I put my dressing gown on at 8am and it’s stayed firmly on all day! 
x
I should have said I also had cottage cheese AND cheese for lunch - with a cheese scone! My cottage cheese was with chives not pineapple. How hilarious!! Definitely a cheesy Monday for us all
Hey ladies just catching up with all these posts and it’s so funny, I was craving this weekend a cheese butty on thick crusty tiger bread and then was cutting up cheese just to snack on but really wanted it in cubes specifically yesterday must be something in the air!!
So glad lots of you are feeling back to normal/coping 
I’m day 14 today after 1st EC and feeling back to normal, I forget I’m actually going through chemo
@jululemon glad round 2 was able to go ahead! I’ve got a cough that has lingered for weeks and I’m hoping I’ll be OK for round 2 EC a week tomorrow!! How was your hair up to round 2? Mine has been OK so far which I’m hoping is a good sign but I’ve had a small section of my Scalp today that’s abit tender and tingly!!
Sending love to you all xx
I am home and in bed now. Feeling a little queasy and drained but took extra anti sickness and hoping it’ll get me through the night. Managed a slice of toast.
@katie91 hope no2 goes well! I would say hair loss to date has been fairly normal (to be honest my hair is still doing funky post partum things as my baby is just 1). I had a very itchy scalp a few days ago but no shedding. From all I’ve read on EC it’s cycle 2/3 where it starts to go, so I’ll keep you posted. I’ve decided to leave the conditioner on overnight and in the morning I’ll wash it off.
Hopefully I won’t have the mad steroid night wakes tonight!
Take care everyone and enjoy the cheese! X
@sam1204 @katie91 @jululemon Just woken up and thought I’d check the forum, I think we have identified a cheese pattern here! Hope everyone has a good day and if you’re feeling not so bright I hope it improves as the day goes on (I am still a zombie!) 
x
The cheese theme is very amusing. Am normally a cheese fiend but finding it hard to look it in the eye this week due to nausea which is sad.
Did someone say antihistamines can help with filgrastim side effects? I am on the struggle bus today with a headache. Was that advice from onco/nurses? Is it prescribed or otc? Have had my paracetamol (checked temp) but it’s coming and going.
Morning @felineoptimist I took 1 antihistamine and 2 paracetamol about an hour before the injections and if I had any pains I was able to sleep through them.
Research I found said Claritin was the one that helped. In sainsburys this was about £8 for 20! I opted instead for sainsburys own brand £3 for 30. Both tablets includes 10mg of loratadine which must be the things that helps.
My onco nurse didn’t suggest this, it was something I found online but when I told her my plans she said I could try it and if I thought it helped then keep doing it
My head is very itchy also! But no shedding so far. I keep reminding myself that just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it wont. I dont want to get my hopes up too high, better to accept it’s coming, as difficult as that is.
We are all in this together and none of this is forever. Its all temporary
First night after #2 was not lovely but not hideous. Nauseous despite the anti sickness tablets, but no vomit. Was awake for a few hours in the night. But ok this morning, mild headache aside. Just eating some breakfast but water tastes gross and chemical-like!
But this means another one ticked off. I am just hoping it is going to work and attack my (pre-op) tumour and nodes.
Going to brave the hair wash soon.
Keep going everyone! @foxgem you are right! X