Sorry Jackie and Carolyn hope you are ok too!
AND Amylou bless you…how are you?
I must have still missed some of you out…sowwy…
I wonder if i will be having surgery or chemo…i now think surgery.
Be back with the news later!
Dulcie xxx
Hi all
Hope everyone is feeling a bit better today!
Mollie - hope the thrush is clearing up - I’ve just got over it myself tho I had to buy the canesten tablet for £10.20 rip off! and yesterday I had to buy another one for my daughter! My onc did put it on my list of medicines so I guess I’ll get a course tomorrow!
Pachit - my tumour was 20mm so a bit smaller than yours, I have a friend who had an mx 20 years ago and she’s been a tower of strength since I was diagnosed - now I know why she’s always so happy - it’s because she appreciates life and I’m just learning to do that now!
My son stressed me out again this morning - he called me while I’m waiting to have a blood test ranting and raving about this back to work course he was supposed to go to and he couldnt find it - noone answering their phones and I’m supposed to find this place for him whilst sitting in hospital! well I googled it and rang them - and rang him back. Sometimes I just wish I’d had a normal son. His behaviour is so challenging and stressful, he just cannot keep his temper in, and I think he has been very very lucky not to have been in trouble so far! Anyway at least he’s not there in the evenings ha ha x
Marie - wow 33 lymph nodes they took out? my surgeon said he was going to take out as few as possible - and took 8. I did ask him how he would know not to take more out, and he said he would feel them to see if there was any abnormality he could feel. He said it was better for me to have less out. I wonder if they just took all of yours as it’s their policy ? I must admit I was worried out lymphodemia but I’ve been fine.
Peanut - I’d be happy with those odds too. I guess the positive thing to come out of all of this is that we will be monitored for the next few years. I just wonder what would have happened to me had I not climbed on the mobile van! A friend at work collapsed whilst on holiday just before her 50 birthday and died 10 weeks later - she never knew she had cancer - that scared me 
Dulcie hi - I hope your mother in law will be ok. My dad did exactly the same thing when he was about 82 while gardening and just lay there shouting “help help” - we laughed about it afterwards as he had to wait for the neighbours to hear him to call an ambulance. He had surgery and did really well after that back to gardening.
Smilesnic - you’ve given me a bit of hope about my hair - I’m due to FEC no 2 tomorrow, and my hair was sort of doing ok - coming out in strands but took a nose dive on Sat when I managed to put something in it that knotted it all together and my fella has to cut loads out! My hair is very fine anyway so I’m not sure if it gets any thinner that I can get away with it! Am having it cut shorter on Thursday to ear length and see if it holds - cross fingers! x
Kojak - Hope you’re feeling better, I actually felt sick til about day 9 on my first fec so now I’m not looking forward to tomorrow! I tried to turn it into a positive in that I didnt feel like eating and I’ve managed to keep off the few pounds I lost - so if it continues like this I’ll have managed to lose the weight I put on since diagnosis - yipee xx
Had a good half hour session with the personal trainer this morning, and hopefully will go tomorrow before chemo. I have to force myself past the tiredness, but it definitely helps me feel better 
have a good day all! xxxxxxxxxxx
Hi All,
Ceej - not surprised you didn’t find the counsellor inspirational - and an Onc that can’t read ! That would stress me out big time LOL. I wasn’t sure if your 70% figure was regardless of whether you had chemo etc. Thought it would be higher after all the treatment. I also wonder why some ladies have MX and some don’t. I had such a high percentage of my lymphs affected and vascular invasion but got to keep my boob so feel very lucky and sad for the ladies dealing with MX. Impressed with your gym sessions !
Patchit - I know you can’t help worrying about the SE’s for the next session but it’s a bit like giving birth and a few days later you are forgetting about it again. I am Day 7 today and the first 4 days were awful but I am already forgetting it (or erasing it from my memory). I don’t take the injections anymore so just have to watch infections more carefully. Sorry to hear you are still struggling with the bra / prosthesis.
Twinky68 - I really feel for you going through this again and with your hubby working away. I hope TAX is better for you. Nearly half way there.
Bettie - so sorry to hear you are having such a tough time. Your body is going through so much and floods of tears is to be expected for both you and hubby. Take each day at a time and I hope you feel better really soon.
Mollie43 - I hope you get to delay the next treatment as I think it’s important you are mentally ready for it and so sorry to hear your hubby is upset, but I always think it’s best to let it out.
Amylou29 - I am Day 7 post 2nd FEC and suffering with tender swollen hands / arms but nothing else. I think you should get checked out just in case and watch your temperature. It might just be your body lymph system trying to flush it all out but don’t ignore it for too long.
Dulcie - so sorry to hear about your partners mum ! It’s harder when they are older. I do find things happen at the same time though - hope she recovers well.
Smilesnic - lovely to get to know you more. You sound very positive with great support. Wish I had a lady to walk my dogs for me - although then I’d never get off the settee 
Kojak & Jackie7698 - Yep totally agree about FEC2, which was a shock as others seemed to find it easier, but we are all different. Don’t feel like a failure because you are still queasy - ask ask and ask !. I was also wiped out completely this time but starting to feel better. I am seeing Onc before next one for better Anti Sick and trying not to think about it yet.
We will look back at this all in the summer hols and be proud of what we went through !
Going to walk the dogs now and do some jobs as feeling really lazy from laying around for days.
Love to All
Angie
Angelherts - yeah I was surprised to when the ONC says 70% chance of reoccurance - that is definitely after the chemo tho. Like you I was lucky to keep my breast and with only 1 lymph node affected I felt kinda lucky ! Tho I’m definitely thinking of taking up the offer to make the left one the same size and perter at some point in the future lol! x
Hi All
Well, had 3rd (and last) FEC yesterday and all went well. Just been back to the hospital to pick up my Neulasta jab as they hadn’t got that sorted yesterday (bank holiday) so will have to inject myself later. Feeling very tired but not too nauseous (I have been very lucky with SE’s - just hope that continues on TAX but not so sure).
Seems lots of you are looking at survival rates and different types of treatment. I have 2 different but small lumps in right breast but as it is in two quarters have to have a mastectomy after chemo. Wish I didn’t but there we are. As for long term outlook, I am just going to be positive.
Can’t reply to individuals - brain not functioning fully. Going to pop out for a quick walk and then back to bed for a little sleep.
Jane xx
Hello to all,
Hello from the windy Pennines. and to:
Jackie7698
Angelhearts re 2nd chemo: oh dear 2nd chemo has not gone well
Marie 67 for You all, that’s interesting. I wonder if it is
Kojak the cumalative(sp?) effect. I am watching your
posts with interest as my next is Fri (no2) althoug
h I am having EC. Are any of you having it too?
Jackie7698, I too had a massive appetite and blamed it on the steroids! but I wonder if it was a bit of comfort eating and boredom?
Kojak: I know exactly what you mean about loss of routine and inability to do stuff we would normally do. It’s incredibly frustrating. I had to give my job up and now I feel like I am rattling around. I have lost my motivation to do simple stuff
Mollie43, I am pleased you are out of hospital, you have had a very difficult time that’s for sure. I do second your advice if feeling at all unwell. I had a very sore throat and was going to leave it, such a hassle to get it checked. but better we do.
Bettie, Sorry to hear of your pain, talk about timing! I’m not surprised it feels too much. Your hubby sounds lovely, he is able to express how he feels, that is very powerful and should help him and you.
Dulcie, love your mad stories, especially the t-bag one!
Rae, I do love your hair in your pics, lovely blonde and thick no wonder you are missing it! Wonder how it will come back?
Ceej: Wow your son/my son, they sound so very similar all the things you say! I could also say! I have told him I can’t speak to him at the mo as is causing me too much stress. The whole thing really saddens me. pm me if want to know more bout my struggles with him
Me: Well, my hair is nearly out! I am still struggling as to what to do next. The scarf thing feels to 70’s fancy dress and the wig I just can’t do. I live in a very small/tight knit community and just know that people will be staring at me! It makes me want to stay in.
I am off to the docs tomorrow to have pre-chemo bloods done, and my very absent brother has offered to take me to chemo! - that’s a 1st.
My sis/Mum said they would come over to help with my other son, just in case I am unwell…but know they will irritate me after a bit.
Think I am grumbling a lot…feel/look like a crabby old woman.
WS xxx
Sorry,
1st bit of post has gone weird, is addressed to all ladies having their second chemo, that has been much harder than the 1st.
2nd chemo is Fri for me too.
Socks
Hi WS
I think you might have something about the appetite being boredom rather than the steroids - not that I’ll admit that to anybody in real life of course! But I’ve always been a comfort eater rather than someone who loses their appetite under stress (shame!) so that might well be the problem. I suppose I think I deserve something nice too and trying to keep willpower in check is just too much effort on top of everyhing else!
I just tried to do some hoovering in my bedroom - to get rid of last nights hair balls but I’m fighting a losing battle there - I think by this time next week it will all have gone though.
I’m going to see if I’ve got the energy to walk round the block (in my wig) before it rains again!
Have a nice afternoon everybody
Jackie xxx
Hi All, hope you all had a lovely Easter.
Angelherts, sorry you’ve got the arm pain too. Are your hospital going to give you a port? Hope you’re feeling better now.
Joan, glad to hear that you’ve got your prosthesis sorted out, hope it’s right now!
Bettie, sorry to hear you’re having a hard time, hope you’re feeling better today.
Mollie I hope you’re feeling ok, and have been able to postpone no 2 until you’re ready, you’ve had such a tough time this time – it can only get better now.
Amylou, I agree with Beryl and Jane, you should contact your hospital and tell them how you feel – hope you’re feeling better now?
Beryl, have a lovely time with your daughter. My daughter is flying back from New York today. I just hope she gets on her plane, she decided to stay up (clubbing) as she had to be picked up to go to the airport at 5am, so I hope she doesn’t fall asleep while she’s waiting for the flight to be called!
Dulcie I hope your appointment with Onc went well?
Smilesnic, glad you’re feeling better, you will get a lot of support here, and it does really help!
Carolyn, I prefer to have nothing on my head too, although sometimes just have to put a hat on to keep warm. But I hate it when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror! I haven’t lost much hair this time, so still have a very sparse skinhead! I can’t decide whether I would rather shave it all off.
Kojak, you’re not a failure for needing more anti-sickness tablets, you definitely shouldn’t be feeling sick for so long, and need something stronger. The Onc gave me Emend for No 2, even though I was only sick for one night with FEC no 1. I also found I had absolutely no energy for a week after No 2, which I hated too.
Today (day before FEC 3) I have loads of energy for the first time! I’ve made the most of it and blitzed the house this morning – it might be the last clean it gets for a while!
Jackie and Wintersocks, I have a couple of days when I can’t stop eating, I blame the steroids, but I’m not sure if it is, as it’s a couple of days after I’ve finished taking them.
Ceej, really impressed that you have the energy to go to the gym!
Wolsty, hope you’re feeling ok after No 3. Did they have any problems finding a vein?
I think I have another se – both of my big toe nails feel and look bruised, and the side of the nail has come away a bit, so I think I’m going to lose them. I knew it was a se that some people have, but didn’t expect it this soon, I start TAX for No 4, and thought it might happen after that.
CM, you haven’t posted for a while, I hope you’re ok? We miss your wise words.
Poppy, hope you’re doing ok after no 2?
Good luck to everyone having No 2 or No 3 this week.
Love and hugs to you all
Caren xx
I think for me Fec2 was easier than the first dose because I was not so frightened. I also had kept a diary which helped me know what to expect. Some of the SE s were better for me such as acid reflux mainly because I worked harder on my bowels and didn’t get constipated resulting in having to take dulcolax last time.
I did feel a bit more depressed this time I think and also more exhausted although I think I gave in to it more this time knowing that I would feel better in a few days. To be honest today is the first day that I have managed to get up before midday as it is so exhausting to have a shower and get dressed. With me the nausea is there most of the time still although I have masses of tablets for it. Seems tiredness effects it too
But each day is a day towards being well and I try really hard to remember that. Good luck everyone with all the things you are having to cope with as well as the chemo. Just keep going one day one hour one moment at a time.
Afternoon All,
Hugs to everyone who’s having a bad day…I’m at work so just a quickie post.
Went to see Onc this morning bloods were very good so no2 still on schedule for me next Tuesday…mmm can’t wait !!! Also went to choose wig…can collect it next week after chemo and he’ll trim it up to be like my own hair. I don’t think I’m going to continue with the coldcap.
Is anyone else in the Marchies at The Christie?
Dulcie… sorry spots already picked :))))))))))))))))
Love KQ
Smilesinc - I think you’re right about knowing what to expect for the second FEC - I’m apprehensive, but the first time I was off work all week as it was on a Monday and I felt pretty ok really - obviously the steroids giving me energy - but this time it’s on a Wed, so I guess I’ll only get the Thurs and Friday to recover and back at work on Monday - doh! It will stop me feeling sorry for myself anyway.
Caren - Glad you are impressed!! If I’m at work, it gives me more motivation to go to the gym beforehand and have a nice shower there, even half an hour wakes me up for work and I feel like I’m doing something towards stopping the inevitable weight gain that I keep reading about. I have kept myself quite healthy for the last 5 years since my mum died. I gave up smoking and joined the gym and I was getting quite fit when disaster struck last year and now I’m trying to rebuild that fitness. Soooo difficult when I get out of breath and am tired
I’m struggling with the eating thing too I made sure that I had meals all planned out for the weekend with my fella and took all the food with me! usually it’s takeaway heaven at the weekends and no exercise - and now I only have to know that we’re having something fattening to put on weight!
I went for my blood test in a hat this morning to cover my receeding locks and who should walk past? my boss! he’s retired and also has regular blood tests so he asked very loudly why I was wearing a hat and made it seem a complete waste of time trying to hide! oh well, I’m not a hat person and it did make me laugh that it would happen on day 1.
Right - more work to do! take care all x
Hi everybody feeling bit better today. Dont know why but got myself in a right old pickle about herceptin.
Well tomorrow will be interesting hair coming off and 2nd lot of chemo.
Ceej that sounds good for meeting up for a coffee. Sorry to hear you are having problems with your son how old is he.
Hope all is going well for everybody
Hello Ladies
Just read all the post to try and keep up with you all. Helena(daughter) has arrived safely and we had a big hug but no tears. She came in with a big smile on her face and a beautifuly basket of flowers, bless her!
We haven’t stopped chatting and I’ve shown her some of my headwear. ‘Frankie’ my wig has not made a showing yet, think I’ll save that one for later, possibly when she’s had a few drinks!
Thinking of you all and take care.
Beryl XX
Hi Fitter - yeah both of us with the hair issue and chemo tomorrow ha ha - let me know how you get on x
My son will be 24 in October but I am sure he has a mental age of 4 lol! The trouble with ADHD is that everything is either black or white - there is no grey - so if something does not go the right way woah! Oh and he says ADHD doesnt exist either, so there’s nothing wrong with him it’s every else
PM me and we’ll arrange to have that coffee - I was born in Berkswell, although I’ve found it impossible to go back there (even to the cemetery) without bursting into tears - silly I know, but it means I havent been to the grave for nearly 12 months - I’m an awful daughter!!
Anyway, let me know xx
Oh and Beryl - I didnt realise my wig had a name until I looked at the “how to care for your wig” tag and it’s actually called Raquel Welsh ! lol xx
Boy do I have an image to live up to!!!
Ceej will do that. how funny the wigs have names. Still got to get mine will let you know what its called.
Hope it goes well for you tomorrow. Are you going to Worcester hospital
Hi Fitter
Yeah - my wig is beautiful
I’m going to University Hospital Walsgrave as I live in Cov - it’s my OH who lives in Worcester
xx
Hi Everyone nice to meet you all. I’m Alison and i go to Christie for chemo, i’m stage 3 grade 3 with 8 lymph nodes pos.I’ve had three FEC & 1 Taxotere. Had very bad SE with all but Taxotere was the worse and i have been taken off this and going back on FEC for 2 more.
Forgot to say i am using the cold cap and have thinned badly on top of my hair but the rest is normal. i had very long hair and it died so had to have a short bob. I hate having the cold cap as it’s so cold.