As peanut has kindly said, your fellow users are here to support you and share experiences with you and in addition you may find it helpful to call our helpline team who are on hand to offer further support and information the lines are open 9-5 during the week and 9-2 on Saturdays on 0808 800 6000
BCC has other support services and information which I am posting a couple of links to, I hope you will find them useful:
Hi Dulcie - big hugs xx were all here for you xx
You asked for chemo bag hints - well I’ll tell you what i take if that helps - for cold cap treatment - a hair band, conditioner, paracetamol, hot water bottle and a flask. Otherwise it’s eye drops, sugar free chewing gum for my dry mouth, water, a book, some throat sweets and a cardigan!
Others probably are much more organised xx
Take care of yourself x
Morning lovely ladies (and welcome to new friends)
It’s day 7 after fec 2 and I woke up feelng fine!!! Love it - and on the question of a drink I found that I quite fancy a glass of wine from day 14 - 21 but couldn’t think about it before.
It’s a beautiful day here too so I think I’ll just do a bit of work this morning and - perhaps - potter in the garden for an hour before going to the hospital to get my picc line flushed and hopefully see onc to see if I need injections to stop the neutopenia (is that how you spell it) that I had last time that put off no 2 for a week.
Have a lovely day everybody with very very few se’s
Dulcie - i had gall stones too ! I had my gall bladder out in August - its really not that bad but as Bettie said - it can be controlled with diet as well
I so wish I could post to you all individually, you are such a lovely bunch.
Welcome to jayjay, sorry to have to be here but the support here is truely amazing - take all you can to help you through, and we will get through this together. Your posting about hair loss was exactly the same as mine, and Im happier now its gone than all the trauma of it falling out. I went to work yesterday for the first time with a scarf on and the girls wanted to see my balding head! I felt like a side show in a circus! They were kind tho and I know they care about me.
Dulcie im so sorry about your news. I had my gall bladder out in October last year! I have asked if it could be related to BC but assured not, odd tho isnt it?
I get my 2nd FEC tomorro and realised that I gotta drink 3 litres today! EEk! But I am sure it helped me so much with minimal SE’s last time so drink I must!
God bless all you ladies, all who are having treatment this week, all who are suffering nasty stuff, all who are going through hair loss, and all with family problems.
Welcome jayjay, my tumour was also 70mm+ (not very comforting that they can’t fit it on the slide so can’t tell you exactly how big it is after 70mm is it) and I had 18/23 lymph nodes affected. I too couldn’t believe how I hadn’t noticed it when it was so big, seemed to come up very quickly (and very painfully!) and at 35 you just dont think it can happen, i had so much other stuff going on at the time i’m just so glad i got to the GP at all to be honest. You’re the first person I’ve come across that has also had such a large tumour so helps me enormously as I was feeling very guilty at not finding it sooner (and I did check myself, it was just higher an I imagined a breast tumour would be, I thought it was an infected cyst or something). I have a 4yo son and have been having major guilt moments over it all wondering if there was anything I could have done to find it sooner. Sounds like you have had an awful time with the chemo so far, hopefully it will improve for you. I’m due to have my fourth AC dose tomorrow (bloods willing) I’m on a fortnightly regime so I seem to be racing ahead with doses. Welcome to the march forum anyway, it’s full of many lovely ladies (there’s a lot of us) and its good to know you’re not alone on this journey.
Xx
I can’t keep up with everyone yesterday either…chatterboxes that you are lololol…
Dulcie…hugs to you and sorry you have to start on your birthday but sooner the better xxxxx Will be thinking of you.
Ceej… thank you for the info xxxx
I had a reflective night last night…couldn’t get my head in gear to think about anything except the bloomin wig…then I dreamt my cousin was the goddess of pink fluffy dressing gowns and I had to choose a new one…sigh!! Least Onc said I can go to zumba class whenit’s back on next week before my 2nd treat.
Not going to talk about myself today other than to say everything OK and enjoying daughter Helena’s company.
Jayjay - Bless you for making it on to our Forum and sharing your journey so far. We don’t mind any gate crashers but wish, as always, that you didn’t need to come on here. We all have our different ways of dealing with things and there are so many things that could or can be said to you to help you through this rotten time. By the look of things your diagnosis and treatment times for chemo are the same as mine. The fact that you have had awful s/e problems just makes it so much worse fighting your way through this. I do hope they have got it sorted out for you now and it’s not going to be the same pattern every time. It sounds like you have a good team looking after you at your hospital and with your professions it probably helps with understanding everything. I may be wrong there because there is so much to take in and understand during a very stressful time. Like you I had no idea there was anything wrong until the routine mam when it was picked up. No major surgery and lymps clear. Thank goodness for routine mams that’s all I can say.
Coming on here and sharing experiences and getting things off our minds helps me and I’m sure it does everyone else. It is not all about BC, we can talk about anything. Some are having a rougher time than others but we can all here to share our daily/weekly experiences and ask whatever we like. You would have already noticed that we have some characters who really make us laugh.
I would like to send you a big virtual hug and we will all give you support to get through this. Wish I could do more but we’re all here to help.
Dulcie - I was wondering about you yesterday and didn’t get to check messages before went to bed. Woke up this morning thinking about if you’ve posted or not. I agree with what some of the other ladies have said about it being nodules. Did they go into more detail than that? Your having chemo soon having it on your birthday is not what you would have wanted but at least it’s starting and you’ve got a date. You can have a non birthday as soon as you feel up to it. My birthday will have to be delayed because of my cycle. That’s OK at least when we go our for a meal I will know that I’m going to enjoy it and be able to taste what I’m eating. Chemo bag is really whatever you fancy. Mine when doing cold cap was - small hand towel, anti-bacterial hand gel (small travel size), music to listen to, giger biscuits, travel bands for my wrists (chemo nurse said some patients find these helpful)and I put them on about 1 hour before going for treatment. Book to read, bottle of water and a hat to put on after cold cap treatment because hair is very damp. Both times I’ve been to chemo I’ve hardly used anything out of my bag because of a lovely lady sitting next to me and we have just talked throughout it all. She will be there at my next session but it will be her last and I will miss her. There has been other nice ladies there as well and once you start talking it soon turns into another little forum like this. The chemo unit has been fantastic and they will take great care of you. Chin up my friend we are all behind you spurring you on. Take care and bless you.
Got to go and get reading now for our little trip into town. Such a lovely day here on the east coast and my first trip out since second session.
Just a very quick hello. Wanted to say welcome to Jayjay and so sorry that you had to join us, you’ll find some fantastic support on this site and particularly on this thread, the ladies are wonderful.
Dulcie, big hugs re your news. Sorry you’re starting chemo on your birthday, at least you have a date now. I was in hospital for surgery on my birthday, it’s pants isn’t it.
I’m off for treat number 2 today, apologies, I know there are some other ladies having theirs today too but can’t remember who apart from Twinky, thinking of you all x
The sun is out again and Im hoping to draw some energy from it. Had a comfortable night with the stronger painkillers just need a pair of ear plugs now as my daughter has been non stop waiting since she woke me up and got me in that much of a spin i can honestly say i don’t know what Im doing.
welcome jayjay. i watched the group for a few days before adding myself to it as never really went on forums before. i don’t feel alone in my experiences anymore and love reading everything that’s on here.
Parsnip i never realised your age as i don’t see photos with me using my phone. I would love any tips on trying to keep things normal for my children as sometimes i feel like i flag at this. that’s if you don’t mind.
Dulcie sending you lots of love. i know it doesn’t help but Im writing my birthday off this year. Im looking forward to what i hope will be the best Christmas ever x x x
Well my other sister is doing the race for life in coventry with a big bunch of her work friends and have asked if i wanted to be their mascot. i know they all mean well and its great they’re all doing it but Im a bit unsure as to whether i want to be the face on their t shirts.
Off to try and get ready for mum coming over
love to you all x x x
A beautiful day here today, and I’m off to lunch with work friends, gosh strange to find myself getting so excited, but I suppose that’s because life is a bit traumatic at the moment, sitting and waiting for treatments. No 3 tomorrow, and I’ve got a bloody cold nose running like crazy, hope it’s all ok for tomorrow.
Welcome aboard Jayjay, you are not gatecrashing we are all in this together. Whilst I’m not a nurse I too found it strange to realise this thing was growing in me, as I felt fine. Mines now gone had a therapeutic mammoplasty and removed lump 35mm in January. Now nearly half way through 6 FEC75 then radiotherapy.
Watched an interesting Horizon programme last night about cancer and radical new treatments for it. There’s a new radiotherapy at The Royal Marsden that’s really powerful and cuts treatments to just 3. Wish we could have that, the time saved would be amazing.
Hope your feeling better today Dulcie, this is probably falling on deaf ears but try not to Google too much it just adds extra confusion. Like others have said it’s not confirmed yet, and chemo kills off loads so wait to see what final diagnosis they give and what treatment they are going to give you. I had ovarian cysts diagnosed after MRI scan but doctors don’t seem overly concerned about it. Hugs coming your way.
I’m with you Gabby about the drinking, I need to remember as well, does any alcohol count in the 3l do you think?
Love to all having treats today, Caren, Lydia and I think Twinky. Sorry if I missed anyone else.
Morning ladies
Welcome to the Marchies Alli and Jayjay, you are most welcome.
Dulcie- sending you a big hug at least you have a start date now, even though it does clash with a special birthday, hope you manage to get chemo bag sorted.
Jayjay -I am a 44 yr old nurse to and had no idea what was inside me, they said it was a good job that my nipple had some discharge, which is what took me to GP if not it would still have ben growing insde me without me knowing,it didn’t show up on mammogram only on the ultrasound, had previously been enjoying a holiday in Portugal a few weeks earlier!!!
Have a friend popping round for lunch later.
Hope those having treatment do ok
Have a lovely day ladies
Jane
Good afternoon ladies. I haven’t been around for a few days as I’ve been trying to work in the mornings which has meant crashing out every afternoon and hoping the phone doesn’t ring (I’m self employed and work from home). Gosh, doesn’t chemo fog get to you? I can’t do anything and feel a total nitwit trying to write sensible work-type things.
I haven’t been able to catch up with everyone’s news but want to send big hugs to Dulcie particularly. A tough bit of news but hopefully you are a tough old bird as a lot of us on here seem to be.
I received hats from a friend in South Africa yesterday - they are made of bamboo which is incredibly soft, like cashmere, and hand-knitted so very touched by that. Also a friend in the Dominican Republic sent me some headscarves today so I am well stocked up now for the inevitable fall. I still have hair but my second FEC is next week so am expecting it to go any time now.
I had planned a trip to Oslo to see some very dear friends but thought I would have to cancel it and then this morning woke up and thought “Sod it!” and have left a message for my BCN to ring me back to see if she thinks I could still go. Even if I’m knackered, I can sit on the terrace under a blanket and get some lovely fresh air. We could take a walk in the forest or by the sea. I think it would really do me good.
Good luck to everyone who is off for chemo this week. Remember to eat chocolate as it is bound to do you good.
Hello March marvels
Well the dreaded deed is done, Hair has gone and No 3 all over and I have to say it feels Goooood !! It was getting so depressing watching it fall out and everywhere and so thin that I bit the bullett and did it all by myself… ts official I look like a silverback gorilla now lol x
OH will have one hell of a shock when he comes home tonight … But thank you for your tips I did as you said cut off as much as poss with scissors and then clippered it all off, My head hurt so much last night it had to be done, ready for chemo No 2 now next wednesday and I will be a third of the way there then , sounds good when you put it like that
Hope all the ladies that have just had the juice are bearing up and not too many horrid SE’s and those due this week good luck hope it all goes smoothly… off to take the dog out in my bandana I look like gypsy Rose lee , could make a few bob reading palms lol
Made an effort to with myself this morning as feeling so much better and put my face on. Also thought that it was time to put into practice what the ‘Head Start’ lady showed me during my session with her. I love the colour lilac and this comibination is the one I chose during my visit to them before chemo started. Don’t think I did a bad job and didn’t take long. Posed for picture with my/our daughter Helena. She is a very tall girl 6’0" and makes me look rather small at 5’6". She takes after her father for the height, obviously. I think this is a better picture than the one with my wig on. Had a nice time in town but very tiring, went and had a coffee/scone but in my case bitter lemon/scone and a potter around some of the shops. The sea looked lovely and calm with a nice light breeze, just wht the Doctor ordered.
Hope everyone is doing OK today and send my very best wishes to all having treatment for going for any kind of test.
Someone wondered where I was. Still here, but you lot are doing such a good job of supporting each other you don’t need me popping up all over the place. I’m still lurking on your thread though, so I’ll pipe up if there’s anything I think I can add that will be of use.
The best thing, I suppose, is letting you know that I’m a year on from where you are, and getting back into life. I have an interview for a new job next week some time, have a big family party for my dad’s 90th birthday in May, going to visit a friend on a farm to cuddle her baa-lambs tomorrow, so life is careering along at breakneck speed as usual. I’m still here. Not the same person that I was the day before diagnosis in December 2010, but I’m still here. I hope that gives you all hope. Cancer sucks, the treatment is tough, but even though you might not see it there IS an end to it.
Now, what were those rules I came up with?
BE KIND TO YOUR SELF.
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A SILLY QUESTION.
ASK FOR HELP, DON’T JUST WAIT FOR IT TO BE OFFERED. (And be specific.)
Erm… forgotten what else I wrote previously. But I know I came up with four. Might have been THERE ARE NO AWARDS FOR BRAVERY IN THE FACE OF NAUSEA. If you’re feeling really crap, call the unit and ask them to help, and get them to adjust your meds.
Enough already!
Keep going, ladies. One hour at a time if one day or one week or one month at a time is too big.
Back from Fec no. 2 - they messed about with the cold cap so much I thought I’d never get done! Not there is much hair left anyway feeling a bit sick but not too bad at all
Hope everyone else’s treatment went ok today xx
I too am back from Fec 2, had Emend this time and was told there would definately be no sickness - we will see! I do feel nauseaus, but am also hungry, do I risk eating or not, hmmm, think I will. The nurse had trouble getting the canula into my hand today and had to use a vein on the side of my wrist, right on a bone, I cursed somewhat when he was doing it! I do wonder if i’ll end up having to have a portacath if my veins are giving up after Fec 1? There was a lady in the unit today who I saw last time I was there, guessing only in her thirties and she was using the cold cap when I saw her before, she wasn’t today and i’m guessing she was wearing a wig, felt a bit sorry for her, like did for Beryl and megsmum (and anyone else i’ve missed) who’ve tried the cold cap and it hasn’t worked. I did seem to be the only person there today either not with hair or not wearing a wig, I did wear a hat, not brave enough to go without.
All in all i’m ok so far though. My cousin has had my daughter today, keeping her overnight and bringing her back late tomorrow, and my husband is doing a late shift at work so he wont be back until 10:30, therefore a peaceful evening watching what I want to on the television and the house will remain clean and tidy!
well done ceej and chascat so hope you have a good night. Ill be joining you for my second tomorrow and I must admit the nerves have kicked in a bit now. Still got to drink another 4 glasses of water before bed! (wish wine counted, Carolyn!!!)
CM!!! WE NEED YOU! your lovely post made me cry, ah to be a year on, but the last three weeks have gone quickly and already the second FEC is looming. Im still not used to having next to no hair, but I lovely my scarves and everyone admires them, I try to wear a different one every day! Well done Lottie, its only upwards from now on, hunny, and you will feel so much more comfortable now its clipped off.
Hugs to Dulcie and Franoli, wish your friends would send me some hats! The best hat sites seem to be situated in America, UK dont seem to understand that lack of hair needs to be dealt with stylishly!
Amylou, can understand about having your face on tshirts! Maybe they could just have your name on instead? Its a lovely thought they have had tho isnt it.
Lots of love to everyone else, as CM says DONT SUFFER IN SILENCE!
