May 2017 chemo starters

Sarah can I ask if/ when you lost your hair? Also did the symptoms get worse each cycle? Or were they similar? It is nice to talk to someone so far along our road. I am only on day 10 and daunted by what’s to come.

Of course Treehouse - happy to share my experience. My hair started to fall 2 weeks after first cycle. The weekend before my next cycle I decided to shave it off as felt I needed to take control of the situation. I haven’t brought a wig either - tried a few but wasn’t convinced they were realistic enough and have decided to put my money towards extensions when I’m able to. I do have a variety of cracking hats though - they are called ‘chemo beanies’ from amazon. Quite expensive compared to some but I feel totally worth it. With regards to the side effects, I was fine on the FEC. Fuzzy mouth, loss of taste and bit of a dodgy tum but no sickness. Each cycle I’ve had I seem to be really tired first few days and just lay with eyes shut, then about a week of feeling spaced out and restless. Can’t seem to sleep Much. As for the Docataxel - first one hit me like a truck. Was told I will have flu like symptoms, starting a couple of days after the chemo. The aches were horrific, paracetamol and codine didn’t even touch the sides. I had a funny turn and ended up in hospital for the day but after numerous tests put it down to a reaction from the chemo. The aches I’m sorry to say lasted around 6/7 days. The second cycle my onc reduced my dosage of the docataxel and it was so Much more Bearable. I still ached a lot but managed with mainly paracetamol and she gave me tramadol incase things were bad again so I took them at night. Still had fuzzy Mouth, no taste but so far no dodgy tum with this lot and still no sickness. My fingers hurt (like they’ve been shut in a drawer) and I’ve been told I could Lose some nails. Was told the sickness is less on the last 3 cycles anyway. On the whole they have got easier for me as I’ve gone along. Hoping the next one goes easy on me too. - just seen how long this reply is! Sorry for rambling but hope it helps x

Ps you tube also have some cracking videos to show you how to create eyebrows and make your eyes look ‘fuller’ when/if you lose ur lashes.

Thank Sarah. I’m not on FEC-T. I have 6 lots of Herceptin, perjeta, docetaxel and carboplatin. I too have had horrendous back pain and flu like symptoms. I agree with the truck comment. Told my husband I felt like road kill on day 4! I thought it might have been the injections but maybe its the docetaxel??? Glad to hear you are finding it easier to cope. ?

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The Injections unfortunately do add to the aches and pains. Particularly ur
Lower back, down ur thighs. When I was in hospital the doctor there told me that they also affect all the tiny bones in ur body as I was also having pains around My ears and in my wrists.

No worries Mai7. I’ve read lots of bad things about it too. Still came as a shock lol.

Welcome all new ladies x

Good luck today Mai7 thinking of you x

Treehouse love your son’s comments , he is quite right in a way and at least he’s been listening xx

All have a lovely weekend I’m going to angelsey for a couple of days break xx

AnnieA I hope yesterday went ok.
Mai7 thinking of you with round 2 x
Katie 11 have a great weekend. So good to hear people well and doing normal life.
I think I am back ? almost normal.

Don’t know how normal my weekend will be , I’m day 15 and have noticed some loose hairs this morning eeekkk!

Thanks Anniej. Its difficult to know what is normal symptom or not. I was on the verge of phoning but perked up. It is on my list to talk about at next appointment. To be honest I was too scared to phone and moan. I thought I would just burst into tears and fall apart so I just lay still and hoped it would pass . Thankfully it did. Stupid I know!

Katie11. Is it a patch or just extra hair on the pillow? How are you feeling? I know that is next on the list of changing changing daily symtoms… .we have so much to look forward to ? currently my face looks terrible a strange mix of acne and dry scales. Must encourage husband to take his glasses off in the house.

Hi everyone I just thought I’d post a little update. Day 1 after chemo today and I spend 4 hours in a&e last night with palpitations. They let me home and just put them down to side effects. They don’t seem as bad this morning.
I’ve just had a call from my breast unit to tell me that my surgeon has left and I’ve been transferred over to someone else who I will not see until 21st June (not quite sure how I feel about that, considering I should have been seen next week).
Also had a call from my sons nursery who have said there and 2 children off with chickenpox. Does anyone have any advice on what’s best to do with this,do I have to try and stay away from him ? ? Xx

Its weird how different people are told different things. I was told it is a 21 day cycle, day 1 is the day of chemo,  day 7- 14 is low immune week.

 

I am now day 10 so right in middle to "be aware of germs"week, hair still hanging in, so tempted to cut it off but so desperate not to. I know that sounds weird.

 

At least the sun is on its way to day, had so much rain yesterday, I feel better in myself seeing the sun.

 

Heather

Anniea hope your ok xx sure your new surgeon will be as good as the other must be a little unsettling though .

My hair is just loose hairs none on pillow as yet. Just feel like I can feel hairs on me all the time!

Oh AnnieA. Sounds like you have had a tough 24 hours. Did you have to wait in A&E or did they see your red card and rush you through? Sending big hugs your way x

Treehouse , I was put in a side room and seen fairly quickly ? X

Glad to hear it AnnieA. Take care ?

AnnieA. What a tough 24 hours for you bless you and hope things start feeling a bit kinder. Have you had chicken pox before when you were younger? I’d get on the phone and get some advice as quick as poss ease your mind especially after the a&e experience. It’s good they put you aside in your own room.
Hope you have a better day xxx

WolfEE I’ve had better days but I’m feeling okay this morning. Yes I’ve had chicken pox myself but my son hasnt yet. I’ll make some phone calls and see what I can find out x

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