May 2017 chemo starters

Hi Annie A it sounds like a rough start. It’s definitely worth checking about the chicken pox. My son’s just recovering from it but I’ve had it and don’t start until next week. There’s a 10 - 14 day incubation so if your son gets it then count on from there. Unfortunately they’re most contagious just before the spots appear so it’s hard to dodge.

I’ve spoken to the nurses on my chemo unit and they said to just carry on as normal. So that’s what I’ll do for now. Thanx for all your replies to this ladies x

Hi Mai7. Glad round 2 went well. I know what you mean about giving your mum a chance to see and be less worried. Mine played tag team with my husband for round one as he had to collect the kids from school. She felt lots better seeing me with the line in and a smile on my face (I am normally a fainter but seem to be toughening up) She was in the same place 6 years ago and some of the nurses recognised her. Sorry to hear hubby still not well.

Crying when I type this ? my mum first had breast cancer when I was 13. She has had it twice since and ovarian. She is the most amazing person and massive support. I know she blames herself for my illness and that breaks my heart.Knowing she has got through this is so comforting to me and also my children. If she can do it I can too. The only thing is i know that this will be with me now forever.

Big hugs to you treehouse and to your mum too. X

Hi Mia your not a geek at all i have written everything down in a diary so I can do the same xx

Evening
Going for my picc line to be put in tomorrow, did anyone buy covers for them? I think I get one from hospital tomorrow. Do they bandage up the picc line? Or just put a little cover on it?
Thanks max

Thanks Mai7 and MJK. Sorry for over sharing. I think my sister and I have been very aware and checking regularly as we half expected this day would come. Genetic testing results will be interesting. Even my surgeon said there was a chance it is not related. We all know someone!

While we’re all going through different treatments, sharing emotions with people who are going through this at the same time is so helpful. Other friends are really supportI’ve but don’t quite understand in the same way. Mai7 and Annie A I have my note book ready. Good to hear today’s been ok Mai7. I hope the PIC line goes ok tomorrow Max85 mine goes in on Tuesday. With no lymph nodes to the left and PIC line on the right I guess I’ll have to sleep on my back. Just as well hubby has earplugs!

Thanks AnnieJ. I will call if anything changes. I have been trying to record side effect but I felt so rubbish I didn’t do every day. I like the spreadsheet idea. Can they put a line in after treatment has started? I coped well with treatment one but they made a mess of my arms during a last min CT scan 3 days later. Also my treatment takes forever!

Hi Max, for Picc line the shower cover on Amazon for around £15 was the best buy ever. I ordered a funky everyday cover from Etsy that arrived today but it’s a bit short. I’ve tried someone else on eBay; these look longer; £5 . Hope this helps.

Thanks Woodie, good to know what works.

Hi Ladies,
I’m due to start 6xFEC on 1st June. Thought it might be better to post here and gain from your experience on the initial cycles. I’m booked in for a pre-assessment next Wednesday, not sure what that involves but know I’ll have to have a blood test then. I’m really hoping for the best outcomes out of this process, I have 2 young kids to stay strong for, my son is 4 and daughter is 3weeks old. I was diagnosed at 31 weeks pregnant with stage 2 IDC and had a lumpectomy while 34 weeks pregnant. Luckily it was a success with clear margins and nodes. My mum underwent breast cancer treatment 3 years ago at 57years old so she’s been a great support to me having had 8x chemo sessions herself while continuing to work. It’s been a tough journey so far but I’m determined to see this to the end and hopefully emerge stronger and wiser.

Hope you’re all doing well with the treatments.

Wande x

Hi wandestrong welcome. I can only imagine what you have been through . We all have the diagnosis day but when you are expecting must be very difficult. I am so pleased your little one is well. I had treatment one 12 days ago and now feel great but I am on a different cocktail to most of the ladies here. Feel free to share or ask questions. They are a knowledgeable bunch and mega supportive. We are not doing this alone. ?

Hi all, anyone on the same cocktail as me? 3 EC , 3 T? X

Pressed enter too soon sorry, 3 tax after my EC

The T part is the only part of my cocktail I share ?

Is the T part meant to be the more harsh of the treatments? Xx

Not that all treatments arnt harsh, I didn’t mean that to sound as it did. I just see a lot about the T part that’s all xx

I think it depends on your definition of harsh. I know my Herceptin and perjeta are what the nurses are most worried about. I have regular heart scans for that. But I think the T seems to be giving me the muscle pain. I will talk to onc next Fri to clarify.