May 2026 chemo starters

[baldiesrus]

Hi ladies, hope today is a good day.

The finishing line is in sight. For those with delays and setbacks, your finish line may be a little further out, but you will get there.

@poppy261 really pleased the nurse got your picc line unblocked! What a relief. Good luck for number 7 tomorrow. Hope your side effects are kinder to you this cycle.

Having my bloods ready for Monday’s chemo. Hoping they will be ok . Looking forward to seeing the Radiologist consultant for the first time on Monday too. I am assuming it will be a consent form signing appointment, and also telling me how many sessions I am having and where they are sending me for it. The waiting list for the closest one has been horrendous and they have been sending people all over the place. My nearest one would be great, a bus or 2 ride or a train ride and a bit of a walk. Again parking is pretty much non existent for these places. I can’t drive at the moment and well meaning friends wouldn’t be able to park if they took me. Some of these places are not even NHS hospitals, they are private hospitals taking some of the workload. I do wonder If I will have the 15 sessions the same as Poppy. Bless, a well meaning friend, suggested that if the hospital was too far away, perhaps I could stay there while having the sessions….clearly not really though about how expensive that would be, imagine the cost in London…….Cancer really does cost us lots. I am not going to add it up, don’t want to have to deal with the bruises from the fall of the shock lol .

I am really looking forward to having the Picc line removed at the end of treatment. I am sure you ladies with Picc or Ports are looking forward to that too. Being able to give your skin some love. Not have that plastic bit digging into the elbow crease every time I move my arm (it’s my dominant arm). To carry whatever you want on the arm!

I find the finger print thing interesting. My fingertips are swollen and the fingerprint area is very smooth and shinny….just as well I don’t want to go abroad at the moment, I think I would fail the machine LOL

Good luck ladies for your treatments and lets hope they go to plan. Hoping for minimal side effects for you all. Keep strong, the end line is approaching for the chemo.

[poppy261]

Thanks @baldiesrus . My worst side effect is complete exhaustion/muscle weakness at the moment, that refuses to go. Its really hit me hard cumulatively. Yet the actual infusions have been fine. So I would be glad not to have that.

Hope Monday chemo goes OK and your Radiotherapy meeting is manageable when you’ve had chemo the same day. My first meeting was signing my life away.

This Parking problem is huge isnt it. I considered doing B&B but at £100+ per night thats £1500 for three weeks minimum…. without meals . So it was a non starter. The hospital do provide units, for patients to sleep over, but seems you have to be 50miles away to access those. Im around 25miles away. Unless I sleep in the car out of town, and get a taxi in . Should have bought a campervan when they were £4k. Pre Covid. At £60k now for the cheapest, thats a no go.

Sounds awful re waiting lists in your area though. Ive heard of some people waiting 12 weeks, so Im not going to grumble at 3wks. I think Im very lucky on that front. So far anyway.

So many unknowns. But wish they sorted out parking slots for those on Radiotherapy across the NHS. Its only a 15 min session. Its a nightmare for patients who are already stressed and struggling. Especially for those travelling miles to get there. 2hr+ round trips are awful.

Determined to get through this though. We will be totally bored when all this finishes. What will we do with all the free days???

Sending huge strength and love to you all. Xxxx

[mssteel]

@poppy261

We will be totally bored when all this finishes. What will we do with all the free days???

Haha, funny you should say this @poppy261!

In chemo last Friday, I was getting all giddy with the nurse about moving to three weekly treatments after 12 weeks of being there twice weekly for bloods and chemo. And she said, “Ooooh, what are you going to do with yourself?” After a long pause, I finally said, “Oh my god, what am I going to do with myself???”

I’m definitely looking forward to getting back to the cinema as it was a big hobby of mine but I’ve just not felt either well enough or awake enough to sit through a film I’ve paid for but can’t pause on the weekly treatments. No immune system? No problem! I’ll just go at 11am on a Wednesday. No one else will be…

[poppy261]

Oh going to the cinema sounds a joy @mssteel . Good idea re: going at quiet times.

Im looking forward to using my car more. Going on mini day trips with coffee and cake stops. . I rarely drive at the moment due to fatigue, so exploring the world again, in mini, bite sized bits, will be bliss.

My intention is to enjoy the little/simpler things in life more.

[baldiesrus]

Morning, Hope today goes well for you @poppy261.

If you don’t use it you lose it….it’s a catch 22 situation! With extreme fatigue, you are barely able to stand up to make a drink, let alone go for the walk that is recommended to help. You just start to get enough energy to try and walk then the cycle starts again and floors you. My legs feel very wobbly going up and down stairs, I do hold the banister rather tight just in case. I’m not so bad on the flat. I have walked around a bigger block today than yesterday….to be honest it’s not actually very far by my normal standards. Oh well, we have to start small each time. We will get there!

What to to with free time and energy to do it hmmmm?? I need to tackle the house, do all the jobs that I have pretending not to see and drive me potty, that may include decorating(not sure if I will get round to that last bit….might be too busy trying to enjoy food…..and then having to worry about a diet .
Then I need to look at trying to find a part time job. Now that we have all had a cancer diagnoses, we are all considered to have a disability for life , another challenge to overcome, besides my age.

Back to the positive…..eating food we can taste, and best of all, someone else can cook for us, without us worrying if it will make us poorly because of low immunity. I really want a takeaway, and cakes from the bakery…..can you tell??

No more belly jabs……I’m sure the last lot of needles were blunter than normal….or perhaps my skin is getting tougher and is rebelling against them

What ever you are looking forward to, Keep that in mind, and it will help spur you on your journey. Keep strong ladies. We are strong even on a bad day, we are women after all!

[poppy261]

Sadly I am back home @baldiesrus they refused to do chemo today due to the severe fatigue, low blood pressure. So its messed up all my appointments etc. Not sure how I feel about it to be honest, as I did say I was happy to have it today, just so long as I knew the fatigue was to be expected.

Oh well. My day is now trying to juggle diary dates.

[baldiesrus]

So sorry to hear that. See it as a weeks holiday perhaps? Just a pain that you have to reorganise other appointments. You never know, I may be in the same position on Monday. We never know what the chemo team will say.

Big hugs for you.

[want2beme]

@poppy261 sorry to hear you didnt get your chemo. Annoying as it is, if its just a week delay and you improve fatigue wise it will be worth it

[poppy261]

Thanks @want2beme and @baldiesrus for your kind thoughts. .

I guess you have been here recently as well, for other reasons, havent you @want2beme . Its such a bag of mixed feelings isnt it!

I was really looking forward to no PICC in two weeks and it all being finished.

Ive had to cancel all the first Radiotherapy appointments (x5) taxis, physio appointments etc. It took ages ringing everyone, and explaining Why?, then changing my diary. .

Any other time, without Radiotherapy especially, and I would have been jumping for joy to have a week off. But sooo close to finishing and Radiotherapy biting at the bit ??? ….was such a tricky one.

I did try to keep the first Radiotherapy appointment/consultation going but they said I needed 3 weeks clear of chemo before they would even look at me. So hey ho.

I do think the Nurse was right. She went and spoke to the Dr on Duty and they both said a definite “no”. Even pleading didnt work. I really tried as well.

The fatigue was getting too much, then low BP, and higher heart rate to normal today, plus cumulative chemo effect, was all saying my body does need a rest from chemo. It was making me sleep for the world !!!

So yes….some days out are going to be scheduled in. Which will be nice. Even if it rains

Ive put all my chemo food in the freezer. Which means less prepping next time.

They couldnt fit me in next Friday. So I have to go in the following Tuesday 18th…..could have just had two weeks off in truth. As it’s only three days off the original last session which was on 21st. Then other appointments wouldnt have needed changing. Too late to argue that point now​.

So ladies….be prepared for any eventuality. Even in the last fortnight. This chemo keeps on giving.

Will be thinking of you @want2beme when you get your next treatment. Really hope nab is better for you.

Hope your legs are less wobbly next week @baldiesrus .

“Watch this space” for all of us. Fingers crossed most of us sail through these last few weeks without a glitch.

[alannah172]

Oh @poppy261 I’m so sorry to hear your chemo was cancelled, that must be so upsetting! Especially as you’re so close to the end!

I’m so happy that so many of you are so near the finish line with this treatment. It seems like yesterday we all jumped aboard here, equally it feels like we’ve been in this merry go round for bloody ages!

I’ve 10 sessions left, hopefully done and dusted in 10 weeks still quite a way to go, but I’ve got a chart on my kitchen cupboard now where I cross off each session when done

I’m like you @baldiesrus I cannot wait to have the picc line removed as I’m a swimmer, and it’s killing me not doing it. I swim in a lake all year, I really helps with my mental health, so it’s a bit of a double whammy not being able to do it!! That first swim back in October sometime will be the best ever

My side effects have calmed right down this time round, my team think I was reacting to the steroids and anti histamines in the pre meds!! I still reacted, but more manageable thankfully

Soon this will all just be a memory for us, keep strong team

[baldiesrus]

So glad your reactions are calmer now, funny how it was the pre-meds that set you off, it just continues to prove we are all unique in the way that we react. Enjoy crossing each of your weeks off. Such a good feeling Focus on the swimming to help get you to the finish line. You are clearly a very strong lady, especially if you swim in a lake all year round I feel cold now winter swimming brrrrr.lol

[poppy261]

Thanks @alannah172 . Yes Huge blow. I think the name of the game with chemo is “never get complacent”.

So glad to hear this week has been kinder to you. Side effects are awful arent they. I never imagined pre meds could equally be so tricky for people. Especially when they are suppose to ease side effects . Fingers crossed the next 10wks go smoothly.

Keep ticking off those weeks. Wild swimming is fun, so I can imagine your frustration with the PICC. I think you are amazing swimming all year. Like @baldiesrus says, i would struggle in the colder months. So huge hat off to you.

Its a great goal to focus on. Xxx

[bea4]

So sorry to hear your session was cancelled, @poppy261 , that’ s a proper blow. And it’ s all the ringing around, cancelling, rescheduling, shuffling stuff around, at a time when your energy levels are in your boots and all you really want to do is s-c-r-e-a-m, if only you had the strength. It really is so hard at times. But yes, get yourself out if you can, and try to grab a day or two of enjoyment.
I’ m day 3 post Pac and boy! I feel crap! Was fine yesterday, and idiotically thought today would be similar. More fool me. Nothing as bad as EC, but very tired, and can’ t sleep cos this cough is lingering. Knee joints achey, and appetite practically gone. Am having to force myself to eat. I worry about losing weight, even though I could do with a few stones off! But not now!

Wild swimming, in winter, jings! That’ s one noble act @alannah172 ! Something wonderful to look forward to in the not too distant future. I think the steroids can be blamed for the sudden drop in energy levels as they start to wear off after a few days.

Who mentioned decorating? Oh if only! There are rooms in my house which haven’ t been decorated in 30 years! Too old and crippled to bother now, although I ve persuaded my husband to agree to a new carpet for the dining room, once this nonsense is over! Believe me, that was a task, he’ s not houseproud, and his aesthetic sense leaves a lot to be desired! He just doesn’ t see clutter or muck or threadbare furnishings. Still, he’ s so good at laundry, shopping, taxi- ing me everywhere and being generally positive when I’ m feeling down, I have to forgive him for not being a domestic god on the furnishing front! But I am looking forward to being fit enough to clean the house properly! It’ ll be a massive job. We’ re hung in muck! Some ambition, eh? Cleaning the house! Then there’ ll be half an acre of garden gone wild to tackle……

Take care, girls. Big hugs to you all.

[mssteel]

Sorry to hear your chemo didn’t go ahead @poppy261. Obviously safety always comes first, but doesn’t make it any less disappointing, especially when you’re so close to being done.

Hope you make the most of the break though and feel tip top for a smooth appointment next time. x

[poppy261]

Thanks @bea4 . . And they said Pac was easier hey!!! Not sure about that now.

So sorry to hear on weekly Pac you are also struggling. I was really hoping the weekly would be kinder to all you ladies.

I wonder how much is the cumulative impact of all this chemo as well. Weve been through a tough treatment and our bodies get tired dont they.

I told the Nurse I was happy to have it today if I just knew the fatigue and weakness was normal. But I think BP at 45, and heartbeat being dodgy sealed the “No”.

I love your humour Bea4. . Your house sounds like a real home. One where you can really relax in. And You and hubby sound like the perfect pair. Comfortable in each other slippers xxx

Thanks for your kind words @mssteel . 11 days rest will be nice. Had a frantic day with ringing round cancelling appointments, but thats done now. So I plan to have some days out with a good friend of mine, whos very patient if I cant do much. He has a lot of empathy.

Stay strong all you ladies. We can do this even with setbacks.

[baldiesrus]

Afternoon ladies, Hope you have had a good morning. It’s a bit warm for me again today, stupid weather. Hope you are having more comfortable weather.

I hope @poppy261 is feeling a bit better today, hoping your energy levels have increased. I also hope you are not feeling too down about your setback. Enjoy your time with your friend. He does sound very caring and understanding.

@bea4 Sounds like our husbands are similar. Mine doesn’t see the dirt or muddles or what needs replacing. He does occasionally see the clutter and moans about it. I mentioned a new carpet for our bedroom , and he didn’t seem impressed….in fairness we have made it last longer by turning it around to wear out the other part lol. The bathroom really needs doing, especially as my sons like a very long showers….the ceiling is peeling and going mouldy and the bathroom wallpaper is starting to peel off……Wallpapering over the cracked wall seemed like a good idea at the time. The radiator also needs replacing(on the same wall), the paint is peeling off and its very rusty. Anything else can wait it’s turn, and wait until I am motivated to have a crack at it.

I googled the drugs that I will be on after chemo, that kind of brought me down yesterday, looking at the side effects and wondering what ones were going to get me. Some are so similar to the chemo! Has anyone else looked at what is next and had a wobble?

My Chemo time has been bumped to 2pm tomorrow, due to the drugs not being available until then, so tomorrow will be a long afternoon. The kid(s) may have to do their own dinner tomorrow. I am hoping the eldest doesn’t go out tomorrow and can step up….not holding my breath though. 2 cycles to go, including tomorrow . When I had my bloods done the nurse mentioned I don’t have many cycles left now. I did say I wasn’t sure if I would be given an extra one due to my reduced dose, she said it doesn’t usually work that way. I hope she is right. It’s really good to cross them off.

I hope you all have a fab Sunday. Look after yourselves ladies.

[poppy261]

Thanks @baldiesrus . Yep, Its mixed feelings really. Any other time and I would have shouted with joy. But cancelling so many appointments really hit home how it was hindering my next treatment schedule, and other NHS appts. I couldnt reschedule the Physio as he didnt have any slots for weeks, then Im in Radiotherapy. So hes on hold now. I also see a cancer counsellor fortnightly on Tuesdays. So shes also on hold as she was only free Tuesdays.

Strangely, it has made me more nervous for the next chemo session now, mainly because its made me realise how much I was struggling. After feeling more “normal” I may not want to feel that bad again . With EC the Oncologist said to “storm” through it. Which got me to the end of EC. It worked. I just knuckled down

But then she went on a 3week break, and doesnt work Fridays in my hospital. So my contact with her was greatly reduced. I did have another of her Team to cover initially, but shes moved Hospitals. That lady put me down for a monthly contact, rather than 2wkly as she left. So I wonder if I had seen my normal Oncologist last Monday (my normal routine), whether all this would have happened. Who knows.

So, im practicing intense calming .

Still slept alot this weekend. But if my body needs it, thats fine. I already have M.E.so I have to be careful.

Hoping your schedule carries on without too much of a hitch​. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. 2pm is a late start isnt it. Normally it would be a good excuse for Fish and Chip night, but chemo and chips may not be that appealing.

And another Heatwave coming . Goodness everyone has had enough of the intense heat now. Its not good for chemo and night sweats thats for sure. . Its really making everything so brown. Although there are less weeds in the garden. .

Talking of thread bare carpets….my stairs one has been down for over 40yrs. Pure wool…lasts forever. I thought of getting a new bright one this year for hallway, landing, and stairs (cancer treat), but it meant clearing out large pieces of furniture and contents, so the novelty wore off quickly. I bought a rug for the Living Room instead.

Hope you survive tomorrow and the heat. Will be thinking of you.

Same to all you ladies wherever you are in the Country, and wherever you are with treatment days. Sending love and positive vibes.

[baldiesrus]

Big hugs for you

I think we accept the new normal, whatever side effects we have. We don’t realise how much they have knock us on our bottoms until we start to improve. If you don’t improve much, due to the accumulation effect, then it’s harder to notice the better days, as they don’t improve that much. This stupid heat really does add to it all too. So we are doubly effected. This week off, may be exactly what you need to feel more like you again. your next session will be better on your system as you have had more time. So frustrating it has messed with your other appointments, and that your doctor has changed too . Have you tried shouting at the wall? It might make you feel better…..wasn’t there a film where a woman used to talk to the wall??? Chemo brain, can’t remember what it’s called.

The thought of having to move lots of furniture would put me off getting a new carpet too….just to make you all chuckle, when I was in my teens, I painted my bedroom walls, however, the wardrobe was in the way. It was big and bulky and I couldn’t be doing with trying to move it, so i painted around it….. ….

I’d love a rug in the living room…but hubby hates them. Lets be honest, knowing my luck at the moment, I’d probably trip on it. I’d love stair carpet too, but that’s never going to happen, easier to mop wooden stairs than to clean carpets!

Keep your chin up, you will get there. You are strong even though you may not feel it positivity coming your way……+++++++++++

The same to everyone on here, good or bad days, we are stronger than we think. Sending positivity..++++++++++++

[poppy261]

Thanks @baldiesrus . We need lots of positives for sure.

re: next stage wobble… Ive looked at Letrozole which is the “go to” for my cancer (Lobular). Cant say the side effects filled me with joy.

Ive gone on earlier months posts, and read up on other ladies experiences. Some have had no issues at all (my friend was one of these). Others have struggled.

As always, a mixed bag as we all react in different ways. Xxx

Radiotherapy also worries me. Although the sessions are mainly painless, its the blasted side effects that are always a drain. Again, some ladies have nothing, some have minor rashes, some have lymphedema etc. So its living with the “risk” level of side effects compared to the risk of not treating cancer. Its tough.

Love your decorating techniques

And yes, my wall is a good friend

[bea4]

It was Shirley Valentine who used to talk to the wall, @baldiesrus ! Just getting that written down for you before I forget it, too!

Think we’ re all dreading the next phases post-chemo. Who’ s got bisphosphonates to come? And, even more scary, those immunotherapy ones? Plus Tamoxifen or Letrozole too? I’ ve had Letrozole pre surgery, and didn’ t have any issues with it, and will be going back onto it once the chemo is over, so there’ s hope for you, @poppy261 . I think my joints were a bit stiffer than normal, but being arthritic I’ m kind of used to that anyway. But the inhibitor things….nope, not looking forward to those. CDK 4 & 6 I think they’re called? Ribociclib, or Palbociclib? Not sure.

Feeling weird on Pac, but nowhere near as fatigued as on EC. Only another 2 months to go…..expecting to be on my nose end by then. I’ m too old at 72 for all this malarky.

Thank the gods my house isn’ t the only one hung in muck! You’ ve saved my domestic sanity, @baldiesrus and @poppy261 ! Peeling bathroom wallpaper, tick. Rusty radiators, tick. Mouldy corners, tick. Threadbare carpets, tick. Plus, us being rural, and it being summer, I keep spotting some HUGE spiders pottering around the house. Size of bloody guinea pigs but not as endearing…..

Upward, my lovelies. Upward and onward. Forward is the only way, no matter how slowly.

Sending love to you all.