Sorry to hear Pac is really not being nice to you at the moment @bea4 . Those side effects are really awful arent they. Pac really does kick us when we least expect it, doesn’t it.
I certainly will be in your queue . It was not at all helpful being told Pac was easier. I have no idea why Oncologists would say that.
All we can do is give ourselves lots of TLC and come on here and have a good “off load”. Doors always open. Ears always listening.
It will finish in time. At least we know thats guaranteed. Make sure you rest as much as you can in the mean time. Our bodies need to heal. . Xxx Even though I hate the fatigue, it does make the weeks go faster if I sleep loads.
Thinking of you, and sending you love and strength
I don’t think I could go through chemo without you amazing ladies, thank you
I won’t be ringing the bell. I am very mindful of other patients journeys. I’m not finished with treatment yet and there is still got a long way to go in my eyes. I also don’t want to tempt fate. I do understand those that do ring it. Our journeys are unique as are our reactions. Some really need to ring that bell, perhaps it makes the end of chemo real for them, or it might be what their mental health needs. Do what you need to do for you
Now if there was a bell for having the Picc or port removed I’d ring that one!!! Can’t wait for it to be gone……must be patient, and prepared for 2 more weeks
When I asked my oncologist about Pac being better than EC…he made a funny noise and gestured 50/50. I am glad that some people have it easier than EC though. I think I will lose some nails, they are looking worse each day…some are yellow and some are going white, not looking forward to that.
I for one have really valued everyones humour, strength and support of each other. Even on our worst days. It makes such a difference knowing we all understand each other.
It helps so much checking side effects out with others. Sharing experiences. The Good the Bad and the Confusing.
I also send out a huge Thankyou to the BCN Team for making these Forums possible and easy to navigate.
Re your nails….fingers crossed they hold out for one more treatment. . Ive not been brilliant at coating mine with oils, mainly because I forget to pamper my nails. Lifetime habit…..But I have used the VitE and protein oils now and again. But like some have said, if our fingers swell and become painful it is hard to hold back the inevitable sometimes regardless of what we do.
The reassuring comment was that….. if they do fall off, new nails are usually growing underneath them.
Hope tomorrow goes smoothly for you. I will be thinking of you.
I didn’t ring the bell at the end of my chemo as I felt a bit of a fraud having only had six sessions, compared to some people having them for months. Someone rang it on my first session but to be honest, I only heard the clapping. I don’t think I’m going to ring it after radiotherapy as I’m not one to make a scene
Fingernails on DOC - seem to have calmed down regarding pain and looseness. I’ve been painting them with a really dark purple varnish. They did look quite unpleasant when I trimmed and repainted them . I’ve had my toenails done with gel so they’re covered too.
Hair is growing slowly, feels fluffy, looks very grey. Not unexpectedly!!
Glad to hear your fingernails are calming down @dcfc84 .
I dont think there is a “one size fits all” method re: keeping nails. We just do what we can. Luckily finger nails normally grow quite quickly, so hopefully in a few weeks, once chemo has done its worst, you will have better nails. .
Hope your last set of chemo side effects are generally being kind to you and hope that well earned bath is just perfect. .
I can’t thank you all enough for your kind words - I know there have been periods where I haven’t responded for a few days, but this forum has been such a wonderful support and comfort to me throughout treatment. Been so inspired by all of you
To echo what many of you are saying, it hasn’t quite felt “real” yet that the chemo aspect is now complete! Originally I thought I’d feel incredible that it was done- but it’s not over is it? I had my surgery done first, but still have radio to go and on anti-HER2 injections for the best part of another year It feels very conflicting? I know if any group would understand it would be you wonderful ladies
Then! I feel guilty for feeling that way as I really try to be grateful for every little win - I hope i don’t across as ungrateful to be finished that milestone?! I even fretted putting up my original post about me being finished chemo as I want to be respectful to those still going through chemo themselves
Wow, this really puts us all through the wringer doesn’t it?!?! I still marvel about how much our brains endure during all of this?!?! Especially. At. Night.
We all started this journey at different times, and we will all finish treatments at different times.
Weve all had mixtures of chemo, Operations, Oncology Plans.
But the lovely thing about this Group is, we are here for each other regardless of where we are on that journey.
Everyone completing chemo have reached a milestone (one of many). And that needs celebrating when it finishes, as chemo is beyond hard. . So im glad you shared your last chemo with us so we could say “well done”.
It also shows us we can all get through this. It isnt forever.
But yes, some finish in August, some finish in September, some will finish in October. But thats OK. This Group doesnt go away simply because some of us are finishing “chemo” now.
Personally, I am happy to stay on the journey and share my experiences as they change, and be a listening ear for anyone who wants one.
Im heartened by the March Group who are now moving on to Radiotherapy, Hormone Blockers and Operations, and are still actively supporting each other. I think that is lovely.
People will find what is right for them. Some will continue to dip in and out. Some may be so exhausted and just want a break. That is all fine.
But we all have one thing in common, Breast Cancer. Chemo is one part of a bigger picture.
Couldn’ t agree more, @poppy261 ! I often have a read of the March thread in particular, to see how those lovely ladies are getting on and to watch and admire their progress.
How are you today, @mssteel ? Have they let you go home, yet?
Love to you all…..another week closer to one finishing line or another….and BIG Woop-Woop for @daffodil_dream for completing her chemo!
Glad to hear you may be going home today @mssteel . But sorry to hear you didnt appear to get much sleep in hospital, and your HB results may result in a Blood Transfusion. Goodness you have been through a lot this last few days. Xxx
If you do have a transfusion …… hope it all goes OK. Will be thinking of you. Take care of yourself and keep strong.
Thank you , last chemo done. Now just waiting to see what side effects I get, more or less than normal. I did start to get some pins and needles in my hands and feet at the weekend, I do think this may increase on this dose. who knows. I also think some of it is phycological as the more I think about it, the more pins and needles I seem to get/ notice ( a bit like when the kids come home with headlice and you automatically start to itch) The chemo nurse wasn’t worried about it and said it’s common on chemo.
Picc line to come out in Sept….Initially the nurse said see your oncologist first….but that’s not until October….So I told her blood nurse said a couple of week …..so booked for then lol.
@mssteel Good that you may be going home soon. The blood transfusion is often the quickest way to boost your system and if it means you can go home sooner, big whoop. You can sleep then. Stay strong, and positive
I hope that every ones next dose is kind, whether you are halfway through or nearly finished. Keep strong and cross each appointment off as you have them, each is a step closer to our goal. As other ladies have said, we will still be here to share and support even when our chemo is done. There is still radiotherapy to go to! No one truly understands what we are going through, unless they are going through it or have done so already. We have all started our journey at different times, with varying drug combinations and durations depending on our unwelcome cancer. Our Doctors all seem to do something a little different. We’ve had setbacks, some worse and scarier than others and treatment has been delayed and/or changed. So I’m staying here to keep cheering you all on. We can do this ladies!
Oh no….2 more weeks of PICC @baldiesrus….I hadnt realised that was going to be a definite plan. I was hoping they would just take it out for you today regardless. But I guess, if they are being cautious then it needs to remain in. 2 weeks will zoom by.
Trusts are so different. My hospital said they just take them out on the last infusion. No caution there
But…whoop whoop for no more chemo.
Really hope side effects are minimal. But if they hit, just rest as much as you can. xxx
huge congratulations on your last chemo @baldiesrus it’s a big milestone completed, even if there’s still some road to go! you ladies have really lifted my spirits the last few days, thank you all
Congratulations @baldiesrus great news the chemo is over
I second many of you and I’m delighted to support and cheer us all on as we go through all the stages to come and all the milestones, like the end of chemo.
No one understands the highs and lows like we do, in real time, so it’s so important to me to laugh and cry with you all
On we go ladies I’ve got round 5 of 12 today, one more step closer to the end!
I got home last night around 11pm, had a bath and went straight to sleep. Feeling groggy and tired this morning, probably because I didn’t sleep much while I was in there so may have a lot of catching up to do plus it’s still only been just over a week since my last chemo round so also probably still feeling that.
I know I was moaning about being home all the time last week, but compared to being in hospital it’s a dream come true. I swear my bedding feels softer and cosier than it did before I went in!
I’m just going to really try to rest over the course of today because I always say I’m going to and then end up ploughing on with some household task that absolutely could’ve waited.
Hope the side effects are easing for you, but if not, have a virtual hug.
Im surprised you were sent home so late . But saying that, it sounds like the right choice for you.
Our homes give us freedoms we dont realise we have compared to hospitals. Theres always yins and yangs to consider .
Like you said, your fatigue will be multi layered from: chemo, bloods, blood transfusion, no sleep in hospital. Thats one tough week.
I think they say it takes a few days for people to feel the benefits of the transfusions. So its early days.
Id snuggle up under your cosy bed covers, with any food/drink that taste nice, having a good film in the background. I always fall asleep watching films
. It was not at all helpful being told Pac was easier. I have no idea why Oncologists would say that. 
At least we know thats guaranteed. Make sure you rest as much as you can in the mean time. Our bodies need to heal. 
. Xxx Even though I hate the fatigue, it does make the weeks go faster if I sleep loads. 
. Ive not been brilliant at coating mine with oils, mainly because I forget to pamper my nails. Lifetime habit…..But I have used the VitE and protein oils now and again. But like some have said, if our fingers swell and become painful it is hard to hold back the inevitable sometimes regardless of what we do.
. I’ve had my toenails done with gel so they’re covered too.
.
It feels very conflicting? I know if any group would understand it would be you wonderful ladies 
. But saying that, it sounds like the right choice for you. 
.