Good luck Lisa and Gill. Am thinking of all you chemo babes as usual. Even if I don’t post, I am still keeping up with your treatments and progress
Love
Debbie
Lisa - I cried buckets in the car on the way to my first chemo BUT once I arrived and things started happening, it was much better. The anticipation of it was much worse than the actual thing. Take a book with you though as we had lots of waiting around.
Good luck Lisa and to you, Gill, as well. You’ll be fine honest.
Hi Gill,
How are you ?? I have a night of feeling sick but was only sick once thank goodness ! I am feeling better now. The girls are at school/nursery so i have got a lovely day to myself.
I hope you are OK ? Sending a big cyber hug to you ! Just think we are one step closer to finishing.
Sharon
I have just started the tact2 trial and I felt i had nothing to lose by poting for it. Once you agree the computer processes your data and chooses which arm of the trial you get. You could get :
- the normal way Epi/CMF
- fast track Epi with normal CMF ( Im on this).
- fast track EPI and tablets - cannot remember name (this is the best one).
- Normal EPI and tablets.
I felt that any chance of doing the treatment faster was worth a go and we are helping people in the future to have more effective treatment. I checked that none of this would be detrimental to my treatment etc and was assured it was not - I am not that brave !
So you may just want to ask more detail on the different arms of the trail and get reassurance that it will not affect your health etc.
Hope that helps
Lisa x
Forgot to say !!
Thanks Nicola and Debbie for your support it really helps to talk to people who have done this.
Lisa xx
Hi Everyone, Nichola, Lisa
So pleased you are ok. One down 5 to go!!!
Treatment went well yesterday, I was more worried about getting to canula in my hand (due to the bad experience I had before surgery with the c… of a aneathetist)
But the chemo nurse was brilliant and got it in first time,she put it in the cruck of my elbow.
The only feeling I can say I had after they administered the chemo was I felt that i had drunk half bottle of vodka, which isnt all that bad. I did have nettle nickers which was a weird experience due to the first drug they give me, but touch wood don’t feel too bad now. Felt slightly nauseous last night but have been ok today touch wood, I am waiting for it to change.
Dyzee - Thanks for your good wishes my friend, hope to get that coffee soon. xxx
Debbie - Thanks for your good wishes too.
Take care
GillMcxxx
Gill - I don’t think you’ll get any worse. Make sure you take all your anti-sickness meds. Don’t wait until you feel queasy just keep popping those pills. I’d forgotten about the injection that gives you the itchy bum. I think that’s the steroids - at least it’s over and done with in a minute or so but it is a weird side-effect. My first chemo nurse said occasionally she’d forgotten to tell someone to expect that and then she’d see them wriggling on the chair!
Take care both of you (Lisa and Gill) and anyone else on the TACT2. Take it easy and get lots of rest whilst the treatment does its job. Another couple of days and you’ll be feeling much better.
Nicola x
Gill
Hi how are you ? I had an OK weekend - just felt very tired.
Feeling OK today so far will probably have a nap later.
Take care
Lisa x
Nicola
Hi I just wanted to ask a question about Epi. I seem to be as you said - queasy initially and then just tired for the first 4 days. Since Monday I have felt better and better and actually feel a bit guilty about being off work today !! Is this how you were all the way through ? Will It get worse as I have each treatment ? Also did your periods stop ? I am due on this week but am unsure if this will still happen.
Thanks
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
My treatments were on a Wednesday. By the Sunday/Monday I was feeling more human and I’d pretty much perked up by Tuesday and was then pretty much ok after that. I didn’t find I was that different for subsequent treatments. It’s exactly the same dose. Maybe a bit more tiredness but not that different. I think it’s important though to take it easy even when you’re feeling better and, of course, to avoid crowded places and anyone with colds etc. I still caught colds off my kids but at least I wasn’t exposing myself unnecessarily to other infections.
I’m guessing that you’re a year younger than me (using my amazing powers of deduction from your screen name!!!). I think I did miss one period, maybe two on the epi but they’ve come back on the xeloda tablets. I think your periods don’t necessarily stop but might do. I just kept a note and told the hospital when I went each time.
Good luck and hang on in there - I can’t believe I’m three weeks from the end of my treatment. I’ve tried to pass the time by focusing on other things, simple stuff like watching films with my kids and internet shopping (!) also making lists and planning for things to do in the summer. I also tell myself that the chemo drugs/tablets are actually vitamin pills and somehow that makes it easier to take them!!!
Nicola xx
Nicola
Thanks for that. I feel like I may have my period any day - increased appitite etc - but who knows ! I will just let the hospital know next week. I have my treatments on a Wednesday too so like you was feeling human again by Monday. Hopefully things will stay the same as it has been bearable.
Although I am a little tired today as I went out to tea with a friend last night and had my wig cut ! But it looks HORRIBLE !!! the guy was recommended by the hospital and they style is just not me it looks really false. I have just ordered a cheap one off ebay and am going to get my hairdresser to cut it. I am gutted I really wanted it sorted before next weeks treatment.
I think you are at Christies ? I am at Macclesfield at the moment for chemo (i Iive in Stockport) but will be having radiotherapy at Christies after chemo. Will you be having Radiotherapy aswell ?
You are right about the kids taking your mind off things.
Thanks again.
Lisa XX
Hi Lisa,
I can sympathise on the wig front. I had one on the NHS and one bought by my Dad for about £80. They were chosen in a hurry before the chemo started. I’ve only worn them once each! One is too dark, unnaturally so against my complexion and the fact I had a few grey hairs before. The other is too long and, well, hairy!!! I felt like Ozzy Osborne in it. But the blonde bob was better - a shorter style, less fussy style was better than the longer styles. I still wear my hats most of the time though from Headcovers (US website). The thing is though - you’re at a hyper-sensitive time in terms of how you look. My dh kept saying I looked fine and that I would have been unhappy with any wig etc and I think he was right.
I have my radio planning session at Christies on 25th Feb and presumably start my 3 wks treatment quite soon after that. Christies has some nice quiet waiting areas (a conservatory and nice gardens), a quiet room, a good canteen (dh likes the curry they serve in there! they also do a good range of other meals) and the staff are great, very caring and friendly.
Keep getting lots of healing hugs from your kids - that’s the best therapy you can get!
Nicola xx
Nicola
Thanks for that. I think your right about the wig It would never be perfect. I go for my second treatment tomorrow morning so will probably lose my hair soon !
Take care
Lisa x