Hi, I have just registered with this forum. So, hello everybody (*waving*)
I was diagnosed with breast cancer with spread to lymph nodes 22 March, had mastectomy and removal of lymph nodes 12 May (5 weeks from biopsy taken until operation done - which I think is marvellous). They found 2 cancers in the breast and 2 lymph nodes also cancerous.
I will have my first chemo on Wednesday - and at the moment I am curious as to how I will react to it.
Have already got my wig - I went for a copper red one (my own hair is dark blonde) which a professional hairdresser styled for me for free today!
My husband will use his razor to get rid of my hair on 18 June as we are going to Silverstone for the whole weekend 19, 20 and 21 for the Formula 1. Go, Button, go.
Will keep you updated.
Love,
Stavanger
Hi Stavanger and welcome though I bet you wish you didnt need to join us!Just bumping this up for you.
All the best,
Love Valx
Hi Stavanger
Welcome to the club none of us wanted to join… which of the chemo regimes are you down for? I hadn’t a clue there were so many varieties when I embarked on this, but whatever mix you’re getting there’s bound to be some of us doing the same, so can share hints/tips/remedies and cyber-hugs as required.
So far I’ve had 3 x FEC and am about to have second of three Tax (day after tomorrow). Apart from the hair loss, I’ve only had hot flushes and tiredness to deal with - so maintaining open-minded curiosity is a good way to approach the whole thing.
regards
Rosie
hi stavanger,
I had my surgery 15th may…things havent seemed so quick for me but after 4 wks waiting had great results this week that the lymph nodes and margins were clear and its onto the next step of treatment. Surgeon said i should expect an app with ONC in next week or so…so if my last few apps are anything to go by i expect i’ll be hearing from them at the end of june!!!
Wow…am impressed how prepared you already are for chemo, my plan is to get out the clippers too but recon i’m more of a head scarf kinda gal!!
Have fun at GP…Massive fan myself (monaco is on my list of things to do before i die…nearly did a panic buy for a ticket this year after my diagnosis but thankfully have a few more years in me to get that sorted!)
Best of luck on Wednesday
xx
Hi Horace, Rosie Pixielox
I’m having 6 chemo, 3 x FEC and 3 x Tax, then on to 15 radio (3 wks of 1 every Mon-Fri). Will have the chemo at Macclesfield Hospital and the radiation at Christies Manchester. And of course 5 years on the tablets.
Had my wig styled - it looks good. Because it is copper red my skintone needs freshing up a bit and I have got free tinted moisturisers and foundation testers from Lancome to try out. Also got an eyebrow pen and an eyeliner. Need to be ready for Silverstone! (Because I bought two products I got a really fanatastic goody bag for free!). Also signed up for a Beauty club reward card scheme at Debenhams, same as Boots - 1 point worth 1 penny.
Anyway, went for first chemo today - nothing happened!! They tried to get into my veins five - 5 - times, but seems they are so full of valves that they hit one everywhere. Will go back for another try tomorrow. If they can’t manage it then (or even if they manage to give me some of the poison tomorrow) I’ll probably have to have a Hickman line in. Have been looking it up on the Internet, and it does not look too bad an idea actually. Any of you have one?
Rosie,
I’m 56 in a few days, have been on the change since I was 48, so know all about flushes, night sweats, not sleeping etc etc - lol.
XX
XX
Hi Rosie
I have been a member of this site for just over a year now so feel like an ‘old timer’. Was diagnosed in Oct 07 so am a long way down the road. Invasive ductal BC, grade 3, Hormone receptive, no lymph nodes affected. Had left breast mastectomy in Nov 07 and then 6 x FEC. Have been taking Arimidex but may change due to side effects.
I had a Hickman line fitted because my veins were just too weak, my first FEC saw my hand swell up and turn black.
I found the prospect of a Hickman pretty scary but it was not at all. In fact, it was the best way of having my chemo I think. No trauma about finding veins etc. It is a little bit of a nuisance in the shower etc but you soon get used to it. The fitting and removal are quite straight forward and nothing to worry about. Just a little bit sore afterwards.
I hope all goes well for you. Keep strong and be positive.
Good luck all.
Wendy
Hi all,
Update: Got done today. They found a vein that worked at the second try. So I have had my first chemo and don’t feel a thing. Not even bum itching! Maybe that is usual on the day itself. Could be different tomorrow - hope not!
Went out for a meal to celebrate (minus the wine of course), which was nice.
I’m having a Hickman line fitted before my next bout, so all will be so much easier.
So Silverstone is now the next milestone in my diary, then prosthetis fitting on 23 June (oh - do I look forward to that - hate the softie!!).
Love,
Laila