@arty1 have you got a wig? I got one last week from a local wig bank and although I’m trying the cold cap it has made me feel much more comfortable with the idea of losing my hair because I have a rough approximation of my hair ready to go
I’ve made it through the first one! I had a portacath fitted on Monday but it can’t be used immediately so it took four attempts to cannulate me, which at least shows the surgery was justified, and I did some projectile vomiting during the chemo, but now feeling Ok, just tired. I found the cold cap surprisingly uncomfortable, not so much the initial ice-cream headache but the 90 minutes post chemo when I was already feeling unwell. Five left to go!
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Good luck! I take them in a big picnic freezer bag with cool blocks. I use a pair of thin socks on my feet and hands underneath. My husband helps put them on but I now slide my hands in and out of the gloves so I can sip at tea during the treatment - but not letting my hand warm up or touching the warm part of the cup.
Put on 15 mins before and keep on until 15 mins after the infusion.
The instructions do say to change the cool packs after 45 mins. Some people use the little gel freeze packs that we put in our packed lunches. I found mine were so cold yesterday that they lasted the full time (fresh from our -19° freezer which may explain how flipping cold I found them yesterday!
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my heartburn was really bad, or it might have been acid reflux (I suffer with it anyway)…… whichever it was, was my worst symptom. I had to call red card to make sure I was safe to take antacids, they said it was fine. It was bad for like a week or so and has now gone, I couldn’t even lie down and everything I ate felt like I was taking ages to move down into my stomach……
They gave my ingestion tablets to take for this round (before I knew I’d get heartburn) so it must be a thing for sure!! so I’m taking them for 5 days I think, over this chemo round!!? something beginning with O?? lol. I can never remember the name!! So hoping that helps this time!!
How are you now with it?? did you have to call them??
Xxxx
@flojo Yes I know what you mean about not wanting to look like a cancer patient - I’m determined not to
Look like that if I can at all avoid it , I’ve even ordered eyebrow transfers 
@hlc and @brambles1 is a shallow bath out if the question ? I don’t have deep baths anyway as our combi boiler is a bit pants and can’t cope with someone wanting an average bath 
Did have a shower this morning which was lovely although my left feet a bit shaky when I got out .
@flower5 I found a lovely wig lady and went and got fitted for two cracking wigs before chemo and also ordered some beanie hat wigs …well done on getting through that first infusion… woohoo! You did it … one ticked off !
Now be kind to yourself and rest x
@stevie86 the heartburn is something else ! I suspect they like to prescribe omeprazole so I’ll ask if I can take that while on blood thinners .
The rash has calmed down although I appear to have acne now … I mean seriously … what fresh hell is this my hair feels oddly lank despite washing but not a strand came out when I washed it which is completely unusual !
Had another crappy night but definitely feel a bit more “normal” today … bar the tissue up the nose for the nose bleeds
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I pop my arm sleeve cover thing on over my picc line and keep it out of the water. For a shower, I have to wrap over the picc in cling film before putting the sleeve cover on - I also try to keep it out of the water just in case.
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I’m Day 6 and so far following the same pattern as last time. My post steroids slump has slumped and my energy is a bit better today. That said, I’m now into eat rubbish mode - peanuts and mince pies today. What is wrong with me!! I usually eat quite well.
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@flojo I’m feeling better today … and am attacking the mince pies I had a word with myself but then decided that chemo wasnt the time to start trying to watch what I eat when I’m having weird cravings !
I do hugely crave sourdough at the moment… I’ve just eaten mozzarella and sundried tomatoes on sourdough … the only issue is … when I eat . I start getting the stomach cramps
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That’s good to hear you are feeling better! I found my cravings lasted about a week or so and then just disappeared last time, so hoping they do the same this time. I have told myself I’m just listening to my body! I hope the cramps settle down - mozzarella and sundried tomatoes on sourdough sounds good…not so much the cramps. xx
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I’m the same I normally eat really well but literally want to eat anything & everything after the steroids have kicked in 
. I don’t want to just keep putting on weight but I feel more hungry than I normally would 
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I am hoping it settles down soon!
I have a new problem now, which is really painful nether regions - feels like I’ve been undergoing some sort of mutilation. I had a search and I think it’s similar to a sore mouth - but only not my mouth! Trying lubrication stuff but otherwise, might ask the nurse here. Don’t think there’s an infection or anything, maybe a cut? Stings though! Ouch!
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@flojo hmm I think you should ring the triage line in case it’s something that they need to see … it sounds ouchy !
My constipation has been replaced by chemo lava bum … TMI but ive had internal piles since the birth of my second eldest son 23 years ago (massive baby , shoulder dystocia)
Being on blood thinners makes it look like carnage when I go to the toilet sometimes , I was supposed to be having an op but BC got in the way , anyway annoyed bowel and internal piles = me wondering if next infusion will be delayed because I’ll need a blood transfusion ! (Was already anaemic ) ….
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Yes ring your helpline. It could be thrush, it can be very common when you are immune suppressed.
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I’m in Scotland too kd48 – going to the Beatson for my treatment , whereasbout are you?
I’ve had my second chemo today!! all went well and I was quicker finishing too, yay! started at 8.30 and finished at 1…… feel fine and have eaten since I’ve been home as was starving!! but like everyone has said, on these steriods I’m absolutely starving but that’s nothing new for me. Lol. Alwaysssssssss hungry.
Only realised today, that I’m actually on Taxo first not EC, lol!! but I suppose makes no difference really, the EC will follow after Christmas.
Hope everyone is doing well, sending love!
Xxxxx
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It’s not been quite so bad during the day so I’m biding my time to see if it settles. It looks as though chemo can irritate other parts of the body, so hoping it is just that. If it carries on, I will be brave though - kind of embarrassing! I don’t have a temperature though and I don’t think it’s thrush. My eyes are also sore so I’ve putting dry eye drops in them. I think I’m shrivelling up! I’ve been working all week from home, so I’m pretty pooped - must not do that next time.
How’s things now? I hope settled a bit. It would be good to get a few days of feeling bright before the next ordeal!
@stevie86 well done - two down. How many are you having? I hope you carry on feeling ok.
xx
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Be careful @flojo in case it’s the start of a wee infection x
I think you can get drops for super eyes from the chemo team , you might be tired too… don’t over do it x
@stevie86 woohoo!! Well done ! 
that’s two done x
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@bluehourd i am in Fife xx so i go between 2 hospitals depending what they want me for xxx
The beatson was on the news last night that’s good you get all your treatment in one place !! You don’t have to walk through normal hospitals full of germs 
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Will do! I think I have overdone it. I did the same last time. I keep going - must be bonkers! xx
My eyes are just sore, but I think generally my eyesight has got worse, which the nurse said is possible from the chemo.