Sorry to hear about the shedding!! It’s a nightmare isn’t it?
I was wondering if anyone has tips or resources for supporting hair growth now that I’m done. Rosemary tonic apparently? When can I start? Leave it a few weeks after the last chemo? TIA
Absolutely, @bluehourd I’m looking through my scarf collection and online at a reasonable turban to cheer me if it continues (it will 
). I’ve got the details of a good wig fitter locally too.
Frustratingly, I’m hoping to be back to work in a few weeks and will need to look groomed (with some sort of hair) for that. In the big picture though, I have to remember that this is part of the process of trying to stop the cancer coming back.
Hi everyone, I am seeing the plastic surgeon this afternoon regards possible reconstruction options. Is there anything you lovely ladies that have had surgery would recommend asking? I know they are very pro DIEP however there is a question mark around whether I’m having a single or double mastectomy, and they are not sure I will have enough fat for two - maddest of silver linings! Also question mark around whether I’ll need radiotherapy (I’ve done 4 x EC and am currently on 2nd of 4 Docetaxol and Phesgo), as I know radio therapy ruins implants.
I’m wondering how people found immediate DIEP along with node removal? From looking online this seems pretty horrendous in terms of recovery.
Is there merit in going flat and revisiting in a year? My husband feels that when I am -theoretically - cancer free I will find it harder to face major surgery.
Basically my brain is moving on from one horror show of chemo to the next one of surgery.
What back in November felt like just a shit year I’ve got to get through, now feels so so long and hard. I’m even over the bald head - which I have been kind of embracing and feeling a little out and proud about it. Enough already!
Any input welcome!
Rosie
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Hi sam3, thank you for that advice on the anti sickness I’ll make sure I get onto that can’t lie I am kind of dreading the EC I’ve been told it also can cause bad constipation I suffer with that anyway so I’ve been trying to add things to my diet to help prevent getting too constipated more fibre, prunes drinking loads but if anyone has more advice on this I would be grateful. 
Hi @sue6 and everyone else on here who has messaged me previously.
I joined this thread with every intention of using it regularly during my treatment but after a terrible first week on chemo, I just didn’t have the energy or the mental strength to engage with it. I’m really sorry, many of you were very kind to me with your messages but I just couldn’t seem to get my head together to reply. I just went into myself and focussed on doing what I had to do. I have thought about you all often, and wondered how your treatment was going and am so pleased that you all have been supporting each other through the ups and downs that chemo brings.
I have my final chemo on Friday 14th Feb. My PICC line is scheduled to come out and I start radiotherapy on Monday 19th. I know in some ways, life is never the same post cancer but I can’t wait to get back to my new normal. I really want my life back!!
@Sue6 - Yes, we have a very similar timeline and diagnosis. I wonder why I was given Paclitaxel and you were given abraxane? I always wonder about these things! I hope that you are doing well.
I continue to wish each of you good luck and strength to get though your treatments and the years beyond. I definitely wouldn’t have chosen to have had cancer but I admit, it has taught me a lot!
Thank you once again for your messages of support. Maybe I will be able to contribute more in the radiotherapy threads!
All the best
Gina (Krissy)
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@sam3 The pain from taxels can be quite intense - I rang the trusts line after cycle 2 as it was awful . Please let your HCP know if nothing else just to get advice and reassurance x
@krissykochanski I’m so sorry you’ve had a rotten time 
I bet you can’t wait to get that last session out of the way . Remember there’s no obligation to post . Ed are all here to support each other . I hope you’ve had support in RL x
@stevie-puggle Get some laxido and I’d advise start taking it the day before chemo x I managed to avoid horrific constipation after this latest cycle by doing this
@rfg chat over all the options with your surgeon . My hospital don’t do DIEP flap so I had no choice but to go flat … I’m getting used to it now and tbh I don’t know if I could be bothered with major surgery … It seems a lot … however there are ladies who have had the reconstruct at the same time and been very happy … it does mean a longer op and recovery time big I guess it reduces the need for a further surgery x
@mumsy ic you haven’t already do call your triage line for advice x
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@arty1 Thank you I will ask tomorrow for that . I have the last Paclitaxel tomorrow and EC is starting next Thursday so I will need to have that in to take
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Hi @arty1 , I phoned them yesterday actually. Mind you nothing has worked. The pain is grim! I’m feeling quite out of sorts with the pain! Hope you are doing well
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Hi @stevie-puggle , yes I second @arty1 - get a supply of laxative sachets from your team and just make it part of your routine for few days. I was constipated following EC each time and was so glad of the laxatives. It only lasted a few days though 
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@sam3 what did they say ? I was told I could take paracetamol if I check my temp first . I found hot water bottles and muscle heat patches have got me through each time !
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I’m off tomorrow for my final chemo session and hopefully get my picc out…wish me luck! x Sorry, that sounded like it was all about me - bit too excited! I really hope everyone is feeling ok as we finish another week. xxx
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Are you feeling any better now? Hope so…xx
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That’s fab news! It’ll be wonderful to get the Picc out.
If my treatments go to time, I’ll be getting my Picc out in just under 3 weeks 
All the very best with the last treatment.
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So lovely to hear from you. Well done finishing chemotherapy today 
don’t apologise for not engaging, use the forum as and when you need.
Radiotherapy is the next step, take it one day at a time, keep moisturising. Once the PICC is out get going with those arm/shoulder movements as you have your arms above your head for radio. This might be helpful. Completed by academics at Sheffield Hallam and other unis with BCN. Lots of great information.
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Thank you 
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All done - picc line gone - now waiting for side effects! I am so pleased the picc line is gone! x
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@flower5 oh yes interesting you say that as I was prescribed piriton tablets for all my reactions after chemo and I felt it helped with the bone pain too for the last two cycles
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