Hi ladies and Barry if I can help with any advice on FECT please don’t hesitate to ask I’ve already given Barry a list of things that have helped me. I’m on my phone at the moment so can’t forward but I’m sure Barry would pass it on 
good luck uou will be fine. I’ve had 2 so far and it’s doable xxxx
The list from Sarah looks really good 
x
Any hope of keeping eyebrows?
Hi, hope you don’t mind me popping in from July, I’ve just had chemo no 4 and still have most of my eyebrows and maybe 30% of my leg hair - not many eyelashes though. I clipped my hair short and maybe have 20% of it left. Not enough to go without a wig!
everyone will be different though. I find I get a wee bit of hair growth in week three.
I’ve just started the T - 10 days ago so it may all change. I didn’t try the cold cap.
Hope you’re all doing as well as possible, xx
How are you finding T Josie? x
I’ve not found it easy, bazza, but everyone’s different. I didn’t react well to FEC either but the two ladies I know who are at much the same stage as me have sailed through FEC. I just keep reminding myself that I’m doing it to have the best chance of seeing my kids grow up and that usually brings it back into perspective. A few months of feeling rough is a small price to pay, and so far I’ve had a good 10 days of feeling fine on each cycle to get me strengthened up for the next one. I do think it’s as much about keeping your head straight as dealing with the physical issues. We all can do it , xxxx
You’re right Josie, although easy for me to say. But you can all get through this treatment and beat the bugger! How old are your children? x
Sarah, I’m interested to know what drugs the chemo unit give you when you are having Fec-T and what you should buy yourself in advance. I guess it depends from hospital to hospital but a rough idea would be helpful when you have time. Many thanks.
Josie, interested in your brows comment. I think I’m more concerned about brows that head hair to be honest as I know I’ll be hopeless drawing them on if I need to.
x
Hi Peggy cat. I will send you the list when I get home. It really has helped me. And when you have your onc appointment just before chemo you can ask the onc for these drugs. I have found having the knowledge of what to ask for they don’t seem to say no and then you will have what you need for every eventuality and that alone makes you feel better. I hope that makes sense xxxx
Kind of knowledge is power I guess. Thanks so much Sarah - much appreciated.
x
Hi Bazza, they’re 8 & 10, I’m 45. ?
Yes of course Fiona xxxxxx
Josie you are on T at the moment? I would be really intrrested in any info you could give me. I have been using a liposil on my eyebrows and eyelashes and it’s worked well so far. Xxxx
Hi Sarah, re the T. Everyone is different. It is unusual to get nausea, most people get some pain starting around 48 hours post chemo - how much is very variable. Some people get signs of peripheral neuropathy - numb finger/ toe tips, tingling and odd sensations in their feet and hands - it’s important to tell your chemo nurse about these. It is often hard on the nails and apparently dark nail varnish helps protect them. Some people lose hair, some get a wee bit of regrowth.
I think a diary is important as side effects are often the same each time for an individual.
If you look in the July 15 thread, several people have posted their experiences of T. Mine has been hard, but others have been easier.
remember why we are putting ourselves through this too.
and it is good to look at the year befores thread and see those who have come out the other end.
look after yourself mentally - I make a point of doing nice things as soon as I am able as it builds me up for the next round and I’m now 2/3 through - not sure how it happened, but in between the rough bits, I can look back at some special times with my boys, and with friends so that even in the future, looking back, chemo is not going to be just a bleak 4 months, it will have bits I do want to remember and cherish. Sorry, sermon over, but it is important to enjoy every bit that you can. Chat from my wee boy when I’m lying in bed, too tired and too sore to get up is such a pleasure, xxxxx
Thanks so much Sarah. Hope you have a good Saturday evening.
x
Just listened to an interesting interview from Friday’s Women’s hour (on iPlayer) with Professor Mohammed Keshtgar. He is an oncologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London specialising in breast cancer and he has just published a book called the Breast Cancer Cook Book, with lots of info on nutrition and cancer. There is also a section on eating through chemo too. My sister asked me this morning if there was anything I wanted for my birthday, so I’ve just suggested this!
Hi Sarah, would love it if you could send to me also.
also Barry re the flu jab, I had mine on Monday, onc said ideally 2 weeks before chemo, there seems to be differing opinions, but mines fine. When I rang the GP to book it, they said I hadn’t flagged up on the system and they asked why I thought I needed it, when I said I was starting chemo, they said do we know - I said I hope so, your my doctors. Anyway eventually they agreed and booked me straight in.
hope your all enjoying your Saturday evening xx
Haha Jayney, yes they should know. Nikki asked Boots today but they said it’s not available until the 5th. I think she can get it from the docs soon though x
Hi all, my onc and surgeon recommended flu jab for me last year but you just need to check how long before chemo to have it - I think it was a couple of weeks.
Carol I had weekly taxol too. It’s a smaller dose more frequently rather than a weaker dose, you have 12 weeks rather than 3x3 taxotere. It’s a bit kinder on the system as you don’t get the huge highs and lows. I had portCath too if you have any questions.
Jayney, and all, don’t go breaking the bank. Your hospital will give you all the laxatives, diahorrea stuff, sickness meds, creams etc AND you get it all free in prescription for the next five years so ask your gp and fill in the form.
Hi Bazza, they did say at my GO that rhe first flu clinic was 6th October, but they had already got the stock and did mine ok.
Thanks Riversidedawn, I already have my exemption certificate, but was told to stock up for the first session. Do they and you home with a selection of drugs for a variety of side effects? From reading on here I thought you had to keep ringing up and then fetching the drugs. Flippin eck we all sound like drug dealers on here lol xx