Hi am just back on line. computer after many years of use packed up some weeks ago. Now have new one so am able to do a catch up with everything. My last contact was “worried about MRI scan”. Had that (wasn’t nearly as bad as expected) Had a lumpectomy, unfortunately with the 14 lymp nodes that were also removed 11 were found to be cancerous. Had CT scan yesterday to see if cancer has spread anywhere. Am having bone scan tomorrow to see if any cancer is in bones. Then have appointment with chemo nurse. Monday 29th am having something called a MUGA scan (never heard of this before) apparently it is to take images of heart. Has anyone had any experience of MUGA scan? My brain is now in “overload” with all this information. I try to stay positive but at times get very weepy. Any little twinge or pain I get anywhere and my imagination runs riot. Look forwards to hearing from anyone.
Hello Poodlepatch!
Good to hear from you again - and so glad the MRI scan wasn’t as scary as you thought it was going to be.
Not sure what to say about waiting for the results - as you know it’s rubbish. I had an MRI scan followed by a CT scan and a echocardiogram of my heart. My onc didn’t do a bone scan as said the CT scan would be enough. Kind of wish he had as I’ve had a sore back and sore ribs and apparently bone scan shows up stuff before the CT scan will. But hey ho. Mine was luckily clear and I was glad I had them for a bit of reassurance (apart from the niggle re the sore back and ribs!).
I hope you have good news too.
You are allowed to be weepy. We’re all allowed to be weepy! It’s natural and good for us (obviously a bit embarrassing if done in the middle of the supermarket/bank/street etc if accompanied by loud sobbing and lots of snot!! But totally allowed!!).
Sending lots of good wishes and virtual hugs.
x
Hi everyone Have just got back from hospital. Was told CT scan was good cancer hadn’t got into any other organs (had a good weep with the relief. Today have had bone scan. Hopefully will get good results. MUGA scan next Friday 29th. Will then start chemo on 5th August. Am having FEC-T. Would be interested in other views from anyone had this treatment.
Hi Poodlepatch
Really good news about the CT scan, hope the bone scan is the same. Also glad that the MRI wasn’t as bad as you feared. Hopefully you feel a bit better now that you are on your journey and have a treatment pla.
I’ve just finished FEC-T (3 of each). If you haven’t been given any info, Macmillan do some really good factsheets about each of the drugs - pm or post again if you don’t know the full names.
The side effects look really scary, but remember, not everyone gets them all! I managed reasonably well - didn’t even have all of the ‘common’ ones and have been able to continue working almost normally for two weeks out of three.
The main thing is to listen to your own body. The effects, particularly tiredness, do tend to get build as you go through. Everyone seems to react slightly differently - some sail through FEC, then have a hard time on Tax and vice versa.
Why not see if there is a thread for August chemo starters - or start one yourself? I started posting quite late, so tend to dip in and out of a few, but it’s nice to have companions who are at the same stage as you and who you can compare notes with and give mutual support.
Good luck! Don’t forget - ask any question and someone will respond!
Dx
Hi there poodlepatch
I too had a clear CT scan and the relief was enormous as by that time I had convinced myself that I was riddled with cancer!! Bone scan came back clear too. I had the MUGA scan which is to test the effectiveness of your heart - a measure that they can return to when you are going through chemo to check to see if your heart is being adversely affected by the treatments. I started chemo on June 28th I am on 4 x EC followed by 4 x T. The E in FEC will take your hair unless you are offered scalp cooling treatment - but even then it isn’t always successful - I had it and still lost my hair but have a think about it and if you want to try it - ask. I am a quarter of a way through Chemo and then I have surgery and then radiation plus daily drugs for the next 5 years. Quite a wake up call for someone who up till May of this year was very healthy and fit. Good luck with your journey and do keep posting and keeping us up to date.
best wishes - Debbie
Hi there
Know what you mean supertrouper about wake up call but like you I had always been very fit, good diet, plenty of exercise, been going to pilates for the past few years, so it has all been quite a shock. Did ask about the cold cap, but dont think I could cope with it and as the success rate isn’t very encouraging have decided not to go for it. My treatment will be 3 FEC followed by 3T followed by radiotherapy. Will let you all know when I get results of bone scan. My first chemo is 5th August is there anyone else starting chemo in August? Would be nice to keep in touch with other August chemo ladies. (especially any" golden oldies" I will be 70 in August) Big hugs to everyone out there its great to have this site to compare and ask questions.
Hi Poddlepatch,
Don’t come on here too much now, moved over to fb with bc girls. but saw your post, and wanted to wish another ‘golden oldie’ good luck. l am 64, nice to meet someone older than me!! Lol!! most are younger!!! l also had a lot of lymph nodes with cancer.
Finished my chemo in September and rads in November,
Never did the cold cap, because l onc doesn’t like it, hair is now growing!
Good Luck for the 5th August! xxx