Thank you 
we talked and family is aware now too. I also think that the meds and steroids make me the worst version of myself w terrible mood swings, crying sensible, added no sleep and everything elseā¦ am transformed into this horrible witch!! Good luck with your treatment and hope WiFi holds. Well done in completing your 100 miles! Wow 
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Hey everyone! Havenāt been on here in while, sounds like a lot of us have had our 3 rounds of EC. My final round was sooo sicky, felt horrible. And the heart palpitations on day 5 were ridiculous, resting heart beat of 100, and having a shower it would go to 150. So glad EC is over Iām crossing every finger and toe that Docetaxel is kinder to me. Anybody had both yet and can compare? Lots of love to all x
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Hi @naughty_boob how was your treatment today?
Iāve been in and had my 4th and final EC today, for once timings were good and I wasnāt the last out! My friend came and tried to teach me crochet, we are still friends but Iām not sure Iāve got the skills or patience required!
Iām feeling quite tired and a little sore around my port but I think thatās normal. Starting to have a bit of a sicky feeling in my throat that Iām not thrilled about, I guess this is what they mean when they say it builds over time with each treatment?
Feels a bit weird knowing this first phase is done. Start Paclitaxel in 2 weeksā¦
Hugs xx
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@pinklilli3s my mum was weird with telling people too. I think there was an element of pretending it wasnāt happening, telling people made it real?! Sheās been on a bit of a flurry this past week but then Iāve been told if anyone contacts me Iām to say X Y Z based on what version sheās told them. I havenāt got time for that!
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You make me feel so much better hearing this !!! It just didnāt make any sense to meā¦ whether she was in denial or what else . I am finding out through this that my mum likes drama which is so not like me and like you I havenāt got time for this! Iāve had to put my foot down and tell her how it is !! Could have done without it really but now the family knows and you know what, I still have cancer and the world still goes round 
It doesnāt help she doesnāt see me on day to day basis either send only gets bits of information as and when. I hope all goes well with your mum/family and I hope mine behaves when she turns up 
xxx
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Hi @plum1
Goods new that part of your treatment plan has completed and now youāre on to the next phase. I felt so pleased when I passed half way. I did the www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk around half way as I started to see issues with nails. I has been using cuticle cream and hand cream daily but they advise much more.
Cuticle nail/balm (serum not rich enough) and hand cream twice daily. Every three days remove old varnish, if you wear it, file and buffer nails(helps with ridges), nail strengthener, then two layers of polish (preferably black or dark plum/burgundy as taxol affects nails) and top coat. I have so many allergies to strengthener so the past she recommended Nail Kind or Jennifer Young. I bought Nail kind strengthener worse for several days no reaction then added some old Avon varnish, ok for a few days so ordered Nail Kind to coat. After doing the course I also developed redness near the cuticle and she recommended using Vaporub for infected nails or if your nails come off ( yes thatās a possibility) Iām 8 sessions in and my issues are quite minor so far, the Vaporub did bring down the swelling in a couple of days. She also recommends doing feet with cuticle oil/balm and cream daily and toe nails once a week as they are stringer and thicker. She suggest a foot peel sock for exfoliation rather than using a file that could damage the skin more.
Awaiting for the steroids to kick in for a sleepless night. Also on Paclitaxel diarrhoea is a big issue so ask Loperamide (Imodium) to take.
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Both my parents are no longer with us. I have contacted both aunts Iām close to on either side.
I also contacted my In laws and they have quite a big close-knit family in the Midlands so 100 miles from us. We havenāt heard anything from anyone about my cancer, no cards, no flowers, no emails, no phone calls with the exception of my brother in law who texted a random text to my husband about if you want to talk! No sorry to hear the news, how is she? Send her my best! My husband isnāt that close to him, they grew up in different fields of work and people they mixed with. We obviously moved away from where we grew up, heās stayed where he grew up. I have a feeling itās not been mentioned.
I recently made the decision not to send Christmas cards this year as I donāt feel like writing them. Maybe they will wonder why?
Iāve just mentioned this to my husband and he said yes Iām surprised we havenāt heard from XYZ. He said he will mention it to his parents on his next call and see if they have actually said anything.
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Hi ladies Iām afraid Iām still a bit rubbish at replying to individuals, so apologies my text seems to be a bit of a rambly/mixed reply to all.
Had 9th paclitaxel yesterday and been awake much of the night so thought I might as well put the heating on and get up. Sounds like acid reflux is an issue for lots of us, Iām taking omeprazole each morning and it really helps.
In terms of progressing through chemo, I know it may sound strange but in some ways, Iām actually dreading completing it as after that thereās no more treatment for TNBC except radiotherapy. There is a v useful TNBC website though for those of us with it.
Cami Radika, v glad to hear your cough is reflux related and hope medication helps.
Naughtyboob, sorry to hear your in laws are not being supportive at all. I can understand how difficult this is without parents around - I am in the same situation. Know mum in particular would have been amazing.
Pinklili must be tricky with your mum, hope it goes well when sheās here.
Well done to those of you getting through/having got through EC. It sounds very tough and I have to say Iām dreading it, especially nausea and constipation, and possible utis. How many days after do you take steroids? Appreciate my timetable may change etc but Iām due second EC on 21 Dec which Iām concerned about, timing wise, with trying to have as good a Christmas Day as possible for my 12 year old sonās sake. Iām just wondering if the steroids might cover me up to Christmas Day.
Frazzled, thank you for the This Gilbert recommendation. Very good to know the increased heart rate and palpitations are chemo related rather than anything else.
I really hope youāre all feeling much better after your last infusions and able to cope with the next one.
Anne and Naughtyboob, congratulations on the steps - so impressed as some days I only manage about 3,500.
Much love to you all
xxxx
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Hi dear, and all my best wishes and health.Iām in Ireland but I found this forum very supportive, I donāt know if the same treatment applies in the UK.During chemotherapy with EC infusion, I received steroids three days after chemotherapy 4 times in the morning for three days, starting the day after chemotherapy.On Wednesday, I started the Paclitaxel infusion where steroids are taken the night before chemotherapy, 10 pills once at 12 at night and 10 pills once at 6 in the morning. I honestly slept very well with steroids how bad i cough steroids have calmed the cough and helped me rest this dry cough makes me tired.
Thank you dear for your reply, for my reflux they prescribed nexazole and gaviscon, but I canāt see any changes, I I was on omeprazole before but they changed it, hopefully soon this cough will stopš
I wish you all an easy treatment going forward, many of us are halfway through treatment,
Take care of yourselves, I hug you with love 
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Hi @daffodil1, just to share a good EC story- for some reason I have been very lucky and only really had fatigue/insomnia on EC, as well as the hair loss and a bit of constipation the days after. I seem to have escaped sickness beyond a weird feeling in my throat which is worst when Iām hungry. Iāve been on it fortnightly and the second week Iām pretty much back to normal. Itās good to be aware of what to look out for but also try not to worry too much (impossible, I know!)
Re: Christmas, my BC nurse said they can extend the cycle but not shorten it. So maybe have a chat to see if you can add an extra day here and there in the next two months to make it so your one nearest Xmas falls just after? Mine fall on a Thursday but when we were chatting about me maybe going home to Norfolk, she said they could do it the Friday after to give me more time if I wanted. (I donāt, I canāt be bothered with the trains and dragging stuff or bumping into people who donāt know, so folks are coming to me).
Xx
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Thank you, this is all super helpful! I really need to look these sessions up!
(Does the Vaporub not sting, if nails are sore? Iād have thought all the menthol would be quite strong?) I do love that smell though, pretty sure Iāve got some somewhere!
I did buy a couple of dark/moody nail polishes and that deep maroony red is deffo my colour so am prepped on that side- finally the years of hoarding nail stuff might pay off!
X
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As an asthmatic I can say the steroids are used for asthma attacks which are inflammation the lungs so should work on the cough to reduce that inflammation.
Omeprazole works somewhat on acid reflex but needs to be taken regularly over sometime to suppress the causes.
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No I didnāt sting on me and the cuticle area was red and inflammation. The smell is great I really want to have a good sniff but had to be careful as my nose is so sensitive and has tendancy to bleed to easily.
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They wonāt give me steroids to prevent the cough 
, they said is to much what I have for chemo, I told them I feel better when I have the steroids day, but is not how I want. The reflux is a side effects of chemotherapy unfortunately, omeprazol I used few weeks at the beginning of chemotherapy but seems didnāt work for reflux they decided to change with nexazole 2 times daily, and I think is working as I donāt feel the acid anymore but coughing still in place, I need to use panty pats 
as I pee on me when I cough,
Hopefully you are right and inflammation will disappear if is that, this cough make me weak and tired 
.
Big hug
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Hi all
Thank you so much for all this information. I find this forum sooo useful. Looks like everyone has their own challenges w EC. I will be on EC after Christmas on 27th December but my chemo nurse at Bupa was saying I could ask for a break. I normally take the 26th and new year day ride in Windsor park!
After 2 reactions on paclitaxel I will be given Abraxane next week.
Apparently no cold cap and no cold sleeves needed nurses said. @scientistamafier
Have any of you got Abraxane and what side effects you experienced? Hair loss is listed as one as well as pins and needles/ peripheral neuropathy but apparently no cold sleeves for feet and hands needed. So I wonder what is the catch if any ?
I wonāt be sending Christmas cards!! Waste of money, paper and energy. On a side not, anyone seeing the new Christmas advert from Markās and Spencer? It kicked off on social media because they were seen burning Christmas hats in what some people said were Palestine colour (not trying to start a debate!!) I just want to say that this year M&S is my spirit animal when it comes to Christmas and was going to say that I will do what I want this Christmas which is the message theyāre trying to portray! !
I am also desperate for some sun but in weekly chemo it seems hard logistically
Big hugs to all xxx
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Sorry they wonāt give you steroids tbh I think they are the devil packaged in some sweetner. They make me booted, Iāve put on weight and itās only 5, and stomach cramps. My mood swings are the absolute worst, I feel I permanent brain fog when on them.
I hope your cough settles. Are you allowed any soothing syrup if it does anything? I do inhalation w steaming hot water and essential oils and towel over my head , like lavander and peppermint but it might not be strong enough in this case. Big hugs xxx
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Talking of steroids have you all had a blue steroid card to carry with you at all times. I got one this week after 8 weeks of steroidsā¦ supposed to be given an after 3 weeks! I already inhale steroids with my daily asthma inhaler which is low dose but oral steroids are higher risk of adrenal failure and all HCWs need to know you have had them and for 12 months after receiving them.
Please check that you all have one and if not ask!
@Camy_Radika sorry they wonāt give more steroids even though you have said while on steroids the cough is better, panty pads should not be a solution at our age! Incontinence is about dignity. Have you being doing you pelvic floor exercises, they can refer you to an incontinence clinic but how long that would take, who know! Best one I was told I pull up in seconds to 10 and release down the same way rather than pull ho,d for 10 secs and the release. This going up a bit at a t8me works the better floor more intensely. Let me know if it helps.
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I havenāt been given a card no 
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This is the Welsh version of the national treatment card. I have a paper card and there is a QR code so you can download and put in your phone.
Found this as well Adrenal crisis | Society for Endocrinology
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There is an amazing pressure point on your ring finger of your dominant hand! Rub your finger where a ring would sit- on the inside of you palm. Feel for a small knot or bump. Itās like an on/off switch for coughing! Sometimes you have to cough to get it out, but once you find the spot- you will stop coughing! I HAVE NEVER MET A PERSON THIS DID NOT WORK FOR! (I walk up to anyone I hear cough). But you have to continue to rub until the knot is gone! This is a lifesaver for children, especially when their sinuses are draining. Iāve been practicing Reflexology for 20+ years and there are a lot of pressure points that help with cancer and side effects. Please note- I am not a doctor- just a mom with lots of practice! Try it- and tell everyone you know! Itās a game changer! Iām praying for you!!
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