Breath hold started at 5 second’s, normally you only need to manage 20 seconds if you have to have left side treated, but as I’m both sides they tries 30 seconds as the machine can do both in that time. Which im turn makes the sessions shorter.
Tattoo was just a skin prick no different to a blood test, the rubbed ink on the skin and then pricked. Had pen marks and ink for a day then it all came off with second wash.
As far a cream, they say use what you have and works for you and treat daily if not twice daily. Remembering to go to your back as your breast tissue is quite far back. I managed to get some free cream via instagram to use after the treatment cooling gel and a maintenance cream call Radioderm R1 R2
Also some radiographers from Sheffield Hallam have a YouTube and Instagram account called Rad Chat. Very useful to see how they set up the radiotherapy treatment, how the machine works and what they can see when you are being treated.
@daffodil1 I just find the picc line makes it harder to wash and there is always some degree of low level pain in that arm. I cannot wait until it it taken out. Roll on Jan/Feb next year
Hi dear, I had a few weeks a stinging pain at the picc line but it was where it was attached to the skin. I always rested my hand on a pillow so that it was higher, and when I went to make the dressing I explained to the nurse to place the tubes in a direction that did not bother me when I pressed with my hand and that there should be no pain, then she covered.You are not allowed to wash in the area with picc line to always keep it dry. It is difficult to take a shower, but there are special plastic shower sleeves so that you don’t get wet. I used cling foil wrapped in the beginning around the picc line, and afterwards I avoided wetting the area or kept a towel handy to quickly wipe up in case I splashed In time you will forget that the picc line is there and it will be fine I had picc line removed 2 weeks ago and I still have the habit of avoiding my hand in the shower, but it’s great to be able to have the routine from before.All my best with your treatment and big hug🤗
Have a lovely weekend
Morning ladies. Another week done. Another week closer to the finish line. Hope everyone is doing okay and finding something to smile about this weekend no matter how small. I am off for a walk with a friend. Time to break out the fake fur lined hat as it is mighty cold out there. Although I am awash with hot flushes so it might not be needed. Love to all and here’s to getting through the next week.
Sorry, I disappeared again!
I guess I would just say the most important thing for us (and this is perhaps equally relevant in the international banking sphere) is to try to consider the context/history of the host country through the DEI lens- each country/culture will have its own reasons for how it approaches/accommodates certain needs/rights. We have a lot of students (and colleagues) expecting to see the US system replicated wherever they go and we have to explain the nuances, and why certain support services aren’t available as standard, and how to work around that / other adaptions where we try to meet in the middle. Even progress/protests that may look the same on the surface are often shaped by very different history/battles.
Time seems like it’s flying by now I’m on the weekly Pacli. Going ok so far but have a bit of an upset stomach, and the palpitations are back this evening!
I’ve managed to agree with my parents that they don’t need to visit again until Christmas week I managed a day in the office on Monday, aiming to do the same the next couple of weeks, really enjoy seeing everyone in person. Also attempting the work Xmas dinner next week, train strikes or no train strikes!
Hello ladies, how you keeping?
How your treatment is going?
How you feel?
Christmas knocking on the door, anyone made the Christmas tree? Shopping?
I decided to decorate early this year that my children enjoy longer and have fun, they are happy and seeing me more energetic person. My cough almost disappear, hopefully when my steroids are finished to not come back.
Monday I have electrocardiogram and the following week Tuesday the scan for radiotherapy.
Hopefully everything will goes well and my body will be strong enough to do the radiotherapy.
Hopefully you are doing well.
best wishes
Great news the cough is nearly gone. You’re moving in the right direction.
I’m 10/12 Paclitaxel tomorrow but at outreach site ( bit nervous considering last time I had a reaction and no doctors on site delayed treatment to stop reaction and chemo was stopped).
Trying to stay postitive as I want it all to finish!
Hi dear,
I understand you so well, unfortunately our body responds in his way, we can’t do anything to help not even knows what will be tomorrow,
But we can hope and to think that after bad days always come good days, we need any hope.
I hope everything goes well for you and that you will be able to continue treatment.
I hug you dearly, take care
You’re so close! How do you feel at this point, has it been cumulative?
Fingers crossed everything goes well tomorrow, easy to say but try not to worry too much x
I’m doing ok, being able to sleep consistently has made me feel miles better but I’ve had an upset stomach for most of the last two weeks (can see that getting tedious over 12 weeks!) and starting to get the odd ache and pain- in my kidneys/lower back actually, so will keep an eye! A bit of an achey neck around my port too but think I slept funny last night…
Hopefully with Christmas distractions it will go quickly- will you be finished before? x
@naughty_boob best of luck tomorrow, I can understand why you’d feel nervous. Hope all goes ok, nearly there now. I’ve got my 2nd docetaxel tomorrow, been feeling nervy too as I found the first one tough. Currently wired on the dexy steroids you take 24 hrs before!!! No sleep for me.
Final one is 21 Dec. Last time my worst day was four days on which doesn’t bode too well but at least I’ll know it’s over, forever hopefully.
@plum1 glad you’re doing ok and getting to your works do. And @Camy_Radika thsts great that you’re starting to feel better before Xmas.
I had an oncology appointment the other day about next steps, when it was all rattled out at high speed it felt overwhelming. Another op (lymph node clearance on rhs, then rads, then tamoxifen for 10 yrs, targeted therapy Ameciclab for 2 years consecutively and maybe monthly letrozole injections too. Think the only option is to take it as it comes, try to “whack a mole” problems as they crop up and double down on doing stuff that makes me happy. How are you all coping with plans for next steps?
I had a question…. @pinklilli3s do you wear ice mits and socks as well as cold cap for taxol based chemo to stop peripheral neuropathy? Bought some for tomoz as I’d really struggle w any side effects that impact my walking. Did you get freezing? Am thinking of sipping ice water too (the things we do in these mad times!) Xxxx
@annemanc you & i are a day apart, i have docaxtel Friday and final one on 22nd
Your treatment plan sounds full on, ive not been advised of mine post chemo - already had mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction
Not got decorations up yet as son turns 14 next week however cards are written and majority of gifts sorted
Hi dear, I like to be organised and know the plan in advance, but with the treatment I realized that it doesn’t depend on me, so I take everything day by day and try to do something to enjoy the day in progress.I have neuropathy since the one and last infusion of paclitaxel and it’s already been 4 weeks since I stopped chemotherapy and I still feel it strongly in my right hand especially. But it’s tolerable and I manage to do my work around the house.Honestly, with steroids I always slept at least 5 hours a night, and sometimes an hour during the day, and after 3 pm I’m very tired, and I take steroids 10 pills a day and I still don’t have energy, probably that my body suffered a lot from chemotherapy. @frazzledmcsazza good luck with your treatment
My stomach is very upset to, I think the mostly is around the day I should be on period, but because of chemotherapy I am on menopause symptoms already, hot flushes are mostly during the evening and night, sometimes I wake up with my clothes wet around my chest and neck.
I have to start hormonal therapy too, but I am waiting to finish radiotherapy first, the oncologist said that I can wait for hormone therapy so as not to make too many changes with the body at once and overload it with so many treatments at the same time. @plum1 take care , cold weather scaring me as my immunity is very low, good luck with your treatment @Shi thank you for your support and being always here to said a nice word @Craftyj be strong and remain positive hugs and have a easy treatment too.
If you have a recommendation for a safety product eyebrows liner, I lost my hair, and maybe a foundation, I would like to make up my red face, probably I will go for Christmas staff party on 8 December. I would like to meet my colleagues and I can go for an hour maybe to see them .
All my best ladies and keep writing here.
Hi All, I think a lot of us have treatments today and tomorrow. I hope they all go well and soon we’ll be through another cycle. I am definitely finding the effects cumulative. First few cycles felt almost back to normal despite the obvious external side effects but this time I still have some internal symptoms (loss of taste, hot flushes and more fatigue) so who know what the next cycle will bring. I am on cycle four of six. If all goes to plan I will start the slow chemo recovery from 20th Jan but as we all know cancer loves to mix it up and the only way is one day at a time.
Right I am off to get ready for the hospital. I’ve only had three hours sleep due to the steroids so, who knows I might sleep through it. Love to you all and look forward to early morning steroid updates for the next week.
I found drinking water squashed the hot flushes might be worth a try 
I managed a day in the office on Monday, aiming to do the same the next couple of weeks, really enjoy seeing everyone in person. Also attempting the work Xmas dinner next week, train strikes or no train strikes!
not even knows what will be tomorrow,
.