@galdiolus hi - I’m due to start Tuesday and really scared ! My son has come home from school with a stinking cold yesterday. What can you do !! Have a lovely walk - I might do the same xx
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@sharlou
Unfortunately I think you are the first in line on this thread so we are all closely tracking you!! Hope things continue to improve each day.
I too have my second lot on the 30th. I find all the tips on here a god send as I literally go blank on the ward and forgot to ask anything useful.
My latest worry is the infection thing.
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Hope all goes well on Tuesday please let me know how you get on.
Keep your windows open and keep those germs at bay x
I to am worrying about the infection side of things. I have only ventured out three times since 1st chemo and that was to family. Have any of you been supermarkets or restaurants when your out your 5/7 day infection period and feeling ok. My Father in law is 90 next week and booked a meal at restaurant on the 27th my 2nd chemo is the 2nd Oct not sure whether to go? Any tips ?
@jules8 its horrible isn’t it, feeling so worried but knowing it’s good for our mental health to get out and “try” and have some normal social life. The oncologist said stay away from people with coughs and colds and check people are well before seeing them. She said not to be afraid to go out! X
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Yes same here my daughters come back from school with a stinking cold. I’m trying not to go near her but it’s hard and infection means delays doesn’t it……low white cell count means they delay the next round. My nose is constantly running but I don’t feel like I’ve got a cold.
One thing that’s kicked in for me is either acid reflux or heartburn and as I’ve never had either of those I’m putting it down to chemo but I feel like I’m guessing and tbh I haven’t a clue what to do. I’ve also got a lot of pain in my picc line side when I sleep which means it’s making my sleep rubbish, I slept sat up last night which worked quite well in the end.
@sharlou as @nellyh said I think you’re the front runner for September so we’re all watching you and we’ll be here to spur you on. You are doing so well and I agree have a duvet day and rest. X
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Haha this made me cry 
Having a good wail yesterday did help I think, I’ve not really allowed myself to feel sorry for myself as I don’t want to come across as a self-pitying wreck but sometimes you have to acknowledge you’ve been dealt a rubbish hand.
I hope I’m not worrying anyone with the side effects updates! We think the costochondritis is more related to my musculoskeletal condition which is being triggered by the meds, so I don’t think anyone should be bothered with the rib and chest thing. Bit gutted the nausea hasn’t been as well managed this time but I know this can be tweaked so they should be able to do more next cycle I think.
I use moogoo shampoo and conditioner at home but I tooks some Palmers coconut oil conditioner in for the cold cap - it was a tip from another forum and I definitely think it helped 
xx
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Yes the filgrastim is the culprit at the minute I think. With you on the insomnia and night time loo visits too! I think everything feels worse when you’re tired so not planning on doing anything at all today! Xx
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Thank you for the kind words of encouragement, nicnac17, had my picc line in yesterday, under local. Mine took an hour and 5 attempts as my veins are so small and they told me that they wouldn’t be able to attempt it again if this one failed so I’ve got to be extra careful. Also, with small veins I’m at a higher risk for blood clots. Whoop-de-do! I too have a district nurse coming out to flush it. I’ve got one coming today to check it and redress as it’s a bit of a mess.
I’m so pleased you’re doing well after last week, take it day by day and let your body guide you. That’s always been my experience with any illness. I’ve decided to give my cancer a name… Donald Lump. And on Monday hopefully my chemo army is going to knock the bells out of him!
Anyone else given theirs a name?
I hate the ‘big C’ tag, it should be banned. It’s not ‘big’, it’s small and sneaky and insidious and needs to be stopped.
Giving lots of positive vides and words of wisdom is going to be my aim on here, in between the screams of despair no doubt, but I’ll try xxx
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@nellyh @nicnac17 eeeek hope I’m not terrifying everyone! I know everyone dreads the nausea so I don’t want to cause panic. To be fair I am managing to eat - and pineapple juice or apple juice is a godsend. Couldn’t manage orange as it just felt too acidic.
Re the infection thing: I hadn’t even been told when the infection period was so that was interesting to read! I went out for a meal after my first cycle as it was our anniversary and then my family came to visit last Saturday and I went out for food then too. We asked to have an out of the way table and the restaurant was able to accommodate us. I’m trying to balance being careful and actually living my life, so I’m being infection aware (constantly washing hands, sanitising, using a mask if necessary) but also allowing myself some time out if I feel up to it xx
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Oh the heartburn - I’ve never suffered with that either but Gaviscon is now my best friend!
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That’s a good name 
. Mine is Carlos. He’s a nasty ninja 
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Hahahahah Donald Lump made me lol
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You are absolutely not terrifying me tbh I’d prefer to know and hearing your updates gives us all following you a heads up. My sickness this time hasn’t been too bad and I didn’t need to take the anti sickness tablets but reading your update after the second round sounds like it may all change. 
Why can’t I get my head round Gaviscon? I just can’t make myself take it why? I panicked taking a paracetamol at 3 this morning 
.
I am going out but I just keep forgetting masks and hand sanitizers most times tho I’ve been outdoors. X
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Gaviscon is vile but effective. I know what you mean about taking things though, I’ve checked with oncology about practically everything ‘extra’ I’ve taken. They said rennies or gaviscon are fine but I can’t stand the chalky texture of rennies xx
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Tip for cold capping that worked pretty well for me, for applying conditioner to a lot of thick hair, I put a whole bottle of conditioner in a spray bottle with water so it was diluted and then you just spray it on your head, the nurses said it was a great idea and much easier to distribute around my head. After I had an (unrelated) reaction they’re not allowing me to continue cold capping but I highly recommend this method if you find the way you’re doing a bit messy. 
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Me and my aunt (diagnosed a month before me) refer to ourselves as members of the BBC (bad boobs club).
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Top tip, thanks Sez! Sorry you weren’t able to continue with it, I hope you are doing ok xx
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Hello to all the newbies. I had no.3 of 12 yesterday after an exam. He said he couldn’t see anything (bottom) but only looked on the outside. Seems less painful now but maybe I should ask gp to look inside if it continues. I’m scared to walk as it hurt so much last time. On different anti sickness now that were if I needed them. Had diarreah today so will see how I go with no tablets today and just take them if need be. So far so good. Maybe sick bands will be a good idea.
He also said the lump seems smaller and should go after 12 cycles (I had been told 6).
Re the cold cap I did 1 spray of water and Moogoo conditioner. I may just use conditioner next time which some people do. The more water you use the worse your head will feel. I tried 2 squirts last week. Also the panty liner on my forehead worked well again and nurofen half an hour before. I didn’t take more nurofen yesterday which I did last week and was OK.
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Genius tip @sez I’m going to rush around now to find a suitable spray bottle. Sorry the cold cap didn’t work for you though, good luck with the rest of your treatment. xx
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