I’m definitely going into my first chemo tomorrow with far more knowledge and not underestimating what the experience is going to be, in my mind positivity is key, next to cleanliness and keeping my picc dry! All thanks to you people unlucky enough to be here. It’s good to know there are people here that understands what we’re going through. I find it so hard to talk to those around me.
I haven’t even met my oncologist yet, I’ve had a 30 second telephone call and I received another telephone appointment with her for October. It seems at Leicester there’s another pandemic going on they didn’t tell me about. It’s good to hear that some of you have an oncologist that listens sometimes and gives advice occasionally.
Onwards and upwards ladies.
Glad you’re feeling better Sharlou. At least the weather encourages us to slow down!!
Even the dog looks reluctant to go out today! X
The false sense of security is what my nurses have been trying to combat with me I think haha! I was quite naive I think as apart from a bit of tiredness I breezed the first cycle. I think they were trying to moderate my expectations and I get that now.
North west weather isn’t the best for worries about getting the picc line wet 
It’s been about three different seasons already here today. I absolutely hate the cover I have to use for the bath so one of the nurses told me to use a bin bag and tape but I don’t think I’d feel as secure with that 
Managed a dog walk though…what would usually take me 30mins took me 50 but I’m so glad I got out. Making a big fat cottage pie now 
Love this @janie3
I named mine JJ after my sister Joanna and my Colleague Julia, who both caused me years of untold stress with their bullying / narcissist behaviour in the years prior to this new primary. My ex and his domestic abuse I atribute to the 1st 13 yrs ago.
I believe stress has a huge part to play with cancer.
Anyway, that B**tch has been cut out now and chemo is going to ensure it doesnt come back. I’m looking forward to enjoying many many years with my husband whom i adore and my children and friends 
@yay, glad youve turned a corner. Hope you have a good week 
I love this and do wonder about stress. I am already wondering what work will look like next year and changes I might make to reduce the treadmill effect.
Good luck for tomorrow @janie3. I think i got so worked up for mine the actual doing it was easier than the thinking about it.
I wonder if its stress as my Dad was ill from May and died in June and then I was sorting out stuff as an executor. Last time I had been stressed at work (2018).
My cousin’s Dad died and she got cancer the 1st time then she had other health problems the 2nd time (14 years later).
I now have a mouth ulcer so am glad I had got some bonjela in advance. I feel like the baby toothbrush I am using is knocking my mouth at the side. I am also using warm salt water and mouthwash. I had a sore mouth last time too.
I had a sore mouth first round and developed oral thrush! Treated quickly I’ts gone. I keep falling asleep and jolting awake biting the inside of my mouth or tongue, so wondered if some general swelling in mouth
I could feel something in my mouth but only realised today it was an ulcer when my hubbie had a look.
Hi everyone,
I’ve been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in the liver, spine and sternum, and I’m starting Chemo on 26 September for 12 weekly treatments. Not thrilled about it, of course but feeling positive and pleased it will finish a couple of weeks before Christmas. Depending on result I may then be able to move on to hormone tablets. So fingers crossed the Chemo does its job. I’m older and have grey, thinning hair, so I’m not worried about trying to keep it but I am wondering how I’ll cope with eyelashes falling out and hoping they aren’t going to get in my eyes! Anyway, I don’t want to scare the grandchildren so plan to wear a wig when I see them.
I was totally unaware of the treatment available to us before my diagnosis. It’s definitely a bit scary as we can’t tell what will happen until we actually get started, but best wishes to everyone that our treatment progresses well and leads to the results we want.
I had read about stress & links to cancer but thought I was overthinking / misunderstanding…but I’m interested to know a few of you believe in this…no one understands me with this but Im still struggling with the “why me” aspect of this…under 40 at diagnosis, no family history, pretty damn healthy - it’s made me feel like why the hell have I bothered taking such good care of myself! I need a reason for why this has happened & it baffles me that with modern science no one can give me one! There has been quite a lot of stress & lack of sleep in my life these past 2 years, self care hasn’t quite been at the forefront so it’s entirely possible stress could have been the cause of mine
Sorry to hear this @gardener2 but glad you have got your treatment plan sorted. It is really reassuring when you have a consultant who clearly knows what they are doing! How are you feeling in yourself? X
Just a tip, Anbesol works pretty well for mouth ulcers, oral pains and stuff too. I was told I could use it. If the bonjela isn’t effective for you, you could mention it to your clinician and see if it’s appropriate for you.
I dont think stress is the root cause of cancer, but i think it accelerates it and can affect your body in many negative ways that cant help. I dont think it can be disregarded as part of the picture.
Hello @sunshineandunicorns. Thanks for your reply. It’s really difficult to be clear how I feel in myself. On the whole it is good but I think I’m still struggling simply because it’s barely a month since my biopsies were taken so it’s all happened very fast. Of course, that’s a good thing and I’m really grateful to get treatment so quickly but I feel like I’m running to keep up! I need to do some shopping and organising before Thursday. I hope it will be easier once I’ve had the first couple of treatments and can anticipate how I respond to it. A positive attitude definitely helps and I’ve become aware that there are people posting on this website who have been living with secondary cancer for several years. The nurse I chatted with for my pre-treatment info says we are pioneers who are breaking records. Happy to go with that. I’ve seen a few of your posts here and it sounds as though you have had a bad time recently. I really hope things improve for you soon. This forum seems really supportive when people have a problem but it is good to hear when things get better as well.
Well done for getting through your first chemotherapy and especially cold capping. although your session will take longer, don’t despair and don’t give up, prepare for curls, thats curly hair when all is complete, some of us even got a change in hair colour. Yes i’ve been through what you are starting, so here are a few tips i took my own hair conditioner, i took a towel turban to put on after treatment, and i had a blanket to cover myself during treatment. I took one paracetamol 1 hour before, to compensate the cold cap and now i know its best to stick your feet out in the cold. Yes you may loose 50% of your hair ie it looks thinner, but not to worry or cut too early. I learnt how my body reacted and my tired pockets i wrote down until i knew what to expect. 2nd week to 3rd week i felt great, caution though, not to do too much. You will get through this, try and have laugh with others or the nurses, time will fly, and locate the nearest maggies for extra support, ours was across the lane. Once again well done, moonsox xxx
@gardener2 I’m so sorry to hear of your secondary diagnosis. I wish you well with your treatment.
Just wanted to signpost you to the extra help on BCN
- Secondary breast cancer is full of uncertainties. But you can count onLiving with Secondary Breast Cancer to be there for you, no matter what. You’ll be able to talk, listen and learn with people who understand the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings. Our groups are open to people with a secondary diagnosis. Monthly sessions, facilitated by a therapist, are held in a variety of locations across the UK and online. Find a group. And if you are 45 or under? Our Younger Women with Secondaries Together events provide information and support
- LiveChat: Open to people with a secondary diagnosis. A private chat room where you can talk to others in a similar situation.
I do remember you from the previous group. You have a memorable name:) 
. My medical team is very surprised with the new recurrence/primary - still debating. I had a “good” prognosis first time around. Stage 1/2, no lymph nodes involved, ER +. Chances of returning after treatment were <2%. So I hope I don’t scare anyone here. I’m "rare"
Hi,
I am also starting this week, first EC tomorrow. After 4 rounds of EC I move on to 12 weekly paclitaxel. Feels like a long road ahead.
The tips and advice on this thread have really helped me prepare. Hope today went ok @janie3