September 2024 chemo starters

I find it quite alarming the number of people on here who’ve been through this before. It’s as though we’re going through all this for nothing and it’s going to come back anyway.

@janie3
I didnt get a reaction to the filgrastim but my colleagues wife who had breast cancer 4 years ago had warned me (via him… bless my colleagues) that she got a horrendous allergic reaction each time that lasted around an hour… itchy rash feeling hot etc. Then it lifted. She was advised to take Clarytyn an hour before and it worked for her. I have some on stand by in case i ever start with it. Im no expert but hopefully your team will be able to advise. Sorry you had to deal with that on top of everything else x

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I took my first injection last night was so nervous but was ok. I took a Claritin half an hour before. It’s one of my biggest fears needing the hospital and they are so busy that they can’t see you!! Take it easy xx

I had a bit of a meltdown yesterday saying pretty much the same thing :smiling_face_with_tear:

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When you talk to your oncologist ask them about pegfilgrastrim. It’s a single injection instead of several. Could be an option. I asked for it as I have to take x7 days of filgrastim and mentally I struggle with giving myself something that I know causes pain (feels like self harming). I was denied it due to funding (which I’m still POed about) but I gather lots of places around the country that’s not the case.

Also taking a daily antihistamine (particularly containing loratadine) are recommended when taking filgrastim as it helps the pain side effects. One of the hotline nurses advised me to always take it with the jabs.

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I have kept in touch with people from here on facebook and Whatsapp and 3 have had cancer again and me. I check myself every 2/3 weeks and luckily found it early days. It is awful when you are back in the same position again but I think it’s only a minority this happens to. You just have to make the most of the time you have. I go between thinking I’ll be fine and it will come back so am going to ensure I have the best chance I can through the chemo I have and the operation too. I question and research things.
I’ve added a link I saw on another thread for Little Lifts but I think some people may get this automatically?

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I’ve always felt it’s a gamble either way whether I have treatment or not but sometimes I wonder whether I’ve made the right choice. I’m sorry yours has come back but glad to hear the odds don’t make it inevitable.
I don’t know why I’m suddenly plagued with doubts. I’ve been OK up to now.

@Linda_Corinne i had my box delivered last week in time for my first chemo session. I have used so much stuff in the box already!
Such a brilliant and thoughtful box :heart:

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No they think my shoulder pain was pre-existing. But my picc has definitely changed how my arm feels. The craziest thing is they’ve given me an Ibuprofen gel that has paraffin as an ingredient and comes with a flammable warning!!! I did sleep well last night tho :partying_face:.

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Oh I’m so sorry you had a reaction, maybe get your district nurse to come do them then at least they’ll know what to do if it happens again. No wondered you’re worried about the next 4. X

:heart: fabulous wig :heart: please don’t forget your Macmillan’s at your trusts usually have a lot of pre loved wigs too that you can purchase for a donation :heart: :two_hearts::two_hearts::sparkles::sparkles:Shi xx

Hi I wasn’t aware of that will make enquiries would like another one thank you x

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:heart: our oct17 gang went wig crazy, we had coloured bobs, tinsel wigs, unicorn rainbow wigs the lot :heart: luvyababes do a great range too not just dressing up ones for fancy dress, I ended up happier in a £14.99 one from there than an £800 real hair one. Other places to look too if you’ve any near you are high street independents that do wide range of hair products that have wig section available too. There’s a few in East Midlands if that helps anyone, there’s one not far from maid Marion way in Nottingham as you go towards theatre royal and one in Derby opposite a carpet shop near the Sainsburys and macdonalds good wig selections in both. Hope this might help anyone who’s wig hunting :heart::two_hearts::two_hearts::sparkles::sparkles:Shi xx

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Wished I’d known before. Day 17 … First day I’ve lost a considerable amount of hair even after cold capping. Thought I’d be ok but finding myself in floods of tears :cry:

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Ah you have my sympathy jules8, I am right there with you. It’s day 23 for me, shedding got heavy on day 18 and just hasn’t really stopped. Please don’t let that alarm you! - it affects us all at different rates. I think I have lost at least 50% of my hair now, although I think that’s a conservative guess, it’s probably more. I’ve cried most of the day (mostly because of intrusive thoughts about my husband leaving me because I’m vile…). I think I will have shaved it by the end of the weekend as it’s just too upsetting to watch.

Allow yourself to feel sad about it, it’s a perfectly natural response to mourn losing such an intrinsic part of yourself. We get such a rough deal. Hope you feel a bit brighter tomorrow after hopefully a good night’s sleep :slightly_smiling_face:

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Thanks Sharlou so sad and sounds like you are as well. All so unfair was hoping I would last longer. Not sure what I’m going to do yet know it will get worse. Are you wearing anything on your hair accessories or anything or just leaving it ? :heart:

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I have some wigs; one the massage lady at the hospital gave me as it had just been donated and it matched my hair perfectly. The other two are just cheap colourful ones I bought online for when I feel brave! I don’t really feel ‘wig ready’ yet though, I don’t know why.

I’ve managed so far with just pulling whats left back into a loose pony tail. I don’t have bald patches as such, but my scalp is visible through what is left on top. I’ve just ordered a soft beanie hat from Etsy which I suspect Ill wear more often than anything else. Have you got anything yet? :heavy_heart_exclamation:

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I had a shower tonight and Id say 85% of hair has gone. I didnt cold cap and its basically been falling out in handfuls since Wednesday. Im day 20 now. Sat watching telly in my wig as trying to get used to look and feel around the house. Its shorter than my normal length and although very similar style and i dont hate it. I dont love it either. Im just hoping i get used to it on the mirror then when it feels more ‘normal’ i hope i can carry it off

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I need to take a leaf out of your book and try that! I need to normalise it. Will have a bash tomorrow!

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