Wee update. No sickness at all. In fact feel fine.
One word of caution-be prepared for lots of toilet visits. Don’t know if it was the gallons of liquid I consumed or an effect of one of the drugs (“can irritate bladder” apparently) but I had to nip behind a bush when going for a walk. What a relief that was!
Off to pick up kids. Feel fine to drive.
Hope this helps those of you worrying about day 1.
Welcome Cressida. Hope your 2nd lot of chemo hits the mark. Sorry to hear you’re going through it all agian.
Hi Marie - I’m just popping in from the Pumkins…
I found that the C part of FEC can make you feel a bit strange while it is beign administered so after two rounds I aksed if it could be given more slowly. They now administer it over 30 mins instead of 15 and I have had not problems at all. Its worth mentioning it and asking. I hope you continue to feel ok, I had FEC 4 today and feel tired but ok.
Jayne xx
just popping in from september sapphires, hope all of you do okay.
my little hint was to take mints with me with fec, but I found lemon sherbets nicer, only one part of the cocktail might make mouth taste metallic or weird.
lots of love
anne xxx
Hi Maire i am so pleased all went well today, and the fact that your carried on to be good. I hope you have another good day tomorrow Xx Did you have the Cold Cap? I really don’t know whether to try that or not! Take care of your self the next few days.
Cressida i am so sorry to hear you have got to go through Chemo again. They are giving me Chemo first to shrink the cancer.
Blackswan I am also having chemo first then surgery. I really hope you had yours today.
Shawshank i hope things went well for you today.
SNB tuesday 4th and
My chemo starts on the 19th!
Good luck everyone
keep smiling 
Sharon Xx
Hi Maire
Glad it all went well…easing my mind a little as my first one is due on the 5th so a little bit nervous…due to the fact I dont like needles anyway ! I had to laugh when you said you jumped behind a bush to go pee - I hope this doesnt happen to me , my hospital is right on a main road !!! my dear dad is going to sit with me bless him, he may have to sit on me to get me to do it at this rate ! just telling myself have to have it,got to do it no other choice - sure once I get the first one over wont be such a worry as I will know what to expect…are you trying the cold cap ?- I have asked about this for myself , the nurse informed me that it has between 70-90 % success rate so I am going to give it a go and see if it will help in some way- good to know you are feeling ok with it,makes me feel maybe I can be a bit stronger in getting this next stage now - Cressida , I really feel for you having to go through it all again but something tells me you are a tough cookie and you will be more then ok getting through this -as for you other ladies Shawshank and Shazza,anyone else I may have missed out - sorry ladies…I hope you are all keeeping well - still kicking arse - stay strong - Lots of love to you all xxxx
Shelley x
Hi Destiny, Shaz, Marie and everyone,
I can tell you that the cold cap can work as I had it last time. Some chemo nurses are very negative about it as it is more work for them and takes longer so you are there blocking a needed chair. But that is not your concern - if you want to try it go for it. I had a good result even though one nurse told me it would definitly not work. My hair thinned, bits fell out all the time but I never went bald and I only needed hats and wide head bands, no wig. It means that mine has thickend up post chemo much quicker than my chemo buddies. There are lots of threads on here about it. Main advice is to make sure the cap fits tightly all over. If it is not in contact with part of your head then that bit will go bald. When I first put it on I found it painful and was about to give up, but I am stubborn and stuck it out. After about 20 mins it is fine - you are basically numb! If you want it, then insist they take the time to do it properly.
Cress, xxx
Oops-Just lost my post.
Here goes again. Yesterday was fine. Felt a bit of nausea at dinner time but went to bed for a bit-snoozed-got up-got a bucket-took pills went back to bed and slept soundly albeit with a grumbling tummy acc. to husband. Wasn’t sick and feel ok today. Took more pills and walked daughter to school, shopped, wrapped some pressies and am about to put washing out. Very cold here (-5c) so washing will be very stiff but want some freshness in my sheets!
Feel really ok today so hope that perks up those waiting in the wings.
Destiny, I just turn away at the needle part. I felt a wee bit light headed but it passed. After that I felt nothing other than the shivers. It’ll be fine for you. Just think happy thoughts, get a wee happy tune in your head. Think about all the treats instore. Even if Christmas is challenging we can still treat ourselves to something that makes us happy.
I didn’t try the cold cap because none of the nurses seemed especially keen and I do think they can’t really be bothered with the faff but I probably would’ve struggled with the cold (and I’m usually the first one to open all the windows because I loathe being too hot). The high heidyin nurse said it prob wouldn’t work for me anyway. So going to visit the wiggy woo shop on Monday.
Am just wondering what my chemo song will be. Will need something playing along in my head to get me through the worry. So far “This girl is on fire” the new Alicia Keyes is buzzing about I there but not sure if it’s the one yet!
hi all u crackers
first chemo over with yesday went ok feelin little bit sick but not too bad n im tryin to drink loads n im takin the tabs they give us 4 this even gave me sum domperidone… well it is my birthday… unfortunatley this is in tab form too lol oh well
Caroline60 happy birthday hope u have a realy great day n get spoilt rotten u deserve to x
Maire glad u also get through first chemo with no probs hope yr feelin ok today x
Jellymold did u start to use the mouth wash straight away or wait 4 sore mouth not sure now wat i got told but seem to think they said wait til mouth starts to tingle dos this seem right x
Shaz im also havin fec-t but im havin 6 3 of each x
Polly good luck with yr next surgery hope it all gos well x
Funki sorry to hear yr havin such a tough time at min mines dif to yourse had single mast with imediate recon but nodes were also affected had 15 removed 11 were affected also been goin 4 scans over last few weeks body, bone, heart there really not bad u just lay there n to machine dos the rest please try not to worryabout them easy to say i no i had first fec-t chemo yesday just hopin the coldcap works the lady next to me was on her 5 sycle n said shed kept her hair so heres hoping fingers crossed x
Blackswan tell them to get there selfs sorted out like u need this added stress its so not on hope u manage to get things sorted soon x
Shelly im tryin coldcap first one yesday it slowly gets colder n painful after first 20 mins or so but its a put up able kind of pain n if u feel like givin up try not to as it dos wear of it may start to feel colder again on n of but its doable n def worth it if it can save yr hair n i feel ok to day little bit of a nigglin headach but not too bad n dont no if this is cos of cap or or the bloody shit they put inside us hope u give it a go with good results lady next to me was on 5th cycle n had kept hers so hears hopin x
Butterfly Dawn hope yr arm starts to get better soon i no exactly wat yr mean mine is the same its been 7 weeks on mon since single masr recon n 15 lymphnodes remover so supose its stil early really x
Cress welcome so sorry u had to re join but everyone will help u through it x
Jayne im also havin FEC-T first one yesday so thanks for the advice hope yourse continues to go well x
Amd 66 ivbeen suckin on mints today had first FEC yest x
Sharon id def say try the coldcap if u decide u dont like it they can take it off but its got to b worth a try were gonna lose our hair anyway so if theres a chance u can keep it id say go for it glad i tried it wil def keep using it x
Cress glad cap worked 4 u im keepin my fingers crossed it dos 4 me how many days b4 chemo did u wash it n how many days after did u wait to wash it n how often in between also what shampoo n conditioner did u use please x
Hi Shawshank,
I wrote you a fabulous and informative reply that would have made you and everyone else feel better but it has disappeared…
Anyway - I used simple shampoo and cond. Once a week. Do not wash it for 24 hours after chemo. Do not dry, use straighteners etc or use anything else at all, no sprays etc. Some people did use other products but I did not. Have it cut to a shorter style, not cropped or thinned out in any way - tell your hairdresser - they always have a friend who had chemo (everyone does) so they do know. Comb out the tangles gently whilst the conditioner is on. Hair will keep coming out. Don’t panic, my hair came out in what seemed like handfuls when I washed it but I still had enough. At this time of year they have much nicer hats then when I had FEC-T but I found a nice wide headband covers up the greasy unwashed look and any baldy bits. I had my chemo on Thursdays and washed it on Sat morning so I had the nicest hair at the weekend.
Good luck and remember it is up to you whether to persevere or not. Stop if you want to but carry on if you want to. Don’t let any busy nurse persaude you to give up. This is one of the very few things you can control so make sure it is you who decides.
Cress, xxx
Hi Ladies,
Just wanted to wish you all well and lots of love and luck for your chemo journey.
I had kept a blog throughout mine and just did a post about my top tips to get through chemo, have a read just in case it’s of use to you: thelittlestjojo.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/top-tips-for-getting-through-chemo.html
Love & best wishes,
Jelly xx
thanks cress
am scared to wash it think il leave it couple more days no ons gonna c it not of anywhere iv got boots naked shampoo n con 4 sensative scalp might get the simple range next time nwe it had to b natural ph balance n i had it cut shortel last week only to shoulder couldt bring my self to go shorterim def gonna keep using the cap through rest of treatment 1 down 5 to go ther the bloody radio thanks 4 the quick reply x
thanks jelly
ill have a look x
ps hope youre both doin ok n all ytreatments goin well x
sue x
Hi All,
Haven’t been on site for a couple of days so have just spent last half hour catching up with what you have all been up to. Happy Birthday! Marie and Caroline 60, hope you had a good one and were treated to lots of nice things from your loved ones.
Marie and Shawshankredemption - I hope you are still feeling ok after your chemo yesterday, your posts have alayed some of my fears about starting chemo next week.
Black Swan - Have you had your first chemo yet?I really feel for you not knowing a firm date. It’s hard enough to get your head together when you do know exactly when it’s starting.
Cressida - I’m so sorry you are going through chemo again. You do sound like a strong person though so I’m sure you’ll get through it.
Jellytot83 - Thanks for the tips on chemo and your blog. I have bookmarked it and am sure I’ll refer back to it when I need to.
I have been to have my flu jab and had a MUGA (heart scan) prior to starting my chemo, and results were fine. Am still not sure which chemo I’m starting on as am going to be part of a trial. I may be starting on Docetaxel and Avastin or may start with Epirubicin and cyclophosphomide. My oncologist has also agreed to give me a CT scan on Tuesday- she isn’t expecting it to show up anything and hopefully it will put my mind at rest that it hasn’t spread anywhere else. I’ve also made an appointment to have my long thick hair cut into a short bob. Am hoping this will allow a really good contact with the cold cap.
Hope everyone else is keeping cheerful,
Jus xxx
Hello there Christmas Crackers!
I thought I was quite well until I went in to see my GP a few months ago and just mentioned one or two things, like you do once in a blue moon…it’s been non stop since!
Very briefly, after initial scans/biopsy, had WLE & SNB with no clear margins & SNB positive. MX followed and confirmed Grade 3, 30mm IDC with DCIS surrounding, ER+ 8/ PR+ 8 (greedy thing is stuffing it’s face off my hormones). Nodes 3/14 positive and vascular invasion, so now Chemo. 3 x EC and 3 x Docetaxel starting 10th December. Christmas may not be quite the same this year, but hey ho!
During all this, I had to have a ‘suspicious’ mole removed from my back week after MX but thankfully that turned out to be just a ‘suspicious’ mole! What’s one more scar anyway?
Not to do things by half, I’m now on BP tablets, statins for High Cholesterol as well as lansoperazole for excess stomach acid - basically I’m a pill popper these days and soon to be filtered through with toxic chemicals, beamed with radiation and de-hormoned for a few years.
There’s only one way, and that’s to keep going!
Good luck to everyone 
Hi all,
I made a couple of posts on the November thread, but I’m not starting chemo until a week on Tuesday - Dec 11th - so I guess this thread is where I belong!
I was completely freaking out about having chemo, but after delaying it for a month, and having some time to calm down with no hospital appointments, am feeling a lot better mentally and physically (I had WLE in October, margins clear but one micrometastasis on SLN, hence chemo) and am now ready to face the chemo - or as ready as I’ll ever be.
I just want to get the first one over now - I think the fear before you start is probably the worst thing.
I’d like to thank everyone who has posted tips for getting through chemo, especially jellytot and revcat with their detailed guides - I have been assiduously taking notes, and collecting mouthwash, gel for mouth ulcers, children’s toothbrush, PIC line cover etc etc in a big ‘chemo bag’, so I’m as prepared as I can be for the side effects that may happen.
I’m going t otry the cold cap - I met a woman at the Haven this week who had thinnnish, fine hair like mine, and kept it with the cold cap. She said she had been MASSIVELY stressed about doing chemo, to the point where she made herself ill, but she found to her surprise that she tolerated it quite well, and said it was much like having the flu (she had 3 FEC 3 T)
She also reminded me that you don’t feel terrible ALL the time - that for at least one week in the 21 day cycle you should feel pretty much OK.
I found all this very comforting - fingers crossed it won’t be TOO bad.
Good luck to you all, and here’s to next spring - by which time we will all have finished chemo, be putting it behind us, and getting on with our lives!
Hi folks. Day 3 today and nauseau has def subsided but have been feeling a bit jittery. To be honest I think this is mostly psychological. I just hate the thought of what might be happening inside. On the plus side I’ve done 2 washings, driven a bit, walked to and from shops-skittering about on the ice a little. Doing bits and bobs def. helps. As does eating. I got up late so ended up not having lunch till 3 p.m. Too late! After that I felt quite a bit better. I don’t want to post anything negative but want to be realistic too.
So far so good. Part of the journey is getting used to feeling a bit odd. I thought I’d be laid up in bed and that’s not the case. So good luck crackers-we’ll make it through!
hi christmas crackers,
got mixed emotions at the moment, i have an appointment on wed 5th to see oncologyst to see what treatment i will need, i have clear margin and clear lymph nodes, but grade 3 and 22mm big, but still sore under arm, i was only working half days last week as was still a bit emotional ,and sore , when i got my results which i feel where pretty good considering, i was about to go home for my half day and one of my collegues said “why are you going home your not sick anymore”, i felt such a fraud, as im not sick ,but sore, some people dont say the right things sometime, im sure she was only being funny, but it really upset me.
just wanted to get that of my chest, hope you are all coping & good luck to you all.
lolly
x
hi there , need to join you ladies as my chemo starts on 19th dec, 3 lots of FEC then 3 lots docetaxel. whilst not that bothered about my hair thought i would try the cold cap. I have read to use the shampoo range from boots except now i cant remember the name! Oh and i had mx and deip on 17th sept. so been quite a wait for chemo which has been soooo frustrating. have to say the reconstruction was a breeze, the tummy tuck has been the painfull/uncomfortable bit and that was the bit i thought was the silver lining. lol
have many had the flu jab? i am always offered it because i have asthma but never bother with it. no Dr has suggested it to me, but the more posts i read the more i think that no two hospitals give the same advise, treatment etc. sorry first post and a bvit of a rant. 
Hi Christmas Crackers, i hope your all well (as well as can be).
COYOTEGI i start my Chemo on the 19th as well. 4 FEC and 4 T. I really don’t know whether to do the cold cap or not. They want to shrink my cancer and hopefully just have a lumpectomy next year. Yes i had the flu jab too. Xx
MAIRE how are you today? you seem to be coping very well so far. Xx
LOLLY123 i hope all goes well on the 5th, take careXx
Good luck to everyone else having appointments and Chemo soon. Xx
Love Sharon Xx
Hi Ladies, I still have my drain in nearly 3 weeks on. I now call it the pain in the a.se. Its so bloody frustrating. I spoke to the discharge nurse who visits and she told me as a result of having stratis - it can take 2 week minium. So fingers crossed - maybe this week.
I had a s.it I am going to have Chemo - moment - it gave me the hebe gebies.