Jackie - indeed!! Let’s hope the walk in the park is as enjoyable as possible! Well, I’m having my Herceptin after my chemo and not with it! It can only be given with Tax (not FEC) and I’m not having Tax. I hope my Onco knows what he is doing! LOL.
Kath - have you tried your GP for extra meds if your hospital won’t oblige? We are told none of us needs suffer side effects and that meds will be given to help us. Perhaps a little foot stamping is required? My hubby lived in portocabins for years when he was an Engineer! A Portaloo might be more useful.
FEC-T, FEC cycle 1, day 21
(Kent Oncology Centre - treatment at both Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals)
Well – I have got to the end of the first cycle and got the “OK” from my oncologist this afternoon to have cycle 2 tomorrow. However …… if I get an irregular heartbeat again in the hours following treatment, I am to call 999 straight away so that I can get an ECG in A&E whilst it’s actually happening. Only posting this as someone else had palpitations during their first cycle. Kath , was it you? Sorry I can’t remember. Onco added that an irregular heartbeat was a known but very rare side effect of FEC and hoped that it was a one-off (which I do as well). Don’t fancy a trip to A&E at any time, let alone in an ambulance in the middle of the night (too many bad memories, I’m afraid).
Thanks to Dyane and Alison for your encouragement re. friends. I will take this on board and gently remind them that I am still me, albeit a rather balding version of me!
Elaine – sorry to hear you’re feeling wiped out and having a weepy day. Seems to have hit a few of us this week. I’d put it down to the weather if it weren’t for the chemo! Hope things improve soon for you and all others.
FE1 Day20
Evening Valentines,can anyone answer this for me,Was out walking daughters dog this afternoon,phone call from Chemo nurse,had bloods done this morning,apparently my blood count is too low 0.4 needs to be over 1.00,asked me if I have been well ,no colds or any temperature,as you all know I have been absolutely fine.She told me to take temp when I got home,also that they cannot give me dose No.2 fri if bloods low.Will call me with new appt for chemo,will have to get bloods done again.Took temperature when got home,used hosp disposable thermometer with blue dots,couldn’t get it to work first 2 times no blue at all so tried one I got from boots,after 2 attempts got reading 36.1 then tried hosp one again 36.6 anyay don’t know why they differ but its a normal reading anyway,so that’s good.
Question, is there anyhing I can do to help blood count go up,have I been doing too much,do I need to rest more,or will it sort itself over a few days? Really didn’t want to be put back a week,have wedding to go to 23rd.
I would appreciate your thoughts if you have been in my position,especially those that have been in hospital.
Thanks girls Love Chris xxxx
Gill - it must be worrying, worse than worrying in fact, but at least you know what to do if it happens this next time. I understand exactly how you feel about A&E and ambulances, but far better to be safe than sorry, and those hunky paramedics will look after you. Good luck tomorrow xxx
Chris - I don’t think there is anything you can do to get your blood count up. I tried researching this the other week when Valentines were going down like flies with low blood counts, infections and so on. Your blood will right itself, it just takes time, and as long as you feel well and your temp is normal it’s just a matter of waiting. I think, however, for the future I would be tempted to buy one of those ear thermometers. They are quick, reliable and more accurate, and are the ones used by GP’s. I bought a Braun one from Amazon and it cost very little. Take care, wrap yourself in a warm bubble and keep away from infections. Fingers crossed your chemo will go ahead and you can be as normal as possible at the wedding. xxx
Chris So sorry. Were on the same timetable i really hope you can still go aheaf. A friend recommended beetroot juice you can buy it in tescos drink 250ml a day. Its very goid for your bloid and lowering blood pressure i couldnt take it as my BP was low. Im no expert but you could googke and have a look. What about iron tabs. Im not sure if we are allowed them though?? Take care a good luck xxxxx
Hello everyone i did post earlier last month,have been so busy getting the house cleaned and sorted,im a full time carer for my 58 year uncle who lives with me whom has learning difficulties so needed to get the spare room organised incase parents needed to stay,had lumpectomy in January and first chemo on the 21st of Feb,isnt the site wonderful so many hints and tips ive sat crying and laughing at some of the things and feel for those who have ended up back in hospital,everyone knows me as a tough nut but hate being ill myself,me and my Dad hate hospitals and bless him he sat in with me when i had my first Chemo,kept thinking if he passes out how we going to get the car home,have a OH but we dont live together,bliss… 23 year old son whos took it quite bad doesnt like talking about it but listens ive hardly seen him but he rings everyday…My grandaughters elder sister informed me tonight that when i loose my hair they are going to cut Tulisa pigtails of so i can have them, Tulisas my Grandaughter whos nearly 3,thank god she informed us because its something they would try doing…lol not slept well since first chemo,had about 2 hours a day,felt tipsy and sicky but eaten well,stocked up on fruit and nice sweet things last week,but have gone of the smell of it all the chickens are delighted,hope everyone has a smooth run,xx
FEC1 day 7
A meet up in a year would be fantastic.
Will catch up tomorrow too. OH birthday so have been to lovely BF’s house who cooked tea and made a cake - bless her.
Elaine, big hugs. ((((((E))))))) I think I’m a cycle behind you. I cried all day yesterday but feel better today.
Keep in touch GrannyP we’re on the same cycle I think. My eldest lad is 23 too and I worry about him most.
Day 3 Fec round 2
Im not risking posting for it all not to show up so cut and pasting
Bad nights sleep…sickness kicked in big time this time around…didnt happen 1st cycle… and like a few others fatigue hit me… someone pressed that button around 2pm and that was it… on the sofa for the rest of the day!!..I am so lucky to have a diamond of a husband who tells me I dont have to do anything if I dont want to, I tell him while I feel ok in the morning I will potter about…stripping beds and washing etc…he insists I enjoy my pj days…
Quite looking forward to the district nurse coming in on Saturday to start the injections…even tho Im not keen on the side effects… just a few more to add to what us ladies are going through.
Wishing all valentines a comfortable day today…lets see if I do get dressed
Much love
Day 7 Fec 1 Hardly any sleep again grr itchy head syndrome its driving me mad,going to Marks and Spencers this morning to buy lots of nice Savoury foods,the thought of things sweet or fruity still making me fell urghh so strange,did any one get dry hands after 1st treatment or is it that im forever washing my hands or just paranoid maybe it has been mentioned but to tired to read through again,hope all ladies are well…x
Morning Valentines. Day 14 FEC cycle 2. Feel almost normal today. Or maybe I have just got used to the chemo fog. Still have a sore arm but it hasn’t got any worse. I will mention it at my next clinic appointment. I do have down days but they are rare and I don’t cry easily (the only time I really cried was at the prospect of telling me daughter about my diagnosis). That makes me sound like a hard case! Perhaps it will hit me later on.
Struggling to keep up with everyone’s posts and news. Have been working this week but we are now going away for 10 days to Cornwall (rented a cottage) so hoping I stay well and infection free. I hope everyone has a reasonable week.
Not sure of the wi fi or 3G situation where we’re going so there may be radio silence for a bit. I hope not!
Morning xx day 16 round 2 Fect-t
been to see my onc this morning , Angie ( & anyone else who has a sore arm ) I asked her about the soreness & she said it was due to the red epirubicin & it’s known to cause inflammation of the veins , only one more FEC to go so hopefully it won’t get much worse . She also confirmed the chemo dries out your eyes which is why I am getting red, watery eyes & styes .
I think a valentines meet up is a great idea , I’m up for it
Grrr half post again !! Briefly again …thanks Chris , tried those comfort bras from Asda & they are great !
Granny p with you on the savouries ! Could eat my mams chicken & leek pie every day
angie, have a lovely time in Cornwall im very jealous ! Would love a trip to Cornwall hoping to talk the oh into going for a week in the summer school hols
hope everyone with SE’s are coping today
Karen x
FEC 1 day 21 c/c
Morning Valentines,Yes I too would love to meet up when this is over.
Am keeping the birds in nesting material at the moment as every time I brush my hair more and more comes out from around the ears
Waiting to see if get a call from chemo today with new date as cannot have tomorrow re low blood count .04.Was so surprised that body not recovered enough as have been so well.
Angie wish I was coming with you to Cornwall,have a great time,all that lovely scenery and fresh air.
Kath write us a poem,make us smile
Granny P I have a passion for tinned tomatos,love the richness of them,on toast with grated cheese mmmm xx
Glad you found the bras Karen xxx
Sandra Love your pic xxx
Love to all chin or chins up Talk later Love Chris xxxx<3
Thanks for all your lovely messages yesterday! Went to bed feeling better because of you all
Still very fatigued today but at least I don’t feel so negative, really need to get a grip, fatigue and a reminder of what it’s like to be a hormone charged teenager isn’t really so bad on th SE front!
Trying not to think about Tax SEs as keep reading loads of negative stuff it’s really hard not to get depressed if I dwell on it too much. last time I saw onco I was sorting the anti sickness meds for this cycle they said" only one more FEC after this and then onto Tax which isn’t so bad…" I can but hope!
Would be lovely to meet up next year!
think you just need to wait for blood count to go up Chris, seem to recall same thing happened to someone else on here, Angie maybe? Can’t remember outcome but sure they went ahead in the end.
hugs
Elaine
Morning Valentines – The last two days have been pretty bad – complete fatigue and yesterday afternoon the beginnings of some nausea. At least this cycle I have plenty of different meds to treat it with. In general this cycle has been better for side effects, but I certainly wouldn’t be up for a trip to Cornwall. You must be a superwoman Angie!
Perhaps it is wishful thinking, but I thought that the hairloss slowed down considerably yesterday. It is very thin now, but still enough to give a bit of a fringe around a little cap (which I am wearing all the time now – cuts down on the shedding around the house).
Just had a very frustrating half hour with my Husband trying to strike a blow for the cats of our thread and upload a picture of our cheeky chappy “Havoc”. We get it onto my profile and then it goes right back to me in the red jumper. Thought he deserved your admiration, as he has been doing cardinal lap-duty over the last few days – pretty amazing for a semi-ferile moggy who came out of the woods and adopted a life of luxury!
All the best to those with appointments, treatment and side effects.
Hugs, Louise
Yes - I had a very low neutrophil count following a blood test on the Monday before my second FEC was due on the Friday. The hospital rang me on the Wedenesday and said I may not be able to have chemo and would need more blood tests on the Friday morning. I had the tests and the levels had gone back to normal so chemo went ahead. I can’t remember what the levels were but clearly they can change quite quickly.
There was another question about iron tablets. Sorry I can’t remember who asked. Yes, these can be taken during chemo but these afblood the red blood cell count, not the white ones which carry neutrophils.
(Dr) Angie xx
Also up for a meet next Feb. What a party that will be!
Nearly packed. Having a rest and a cuppa.
Thanks Angie thats comforting to know,just wait now for call from chemo dept for reschedule.Fingers crossed.xxxx
Louise we too are cat people,Buster and Mistral,buster blue eyes beige and cream,his brother Mistral black with little bit of white under chin,very good for him when he hides behind sofa,puts head down eyes closed and we can’t see him!!
My hairloss seems to be around ears,hope I keep enough to manage,although wig is really lovely xxx
Talk later Love Chris xx
FEC-T, FEC2 due tomorrow all being well (8 days late)
Been to the hospital this morning for my pre-chemo bloods, as long as I don’t hear anything back from them I should be getting FEC2 tomorrow, fingers crossed. Think I’m getting the immunity jab this time, which I’m quite nervous about.
Re the discussion of iron tablets – if any of you are on Ciprofloxacin for cover during the low neutrophil period, you musn’t take milk, indigestion remedies or medicines with iron or zinc for 2 hours before or after your medication.
Louise
I have slept for England! Went to bed late (well late for these days - 11:30) but slept 'till 11:30 this morning. Still had long strange dreams but last nights were more annoying than fearful.
My head is itching like mad this morning too GrannyP. In fact one of my more vivid dreams was that my hair had all gone in the middle of a big work meeting! Checked this morning and its still stuck fast for now.
Food has been a picky subject this week. I’ll usually eat anything and avert thing but sweet stuff has had my stomach heaving - except for a strange urge for fizzy strawberry cables. My favourite nibble at the moment is fajita spread with marmite, rolled into a tight sausage (I worry about myself and OH thinks this is all a big con and I’m pregnant ;-). )
Hope you have a lovely holiday Angie. We’re having a couple of days in Derbyshire after Easter and I’m really looking forward to it now.
Glad you’re feeling a bit better today Elaine.
I need plenty of stamina for this afternoon. I have to go into work to see an HR advisor. Our service is undergoing restructuring and my department is closing in September so redundancy is on the cards (just to add insult to injury). Hey ho, I suppose I’d better get up!
so tried one I got from boots,after 2 attempts got reading 36.1 then tried hosp one again 36.6 anyay don’t know why they differ but its a normal reading anyway,so that’s good.
23 year old son whos took it quite bad doesnt like talking about it but listens ive hardly seen him but he rings everyday…My grandaughters elder sister informed me tonight that when i loose my hair they are going to cut Tulisa pigtails of so i can have them, Tulisas my Grandaughter whos nearly 3,thank god she informed us because its something they would try doing…lol not slept well since first chemo,had about 2 hours a day,felt tipsy and sicky but eaten well,stocked up on fruit and nice sweet things last week,but have gone of the smell of it all the chickens are delighted,hope everyone has a smooth run,xx
but we are now going away for 10 days to Cornwall (rented a cottage) so hoping I stay well and infection free. I hope everyone has a reasonable week.
