Hi Amber,
Have you told your chemo nurse about your concerns? Has anyone suggested a PICC line or a portacath? It may be worth giving them a ring and asking. My hospital fits PICC lines automatically to all chemo patients, and those having 12 months of Herceptin get a portacath. I know some hospitals don’t do this automatically as they like you to try without one first, but in your case they may make an exception.
The best of luck for next week.
Linda xxx
Wow how did that happen, looks like I’ve read your mind Linda, he gremlins are out again x
Chemo three minus 2 days (FEC x6)
Hi Valentines,
I have absolutely no idea what chemo smells like!!! I have no problem with cleaning products (only really use bleach in bathrooms - does this smell chemo?). However, I can smell funny smells around the house and am assuming they are not there (my OH has a much better sense of smell than me and he’d smell them too (and then moan and do nothing)) - these smells are mostly like urine and sick. It’s nasty!!! The last place I smelt them this morning was the washing machine - which I assume doesn’t smell of either (it must be the washing powder that smells and I’m smelling it wrong).
Another funny side effect I get is a strange texture in my mouth - like bark or crocodile skin on the inside of my mouth. It doesn’t hurt or do anything other than feel strange and I get it on week 2 after chemo (looking forward to it already). My dentist just said to keep up with what I am doing as she couldn’t see it being a problem and had never heard of it before. She also said I looked thinner!! Chemo diet - not for everyone!!! And that I looked good with no hair (took that as a complement too). I had a dental appointment today and all was well.
I am still not looking forward to chemo 3 - but there’s no way of stopping this run away train now so I have to stay on. Suck it up and off we go.
Alison xx
PS - AMBER I had lots of issues with needles when I was hospitalised - they used my arm as a pin cushion. However, each chemo (2 so far) has been no problem. They seem to be able to find veins using ‘the force’. My arm was sore this time - it’s feels like the vein was bruised. I had a heat pad the first time round and no problems. The second time the drugs were much much colder and I had no heat pad. I shall be requesting a heat pad on Thursday to use before it all starts.
Alison xx
Amber , the chemo nurses are brill at getting the veins. I was worried to but have had no problems in that area.
Alison , my washing machine smelt so bad to me that I decided to bleach it. I had no idea what would happen if you put a cup of bleach in and ran it empty on hot. The shriek from my OH scared the daylight out of me. It took ages to mop out the 6 inches of bubbles that completely covered our utility room floor. and the damn thing still smells to me!
The sun was shining this morning so I wrapped up warm and opened all the doors and windows to try to let the fug out. Bring on the summer PLEASE!
MMM x
LOL Mandy! That reminds me of my daughter when she added a load of bubble bath to the jacuzzi bath we had in a villa we were staying in. Suffice it to say, the whole bathroom (right up to the ceiling) was submerged in bubbles, with more and more arriving by the second!
It must be psychological or some sort of auto suggestion, like in normal circumstances when we get a “smell” up our nose that we can’t get rid of. How weird.
Good afternoon Valentines,
Alison the roof of my mouth,the area about half inch from teeth to roof feels rough to me,must be same sort of thing to you.Not sore though.
White vinegar is very good to put in washing machine or elsewhere to get rid of stains and odours.No bubbles from that either.
I too can the smell the chemo about my body for the first few days.I am also going to never use the same face cream,shower gel after treatment as the smell of it reminds me of being ill.Sometimes I will come across a fragrance that takes me right back to being in hospital for the birth of my first daughter,that’s nice though.
I have also found that my nose is a bit like a tap these last few days,I wonder if it’s because the hairs are going from the nostrils.
Re Bras I did notice Asda had a pretty white bra for post surgery.
Mandy my sister si also losing her job with Thomas Cook because of the Cooperative travel merger,she is looking at it as a chance to get out of the company as she doesnt like it.Like you she needs a job so see what comes up for both of you,new start could be just the ticket. 
Linda so glad you there to look things up for all of us,I really cant be bothered,so thanks.
Dyane what a shame OH has to work away,just when you need him there, sounds really exciting job working on the rigs,is that a common job where you live?
My hubby just picked up my cert from docs for work,then tells me he has made an appt to get them to look at his eye as he can see a line on the left of his vision.I asked how long he had it,a few weeks he said.I guess he didn’t say anything because it’s all been about me lately.I felt a bit bad about that.
Good luck with treatment all those due this week Love Chris xxxx<3
Afternoon Valentines! Hope you are all keeping warm 
Kath - thanks for your concern for myself and Dyane - I see Dyane has replied and its all good with her - I am the same - actually I am typing this from work! lol The roads on Friday were atrocious to get home (16 miles) and it took much longer than normal - so I didnt bother venturing into work yesterday - took a duvet day - but in work today and the roads are clear - but I feel so so sorry for the farmers in N Ireland at the minute - last nights news was hard to watch - the farmers were pulling dead sheep and lambs out of snow drifts that were 15ft + deep - poors sods 
Sandra - 1/2 way there!! Yipee - that will be me next week - 3rd FEC on Wednesday (have to have a PICC line fitted first thou)
Dyane - awful to hear of Patton’s closing - such a big big blow to the community - I missed the documentary last night but will get it on iplayer.
Chris & Alison - roof of my mouth is the same - usually lasts for around a week or so - just seems really rough (or furry) - not sore - just a strange feeling…
Better get back to work - have a good Tuesday everyone with minimal SE’s.
Kim xxoo 
Sod it, it’s not posted right after THREE attempts!!!
Try again! It’s supposed to be three verses of 9 lines each, if it’s wrong this time - I give in. Using the Word link to post too!!!
Checking Your Temperature Daily
You’ve had the call from Oncology,
it’s chemo - and maybe Herceptin.
That’s when you find they’ve set you a course
of tablets and an injection!
When you aren’t feeling well
and your white cells are low
and immunity is failing,
there’s panic, alarm, and you will find that you’re
checking your temperature daily.
OH has a cold, keep him at arm’s length
and make sure THAT phone number’s handy.
Then dose yourself up with First Defence
and maybe a wee tot of Brandy.
Are your neuts up to strength?
As you don’t want the flu,
And you certainly don’t want the lurgy!
You worry away, wonder just what to do -
while checking your temperature daily.
You’re off for your blood test to see if you’re fit
so you can have your next session.
Just where, while you’re waiting should you go and sit,
and you find your facial expression
is fixed in a grin, so hard and so grim
while trying to give the impression
that everything’s fine and you’re doing okay
so you try to smile, bright and gaily.
While all of the time you have to remember
KEEP CHECKING YOUR TEMPERATURE DAILY!!
Love Kath xxx
TCH Cycle 2 , day 19 CC
Afternoon Valentines
I don’t post on herethat often but try to keep up with reading all your wonderful posts. When my kids are home I get no privacy as they are always looking over my shoulder so concious of what i,m typing. Also, hubby on late shifts and I don’t like to be constantly on the computer when he’s home.
Well tomorrow is bloods and Onc. and Thursday is no. 3 chemo for me!
SE’s fine i,m very lucky compared to some of you and feel quite guilty sometimes…apart from neutropenic hospital stays of course. I’ve been getting quite worked up about this chemo as I just can’t face no.3 hospital stay plus my birthday will probably fall at that time too 
Sandra Good luck to you too heres hoping we can stay hospital free.
Emotionally i,m really up and down.When the onc spoke to me in hospital I felt really positive for days. I then remember i’m her2 and this makes me worried and always has. I wont go into it all as we are all in the same boat but I,m having some really morbid thoughts and just cant shake them off right now!!
Karen you mentioned the same none of us much mention it coming back but I am struggling with this and finding it hard to be positive. Sorry i,m a wimp!!
CC well i still have a little hair its a kind of balding bob it looks fine in this weather under a big wooly hat. I’ll try CC for session 3 and see what happens this will be tough as hairs thin now. Think I’ll take a nice flask of hot chocolate and a blankie!!
Lola you are so right one step at a time is the best way. Thank you xxx
Kath I love your poems each and every one of them. Have you tried to get them published? You are so clever.
Chris your wedding sounded lovely how brillient to have a break from Cancerland.
I met up with 2 ladies on this site for coffee this morning who are local to me. Nannabarb and Lottie63 They are both lovely we had a great chat though a bit quick due to parking restrictions . Hope to do it again soon.
Angie is Suzannas the Jazz bar you went to in Crystal palace? I used to go there years ago? Sounds like you are really busy with your brood.
Had to go to dentist today which was OK’d by chemo nurses my front crown fell out I wasn’t going about like that for weeks luckily she said its a good time to go to the dentist in the cycle. Phew!!!
Well must go son. no 2 has arranged for Mums taxi to pick him up from station bless him its a 25 min. walk and its sooooo cold today. Hope all you Valentines are keeping warm.
BIG HUGS
J XXXXXXX
Thanks ladies for you well wishes… well I survived 3rd chemo… had to use the heat pad for my arm… pain was real bad… it seems onc has decreased the dosage of chemo and kept to the 5 injections… lets see if this works in keeping me out of hospital over Easter… will post later on as my eyes are all fuzzy and cant focus properly. xxx thanks again ladies xx
I started the calling all Cold Cappers thread way back when, but have not been very good at posting since then! I regularly read all the Jan gems and Feb valentines threads.
I am now 7 days post FEC 75 (3 of 6) I started chemo in Jan but had my second round delayed by 10 days so I’m now probably at the same stage as the Valentines. I thought I would give you an update on the CC and how I am getting on with it, just incase anyone is dithering about using it or continuing with it, I would say - stick with it!
8 days 7 post FEC 3, I still have a good head of hair, yes, it is a little thinner on top, but having thick hair to begin with, I don’t think it notices too much. Is my hair coming out at all? Yes it is, but only just a bit more than usual on the comb and not every day. As someone who normally styles my hair and makes up everyday, I still do the make-up bit, but have adopted a ‘wash and go’ style which I leave to dry naturally, use FAST shampoo and conditioner, and comb once or twice a day! For me the CC has stopped the hair coming out in clumps, like some other people have described, so when hair is lost, it is even and - i say this cautiously as I still have 3 dreaded FEC’s to go - it seems to be working ok so far. I have not as yet resorted wearing my ‘all singing all dancing’ wig which I brought just before starting chemo, convinced that my hair would all fall out immediately after FEC 1 !
A word of warning with the ‘wash and go style’ - ’ i rather stupidly ventured out 3 days post FEC 3 with wet hair and not enough clothes on! Result: infection and hospital stay! It brought home to me just how vulnerable we all are to infection. I am now home, wrapped up in bed, with my now dry ‘wash and go’ look, and will not venture out again without full winter warmers! I learnt my lesson this time round. Best of luck to everyone using the CC, do stick with it if you can bear the first 15-20 mins, for me - so far - it is making all the difference to me, getting through this hideous treatment.
Although I’m not wearing my wig - yet - for anyone looking for a really first class wig service, go no further than Michael Roberts in Southend. (I promise you I’m not on commission!) They have a great website, are family run and have lovely staff who really I understand how traumatic chemo and Hair loss can be. I was recommended to them by a friend of mine who is GP in Essex and can’t recommend them highly enough. I live in Herts, so went there for a day out just before starting chemo. I wore the wig they supplied me with to go out to dinner in, I suppose to see if I detected any sideways glances! I’m pleased to say no one looked at me twice so I was reassured that it must look reasonalbe! I found many wig places I looked at had a very limited selection and had no style, but was pleasantly surprised with the great range offered by Michael Roberts.
I am sure everyone else going through this hateful, hideous treatment is counting the days till the end of chemo, but at 8 days post FEC 3 I am halfway through and am starting to see ‘light at the end of the tunnel’…For me the SE are the same each time round, I just am more exhausted, but other than that, it is ‘do-able’! Just bring on the end of chemo I say!!
Best of luck to everyone, wig wearers and Cold Cappers everywhere… 
xx
Absolutely devastated - due 3rd FEC today and because I went in the early hours of Monday morning because of a high temperature and sore throat the doctor said best to leave it until next week. I didn’t have an infection and my bloods were fine but they put me on antibiotics so all my chemos will be put back now.
Good luck to all you ladies xx
You poor thing - I had my treatment delayed by 10 days pre FEC 3 too and I was so devastated too. You just get geared up to pumped I with all that ghastly grisly chemo and it’s lanti your world has ended! A bit dramatic I know, but I for one burst iflood woods of tears, so I can completely empathise with you. Once I’d got over the disappointment, was able to put in a couple of social activities I had’t expected to go to, so it’s not so bad. I’m now 8 days post FEC 3 and tacan see an end in sight…
I looked up being weakly ER+ and tamoxifen and it’s a hard thing to find, but I did find this:
The score out of 8 is the Allred score or IHC (which I think stands for immuno histochemistry, but I could be wrong there) – it is a % score for how ER+ the cells of the tumour is. A score of 1 or 2 is counted as negative. The more positive the more effect tamoxifen will have. However, I also found research that stated that even people that are weakly ER+ (like me) showed benefits from tamoxifen – reducing both recurrence and death rates. I cannot remember who asked for this – but I hope that is reassuring. I will certainly be giving it a good shot!!!
Chris and Kim , I am not alone with the bark gums then!! It is only for around a week and the feeling subsides from the top down with the gums around my teeth the last to feel normal. It’s weird though, but, as you say, doesn’t hurt or seem to cause any problems.
Jennifer, sorry you have been delayed – I’d make use of this time to eat as many Easter eggs as possible!!! My second chemo was delayed due to cellulitis and antibiotic reaction – however, it did enable me to celebrate my sister birthday on time and we had a lovely lunch and shopping trip. We have also planned to go to Bath in the summer for a spa and a seafood platter and Loch Fyne.
My nose has totally dried up and feels like it has a permanent coating on the inside of it and it’s makes me feel bunged up. I think this is probably preferable to a constant drip!!
I really wanted to go away for a couple of days over Easter, but because of the infections, my OH is nervous I’d get ill and he’d not be able to get me to the hospital and it’ll be a hospital we didn’t know etc etc…, so we’re not going away. Just one more thing chemo has taken off us (rant rant rant). It sometimes feels like one thing after another. I have made him promise to take me out for a pub lunch though. I feel a lovely cosy pub, real fire, real ale (made into a shandy as it’s all I can really drink at the moment – and I get pretty lairy on one of them – cheap date at the moment). Little things to look forward to keep me going.
Hope everyone is keeping warm – it’s a two jumper day here today!!
Alison xxx
Fec T
Fec 3, day 6
Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun, waiting for the next session and all you can look at are a bunch of starlings pinching the lovely food you put out for Blue Tits and Great Tits (maybe the wrong topic here). Day 6 already, can’t believe it!! Just very tired really, eyes won’t focus properly, no sickness still (thank goodness) no burning acid pain this time, nor oral thrush, although I do have a sore patch which keeps recurring at the back of my tongue. Otherwise ok.
Angie, can’t leave the chocolate alone. Getting obese - well, even more obese. My favourite is Snickers, but anything chocolate will do.
Have a good sleep Granny P, hope your horrid days improve soon.
Karen, enjoy these good days while they last, I think we are all craving something a bit sweeter than chemo drugs.
Jo, good luck for Thursday, is this your final Fec before Tax?
Sandra, hope Fec 3 went better for you than Fec 2.
Dyane and Kim, very glad all is ok with you.
I don’t seem to be able to smell chemo drugs, so don’t know if anything in our house is like them.
Lavendersun, have had a few poems published in the past, but prefer to do it for fun. I have no ambition and really can’t be arsed to put in the effort just for money. Love writing for you all though.
Jennifer, so sorry to hear your treatment has been put back. We all want to get this over as quickly as we can, so any delays are a real pain!!!
Hope all are feeling somewhat better tomorrow. Good luck for those with a cycle due any day.
Love to all, Kath xxx
I know it’s early yet, but sweet dreams everyone, hope you sleep well tonight.xx
Honey I found the Patton’s documentary very hard to watch. It’s difficult to see people you know who have lost their business & could also lose their home due to the collapse of Patton’s. I knew everyone who was in the show, employees & sub contractors. BTW I’m glad you’re not snowed in, & yes it is heart breaking to see all the sheep & wee lambs dying.
Alison it was me who asked about it. I got my path report & it said Im 8/8 ER & PR positive, so you’re research confirmed what i thought. Before dx i could feel my tumor growing the week before each period, so had suspected it was something hormone-related (but was hoping for a sports injury lol). Thank you for this.
Dyane
FEC 2/6 day 14, Antrim Area Hospital
FEC 2 day 7
Hi All Valentines,
Im feeling less nauseous at last! Really really tired but its bearable . Like others who posted recently Ive been very down last couple of days and all kinds of scarey worries about recurrence in the future. Seems like our weakened states of health let our inner demons get loose! BUT today I am getting more of a grip on my rational brain.
Have read all the posts from last few days and am sending hugs and good vibes to all those suffering SE’s and set backs. This thread has been SO supportive to me on this horrendous journey I can’t even imagine how I would have survived without it. Each of you Valentines have described your SE’s so honestly that it gives each of us an insight to the twists and turns of the “poison” our bodies have to tolerate. I bet we could submit a substantial research paper between us!
And Kath - your poems are a valuable antidote to all the heartache we each have to cope with.
I am so glad to be part of the Valentines - I treasure each of you x
Tup
Chris barr my husband I don’t know anyone who works off shore. My oh is a Unit Manager, so is in charge of all the catering and ‘Hotel’ services side of things. I would like to be a Heli Admin, which works closely with the helicopters and passengers - meeting passengers, ensuring they have been allocated beds, ensuring those departing are on the manifest & checked in etc. What I like most about this type of work is the time off. You work 12 hour days, 7 days a week, for 3 weeks and then have 3 weeks off, in effect you are doing full time hours just condensed, so it feel like you have stacks of time off.
Tup I feel exactly the same about this group. It is invaluable.
Dyane