Thanks, Nottsgirl. I won’t see the onc until signed off by surgeon, and that can’t happen until after these latest results, so here I am loitering in “the waiting room” again! Not as bad this time as before, because at least I know most of what’s on the other side of the exit door.
Just had a call from the hospital so my chemo (6 x FEC) starts on the 1st February, which will be an unusual way to spend my birthday 
Nevermind, I’m relieved in someways to get it started. Was only at the hospital yesterday for my Muga scan, and chemo ward orientation…
Good luck to everyone else starting chemo in February, and I apologise in advance if I get a little sorry for myself in the next few weeks!!Dx
You’re entitled to feel sorry for yourself from time to time while you go through chemo. And when we share here, it lets other people know that there are ups and downs and that this is normal.
That said, I hope you don’t have too many downs going through your treatment. So far (FEC2) mine hasn’t been as bad as I feared.
Cheryl
Hello Sarahs both and all
I will also be starting chemo this coming week (3rd): 3x EC and 3X Tax. I’ve found reading the forums here very helpful and have printed off the “list” of tips, as well as noted some ideas from other people who’ve been good enough to share what worked for them. My tumour was triple negative, so some recent drug dvelopments no use. I will admit I’m anxious: I had a mouth and throat virus and bacterial infection in November (before I was diagnoised with BC) and it was v. unpleasant. I suppose I’m expecting that to come back. I still have infection in my breast from the op. - antibiotics not solving yet but I am just hoping this lot will sort it before next week. Sooner started; sooner over. It would be very nice to keep up with people who are going through the same.
It’s all a new world isn’t it? All the new things I suddenly know! Best of luck to all…
Hi Sarah Yes i will be two days behind you with chemo my start date is the 11th and have to admit that since diagnosis this is the time i have been most apprehensive about. However i am determined to attack it with the positivity i have had since the beginning and the complete trust that i have no choice but to place with my care team! So onwards and upwards !!
Hi everyone,
I’ll be starting chemo in Feb as well so marking my place here. Bit daunting (eek!)…will try to read through and catch up. I’m 47 with an 18 yr old son, living in the Thames Valley, and diagnosed last week with what could be fairly early stage triple neg BC. Sentinel node biopsy this week and the MRI results which might help tell us more.
Must start finding out about wigs and how to get a good one…
Ann
Hi Ann
Here’s the link to the ‘Breast cancer and hair loss’ BCC publication which you may find useful:
Best wishes
Lucy
Thanks Lucy for that link. I’ve printed off the links page.
Is anyone going to try the cold cap? Looking at other pages on the forum it seems to work for some, but generally only slows the hair loss down. I’m thinking that once the hair starts to go, I’d rather get rid. All those blocked waste pipes… I guess I’ll take advice from the hospital team this week.
As Ann says it is all a bit daunting. My husband is great - all ready to bring me green tea and soft fruit and says he cares naught for the hair thing. (Although my hair is quite nice!)
Hi ladies, I’ve just had my second session (FEC) and I have to say the actual treatment and aftermath wasn’t nearly as bad as I had feared. I haven’t felt more than queasy so far, although the steroids make me a bit shaky at times and one of them gives me a red face for a while. If your anti-sickness doesn’t work or has a bad effect, just be sure to phone right away so it can be put right; if it’s just less than ideal, be sure to say at the next appointment so adjustments can be made.
This is still nothing you would do for fun.
My hair is falling out fairly evenly, and the first thinning-to-bald patch (on top, near parting) has only shown up this morning.
Good luck to you all; the wait is terrible, but you’ll be underway soon.
Cheryl
hello everyone,
im starting x6 FEC on tuesday, and im going to try the cold cap, ive got my wig ready and will probally still wear it if i loose some or it goes thin, but im thinking that maybe when ive finished the treatment at least there will be some to grow on, ive had a few bad days lately and im feeling scared of the SE, im taking multi vitimins, calcium and vitiman D tablets, ive got the ginger biccies, juice, dates, kiwi fruit, guiness, lemon drops,ect ect to try and prepare myself, also ive packed a bag for “just in case” i have to go into hospital re high temp and other nasties,
i just love this site for helping each other through this time,
everyone take care
Thanks for that link, Lucy. Brilliant.
Looking at the suppliers at the back, yet again the central Thames Valley seems to be an area with zero services for miles and miles. But I’ve found a recommended place in a neighbouring county and will be asking my lovely hairdresser what she thinks of it as she probably knows of them.
I started off thinking that I wanted the cold cap, but now I’m thinking that I’ll be absolutely freezing for four hours at a time that way, and might as well embrace the whole wig/hat thing.
Ann
Hi Amber. I’m 4 days post FEC 2 and hair has gone. I’ve had a sad moment but got over it. I don’t know where you are in the Thames Valley, but the Churchill Hosptial in Oxford has it’s own wig shop open weekdays 9.30-4.30. Lovely ladies with extensive range and prices. I also got a 70 pound voucher off for having BC. I find mine a bit tight and itchy at the moment so I’m wearing it in slowly like a good pair of shoes.
Hi girls i alreasy know sarah and a few other ladies from other posts but just to let you know iam here for anyone who want advice support someone to rant to, anything anytime .I have just finished all my treatment 1st Nov ( WLE, chemo and rads) woopie doo iknow it is a worrying, frightening time .I have already posted chemo tips on another thread but heres a link if you want of things that helped me and a lot of other ladies through it all . and good luck with all youre treatment. xx Julie
breastcancercare.org.uk/forum/starting-my-pink-road-of-cemo,-15th-nov-t28539s12.html
Just back from BC nurse who reckons the Oncologist is likely to put me on 4 x FEC and 4 x T, all on three week cycles. That seems like a lot
Hello fellow february chemo buddies.
I’ve just packed my chemo bag, bought a thermometer, pill box and heat pad (thanks to all for the crucial chemo se tips). However, I feel more anxious about the chemo treatment than I did about surgery, is this odd?
I’ve decided I’m going to try the cold cap, so I’m packing a hat to wear home, as the nurses will wet my hair and cover it in conditioner so it doesn’t ice up. Just typing that makes me shiver 
Like everyone else I hope I’m one of the lucky ones that doesn’t experience too many side effects, but if I do, I feel this site has helped my prepare for them. Good luck to everyone, FEC number one here I come!!! Love to all, Donna xxx
Hi ladies,
Have been away for a cpl of days at the BCC Forum in Bournemouth & have gained lots of chemo info & tips (much of what Julie has put in her link, thank you Julie).
Am all prepared for next Wednesday, wig has been bought & Chemo caddy ready.
Hope all of you are ok & not too nervous, we can & will do this together.
love
Sarah.xx
course you can, bring it on xxxxxxxxxx big hugs to all of you starting and i know it seems a long time but before you know it you’ll be crossing the finishing line and it’ll all be over .xxJulie
ladies i got a fab wig from hothair they have outlets all over snd they take NHS voucher so it wont cost you a penny ( get voucher from BC nurse or oncologist).they will colour match and trim it free aswell to youre preferred style.
hothair.co.uk/retail-stores.html
hello lovely ladies,
well ive been fitted for the cold cap and for once in my life i can call myself “petite”, im giving it a go,
dmh64, i know what you mean about being more nervous about the chemo than the surgery i am too, i start on thursday (3rd) i feel today like i can tackle the world and want to get the first session over as quick as possible,
other than ice is there anythink else you can suck on whislt they administer the C part of FEC?
Hiya All,
i had ward orientation yesterday & got fitted for cold cap as I’m going to give it a try. I start FEC x 6 on Thurs 10th Feb. Having had my hair cut v short on Saturday, I’m now wishing I’d done it at initial DX, as I love it, and I’m hoping the vast majority stays on my head, I’ve also got wig fitting on Friday so now have kids trying to persuade me to go blue or green?
Having been given my dates, I’m finally getting organised and have cooked for the last two days and never want to see most of it ever again!!Now to sort out my treatment bag & Kids - not so easy!
Like you Donna I want to get my first session over & done with so I can start counting down and will be thinking of you on 3rd. Are you AM or PM?
Sarah, I’m glad you had a good time at forum mtg and will be thinking of you on Wednesday.
To all fellow FEC’ers starting this week - good luck I’ll be following in your footsteps shortly.
Lots of love & hugs
Helen xxx
hello ladies,
hello Helen, i too had my hair cut short a couple of weeks ago and everyone says its the best they have seen it !!!
ive got my wig on a stand all ready for my days out. there is nooo way i could go out without a full head of hair, even though it will be a wig but it looks like my new haircut,
phew my tummy is doing sommersaults with the nerves, my appointment is am i will be there alittle longer as you have to when using the cold cap, but i need to give it a go my my mental state my hair means so much to me as do my eyelashes, ive bought some rapid lash from boots and now applying that every night, do you all think im vain, i cant help it ive always done my hair and makeup everyday…