Cas164 I wasn’t very prepared either, the most important thing to buy before is a digital thermometer you can get them from Asda or superdrug, apparently can get in pound shops too but I got mine from superdrug. The hospital sent me home with a carrier bag full of drugs n stuff and they gave me 2 different types of mouthwash in there. As for anything else just see how you get on. I haven’t needed anything other than flavoured sparkling water to drink as tea started tasting horrible, but one week after my chemo I’m enjoying my cuppa’s once again! Best of luck for Weds, hope the side effects are kind xx
Hi Cas and welcome to the BCC forums
Here’s a link to the ‘Top tips for chemo’ thread which has been written by users over the last few years which may help:
Please also feel free to call our helpliners for further practical and emotional support on 0808 800 6000 and lines are open weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 102
Take care
Lucy BCC
hi all … my chemo is TCH there isnt a lot of people having this combination as its farely new just was wondering if anyone on here knows people thats been on it if so how did they manage and what was side affects plz . mine is tomorrow TCH x4 and continue herceptin for a year x
Hi again, just a little note about hair loss. It won’t start to fall out until just before your next cycle, and it won’t just all fall out all at once it will just thin. And I didn’t lose my eyebrows until very near the end, thought I’d got away with it! Good luck x
Good luck to all those having chemo today x
My start date was moved from Friday 13th to Thurs 12th!. i.e tomorrow !!
Nerves are kicking in now. Put away my hair dryer and straighteners for 5/6 mths. I shall have
to embrace the frizz until the inevitable happens.
I mentioned before, I was going to try the Paxman Scalp Cooling. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Nurses are not giving me much hope of keeping my hair or at least some of it, going to give it a try though. Packing my warm clothes, which is weird in this lovely weather.
My thoughts are with all of you who are going through this terrible treatment, please let me know how you are doing.
Hi Caz 164, what type of cool cap are you using? How did it go?.
1st one tomorrow! ??
Hi sugar8. I had my first TC and herceptin today and went really well .and at the mo i feel fine just a slight headache x
Morning. First FEC went ok yesterday. I found the cool cap absolute agony at first (which surprised me) but then after 10 minutes or so it numbed down to a headache and I managed to keep it on!! I’ve not been sick (thankfully) but feel constantly queasy - it’s a bit like morning sickness. I’ve been drinking absolutely loads of fluids (recommended by nurse) and I think that’s helping - apart from being up twice in the night for the loo!!! Just taken my anti sickness and now going to have my steroid - which is supposed to give you loads of energy?! Might go out for a walk later - looks like a lovely day (and in scotland we need to make the most of those!!!). Cas, hope you’re feeling a bit better? 1 down, 5 to go!!! How did others get on yesterday And good luck to those going today - drink loads and snack often seems to have helped me? Xxxx
Hi Gilly001
Welcome to the forum. Yes it’s ok to post a reply on a thread and I’m sure other members of the June group will soon be along to welcome you.
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hi cas164
Which shops can you buy the Aussie miracle leave in conditioner?
What is the cold cap like? A part of me wants to try and keep my hair (just can’t imagine myself with no hair). My hair is quite thick and long so even if it did thin out I would still have hair. However heard that the cold cap isn’t pleasant and adds hours to the chemo session. The chemo nurse said I should give it a go x
Hello ladies, I hope you dont mind me dropping in from the February 2014 group. I see some of you are going to be using the Paxman cooling system and I would just like to reassure you that it does work. I have lost hair but remember each persons journey is unique. I would take 2 paracetamol before starting, thoroughly wet my hair and put on loads and loads of conditioner. Its uncomfortable for the first 10 mins or so but honestly- stick with it- you will be fine. Wrap up warm and wear old clothes that you dont mind throwing away or giving to charity afterwards, if like me you dont want to wear them ever again. I would wash my hair once weekly, and used a wide tooth comb for brushing. There are lots of good advice on the Paxman website, hair care products and testimonials. I lost more hair on FEC, this lessened when I started Tax. There is a helpline you can ring if you are worried about the hair loss and the advisors are extreemly helpful.
Good luck with your journey ladies
X
My bone scan has come back clear today so starting chemo on moday 16th. I feel i can come back down to earth for a few days, with CT scan clear aswell
Let the battle comence
I hope there are more happy ladies out there who have had good results
Hey cas. You feeling any better? Xxxxx
Hi Everyone, I’ve finally got my chemo treatment dates which start on 25th June. I’ve been wanting to get on with treatment but now I have the dates feeling a bit scared and down.
I hate the not knowing on how I’m going feel and the effects of the drugs. I’m on EC for 4 & Docetaxel for 4. At least I now have an end date to see there is light at the end of it all.
I’m finding these forum boards really useful because it gives an insight into how it affects everyone and the positivity of people on this roller coaster ride is amazing.
Best wishes to everyone going through treatment.
chemo start tomorrow and i must admit i am a little nervous!!
Well done mummy2dolly for dealing so well with the hairloss. I really hope that I can be as composed as you appear to have been, though it couldn’t have been easy I’m sure. X
Mummy2dolly
I’m had my 3 dose of chemo on Thurs and yesterday my hair came away while blow drying
Got large bald patch on top of my head now so I’ve had to succum to wearing a scarf if I brush to try to cover more comes off. Not lost hair from anywhere else tho.
Its shock a first ,just another part of this difficult journey but all doable.
Side effects not to bad just tiredness and slight sickly feeling.
Hope you coping ok
Ria, good luck. Thinking of you and wishing you well. Let us know how you get on xxxx
Argh so the hairloss seems to have begun, thought more than usual was coming out when drying my hair on Saturday, then this morning when I brushed my hair I had strands hanging below my hairline. It’s my first week back at work since chemo so not the best timing! My hairs pretty greasy but I darednt wash it now as I get the feeling I know what will happen, just really want to try to hold on the rest of the week n then will try to get the courage to deal with it at weekend n shave it. I just don’t feel emotionally ready yet to take that step, I’ve always had very long hair so it’s pretty tough!
Hope everyone is doing ok xxx