Claire was just reading your comments about the Picc Line, I was terrified had mine put in on Tuesday was no where need as bad as I imagined, only felt injection then nothing, don’t even know its there now, Chemo can really mess up the veins and leave discolouration so if the option is there I would take it, after an hour or so of it being there you forgot all about it, I am bathing showering everything with mine in just advised to be careful.
Hope this puts your mind at rest, here if you need to ask anything about it.
Had a busy day today, it’s my Birthday, 43 years young!
Started the day with a visit from my BCN. She asked me what I knew about side effects and I went though a few, then she mentioned hair loss (as if I wasn’t aware! lol) and I explained I already had some headscarves I have bought. I am going to visit the wig shop Tuesday I think to see what is available for me.
Car failed its first MOT and needs two new tyres at a cost of £300 (low profile alloy ones!) and they tried to flog me another two saying my back tyres are dangerous - well if they were dangerous they would have failed the MOT on four tyres; do they think I was born yesterday!!
Also got car tax next week too. Good job I am getting paid sick pay …
Had visit from ex boyfriend, he bought me flowers and pot plant which cheered me up, but then he spoiled it by almost invading my personal space when sitting down!
Jules, so you are starting chemo on the same day as me. Wishing you well, and everyone undergoing treatment.
Supertrouper, you got me thinking and I have now entered all my chemo dates and hospital appointments into my mobile phone calendar. I should finish chemo in January and start rads in February. With so many appointments being booked in I really was well overdue in doing this, so thank-you for the push!. Thought when I started chemo I would get a bit more time in between appointments, but sadly not as my BCN stated I would be closly monitored with blood tests etc. I am hoping I will be able to get some free hospital parking organised
Clare, liking the signed headscarf idea, but I’m too uptight I’d just want to stick it in the wash with a bit of stain devil on it just to see if I really could get all the ink out!!!
Hi Lizzy, hope you’re taking it easy. Herceptin isn’t part of my plan so I really can’t help there sorry but this site is brilliant for ladies rocking up and offering the most fantastic advice! You are absolutely right about the plan though, I felt like I had something to follow and crack on so I can get rid of this crappy illness. you take care xx
Jules, that is one savvy 8 year old you have there, I was thinking long straight redhead. With you on the carpet and curtains matching, complete money saver, haha!!
Happy Birthday Dizzycloud, hope your day got a bit better and wasn’t completely plagued with costly bills and people just getting a bit too close for comfort!!! bless him for bringing flowers though eh!!
Just catching up on here, went out last night for pizza with some friends, had lovely evening and ate loads lol im going to get so fat!
Harriet - i have also looked at annabandanna website, there are some pretty ones out there, ive seen a lovely red one with gold trim (i love red) Im not sure i will burn them after, im hoping i can look back on them and remember how strong i was and think i got through that! But maybe i will feel differently later
Lisamarie - Thanks for the info on picc line maybe i will look into it more but *shudders* lol I didnt know about the discolorouation of the veins ewwww this bl**dy disease is so full of surprises huh?
Dizzycloud - Happy Birthday for yesterday hun. Grrr to the car costing you money they such a pain but couldnt be without them! That was nice of ex to bring flowers but shame on him for the space invasion!
Simone - washing it kinds of defeats the object lol, i just think it may be nice for everyone to write nice messages on
Hello October Ladies, how we all doing today? I woke up this morning with a bit of a weird feeling, I think a bit of panic is finally setting in!! Got to be honest though I’ve found the other chemo threads brilliant, I’ve got loads of stuff in ready to tackle those nasty little se’s!!! Have a nice restful day everyone, Simone xxx
I have had a busy weekend, a ball on Friday night and a friends 30th last night so knackered today, definitely worth delaying chemo a week for though :). Quite a few people had to double take to recognise me with short hair, I got a few odd looks.
I need to sort myself out this week in preparation for Friday, haven’t really sorted anything yet, and must remember to go for blood test on Wednesday.
It’s all getting a bit too close now, although I do want to stop thinking about it and actually get on with doing it.
Hi everyone I too will be joining the October club. Starting 6 months of chemo on the 5th October, 6 weeks after my MX. I am also having Herceptin for 12 months although don’t know when this will start. Really scared about losing my hair and other side effects, as I’m sure we all are, I am going to give the cold cap a go, just praying it works.
Big Love and Hugs
X
Hi started FEC treatment in August, 6 weeks after my masectomy like you I was very worried and apprehensive, wish i had registered with this website before I started my treatment, they only advise I can give you is to suck sweets when its being adminstered as 1 of the FEC treatments, makes you feel a little bit wossy but it only lasts for a couple of minutes, sucking sweets seems to stop this happening i tried it for my 2nd and third treatments and it worked for me. Try not to worry to much about the side effects, the only thing I have had so far is the tiredness, but i still get out and about every day so its not too bad so hopefully you will be fine also …I will be thinking of you on Friday
I’m still recovering after my mx but do hope that I can get the chemo started in October. My BCN said I would but I guess it’s up to the oncologist.
Flutterby80, I’ve been told I will need 12 months of Herceptin but I’m not sure when that will start. I’m also really scared about loosing my hair but have decided to cut it short before I start the chemo. I’m considering the cold cap too.
I’m also worried about whether I will be able to work through the chemo and the side effects. I’m already feeling shattered after my mx.
I seem to have gone into tearful waterfall mode this weekend, no idea why its suddenly affecting me like this, apart from the early diagnosis/waiting for op results stage i have been pretty calm. Perhaps getting my start date confirmed has somehow made it real in my head. Husband has been nightfishing this weekend so being alone with my thoughts hasnt helped much.
Im feeling ok at the mo now im all cried out.
Simone - I have also been reading up on chemo experiences and keep adding stuff to my list to get prepared for every possible SE (its a long list) I got some sally hanson nail strengthner and am religiously applying that in the hope that by the time i do the tax my nails will be strong and not fall off??
Been to see my step mum today and after sobbing all over her shoulder we got to talking about the hair issue and headscarfes ive been looking at. Turns out shes got loads and has given me a whole bag, she used to collect them for some bizarre reason so ive got a whole variety of them to experiment with
Ok ive rambled on enough now soz… hope everyone is doing ok. Best of luck to anyone starting this week xx
Jules, wow go you, party girl, hope you had a great time at the ball and your friend’s 30th xx
Flutterby, will be trying the cold cap myself on Thursday and thanks Michelle for the sweetie tip whilst having chemo adminsitered, bought my hard boiled mints in readiness!!
Lizzy, does your work involve working with other people, just something to think about is that your immune system will be pretty low so you might be prone to picking up every little bug going. If you work for an employer check your sickness policy, if self employed check with DWP or macmillan nurses to see if there is some type of benefit that could support you while you’re recovering.
Clare, hope you’re feeling a bit better. Hit a bit of a brick wall myself this weekend for a moment, Thursday’s making it’s way towards me a lot quicker than I’d hoped!! Been to GP’s this morning and went with a shopping list, being proactive rather than reactive, good job prescriptions are free!!! So I’m now armed and ready for headaches from cold cap, constipation, mouth ulcers, indigestion, cystitis and sore and itchy feet and hands, fingers crossed that I don’t get any of these!!! Result on the scarves, how brill is your stepmum!
Claire, hope you’re feeling a bit better today hun. Big hugs. Let me know how you get on with the scarfs. I’ve still not booked a hair appointment to get my locks cut short. I’m going to wait until I’ve seen the oncologist. Think I am secretly hoping that they will say that I don’t need chemo when they have repeatedly told me I will. I have also still not canelled my holiday to Oz in November but will do this as soon as I have spoken to the oncologist. Really getting annoyed with this disease ruining my fun!
Simonwithane - am a solicitor and work in an air conditioned office so yes I am around people and their nasty bugs all the time. Work have just told me that I will get 75% pay as I have already exceeded my 10 days sick. This is a big releif as I am on a fixed term contract which expires in January. I’m just not sure whether I will need to take the whole time off throughout the chemo treatment or a few days after each treatment. Work have put systems in place so that I can work from home but I am not sure whether I am going to feel well enough. I have gone to work today after my mx last week as the emails were just piling up but I am off again tomorrow (yet more hospital appointments. Glad you had success with your GP. Good luck for Thursday
Thanks simone and Lizzy. I am feeling a bit better about things today. Have devised a spreadsheet with all my chemo dates and expected rads on with (expected time off) to work to, doing this feels like i have gained a bit of control back in my head.
Talked it through with my boss too and he has said not to worry about getting paid, we will work something out so that sounds promising that they will pay me no matter what. He also said he is going to set up one of the meeting rooms as my own office so im not around people all the time to reduce risk of bugs etc so i will be in quarentine hehe but better safe than sorry i guess.
Lizzie thats pants that you have to cancel a planned holiday to Oz :o(
Simone - im sure ill be on before thursday but i wish you all the best for thursday, fingers crossed you only have titchy SE. Did you get a letter from doc for free prescriptions? i havent looked into that side of things but guess i should. I was planning on buying over the counter stuff but free prescriptions would be a result
awww Lizzy, how gutting having to cancel your hols!!! feeling for you there xxx Hope the bugs are kept to a minimum if you feel up to going in to work, might be worth having a word with your onc team to see what points you will be most at risk and maybe try to work from home during that time if you can. Try to be good to yourself! This is something I have had to learn myself, I am a Diversity and Management Trainer for the Police. Fortunately, I have a very supportive manager who told me that the organisation has been around a long time and managed to exist before I arrived (I like to think less efficiently!! heehee!), and whilst I was a really valued member of staff, my health came first and they would rather get excited about my return when I felt up to it, and not focus on my absence!! Gentle hugs, Simone xxx
Hey Clare, what a nice boss, that must be a weight off!!
Just ask your GP or Practice Nurse for the exemption form, fill it in and sign it, then get your GP or Practice Nurse to sign it (only 2 min job), then send it off and within a week you get your exemption card that you show at chemist when collecting prescriptions, this is all prescriptions for next 5 years not just cancer related prescriptions, saves you a bit and you are entitled to it! One of my eccentric Aunt’s suggested I ask for a supply of surgical masks and then that meant that the 2 Aunt’s could still come round and visit,(whilst tilting their head to one side and telling me “you’ll be fiiiiine”, love 'em!!!) Good job they’re as batty as a box of frogs, that way they don’t seem too offensive!!!
Simone, thanks for the advice. I will speak to the oncologist when I meet them next week. I’m also considering whether I will need to ask my lodger to move out as she also works in an office. This could be going to extremes though and she is my mate but my health has to come first. Glad you work has been very supportive. Good luck on Thurs
Claire, Definately understand what you mean about gaining control. I am actually looking forward to seeing the oncologist so that I can have a proper plan. I am normally a bit of a control freak, think it comes with my job so it will be great when I know when I will be having the chemo, rads and the herceptin. Glad your work has been so supportive. That’s a big weight off your mind. I hope you get your free prescriptions letter. My BCN gave me the form and I now have an exemption cert which is valid for 5 years.
I’ve been posting sporadically on the chemo in september site but a it’s now not starting til the 30th can I join this thread? I would be great to be able to post to people at the same stage as me…
I too have been looking at my dates and worked out that I 'll have on on the 23rd December, and I’m going to ask if they move dates around Xmas…it would be nice to not feel crap on Xmas day. They may think I’m mad to be worrying about that at this stage, but I love Christmas!
I’m going out today to get some things I think I may need, in terms of food - sweets, lollys, lucozade - all gleaned from the posts on here about how to get through chemo.
I’ve got my hijab caps ready for putting under scarves, I’ve been looking at YouTube at lots of ways of tying scarves, and I’m going to look at wigs on Thursday, I’m tempted by a big Afro as well but as I hate being looked at it’s probably going to be something a bit more mousy!
Hey impatiens I’m sure the other ladies will also say, you are more than welcome to join the October gang, I’d say more the merrier but that would just somehow feel a bit wrong!!!
With you on the Christmas item, I seriously will be gutted if I can’t have Crimbo dinner, best part of the day, (sorry I’m not particularly religious)!!!
Like you, I’ve been watching the “how to” videos on youtube. I like the one where it showed you how to cut old tee shirts up to make your own caps and pretty them up with various scarves. Had a go with what can only be described as hilarious consequences!! think I might have to practice at the tying!! Got my wig letter yesterday afternoon so I’ve got to book an appointment, I’m not sure I’ll get one though but who knows! If I do I know I won’t be able to resist getting one that looks nothing like me, due to not owning the embarrassment gene and clearly no idea of the word “shame” - highlights profile pic, where I made my nephew take a photo of me posing in front of the Harry Potter poster in the queue for Pizza Hut with a wand in my hand, love it!!!
Thanks Simone …and yes more the merrier not quite right, but as good a way of thinking of it as anything else!
Yes - I was looking forward to a Christmas with my new husband, at home, walking down the front on Christmas day (I live in Brighton) before tucking into a fab Christmas dinner. More likely to be a Christmas day spent in bed feeling a bit crap and sucking an ice cube or something equally exciting. Ah well, must make sure to get some good films in at least.
I saw the YOu tube video with the T shirt and thought, that’s never going to work for me. It reminded me of seeing this designer around in the 80s, who had a pair of large womens’ knickers onher head on the bus in Notting Hill much to the merriment of the two women sitting behind her I think we should have a gallery of pics of all the attempts to recreate You tube creations, It would be very funny. I like one which I think was Danish and she makes and sells these jersey tubes which fold over and make you look like you’ve got some hair underneath. I bought some jersey and intend to make them - although I can’t find the videos any more and I think I’d better get on with it.
I’m interested in the halo thing that someone was talking about - it would be great to be able to have a bit of hair or something to give you a bit of a fringe so you don’t look …well…bald.
In fact Im going to give the cold cap a go, but I’m preparing for it all to fall out, and if I get sick of having a cold head for two hours at a time then I may give up.
RE the embarrassment gene, Im a lot less worried about what people think than I thought I would be. Wearing a bra was very uncomfortable for quite a long time after the MX and is still not something that I like to do all day. THis is someone with quite large breasts, breast, who used to wear a bra day and night. But I keep going out of the house and only remembering some time later that I’m completely lop sided. I don’t really care but I know some people find it very shocking so I’m more aware of not causing people shock rather than embarrassment that i"ve had an MX. It’s made me think that we’re all too protected from physical infirmity in general and should all be less shocked by difference.