Hi girls - hope you are all feeling well.
Glad you had good birthday Soz, and one down now! You are on the countdown!
Lil, hope stomach bug is clearing. My GP said anything I want just to phone up for and get on script- why pay if you can get it free. He drew a line at bottle of vodka though! This cancer hits you financially as well doesnt it.
Had good nights sleep thanks to sleeping tabs and feel more normal today. Hurrah!
One more FEC and then the Taxotore - anyone had any experience of this?
You just get used to one lot of s/effect and then you have to get your head round another.
Know what you all mean about not being able to concentrate which is why i am posting now as in few days, i will probably not be able to remember anything. Hugs to all and keep well xxxx
Hi Girls
3rd lot of Chemo today. It’s funny reading the thread as everyone was so high last week (was it last week) losing count! and as we start to have our treatment all the side affects kick in again and we are all feeling down.
I now think yuck got next week to look forward to feeling ill and totally yucky.
Happy birthday Sozza hope you enjoyed your day.
Sorry your feeling so ill Lil - It’s S**t isn’t it.
Lynmark07 - know exactly wot you mean about not remembering things _ keep on caling everyone by a different name and things I used to do in a flash are taking all day.
Well I’m going to do 30 mins ironing before heading off for chemo.
Love to all
Ginge xx
Lil - Sorry to hear you’ve got stomach upset. You could do without that on top of everything else. I hope you get over it soon
Sozza - So pleased you had a good birthday and I really hope today is not too bad for you. You can start ticking them off now and that’s a good feeling believe me.
LynMark - fuzzy brain??? I’ve always been prone and often got my words mixed up but at least now I’ve got an excuse.
As many of us are feeling a bit low just now, let me share a funny moment with you. My daughter is doing bar work and recently she was moaning about having to work a few hours in the morning and then having to go back again in the evening…I said “Nobody likes doing s*** spliffs!” (Obviously I meant ‘split shifts’). We all fell about laughing and it did me the world of good.
Love Curly x
Morning all,
I hope everything goes well today Ginge and Sozza.
Lil, so sorry to hear you are not feeling good. Make sure you keep an eye on your temperature and keep drinking loads of water (I am sure you alrady know that!) Hope you get better soon.
I am still really tired but got lots to do. Just can’t seem to motivate myself today. I feel bad because all my friends and family want to see me in week 3, while i feel good, but it means every day between now and my next chemo is full when all I want to do is lie on the sofa!!
Have a good day everyone.
Kate xx
Hi September gang…
Sozza, So glad you had a good birthday, lots of luck for today…
Lil, sorry you are having a rough time, hope you feel better soon…
Ginge, lots of luck to you too for today…
I phoned the chemo nurses today about the indigestion, she thinks maybe my dosage is slightly too high for my body to cope with, and is emailing my consultant, meanwhile I am waiting for my gp to ring to get some different meds as the ones I am taking are not making any difference…
Hope everyone I havent mentioned is ok…
Take care…
Love Jay X
Hello everyone,
Six days on from my second FEC and feeling sick, dizzy and my head feels bruised. My hair is falling out in long clumps. I have had two ops and have found that this hair loss is the most upsetting. I do have a good wig but at the moment it resembles a ferret!
Who needs anti-depressants with chemo brain? I can’t remember anything much short-term!
Think I need to write all the names down of people on this thread too!! Might put a pic up! (don’t want to scare you all!)
Thinking of you all and looking forward to the end of this chemo.
Hugs,
xoxo
Hi girls
Back from Chemo - and what a trauma - don’t I always - considering I only had the port fitted Thursday it is still very sore - anyway they put some cream on first to help numb the area slightly and then the nurse put the needle in. However she missed the port and stabbed me in the breast! Now those needles are not small and I screamed (all I can say was it felt like the biopsy pain) she still didn’t realise and tried to get blood then said it hadn’t worked so removed the needle. By this time i was in tears (and I’m quite a tough cookie) My OH was there and asked what happened but she didn’t say anything. He then asked directly did you get it in the port - she obviouly said no - anyway after a few heated words we had the Sister looking after me all day and she quietly took me off to another room to get the needle in which I am pleased to say was great to use once inserted right!
I did feel sorry for the nurse as I know these things happen but it wasn’t herself she was stabbing! Anyway home now and feeling fine.
Totally sympathise with the memory loss - I had to google a word the other day that I couldn’t remember how to spell
Anyone starting to lose their hair all I can say is get it cut short. I didn’t and totally regret it.
Off to look at a new wig and some scarves now.
Hope your Chemo went OK today Sozza and happy birthday for yesterday
Love to all
Ginge xx
Hi Ginge…
You poor thing, all this is traumatic enough as it is!!..
that must’ve been so painful for you…
Thankgoodness your OH was there with you…
Glad you are now feeling ok…
Good luck with wigs and scarves…
Take it easy…
Love Jay X
Hope that you are all well.
I have just got back from first fec , it was fine although I wanted to cry at the start thinking WTF am I doing here!
The cold cap was a doddle but lets wait and see how successful it has been.
Feeling a bit weary and fuzzy headed but have been advised to drink loads of water to flush out the poison and lessen side affects.
The worst part for me was taking off the plaster from around the needle! What a baby I am lol.
Lots of hugs.
xxxx
Hi Ladies,
Ginge - what a trauma! As Jay said it’s a good job, your OH was there to fight your corner!
Sozza - wise words to drink loads - just don’t over do it like I did!! I think it did help though!!
Got a bit of a dilemma - OH thinks he’s coming down with a cold … I’m in my week 2 “critical” time - do I relegate him to the spare bed?? Answers on a postcard please!!
Axx
Hi Girlies,
Ok,so I have had a trial run to see how things go if I have signs of being neutropenic, Ended up in A & E with temp of 38.2 and 38.3 after an hours wait to see if temp went down and cancer unit said ‘come on down’!!! Good news is after all the tests etc sent home as it is ‘my cold’ that body was fighting. Felt silly going in when ordinarily I would have just waited something like that out but as all the experts in the field say you can never be sure and so if you do experience high temp - let them know and they make the decision on whether they want to see you or not. By the way my cold seems to be going and my head feels clearer…Yay!!
So sorry to all who are having SE’s at the mo…but as I was warned white blood count can drop quickly so will not breath too easily just yet!!
Do find fatigue a big issue and just have cravings for all things naughty - bread, croissants, bread, croissants!!! Trying to eat fresh fruit and veg but they just don’t appeal anyone got similar problem?? Do love the Baked Beans though!!
AnnieK - definitely banned to the spare room - get some ‘me’ time in!!!
Ginge - You poor thing - that has to be your ‘bad’ time and from now on may all go easier for you.
Rainbow Dancer - wrote a list of all the names and now can’t remember where I put the list!!! What brain!!!
Sozza - Do hope all went ok and just think next Birthday - Raise a glass or two or three!!!
LuckyLil - or should I say UnluckyLil right now, sorry you have tummy bug or nasty SE whatever, hope you’ll turn into LuckyLil again soon.
Curly - love the example or was it wishful thinking?!!
Hugs to all, where the hell is that list?!!!
Treen XX
Well woke up this morning not feeling too bad, and even managed to get some ironing done. Throat felt a bit dry and sore but temperature ok and was told just to keep an eye on it. All ok there. But have felt really low this afternoon, full of doubts and generally sorry for myself. I seem to be suffering from indigestion like Jay and my head feels like it’s under pressure or water. Scalp feels crawly too. None of these things are really bad but combined are getting me down 
Probably need to go and sleep it all off. Sorry to have a whinge over minor things but just needed to get it down. Tomorrow will be a better day 
Lil - I hope u feel better soon.
Ali x
Hi All
well as you can see up at the crack of dawn. Anyone else having trouble sleeping after chemo. Seems to affect me for around 3 to 4 days after.
Ali - you are not alone - I think we all go through those symptoms at least a few times every week and the smallest of things can trigger us off. We all try to put on a brave face and sometimes a good cry followed by a nap helps. Don’t beat yourself up its just crap sometimes.
I usually have indigestion for a few days after chemo as well. Drinking water with a small amount of lemon barley water helps. Fizzy drinks def don’t help.
Annie I think banish to the spare room might be a good option for OH. The last thing you want is a low immune system and ending up wth a temp and in hosp. I know I am probably talking to the extreme but you might regret it if you catch the cold. You’ll both prob get a better night sleep anyway.
Just taken a Temazipan so hope it kicks in soon. Got to do the school run at 8.00am!! Might have to ring a friend to take as not sure whether I should drive. Anyone found that old friends you’ve not heard from for a long time start to creep out of the woodwork once they’ve hard through the grape vine you’ve got BC. It is a shame it takes something like this to get in contact. I even had a message from my 1st boyfriend on FB (went out with him when I was 16 but my family still keep in touch with his) asking if there is anything he can do just ask. My OH said to say yes can you please walk our dog at 8.00am in the morning - I might do it for a laugh and see what the response is!!!
Anyway enough jabbering speak soon my lovelies
Ginge xx
PS will try and post a picture - not very technical might have to get the girls to help!!
Hi me again
Forgot to tell you that my Onc at Wimbledon Cancer Centre was on “This is your Life” with his twin 10 years ago adn both have received an MBE for their research into breast cancer. They think animal fat can play a part in BC. By all account china has the lowest breast cancer in relation to numbers and they think this might be more down to diet. Bring on the chinese takeaways!!!
Ginge xx
Good Morning Girls,
I am reporting in from the newly refurbished spare room - OH is on the marital mattress in our room (under going refurbishment!)). He is mortified!! OH is a joiner, who never gets colds or Man Flu - will discuss with my GP whether he also should have a flu jab this year!
Treen - I hope you are feeling better soon - it’s good that you shared your experience with us - it stops dithers like me dithering and picking up the phone!
Ginge - I hope you are also feeling better after your traumatic day yesterday. I know what you mean about old friends reappearing - I was bitter at first but I’m ok now and enjoying catching up with them! Mind you, when asked if they can do anything for me, I have been tempted to say “Yes, please sit for n hour or so for me whilst a load of toxic drugs are pumped into your body!” but so far have resisted the urge!
Ali - I am with you on the lots of little niggles but nothing major side effects! I think mine is all hair related - my eyes are getting gritty (losing eye lashes), little sores up my nose, spotty around my hair line and in my ears and the bottom of my feet are now burning too! Oh and whilst writing this … I’ve started sneezing!!
It does really get you down - I may toddle of to the GP today (mainly for the feet thing) but I’m stuffed if I can remember the name of the nice lady GP!!!
Lil - I hope that you are over your sickness. I went to Cape Verde recently, so I can appreciate that you don’t have the things that we take for granted at your disposal. Sending you a big hug (((xx)))
Sozza - I hope your first night was uneventful! x
Love to all the rest of our big group - I hope that you all are ok (Please forgive me not naming anybody but I too am really struggling these days!!)
Axx
Morning girls…
New tablets arent making any difference!! hair has started falling out and head hurts! and this is surpose to be my good week!!!..
Sozza, So glad you got on ok, look after yourself…
Treen, its better to be safe than sorry, glad you are alright…
Ali, I am moaning about little things too, but they still get you down and make you feel rubbish, how are you today?..
Ginge, Sorry you are having trouble sleeping, it makes the night so long dosnt it…
Lil, hope you are feeling better today…
Love to everyone…
Jay X
Sorry, not good with names (even my own at moment!} but hope all s/effects are getting better for everyone. Someone said a little niggle on its own, you can cope with, but when they are combined, its a different story - so true!
I too crave carbs for few days after chemo. I had started drinking fruit smoothies with spinach in (you cant taste the spinach, honest) to get the vitamins down, but just cant face them yet, but no nausea. Do you think its connected to taste buds going funny.Am feeling guilty now as not getting enough nourishment - living off toast!
Had head shaved last night. Feels tons better but looks shit - hey!
Trying to decide whether to venture out or not. Feel weak but then you have to push yourself dont you. Cant make plans anymore - just have to do things when you feel well. Cleaned one kitchen cupboard this morning and had to sit down for half an hour!!! Where has all my energy gone.
xxxxxx to all
Morning all,
Ginge, I know what you mean about not sleeping. I think it is the steroids after chemo. I was only sleeping for a couple of hours a night in the first 3-4 days. Now I can’t seem to stay awake, I will sit down to watch some TV and wake up an hour later!
I set up a Just Giving page for BCC and sent it out, with a short message, to all of my facebook friends and I have been amazed by the response and the people who have donated (raised over £500!!). I have also had ex boyfriends and people I have not spoken to since school sending my lovely messages. It is a shame that it takes something like this to get back in contact with people. I am feeling very popular at the moment!!
Sozza, I hope you are feeling ok today. Remember to take it easy.
Lynmark07, I think you should eat what you fancy when you are feeling low and then ctach up with the vitamins when you feel better. Well done for shaving your head, it does feel good doesn’t it.
Jay, Treen, Ali, Lil, Rainbow Dancer, I am sorry you are suffering. I agree that you can deal with one small SE but when you add them together it just makes you feel crap. Wishing you all a speedy recovery. x
My feet have been sore and I have found that Scholl Deep moisturisting cream is great - keep it in the fridge to help stop the burning feeling. I have also been using it on my hands as they have stated to get quite dry too.
Kate xx
Morning Girls I hope all your se are getting better.
Yesterday I went to GP and saw a dr who is fairly new to our surgery and I must say she was fantastic no pressure to leave she just sat back and listened to what I had to say, she has given me different meds to try if my vertigo kicks in after my next fec and also some sleeping tablets for the first few days after treatment when sleeping is impossible and in my case it can start the vertigo off.
My next fec is next Tuesday and I must say I’m bricking it, really thinking I cant do this again especially as I was given the choice to go down the chemo road or not, I think I’m having a bad day not in health ways but my emotions are all over the place.
Jay I know you are having your 2nd fec next Tuesday how are you feeling about it, I hope your indigestion has easied up a bit.
Well Ladies I hope you all have a good day hugs to all xxx
Sue
Morning everyone,
Ginge,Annie,Jay - thanks for your posts. Its reassurring to hear i’m not the only one feeling like this.
Still in the doldrums today (day 7 post FEC1). Generally just feel rubbish. Hd a restless night where i felt fatigue creeping over my entire body. A bit scary and didn’t like the feeling much Tired and light headed this morning, but temperature ok. Its probably due to the low point in the cycle, and being off the steroids, but can’t believe what i wuss i feel. Very tearful and scared what’s happening to my body. Don’t know why but didn’t expect to feel like this on the first FEC, and feeling apprehensive how the rest of it will go. Not helped by crawly scalp feeling and not being prepared with wig and scarves yet. Was going to go out today but think i just need a day of doing nothing. Have had some lovely emails from friends to try and keep me strong and focussed.
Haven’t got the spots yet but watch this space! Get the odd pins and needles feeling in my toes but doesn’t seem to last. Luckily i’m able to sleep ok, its the woozy head that feels worst.
I’m sure my onc said i should be able to carry on as normal, even go to the gym, just listen to my body and rest when i need to - Ha! Ha!
Lil - hope you’re beginning to feel better soon.
Hope everyone else is having minimal SEs and coping ok
Didn’t realise i was such a moaner - I WILL GET THROUGH THIS!!
Hugs to all
Ali x