hi all im a sparkler, start chemo on 7th nov. FEC-T every 3 weeks for the next 4 months. we are gonna have a family get rid of mums hair day after my 1st session, gonna take it down to a grade 1, got my bandanas on order not sure whether i want a wig. i’ll see how good the nhs ones actually are.
Hi everyone,
Loving the team sparkler. I’ve actually got a box on my cupboard ready for this years fireworks.
I start my FEC-T chemo next Thursday. 6 courses every 3 weeks. Then a 3 week wait and will be having my little one induced. After that it’s further surgery for removal of remaining lymph nodes, radiotherapy and a year of herceptin. I’m just thinking about the chemo and baby at this point for obvious reasons.
Met the chemo nurse team today at the Royal Gwent and they’re all lovely. Have been introduced to the cool cap. Will be taking my scarf for the wearing of that. Going for my wig fitting on Friday.
Wishing you all good luck. We can do this!
Maria xx
Hi everyone
I am having an mri on Friday to see if I need an mx like I was told when I was diagnosed on the 9th. I am booked in for surgery on 10th November and have been told I will be having chemo after that. Not sure when that will start but I will probably be joining the Sparklers! Just want to get it started so that I can get on with it and stop this waiting. It’s just awful not knowing what to expect
Good luck to everyone x
Hi, sorry I haven’t posted recently, I’m having a bit of a tough time at moment with work. Last week they asked me if I was going to get another sick note after my current one runs out on 20th November. Told them I have no idea as chemo starts on 15th and I don’t know how it will effect me or my ongoing Crohns! Today I was told that when I get to 3 months absence [22 Nov] my manager can decide whether or not employer will support absence or whether they will go for termination of contract. Like I don’t have enough to worry about! Certainly knocked me back onto the downward slope on this BC rollercoaster I’m on. I guess 30 years of employment doesn’t count for as much as I thought. Rant over.
On a more positive note I went to the dentist today and was given a prescription for flouride toothpaste that may help during chemo and if I need it they can give me a prescription for Corsodyl mouthwash too. With medical exemption card, which we are entitled to, no charge. Nice to know we can get some help and support.
Shazza x
Hi All,
I started chemo on 3rd November last year. I was on a trial so had 3 Taxotere ( Docetaxol) with Herceptin, then 3 FEC and re-started Herceptin in March and also started Letrozole ( post-menopausal equivalent of Tamoxifen ) then too. 3 more Herceptins to go, next one on Monday. I am doing okay, don’t have many bad days now and I am still building up my stamina/energy levels.
I also read the ‘What you need for chemo thread’ and found that the NHS provided almost all of it (I’m in Glasgow). The only thing I bought was a thermometer, which is essential, even though I only used it occasionally. Although I shaved my head I didn’t actually lose much hair - still miffed that I did not lose my leg hair, although it is is much thinner now and doesn’t need shaved as often.
Hope you girls have as much support as I did from last year’s November thread - we are now on FB and still supporting each other.
Take care all, love Liz.
Hi Shazza, it might be worth getting some employment advice. Breast cancer is regarded as a disability and as such you have legal protection against any discrimination by your employer. I know Macmillan can offer good advise about work related problems. Good luck
Hello A1fie
Welcome to the forums. I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis, the first few weeks are always difficult when coming to terms with your diagnosis and treatment.
As well as the support you will receive on the forums you might find it helpful to order the BCC resources pack. It has been specifically designed for those newly diagnosed and contains information to help you understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available. If you would like to order a copy just follow the link bellow:-
You may also like to talk things through with one of the helpline staff, they are there to offer emotional support as well as provide information. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and lines are open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 10-2 Saturday.
Best wishes
June, moderator
Hi November Sparklers, just popping in from October Pumpkins to wish you well (it really helped me when other months popped in to say hi!)!
Am on first cycle of TAC, and now on day 9 and starting to feel much better - take heart!
Catzooo, I had an MRI scan for a 4.3cm tumour in my right breast. I can identify with the headache AND I get claustrophobic! It is a scary time, and am thinking about you. Part of you stays strong and keeps going, but the good thing about this forum is you can share your fears and bad days too.
Good luck to all Sparklers, I can tell you’re going to be a good group too!
Little Bear (Sue) xxx
Ps I started a wee blog at www.littlebearowl.tumblr.com if there are any tips you can glean. Not everyone has the nausea thing i had though! Pics of hair loss & wig to follow on there in due course I’m sure! Xx
Thanks June, I will download it as soon as I can.
Hi Moonandmoon,
Sorry you’re in this situation but welcome to the ‘Sparklers’. Wow you are going through it, you must be beside yourself with worry, whatever we can do to lighten the dark moments will hopefully help a bit. I’m going to try the cold cap at least once to see how it goes. Will also be taking something to try to keep warm. Thinking of you and the little one. Take care CK x
Hi Pascal,
Let us know how you get on, the waiting is a terror, hopefully you’ll get over any op quite smoothly. All the best for tomorrow. Take care CK x
Hi Shazza,
I totally agree with Sukiem, seek advice as soon as possible. Let us know how you get on. You’ve got so much to deal with plus the Crohns. Take care, CK x
Thanks Butterfly & Little Bear, the support you’ve all given really does help and is much appreciated. CK x
Hi Sue
I have just read your wonderful blog. I read parts out to my daughter (15) who says to save it to my favourites so we can see how you are getting on. She also suggested I write one myself but I don’t think I can do that. I think I will keep a diary though so I can look back and see how far I have come. I go for surgery in 2 weeks and so this weekend is Christmas shopping and next weekend is our Christmas night out with family and friends. I do like the idea of packing weeks of shopping into a few hours, who is going to begrudge me those cosy sheepskin slippers that I didn’t know I needed until I read your blog?
I will follow your progress, as will my Chemo Angel to be x
Hi CK1,
Yes I have had a WLE and then a further op to clear the margins. Both ops were fine and I’ve been left with a rather neat 4inch scar.
Still on for my oncology appointment on the 30th so I should hopefully know where I’m headed then.
Hi Ladies,
Just popping in to say hello.
I have been right where you are now. I started chemo on 9th Nov last year, at that point, after diagnosis, I thought my life was over, went into the deepest despair I have ever ever been in, was so sure I wouldnt see another birthday. 
But here I am, 12 months later, chemo done with, hair growing back with avengence, mastectomy done and dusted, and radiotherapy over. I have started to claim back my life…and this will be you in 12 months from now.
There is some great great advice on here, make sure you read through as much relevant info as possible, but also take a break now and again so the whole shituation doesnt take over your life.
In 12 months from now, you will be me, giving advice to a group of ladies who are newly diagnosed, giving them the wisdom of your eperience, and I will be me, 24 months out, life back to a new normal.
God go with all of you, its a bumpy ride, but you will ALL be OK. 
Hi everyone, especially those who’ve joined since my last post.
Im having a bit of a tough week as I go in for my mastectomy/recon on Monday and I’m so scared!! I’m having a DIEP which is a 9 hour op and will be in hospital for 7 days without my kids who are only 2 & 4.
My hospital are pestering me for a CT scan of my liver too because of an artifact on the ultrasound I had. From my understanding this is a technical issue eg blurring not a problem with my liver so there’s no rush but I don’t want the scan - I’m sick of being tested !! Fel like I don’t ant to know the results fom my ANC either.
I’d quite like to get off this ride now!!!
xxx
Hi Kerry,
Sorry things are so on top of you at the moment. I had a skin sparing Mx with an implant so was only in overnight. Recovery was not too bad at all really. Have they given you any idea time between operation and chemo? My implant can last around 10 years so can have chemo, rads etc if required then I can consider major reconstruction i.e. LD flap or DIEP or other later. Hopefully others on here can offer more detailed advice based on their experiences. Agree with you though, this is one hell of a ride we all don’t want to be on!
Take care, thinking of you, CK x
Pascal: thanks for comments on the blog - made me cry (in a good way!!) (they don’t tell you chemo makes you so emotional!!) as hoped it might trail blaze a little bit for somebody. You’ll be trail blazing yourself soon though! Enjoy packing in the shopping this week-end and go get those sheepskin slippers!!!
Good luck to all November Sparklers from this October Pumpkin.
Little Bear xxx
(www.littlebearowl.tumblr.com)
Hi all,
Would like to join the November sparklers. I had left mx with LD flap reconstruction early October as had extensive advanced DCIS.
pathology has since shown a tiny tumour 1cm grade 3 which is ER+PR+HER2+. I am node neg,lymph and vascular absent which is good, but the HER2+ really knocked me back. Met an onc this week who says I am borderline for chemo/herceptin but her hunch is that I should have it. It’s so hard being borderline! My first reaction was to reject the treatment, but I am coming round to it.
We are due to go on holiday to the USA for a couple of weeks mid -November which the onc says is OK And I intend to enjoy myself! I see it as a post op- pre treatment therapy!
I will be set up to start chemo 6x FEC and 18 Herceptin end of November.
Shazza,
Your work cannot terminate your contract due to illness as this is discrimination under disability employment law. Please call Macmillan or BCC as they will be able to help you.
Vanns ( April thread)
Thanks Vanns, I didn’t think they could but was really shocked when it was mentioned. I’ve been in touch with my union rep to get some advise and am awaiting a reply from them. I know at least 2 other people from work who have had breast cancer and been off for several months and they came back to work. I’m going to check with them what there experience was too. I suspect it was just a case of manager engaging mouth before brain and me being on a bit of a downer. Just don’t need the extra hassle right now.
Shazza
Hi I am starting my first cycle of Fec on Friday 2nd November. I am having a Hickman Line inserted into my chest wall the day before. Lizzy, aged 56, Exeter