hi sparklers, just popping in from oct pumpkins, the next few months will be an emotional rollacoster, please read posts from prevoius months as they are help to no what may be coming your and some good advice on how to deal with side effects, some post will give you a good laugh and some might make you cry, all i can say is that it affects us all differently, so the post cover loads of problems, and forearmed is for warned. like no one said to me that the fec treatment makes your pee red for a day after can tell you it was abit of a shock lol.
good luck to you all and big hugs xx
suzee
Hi Guys
Can I please join ? I,m seeing the Oncologist on Monday for my treatment plan (I,m not really sure what to expect to be honest ) It was all a bit of a shock ! It didnt help when my hubby passed out during the diagnosis !!! 
so to have some friends to go through this together would be a massive help.
Hi lizzy09, hope all goes well for you on 2nd November. What is a Hickman line?
HiStellanbraska, I know what you mean about the shock. We were reeling when I found out my tiny tumour was HER2+ andthe implications of that. Try and think of the questions you need to ask your oncologist and write them down. What is your diagnosis?
Hi Kentish girl thanks for your reply. Basically I,ve got a 25mm tumour which they want to treat with chemotharapy before surgery. Hopefully I,ll have a better idea on Monday once I,ve seen the oncologist as to what the treatment will be. The lymph nodes were clear so that was good.
Hi Sparklers, just got back from oncologist, all go for Thursday 1/11/12 so definitely a Sparkler. Having 3 x FEC and 3 x T, not doing cold cap 'cos have raging toothache at moment and couldn’t think of going through both at same time, seeing dentist tomorrow morning hopefully they can sort something out. xxx
Hi Lizzie, sorry you are here, will be on this journey with you at roughly same time so will give as much support as I can. I’ll let you know how I get on Thursday. Good luck to you for Friday, CK x
Thanks for moral support Suzee it’s really appreciated and needed! Good luck with everything, do tend to take a peek at how the ‘Pumpkins’ are doing and it does give us an idea of what to expect. CK x
Stellabraska, sorry you’re here but I also know what you mean, diagnosis was a shock, couldn’t stop shaking, went into total meltdown! Do you know other parts of your diagnosis. I had IDC 25mm tumour but had surgery (Mx) first. Let us know how you get on. Whatever you ask I am sure the lovely folks here will have answers and support for you. CK x
How is everyone else doing?
Big hugs to all CK x
Hi CK1
Thanks for your support. Your diagnosis sounds the same as mine (not 100% sure tho) but they want to do my surgery after the chemo because they said they want to try and save as much of the breast as they can . I told them just get rid of it ! but they were insistant that I speak to the Oncologist first . The breast nurse did advise me that I,d be starting chemo in the next two weeks which is when I see the oncologist ! I just want to get on with it to be honest (mad as that sounds !!! ) the sooner I start the sooner Im the other side of it ! No that should be we,ll all be through it and ready to all enjoy the summer !! x
I had my mri on Friday, didn’t expect it to be so uncomfortable. I went to see consultant today and he wants me to have chemo first, then surgery then radiotherapy. This made me feel much better as I was expecting surgery on the 10th. The problem now is getting an appointment with the oncologist. She is on holiday at the moment and her secretary will not let me see anyone else. The breast care nurse has just phoned me and asked what I thought about having surgery before chemo if the consultant decided to do that first rather than wait for an appointment with the oncologist. The nurse is going to try to get me an appointment at a nearby hospital to see the oncologist there then be referred back to my home town for chemo. Hope to hear tomorrow. 
Hi A Hickman line is a tube (cather) inserted into a vein located under your collarbone. All the drugs will be given via this including blood tests. It has to be washed out by a nurse once a week. Definitely no swimming! Thanks for your good wishes.
hi stellanbraska i’m just popping in from the oct pumpkins, mine is the same chemo first, already 2 down, saw oncologist on fri before i had second on mon, she had a feel on lumps and said that the 1 under arm had shunk quite a bit and the one in breast just a little bit so all being well it will work and then will only need a lumpacomyand not mx
send you big hugs xx
suzee
Hi,
I guess I’m a sparkler as I have my first FEC T session on 7th November. I have had a lumpectomy for my grade 3 tumour and complete axillary clearance which showed all 30+ lymph nodes had cancer. Just hoping I don’t suffer too much and have the strength to cope with everything they seem to be planning. I’m having a Portacath inserted before I start, has anyone any experience of these?
Hi everyone - this is my first post. I will be a sparkler as I am starting chemo in November. Everything is happening so fast that I haven’t had a chance to process things yet. Diagnosed less than a month ago. Invasive Ductal, grade 3 and spread to lymph nodes. Just waiting for CT and MRI scans but have been told that I need 4 months of chemo, I type 4 times once a fortnight and then same for the other type. Not sure of names of it. Then mastectomy, then radiotherapy.
I just wanted to join and hopefully be a support to others and receive some help and advice in return.
Good luck to us all 
Hi all
Just popping in to wish you sparkling ladies all the best. I was part of the May chemo thread, chemo isn’t much fun but it’s doable. I had my final chemo at the end of August, my hair is growing back and the memory of having chemo is already fading.
You sound like a supportive bunch, and it definitely helps to share experiences with other women going through it all when you do.
I was sick after my first chemo, I was then given better anti-sickness meds (called Emend), and wasn’t sick again. Do ask for it if you are sick, the nurses at my chemo suite described it as a wonder drug.
Look after yourselves, and before you know it you’ll be coming out the other side.
Alix xx
Hi all
Just thought I would give you an update. Been for wig fitting today. Found a style I like but they didn’t have it in my colour so it is being ordered in for next week. Bit of a surreal experience but its getting sorted now and will be there if I need it. Just need to practice putting it on, hope I have the strength! Afterwards I felt like I was losing a bit more of myself day by day, and don’t feel like ‘me’ anymore. Time to reinvent myself I think. Luckily I got talking to the staff at the Holistic Centre when I was there and managed to get a cancellation for the Look Good Feel Better event tomorrow so that will help.
Wound still not fully healed but getting better slowly so still have my fingers crossed for starting chemo on 15th. Like Stellanbraska I just want to get it started now. The sooner it starts the sooner it will be over. The worst part for me is the fear of the unknown, not knowing what it will be like, how I will feel and how my body will react. Suzee64, I’ve been warned about the red pee. Already had blue pee after injection prior to mastectomy. Can’t decide whether to pee white next time so I can say I’ve had a Union Jack pee or go for the full rainbow effect 
Keep calm and carry on sparkling girls!
Shazza
Hello Ladies,
This is my first post and I am also going to be a sparkler. My chemo starts 15th Nov. I’ve had a schedule sent but don’t really understand it. I’ve got an appt with my onc 13th, pre assessment 14th and then treatment starts. Feels like I haven’t had time to draw breath yet. Had my surgery beginning of October after an initial diagnosis 10th Sept. Been told I can not have my reconstruction until after my radiotherapy which is going to happen after 6 cycles of chemo. At the moment feels like a very long road ahead. On top of which have also been told by my employer my contract is going to be terminated. I can def understand the washing machine head at night. It’s a real head spinner.
Its nice to know that I’m not alone cos this journey does feel a little lonely at times. It is very hard to explain to loved ones just how you are feeling.
I am terrified of needles so will def ask about the ports at assessment. Thanks.
Hope that I can be of support to other sparklers as we go through this journey together. Nik1967
Hi Nik and welcome to the BCC forums
In addition to the valuable support and shared experiences here please do call our helpline to talk any concerns/queries over with one of our team, they are here to offer further support, a listening ear and information. Lines are open 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays on 0808 800 6000
I hope you find the following link to information from BCC about treatments for breast cancer useful along with further support services including our ‘one to one’ support service which you can read about via the second link:
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/treatment
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services/someone-talk
Take care
Lucy
Hey Ladies – well here we are again!
My story is – first diagnosed 4/9/07 (44 yrs old) WLE, SNB, radiotherapy 5 weeks and 5 yrs tamoxifen.
Routine mammo this year 15/8 – was told the results would be with my doc within 3 weeks so went off to Cyprus to my daughters wedding in great spirits – when I got home 2 letters from hospital to say they wanted to see me for a review. Thought nothing of it because I was 5 yrs to the day from being diagnosed and thought it was a “well done, you can now come off tamoxifen now” speech and get on with the rest of your life! How wrong was I …
I was recalled for ‘further investigations’ – had mammo/ultrasound/FNB & core biopsy that day to be told - they were concerned and to come back next week for “ the results and a plan of action” – well in my mind you wouldn’t need a plan of action if everything was ok!
So off I went to get the results knowing exactly what they were going to say – only it was much worse than I thought it was going to be – 2 tumours in left breast (15mm & 20mm) and grade 3 so mx was needed and I could have a reconstruction at the same time – which I did – LD back flap recon – op went well and I am now 4 weeks down the line and healing really really well – delighted with results of reconstruction – only fly in ointment is the fluid in my back – quite restricting at times but body seems to be absorbing it now – slowly!!
After op had CT scan which has shown up “something” on left lung so chemo cant start until they find out what this “something” is – I have a PET scan on 12<sup>th</sup> Nov & a heart scan 13<sup>th</sup> Nov – my consultant seems to think it isn’t cancer as he put it – it isn’t typical shape of lung cancer and could be a scar from a previous infection …
So to cut a long story short – I don’t know if I am going to be a ‘sparkler’ or not! Lol
Onc says he want to start chemo within 8 weeks of op – so that gives me a window of another 4 weeks – pending PET results – I just hope I don’t have to have another op (Onc said there may be a possibility depending what it is).
It is such a support to have all you lovely ladies going thru the same horrible thing that has been thrust on us all – I am not looking forward to the chemo at all – but reading your experiences helps settle me – we are all in a club that no one wants to join!!
I am loaded with the cold at the minute, off work for at least 3 months, trying to work from home – but as you can see I am not too successful as I am on net most of the day!) lol
Anyway thats my story so far – keep up the good work ladies and I am sure you will be hearing from me again on this thread.
Love and big hugs – Kim xo
I am having a Hickman line for my drugs - let us know how your Portocath is, I expect it is similar.
Hi Jellymould my FEC starts on Friday, the day after tomorrow - I am choosing some headwear tomorrow and will have a short (crew) cut a few days after the first dose and start wearing the turbans etc. Am mentally braced for this now!
Hi CK1,
Just wanted to say good luck for tomorrow hope it all goes well - well as can be expected under the circumstances. My thoughts and best wishes are with you.
Take care of you.
Love and hugs,
Nik x x
Hi all,
I’ve been to a Look Good Feel Better event today and would recommend it to anyone! A dozen ladies, all at various stages of treatment getting a skin care and make up session. Got some good hints and tips, had a natter and a laugh then came out feeling a million dollars! Not sure which areas of the country deliver it but if you get a chance to go don’t hesitate. It certainly lifted my mood 
Shazza