hi all hope you’ve had a good christmas, i have struggled abit, mouth is so sore, eating and drinking is a pain, and not to be crude but down below feels so sore too, feels like im peeing hot acid, and my chemo arm is in bits, the pain in my veins is unbearable and all i can think about is the next lot of chemo when i should be enjoying myself. hoping to have a better birthday as im the big 40 on 29th, was hoping to have a few drinks, oh well will take it as it comes. hugs for all xxxx
hi jelly,
i hope that in the next couple of days you feel brighter and i am sure you will enjoy your birthday more than you feel you will right now. i have vein pains too but a hot water bottle does seem to ease, others have suggested ibrophen gel - which i have not tried yet. Also re mouth my mum got me these glisterine mouth swabs from the hospital, you wipe them round the mouth and then really seem to get rid of that horrible taste/feeling…worth a try…? hope you have a good sleep and feel brighter in the morning.
xxx
Hello Sparklers
I’m having 3rd FEC tomorrow so have had a good week overall, except for a cold, but downward slope of roller coaster from tomorrow I suspect. However, my appointment is in the morning rather than the usual late afternoon I have had, so at least I won’t be taking the steriods late which stop me from sleeping.
Used the chemo as an excuse not to go to the sister in law on Christmas Day, I stayed at home with my two boys, we had chocolate for breakfast and bacon and chips for lunch. We spent the day wtaching TV and playing board games. Got some freah air today.
jellymould - hope you have a good birthday on Saturday, but if not, have another birthday celebration in 6 months. The veins in my arm permanently hurt and the onc said try Ibruprofen gel as all I have been doing is putting a hot water bottle on my arm at night time. I told him I had been down after the last FEC and he asked why - “because chemo is dreadful” I said. D’oh! I looked at the web site that Shazza mentioned and that says that the C does cause bladder irritation.
Lucypenney - don’t agree with your dad, I think you should come here to pour out your se and feeling down, that’s what everyone is here for, to support each other. If we cannot support each other and have a rant here then the forum is not working. I haven’t asked anything about the T part as that’s not until 17 Jan for me.
Col - thanks for the poems, they are very good.
Stay strong sparklers.
Love from Jen x
Hello all, I ve been reading all the posts but not plucked the the courage to send one. My first FEC ended up being in December, but should of been November (so wanted to stay a sparkler).
i ve had a bumpy first FEC and I am a bit of a wreck.
1st one on 10th dec, vomited do much first night needed to go back to hospital for check. Didn t get out of bed for first three days then managed to get up and about )still hadn t left the house until the 27th when like you jelly mould had acid wee. It was a waonce infection and got the riggor s (they should name the next roller coaster after that episode). Back to bed for two days. Then on 22nd temp hit 38 so had to be admitted and I am still in hospital. Neutropenia and bloods st 0.03 when arrived, now only now 0.38. Very fed up as due to see oncologist on Friday for round 2 on 31st. I am comtemplAting giving up on chemo (sounds drastic but IV means I relive a childhood trauma each time and I ve had counselling to support six rounds of chemo, due to infection I ve Already had Lots of iv, which is what sparks my trauma. Sparklers, as I lie for my fifth night in my hospital bed, still in shock I missed my kids open their stockings and eat their dinner on Christmas Day - any comments, advice would really really help.
SLH x
Afternoon Sparklers
Been for 3rd EC today, half way there! Can’t believe how quickly it has gone so far. Starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel - just hope its not a train!
Sorry you aren’t feeling well Jellymould, I’ve had a bit of bladder irritation this last week so tried to drink more. No infection though, thank goodness. My mouth hasn’t been too bad, just feels weird most days. I’ve been using boiled sweets, mouth wash and brushing teeth a lot. Hope it all eases off for you by Saturday and you have a lovely birthday!
Lucypenney, I’ve been having the vein pains too. Mentioned it today only to be told its linked to chemo, like I didn’t know that lol Got my fingers crossed that they hold out for last 3 sessions!
Jenny12m, like your style! Who says we have to have a big turkey dinner on Christmas day. Chocolate for breakfast and chips for lunch works for me 
Hi, Santas Little Helper, sorry you are having such a rough time. I think you should have a chat with your Onc about the chemo to see if there is anything else they can do to help you and get their advice. It sounds like you need stronger anti-sickness. Have you been drinking plenty of fluids. It can be a chore as you spend half your time on loo but worth it. It has eased the bladder irritation for me and, touch wood, I’ve not had an infection yet. But I’ve been lucky, se’s haven’t been too bad for me and I’m only getting EC, not FEC. I’m sure someone with more experience will be along soon to give you better advice than I can. Glad you plucked up the courage to post for the time though. I’ve found the site itself and the forums invaluable. The Sparklers have helped me through my low times and knowing I can have a rant with people who understand what I’m going through is great. It also helps to read others posts and know that what is happening to you is normal during chemo.
Keep strong and carry on sparkling!
Shazza xx
Evening Sparklers,
Just wanted to share my good news with you.
Was so down this morning and didnt want to go for chemo, but pulled myself together, got there and found out that I had won a hamper in the xmas raffle cheered me up no end 
.
Nice to know that sometimes something good does happen.
Keep strong and keep looking forward
Dee xxx
Well done on the raffle win Dee
Hope everyone had a good christmas without too many se.
I picked my wig up today looked so good I wore it home it was nice to look like my old self again.
I have my results in the morning for all those scans I hope they come back clear plus my third chemo next wednesday not looking forward to that but it has to be done.
Stay strong my fellow sparklers
love yvonne xxx
Well my 3rd treatment got deferred again for another week because of this cold… So I’m still not half way there :0(
hi everyone, hope xmas was ok for you all. ihad agreat day with the family. went out for xmas dinner to village pub. feel sogood im dreading goingfor next
chemo. im having painsin my veins this week. apparently normal on fec. santas little helper. you need to get chemo put through slower. if its rushed through side effects are worse. trust mei know. nurses seem to want toget chemo over as quick as possible but insist it will help.i know how crap you feel. take car everyone and chin up
love clarebarexxxxxxx
Afternoon Sparklers,
Had 3rd session yesterday. Took twice as long as usual as had to have blood tests taken on the day. Everything was fine till 10 o’clock last night when I started being sick. Was up and down 8 times during the night. Managted to get anti-sickness and steroids down this morning and no problems since - touch wood! Bound to happen at some point as I’ve got away quite lightly with first two. The annoying part was trying to get in touch with the Chemo unit this morning. Everytime I rang it would ring for 2 or 3 minutes then go to the engaged tone! Finally rang switch board who said they were having problems with the phone and put me through straight away.
Don’t really know why the problem started this time, guessing its something to do with toxic build up from the chemo and Christmas. I’ll have to keep an eye on things and see how I go
Hope everyone is feeling better than I am today!
Keep strong and carry on sparkling!
Shazza xx
Hi
I had my 3rd session yesterday. I made sure I drank tea all morning and it seemed to work as I haven’t felt too bad this time. It did take 5 goes to get the cannula in though so I was getting a bit worried. The 3rd nurse managed it first time. Hopefully will be ok for New Years Eve at a friends party, will keep my fingers crossed.
Hope you start to feel better son Shazza.
Love to everyone xxx
Had my 3rd FEC yesterday, and have felt rotten all day today, felt sick, stomach ache, dry mouth, tired and hardly eaten as everything just stuck to my mouth. had some banana milkshake tonight and thats only thing to go down ok.
must be something to do with the 3rd FEC as i was ok the last couple of times until later in week when fatigue hit me.
love to you all
Oh dear, it seems like many of us are in the same boat (I am just 1 FEC treatment behind you). But I too have felt rotten - had stomach pains, headaches, and at 9pm started vomitting and did so every 2 hours during the night. The hospital took me in yesterday and gave me an additional injection which seemed to have helped a bit. They also gave me additional antinausea tables to take, so with all of that I got through last night without any sickness. They have mentioned changing me to Emend next time which they said is usually very effective, so Deeh/Shazza it might be worht asking your hospital about that drug.
On the hair front, I did the cold cap again but my hair is still coming out all over the place. I am not convinced I want to continue doing it, but I did meet a lady on her final FRC treatment and she still has most of her hair…and nobody would ever know that she had gone through chemo. She said that she doesn’t comb her hair, and only washes it every 2 weeks. Not sure I could manage that as I would look like some madwoman if I didn’t comb it. Perhaps the bald/wig will be the way to go for me.
Wishing you all a happy New Year, and a HEALTHY 2013 once we emerge from from the journet we are all on. XX
Hi deeh, I agree with you. First night, and yesterday, was awful after 3rd session. I’m feeling a bit better today and hoping to get out of the house. My mouth is ok its just been my stomach and the sickness. Mouth usually goes weird in a few days time so got that to look forward too. Don’t know if it will help you but I found flat coke helpful yesterday. It seemed more palatable than water and tea/coffee. I’ve also found pineapple juice and ice lollies helpful when mouth is yucky. Hope you feel better soon!
Pascal, thanks for the good wishes, they seem to have helped as I’m feeling much better today and haven’t been sick since yesterday morning I’m managing to eat small amounts and fluid intake is better.
One thing I have noticed is the veins on my arm are looking darker, almost bruised, but don’t hurt as such. Are either of you seeing this? I’m guessing its a side effect of chemo and nurse agreed when I mentioned it to her on Thursday. Its just a bit weird for me cos my veins are quite deep and I don’t usually see them lol bc, the gift that keeps on giving! On the plus side still got eyebrows and lashes for now.
Keep strong and carry on sparkling!
Shazza xx
Santas Little Helper. So Sorry you are having such a bad time. I’m sure it would get anybody down and feel like giving up. But I also think you should ask to speak with your Onc and see what could be done to help you on all fronts. I am not sure if it is too late, but due to IV issues too I had a port inserted into my chest and it works an absolute treat…it takes all of the stress away from the process which I am just so grateful for. I hope you start feeling better soon. xx
hi all ive had to go to hospital as i have cording in my veins feels like someone is pulling them out one at a time, and to the docs now got thrush will this joyous journey ever end. hope you have all had a good christmas and have a healthy and happy new year. keep sparkling guys we can do this xx
hi all
sorry so many are having such a horrible time at the moment. I had 3rd fec Xmas eve and although knackered and felt sick slot I havent vomited this time. I would definitely recommend asking fir Emend (aprepitent) as I think it works wonders to stop you vomiting. I think it’s a vicious circle once you’re actually sick as you’re never quite sure then whether the anti sickness drugs are getting into your system.
jelly - Happy birthday m’ dear and am so so sorry that you’re spending it in bloody hospital!! Hope you manage to get out soon and enjoy your birthday in sone way. if not, just reschedule it for when you feel betterbetter.We’ 'll celebrate it with you next year when we all get through this bloody awful chemo and meet up! good luck with the veins.
having my little one off school I haven’t got as much time to post but am thinking of you all and wishing you all the best for minimal side effects.
love, Col xxx
Good afternoon sparklers
Happy birthday jellymould, you choose another day to celebrate, we will be with you if we can, rest & think of your perfect celebration it may come true x x
col stay strong hun, I hope the SEs pass swiftly to the minimum. Big hug from me we will/must meet fir coffee in the new year x x
Yvonne good luck with your results & glad you like your wig x x
Supersusan I have a portacath too for chemo & 1 year of herceptin, it is fab for chemo treatment but mine was uncomfortable after the op, it sticks out on my chest does yours? I also have scar on my neck looks a little unslightly.
CK1 I have missed you stay strong, x x
I send a big hug to santas little helper, Shazza, Pascal, Deeh my 3rd chemo was horrible too x x
Remember all sparklers we are brave & here for each other. Stay strong & keep sparkling.
love mummybear x x
I am happy to say that all my scans came back clear so over the moon with the results.
After reading all your comments on the third chemo session not looking forward to mine on the 2nd of jan hopefully I will be as strong as you all are.
Have a fantastic weekend and stay strong.
love yvonne xxxxxx
Happy birthday Jellymould! Enjoy it as best you can, then again when you are feeling loads better. Nobody said you can only celebrate it once!
Shazza xx