Anyone due to start chemo April 14??

[Kirstie77]

Thanks ladies, I just found this blog from a young girl, she gives tips on makeup application and headwear she is an alopecia sufferer. She gives cheap solutions - not all of it may be relevant to all of you but I'm sure some of it will be good - anyway thought I'd post http://eyelineher.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/video
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Mummy crow I was 3 weeks wait too, I know it feels like ages to wait and I asked doctor what if it spreads in that time mind was stage 3, he said chemo would do its job as thats the whole point of it, but its very very unlikely it would spread x I know you will have it there in the back of your mind but wildpurl is right they know their stuff and hey don't mess about, remember your on the right road, the week before you start you will find you will have lots to do and it will fly past x

[Wildpurl]

And well done kirstie it sounds as though you are doing well 🙂

[Wildpurl]

Mummycrow my op was on 10th Jan, then 5 weeks to heal, then 2 weeks to get onc appt then 3 weeks to start chemo. I was on hormone treatment until 3 weeks ago though. It seems a long time but I agree with the others that all the risks are weighed up and they know what the safety margins are. Im sure you will be fine !

[rosie14]

Oh Well done Kirstie! Its a relief to get one down. It has now been a week for me and the worst thing has been the tiredness. Just keep eating and drinking every few hours and time will pass! x

[booksandwine]

Congrats Kirstie at least the first scary one is out the way. I considered the cold cap but decided against so hats off to you for giving it a go. This week up down for me just trying to work out pattern. Given the amazing support my partner is giving me we are both trying to rest when we need it ! Men are amazing I could not wish for more from mine.

Hope you feel better as week goes on. C

[Kirstie77]

Hi ladies,
After I had my treatment yesterday you have to wait to 2 hrs with the cold cap so be prepared. It is deffo doable I wore the cap the whole time, near the end my husband was hot so opened the window for 10mins on the quiet - the thoughtful sole and I got very cold very quickly inside and was shivering lots they got me blankets and a hot wheat pack and dried my hair but it took a while to settle, because I have seem to have a bug as well my temp spiked again so I didn't get to leave until 6pm, I think they thought about keeping me in. This has put me off using the cap again because of the extra hassle, I have antibiotics to take at home so that will all be sorted, Just shows how much a little bug can do though so stay sensible ladies, (I went to my nieces birthday on Saturday and heard one of the mums say her child was sick on Friday but had been fine since, I should have left !) I thought I would be okay lesson learnt - nothing is going to kick me off track !!!

So It did make me feel pretty sick tho last night, and pretty washed out BUT I'm fine today so was obv more to do with the bug.

My mouth was dry last night and is still dry today, I had to pop to the loo a few times too in the night because of all the fluids. I have had some melon and avocado and a banana over the course of the morning and plan of having some soup later. I feel okay, although to be honest I didn't really expect to feel much until tomorrow.

They give you plenty of pills to take home I was surprised I have 8 to take today inc antibiotics but its all good, and I took Rosie's advice and made sure I'm taking them all (as instructed), and it seems to be working x

Good luck ladies xxxx

[rach72]

Mummycrow, I also had bilateral on 4th March and haven't had date for the start of my chemo yet, although I have been told it should be sometime in April.

My surgeon started me on Tamoxifen 2 weeks after the op when they realised that my wound wouldn't be healed in the near future.

I'm sure that it's right what EAM28 says though that they weigh it all up and know what is safe.

I know that it's a worry but we have to trust that they know what they are doing. 

I hope that you get a date soon too. 

Is there any particular reason why you haven't had a date yet?

xxxxxx

[EAM28]

Auw at least you have a date now loulou1262!:)
Mummycrow I had my op 5wks ago & due to start chemo today - I was getting pretty anxious too! But I suppose they weigh it all up & know what's safe. Still can't help getting impatient though I know! Good luck hope you get a date soon xxx

[Mummycrow]

Hi girls, I saw the oncologist on Tues 1st n she said it will be about 3 weeks till I start chemo etc, I had a bilateral n all lymph removal on the 25th Feb, I'm worried that there is a big gap between op n treatment? Have any of you waited this long? Help, getting anxious! Angie

[loulou1262]

Morning ladies

Start date for me is the 17th (fingers crossed)... thought it might be next week but surgeon wants a little longer for my wound to fully heal. 

Well done to all tge ladies who have started and good luck to all starting this week. 

Positive starts so far which is great xxxxxx

[rosie14]

Good luck tomorrow and Wildpurl and to anyone else starting this week.! x

[EAM28]

Thank you rosie14 ct scan went well. Takes ages & was dying for a wee! Just hope its all clear - should find out Mon. Had arm drained for the 5th time & two fillings at the dentist so all good for tomorrow I hope!:)
Glad to hear suzie68 & kirstie77 also books&wine? found it good today!:). Hope you both have a good night & don't feel it too much in the next few days.
I know what you mean tlj63 & kirstie77 - I bought a few little bottles of anti bac gel at the wkend too along with some nail strengthener & mouthwash to see if any of it helps!
I hope loulou1262 & ellie47 can start treatment along with me tomorrow:). I'm just hoping my bloods & arm will allow me!
Catch up soon ladies,take care xxxx

[rach72]

Hi everyone.

My appointment with oncologist was cancelled yesterday, and I am booked in for a skin graft next Tuesday, so I still have no start date for my chemo yet. I too just want to get it started so it can finish quicker!

Good luck to everyone who is having their first session this week and well done to those who have already started for being so positive for the rest of us 🙂

Keep well everyone 🙂

Rach xxxxxxxx

[Wildpurl]

All was well, I am OK to go ahead on Friday *gulp*
I saw the chemo suite and the cold cap, which is a Dignicap rather than a Paxman. I feel happier now I have talked things through and know what is going to happen. I was told I would have the injections to boost white cell production, she said that this is done for everyone (at least at this hospital) to avoid delays if people get to the next cycle and have too low a white cell count, at which point they have injections but have to wait before their next cycle can start.

Good luck to everyone having their first chemo tomorrow!

[Nicola6]

Hi just popped in from august Maisie's so chemo finished, I used the cold cap and although lost a lot of hair after first treatment it slowed down, went a lot thinner but managed not to use wig had to learn to style hair,differently but kept a lot of my hair, but anyway just something that may help with the cold, try drinking hot soup as soon as they put the cap on and take paracetamol 20 minutes before. Hope this helps and good luck

[Suzie68]

Yeah let's hope so but making the most of it for now! How's you get in Kirste?

[rosie14]

Well done Suzie hope all goes smoothly in the next few days!

[Suzie68]

An yes have turned into even more of clean freak and have antibacterial pump by front door

[Suzie68]

Hey ladies just wanted to reassure those of you that haven't started yet that it was an absolute breeze. Took less than 2 hours from start to finish and that included having obs done and seeing pharmacist for anti sickness to bring home. They gave a anti sickness pill that they said took 20 mins to work, put in the cannula and then gave anti sickness injection into it, bizarrely it gave pins and needles in my bottom, a bit like sting nettles nurse said this is normal and it only lasts for have injection. Then had the FEC and waited another 20 mins while they flushed me through with saline. I feel absolutely fine but will see what's the coming days bring. I didn't want cold cap as I don't see the point (for me) so should be bald as my hubby by the end of the month. 1 down 5 to go. 😃

[Kirstie77]

Hi wild purl, I hadn't really thought about all the pills I would have to take and I have to have an injection tomorrow to boost my immune system but she said I can do it myself to save me coming back in so that's good. We are going to be pro's soon. I have learnt so much already, especially about what not to say to someone who has it lol ! Don't worry about the cold too much as I really thought thy were going to cancel on me today, the nurse even said so but the doctor then said it would be fine.

Tlj63 I know what you mean, the waiting is the hardest part but it will be here before you know it and then you feel like you have something to do x I have been sending my husband to chemist to buy the hand sanitizer hey use in the clinic's so you are not alone, I also cleaned he fridge out yesterday and told my husband about the food storage protocol !

I need to get a head scarf even if it is for around the house I better get looking.

Other than that I got through the whole session and still have the cap on as we speak you really do get used to it !

Good luck ladies xxx we are all pretty amazing !

[rosie14]

Wildpurl -Hope all went well with the chemo sister and that you are able to start on Friday the sooner it starts the sooner it will finish! x

[Tlj63]

Hope everyone is feeling chipper this morning. My hair cut seemed to take hours yesterday, but I'm quite pleased with end result and have had a few complements, so quite happy. I wish my chemo was starting today, just want to get going. I'm not the most patient person at the best of times.
Is everyone becoming neurotic about cleanliness? I'm making my kids wash their hands when they come home from school and I haven't even started the chemo yet! I think I will have to invest in industrial quantities of hand cream to stop my hands falling apart if I keep washing them at this rate.
My head scarf parcel still hasn't arrived, hoping today will be the day or I will be getting worried it's got lost in the post.
It's really comforting to hear that everyone is coping so far. We can do this. Role on August( she says impatiently)!

[Wildpurl]

Morning all!
Glad you are starting to feel better Rosie
Good luck to all who are starting today. I have had ECG and am due to meet chemo sister this afternoon. I have the very tail end of a cold, it gets a bit better every day but is still there, so I am a bit worried I will not be able to start on Friday, but we shall see.
Loulou, hope your appointment with oncologist goes well and you feel happy with the treatment that is decided on
Wildpurl x

[Kirstie77]

Well after a bit of a false start my bloods had dropped to 2.4 it needs to be 3 there was some backwards and forwards to see if it can go ahead and I'm hooked up to he water and the cold cap is on ! It is freezing ! Really cold, I know someone who used this and kept most of her hair, I'm not really sure I am that bothered at this stage, if you are having the old cap take a headband/sweatband for your hairline it will help. 15 mins in and you get used to the temperature a little but when it first goes on it is a shock !

So far I have had some emend anti sickness, four steroids, and a yellow anti sickness pill !

[booksandwine]

All the best Kirstie. I wish I had the line in as the candua (sp) in hand really hurt

Yes 1 down 5 to go. Re all the gear hope you left space for the drugs you will get today. NB I wrote on the boxes to make sure got it right. Be an old hand at it soon.

[rosie14]

Hope all goes well keep busy! x

[booksandwine]

Well got through chemo no 1. Isn't it odd it was a lovely room and not busy but funny how although in same boat my partner and I sat together and while made eye contact didn't really speak to anyone. Think as I get to be a regular this will change and I feel comfortable speaking to others. Might look to suggest a reading group - as in general life never have time for this

Drugs I went to the doctor today to get a number of things on prescription I have read in forums that could be useful etc. He did not seem to keen Q can I request things from the oncologist when I have more symptoms ?

Had wig referral also yesterday think my partner and I are def past the no makeup stage lol

Best to all

[Kirstie77]

Hi everyone, sorry only just getting to reply, didn't get home til 10pm last night, had the line fitted all went well it was no problem at all, went in well and ECG all fine. I had a temp and low blood pressure though so they tested my blood as well and I had to wait looks like i did have a bug rather than me getting myself into a state which is good as hat makes me feel better somehow lol, as my appointment meant wasn't until 6pm in the first place it, I was there late with all the faffing.

So as I write this I am sat in the hospital waiting to be hooked up for my first dose, so by the end of today here will only be five more to go ! I have just tried on the paxman and it doesn't look as big and bulky as I nought but its not been turned on yet lol. I have brought snacks, a laptop, kindle, scarfs, I think they think I'm moving in - I was in the brownies .... Lol maybe next time I will bring less !

Good luck to everyone who is starting chemo today i am thinking of you and well done Rosie you are rocking this so far, we plan to move abroad one day I'm feeling Cyprus envy ;0) xx

[loulou1262]

Hi ellie47

How did you get on, can you start tomorrow?  I am going for my wound check today to see if I can start, fingers crossed xxx

[loulou1262]

Fantastic rosie, well done,  onwards and upwards hopefully until the next round xxxxx

[loulou1262]

Good luck suzie, thinking of you, as soon as your well enough,  let us know how you get on..... ((((hug)))) xxx

[Suzie68]

Thanks Rosie I'm still feeling quite chilled about it all. Glad you're feeling better. Xxx

[rosie14]

Day 6 feeling much more human, eating very well, good appetitie, thought I would put on weight not working, walking dog etc but thank goodness haven't done- if anything I have lost a pound! Good luck to all you ladies starting chemo today and tomorrow! xxx

[rosie14]

Good luck Tlj63 with chemo on Friday stay positive. The scarves sound exciting! x

[rosie14]

Good luck Eam28 thinking of you today stay positive! x

[rosie14]

Good luck Suzie stay positive you are right to think of the chemo zapping the cancer cells. I had a cannula went in no probs. Be thinking of you! x

[EAM28]

Yep defo agree suzie68 - that's exactly how I'm feeling about it all too! One of the nurses said today that ive been very positive & seem to be taking it all in my stride - what else can you do?! & like u say all the treatment is to throw at it all & zap it bloomin away!!
Hey Ellie 47,I start my chemo Thur too. I've had a 5wk hold up as my harm has been filling up with fluid so keeps needing to be drained but its not infected so should be able to go ahead now & we were also waiting to get fertility advice xxx

[Ellie47]

Hi all, I'm due to start Thursday 3/4, have pre assessment tomorrow and also wound check as it's not fully healed yet. Bit worried because I've had infection in site of gland removal under arm and it's taken 4 weeks to get clear and 3 lots of antibiotics!! Anyone had similar problems? I love everyone's positivity.....just my style ladies.....wait to hear from you all and thanks in advance.

[Suzie68]

Hey all, I had my bone scan results and my bloods done this morning and all good to go for chemo tomorrow. Showed me the wards and looks as I expected Im feeling really chilled about it all at the moment and am just going to imagine that chemo zapping any bad cells rather than focus on the other stuff. Quite honestly I am looking forward to a few days off sick!
Sounds like you are doing well Rosie, that's such great news. Kirstie did you get you line put in? I asked today and will just have cannula in hand unless there is a problem which is what I had previously imagined.
Eam,rose and nibbles sound great, I am about to have a glass of sauvignon since Im sure I wont fancy one for a while and nobody has told me not to, Lou hope your appoint goes well tomorrow. Ti63 goods luck for Friday.
We can do this ladies, we are strong amazing women who are on a unique journey, ok its not the one anyone would have picked but a journey all the same. This time next month I could behalf a stone lighter, have an extra 45 mins every morning because I wont have to worry about my hair and my eczema could have cleared up and that's what Im gonna focus on. xxxx

[rosie14]

We have lived in Cyprus for 5 years! The sun does help although of course won't be able to do any lying about in the sun this year! Good luck with your line Kirstie 77!

[EAM28]

Hi all! Haven't had chance to come on here! We've all got so many appointments & things to get done before chemo haven't we?!
Thanks loulou1262 my bcn has never mentioned any kind of help so I'll ask her & was going to ring MacMillan as well soon - another job on the list! Do you know if you can go ahead with chemo yet?
Auw you sound like your doing really well rosie14!:). I was really tired after both wle's so god knows what I'm going to be like! I expectv the nice weather in Cyprus is helping? & hopefully your grandchildren will keep you entertained:)
Hope you're feeling better kirstie77? So did they put a line in today? I went to have mine put in and it wouldn't go in 😞 they tried 4 times so think I'm going to be pretty bruised later! So they are going to put a canula in on Thur and then hopefully get a line in ready for 2nd dose. So just had zoladex injection and bloods taken today. The nearest lgfb session is 2hrs drive away from me so think I'll be giving it a miss too! Yes I don't think I'll read mummy's lump very often - it makes it all 'real' especially as youre reading it out loud! My little girl isn't old enough to take it all in & ask questions anyway. The drunken night is needed! We need to let our hair down (whilst we still can!). My friend came round sat night for a culpa & a catch up which turned into most of my friends - we hit the rose,nibbles & had a giggle:) much needed! Good luck for tomorrow:) & suzie68:)
XxX

[Kirstie77]

Hi Rosie,

I love Cyprus it's beautiful, have you lived there long? Let me know if there is anything I can do to help with the jargon, we get that much info thrown at us it's hard to keep track.

I think your right and I may be getting myself in a bit of a panic, I'm not the most patient of people so all this waiting is hard, right time to sort myself out !

I will let you know how I get on with my line, is everyone having the cannula ?

[rosie14]

My wound wasn't completely healed and they started me, so hopefully you will be ok.I had a problem after the biopsy which held me up a week. I had the biopsy March 13th and chemo started on March 27th.

[rosie14]

Puzzles, computer, TV short walks little light jobs around house, sleeping and eating! Hope all goes well with you. I like you have private health care here in Cyprus so I don't understand a lot of the jargon used on the forum. I had a cannula- they didn't offer anything else. Also no mention of cold caps here. I am not sure I would want the added ordeal . As you say in the scheme of things loosing your hair is not the most important thing. Do hope you are feeling better today do you think you have got yourself in a bit of a state? It's hard not to. Try to take some calming deep breaths if you feel yourself getting in a panic. You take a day at a time! x

[Kirstie77]

Hi ladies,

Well I went wig shopping yesterday and they were really nice, I have settled for a bob style it was okay and looked natural but the closer it gets to starting chemo the less fussed I am about losing my hair and I really dont like being cold ! the woman at the wig shop said to take a scarf for your kneck if you have the cold cap as the pipe comes down there and its handy to have something to keep it off our kneck.

I went to my nieces 3rd birthday party at the weekend and spent most of yesterday being sick, had to pull over on the way back from the wig shop and lean out of the car !! so I'm feeling really fed up today, I have managed a biscuit and am going to try some toast in a bit I'm going to have to tell them tonight when I go in for my line, I hope it doesn't put things back.

I asked for the cannula instead of the PICC line and was told they don't do the cannula as with each round it becomes harder to find a vain and that way you have to deal with less needles ? So I didn't get a choice either but the other way round.
I have private health care with work so maybe thats why it's different ? It's good in one way to be private but its very isolating as I don't get to really meet any one, and for any help you have to go off and find out yourself. ill also be in a room on my own having chemo which is why this forum is such a saviour, bizarre really I get healthcare but only get paid stat sick !

Well done Rosie day 5 and your doing well, how are you spending your days ? I'm worried about the boredom x

[rosie14]

It's the start of the journey towards recovery and it has to commence. The fear of the unknown is the worst and hearing horror stories that are fortunately not usual! I began with a good hair cut as I figured it wouldn't be so drastic when it fell out. The oncologist said it was more likely to happen after the second session.

[Tlj63]

Well done Rosie, you sound like your coping really well. I'm going for my pre chemo radical hair cut today. Hoping everyone will get used to my new cropped look over the next couple of weeks before my hair falls out. I was offered the use of a cold cap but I hate being cold so decided not to bother even giving it a go. I am waiting for a parcel arrive with a few funky scarves in after I hit the internet last week.
Chemo starts on Friday. I feel like I am waiting to start a new job. That feeling of apprehension about doing something for the first time, but knowing you have got to get through it and then in a few months hopefully you will look back and realise it was all ok.

[rosie14]

Morning everyone day 5 and the worst thing is the tiredness I am like a hamster I will be sitting in the chair and fall asleep for 30 mins at a time! Really wanted to watch Homes under the Hammer yesterday and missed the middle part completely!

Good luck everyone starting this week, take a day at a time and keep eating little and often and drink lots of soft drinks. I can only drink tea in the morning and evening no coffee its rather like being pregnant all over again. The joys of womanhood!!!! Remeber you are not alone we are all on this board because we all share the same problem -United we stand !!!!!! xxxx

[loulou1262]

Hi everyone

Rosie, hope you are ok and your symptoms are not too bad...Hi Whirlpool,  sorry to confuse but no, they have decided on fec × 6 if my second node is a micromet and 6×tac if its a macro (over 2 mm), will find out weds. I was concerned that it was just the fec when I had node involvement,  but on speaking with the bcn she said its not just about node involvement but the way the cells were growing, if there was any vascular invasion, there wasn't.  I suppose I will just have to trust my onc, he has over 30 years experience. 

Booked for my hair cutting to shoulder length before I start the cold cap and going to visit a wig shop in Leeds next week to get some ideas incase it fails. Found a great product for roots if anyone has the dreaded grey!!

http://www.feelunique.com/brands/color-wow?aff=mrn&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=colour%...

Good luck with the line tomorrow kirstie and let us know how it goes. Have you requested it as my bcn said I wouldn't be offered anything unless I had problems with my veins.

Fingers crossed my wound is closed Wednesday so I can crack on,

Take care everyone xxxx

[rosie14]

Good luck make sure you eat and drink plenty of soft drinks lol! Also they will give you some anti nausea tablets do take them I didn't the first day but I did yesterday and they made me feel so much happier! Good luck with wig shopping. x