Anyone due to start chemo April 14??

[Tlj63]

Joining in too. I'm starting FEC T on the 4th. I had my first screening mammo at the end of January, called back for biopsy the following week. Had mastectomy and reconstruction 20th Jan. Then told I had micromets in my sentinel node, so starting chemo next Friday. Feel like it's all been a bit of a whirlwind few weeks, but the surgery has healed well so now just want to get on with the next phase. The sooner I get started, hopefully the sooner it will all be over. Trying to convince myself that if I stay positive I will cope with the side effects better. Really, don't want my children to see me horribly unwell and not coping. My son's friend (aged 10) died of a brain tumour last year so I think he is worrying about me, despite the fact that we have told him it's a completely different disease.

[Suzie68]

Morning Ladies
Rosie good luck for today I hope it all goes well for you and you will be in all our thoughts today.
Kirstie Look Good Feel Better have web-site and are generally based in hospitals, I cant get into mine at the Marsden until May but have added the link for you
http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/workshops-and-advice
I got bought a wig on the day I was told I would have chemo and had pre-booked an appointment for a local private shop in Surrey (just Googled them). I was really surprised how lightweight they are too and very realistic looking. In the end I decided to go for an acrylic one as the human hair ones are unstyled and I found it very hard to imagine what they would look like. My current style is bobbed and I have a lot of hair but it is quite fine, I found similar styles looked to wiggy on me as I don't have that much hair so have gone for something much shorter. I am not even certain that I will wear it but at least its on standby, must also invest in some scarves. I saw a great you tube video of a young woman in the US who showed you how to make them out of t-shirts with the sleeve part cut off and I have tried this with vest top and it is seriously quick and easy.

Thank you to all the 'vets' for popping into this tread, it really does help to hear from those you have come out of the other side.

I cant remember who I had an earlier convo with about the self injections after chemo? I asked my BCN about this and she said they are to boost your immune system if have low white count but it is quite rare to need them. I also told her that I had signed up to one the BCC sponsored walks before I knew I was going to have chemo and wondered if it was something I could still do (10 miles is a long walk even without it!) and she told me about one of her patients that ran the London Marathon last year on while on chemo. That really encouraged me to believe we can get through this and still have some kind of normality. I am having hypnotherapy on Saturday to try and get my body to work with the chemo rather than try and fight it. I have no idea if this will work but I don't think it can hurt and makes me feel like I am taking some kind of control in all this and I know and trust the person who will be doing it.

Im off for a bone scan today, apparently they inject me with something radioactive and I have to walk around the hospital for 3 hours while it goes through my system. Its strange how things that would have previously terrified me seem quite normal these days!

sxxx

[loulou1262]

Hey Rosie, good luck and hope all goes well, will be thinking about you today xxxx

[Kirstie77]

Hi Ladies,

Rosie, I'm sure our probably feeling a little apprehensive tonight, so I wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you, and you will be in my thoughts tomorrow, I would image there are lots of other ladies on here who will be thinking of you too xx be strong and I'm sending you a big hug. X

Rach, still no dentist for me, to be honest I can't be bothered, it's just something else to do and I feel like I'm running out of time to do everything I need to before I start my Chemo, is that really bad? Have you been yet?

Books and wine, - I keep getting told I'm brave too, I don't think I am, I'm just doing what needs to be done, I'm grateful for those quiet moments where I can reflect, have the odd moment, and carry on, im lucky i have lots of really amazing friends x You are very good to be donating your hair that's a lovely gesture, you and Amber are great, I'm dreading having to part with mine and I can't bring myself to get it cut !

GMT - this site is just amazing, I'm so pleased I joined, we can all get through this together, I'm sure we will have lots of hints and tips :0)

Wilpurl, I really need to get this wig thing sorted, i think i could have some fun with it ;0) how did you find out about the look good thing, I haven't heard of it except or on here, could McMillan help?

Sweet loulou, I'm sorry you didn't get the news you were expecting, it's hard when that happens I felt floored when they told me I needed the mastectomy when I went for my results of the lumpectomy, as I was expecting my treatment plan, - its hard, you get your head around one thing and then something else gets thrown into the mix, I'm sorry I can't offer any advice maybe some other ladies can but I'm sending you a hug if you need one too x x

Appointment by appointment we will all get through this, put your best foot forward ladies we may have a mountain to climb but the view will be brilliant once we have done it ;0)

Get me all hugs and metaphors ! Feel free to tell me to shut up lol xxx

[loulou1262]

Hi Wildpurl

I've tried a couple of wigs and I was also surprised at how realistic they looked. I have very thick hair which is a bit wiggy anyway, so couldn't really tell the difference!!

I visited the onc today and was surprised at the outcome and any thoughts would be appreciated.

They advised that initially my results were 1 node positive,  1 node micromet, this led to me having full clearance,  fortunately no further node involvement.  Today I have been advised the onc wants the micromet checking to make sure it is a micromet as the pathology report is not straight forward...they will then offer the following. 

If the original report was correct I will be offered Fec, if they decide the micromet is now a macromet they will class me as two nodes positive and I will have Tac. I will find out next week and hopefully start the week after, is this treatment plan similar to anyone's. I always assumed that as I was node positive I would automatically have Tac, im going to post on chemo thread as well and see if any ladies previously treated have been advised this.

Thanks ladies xxx

I

[Wildpurl]

Hi everybody, I went to look at wigs today. I was really impressed with how lightweight and realistic the ones I tried on were, and feel confident that if I do need to wear a wig, it will look good. The lady matched my hair colour and found two styles both very close to my current style, and has entered all the details in her system, so if I decide I need one I can call her and a few days later it will be ready for collection. It's one less thing to worry about, so I'm happy I went along.

I also booked myself into a Look Good, Feel Better workshop on 15th April, something to look forward to after my first chemo!

[loulou1262]

Hi everyone

Got back from the Look good, feel better event this afternoon and it was great. What a selection of goodies including Chanel,  Estee Lauder,  Benefit and Clinique to name but a few. It was a small group of ladies and tea and coffee was provided. We practiced various techniques with make up application and everyone was really friendly, highly recommend xx

[GMT]

Hi, another April 2012 'bunny' popping in to say hello. As Sarabee and Southpool have said you will find lots of support here, discuss all sorts of things you can't / wouldn't want to share with your nearest and dearest! You will probably make friends for life as only those going through it, really understand. Lots of love to you all xxxx

[Jo_BCC]

Hi booksandwine,

Here's the link to the Little Princess Trust for donating hair.

http://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/

Take care,

Jo, Moderator

[Amber_D]

Hi bookandwine, I had my hair cut just after my first chemo and donated it to the Princess Trust which makes wigs for children. If you go on the website it tells you what to do with your hair. I felt I needed to do something with it and it certainly went to a good cause xx

[booksandwine]

Hi I have had it confirmed that I will now start chemo in April - seeing Chemo suite on Thursday and Oncologist on Friday.

Took a while to get my head around chemo as I was to have had the operation first, but due to growth and unable to rule out something on my lung and possiblity of things on my right book - Chemo it is.  I think I am ready?? - Keep getting told I am brave - half of me just wants to get started and the other half of me wants to stay buried under a pillow and duvet - probably normal !!!

Will be up in Mount Vernon which looks to be quite nice

I have shoulder length hair which I am looking to get cut in readiness - looked into donating hair but does not seem straight forward - any advice or has anyone donated hair?

[rach72]

Morning everyone.

How is everyone feeling today?

Very good luck with your 1st chemo session on Thurs Rosie, sending loads of love.  

Kirstie, I didn't book an appointment with the dentist either. I have a ridiculous dentist phobia which, after all this, you really would have thought I'd have got over! I shall pluck up the courage and (maybe) do it today. Hope you've managed to get an appointment.

Loulou, hope the look good, feel better course goes well this afternoon and looking forward to hearing all about it.

Thank you so much for the reassurance Southpool, it's really lovely to hear from people who've already been through it.

xxxxxxxxxxx

[sarabee2012]

Good morning to the latest April thread. I'm one of the 2012 Chemo Bunnies and wanted to hop in and wish you all good luck in your journey. As Southpool said the thread will be your best source of information, entertainment and just a place to post when you are feeling down or if you're ok. The bunnies have gone from strength to strength and it was only because we had each other that we got through it all. Much love to you all xxxx

[loulou1262]

Morning Rosie, hope you are well, are you using the cold cap? 

Hey Kirstie, I'm trying the coldcap but im going to have a wig ready and waiting.  Im going to have my hair cut into a bob and buying a wig the same colour and style. I've also purchased a few headbands from accessorize which are lovely,  these are to hide my greys if I am lucky enough to keep any hair. Im going to the look good feel better session this afternoon  so will report back later to let you know how it was xx

[loulou1262]

Thanks Southpool, just what we need to hear, hope you had a fab holiday !! Xx

[rosie14]

Not sure as its different here will report back!

[southpool]

Hi Ladies

I am an April 2012 Chemo bunny & am writing this at Newark airport on my way back from holiday in the States. Joining this thread & forum will be the best thing you do during treatment. The support I got from my fellow bunnies was invaluable and 18 of us are still in touch, 'speak' daily & see each other regularly. Chemo is tough but 2 years on it seems a distant memory. Good luck & take care of each other.

Hugs
S x

[Kirstie77]

Oh and has anyone investigated Wigs yet, I'm trying the paxman cap but have been told will know before 3rd treatment if its going to work, so think I may get one ready.....

[Kirstie77]

Hi Ladies,

Yes Louise we are the same age, I noticed that too x

This is such a lovely forum and so nice I hear from other people who can reassure us before our first session thanks Penny and Amber.

Rach, I didn't get onto to the dentist today so I'll call tomorrow hope you were better than me ;0)

Rosie sending lots of good vibes your way for Thursday.

I am feeling much better today after seeing McMillan and my chemo nurse, she went through lots of things and despite being really nervous this morning I felt much better about things before I left. I am waiting for a call tomorrow to confirm the date for my ECG and picc line to be put in.

[loulou1262]

Good luck Rosie

You will be the first one of us to get the chemo, which type are you having? Xx

[rosie14]

I am due to start this Thursday which is only just March so I thought it made more sense to join this group as the March group are on their second round!

Went to the hairdresser today and had my hair couloured and then cut short, also puchased two sun hats, I live in Cyprus, and a head scarf. Am beginning to feel rather anxious now!!!!!

[rach72]

Thanks for the Dentist and flu jab tips ladies, I will get on to that now 🙂

xxxxxxx

[Penny47]

Just popping in from May Moonbeams (started chemo May 2013)- Best wishes to you all.  Chemo is doable but it does eat up a chunk of your life.  I don't know where I'd be without sharing with my fellow moonbeams.   Now I am looking forward to going back to work with "different" but interesting hair!  This time last year I was not feeling quite so confident!  Good luck all!

[loulou1262]

Hi Kirstie

Just noticed we are the same age. When I visit the breast care unit everyone seems to be older, I find myself scanning the room for someone of a similar age. Just shows this blighter can get anyone !!

Louise xxx

[Kirstie77]

Hi loulou,

Yes I need to do that, I have been putting it off so thanks for the nudge, I will call them tomorrow I get dodgy gums as it is.

I did go and have my flu jab though as instructed :0)

[loulou1262]

Thankyou Amber D for posting. It is so helpful to hear from ladies who have been through it. Hope I can manage the water to flush the chemo through,  3 litres a day I think ?? Xx

[loulou1262]

Hi ladies

Forgot to mention that I visited the dentist this week and got full check up with X rays as we will not be allowed to have work done through treatment.  When I rang the receptionist said I would be waiting three weeks for a check up but when I explained she got me in within a couple of days.  Also the mouthwash incase of ulcers through treatment was prescribed by dentist (nice as a freebie, got 3 bottles!!) xxxx

[Kirstie77]

Hi Amber,

Thanks for the tips I will take them all on board and invest heavily in antibacterial gel !

Suzie,

I'm off to see McMillan in the morning to go through my options so that will be good, and I have requested a meeting with my boss to see if they will let me do anything from home so we will see, I figure 6 is an easy number to tick off even when it feels like its taking ages, I feel like in the grand scheme of things this year has flown by until now, lets home the next few months do the same we are on the right road and I'm sure with the lovely bunch we have on here so far we can push each other up any hills we may or may not encounter xxx. I read on one thread that chemo is our friend and its right, we just need to get to know it ;0) x

We are all stronger than we think ;0)

[Suzie68]

I am starting to think that I am being a bit optimistic about working full time but I am just going to try and keep an open mind and see how it goes. That's a real shame about your sick pay, s if you don't have enough to worry about, I think MacmIllian can help with money worries. I get full pay for about 12 weeks so will have a bit of a buffer if I do need to be off. My Consultant didn't really comment when I said I want to work fulltime, he just said see how it goes. I just Googled cannulas and PICC lines in between replies, I don't think that was the best idea; I just envisioned it going in the back of my hand at least there will be no surprises now !

Be strong, we can do this xx

[Amber_D]

Hi Girls, Iam one of the Awsome April Angels who started chemo 2/4 last year. Chemo is definately doable, listen to your bodies and yes drink plenty water in the first few days. Take all your anti sick meds whether you feel sick or not as if you leave it till you do then it's too late, ginger biscuits help too. Don't suffer in silence ask for more meds if you feel unwell, hopefully most of you will get through it without too much side effects. Just ask any of the ladies on hear and someone will have an answer. Pineapple is good for a sore mouth if you get one also ask doc for mouthwash. For low immunity days just don't put yourself at risk, I had anti bac gel all over the house! And nobody got over the doorstep until they had anti baced for risk of infection. I was on FEC-T x 6 and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. The not knowing is the worst but was number 1 is over keep counting down. Good luck Ladies xx

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi Kirstie, welcome to the BCC forums

Along with the support you have found here our helpliners are on hand with practical and emotional support for you, lines open weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2 on 0808 800 6000

Here's a link to the BCC undergoing treatments area of the site where you will find lots more information and support ideas:

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/treatment

Best wishes
Lucy BCC

[Kirstie77]

Hi Suzie,
Yes I found that they are really good at just giving you enough information very clever really, I don't have to have the radiation part, I originally told I was going to but because I had to have the mastectomy they said I don't need that now.

I read that too about the injections but i don't know what they are really.

I have been advised not to work I'm a project manager but its a really busy time and we have 200+ temps in over the next few weeks so my doc said he would only be happy for me to work if I worked from home or in an office with one other person?!
Has anyone else been told this ?
I'm only getting statuary sick pay and my husband doesn't earn enough to pay the bills so money is a worry so if I can work I'd like too.....

Onwards and upwards ladies xxx

[Suzie68]

Hi Kirstie

Nobody has given me any options with regard to cannula's etc as yet. I I have a bone scan on Thursday as I have had a sore shoulder and hip for around 6 months so they are just going to check it out (I also have arthritis in my lower back so I am not particularly (concerned). I have a bloods and consultant appointment on the 1st so I assume they will talk to me about that then. I have pretty prominent veins so don't know if that will be a factor. The hospital have been amazing and I think they give as much information as is needed at a particular time rather than overload me but I will definitely ask about this. Yes I too am having 6 sessions of FEC (every 3 weeks) and will also have radiotherapy and Tamoxifen after chemo. I have read that some ladies have needed to inject themselves for a few days after chemo, I think to help with immunity but I am not sure if that is only for certain types of chemo??? There is so much to remember and take on board

[Kirstie77]

Hi Suzie,

That's good we will be able to compare how we are getting on ;0), my sessions will generally be on a Wednesday I've been told.
Are you on FEC too? I'm going to meet the chemo nurse tomorrow to go through all the bits and bobs, I still don't know which line to have, I wanted to go down the cannula route just in my hand so that when I'm out of there I'm gone and dont have anything to look after, but people have said the other way is better.
Have you got all this stuff sorted? I think after I have been through things with the nurse things will be clearer about which way ill go.
They have said I will be on tamoxifen afterwards is that the same for you ?

[Suzie68]

Hi Kirsty mine is also Positive 8/8,we'll be starting the same day sxx

[Kirstie77]

Hi everyone,

I just typed a reply but this hasn't seemed to work so I will try again lol!

Having read lists of threads over the last couple of months I thought I would now join in.

I was diagnosed on 29th Jan with grade 3 oestrogen pos 8/8 - Her2 neg, I initially had a lumpectomy on 10th Feb but my results showed lots more in situ and I needed to have a mastectomy, had a double mastectomy on 3rd March (double was my choice due to risk) and I am starting chemo on the 2nd April, mine will also be in 3 week cycles of FEC on Wednesdays.

I have been offered the paxman cold cap which is the one that stays on and you don't have to swap but they haven't used that type before so I will be the guinea pig.

I was 36 when diagnosed, I turned 37 in hospital and I have 2 children a 16yr old girl who has moved out to live with her father at the end of last year (she knows it all) and a 7 year old boy.

I'm near Buckingham.

[Suzie68]

I am also on a 3 week cycle. My chemo will be on Wednesdays and I am hoping that after being off sick for the Thursday and Friday and having the weekend I will be ok again by Monday. I am also lucky enough to be able to work from home. My role is mega busy and really quite stressful at the moment due to some critical projects so not sure if I am being too optimistic but only time will tell. Focusing on work has kept me sane the last couple of months and I just cannot imagine being off sick for 5 months. I've read lots of info about eating while on chemo but wondered if anyone had read any recommendations for before you start like detox etc? Lou I saw you mentioned the no carbs anyone else seen stuff for this? sx

[loulou1262]

Im looking to work as well. Dont know if I will manage it, only time will tell. I am also lucky in that my employer is happy for me to work from home whenever I feel I can. Im booking a couple of weeks leave when I have my first chemo though just to see how things roll xx

[Wildpurl]

Hi Suzie68, I'm also planning to try and work through chemo. I'm on a three week cycle, so my plan is not to work week 1, work from home week 2 and work in the office week 3. Obviously it's all a bit of an unknown at the moment, but I'm going to give it a go. I also live in Surrey and am being treated at the Royal Surrey.

As for other information about me, I'm 57, with two grown up children who have left home. I was diagnosed with grade 2 ER + IDC last year and because of my family history was given hormone treatment while waiting for genetic testing results, which showed I have a defect in the BRCA2 gene. In January of this year I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Results showed one node had micromets, and the lump had not responded as well as expected to the hormone treatment, so I was offered the option to have chemo as an additional risk reduction, I will then take Letrozole for 5 years as well.

I'll also be having risk reducing surgery on the other breast and the ovaries in due course, but I'm taking this one step at a time!

[Jackie09]

I think I am! I have been given a choice by the oncologist - surgery then chemo or the other way round. My lump is big, so they suggested chemo first to see whether that would shrink it so I could have a lumpectomy rather than mastectomy. However tests have come back to say that my lump won't really shrink with chemo (although she said there was a small chance it would) so am back to square one! Have appointment on 2nd of April and they said if I decide chemo - I could probably start the next day.
Love and hugs x x

[Suzie68]

Hey Lou, they have offered me cold cap but to be honest I don't think I'll go for it. From what I've read it just seems to delay the inevitable in list cases and I've also seen that you are nut supposed to wash and style your gmfaur yo minimise drop. I have to wash mine every day do would just look hideous anyway. I booked a private wig appt when they told me they were going to do more tests on my lump and bought a wig the day my chemo was confirmed. Def going for the increased water have read do many people say that helps. For me this feels a bit like when i was pregant the first time, terrified as i dudnt kniw what would hapoen and then terrified for the 2nd and third because i did! It's just the unknown and everyone reacts differently some if us will have a better time than others and we won't know who until we are on the other side. I am planning to try and work full time through chemo, us anyone else ? I am 45, live in Surrey and am being treated at the Royal Marsden in Sutton, they have been amazing, ironically I worked there a couple if years ago on a temp contract (non medical staff) but never planned on going back as a patient ! There are so many good and bad stories, and for me a serious information overload, I am going to try to focus on the positive. Good luck with your appointment Sxxxxxxx

[loulou1262]

Hi

I know we wont remember everything about each other but thought I would give a few more details about myself and diagnosis. I am 37 years, married with two boys aged 9 & 11. I was diagnosed 6th January with grade 2 (from biopsy) and unlikely to have lymph node involvement as per scan....This all changed after first surgery on the 26th January as the results showed grade to be 3 and one lymph with macro and one with micromet. I then had clearance on 6th March, results were no further nodes infected.

I did suffer from a haematoma after the initial WLE and this opened my wound which has needed to be packed every second day to ensure I heal from the inside to out. The cavity was initially 7cm when they started packing 4 weeks ago and is now down to 1.5cm, fingers crossed this will be closed in the next two weeks for chemo to start, its all im waiting for and really want to get started!!

I am attending a ' Look good , feel better' workshop on tuesday at Leeds.I dont know if anyone has been on one yet but my BCN advised me to go as they are meant to be good, I will let you know.

Ps My treatment is at Doncaster

Take care everyone xxxxxxxxx

[rach72]

Hi everyone.

I am also due to start chemo some time in April. I am not sure of the exact date at the moment as I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction just over two weeks ago and unfortunately have had ongoing problems with right implant (skin necrosis, infection,etc). I am now wearing a negative pressure dressing which will hopefully help to remedy the situation, but these problems have delayed me starting chemo. Consultant has said that it will definitely be within the next 4-6 weeks though and I have been issued all the info on FEC-T and wig prescription is ready to go.

Reading the posts from the amazing ladies on this discussion board has been invaluable to me and I am reassured that I have no need to feel alone whilst undertaking the chemo journey. 

Thanks for the post Louise and I'll look forward to chatting with you all.

Lots of love

Rach. xxxxx

[Wildpurl]

Hi Louise, I have been posting in the March thread as I thought I would be starting at the end of March, but my first FEC has been confirmed now for 4th April.
Carol

[loulou1262]

Thankyou Rollercoaster, its really good to gear from people who haven't finished the chemo. Hope time goes quick, found my lump on new years eve!! New year will never be the same again xxx

[Rollercoaster]

Hi loulou, I'm one of the amazing august ladies so finished chemo in December. I was reading your comments re diet while on chemo and the best thing I can say is listen to your body, it will tell you what and when you can eat. If you feel like eating something go for it. There will be days when you may not feel like a lot of food and then there will be other days when you will eat everything in sight, just be sensible about it and you will get through chemo and you'll be amazed how quickly it will pass. Hope all goes well for you and all the other girls going through or about to start the chemo trail, hugs to all xxx

[loulou1262]

Hi Sue

Very apprehensive but really want to get started now. I've read a lot of these pages whilst in the waiting room and now I know exactly what im dealing with I just want to crack on. Have you decided if you are using the cold cap?? I think I am going to give it a go but make sure I have my wig in place if needed. Dont know how interested you are in diet etc but quite a few ladies have limited there carb intake 2 days before and 2 days after chemo, I will also be trying that, along with water,  water and more water, if my stomach can take it!! 

Going to continue checking out the tips from the ladies who been there and done it 🙂

Take care xxxx

[Suzie68]

Hey Louise I was diagnosed with grade 2 idc mid Jan and had WLE and SNB on 12 Feb, they wanted to do some extra tests on my tumour and have now had first chemo session (FEC) confirmed for 2 April Sue

[loulou1262]

Hi

After being diagnosed in January with grade 3 idc and two surgeries I am now due to start chemo at the beginning of April.  Just wondered if anyone else is?

I am seeing oncologist next weds to discuss which type but as I had one node positive and one with a micromet I am thinking it may be tac?? 

Louise xxx