Anyone due to start their chemo July 2014

[hbunny]

Well remembered Karen chemo 5 on Friday (2nd tax) and then 1 more to go, whoop whoop. loads of love floating out to all having treatment this week. Fingers crossed for an easy ride this time around. Karen look after yourself and im sure you will be back home tomorrow tucking into something yummy.

Love and hugs to all.  Hbunny xx

[CathC]

JuSt, that's great news that they can use your other arm if need be. Should take a lot of the pressure off.

Good luck for Monday. Keeping my fingers crossed that the veins behave for you.

Hugs

Cath

[JuSt]

Morning all!  Thanks to Horseslave, Mogs, CathC, Karen and Clare for all your thoughts and comments about my PICC line.  I saw the onc on Friday who initially said my surgery arm couldn't be used, but finally discussed it with my main onc and came back to say that I could use that arm for bloods and that, as a last resort, if they have probs again with my veins, I can even have chemo on my surgery side.  Bloods was much easier from my right arm and I am hoping that it won't come to that and they'll somehow get canula into my left hand again - will be covering it in Emla cream as much as possible to make it as painless as poss!!

Horseslave - your triple choc cake sounds great and is most welcome any time!  Hope you have managed a good time at the show this weekend and that your daughters/chickens etc do well! Do let us know how it went x

Mogs - your week in Norfolk sounds very busy!  New house - wow, that sounds like something to keep you busy.  Won't be able to meet you Monday as it is (hopefully) my treatment day.  If this cycle goes like last one, I wasn't too bad at all on the Wednesday so that might be a possibility?  I have sent you a private message (I think - if it has worked!) with my mobile number.  If you text/ring me, perhaps on Tuesday or Wednesday morning, I can let you know if I am ok to meet up for a chat/drink. If you can't get the message, let me kow.  Hope to see you soon x

CathC - hope your shaky day is over now and that you are on the up & up!  Also, hope your taste buds and lack of sore mouth are holding out and that you get through this cycle with very minimal SE's x

Karen - hope you manage to get back home tomorrow and that you are feeling well.  Must feel like you've been in there ages!  All the best x

Hbunny - glad you enjoyed your LGFB session.  Everyone seems to enjoy them so I have finally got the number to ring up and find out when/where they are on locally.  In the meantime, I've found a great eyebrow pencil from Bare Minerals - I find it the best thing since sliced bread for making my eyebrows appear again, it is easy to apply and long-lasting x

Sugar8 - congrats on finishing your chemo!  Your champagne tea sounds lovely.  I hope the Herceptin goes well for you x

Panda - good luck with your 5th tax.  It does sound like a long journey you are on, but hopefully it will go faster for you as you pass each stage.  I think my radiotherapy will probably be throughout November also.  Hope you get through it all as easily as possible x

Hope everyone else is well - hugs to all

JuSt

x

[CathC]

Horseslave, hope your weekend is going well at the agricultural show, and good luck to your daughter's rare show chickens and ducks.

Sugar, thanks for the good wishes. I did get over my shaky day, thanks. It did run the same course as usual, but would it be odd to say I had a wonderful day in spite of that? I had lunch with my whole family and the weather was so gorgeous I sat outside for a while. it all felt so normal and soooo good.

Having cancer really does make you appreciate the 'little things'.

Karen, sorry to hear you're still in hospital. Good news, though, that your temp has finally gone down. Here's hoping the doc comes around soon to release you. In the meantime, keep hitting the toblerone and enjoy that new book.

JuSt - how are you feeling now after the PICC line fiasco?

Morag and Panda - hope you're both having a fab weekend.

To anyone else I might have missed....hugs

Cath

[Karen2609]

Morning All

Thank you all for your good wishes, unfortunately I'm still in hospital. The temp seems to have gone but no prospect of getting out until the doctors are around tomorrow.

Hbunny - glad you enjoyed the LGFB day, I'm really looking forward to mine. Thanks for the tip about feathering strokes for eyebrows and eyeliner, mine are still hanging in there at the moment but I want to be prepared and need to start practising as haven't got a very steady hand.
Have you got your 5th chemo later this week? If so good luck.

Clare - the champagne tea and cakes sounds wonderful, just the sort of treat needed, hope your heart scan goes ok.

Cath - thanks for the info about the injection, hope I do get it next time ! Luckily I have my kindle charger with me and an increasing supply of chocolate. I've also been lucky in that the food is nice and they keep me supplied with regular cups of tea.
Hope you got through your shaky day ok, I haven't experienced that one but we do all seem to suffer different SE's. Hope you are eating lots of cake on my behalf!

Panda - wishing you lots of luck for your chemo on Tuesday, it sounds like you have really been through the mill.

Horseslave - hope the anti sickness meds did their job and you are enjoying your weekend away. You are certainly a much stronger woman than me I do admire your energy.

Sorry to anyone I've missed, hope you all have a lovely weekend, sunny again here now.

They never did find out what caused my infection and I'm getting fed up of being told all week how well I look when I'm still stuck here. Anyway new book to start and toblerone to eat, hopefully next time I will be posting from home.

Love to all
Karen xx

[sugar8]

Cath
Hope you get over your skaky day soon.
Sending all July ladies hugs. x x

[sugar8]

Thanks hbunny
I use clinique eyebrow pencil and I agree my nearly disappearing eyebrows always look better with feathered strocks. (self discovery) 🙂

[CathC]

A champagne tea with friend sounds just what the doctor ordered, sugar.

As you say, socialising and doing normal things do make you feel better. I think it's the routine of it all that keeps your mind off all the chemo stuff.

Horseslave, how are you feeling now? That racing head pulse sounds horrible. Did you speak to a BC nurse? I hope it won't put you off your weekend plans. although, knowing you, you won't. lol. Have fun.

Hiya, panda53 - sounds like you've been through the mill with your cancer. I'm sorry, I've never heard of Kung cancer, or car isolation/carboplatin, neither sound too appealing.

And yet you sound remarkably upbeat. Can't believe the strength of all the ladies here, you are all definitely an inspiration to me.

Karen – hope your temp has finally come down and you’re feeling better soon.

Day 5 of 4th chemo. I call this my shaky day. I always sleep well the night before then wake with my whole body shaky- most peculiar. But the strangest thing of all, if it runs as usual, I will have this feeling of being drunk later, slurring my words and feeling kinda euphoria. Anyone else ever get that? As side effects go, it’s definitely not the worst. Lol

Hugs to all I may have missed. Have a great weekend.

Cath

[panda53]

Car isolation is carboplatin lol

[panda53]

Hi Mogs, I also get the numb toes and was worried about it. I'm going off my 5th treatment on Tuesday, I will be having my 5th taxotere for the breast cancer and my 5th car isolation fir the airway cancer. I'm to have 20 radio therapies in November and then in February/march the mastectomy, a year after finding the lump. Who would have thought u could keep a breast for a year after being diagnosed grade 3 with lymph node involvement. Anyway the Kung cancer was he most dangerous one. I had a very successful thoracotamy in May, it took me 5 weeks to. Get over it and off the painkillers for the chemo which started in July. It has gone well except for the first one when I ended up in hospital because my white cells had dropped to the floor and I had neutropenia septicaemia. When I went for my second one I had an allergic reaction and started to go into anaphylactic shock. So far so good though. Hope you are all talking the best care of yourselves and all good wishes to everyone about to have another cycle xx

[hbunny]

Hi all.  Re the make you thing, nothing specific was recommended re brands unfortunately.  I think whatever is donated by whatever brands is what ends up in your bag.  I came away with clinique, bloots 7, Nivia, Elizabeth Arden, and many others.    Didn't pick up much in way of make up tips, too busy chatting, other than brows and eye liner, try feathering strokes for both rather than drawing a solid line.

Sounds like most are starting to come out of side effects and feeling better, so roll on the weekend.  For those feeling a little ropey or stuck in hospital, hang in there tomorrow will be better.  Love to all. Hbunny

[Horseslave]

Morning all! Hope you are all doing well or coping!
Woke up with racing head pulse feeling travel sick. Oh no, sicky licky is so not getting in the way of me having a weekend away! So,I never thought I would but I shoved that bottom antisickness up as quick as you can say boo. What is it with this booming pulse you can hear anyway?

[sugar8]

So sorry Karen about your hosp stay. Wishing you better soon but enjoy the rest a catch up reading.

JuSt - what a disappointment with your picc line. Shame they didn't attempt it earlier in the day while you had some decent veins. Hope your last two cycles are not to troublesome.

Horseshoe - you are a champion carrying on with life like superwoman but please look after yourself first sometimes. At least whilst your're fighting these little buggers. 🙂

Sly- Hope all goes well with tax for you. x x Stay positive

Hugs to all July Ladies
Clare

[sugar8]

Mogs
You've been busy New house etc. Definitely takes your mind of the journey.Finishing my chemo was great. Felt tearful after I recovered from chemo. though.. must have been tears of joy. Now trying to get on with life as much as possible numb toes and all. Does anyone have that problem with numb toes? It feels weird.

[sugar8]

Cath I have no problems with getting email alerts for replies. Hope that resolves soon,
Glad to hear that you're feeling OK. Onward and upwards,

The Herceptin usually have less SEs but can cause diarrhea, headaches, nausea, tiredness and heart problems hence the 3 monthly heart scans to monitor the function. My next heart scan is on the 17th October.
I am well at present. Esp better when I socialize and work as Life seems normal for a while. Went to a champagne tea with friend. Who would think tea and cakes could fill you up so much. The walk on the grounds of Westlodge Park was necessary afterwards and the weather wasperfect.

[CathC]

---

@sugar8 wrote:
Hi hbunny
Glad you had a great time at the look good feel good event, What brands of makeup do they recommend?
I had a bad makeup day a couple days ago and got miserable when I saw Mike Jagger starting back at me, LOL, ]
Hope you are feeling well x x
Clare

---

Darn it, this site is so frustrating. I checked there were no new posts before posting and lo and behold the second I post up pops yours, Clare. AAAggh!

I know what you mean about bad make-up days. I never normally use much make-up and now with having to draw on eyebrows and use darker eye-liner, I'm finding it a lot harder. Wouldn't mind knowing what type of make-up these courses recommend.

Hope you're feeling well

Hugs

Cath

[CathC]

Hiya Morag,

Apologies, It looks like I totally missed your last post .

Sorry to hear your treatments have been delayed. Mine's only been delayed once and I know how frustrating it can be. It sounds like yours has been delayed more than once?

And go you, selling your house and putting an offer in on one. I bet that took your mind off things alright. lol

It's a pity you didn't enjoy your week away as much as you had hoped, but sometimes just a change of scene can be enough to help.

Good luck with your first tax next Thursday.

Hi Karen,

Any idea yet about what's causing your infection? I put mine down to my teeth - they were the only thing that hurt at the time and I am prone to gum infections.

Here's hoping your temp comes down soon so you can get home. Once they put you on the oral antibiotics it should be too long before you're released.

It can be common in chemo patients, but usually after a hospital stay you get the Pegfilgrastim injection which helps with your WBC so you don't get as many infections.

I know Monday seems a long time away, and that you're missing your children, but you're really in the right place. I know it's easy to say, but do try to make the best of your 'visit' - relax and read as much as you can. Is your kindle holding out? Also drop hints to hubby or any visitors that you want cake, cake, and lots of cake. lol

Get better soon

hbunny - birthday meal AND wine - you're spoiling yourself, girl.

For some strange reason I can taste this time around. Well, so far, it's still only day 4 so the nasty mouth ulcers may pop up soon. I had an ice lolly at my chemo session for the first time, - hubby foraged for me. Maybe that is helping. Definitely do try them for your next session.

So glad you enjoyed your look good feel good session. Everyone who goes to one swears by them. I'm hoping to arrange one when I move on to rads, as they're held close to that hospital.

Hugs

Day 4 of 4th FEC and not feeling too bad, still a bit nauseous and yesterday was a wipe-out energy-wise. I ended up spending most of the day in bed. Today, hopefully, I'll have more energy.

Hugs to all the July ladies.

Cath

[sugar8]

Hi hbunny
Glad you had a great time at the look good feel good event, What brands of makeup do they recommend?
I had a bad makeup day a couple days ago and got miserable when I saw Mike Jagger starting back at me, LOL, ]
Hope you are feeling well x x
Clare

[hbunny]

Hi Karen and all other lovely July ladies.  Do hope you are released soon, it must be so frustrating being stuck in hospital, with not so tasty food, sending hugs.

Horseslave, you always make me laugh, hope the chickens etc are puffing up and looking good ready to strut their stuff.

Good luck morag with your first tax, I'm sure it will go well and the end is now in sight.

Cath, is the sticky feeling now dissipating? I hope you feel like some cake eating tomorrow, I've just got home from a lovely belated birthday meal, which tasted great and so did the wine, what a relief.  Going to try the ice pops for the next session and see if that helps the nasty taste.

I had a great afternoon at the look good feel better event on Tuesday and met some lovely ladies all at different stages, some finished and some with one chemo under their belt so sharing stories and experiences was great.  It was interesting that from 15 ladies 13 had bc the thing that really stood out was the sense of humour which radiated from everyone.  I came home with a wonderful bag of goodies and would recommend all get booked on.

Hope everyone is feeling as good as possible.  Love to all bunny xx

[Karen2609]

Evening Ladies

JuSt, sorry to hear about your problems with the Picc line. It's awful to get yourself all prepared and then it doesn't happen. Maybe you will be glad in the long run if you were unsure about having it and only have two more to get through. Hope you don't have anymore probs with your veins.

Horseslave, you did make me laugh, no hunky Italian looking nurses in fact no male nurses just lots of lovely ladies. Probably a good thing tbh I look such a mess with my thinning greasy hair that can't be covered up with wig and my very hairy legs on show - when is that hair going to disappear?
Hope all goes well with your daughters chickens at the show. Barney the puppy sounds adorable, missing my mutt at the moment.

Morag, sold your house and put in an offer on another is amazing, congratulations at least you have something to look forward to after all this. Hope your first Tax goes ok next week, seems like lots of us are treatment put back for one reason or another but we will get there.

Cath, sorry you are still feeling a bit sick, hopefully this will soon disappear and you can get back to some cake eating. Thanks for telling me about your hospital experience it does sound very similar to what I am going through now so I feel a bit more reassured. They still don't know what causing the infection and antibiotics still not keeping temp down. Missing my kids as hospital not keen on them coming in incase they have picked up something from school. Just want to be home now but consultant reckons Monday at the earliest.

One of the nurses said that is very common in chemo patients and that some people end up in here after every cycle ( don't like the sound of that when I've got another 2 to go).


To anyone I've missed, hope you are well

Karen xxx

[CathC]

Anyone else having problems with not getting email alerts for replies?

Hi, Karen - good to hear you sounding so upbeat, when I know you must be feeling frustrated.

Your stay in hospital sounds very like mine, where they couldn't find a reason for my infection. It also took 3/4 days on the drip before my temp came down, and all the while I was feeling  fine - most peculiar.

Bummer on the lack of internet, but good job having the kindle fully loaded. Relax and enjoy a good book. Tell everyone to bring you the unhealthiest thing they can think of to cheer you up.

Hope you get some answers soon.

Big hugs

JuSt - I'm so sorry they couldn't get your PIC line in. How horrible and disappointing for you.

Do you think they'll try again, or will they muddle through for your next 2 cycles?

I sat beside a girl at my chemo session on Tuesday and they must have tried 3/4 times to get a vein. She looked terrified. While my own veins aren't great, I don't have that much of a problem. I felt so sorry for her. Chemo can be scary enough without that added fear.

Here's hoping your veins behave, but try and put it out of your mind for the next few weeks and concentrate on only good things

Horseslave, if you have any of those profiteroles and cream, and your triple layered chocolate cake going I'll have one - Make it two, I can handle it. LOL

Oooh, I like your Chemo Law - where do we sign up for tasty men to bring us tea and biscuits? And is that only in hospital?

I'm not sure which drug affects the liver. They did tell me but...went right over my head. (Like most things these days.)

Your best friend is right, re husbands and support - they can be pretty useless. then again, that could be our fault because we're inclined to treat them like the children they are and do most of the heavy lifting. He will learn - even the oldest dog learns, right? Right!

My youngest is a teenager, AND male, so I know where you're coming from re helping out. We both had a talk with him and explained that dad needs more help around the house. So far it's working, although it's an uphill struggle. Why oh why do you have to ask over and over again for things to be done. Have none of them heard of initiative?

*Steps off soap box*

Have fun at the agricultural show this weekend. Good luck to your daughter and her chickens and ducks.

Day 3 of 4th chemo and feeling ok. Still a bit sickish and trying to fob off the dreaded constipation with Laxido - so far it's working. Whoo-hoo!

Hope everyone else is holding up. Good luck to all those having treatment this week, and for all those feeling down or suffering the dreaded SE's - big hugs

Cath

[mogs33]

Good morning ladies,
Not been on for a while so lots to catch up on ........
Horseslave you are obviously a very strong woman and yes your husband will be feeling lost and vulnerable and helpless. I'm guessing it would just be nice if he could take control for a little while so that you could feel taken cared of ? I know my husband thinks I am bionic as really I've done very well so far on FEC but let's see how he copes when I start Tax !! Ahhhhhhh

JuSt ... Sorry to hear about your PICC line ..sounds awful . Every little set back is upsetting but we will get there, it won't be long now , hoo bloody Ray ! At my last chemo it took several attempts to get a good vein and I nearly passed out it hurt that much so I'm not looking forward to that again. R u free for coffee Monday/weds next week ?

Karen2609.... Sorry to hear you are still in hospital and hope your home soon. Lots of time to read though !

CathC ...... Glad your chemo went ahead and your liver is behaving itself ...didn't realise one of the drugs could damage your liver ! Hope you have minimal side effects ...

Slyolddog.... Tax seems to be effecting people more than Fec and here was me hoping it would be easier ! I should have my first next this .although all my chemos have been delayed by a week due to my low neutrophils so I'm way behind everyone now !

Sugar8 ... Finished chemo! Wow that's brilliant , I can't imagine the joy and relief of getting this part out of the way !

To all I've missed I hope you are coping with the side effects ... We are getting there girls. I see October thread is up and running so we are getting old now!

Had a week away in norfolk with Hubby last week but it was straight after my chemo so I felt a bit crap all week. Blew up like I was 8 months pregnant so didn't feel like going out in the evening as I couldn't fit in any of the clothes I had taken... Managed a few good walks and lunches in the day though and the weather was glorious. Looked at a new house in norfolk , put an offer in, sold ours !!! All in 5 days .. Tell you what though it certainly takes your mind of the chemo for a while.
I should be having my first tax next thurs , I am way behind now as I have been delayed a week each time..on the good side I get to read all about the side effects and how well or not you are all feeling. On the down side I am now nearly a full cycle behind . I will get there eventually ..

Take care everyone
Morag

[Horseslave]

JuSt - really sorry to hear your vein misbehaved with the Picc line. I know when things are bad, we say to ourselves continually, ' well theres other people worse off' but wouldn't it be nice if something just went smoothly and comfortably to make the whole awful procedure and treatment more bearable?! I don't think its too much to ask of life! Huge bowl of profiteroles and cream deserved by you and a slice of my triple layered chocolate cake! Xx

Karen - you still in hospital? There were some very tasty young male nurses when I was in there. Especially an italian one, who had the hots for my son when he visited.... No matter how ill I feel, I can always appreciate beauty in the form of a uniformed, fine looking young male. Should be law: All chemo patients admitted get one to bring them tea and biscuits and chat. To aid recovery?

Cath- hope you don't still feel sick today. If you do, bear in mind it will pass. I really hate the nausea, would much prefer diarrhoea if I was given a choice. Not that I am a masochist or anything... What drug is it that effects the liver? I imagine our organs going ' bluerghhhhhhh, aaarghhhhhh' when the chemo hits it anyway. Theres a cartoon in that somewhere.

Slyolddog - TAX is b******* isn't it?! Make sure you drink says the nurse. Impossible when it all tastes like battery acid. I still have sore nails and soles on my feet from it and I am on FEC now! Noticed deep ridges across nails formed but seem to be still attached to me. My friend did a gel manicure with dark nail polish, they look better?just an idea for you, book it in soon eh?!
Why havn't you seen your actual oncologist since before the chemo started?! Doesn't care vary from place to place?

Shoes- HUGS , weekly doses must be very tiring for you and all that time spent going to the chemo ward weekly must be a real pain?

I have only checked through to when I posted last and didn't want to pick up on individual posts before that as I am aware of what a waffler I am when on a roll.

Barney puppy is lying on my feet. He can still breath.
My 13 year old daughter, is in the ' big bed' snoring softly next to me. (Does not like sleeping away from me!) glad she doesn't have wind like last night....

My best friend explained to me about husband support. It will be erratic, she said. As they are basically not women and a bit silly. I wish the teenage kids would make it a bit easier for him, as he cannot organise a 'little drinky session in a brewery'
Normally I am in control, I am quite fierce being a teacher. Nothing gets by me. He loiters in the background, and obeys. So, when the chemo hits, he must feel like a wee puppy put out in the rain without its mummy?

Right, got to prepare for agricultural show this weekend. I have my little portable chair, can alway go back to car / hotel, moment I am tired. Daughter has several rare show chickens and ducks to wash/ oil/ prepare. ( we breed them) wierdos, I know....
Love to all xxxxx

[JuSt]

Slyolddog - glad to hear you are improving now on your tax cycle.  I also really struggled to get fluids in, especially first week after tax,  but had no problem eating - have definitely indulged in more treats this time and put a few pounds on! Will try to get back to eating healthier soon - well, I did say try. x

Cath - glad to hear your bloods were good enough for you to have your treatment this time.  Hope you are now feeling less sick and not suffering any other side effects - am I right in thinking you are halfway through treatment now? x

Karen - sorry to hear you are in hospital and hope they manage to get you sorted and home soon.  Take the opportunity to relax and make the most of that kindle. x

I went to my appointment to get PICC line in this morning but came out at lunchtime feeling very despondent.  Had the numbing cream on and lay on the couch for half an hour whilst the nurse made three attempts to get into my vein - she basically said the vein was too thickened and she couldn't get through it to get inside so I'm back at square one and facing problems giving bloods and getting canulas in.  I came home and had a bit of a cry but am feeling a bit more positive now (although know I may not when it is time for more needles!) as at least I only have two cycles less and people get through much worse things.  Wasn't keen on having the line in so I'm trying to think that it was not meant to be and I wouldn't have liked it anyway!  At least hubby treated me to a lovely lunch on the way home.

Hope everyone else is doing ok and having minimal s/e's - sending hugs to all who need them,

JuSt

x

[Karen2609]

Hi Cath, so pleased to hear your treatment went ahead you must be so relieved. Hope you are not suffering too much from SE's and manage to relax a bit for next couple of weeks before worrying about your next set of blood tests.

I haven't got wifi in here so can't post as often as I would like but unfortunately my temp is still up despite 3 days of antibiotics and they can't pinpoint the cause of infection. Luckily one of the lovely nurses managed to get some blood from me this afternoon, although if they haven't discovered the cause in the previous tests I had in last couple of days, I'm not holding out much hope. On the plus side, my neutrophil levels and blood count were on way up in previous blood test and my kindle is fully loaded!!

Hugs, Karen x

[CathC]

Sugar, do you have a date for your U/S? I know it's probably nothing, but worrisome all the same.

Do you get any SE's from your herceptin?

shoes, glad to hear you're feeling more positive. Is there anything the doc can give you for your eyes?

Slyolddog, keep an eye on those nails, but good news that your taste is returning. Enjoy this week when your SE's should be minimal.

Oh, Karen, can't believe you've found yourself in hospital. <<<HUG>>> They managed to get any blood out of you this morning?

I know it's frustrating being in hospital but it's the best place to knock any infection on its head.

I'm guessing you will be there for at least 5 days. Have your brought plenty to read and of course, a way to get on line to chat to us? lol

Let us know how you're getting on.

Well, I managed to get my chemo yesterday. Whoo-hoo. It was touch and go for a bit - I had to repeat my LFT again as it was still a bit high, but luckily it must have stabilized. They lowered the drug that can cause liver damage because it seems that it is affecting my liver, so we'll see what the next set of blood tests bring.

Feeling a bit sick this morning, but just relieved treatment is going ahead.

Hugs to all suffering this week, and good luck to anyone having treatment.

We can get through this!

Hugs

Cath

[Karen2609]

Morning Ladies

Cath, hope your treatment went ahead as planned yesterday and that you're feeling ok today.

Sorry can't reply to everyone individually not been on for few days as I appear to have jinxed myself. Ended up in hospital with high temp and low blood count. They can't find infection at the moment, possibly something to do with my heart but no one could get any blood from me last night to check. Going to try again today. Been on antibiotics for 2 days and it still not coming down.

Love to all, Karen

[Slyolddog]

Hi Ladies

Lots of posts lately, I suppose in reflection that means we're well enough to look at the forum. It's now day 12 since my first Tax and I'm feeling physically OK and the taste has eased off. Sunday was the worst for that, I barely drank anything all day because everything tasted so foul. Funny enough I managed to eat though! I know the advice is always to drink plenty because it helps but honestly it was practically impossible.  My nails are feeling a bit tender, had to get hubby to open a can of drink for me as I wasn't sure if my nail would take it. On the whole things are improving so I will need to make the most of the next week.

Shoes - so sorry to hear that you've been back in hospital again. Your situation makes me realise how lucky I've been. I hope you manage the weekly Tax better than you've been on FEC.  I also hope your eyes improve really soon.

Sugar - congratulations on finishing your chemo, that must make a difference psychologically. Unlike you I would like to see my oncologist, I haven't seen her since before I started chemo and I've just done my fourth. I did see a stand in but her attitude left a lot to be desired.  I hope all goes well with the next stages of your treatment.

Horseslave - sorry that you're not being well supported at the moment. I'm lucky that I don't have too much to do except look after myself when hubbys at work. Your Barney sounds great though, I know we're supposed to avoid contact with animals but if I still had my dog I'd be spending the down time curled up with her.

Cath - I hope all went well today and treatment went ahead as planned. Hopefully you'll be back on your feet soon. After Tax I think I'd vote for 6 FEC. I still can't get my head round the variations in treatment chemo wise, there must be some logic to it.

hbunny - like you I'm waiting to see what the second Tax brings before seeing if I need to make any changes. I'm hopeful that as my second FEC was better than my first the same will happen with Tax.  If anyone is sure that this is unlikely to happen please keep it to yourself!!  Foolish hope is what I need right now.

I hope everyone's coping as well as possible at the moment.  Sly.

[shoes220]

Hello all hope i find you all well today. A friend sent me an artical about pacitaxol and it say that 89% are clear for five years and more after weekly tax where the same result is for those who had a three weekly cycle.

Symptoms are less on weekly. So here i am more positive maybe i do ache and am tired  all but still pushing on.

Eyes still sore so i have probs reading some threads so hope all is going well for you will have to get hubby to read posts so that i can reply. Thanks all for your support.

[sugar8]

Fingers crossed for you Cath for today x x

I am now on the herceptin 3 wkly and have to recommence my letrozole on the 1st October.

Awaiting an U/S on right breast as I found a tiny different area. BS doesn't think it will be anything significant but just making sure. Then 6 monthly appts with her.

I don't ever want to see an onc again!! but will have to at stages during the herceptin 😞

Horseslave I can empathize. Sending you virtual hugs. You are experiencing what I felt before my dose was lowered. How do you manage as I don't have young ones and my husband is supportive, and It's still difficult!! I admire your resilience.

Shoes so sorry you're having a difficult time. Hope the path runs smoothly very soon x x

[CathC]

Hi, Clare, good to see you back. Sounds like you've been busy.

Now you've had your last TC  what's next on the agenda for you?

JuSt - thanks for the good wishes. Hope you're staying SE-free.

Horseslave - really hope you wake up today feeling better.

I'm not on the same tax/fec combination. I'm just having FEC, but I think that's more to do with being on anti-TNF for a few years, which has left my immune system very low.

Listening to all the things everyone has said about tax, I'm rather glad now.

Sorry to hear hubby isn't pulling his weight. Being able to rely on your partner makes such a difference. I don't know how I'd cope without mine. He's been absolutely brilliant.

Maybe sit down with him and work out a rota, or something similar.

Barney dog sounds lovely. I too snuggle with my dog, I don't care what the doc says, he's part of the family.

shoes - can't believe you were back in hospital again. Sending you massive hugs, and praying that pachitaxol is easier on you.

I’m off in a bit to the hospital to see whether I can get my 4th chemo. I really wish they’d phone if I’m not going to get it as it’s an hours journey either way. Wish me luck.

Hugs

Cath

[Horseslave]

So sorry to hear you have been hospitalised again shoes, what an absolute drag..
Its good that they are adjusting the dose to suit you better, hopefully. I have my fingers crossed for you x
I find my oncologist to be a lovely, caring lady, they really do want to do whats best for you, I have felt less like a number with her, like. I did with my surgeons.
Barney dog is snuggled up next to me in bed, I know, no animals etc..but he is such good company and humans are irritating me at the moment. Hes only a little daschund. Wish I could put a pic of him on here but if anyone wants to friend me on fb for silly pictures and chats/ rants whilst we are going through this poo poo, feel free to message xx.

[shoes220]

Hi ladies sorry that i have not been around lately but i think you know where i have been again. yes southend hospital for the third time after my 3rd fec which was my last fec. Had shortness of breath again my bloods were fine but this time i had trouble with my blood pressure to low. So my onc has stopped all blood pressure 

tabs and put me on one  heart tab for my angina.

We have agreed i must carry on as no good starting what i cant finish. So pachitaxol starts from the 25th sept every thursday for nine weeks [anyone else on weekley chemo or this tax] onc said i should find it better than the fec.

i hope so as at the moment i ache all over and am so tired and this is day 12 of fec.

Not been able to read all your posts as my eyes are sore i have got eye drops but they stick together all the time.

So hi to any new ladies hope all that have just had treatment or are due it soon have minimal se.

pop back into tomorrow nite all take care.

[Horseslave]

Sugar, if I wake up tomorrow on Day 6. feeling better, I will send you virtual hugs! I am used to 11/12 days of TAX knocking me for six. It doesn't agree with me! Does it with anyone?!
Finding the Fec a zillion times easier, my sympathies to anyone else unfortunate to not cope with the tax stage. Do we all get the same tax/ fec combination? Yet sometimes in different orders? Or are there other drugs used to treat bc? Sorry for being a bit thick...all the words and phrases scramble my brains at times!

Not having an easy time of it with my husband at the moment. He is being very immature. Can't cope with the kids or organising anything. Drives me mad. I have a reason to behave like a looney. Whats his?!

[JuSt]

Cath,
Good luck for blood results tomorrow and getting back to treatment - really hope it all goes well this time.
Hugs,
JuSt
x

[sugar8]

I decided to post this poem. I am not a writer but was inspired when I woke up today as I think this sums it up. Hope it's not too depressing.

My TC Journey

Day 21 I feel great, then the S.**.t flows through my veins again.

Day 1 and 2, I bumble through, with steroids to keep me company.

Day 3, I start to fail but resistance enables me to walk like a snail.The brain starts going fuzzy but I reach out for clarity.

Day 4, is always the worse of all, fatigue, headiness, fuzziness, difficulty  articulating and temporary forgetfulness.

Day 5, Feel alive through sleepiness, zombified walking and minimal nutrition.

Day 6, I wake up feeling like me. Life goes on ... this on my last chemo trail I am so happy. These cancer cells and genes are now damaged and weakened and I am free.

I shed tears of joy ......

Can't cry for long, as the chemo tears remind me that the next journey is about to begin.

[sugar8]

Waw July ladies

I had 10 days of post to read thro'. Can't believe I was away sooooooooo long  Normal life took over Pre assessment, frinend's visit, last TC and appt with breast surgeon 

Karen, CathC,Slyolddog and Wendy thanks for the good wishes and thoughts. My last TC was exhausting due to staff sickness I had a 4 hrs delay. They also forgot to order my herceptin with caused a 2 hr delay!! so I was so tired before my fatigue kicked it .I also had an appt the next day with breast surgeon. Hence I am only posting today. 

Cath sorry to hear about your delay and LFT results. Has it been sorted?

hbunny - happy belated birthday. Sorry about you SE's.

Slyolddog- unfortunately the mammogram let me down. It didn't pick up my DCIS so I discoverd my IDC lump14 mths later . 

Flossie- glad your tr'ment  is going smoothly. You've done so well, working etc. Good to seeyou back. 

Wendy - no one actually tells you the true effects of TC. I felt like 21yrs old at 57yrs when I began my chemo journey.Wish I knew that I would feel like 60 -70yrs four cycles later. would have been easier to cope with it. I hated the surprises!! Good luck with your radiotherapy journey on the 22nd Sept. It's my hubby's birthday that day.

Hi Berkshirelass= welcome. At first it sounds and feels awful but it all becomes the normaility and will improve with ups and downs.Your body gets used to having the chemo and after the first cycle the SE's can be predicted and treated before they get too severe. The SE's fade away after a week or so.

Hello to Ruby, wendylois, horseslave. Welcome Whitfield and good luck 

to all and everyone I missed

Love

Clare

[CathC]

Hi Karen2609

Have your cleared your room for your treadmill yet? LOL. I know what you mean about finding the energy to clear a space - it's harder than doing a work-out on the treadmill itself.

Glad to hear your SE's aren't too bad, although the lack of taste is horrible. Here' s hoping it eases soon. Did you manage a slice of cake?

ETA: Just read your last post. Sorry to hear the SE's have kicked in. Remember to listen to your body and take as much rest as you need.

What does management action mean re your job? Doesn't sound too good.

Wendy - have a great time in Windermere.

Wendylois - how did the wedding go? I bet you looked fab.

Horseslave, glad to hear you sounding so upbeat, and that FEC has been kinder to you. Commissions for your art! You must be good. Congratulations.

Hope you have fun at the Royal Berks show this weekend.

Slyolddog - you should definitely ask your doc about something to help you sleep.

How did the visit from your relatives go? And the airport run?

hbunny - glad to hear you're feeling better, but the sensitive/painful fingers and toenails doesn’t sound too nice. How are they now?

JuSt - good news that the nail sensitivity has gone away and that you're feeling better. Long may it continue.

Pam - good luck with your Tax today. Hope all goes well.

I hope I haven't missed anyone out.

Good luck to all having treatment this week. And hugs to anyone who's feeling down.

I had my blood tests this morning, but won't know whether they're okay until tomorrow. Fingers crossed they will be and my 4th FEC can go ahead.

It's been nice to have an almost normal week, but I want this treatment over!

Hugs

Cath

[Karen2609]

Morning Ladies

JuSt - thanks for the reassurance re fingernails, they are feeling better now so fingers crossed they will be ok at least for a bit longer. Hope you are doing ok?

Cath - lots of luck today and tomorrow, I will be thinking of you and hoping everything goes ahead as planned.

Wendy - have a lovely time in Windermere, you deserve a break before starting radiotherapy and going back to work. Still a long way off for me but I'm getting slightly anxious as there have been lots of changes and apparently I will be subject to Management Action due to length of sickness. This is despite not having a day off sick for 2 years prior to surgery.

I should have known better than to post I was suffering minimal SE's yesterday. Was fine in the morning walking dog and up the hill to shops, then it hit me mid afternoon. I am now curled up on sofa unable to get comfortable with back and leg pains. All of a sudden I feel about 80 and am struggling to get upstairs, I still have another 2 days of injections and am hoping to start feeling bit more normal once these are finished.

Good luck to anyone having treatment this week

Love to all,
Karen x

[June_BCC]

Hello Ruby44

Do you mean your profile picture or general photo's as we only allow profile pictures on the forums.

best wishes

June, moderator

[ruby44]

Morning ladies
Hope everyone got a good nights sleep😴

Can anyone tell me how to post and view pictures on the forum?

Thanks Ruby x

[Horseslave]

Yes, I hear the ice lollies do reduce soreness in mouth. Never got a chance to try that, as they had all melted in my freezer bag by the time treatment arrived!
On TAX I have kept nails painted and apart from deep ridges they have been ok. Feet very sore still from last TAX 4? weeks ago!
FEC has been much, much kinder. Day 5 and can get around, good appetite, mild nausea. Nowhere near as awful as the TAX was for me. Slightly wobbly legs? Trying to drink lots to prevent bladder infection?
Missed seeing daughter compete in local pony shows at weekend but grateful to my horsey friends for taking her. There are some wonderful people around.

[WP23]

Good morning everyone,

The ice lollies were advised to be used while tax is going through to help you not to get a sore mouth (ulcers etc) and also to help reduce the lack of taste and yucky taste. I used them and never got a sore mouth and taste loss was minimal - hope this clarifies - wont work for everyone but it did for me 🙂 worth a try!!

Cath - hope everything goes well for you this week, sending you all the luck in the world.

I am off to Windermere for a break before radiotherapy and work next week - eek!!!!!!!

Hope everyone has a good a week as possible, Claire (sugar), hope you are ok after last session, not seen any posts from you so hope this means you are up and about enjoying the weather 🙂

Wendy x:)

[Nikki49]

Hi Pam, don't know what the lollies are all about lol
I sucked on pineapple lollies a day or two later when my mouth was yuck, can't say it did much for me that any other ice lolly would have done.

Nails - yes paint them before chemo, a solid colour was the recommendation of my onc, I went dark navy blue or black. I always wore gloves when outside during daylight hours.

Steroids - I took at no later than 8am and no later than noon - had no problems sleeping.
I always was a good sleeper though apart from when first diagnosed and the onc gave me a couple of sleepers, can't remember the name, they were good, I only had to take a quarter of a tablet and it knocked me out for 10 hours!

[Whitfield]

Hi Niki

I'm starting tax Monday so should I paint my nails and wear gloves? So much to keep on top of what with lollies, wigs, hats and now thinking about nails and steriods!

Pam x

[hbunny]

Thanks for the advice Nikki, that makes me feel better about the nails.  I've kept a dark colour on since day 1 and also found a top coat with a uv protection so was hoping that would help. The sensitivity however isn't as bad today, so hopefully just a short term thing.

Interesting re the steroid tail I will ask on my next appt, but not sure if it's worth the lack of sleep, will what session 2 brings.

Hope everyone has had a good weekend and that side effects are starting to ease.

Love hbunny xx

[JuSt]

Karen, I also felt down but hadn't heard that about the steroids so feel better now I know there may have been another reason for it other than just the usual feelings related to bc. Also, my nails were sensitive earlier on in this 1st tax cycle, particularly thumbs - I had read somewhere about keeping them short so cut them a bit (don't know if this helped?) and thankfully the sensitivity has gone away the last few days so hopefully yours might just be a temporary thing too 🙂 Glad you have felt generally ok on the tax and hope it continues for you.
JuSt
x

[Karen2609]

Cath, hope all goes well with your blood test tomorrow and that your chemo goes ahead as planned Tuesday. Quiz night sounds good fun, I haven't been to one for years. Enjoy eating what you fancy this weekend, might be able to stretch to a cake myself later x

[Karen2609]

Thanks Nikki, it's always good to hear from someone who has been through this and come out the other side! I won't panic too much about my tender fingernails just yet.

I don't want to jinx things but unless things change in next couple of days I seem to have done ok on this Tax. Aside from the horrible mouth and aches I haven't had any bone pain yet. I hated the sickness and nausea which came with Fec. I have felt very down this week but my onc said this is a result of coming off steroids.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend in the sunshine

Karen x