Anyone due to start their chemo July 2014

[WP23]

Hi Hbunny,

Yes i will definitely try and keep posting.

I too have ben wearing new headgear around the house to get used to the feel of it, and for my granddaughter to get used to it also, dont want her to be scared by the new nana in a few weeks!!! i think i look like a pirate!!:)

i have just splashed out on a hd pallet for doing eyebrows, quite impressed with that, the girl at the salon recommended the correct colour and showed me how to use it which was nice. I have never used an eyebrow pencil before.

i am also going to get my nails painted a dark colour before next week, busy busy busy is the name of the game:)

Wendy x

[CathC]

Hi everyone

I had my oncology appointment yesterday and I've been told I'm due to start chemo on 8th July. I'm feeling rather nervous, but reading through this thread and listening to what you amazing ladies have to say, has settled my nerves somewhat. 

I wold love your company on this next stage of my journey. 

Cath

[hbunny]

Morning Wendy, hope you are doing ok and not focussing too much on Monday.  I will be thinking of you, keep in touch the rest of the week as you feel able and let me know how well you are doing, as im sure you will.

I'm not brave enough to go for a totally different wig, I would rather not draw attention to it, so will see what they have and just go for the nearest.  I've also ordered one from the internet so my hairdresser can give them a trim at the same time, shave what I have and I will go out looking gorgeous, before it drops out around me!  I'm hoping to use the nhs one for sporty times if I get any, just hope it doesn't fall off at any inappropriate times and the expensive one for work and going out.  Have a couple of nice scarves etc for around the house and have worn them a couple of times to try and get use to the feeling - I generally look daft in hats etc and avoid them like the plague, so who knows I might find a new style.

Goo luck and love to all involved in the fight next week.  Hbunny

[WP23]

Hi Nicky

I am going out with girls from work on Friday night, sort of last supper before treatment, they are all very supportive and keep me positive and sane!!!

It is also my weekend of babysitting my beautiful granddaughter while her mum is at work, she is 9 months and a constant reminder of why i need to stay around for many years:) she is such a joy.

Mel51 and Rosie14

Thanks so much for popping overe to this thread and sharing your encouraging words and advice on SE's. Hope your treatment continues to go well.

hbunny

hope you get your dates soon, the sooner we strt the sooner we finish!!! Are you getting a wig to match your current style? i thought of going for something completely different but chickened out in the end:)

Horseslave

thanks for starting off the July thread, it is gathering momentum.

lots of love to everybody xx

Wendy

[hbunny]

Hi Nicky, welcome to our growing family of support.  I'm also tripple negative, wle on 23 may, but still no start date for fec-t.  Almost jealous of your quick dates, but I'm sue I will be following a week later and then want more time.

I'm also not sure about whether I want anyone there at all, but hubby wants to feel like hes supporting and I guess he needs to know what to do if side effects hit and hear it from the chemo nurses not just me!. Good luck on 1st, I have appt with wig lady that day and chemo assessment on 2nd so should have dates then.  Let me know how you are doing.

Thanks for the encouragement from the April threads, hope to be doing the same soon. Love to all. Hbunny

[rosie14]

Hi Nicky and Wendy I have popped over from the April thread to hopefully reassure you both! I have my last but one chemo session tomorrow. My husband comes with me as we live in Cyprus and don't have any family here.
The actual administration of the drugs is easy enough and once the cannula is in your vein you are away. It does not hurt whilst going in. It is a good idea to take some snacks and drinks and maybe a puzzle book that you and hubbie can work on together to help pass the time. The nurses will talk to you about possible side effects depending on the drugs you are having. Please remember that not everybody gets all the side effects and those you do get can be controlled by medication. So really there is nothing to fear. Just see it as the start to killing the cancer cells inside you! After 2 sessions I noticed the difference in the size of my tumour which had noticeably shrunk and the oncologist is very pleased!
Do support and share with each other on your monthly thread you will find it a most comforting and encouraging way to get through your treatment. Good luck!

[Mel51]

Hi ladies.
I'm jumping in from the march thread and hope you don't mind me crashing! I just want to offer a few words of reassurance. I too am a control freak and the thought of chemo scared me as I wasn't in control. The reality is that it's been about 50:50 between me and the chemo. I listen to my body in week 1 and then I dictate the rest of the time. The chemo is not as scary as you might think and the chemo nurse sits with you and this is entertaining as they usually keep the conversation going. Mother SEs are manageable, but don't sit and suffer - call the docs and speak to them. You shouldn't be puking your guts up and unable to move your head from the pillow. If this is you, phone the chemo ward and they'll adjust your meds or your dose. Try not to overdo it and rest as much as you need. I used to find this frustrating, but now I just go with it. I also found the hairless upsetting mad have a PICC too. Now I have accepted the PICC and have been using the cold cap with success! My hair has thinned and I have a balding patch on the crown of my head but I go out with it and let others stare if they want (they don't tend to notice really). I try to think that I might raise awareness as I'm only 32. The hair really bothered me at the start, but I try to take it one week at a time and this works for me.
Please don't over worry about the chemo as it is do-able mad not like you see on the TV!! If you have any questions or just want a chat to get stuff off your chest feel free to PM me.
Best of luck xx

[Nicky13]

Horseslave, so glad to find someone who feels the same. I'm 48 with 3 daughters, youngest and only one at home is 17 and the most sensible one in family. She came to hair appointment with me and kept me from crying when I had my shoulder length hair cut short ready for next week. She also came to see oncologist with me yesterday. She is organised sensible and really excited that I will be letting her do my injections at home. However I do remember that she is only 17, is half way through A levels and needs to be out with her friends. I feel so bad that I have caused all this stress in my family's lives.
Nixky

[Nicky13]

Thanks Wendy for the words of encouragement. Good luck on Monday. Have you got some nice things planned for the weekend ?
Nicky x

[Horseslave]

I know exactly what you are saying Nicky. I know my husband will want to be there for the first chemo but he will need entertaining, which is going to be exhausting. I have a friend who talks non stop,who would be a better choice but I wouldn't want to offend him by saying so.
I actually would like my 18 year old son with me most but it might be too much for him, possibly not, he analyses experiences by using science and reason, seems to know more about whats happening to me than I do myself. He is my full time carer until he goes to college in September.
We are both entering the unknown, its so different for everybody, no two experiences are the same. Some people seem to get really ill, some people bounce back and seem to be working full time within a matter of days. My biggest fear is losing control and being sick. Ridiculous, I know.

[WP23]

Hi Nicky13

Sorry you are joining us here.

Hopefully we will get through it together, along with the help of others from the chemo threads.

I too am putting on the brave face but dreading Monday. My husband is coming with me.

Fear of the unknown is horrible, hope we can swap tips as we go along and pray that it will soon be behind us and get back to some normality, even though i seem to have forgotten what that is 😞

Stay in touch.

Wendy x

[Nicky13]

Hi everyone. I have been glued to this site since getting my diagnosis. I had wle and snb on 6th June for a grade 3 triple negative cancer. Today I got my date for starting FEC -T. Next Tuesday 1st July, hence my contribution to this thread. I am so worried about first chemo. I can't decide who to take with me. I have lots of offers from friends, mum, daughters etc as well as husband but I will be so terrified that I don't want to feel I have to put on a brave face for who ever is with me. I am being really positive with everyone but right from the start chemo was my biggest fear even more so than the actual cancer.

[Horseslave]

You are so funny. I am deffo 45, I think?
My friends are coming over for some beers when we shave my hair and bury it under the rose garden we are making. A circular bed of David Austen roses edged by lavender. I know this seems bonkers but I just don't see the point in letting it get to me. This is happening but its not going to be forever? I know you can donate your hair to make kids wigs in so,e instances? Mine is too dyed and a short bob, so not worth it but had it been long like last year, it might of been useful for that purpose. Its just hair, it grows back.

[Lovewine]

I am 52 not 42! Think that was wishful thinking or chemo brain!!

[Lovewine]

Hi ladies, I am due to have 4th chemo on Thursday, on 3 Fec and 3 taxotere, the injections are given to boost white blood cells, I have them on day 5 for 5 days and my husband does them!
Horses lave, I also choose not to use the cold cap for exactly same reasons as you! I was also born ginger with a matching temper, have coloured my hair since I was 18 so not sure what colour it would come back as now( I am 42!). It fell out on day 14 after my first Fec, it was very upsetting when first fell out, but it's amazing what you get used to, I have a very good wig and some pretty cotton beanies I bought from a company called hats4heads.co.uk
All the best to you all.

[Horseslave]

I have to have those injections too. They didn't say why, just asked if my husband could do them? I am underactive thyroid, is that why?

[hbunny]

Hi sheila, i will be having tbe injections too boost the blood count too, as being diabetic the immune system is already comprised.  Im sure you will feel better really soon, good luck for friday i will be thinking about you.  

I have an appt with the wig lady on 1st july, and have also ordered one from the internet, with help from my hairdresser, however its out of stock-typical.  Will be off to get it shaved as soon as i get them, hope he will be covering tbe mirror, and on with the newly trimmed barnet, every confidence it will still look like me.

Enjoy the rest of the day and take it easy.  Love hbunny xx

[needhelp]

Hi hunnybunny yes I had a very low bloodcount that is why I coulnt fight the infection.hopefully the injections I have to do is to boost my bloodcount.have to do them on day 3 after chemo on fri for 5 days.my body just aches all over trying to do bits but it will take time.had my head shaved god I look like my brother lol only he has more hair.will let you know how it goes fri sheila

[Horseslave]

Thankyou Lovewine for that advice. I think people must be more of a problem too, especially other friends children. I can't bear the idea of missing my barney cuddles! I will, however keeps the chickens at an arms length. ( we are on a small holding)
Sodastream, the cold cap advice will be much appreciated on here for everyone about to have to make their own decision about it. Such a personal choice to male and to have information and the facts will instill confidence in the ladies who still need to decide.
I have already chosen not to. But just because I am an obstinate, I don't give a stuff type, doesn't mean I think its not a good choice. For me its the faffing, the cold, I get headaches easily.
My hair grows really quickly normally. Wonder if it might come back ginger. It was when I was born.... That would match my temper then!

[Lovewine]

Horses lave, just jumping in from april thread! I have 3 cats and 2 border collies, I find my animals a massive comfort over the last few months, particularly when hubby is at work, they certainly pick up on you not being well and are very gentle- my dogs don't even pull on their leads anymore!! I still really fuss them all , they sit next to me etc , as long as you are sensible with hand washing and be careful with picking up the mess , I find the benefits your animals give to you really helps your moods, but everyone is different- it works for me, but not necessarily everyone else!! Personally through my chemo I have found other human beings to be more of a threat to my health with all the coughing and spluttering and have avoided shopping centres and busy places throughout!! Good luck.

[Sodastream]

Hi Ladies. I've popped in from the April forum just to give you my experience of the cold cap. I've had two sessions of FEC, my third is on Friday and I can report that I still have a full head of hair. I wasn't sure whether to go for the cold cap and hadn't heard many success stories when I did my research but decided to give it a try. Before I began I asked my hairdresser to come round and to sort my hair out. Firstly I had been having blonde highlights for years and as you can't dye your hair during chemo and ideally for six months after I had to tether to dye it back to my natural colour of brown. She has several friends that have had the cold cap and advised against going too short so instead I had it cut into a short bob. Since chemo I have washed (using whatever shampoo is on offer), brushed and blow dryed my hair every day. On day 20 of the first cycle it started to come out but just a small handful each time. I have lost most of it from the nape of my neck but my bob haircut covers this up and you can't tell unless I was to wear it in a ponytail.
The cold cap adds 2 hours to my chemo session but it has been worth it to me. On the first session I found it unbearable for 10 minutes but after this your head goes numb and you can't feel anything. On my second session I didn't find it uncomfortable in the slightest.
To me the cold cap has been amazing as like I said I still have a full head of hair with no bald patches. It means when I get up in the morning and look in the mirror I'm not reminded of cancer in the reflection I see.

[Horseslave]

Hes called Barney, hes 3/4 daschund, 1/4 jackrussel. Hes adorable but has selective hearing. 6 months old and needs his wotsits off as he keeps trying to bonk the cat.
Never a dull moment. Enjoy your Sunday! Xx

[hbunny]

Hi horsesleave, i know you are probably right giving up the vino for a while wouldnt do any harm, will make a few bottles to mature though which it doesnt often have time to do.

Hope your feeling less sore now, and might have time for painting tomorrow, at least you know when to take it easy and listen to your body, something i need to get better at.  

Enjoy the fajitas and give your puppy a cuddle for me, i lost my minni schnauzer a couple of years ago and still miss him like crazy, whats his name and breed?

Have a relaxing day tomorrow. Love hbunny. Xx

[Horseslave]

Hbunny, sorry you are having to work around your chemo. I am relieved my work are being ok, so far so good. Didnt get any painting done, when I finally had time, I felt really sore ( ANC still painful) and decided to pop some tramadol and crash out with puppy to cuddle.
Sorry to hear you have been so ill needhelp, they are wonderful in hospital though, my nurses have been fabulous so far.
Making a late night tea, fajita thingys.
Was thinking about the whole alcohol thing. I think it would nt do any harm to stop for a while. I haven't touched a drop for two months now, lost loads of weight in consequence! I wonder if your body just needs to be as healthy as possible whilst coping with the chemo? Thats my theory. Goodness, far too serious for me.

[hbunny]

Oh sheila, im so sorry to hear your news, makes you realise how quickly something which wouldn't normally be a problem can cause havoc so quickly.  How are you feeling now?  Was it a low blood count which created an infection or just bad luck?  However great news about the gremlin you are really kicking its butt, i know its tough but keep going, its got to be worth it to see results like that.

Hopefully your next session will be easier and you have a bit of a break beforehand.  Witabix don't sound so much fun though, hope that gets better real soon.  Will be joining you soon.  Stay strong, it cant get any worse! Sending love and hugs. Hbunny xx

[needhelp]

Hi hunnybunny as you have noticed not been on for s while.have just got.out of.hosp was in 8 days.got to day 10 was doing great then wham got a chill but left it till nxt day big mistake.i never felt so ill.i shud have rang them straight away.so my oncologist my bloods ok now but she put my nxt chemo bk 1 wk need the rest.god they really took care of me.and my best news is lump under my arm has gone doc.was amazed. The worst thing for me is the sore mouth cant eat been living on weetabix.had my head shaved wat a sight but have my wig.you take care now sheila

[hbunny]

Hey wendy. I know it sucks sometimes, but then i think i might be better trying to keep life as normal as i can and work is a great distraction.  Will just take it one week at a time, however it would help to be able to plan a bit better with dates!

I hope i will be able to at least pick my day as im thinking either thursday or friday might give me my two worst days over the weekend and maybe an extra annual leave day as and when needed.

Looks like my timescales are fairly typical then, as you say not really good enough, but everything is always in someone elses hands,. Probably one of the hardest things for me has been the loss of control and having to trust others judgement.  

Im having a relax in the garden right now with a home made lolly - not bad at all, enjoy when you can i say.  Hope your day is a good one too Wendy.  Xx hbunny 

[hbunny]

Hey horsesleave.  Coldcaps, will ask on my assessment day on 2nd july, but i dont think they are an option at Shrewsbury, but i could be wrong. I like the idea of burying the hair somewhere special, i might steal that idea myself, though i might get worried if things i plant dont do really well, maybe under the patio might be better?  Hows the painting going, something scerene or is it all red and black?  Im stuffing on lollies i made earlier, just giving them a trial run - have to say not bad at all. Have a good weekend. Love hbunny xx

[WP23]

HI hbunny

Rubbish about your sick pay:( that is so hard.

Not sure about having wine while on chemo, a question that must be asked me thinks!!

The waiting is just bad, i seen oncolgist 9 weeks and 3 days after ofp, will be 11 weeks from op to start of chemo!!!! i dont htink it is good enough really, but what can you do.

Hope you are haveing a good weekend

Wendy xx

[WP23]

oh horseslave you make me laugh. Whatever you want to do with your hair will be fine im sure, i hadnt thought about it. I am not going with cold cap, dont like the thoughgt of it!! My hairdresser is sorting a wig that is a perfect match to my own hair, colour and everything:) i have also ordered some sleep caps and scalves.

Been shopping today for digital thermometer, crystalized ginger, coconut oil, vitamin e stuff for nails, i will try anything and evertyhing recommended 🙂

Wendy xx

[Horseslave]

Great to hear about you!
What have we decided about cold caps? Any thoughts? I hate the cold and hear it means you are in there longer?
I have decided to have a service for my hair when we shave it off and bury it under a new rose and lavender garden.hands up who thinks I am wierd now then?! My kids roll their eyes.

[hbunny]

Hi horsesleave and wendy. Great idea talking about other things, im 46 and an office manager for a private fostering agency, my work team have been great and really supportive, but as its independent so i only get 1 week company sick pay which i have already had for the op and then down to ssp, so am going to have to work throughout, maybe with a bit from home, really hoping he side effects dont hit too hard.  

Im married to a lovely guy, but no children and spend a lot of time supporting my 86 year old dad. Also enjoy time at the gym, been swimming this am, yoga, spin and body combat classes - great to get rid of aggression!

Hoping to start fec-t x 6 cycles 2nd week of july (7 weeks after op!!) But still no dates. Oh the waiting.

Hope you get stuck in to some painting, will probably be very thetapeutic and hold on to your sense of humour.

Wendy, im rather partial to a good glass of wine too, in fact started brewing our own, do you know if the odd glass is ok on chemo?

Love to all. Hbunny. Xx

[WP23]

Hi Horseslave

Glad you have your dates, I am not having picc line, hospital didn't even mention it, will be going in back of hand each time, I am only having 4 sessions though so that maybe why, don't know why I am only having 4, everyone else seems to be having 6.
So glad to talk about something else too.
I am 46 with 4 children, 28,24,19,18. I also have 3 beautiful grandchildren aged 8,3,8months. I enjoy walking and am a keen rugby league supporter (leeds rhinos are my guys!!)
I work (or did until April when this started) full time as a principal auditor in local government. Work have been good but will come to the end of 6 months full pay in October. My chemo should finish beginning of September, then radiotherapy and Herceptin for 1 year.
Me and hubby also enjoy gardening and getting away on holiday, oh yes and drinking a good wine 🙂
Hope you enjoy your painting 🙂

Keep in touch

Wendy x

[Horseslave]

Annabandanna. Keep those ideas coming please! I am looking for a chicken themed headscarf. Wierdo, I know! I might get one like the queen too, for when I see to the horses and a bright pink wig for when I really want to poke my tongue out at the world!
Got the phone call today, picc line goes in left arm at cambridge hospital on 2nd July and my chemo starts on 10th July. Looking at the calender, 18 weeks from this is mid November estimated completion of treatment.goodness.
My work continue to be supportive and kind. It will extend time off well beyond 6 months but they haven't mentioned anything about reduction in wages etc. I work in a private school, have for many years. I am 45, I think. Had to ponder that for a minute or two, oh dear.
I am hoping to try to do some art tomorrow, I paint. I haven't been able to for two months, whilst these operations have taken place but determined to try at least.
I am being nosy but what does everybody else do? What are your hobbies and interests. I know this has no connection to chemo and the journey we are going through but I don't want us to lose ourselves in this illness, allow it to define who we are - a bit like one of these baby obsessed mothers, we have all known one! who talks about nothing but her cracked nipples and little Johnnies bowel movements. Not that its a good comparison. I will shut up now.....!

[hbunny]

Hi horsesleave

Looks like we are in for a similar ride, l hate rollercoasters! I have the same 6 cycles of FEC-T, but also not sure of start date, probably 3 weeks, so hope to keep in touch with how you are doing.

On another note anyone know how well the chemo is working and how this is monitored? Or isit just a matter of fingers crrossed and never really know for sure?

Good luck ladies, keep strong and keep i  touch.  Hbunny. Xx

[hbunny]

Hi  wendy, nice to make your aquaintence, sorry about the circumstances but Im sure we will come out the other side with a better outlook on life.  Im sure we will be sharing a lot of good and bad days over the coming weeks.

Take care. Hbunny

[WP23]

Hi Hbunny

I am 46 too!!! it is so agonising waiting for everything isn't it?

I have the lolly holders and just ordered some headgear from annabandanna, must have a look at the June thread for tips on how to get through it.

Will remember the ginger too as I am a sicky person to start with!!!! oh dear.

Take care

Wendy xx

[WP23]

Hi Jayne

Yes I am so glad I have plan at last, it took 9 weeks and 3 days from operation day!!!!!!
I will be having chemo at my local hospital so only 3-4 miles which is great.

Glad your first session wasn't too bad, lets hope for the same on the 2nd July 🙂

Hope the sun is shining on everyone today 🙂

Wendy

[hbunny]

Hi ladies, just had my first oncology appt yesterday as well. I have triple neg grade 3 ductal (46 years) and 6 cycles of FEC-T, oh joy! I have an appt for the chemo assessment on 2 july so probably wont start until another week after that, the waiting is starting to get to me again just want to get on with it NOW, i was hoping to be done for Xmas, something to aim for, but its now unlikely and heading for Jan finish.

Ive been following the june thread for a while, as lots of helpfull ideas are being posted, already got myself a new thermometer, lolly holders, christaline ginger and ginger beer stocked.

Good luck to you all facing this, we will get through it together although you may be a couple of weeks ahead by the time i get there, (anyone would think i was looking forward to it!). Keep in touch and take care of you.  Hbunny. Xx

[Jbf57]

Hi Wendy
Glad you've been told your treatment plan, you'll feel better now you know what's coming up. I had my first session (Fec-t x 6) on 11 June at Lancaster, and apart from the usual nausea etc, didn't find it so bad. It's nice to be in a small room, and I'm sure you'll be looked after well by the nursing team. I'll be thinking of you on the 30th, I have my 2nd session on the 2nd July so we'll be quite close together. I can't remember if you said you would be treated quite close to home, I do hope that's the case so very little travelling is involved for you. Anyway, take care, have a good weekend.
Janex

[rosie14]

Horseslave you can stroke your animals but always wash your hands after. I have a dog and I don't fuss her as much as I normally would but when I do I wash my hands immediately and also use antibacterial hand wash as a double precaution.

[WP23]

I have just been to look around department where I will be having chemo, was very small but nice little private rooms with comfy chairs etc. They have given me a voucher for a wig, now I know it is real!!!!!

I am having 4 sessions over 12 weeks so think I have got off lightly on that one.

As you say it is just another hurdle to jump in the getting well process, just hope that we don't get ALL of the side effects listed!!!!!

Shame about the animals but it will be worth the separation if it means you stay well x

[Horseslave]

Yes, let me read the sheet....FEC-T it says. So fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophospamide, docetaxel.
6 sessions over 18 weeks. They are putting a picc line in my arm as my veins are problematic in the left arm. No idea whatsoever as to when it starts. Decided against wigs, hats and scarves only. Its not permanent, just another horrible thing to go through to make us all well at the end of it.
Not looking forward to having to keep away from our animals, we live on a smallholding, the dogs will find it difficult not being able to snuggle up to me. Least of my worries, I know....

[WP23]

Hi Horseslave

Do you know what chemo you are having?
I have seen that many ladies have the taxotere that I am having but not the cyclophosphamide, just wondered if any one else has had it!!?

[WP23]

Thanks Rosie 14

It really helps when there are other ladies to talk to that are going through this at the same time x

[rosie14]

Hi Horseslave and WP23. You have both made a wise choice to start a July thread there are ladies starting on their journey every week. I started my chemo at the end of March but joined the April thread as most of the march ladies were about to have their second round! Most people have surgery first but some of us have chemo first! We all have different experiences and side effects. You should remember that side effect are not live long and some pass within days. Most of us are feeling more normal by week 2. I think the big thing we all struggle with is the tiredness and inability to sleep. But its only temporary. Good luck to both of you and keep posting on your board by the middle of July you will have gathered many members!

[WP23]

Hi

I have just had appointment with oncologist this afternoon.

I will be having first chemo on 30th June, taxotere and cyclophosphamide. Followed by radiotherapy x 15 and herceptin or 1 year.

Feeeling a little daunted by it all, it has been such a long wait to get to this point i just want to get on with it, i had SNB & WLE on 14th April, grade 3 HER2 + ER -, no lymph node involvement but lympho vascular invasion.

Hope we can get through thiss together x

[Horseslave]

Hi. I have already had mastectomy on one side with expander implant and ANC. Grade 2b invasive ductal carcinoma, lymph node involvement. Starting in July, I will begin my chemotherapy. Finding the prospect quite daunting, entering the unknown yet again.
What situation is everyone else in starting chemo at this time?