Anyone starting Chemo in December 2018?

[angelblue]

Hi marykamille

How are you doing now? I hope you're out of pain and feeling better xx

[angelblue]

Hi all

Well I'm a week on from first FEC. Been ok but very tired due to chemo combined with world's heaviest period starting on Saturday...just what I needed!! Only other issue has been constipation. I was eating healthily, drinking plenty of water and taking dulcolax and senna but nothing was moving! I got prescription from GP for Laxido and that sorted it.   I see there are a few ladies yet to start and if you're having FEC I'd say get a prescription for laxative beforehand if you can. You've then got it there ready just in case.

KC72 - I was the same as you. I'd started Tamoxifen and then found out about chemo. Its hard to readjust after you think you've got off fairly lightly! 

Delph - you're not self pitying at all. I think we all have a sense of 'why me?' I'm 52 and didn't have children. I had fertility tests in my 30's and had 'unexplained infertility' as in everything was functioning but nothing happening! I decided against fertility treatment at the time. My breast cancer consultant told me that not having children, along with periods thats start young and finish late, can be a risk factor. So I was left thinking 'great - I couldn't have kids and as an unexpected bonus of that I now have breast cancer...lucky me!!' There is a sense of unfairness about all of this but its good that we have this forum to share.

Catlady37 - this is a great place for moral support. I'm generally not into social media but I've found strength in this forum, as its only other women going through the same thing who truly know how you feel.  Good luck for 21st.

Nellie McNelly - I think the build up is the worst. Once you know its happening and get round to accepting it you just want it over with. The actual process of having the chemo really wasn't bad at all for me ....and I'm completely cannula phobic! Good luck for Friday

Rapunzel - good luck for 21st and I hope you're feeling better by then

Good luck to all starting this week and next.  And to all those who have already started I hope you're bearing up. We'll get through this! xxx

[Wahini]

Hi Nellie, they prepare you for the worst it doesn't have to be like that. It is good to get things started and hopefully by Christmas and New Year you are well enough. Take care.

[Nellie McNelly]

Hi all - first time posting on here.  I am starting chemo on Thursday.  All feels a bit surreal.  I am just between hospital appointments today - have been for my pre-chemo chat (which was pretty worrying) this morning and am having a port inserted this afternoon.  I swing wildly between utter panic and a sort of practical acceptance of my situation where I just want to get on with the treatment.

[Wahini]

Thanks for the hugs, I start feeling better now so there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

[Catlady37]

Hi Shi
Thankyou for your message,support and kind words ♥️ mai7s blog was helpful too x

[Catlady37]

Hi Delph
I wanted to say goodluck for tomorrow as I'm sure your really anxious and I will be thinking of you.
Just keep remembering this is going to make you better be strong and I will be with you along the way
I have been told I will need 6 months on 3 weekly cycles of aggressive treatment as much as I'm nervous I do want to get started on the road to recovery x

[Delph]

Thank you, Rapunzel

Your message makes me feel a lot better.

Yes, the husbandcare can be a lot more time-consuming than the kids 😉

I hope you UTI clears up. I am gonna go in tomorrow ready to fight the beast 😄

xx Delph

[kc72]

Hello. I started 4EC & 4PAC last week. So far been lucky - no nausea or side effects. Getting port before next due to tricky veins.

I was diagnosed Aug. 1 sentinel lymph involved. Sep op was anc, smx and immed recon with TUG flap. Did start Tamoxifen as pre-menopausal but that’s on hold. Wasn’t expecting chemo but risk of recurrence score changed that but happy to be throwing everything at it to kill any nasties.

Wanted to thank everyone for sharing your personal experiences. Happy to share some of mine too as if it helps just one person I’ll feel I’ve made a difference. Many posts on this forum have already helped me so much with tips and advice - really takes away some of the mystery/fear out of treatment.

Sending you all lots of support for chemo.

[Wahini]

I am on day 6 of my first FEC cycle and yesterday the side effects really started kicking in, I have been so sick owowow.It may be that it was because I had run out of anti sickness tablets, probably, I got other ones today but they are not as effective. I cannot get out of bed I am so tired. I hope the team can make adjustments for the next cycle.

[Rapunzel2018]

Hello Delph,

I think it's perfectly normal to feel scared/concerned or worry in this situation - I do all that, too, and I don't have a family to look after (just a husband ;-), like you.

Sometimes it helps me to remind myself that I'm not alone in this situation, that there are people who support and help me - not only family and friends but also (many) strangers.

Have you told your children what's going on? I have a friend who just went through chemo, and she told her toddler as much as possible/sensible about her illness, and the child has been fantastic.

Also, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Think of yourself as well as of the others.

Sending you lots of good energy and warm wishes,

xxx

Rapunzel

[Delph]

Hi Catlady,

I am new too and looking for the same - support and tips and perhaps a place to vent where people will "understand" 🙂

(I start chemo tomorrow btw)

How long have you got chemo planned for?

Sending lots of good vibes x

Delph

[Delph]

Hello all,

I am starting FEC (3 then possible 3 T or 3 more FEC) tomorrow. I will get a PICC line in first. 

Very anxious is an understatement about how I am feeling. I am also very worried about being able to be "normal" for my two children and looking after them over Christmas. They're 5 and 10.

The line, the G-CSF injections, the whole list of possible side-effects - I have known all that for a while but it seems to have only hit home today (I was working until Friday now on holiday, too much time on my hand to think is what it is!) and I have done very little but cry all day.

Sorry, this is just such a self-pitying message! There are up days but today is very down.

[Rapunzel2018]

Hello everyone,

Glad to read most of you are doing quite well! I've got my first chemo scheduled for 21st December. Am a little worried at the moment whether I'll be able to start because I've got a lingering cold and on top of that (since yesterday) a UTI. Now I'm drinking lots, resting, keeping warm, taking Ibuprofen, and hoping for the best. I have a feeling my body is telling me it would quite like a break from it all - oh well. I'm sure you know the feeling.

Wishing you all no (or at the very least very bearable) SEs and lots of good things to do pre-Christmas!

xxx

Rapunzel

[Daffydilly]

Minimal SE so far. No sickness, just burping for England!!  Few odd things creeping in since starting injections - itchy palms, very dry mouth & sore at back of neck/hairline. Have physio this morning on scar which seems to have got very tight since Friday. Hate the thought of hair loss which is silly as minor in the scheme of things.xx

[Drummerswidow]

I have something similar but have them day 5 for 5 days. Had back and hip pains 😟😟

[Shi]

Hi cat lady 😘😘sorry you find yourself on this journey but very glad you’ve found the forum, hope it gives you ❤️❤️❤️💪💪💪💪👭👭👭💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺🕺🕺😁😁😁😁along the way, the love and support from every beautiful amazing lady on here will give you the 💪💪💪and courage to 🥊🥊🥊🥊it into oblivion. Mai7’s blog would be helpful to you (see earlier on this thread) we are here for you darling 😘😘💕💕✨✨✨Shi xx

[Catlady37]

Hi ladies I just wanted to say hello, I'm a newbie to all this... I started a thread and a very lovely lady pointed me in the right direction to here 

I'm starting chemo on Friday 21st for tnbc i thought I would try a forum for some moral support and tips 

[maryKamille]

Many thanks, Mai7 that worked a treat. I found it inspiring and encouraging, too, which is what I most need at the moment.

[Mai7]

MaryKamille, if you copy and paste it into your browser it should work.  Links don't always work from this forum.   x

[Wahini]

I am not looking up side effects, I just go with the flow. So far my main discomfort is constipation and I have no appetite. And I feel listless.

[Daffydilly]

Hi Drummerswiddow,

Injections are G-CSF to promote growth of white blood cells and lesson risk of infection. Have to have one a day for 7 days. Panicked a bit yesterday when I read all the side effects(think I need to stop looking!) but was painless and so far don’t feel any worse. Can also cause hair losss so not sure whether cold cap worth continuing with or not.xx

[maryKamille]

Hi Mai7 Couldn't open your link! Yes, Christmas has gone a bit off the scene for me this year! Still some time left though.

[Drummerswidow]

Well I’ve gone right off my Oncologist as of yesterday morning. I got told that I really needed to do something about my weight as my outcome would be greatly reduced due to my obesity. Her words not mine. I went on my own ..... note to self NOT to do that again. At the time I just sat there like a numpty while she looked for some exercise/gym thing to refer me to. When I got home and went over the appointment in my head I got really upset. In fact I think I cried all afternoon and evening. Yes I have a weight problem but have other health issues as well so have not even been able to walk my dogs for the last couple of years. Talk about kick you when you’re down! 

I feel that I have brought the cancer on myself because I am overweight and what’s the point of having all this treatment if it’s not going to help. VERY, VERY fed up. Needless to say, she does a good impression of a stick insect! 

[Drummerswidow]

Daffydilly what injections are you doing? I decided not to have the cold cap as I heard such mixed reports xx

[Daffydilly]

Hi Wahini,

They did but couldn’t guarantee time & it meant hanging around waiting. Also said better to do at bedtime so hopefully can sleep through some of the expected joint pain. I f it’s too hard I’ll shout for help tomorrow.

[Wahini]

Hi Daffydilly. Did they not offer you a community nurse for the daily injections? I said yes please, I am afraid I would not be doing it right, like not go deep enough.

[Daffydilly]

Hi all,

Had left mxt and full node clearance 12thOct, no reconstruction as wanted shorter op. PIIC line fitted & first chemo was 12th Dec. So far not too bad but burping rather frequently!!

Not looking forward to injecting myself tonight but guess will have to get used to it for next week. 

Had cold cap this time as didn’t want to lose hair before Christmas but so uncomfortable not sure what to do next time. Made it hard to wear glasses so hard to find distractions. 

Next session a day late on 4th Jan because of holidays.

Due to have 3xfec & 3xT but will take it a step at a time - if side effects get too bad may duck out early.

Wishing you all the best Christmas possible.🤞🤞🤞

[Wahini]

Hi I started 12th December with first of six cycles, beginning with 3 FEC. I am waiting for the side effects to kick in. Up to now nothing worse than a mild hangover but the nurse told me I could get more tired as the steroids wear off over the weekend. Hopefully I will be alright for Christmas.

[Mai7]

Hi ladies, I hope you are doing well.  Here is my blog with suggestions for coping with side effects; there are lots of tips which I collected during my chemo last year. http://lifeafterlola.com/  I hope you are all managing to prepare for Christmas.  Last year I spent Christmas in and out of hospital for radiotherapy and I did all of my Christmas shopping on Amazon!  I am enjoying going in the shops this year; it a real novelty which I previously took so much for granted!  xxx 

[maryKamille]

You take care, too, everyone telling me not to overdo things and guess that goes for all of us. Liver is not causing me the problems - it's enlarged spleen they think now. Shouldn't have pain they say anyway with Chemo. Got strong painkillers now. You just have to keep trying other things as and when they crop up, I guess.
Best wishes to all whatever you are going through or waitng to go through .....

[Drummerswidow]

Hi All. I’m off to see the Oncologist this morning. I’m having a PICC line put in on Monday as my veins won’t manage all 8 cycles. As they can only use my right arm it seems sensible.

Has anyone suffered with the injections to boost white cells. I have had lower back and hip pains. Couldn’t stand for long either. Maybe it’s because I’ve had hip replacements! Lol 

[angelblue]

Hi maryKamille

So sorry to hear you had problems.Hopefully they can be more prepared for that for your next session. I hope you are feeling better now. Well done for going for a walk and doing some ironing. I think its good to get on with some normal things when we can. I had a quiet day today other than a couple of short walks. All being well I'm hoping to do a few bits around the house ...and get out for a longer walk tomorrow

Take care xx

[maryKamille]

Hi Drummerswidow and anyone else I have not made a personal reply to - I get a bit repetitive otherwise! I read ALL your posts though.
I am on FEC 6 sessions - 3 weekly. I had pain that evening and rang emergency oncology nurse and saw my GP the next morning. Sorted now for the time being anyway. No nausea or sickness. Why the PICC line?

[maryKamille]

Hi angelblue, so glad you ditched the cold cap if it stressed you further after that horrific long wait! I've been warned that NY Day for my next will be much busier and best to bring some lunch! (As if I will want to eat anything). Had a few problems that night of first Chemo and rang the emergency oncology nurse, saw my GP the next morning and am a bit more sorted now. Actually did some ironing today and went for a long, slow walk by the sea. So I must be OK really. I have liver problems and the first day of that session gave me a lot of pain on my left side in that area.

[maryKamille]

Wow, Shi! You're so good with all those emoticons - if I manage a couple I think I am doing well! So good to see all the posts here.

[Jennie1966]

First cycle of TCH today (×6). Is anyone else undergoing TCH?

[angelblue]

Hi all

Started my Fec yesterday. As always with me it wasn't straight forward! The drugs hadn't been orderd from pharmacy and then pharmacy had to send for them. So from having an appointment at 1.15 I finally had chemo at 4.15. It wasn't nice waiting around for that long. But it went well when it started and at least I'm one down down! I tried cold cap but because I was already quite distressed from cannula (the cannulla  went fine ..I'm just such a wimp!) I took it off after 10 minutes.. so hoping my wig from MacMillan is ready soon! feeling sad though now that losing hair is a reality.

So far so good though after chemo - taking my meds and no sickness or nausea.  I hope you're doing well marykamille. My next chemo is new years eve like you as apparently I should be in the monday group but they couldnt fit me in this time round.

Hi Pastasmissus - I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet from a previous illness. Thats why they put me on FEC. Also, although I didn't sleep great last night I haven't had any problems with the steroids. I had one lot at hospital yesterday and then I'm on them for 3 days. I drank loads of water from day before chemo - about 2.5 - 3 litres and I'm continuing to do so. I'm thinking thats helped with how well chemo went and how well I've been feeling up until now...fingers crossed!

xx 

[pastasmissus]

Saw oncologist today and start FEC 20 December. Not sure yet whether will go for 3 FEC then 3 FEC-T or just FEC. Worried about peripheral neuropathy (losing feeling in fingers) with Taxotere and also psychosis due to more steroids (on lots of meds for depression anyway).

Spent the last hour organising wig, haircut, bloods pre-chemo. Fortunately have already had dental stuff sorted. Will have to wait and see if I am up to going out for Xmas lunch as planned.

[Drummerswidow]

Hi MaryKamille. Glad your chemo was okay today. What are you having? I was okay until Friday afternoon when I felt as if I’d been hit by a train. Rested up Saturday and felt okay yesterday. Having a PICC line in on the 17th December.

[Drummerswidow]

Well at least I won’t be queuing to pick up the turkey! 

[angelblue]

ps I think there will be a few of us doing festive chemo... drummerswidow on Christmas Eve, marykamille on New Years Eve and mine should fall on New Years day..although I don't know yet if chemo suite will be open then! The positive I'm taking from it is that for future christmas holidays we can look back and think how far we've come!

xxx

[Shi]

Right girls we’ve got the tank warmed up and you are all safely inside and we are family playing on the jukebox 👭👭👭👭keep 💪💪💪💪and 😁😁😁and 💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻Through this 🤪🤪🤪journey 💕💕💕✨✨✨Shi xx

[angelblue]

Hi all

Wow marykamille! I'm amazed to hear from you today! You're giving me hope for tomorrow as I'm so scared! I'm pleased it went well for you. I hope you continue to feel ok. xx

Rapunzel2018 - don't feel bad... it is good to find that others feel as scared of chemo as you do... its such a lonely experience and it helps to find others in the same situation who are feeling the same as you.  Its bad enough being told you need chemo but when you're told you won't need it and then find out later you do its hard to adjust again. I'm on 6 FEC as well starting tomorrow. I have to say that right now I'm petrified! But reading marykamille's comments after she had her first chemo today is making me feel stronger.  I was going to try eating less today. Its my birthday and I cancelled my birthday meal  but by this evening I was feeling miserable and hungry and we ended up having fish and chips....hope I don't regret it tomorrow! xx

[maryKamille]

Had my 1st today, Jennie and it was all fine. I have no problems today. Of course, tomorrow is another day! Good luck and everyone is different so just go with the flow. XX

[maryKamille]

If it doesn't work out re the hair, angelblue, you could get accessories - a hat with a fringe you can apply to it, so I've heard. Other bits and pieces. I had 1st Chemo today and without cap it only took about 1 1/2 hours. Agree, cannula and possible side effects later are more than enough.
I have a very pretty wig now and although it is still in its box, I am well prepared for the wearing of it. XX

[maryKamille]

Hi reddi that's impressive. Many thanks. Had my 1st Chemo today and did cut my fingernails very short. I must do toenails now! I will moisturize well.

[maryKamille]

Hi Drummerswidow

Had my 1st Chemo today and am OK so far. Tomorrow is another day! I have a 2nd one on New Year's Eve! They have to include these days in order to get through the numbers of patients, apparently. Very good luck to you.

[Rapunzel2018]

Hello everyone,

This may sound awful but I find it so helpful to read that other people are just as scared of starting chemo as I am.

I'am another example of someone who was first told they wouldn't need chemo (only rads, no mention of hormone therapy), then was told I would need everything (plus re-excision after lumpectomy), then again told that chemo was probably not advisable (only rads and ht), then was offered to do an Oncotype test, and after the result came back (25=higher end of the intermediate spectrum), I am now waiting to hear when chemo starts (my oncologist said: before Christmas, oh joy).

I also did fertility preservation/emergency IVF while waiting for the Oncotype results, and am just dealing with what will hopefully be the last side effects of that.

In these past months, ever since the BC diagnosis, I've learnt that often going through treatment in the end is not as bad as I thought it would be before it started. I absolutely keep fingers and toes crossed it will be the same with chemo. I'm down for up to 6xFEC (although I still have doubts about F), and I'm planning to try fasting or at least eating less and vegan before and shortly after each chemo session.

So glad to have found this group - and all the best to everyone here who spends their 2018 Christmas season in a slightly different fashion from other years.

xxx

Rapunzel

[Drummerswidow]

I started my chemo on 3rd December. Having EC for 4 cycles then PAC for 4 cycles. Next one is on Xmas Eve!