Anyone starting Chemo in December 2018?

[Stuck at 14]

Just adding that I hope I dont sound awful talking about our ages- I just meant I had one of those 'why me, I'm too young, it's not fair'moments but I know that they are stupid and rationless. Hope that makes sense. 

[Stuck at 14]

Can I second that sunny daze. I've been off for a while and mainly look on Jan thread  ut catching up here has made me feel good. I had a bad week leading up to a picc line (that didn't happen, veins too small), biopsy results ,(fat necrosis) and first T on Friday, also dealing with brca2 diagnosis and all the family issues that brings up. I got so sad in my chemo chair because I'm 35 and everyone around me seemed to be in their 70s , but reading this has reminded me that if we're  20, 30, 40, 50  60, 70 or 80 we are all going through the same because we're all women, daughters sisters wives mums etc. So far t is being kinder to me that ec not I know that could change.

I have a silvery fluff that hasn't ever really gone, I'll be glad if it keeps growing and I dont lose anymore, apparently that's quite common on t. 

I'm on the look good feel better course next week- thought I was a pro at eyebrows but when they are vanishing it gets a lot trickier. 

All the best to all of you 😘

[Sunnydaze]

Looking gorgeous Dikat! Good for you for being brave enough to post a photo. Love your shirt too by the way. 😊 I’m feeling a bit rough tonight, due to chemo5 se’s, but I  just wanted to say thank you to all of you lovely ladies who make the effort to contribute to these  threads. It’s easy to sit and read, but it takes guts to put it out there . We wouldn’t have a community if no-one at all shared. It’s great that so many of us do. I know for a fact these supportive threads have helped me through this hellish journey. I have also learned so much,  a real goldmine of information at times. Reading these threads makes me realise I am not alone.👍 Thank you to each and everyone of you😘😘😘😘 Sunnydaze xxx

[DiKat]

Thanks Marlyn 😘

Yes would definitely recommend the Benefit KA brows. It comes in a little pot, bit like creamy eyeshadow with a little firm angled brush. I’ve never done my brows before and not particularly good at that kind of stuff but this is what I’ve found easiest so far. Hope you start to have some better days soon. You’re doing great xx

[Marlyn]

Dikat 

i think you look amazing! Loving your brows, never heard of ka brow....is it easy to use? X

[Kitkat18]

Actually I usually put the face on early but the hair is usually sat beside me so I can whip it on quick, I am usually bald during the day with caps if it’s cold and before the family returns. It’s bad enough I have to see it without inflicting it on everyone else....

[Kitkat18]

Bless them (firmly!) - mine is keeping his mouth very shut in case he says the wrong thing😂. I had been aiding my brows for the last couple of years anyway so ok with them, but it’s the lashes I really miss as my eyes look much smaller esp behind specs even with liner and they water more. I usually put face and hair on first thing but the workman who knocked early this morning to say he would start a job on Monday caught me out and was actually rendered speechless as he wondered where the made up blonde had gone. I’ll get her to greet him on Monday😂😂xx

[DiKat]

😂😂 The naked mole rat look made me chuckle Kitkat18. I think I’ve coped better than I thought with the loss of my head hair but when the eyelashes and brows go, it’s harder to deal with! I’ve put a bit of makeup on today but my skin colour is awful normally and I look knackered all the time! Hubby came out with a good one this morning. He said wipe your face on the side you’ve got something on it. I wiped said spot, he said no that’s not got it and inspected further and said oh, it’s a crease! Cheers love 😂 Can honestly say, I’ve earnt every one!

[Kitkat18]

Still looking good! My hair is the much the same but rather more salt than pepper. Lashes and brows have been gone for the last month, so hoping for a reappearance soon cos I really don’t like the naked mole rat look😬x

[DiKat]

11 days after 5th chemo and a salt & pepper fuzz on top. Eyebrows are quite thin now so used benefit Ka brow. Eyelashes very thin too but can’t wear mascara on what’s left because my eyes feel gritty and sore a lot of the time. Don’t really recognise this person

[Shi]

Hi drummerswiddow 👭👭as dikat says this journey really does sort out the rock solid friends from the flim flam ones and also bring new friends into you life, we’ve all had some friends get a captain Scot beam me up Scottie toy and chuff off till we are through treatment and then pick up the friendship when your through treatment it’s just the way some people are. Your dogs are delightful and their love for you is true ❤️❤️Keep 💪💪💪this Chemo bit isn’t much longer and you’ll be surprised once this hits over how quick your body does recover 😘💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[DiKat]

Hi Drummerswidow

Fingers crossed that your se’s will be better with wkly treatment. Sorry to hear you will be alone over Easter, it can’t be easy doing this by yourself so good on you for having such strength. You really get to see the true colours of people in a situation like this. The ones that are there for you are not always who you think. I’ve never had a dog but can understand why people do. You can count on their loyalty. Take care xx

[Drummerswidow]

Fluffysunshinepants.  Have you tried Manuka honey. You need high number and it’s not cheap but it may help. 

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@Fluffysunshinepants wrote:

Hi, yes to difflam no to the gel. I'd feel fine if it wasn't for my mouth and sore throat. 

Three more T and carboplatin to go, surgery scheduled for June. Still taking the Clexane nothing more mentioned about the tachycardia once they knew about the PE x

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[Drummerswidow]

Hi All.

After seeing Medical Oncologist yesterday my Paclitaxel is now to be weekly over the next four weeks instead of once a fortnight. Which means a lower dose but in total I would get the same. Hopefully it will reduce the se. If not they will stop the chemo 😳😳😳. 

I also have a sore mouth ( but crave salty foods). The mouthwashes make me heave and that’s just the smell from the bottle. If I try and use them I’m sick. They are good for drain cleaners though lol.  I’m using Manuka honey which is helping my sore tongue and also the sore on my lip. 

Saw the Clinical Oncologist as well yesterday. Should start my Radiotherapy mid May. The scan I had last week for a possible PE has shown something near the scar line. Hopefully this is just scar tissue and not a tumour. It will be discussed at the meeting on Thursday next week. 

Feeling very fed up. Can’t get to see my Mum for Mothering Sunday or her birthday. The rest of the family are busy doing their family stuff for Easter. So it’s Billy no mates for Easter just like it was at Christmas. My sister keeps on saying she’ll visit soon.  Families eh! Give me my dogs any day. At least they stay with me and give loads of love and sympathy. 

[Fluffysunshinepants]

Hi, yes to difflam no to the gel. I'd feel fine if it wasn't for my mouth and sore throat. 

Three more T and carboplatin to go, surgery scheduled for June. Still taking the Clexane nothing more mentioned about the tachycardia once they knew about the PE x

[Kitkat18]

Hi Girls, be grateful you only have 6 cycles - I am currently on day 9 of cycle 7 with 1more to go. The mouth issue is definitely the worst bit and this cycle is really dragging😒. Also my sense of smell has become really sensitive especially with regard to food but if I don’t eat feel nauseous. I am fortunate not to have indigestion but my system isn’t happy and I am so over the flavour of difflam🤭please tell me there will be a day when food isn’t like ash and liquids slimy and my tongue isn’t sore...xx

[DiKat]

Hi fluffysunshinepants

sounds like we’re all having problems with taste! Have you got difflam and gelclair for your mouth? How is your tachycardia? How many more T have you got to have? Xx

[Fluffysunshinepants]

First T and carboplatin on Monday, my mouth is so sore and taste buds are shot. Feeling proper miserable x

[DiKat]

Hi maryKamille

yes my digestive system is awful. However, the FEC was worse for me. I do get some periods of relief but I am on very high dose Omeprazole twice a day. I keep telling myself only one more cycle chemo to go but tbh don’t think I can take much more! That’s great that you can fit in a little break before rads, well deserved. I’m hoping to do the same before surgery. Hopefully our taste buds will be better by then. It’s miserable not being able to enjoy food. It’s surprising how much centres around eating. I’m tired too, not sleeping well and for some reason can’t even seem to catch up in the day! Hugs 🤗 xx

[maryKamille]

Hi DiKat

Yes, I was getting a bit worried that we seemed to be so few posting! It's the cumulative effect of the cycles, I think.

If the radiographer really thought it wasn't a wig, that's got to be a plus! I got another wig by chance yesterday, found this wig stall in an indoor market 'SW Wigs' and she was brilliant. I had tried UR Wigs online and they were awful and I binned that one.

Food often SMELLS nice, now. But not only does it taste foul but the textures are really getting to me. I am living on a few liquids - tomato and basil soup being one. No bread or croutons or anything with it.  I can just about take a small bag of lightly salted crisps. Calories I am consuming would not keep a pigeon alive and I gave quite a few of the crisps to them yesterday!

I don't even like water any more and like you I know I am not drinking enough.

Are you having digestive problems? My oesophagus is sore and I am constantly trying to force a 'burp' or hiccoughing. I have pain around my middle again - seems to be under the ribs. I am sure this is all to do with a digestive system which is no longer working. Gaviscon gives temporary relief - the liquid one.

How will we survive Cycle 6?

I have been tattooed now for Rads. But I get a month off between the end of Chemo and that. We will take a week's holiday. Hope I recover a bit because I feel physically and mentally exhausted now. I fall asleep a lot and have stopped worrying about all the things I SHOULD be doing. I don't care any more!

Hang on in there everybody! Hugs XX

[Wahini]

So Okay, now I am through my chemotherapy and it hasn't been too bad of an ecperience (the SE of last T cycle can still kick in at any time but so far so good). However, now I start having sinister thoughts such as, did the chemotherapy drugs actually work hard enough?, and, does cancer love to feast on a fit and healthy body? 

[Shi]

Dikat 💪💪💪💪glad you got all that out and from where I’m sitting you’ve gives the whole 💩 bag a right good 🥊🥊🥊🥊for having the nerve to interrupt your life, give it a good 🤸‍♂️🤸‍♂️🤸‍♂️Kick in the go nads too, your strong mind and determination will see you through 👭👭👭💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[kc72]

Hope the weekly paclitaxel is better tolerated for you drummerswidow and those that have switched.  I’m on accelerated paclitaxel so have it every 2 weeks, 3 hours a time. Just back from today’s session and resting up with a cuppa watching the sunset. 

Dikat - rant away. Hope you feel better for letting it out and here is the best place for it as we understand a little of your frustrations. 

And love the pics of the furry nurses - so cute. My Labrador Bronte has been a huge part of my recovery - always there, gentle, happy to sit with me and delighted when we do our daily walk. She’s going to miss me when I go back to work full time.🐾🐾 

[Drummerswidow]

Hi Gokat

yes I’m getting breathless even on the flat too. They don’t seem bothered about mine either! They are blaming it on my atrial fibrillation but I don’t buy that. 

Seen the Oncologist this morning and I’m going to have weekly Paclitaxel at a lower dose to see if I tolerate it better. If I don’t they will stop it. 

Now waiting to see the Oncologist who does the Radiotherapy 😳😳

[gocat]

Hmmm just googled a pix of that.  Looks lovely 

Tastebuds still AWOL for me too DiKat.  Only thing ok for me still is lindt chocolate.  

Not good for me. But everyone says just eat that if that is all you fancy.  Worried I will gain too much weight as already overweight.  I fancy healthy foods like eggs, wholemeal toast, but when I come to eat them they taste disgusting.  

Just come back from seeing Onc.  Last dose of T is going to be reduced due to the side effects Im getting.  

Mentioned to her about the breathlessness Im getting and she listened to my chest, checked SAT levels, said last blood test was ok (hb slightly low but not worrying), so she doesnt seem to bothered by my breathlessness.

Anyone else get breathless, just walking a short while on a flat area. Doesnt seem right to me.

Will be having CT scan in 6 weeks to check a lung nodule that was detected when I was first diagnosed with BC has not grown.  Hoping that is not what is causing the breathlessness.  

Perhaps I should have pushed sooner for the CT scan. 

Then will see onc again after the CT scan to get results and to discuss what happens next if anything.

Cant have RT as had it 9 years ago in same spot and cant have it twice.  

[DiKat]

Sorry but really need a rant before I explode. No replies necessary!

Not sleeping at night, pains pretty awful today but the worst thing is this god damn awful taste in my mouth which I now know is called DYSGEUSIA. Well it can do one, it’s making me so miserable....who’d of thought with all this crap a taste in my mouth would be the thing to break me!  Every time I see someone walk past my house, I feel like throwing the window open and shouting how bloody dare you get on with your normal life (not that I know their life is normal) this is not me at all! Is this all just down to a taste? Maybe hormone changes? Oh no, wait a minute...I’ve got bloody cancer invading my body, and relax...sorry ladies, needed to come out ❤️

[Wahini]

Another question for my oncologist when I see him but I didn't come across a test like that DiKat. 

[DiKat]

Oh dear another dilemma Wahini! Are there no tests that you can have to assess the condition of your lungs to help with the decision making?

[Wahini]

Now I am not so sure about radiotherapy because I found research showing radiotherapy after mastectomy can increase risk of lung cancer after 10 years. It is significant but small higher rate but since three family members have died from it I am afraid I could fall into the small group at risk. Also, I used to be a heavy smoker. I gave up 20 years ago but by then I was smoking 60! a day so I assume I have done some damage already. 

[pastasmissus]

gocat - only thing that tastes good to me at present is Tiramisu from Lidl........

[Shi]

👏👏👏👏💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻That’s it girls you are all starting to dance over the finishing line now ❤️❤️ On the t found a mighty meaty stuffed crust from dominos went down well because of the spices, you could try that. Brows and lashes will return within about 6 weeks, don’t forget to get the mascara on them as soon as they start to come back, it helps train them to curl up instead of growing straight out. You’ve also got the kinder surprise hair to look forward to as well as trying lots of new styles as it grows back, keep looking forward ladies, get some little holidays planned if you get chance between chemo and rads or ops 👍👍you are all doing blooming amazing don’t ever forget how fabulous you are 💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[Daffydilly]

I think they called a halt because of the problems I’ve had with T and 5 sessions should have done most of the improvement( only 5-6% improvement over 10 years anyway) and risk of problems next time were high. Good luck with your last one DiKat - the end of chemo is in sight for you too.

[DiKat]

Cheers Wahini 🥂 Enjoy that Prosecco, you’ve certainly earnt it. Think you are the first to finish in our group. Good Luck with the rads xx

[Wahini]

Thanks for the well wishes! I haven't decided on radiotherapy yet but I will probably go for it because I never want to go through this again and it reduces local recurrence rate by about 10%

[Drummerswidow]

Congratulations Wahini! 

I’ve got 2 more T to go out of a total of 8 cycles. Are you having Radiotherapy, I can’t remember? Xx

[kc72]

Wahini, enjoy that Prosecco and cheers to you on finishing the chemo 🍾 🥂 - you deserve every drop.  Best wishes. 

Good luck to all those on the last stretch of chemo now. I’ve got 3 more T but what with the sunshine, spring flowers popping up, longer evenings etc all feels do-able and takes my mind off all my aches and pains.  

KC72 x

[Wahini]

Finished my final chemotherapy cycle today and now celebrating with mini bottle of prosecco, tastes delicious, SE probably didn't kick in yet. Am I the first to finish then (6 cycles completed)? Feels like I have won a race 😉

[gocat]

Noticed lower lashes had thinned a lot after T1 and eyebrows are much thinner after T2.  But I didnt really have much to begin with lol.  

Taste buds still bad 8 days post T2.  Got some pineapple as I read it helps cut through all that and resets the taste buds.  But nope.  Pineapple tastes horrible to me now. 

Had some plain porridge yesterday made with whole milk.  It tasted like I was eating pure salt.  Was disgusting.  Vomitted a few hours later.   

Only thing that seems to help at the moment is chocolate lol.  But I cant live off that.  Or can I  😄  

[Drummerswidow]

Hi Sunnydaze.

i’ve lost Eyebrows and eyelashes. Only a couple of eyelashes left xx

[DiKat]

Wow Daffydilly bet you couldn’t believe your luck. Almost have tears of joy for you🤗What did they mean by the risks outweighing the benefits. Is that because the treatment has already done what it needs to so there’s no point putting your body through more. So pleased for you 😁x

[Sunnydaze]

Great news, Daffydilly. Guess it will need a bit of time to sink in. Take it seasy.

sinnydazex

[Daffydilly]

Lost most of my eyelashes and 1/2 eyebrow hair after 2nd T. Eyeliner and eyebrow pencil helps achieve a better look.

Just back from pre chemo appointment and have been told I don’t have to have last one as risks probably outweigh benefit - promptly burst into tear it was such a relief. Have to start anastrozole in about two weeks and radiotherapy approx four weeks. Still have to go to chemo unit tomorrow just to have picc line removed as no-one was qualified at local hospital for the sort I’ve got. Feeling a bit shell  shocked at the moment as I didn’t expect that reaction from them. I would have gone ahead but so pleased not to have to😊😊

 -

[Sunnydaze]

Has anyone lost there eyebrows and eyelashes at all? My eyebrows are just beginning to thin a bit after T1

sunnydaze

[Wahini]

Hi DiKat, I haven't decided on radiotherapy yet but I am leaning towards having it. In couple of weeks I will meet my oncologist to discuss it further. He is all for it but the surgeon didn't think it would be benificial. I would have to stay in the patient lodge during the week for three weeks because I live too far away.

[LB2]

Yes I am having 20 sessions with the boost, just asked about this at last oncologist appointment. Boost ones are honed in on where the tumour was due to it being aggressive and fast growing, it was 2 cm but grew in a year, previous mammogram had been clear. I was lucky I felt the lump when I did. 

I had one positive lymph node but am I a posnoc research study so not having rads on lymph nodes. 

re painkillers that is exactly what I did last time, I still have some codeine from after my op so will consider that if it gets bad.

hope you have a restful day X 

[Daffydilly]

Have final T on Thursday, still not got tastebuds back after 2nd so dreading how bad they’ll be this time. I agree with You DiKat, fancy eating something tasty then find it’s horrible. It’s hard to keep eating as each mouthful tastes worse than the last. Drink I find is best just gulped down so less time to taste it!! Just hanging on to thought that it is the last one. Was told yesterday when had blood done that they will remove Piic line tomorrow too. This seems to vary too as I know some areas leave it for another two weeks. If end up back at A&E again I guess that will mean a cannula.

Unlike most of you Wahini, joint pains have not been too bad, just very sore right heel( large patch of white skin so maybe that will peel?). WBC injections definitely make me feel ill. 24hrs after last one I start to feel better.

Despite cold cap have now lost maybe 2/3rds of hair and like lots of you have found that hard to deal with. Terrified it won’t grow back. Have been wearing wigs but don’t know if I can keep that up as temp gets warmer as so hot. Perhaps I’ll just become a recluse!!

Sorry for long whinge - pre chemo jitters I think🥺🥺

[DiKat]

Hi Wahini

Good luck for your final chemo. Yes the steroids are a pain! Did you decide about radiotherapy? X

[DiKat]

Hi LB2

In general I have found the last week easier than it was with first T but the pain is definitely kicking in today. I only take ibuprofen and paracetamol alternately and have managed with this so far.

Sorry if I have asked before...are you having 15 rads sessions or 20 (the extra 5 boosters) which I think depends on your diagnosis from what I’ve picked up on other forums xx

[Wahini]

Hi DiKat, I will have 3rd and final T today and that will be the last of chemotherapy for me, hopefully for the rest of my life! I feel near normal now, just a bit more tired than usual, so I am not looking forward to the side effects kicking in again. I really don't like the steroids keeping me awake at night. Maybe other SE will not be as bad cause for me they were less the second time than during the first, except the fatigue seems to be building up. I hope you will feel better soon after you finish filgastrim. I never noticed any effects of that myself but I don't like injecting myself and I will be glad to see the end of that.

[LB2]

Hi DiKat

was wondering how you were getting on with the bone pain for 2nd T, I am a bit behind you, Day 3 today and starting to feel a twinge in my back. Was hoping it might not be so bad this time but sounds like it will be. Like you I think the Filgrastim pain kicks in as the T pain is wearing off. What did you take for the pain?

i had my lumpectomy before chemo so radiotherapy will be next for me, a new hell to get used to.

Yes our Dec and Jan ladies have been quiet of late, hope you are all just getting on with it girls X