April 2018 Chemo Starters

[Dorabel]

That’s great news, Michelle.  Horrible chemo worth it!

[Gygi]

Wow Michelle such good news!!! Congrats x

[Michelle21]

I had a really good appointment with the surgeon today. After a trip to radiology for a mammogram and ultrasound he told me there is now no need for a mastectomy! The tumours, (I had 2) have shrunk down to nothing. He said he is going to remove the areas where they were and the size they originally were. So after a lot of time spent thinking about recon it turns out I won’t need it and they would have offered a delayed recon anyway! I will still have the full lymph clearance. Surgery might be on 13th or 23rd, which would be great as I want to get on with it now, although I don’t actually finish my chemo cycle until 10th which doesn’t give me much time to recover! Hearing that the tumours have shrunk down to nothing makes the chemo feel worthwhile.
Obviiously I’m really pleased, whilst remembering that things can still change.

Fiona sorry to hear about your foot pain. I understand you worries about finishing chemo early but I guess it’s one of those times you have to trust in the professionals. Im not on tamoxifen or zoladex so can’t give any opinion sorry.

Gygi sorry to hear about your sickness I hope you are feeling better and that you don’t have that experience every time.

Dorabel I hope your radiology appointment and your LAST chemo goes well on Monday! Nearly done!

Christine I hope all is going well for you too x

[Dorabel]

Hope you’ve felt less nauseous today, Gygi.  Don’t suppose the hot weather helps.  There must be treatments for this sickness.  I was told it is unacceptable for sickness & nausea to be allowed to continue but, like everything else about cancer treatment, it’s not that simple.

Wishing you well with surgery, Michelle.  Hope the appointment went ok today, with questions answered.

I really sympathise with your foot problems, Fiona.  I have nothing so extreme - just sore feet & fingernails.  When I took off the dark nail varnish to do it again, I noticed a crescent mark about a third of the way up each nail.  I guess that marks when I started docetaxel.  Weirdly fascinating.  Feels like I’m holding nettles.  Like you, I love walking and would find it unbearable if walking were permanently painful.  I’m very much hoping that your foot problems, Christine, are on the way out now that the chemicals have stopped.

I’ve got an appointment to discuss treatment with radiology on Monday, before last chemo.  Well, at least radiotherapy will be different from chemo!

[Gygi]

Thanks guys I have had some toast after antisickness tablets feeling nauseous but not been sick.Phoned last night and they suggested fizzy and to focus on liquids not food. The foot thing sounds far worse poor you Christine and Fiona. I really feel for you. I was glad to finish early Fiona but I understand how worrying it is. And Christine sounds like you are in control of your treatment although very complex decisions to make.Thinking ahead to September and work: if all I get is sick a couple of days I can handle that. Good luck with your appointment tomorrow Michelle. Hope all your questions are answered. Going to take it easy today coz of yesterday. Hope your energy levels are up Dorabel. Take care everyone xxx

[Dorabel]

So sorry this happening, Gygi.  Hope you are feeling a bit better today.

[Christine Rim]

Hi Gygi. After my first injection i did have a couple of days of feeling very queasy to the point i took an anti sickness tablet. I never was actually sick and it didn't happen after the second one. It may be a case of wait and see and I do hope you feel better today.

Also my taxol was reduced and the final one cancelled due to my feet problems too. It cot to the point where i would normally walk the 25 minutes to the hospital and back but i could only do one way and took the bus the other. On the up side they are feeling fine now except for a slight numbness down the side of my big toes. I was very depressing as like you I did lots of walking. The reduction of the dose and cancellation of the last one had me feeling the same as you. Glad it had finished but was it ok to have less than i should. I was reassured that it was fine by my oncologist so i think we have to accept they wouldn't do it unless they were sure it was the right decision.

I was due to have zoladex (ovarian suppresant) but argues against it and they agreed that as long as my ovaries didn't start working again then it wasn't needed. they will check hormone levels after my op. and only add it if needed. I am due to have letrozole and not tamoxifen as they are not comaptible with other medication i am. When i had zoladex before i had a 3 monthly one rather than the each month and that was less intrusive but haveing herceptin every 3 weeks and zoladex every 4 would mean so many appointments it would really interfere with any sort of normal life. 

All the best for your appointment Michelle. It would be good to plan this final stage and see where the end will be.

x

[MrsPardaeva]

I've not had Herceptin, sorry Gigi..do you have any ondansetron that might help with the sickness?

I saw my oncologist yesterday and it was timely as my foot pain has become really intense. I already have morton's neuroma so the nerves on my left foot were already inflamed but now have gone crazy and its so sore to walk ! She's lowering my dose for Thursday but if it doesn't subside, which both she and I are doubtful of, then this will be my last chemo. In some ways I'm ecstatic and in others a bit anxious of finishing early. I know though that it wouldn't be suggested if she didn't think it was okay to do it. I suppose quality of life is the key and if I can't walk pain-free then I'll be absolutely miserable! I don't think I'd have managed to remain positive about this whole period if I hadn't been able to have my walks most days tho I'm at 30mins max at the moment before fatigued.


We did talk about next stage of treatment, endocrine, and the possibility of adding monthly injections of zoladex to the daily tamoxifen but I'm not sold on it at all. I don't know how I'd manage to move on if i had to go to the doctor for monthly injections for possibly the next 5 years .. Anyone else going down this path at all?

Hope you feel better soon Gigi and Michelle, I hope your appointment goes well today, I'll be thinking of you.

X

[Gygi]

Spoke too soon been throwing up all day. Anyone else had nausea as a side effect of Herceptin?

[Gygi]

Oops pressed post too soon. I haven't really any side effects from Herceptin just still building energy levels from chemo. Still taking it easy really. Hope you all are too have a good day x

[Gygi]

Hi guys yes sunny morning here too. Went and had Herceptin yesterday but I've still got my port. Took longer than expected as they sent me for an emergency scan on the blood clot in my arm. I told them it's a bit swollen and I have tingling in my fingers. Well the tingling is unrelated (pactlitaxel) and the clot hasn't gone but it hasn't got worse. Was quite good to get it checked anyway. Really tired in the afternoon as slept. I want to start swimming but forgot to ask the nurses if it is a good idea mainly hair and skin. I think immunity wise will be alright but will the chlorine affect my hair. Last thing I want is that. Heads a bit itchy hoping that means it's growing and will soon have to shave my legs whoop whoop NOT! Lol eyelashes and eyebrows in tact too. On Friday met ladies from a Facebook group in London and they said the hardest thing was losing their hair. So holding off the swimming going to exercise and eat well instead.

[Michelle21]

Thanks Christine that is all very useful especially regarding the herceptin. Since I was told it was stingy I’ve been building it up in my head so at least I can set myself straight on that. I guess the paranoia we will have to learn to live with for a while. That and it being the last thing I think of at night and the first thing when I wake up.
I’m also itchy down below and using the exfoliating glove every day, but mysteriously no actual hair seems to be appearing! Perhaps it is on its way!

It seems the nice weather is back, I hope everyone has a good day xx

[Christine Rim]

And with regard to hair loss, I lost all my pubic hair but that has started to grow back and feeling a bit itchy. My eye brows are not great and i still seem to be losing them. My upper lashes seem ok but i have very few below my eyes so I hope these come back in time.

[Christine Rim]

Hi Michelle. i am still stressed and yes the paranoia is all there for me too. I can't wait for the breast to be gone as i too keep thinking the cancer is lurking. I spoke to a replacement breast cancer nurse this morning about my rash and she asked me if there was any new tenderness and that has me worrying as everything feels tender at the moment. she has got me to book an appojntment with the breast surgeon to check it and put my mind at rest. I feel like i am worrying constantly about something or other.

I have had two herceptins now as injections and it didn't take long. The liquid is admistered slowly but not much more than 5 minutes max. the first part does sting and i was told this was due to it ahving to be stored in the fridge more than anything else. I did have a red circle that formed on my leg for about 48 hours but wasn't reaally sensitive. The first 48 hours was also when when my joint and muscle aches were at there worst. I didn't really have any other reaction but there are a few on here that say they have other simptons.

Glad you seem to be able to move a bit more Dorabel. Paclitaxel left me tired and did increase as the cycles went along but i didn't have the length of fatigue the docitaxel seems to do. My second to last one seemed the worst and i was afraid the last one would be the same but lucklily it wasn't so bad..

Hope you all have a good week.  

[Michelle21]

I've got the foul taste too Dorabel, it seems to have got worse after each cycle and now like you it is putting me off eating. I am however pushing through and trying to eat as much as possible just to keep my energy levels up. I have found alcohol free lager good to drink when I can’t even stomach drinking water and am sick of sweet drinks. I think because it’s bitter tasting. Also the sweets refreshers help for a short while especially if I’m out and just want to sit with my mouth open because it tastes so vile!

Gygi how did the herceptin go? I have my first as an injection on 10th and have heard it is not just a quick in and out and can be stingy. What did you think?

How are you doing Christine and Fiona? I hope your rashes and numbness are improving Christine. Fiona I hope you are keeping well and tucking off those cycles.

I have my first appt with the surgeon on Thursday. It can’t come soon enough. I know I am still in chemo cycle so obviously not well enough for surgery yet but I just want to get on with it. I’m even starting to worry that it is growing back! How do you stop the paranoia?!

Have a good day x

[Dorabel]

Hope it’s all going well for you, Gygi.

[Dorabel]

Thanks Michelle.  That switch got flicked today & it’s the first day I haven’t woken up in the morning feeling exhausted.  I’m very glad you didn’t have the same side effects as I have had with this.  It’s not just extreme fatigue; there’s also the foul taste in my mouth that kills all appetite.  This morning I enjoyed breakfast for the first time since side effects started.  Just knowing that there is an end to the misery, even if it’s delayed, makes me less afraid of the last dose next Monday.

Many thanks for your support on this forum.  It makes all the difference.

[Gygi]

Hi everyone at Guy's this morning for my herceptin. No chemo no cold cap hopefully everything will run smoothly today. Hope Monday has started well for you all x

[Michelle21]

Hi Dorabel, I’ve haad 4 cycles of Docetaxol and i have to be honest it hasn’t been my experience. Generally for me I spend days 4 & 5 in bed, even then I’ve been for a walk beforehand, but that is to do with the injection than the chemo as it was the same on FEC. I haven’t really had to nap much in the the days otherwise. Having said that like Gigi said I have heard the fatigue is this bad for others. I guess I’ve just been lucky. I really hope it improves for you but if not at least you only have one more cycle xx

[Dorabel]

Thanks Gygi.  This is very helpful as it seems what’s happening to me is to be expected.  I don’t like spending so much time in bed but I guess it’s the norm for now.  Pre-chemo tests on Friday should show if anything is wrong.  Such a relief to get your reassurance.  What a shame that filgrastim had a bad effect on your blood pressure.  These are powerful chemicals they are pouring into us!

[Gygi]

Hi Dorabel sorry to hear that. I know Docetaxel is a nightmare for some. I couldn't handle it but that was due to the filgastim injections which sent my blood pressure through the roof. Maybe a good idea to ring up and check there is nothing they can do to help you? From the comments I've heard sounds about right unfortunately. Sorry I can't help more. Hope you have support at home and you can just chill at home. Xxx

[Dorabel]

I was wondering if anyone could give me a reality check about docetaxel side effects.  The crushing fatigue is actually getting worse.  It will be 2 weeks since chemo on Monday & I can barely crawl out of bed.  I did the ironing this morning and slept for hours afterwards.

Is this what others have experienced?

[Michelle21]

Christine I am so pleased you feel reassured by your meeting with the consultant, we have enough uncertainty to deal with in our lives.
Glad to hear you are feeling more like yourself Gygi. It sounds like you have a fun weekend planned with friends, always good to have a distraction from what we are going through. We don’t eat meat with every meal, it started years ago when my daughter turned veggie. Although she is back eating meat she is very fussy so I always cook a few veggie meals in the week, lentil lasagne is a family favourite. Has anyone had any odd food cravings during chemo? I could count on one hand the number of Mac Donald’s I’ve had in 10 years but during chemo I’ve had 3!!! What is that about?! The girls think it’s funny as I’ve always avoided it and told them not to eat it!
Re hair Gygi I also stuck with the cold cap, I have hair all over my head although it is thinner and I have a balding patch on top which I cover with headbands and scarves. My hair has started growing back now, about a cm of growth which I am soooo excited about, I’m even planning a haircut in 5 weeks! My lashes are still holding on but my brows are sketchy and most annoyingly I’ve had to shave my legs a couple of times! There really is no justice! I’m not sure about my nails as they have been covered in nail varnish for weeks, does anyone know when it is safe to take the varnish off?
I was walking with a friend this week and talking about finishing chemo. I haven’t really had a big moment of relief that I thought I might experience, I suppose because I feel as though I am still ‘going through it’ however it made me think about how I will feel on week 4. I haven’t had a week 4 for 18 weeks, so I am excited about that and suppose then I will feel like I am moving along. When is your next op Gygi? Did you have the recon at the time of your mx? Do you mind me asking why does the size need adjusting?
Christine I’ve always loved running as my thinking time, I never wear ear plugs I just like to run and take in what is going on around me and think about things. I can’t wait to get back to running, but have enjoyed walking everyday during chemo because it has been with friends. Dorabel, you can’t beat a good chat to make you feel better and a little bit normal again can you?
Well it has been blowing a gale here all night and the forecast is wet and windy for the weekend so that combined with being my ‘risky’ week I’m not what our weekend plans are.
Have a good weekend all xx

[Christine Rim]

Thank you for your kind words and support. I had the scan which showed no sign of a clot thank goodness but and the doctor on the chemo ward said she didn't know why it was hurting but there was no clot and as it wasn't red it was not infected. That was a relief at least but it is still a bit uncomfortable. I think i must have just moved my neck wrongly as it did seem to come on suddenly. She also had a note on the system about my foot problems but couldn't explain that either as she said it wouldn't relate to the herceptin and only ocurrs with the chemo, which i finished a few weeks ago and i had sensitive feet then and not numb ones. I just need to keep an eye on it all. I did show her the scabs/spots and she wasn't concerned and thought it was heat related. Most of it she just told me to phone the helpline it anything got worse but it was re assuring.

Yes we have had some rain but still feels hot. i tried looking for the orange moon but the clouds are in the worng direction so i can't see any signs.

I agree that exercise gives me some time that is mine. I have always used my gym time as a zone out time even when my daughter was little. It gives me time to recharge. I am still not back to normal but i am doing a little at a time.

Thanks again and hope you enjoy your weekend.

[Dorabel]

So sorry you are having these problems, Christine.  They must wear you down.  I hope it all went well this afternoon & the port is ok now.  The skin problems - rashes & numbness - are painful, so I hope this gets addressed.  Must be devastating when all you get on the phone is a recorded message.

I’m with you, Michelle, on exercise, especially walking.  I went to the gym today but I only managed a spell on the treadmill.  The walk there and back probably did more good.  Had to go to bed all afternoon.  Getting out and seeing my friends is the best bit.

Glad your chemo went ahead, Linda.  Another one behind you.

Things sound as if they are really going well for you, Gygi.  I’m really impressed by what you do even when your energy levels are low.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.  There have been thunderstorms here & the air is lovely and cool.

[Linda Corinne]

Yes it went ahead Michelle. They said it was due to the cumulative effect of chemo and that it often bounces back quickly! Seems odd to have gone up more than ever before to me but hey ho!

[Michelle21]

That’s great news Linda, so presumably your chemo went ahead as planned. I think it is walking that has got me through chemo, in part because it makes me feel like I have a teensy bit of control. I’m looking forward to taking up running again in a week or two. I hope the rest of you chemo goes to plan x

[Linda Corinne]

Michelle21 My neuts went up to 3.92 from 0.88. I do walk daily & went to vote last night too as remembered at quarter to nine we have an election! Maybe I will try jogging again soon if cooler now for abit. Ta.

[Michelle21]

Oh Christine I’m so sorry to hear of the problems you are having, you have had more rhan your fair share and it’s certainly not helped by getting through to voicemail! Could you contact your oncologist’s secretary? Mine was helpful the time I had to contact her. If your oncologist is away hopefully there is another who could help and the secretary should know who.
I hope all goes well with the port and ultrasound this afternoon. I think you should insist someone looks at the spots, but I know this is easy for me to say. Will you take someone with you to the appointment? Sometimes a bit of support really helps.
The emotional rollercoaster does seem never ending. Things are never simple and once one thing is sorted it seems something else arises. But you have already come so far, with surgery and chemo I hope things will start to get on a more even keel for you soon. Sending you love and support xx

[Christine Rim]

Hi

Feeling very emotional today. the week started well but i have developed a number of problems this week. First i have numbness in my toes which the helpline says i have to keep an eye on. Emailed the oncologist but just got an automated not working at the moment message by return. Secondly i have some weird patches of scabbed spots on my breast that seem to be spreading. Concerned about that as the mastectomy/reconstruction is getting closer. Emailed the breast cancer nurse but haven't had a reply. Now i have pain in my port.  i went into the chemo unit after phoning them about it and they think there may be a clot in in it so i have to go back this afternoon for an ultrasound. Hoping that a doctor may be able to look at the skin problems too as i had booked a gp appointment but then had to cancel as the appointment clashed with the ultrasound.

Just when i let myself think i could relax for a week it all gets messed up.  

[Christine Rim]

Hi

Feeling very emotional today. the week started well but i have developed a number of problems this week. First i have numbness in my toes which the helpline says i have to keep an eye on. Emailed the oncologist but just got an automated not working at the moment message by return. Secondly i have some weird patches of scabbed spots on my breast that seem to be spreading. Concerned about that as the mastectomy/reconstuction is getting closer. Emailed the breast cancer nurse but haven't had a reply. Now i have pain in my port.  i went into the chemo unit after phoning them about it and they think there may be a clot in in it so i have to go back this afternoon for an ultrasound. Hoping that a doctor may be able to look at the skin problems too as i had booked a gp appointment but then had to cancel as the appointment clashed with the ultrasound.

Just when i let myself think i could relax for a week it all gets messed up.  

[Gygi]

Hi everyone how is everyone feeling? With this heat I'm sure it must be quite hard. I'm just over the effects of "half" chemo two weeks ago. Been so tired and nauseous but feeling better now.
Summer hols have started for me and we bought a new car Monday. So I added my daughter to my insurance (my old car) and we are helping her get used to driving.
This weekend I have French friends coming over and a beer festival to go to with them (and they are riding in the prudential) but I'm not drinking. I'm sure my liver has enough to handle getting rid of the chemo toxins.
Accidentally announced on Facebook I'd finished chemo so it's out there now and met up with a couple of old friends at home this week which was lovely.
Going to meet women from one of my Facebook cancer groups this morning which I'm looking forward to and then herceptin on Monday. My doc offered to take out the port or I can use it for herceptin. Debating at the moment. If I keep it in I need to continue with the blood thinner injections. But I have to continue with them anyway for 3 months after chemo so he also suggested taking it out at the same time as my new surgery (adjusting booby size and getting a nipple) After my visitors leave I am going to start new fitness regime to get ready for surgery and life in general lol. One of my friends who came over is vegan and she loved what I cooked for her So I'm trying to cook more meatless dinners. My partner had already suggested it so everyone is onboard. And going to try to reduce my plastic usage. Already upped the milk from my milkman so no more plastic bottles of milk. Little by little.
I suggested Jersey to my partner as a holiday last year so looks like we are all going to bump into each other there. I would also like to go Isle of White and Mallorca again but atm I'm not ready for travel.
Low energy levels mean I am really just chilling at home. This heat is not for me. My bc nurse said I could go swimming but as I spent so much time cold capping I won't go yet as the chlorine might not be good for my hair. With a hair band you can't see any of the (bits of) bald patches and I'm investigating how to encourage my hair to grow. I still have my eyebrows and lashes but know they could still go. Hair is already growing on my legs!!!,
Hope you all have a good weekend. Will be more personable next time but been finding it hard to concentrate these last couple of weeks. Take care and hugs Gigix

[Michelle21]

Hi Linda I haven’t had low bloods but do know that exercise is proven to improve the immune system, it even reduces the risk of infection after surgery. I know for various reasons not everyone is able to do to much exercise during chemo but if you can it might be worth trying to increase your exercise on the next cycle. Good luck for today x

Early on in treatment someone referred to the conveyor belt of treatment as the Breast Cancer Triathlon! If that’s the case i’m just doing my last few laps of the pool, I’m not a fan of swimming!! X

[Linda Corinne]

Yep had fruit juice yesterday with greens in it as read vitamin c helps.just hope its ok today as dont want it delayed as only got 42 days left or less if have 2 more cycles.also got an ultrasound on 6th which may be affected.ta.

[MrsPardaeva]

Jersey has been recommended to us too, it looks like it might be the new place to be! As for Lucca, I haven't heard of there at all.. I'll check it out, thanks.

It feels like a never ending conveyor belt taking us from one treatment to another.. Roll on Christmas 🤶!

[MrsPardaeva]

Mine were borderline a few weeks ago. On the recommendation of the nurse I ate loads of spinach and kale and drank homemade green smoothies and they went back up again over a few days. It may or may not have been because of all the greens but I figured it wouldn't do me any harm. Hope you get back on track Linda x

[Linda Corinne]

Anyone had chemo delayed due to low neutrophils? Mine were 0.88 yesterday and need to be 1.going in early today for a blood test to see if ok.been resting and off work before appointment at 1 to rest. Always bounced back on FEC but on Docataxel now.x

[Christine Rim]

Good morning. Feels like a nice cool start to the day with all the windows open so will go for a bit of a walk before it gets unbearable.

I think we all react differently Michelle so no need to worry yet as some people don't seem to have any side effects after chemo. When having chemo it is difficult to tell what effects relate to each drug anyway and i am hoping that my body will react less as time goes on.

I felt i needed to get rid of the coil at a point i was feeling ok and had not considered doing it while still undergoing chemo. Mine had been in place for about 8 years and was inserted for mid cycle bleeding but it would have had very little hormone in it by now. i was also positive for estrogen and progesterone so for peace of mind i had it removed before the DIEP but i don't think there was any urgency.

All the best 

[Michelle21]

Good to hear all is going ok for you Fiona, well as ok as chemo gets I suppose! I hadn’t realised your chemo finished at the end of August, it must be more than a little annoying hearing of others finishing! Planning a holiday sounds good, I have spent the last 4 months planning holidays although not Booked anything yet! Two places recently recommended to us are Lucca and Jersey. I haven’t been to either but both sound beautiful.
I’ve also got 3 weeks of rads probably starting begining of October so all being well I should finish treatment (aside from herceptin) by the begining of November. Here’s to a great Christmas!
I hope the tramadol sorts out the joint pain without the weepy side effects. I’ve been fortunate not to have joint pain so far so concerned to hear it is worse with the herceptin injection Christine. I guess I will just cross that bridge if I come to it.
Lovely news of your friends awaited baby, new life really is uplifting x

[MrsPardaeva]

Hi Christine, this evening I was prescribed tramadol, 50mg tablets, to see if that helps. I was a bit worried about taking it but my gp has assured me that it's a low dose but will hopefully be enough to cut through the pain without the weeping side effects.. I'll keep you posted

Also it's.interesting what you sat about the mirena coil Christine. I also have one that was fitted last year to stop unmanageable heavy periods. My oncologist said she'd usually recommend that it was removed for ER+ but as it was so recently fitted it won't have contributed to the cancer but that she'd be happier if it was removed. It's my choice and I think I will remove it but I couldn't cope with the heavy periods again but maybe the tamoxifen will see to that? Another thing to think about that I could do without! Xx

[Christine Rim]

Hope everyone is having an ok week. Glad your on the mend Michelle. That must have been horrid on top of everything else. it is like what next? I am waiting for a week where i don't have a hospital appointment or doctors appointment. One day it will happen i am sure.

Fiona, if you find anything that works for the joint pain then please let me know. Mine seems worse on the injected herceptin than it was on the infusion so my oncologist suggested leaving the port in and going back to that but i really want it out so that is not an option. I am just using paracetamol and ibuprofen but at night i can't get comfortable at all.

I have had doctors and consultants disagreeing on whether i need my Mirena coil removed so decided i might as well have it removed. I went to my gp who had previously advised it was a good idea to be told the usaul practice was to leave it in until 55 so i had 6 months to go. I explained things so she agreed to remove it. The oncologist had said it should be removed but the breast surgeon said it didn't need to be then one gp said yes and another no. Anyway it is gone now but i wish they all agreed.

Hope you are improving Gigi and getting some normality back.  

[MrsPardaeva]

Sorry to read of the previous woes but great news that almost everyone is through chemo or just about to finish . I'm a little jealous as I still have 6 sessions over 6 more weeks to go. The fatigue is really kicking in now and I definitely over did it while we had family here but I know I'll make it through. My joints are very sore and struggling to find a drug that helps but doesn't make me feel down. Unfortunately cocodamol is effective but makes me very weepy! Hot baths help but in this weather as quite unappealing.

Also, when I finish chemo on 30 August I'll have a 3 week break before I start 3 weeks/15sessions of rads on 24 Sept so I'm looking forward to that too and hope to have a little holiday again. Not quite sure where yet, maybe Mallorca but as its been so hot at home I wouldn't mind going somewhere cooler. We'll see. Any suggestions most welcome

I'm definitely eating too much ice cream and not enough salads during this heat wave but I figure I'll work it off when I'm done the chemo and it'll give me a post chemo focus! That's what I'm telling myself anyway as I scoff another scoop!
I'm still getting out for walks for a few hours a few times a week but think I'll need something a bit more to shift it!

A very dear friend just had a baby girl yesterday which was wonderful news and made me very happy as she's been long awaited. Its nice to see life continuing even tho I feel somewhat stuck in a rut but it made me feel hopeful.

Best wishes to all and hope you aren't melting too much xx

[Michelle21]

Well I’m feeling less drained now! Cuts and bruises healing and coming out of the chemo fog. I just keep thinking that by Monday I should feel pretty ok. I can’t wait, so relieved this stage is almost done. I’m even going to attempt a run or two when I’m over the 14day mark. It might be a bit ambitious but I can’t wait!
I have had an appt through for the surgeon in 2nd. It will be good to know what’s happening and when so I can start to make plans.
How is the nausea Gygi? I hope you have recovered some energy too. That’s it, we have done the chemo rollercoaster, not a ride I would like to repeat!! Are you going to be having rads? Or is it all about recovery for you now?
Christine how are you feeling? It must be good to have the date for your DIEP confirmed, another step forward.
I am pleased you are feeling better Dorabel, now you have a couple of weeks of feeling almost normal and then your last cycle will be here before you know it. Then you too will be all done and can start to get your body back again.
I think we have all been super strong to get through all of this and should give ourselves a great big pat on the back!! Xx

[Dorabel]

Do hope you are ok, Michelle, after that mishap with the drain.  End of chemo has to be good & I’m sending good wishes re. surgery.

Thanks for the kind thoughts, everyone.  Chemo last Monday & only today beginning to feel any better.  Docetaxel is an evil poison.  For two days after the infusion I feel ok & think I’ve got away with it this time.  Then on the Thursday I can barely crawl out of bed.  That stage lasted longer this time round.  Thank goodness it’s only one more to endure.

I sympathise with you over the aches, Christine.  “Aches” sounds quite mild but joint pain is anything but.  Hope you are managing to sleep despite the pain.

Hope your nausea is under control, Gygi.  It’s the most deadly feeling.  As you have finished chemo now, I’m hoping you are beginning to leave the horrible side effects behind.

Someone told me today that this time next year, all this (cancer, chemo) would be a distant memory.  I’ll believe that when it happens.

[Jencat]

Well done on finishing chemo Michelle  Hope your cuts and bruises are healing ok and you're not too sore.. So sorry that you fell down the drain, but I must admit it did make me smile. Perhaps you can make a claim! xx

[Gygi]

Yeah Michelle congratulations hope you haven't been feeling too rough this weekend. I'm still totally wiped out and nauseous thank goodness I don't have chemo as planned tomorrow. Hope you all had a nice weekend x

[Michelle21]

Had final chemo today! Yay!!!!! Hopefully the next 19 days won’t be too harsh on me although I wonder if my luck is running out! I got out of the car when arriving home from the treatment and fell down a drain that we are waiting for the water board to fix! A few cuts and bruises to throw into the mix!
Christine initially I was told I am having a mx and full lymph clearance, I assume this is still the case. Re Recon I would probably want one, but probably not an implant, I don’t know if I can have a recon now as having radiotherapy and the opinion seems to vary. I would probably want a DIEP, assuming that’s what my surgeon recommends xx

[Christine Rim]

Hi everyone

Take your time Gigi and let your body recover. I am sure in a few days you will better and so glad you don't need anymore of the chemo. I think your body is telling you it has had enough of it and needs time to recover. 

Michelle. hope today goes well and the next week or so as your body deals with your last chemo. The brain will soon be looking to the future as the side effects fade and you feel more normal again. I was always told if the breast hurts it is not usually cancer but something a lot less serious. I went with a painful lump that was a cyst and there was no pain in the area that was cancer. i am sure it is nothing to worry about. Do you know what surgery you are going to have yet? It looks like my DIEP is going to be 14th August but not confirmed yet.

Herceptin injection today which went ok. The main problem i am having is the aches. I may have moaned about that already...  Quiet weekend this weekend as last weekend was a bit much. It was lovely and i enjoyed it but the follwoing day or too i was exhausted. It is easy to do too much when I'm feeling good and forget my body is not 100% fit.

Hope all is good with you Dorabel and Fiona.

[Gygi]

Hi everyone thank you. Felt very tired Wed and went to work yesterday which was lovely but very tiring so ended up in bed at 6 and slept through. Today my summer holidays start! Will do the herceptin injection so but not seeing oncologist till September. How cool is that!
Michelle hope today goes okay and you don't feel too bad over the weekend. I'm taking it easy too as did have half chemo Monday so will rest up. Christine and Dorabel hope you have a good weekend too. I feel like I'm not responding to your comments but still so tired so later or tomorrow. Hugs xxx

[Michelle21]

Christine glad to hear you are feeling better and your oncologist seems to have come up with a plan.

I had my pre chemo appt on Wednesday. She didn’t have the results for the MRI on my liver which was disappointing however she said she is not worried and the ultrasound consultant said the same, so I will not worry about that.
Everything else seemed good, she had a feel about and said she couldn’t feel any lump in my breast, although when she felt where the lump had been it felt tender to me. That is why I went to the DR in the first place was because it hurt and was painful to lie on. Anyway I have to trust it is going in the right direction and chemo has done its job. Hopefully when they take it out they will say it is DEAD!!
Apparently I should hear from the surgical team
in 3 weeks so things are really moving along now. It does feel like a big relief to be near the end of chemo, I just keep touching wood and keeping my fingers crossed that this one runs smoothly. This time tomorrow I should be back home with hopefully my final course of poison running through my veins.

Hope everyone else is doing ok xx