April 2022 Chemotherapy Starters

[Clobo]

Hello ladies, 

I’ve been wondering how you’ve all been going so it’s lovely to now know. So glad we’re all done with chemo. Wooo! 🎉🎉

I have my second herceptin/perjeta infusion this Thursday. I’ll be having that for the foreseeable, but someone said imagine it like it’s the gym. I go for two hours, once every three weeks. It’s not so bad when you think of it like that. My oncologist also mentioned hormone blockers though I’m not sure what drug that will be. 

I’m yet to hear about when radiotherapy will start. I have surgery booked in for the 30th September, so I’m assuming it’ll be once I’ve recovered from that. For those of you that are having the radiotherapy, how have you found it? I’ve been told I need 28 sessions over 6 weeks. Would be great if it turns out to be shorter than that, but I won’t count my chickens. 

Good luck on the return to work @Hetty 2775 and @RoseR 😀🤞🏼

[Hetty 2775]

Hello so lovely to hear how you are all doing.

Ive had a month break between chemo ending and radiotherapy starting, interesting that you are now only having a week Im still anticipating the full 3 weeks so will see what they say on Thursday for my first one.

Managed a lovely holiday last week and also back to work next week, exciting to feel with the start of a new term that my life is getting back to 'normal' 

Also starting letrosole hormone tablets daily.

Hope everyone is doing well, so glad to have had your support during the tricky past few months

[RoseR]

Ahh, glad the chemo stage sounds like it is pretty much over for all of us? 
I’ve managed to have a lovely summer, and am back at work on Monday, which I’m excited about! Not sure how long my initial excitement will last…

I’m now on 3 weekly Herceptin injections - not had any side effects with theses, plus daily Tamoxifen. I feel I’m getting off lightly with those too at the moment, but wonder if they build up over time to give side effects…

Really hope everyone is doing ok and has managed to enjoy at least some of the summer.

[claregreenacres]

Lovely to hear from you @mighty_at0m! does that mean your treatment is finished? 🥳🥳🥳

I'm having radiotherapy at the moment and finish a week on Monday. Have started hormone treatment so will hopefully be ringing that bell on 12th Sept!!

Hooe you're all doing well, I often think about you all xxx

[mighty_at0m]

Hey all,

How is every one doing? Hope the final cycles of chemo went well and that everyone managed a holiday. 

For those who are having radiotherapy, hope that's going well too. I had a bit of a surprise when I rocked up for the start. Apparently guidelines have changed. The regime went from 3 weeks to 1 week though apparently the total dose is the same and I still am not allowed any more radiotherapy shoud the cancer recur.

[mighty_at0m]

Good luck for the final round @claregreenacres and @Clobo !

[claregreenacres]

That's great news @Clobo 🥳🥳🥳I've just had the call to confirm I'm good to go tomorrow as well, we've got this!!! Xxx

[Clobo]

Good news! I’m well enough for my final chemo tomorrow. So we’ll be doing this together @claregreenacres! 😀🎉 Hope yours goes okay, and you’re feeling good for your trip to Wales. ❤️

[claregreenacres]

@Clobo I'm so sorry you're not well and your last chemo has been delayed, but like you say, its definitely better than ending up in hospital! My last chemo is also next Thursday (fingers crossed) so I'll be there with you in spirit!

I'm also on to radiotherapy after that, have my planning scan on 5th Aug, then think it will start 2 or 3 weeks after that. We've got a week in Wales as a little break booked on 11th so my oncologist has let the radiotherapy folk know not to book me in for then.

I'm so jealous of the cold weather in oz! Never thought I'd say that 🤣🤣

[Clobo]

Hi Ladies, 

I hope you’re all keeping cool in that crazy hot weather. I’m quite thankful it’s winter down here in Aus. I don’t look quite so silly walking down the road in a beanie. 

I got a phone call this morning, and unfortunately my bloods came back, and things are not well. My final chemo has been pushed back to next Thursday (hopefully), and my visit to the hospital tomorrow will now be for a blood transfusion and magnesium infusion. My red blood cell count is too low for chemo and apparently another round will probably put me in the hospital. Yikes! 😱 Not what I thought I was going to hear this morning but better not to end up hospitalised and have chemo delayed. 

@mighty_at0m I’m not really sure about surgery. I was adamant I wanted a mastectomy at the beginning but now I’m not sure. My booby squatter was initially so big it was sticking out, but now I can’t even feel it. So 🤷🏼‍♀️. I will go with whatever is recommended by the surgeon. I hope you get all the answers you’re looking for from your radiotherapy oncologist. I spoke to mine a while back, but he was great and explained it all, to the point where I couldn’t think of anything I wanted to ask. Fingers crossed yours is the same. 🤞🏼

I hope everyone is keeping well and excited to be finally finished with chemo in the next week or two. 🤞🏼🎉😀

[Hetty 2775]

Yay last one this week @mighty_at0m so pleased for you.  It really does takes its toll doesn't it.

Sending lots of positive vibes for you with treatment this week hope @Clobo you are able to have yours and everyone else is staying well and cool

❤️

[mighty_at0m]

Hey ladies all,

So hot today! Hope you have all managed to stay cool in this crazy weather. 

@Clobo Hope you are feeling better and on course for the final dose of chemo this week. I have my last one on Wednesday \o/.  Glad you have an appointment soon to see what the surgeon says and get a plan down. How're you feeling about the prospect of surgery?

@Hetty 2775 Starting radiotherapy in September is leaves a clear summer. Have you planned a getaway?

I'm chatting with the oncologist about radiotherapy on the 28th. So many questions about it. I am hoping that I can defer till September but we will see what he says.

It's so encouraging to be close to the end of chemotherapy. It feels a real milestone in this journey. Hugs to you all and hope you all stay well. xx

[Hetty 2775]

Morning 

Hope @Clobo that you are soon over whatever it is you’re battling and you can have your next session, the worry of having one pushed back is horrid isn’t it? Hopefully it can all go ahead. 
I met with my oncologist yesterday so feel much happier as I have my plan for radiotherapy starting in September for 3 weeks with various tablets and injections to have for the next 5/10 years.

I had surgery pre chemo as they didn’t think I needed chemo at that stage but found it in the lymph nodes during surgery thst hadn’t showed up pre.  Hope you can get a plan soon @Clobo 

Hope the side effects are all manageable for everyone else and you can enjoy some sunshine. I’m making the most of the steroid high and have some errands today whilst I’m feeling ok. 
xx

[Clobo]

Hi ladies, 

I hope you’re all keeping well and feeling relatively good. @RoseR Congratulations on finishing your chemo! What a relief that must be. 

@Hetty 2775 and @mighty_at0m I’m supposed to be having radiotherapy too, but also not sure about surgery. I haven’t had that yet and the plan is for surgery after chemo, and then radiotherapy. We shall see. I have a meeting with the surgeon on 2nd August so hopefully I will know the plan after that. The surgeon was very on the fence about the surgery the last time I saw her so not sure what the expect. @RoseR I have to have Herceptin too, but was told it’s just an injection every three weeks. Is yours the same? 

I’m currently battling some kind of virus that my 3 year old kindly shared with me. 🙄😂 I’ve done to covid tests which both came back negative, thank goodness. Last chemo is supposed to be next Thursday. 🤞🏼

Sending lots of well wishes to you all for quick recoveries from your latest rounds. ❤️

[Hetty 2775]

Yay @RoseR so pleased you were able to complete your chemo treatment and hope that the side effects don’t knock you for six. Just take time to recover and hopefully you will see the consultant before too long. 

@mighty_at0mgot to find the small wins- hope you get your time away. I’d heard 6 months post chemo but I think radiotherapy is perhaps worse for keeping out of the sun- gift that keeps giving. 

So motivating that we are coming to the end of the chemo treatment and I’m grateful to have you all on here to share advice.

sending hugs 🥰

[mighty_at0m]

Hi all,

@RoseR So good to hear you had your last infusion yesterday! All done before August and the rest of the summer to look forward to. Hope you get to see your consultant and ask your questions. They are rarely sighted creatures.

@Hetty 2775 Hope it all goes well today. It's fab to hear that Covid hasn't derailed treatment plans. I am due to have radiotherapy after chemotherapy and have a bunch of questions for the consultant too. The chemo nurses said that radiotherapy usually starts 4-6w post last infusion at my hospital so I will be squeezing in a trip to the Lake District! 

Maybe the very very small silver lining to losing ones hair is that all I have to do to cool down in this heat is remove my beanie 😂. It's a pain having to stay out of the sun in the season of picnics and outdoor adventures. The nurses have advised me that the sun sensitivity can last 6months! 😲

[claregreenacres]

Wow congratulations, and a huge well done - you did it!!!!! You must be so relieved! I've got my final chemo two weeks tomorrow so can't wait to join you in the celebrations xxx

[RoseR]

Hi everyone,
I finally had my last chemo yesterday! I needed two negative LFTs, and luckily had those by Friday last week, so was booked in for yesterday. Such a relief…now just the side effects to get through, but at least once I feel better, I won’t be knocked straight down with another round!!

I’m not due to have radiotherapy, but will be continuing with Herceptin for 6 months, then hormone inhibitors for 5 years. Or at least that was the original plan back in February, so guessing it’s not changed. Not been given an appointment yet with my consultant- I’ve had no contact with him since signing chemo consent forms back at the end of February, but am hoping for a meeting as I feel I still have a lot of questions! 

Hope everyone is doing ok, and coping with the heat and side effects, and are coming to the end of their chemo journeys too. Did today go ok  @Hetty 2775 ? Only one more to go now!  X

[Hetty 2775]

Hello all

Hope youre ok @Clobo when is your last round?  Hopefully you are done and recovering and really hope @RoseR you managed to get your final treatment, its certainly gruelling but you've made it and now onwards.

I've got 5/6 tomorrow and thankfully despite covid recently my bloods were ok so Im good to go. Have got something on prescription if I cant sleep again this time but hopeful it was covid and not chemo making me feel awful.

Hope everyone else is doing well and coping with the heat. I'm seeing the oncologist on Wednesday after chemo apparently to discuss radiotherapy, is anyone else having it after chemo? How long do you have?  Im hoping they give me a month post chemo and we can potentially get a week away.

[Clobo]

Hi ladies, 

I hope things are finally on the turn and you’re all mostly feeling okay from the latest rounds. I feel so exhausted, putting washing out on the line has done me in. I’m back in bed and barely have the energy to roll over. I keep telling myself I only have one more round to go (hopefully 🤞🏼, though I’m scared there will be more). 

The oral thrush is a nightmare. I’ve had it every time but they’ve not given me the flucanozole. I get something called caphosol, which is kind of rubbish. It’s dissolvable and I have to swish it around like mouthwash. I’m not sure it does anything to be honest, but it passes after 4 or 5 days and things start to taste normal again. 

I hope you’re both recovering from the dreaded covid, and @RoseR I will keep my fingers crossed for a new chemo date for you soon. 🤞🏼 @Hetty 2775  I’m glad to hear you made it to pre-prom and your son enjoyed himself. ❤️

Clo 🙂

[Hetty 2775]

Thanks for thrush info @RoseR Im going to make a list for next time so Im hopefully more prepared.  Finally turning a corner after 10 days.

I thought they said I had to be 10 days clear of covid before I could have my next treatment but not sure how they measure it - hope you get a date soon, its the not knowing thats so hard especially as its your last one.

Hope everyone else is doing ok x

[RoseR]

I had horrid oral thrush after my first round of chemo. The lovely pharmacist said I needed Flucanazole, and to get it prescribed from GP, which I did, and it cleared it up brilliantly.

I’ve been booked in for intravenous anti-virals on Monday. Not sure how useful that will be…everything I’ve read says they need to be given between day 2 or 5 to be effective, and Monday will be day 6 for me.  It’s all been a bit disjointed to be honest. 

Does anyone know how long we have to wait after Covid for chemo to be given again? I’ve not had my appointment rebooked, and am worried about the delay…

Really hope everyone is recovering from viruses, bugs and side effects! X

[Hetty 2775]

Crikey we are indeed all struggling at the moment, so sorry to hear everyones struggles. Hopeful covid and chicken pox and in fact chemo will all be over soon.  

Ive been really laid low with horrid aches and was offered anti viral but didn't have it as I didn't feel I really had covid symptoms.  Im hopeful that the combo of both just laid me low as I still have very little energy and that this isn't what doxtaxel does.  I called the chemo day unit for painkiller advice and eventually took cocodemol which seemed to help.

Ive also had oral thrush which is taking an age to go but I got some over the counter gel which has helped, any tips or experience with that?  On top of the mouth ulcers its all been pretty yucky.

I did manage to go to pre prom with my son and it was so lovely to see the teens able to celebrate end of exams and a tough few years - he finally got home at 7am!

Really hope that the chicken pox clears up soon, its so hard when they are so uncomfortable.

Hoping everyone gets well and able to get to the finish line - sending gentle hugs 🥰

[mighty_at0m]

So sorry to hear so many are being plagued by viruses. Hope Covid is not having too much of a health impact, @Hetty 2775. Did you get the antivirals @RoseR? There seems to be a lot of it circulating right now.

I've been running a low grade fever with a sore throat and sneezes for 3 days now. It looked for the world like Covid but all tests have been negative. The fever is not high enough to get me through the doors of A&E for a sepsis check but being ill is rubbish. Hubby has been trying to figure out how to attach a continuous temperature probe to me but I told him where he could stick it! I'm hoping it settles soon as I am due my next lot of Paclitaxel in less than a week. 

@claregreenacres hope your son is feeling better and the both of you get some rest. That chicken pox itch is horrible.

@Clobo Good to hear you have another one down and you're feeling ok. 

It's been a bit of a week of set backs but it won't be long before we're all back on our chemo cycles and heading for the finish line.💪💪💪

[Clobo]

Hi Ladies,

It sounds as if you’re all having a pretty tough time recently with covid and chicken pox on top of chemo. 
When I had covid after my first chemo, my oncologist wasn’t too keen on the anti-virals. She said she personally didn’t think they did much so didn’t want to put me on them unless I had certain symptoms. I can’t remember now what the symptoms were now, sorry. 🙈 But I hope you’re all on the mend soon. 🤞🏼

I had chemo number 5 today. Feeling okay so far but I am quite tired. The docetaxel doesn’t seem to mess with my sleep too much, thankfully so sorry to hear you’re having to deal with that as well. When it rains, it pours. 

[RoseR]

Oh @claregreenacres - so sorry about your little one. It makes them feel quite poorly, but I really hope they start to feel better again soon, and that you get some rest. It’s horrid seeing loved ones feeling ill. Hopefully it won’t affect your chemo schedule.

I ended up testing positive for Covid yesterday afternoon - just waiting on call back from a nurse about starting anti virals…..

[claregreenacres]

Oh @RoseR I'm so sorry to hear that, have you heard about your new plan yet? I'm sure it'll still be here before you know it. 

Struggling over here, not with the chemo but my son has chicken pox so I haven't slept for 2 nights in a row and it's just horrible seeing him so uncomfortable and upset. I rang the helpline to see if I needed any anti viral or anything but they didn't seem to know what to do and havent suggested anything so I'm hoping I'll still have my chemo next week!

Xxx

[RoseR]

Oh no @Hetty 2775  - sorry to hear you got hit with Covid on top of Docetaxel. Have they offered you anti-virals? 
I really struggle to sleep for about a week after Docetaxel, then it gradually gets better…so fingers crossed you get some sleep again soon. 
The hospital was meant to call back yesterday to let me know what was happening, but didn’t….so will try to chase today. I’m worried it could drag on, especially if the rest of us come down with it, and not sure if the gap between chemo gets too long, whether they will just cancel the last one completely?! Just want to get it finished now. 
Take care and rest up - hope you turn a corner and start to feel better again soon xx

[Hetty 2775]

Oh @RoseR I’m so sorry to read this, I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. Hopefully once you have a new date and a plan you can re adjust your timeline but that’s so blooming disappointing. 
I had my 4th cycle last wed - my first doxetaxel and then got Covid on Friday- I’ve been pretty wiped out but not sure if it’s Covid or chemo. Really achy and haven’t slept since sat so feel like the living dead. Keep thinking I’ve got to turn a corner soon but … 

Really hope you stay Covid free and can plan your final cycle soon 

[RoseR]

Hi ladies,

Hope everyone is doing ok?

I should have been celebrating my last chemo today - I was up nice and early (couldn’t sleep from a mixture of steroids and anticipation), and was all set….then my 10year old came downstairs saying she had a blocked nose and scratchy throat, so she did an LFT and has Covid.

So phoned the hospital and today has been cancelled 😢. They are due to phone back at some point with a “plan”… but not heard yet. I think guidance is two weeks wait after a household member tests positive…but that could drag on if anyone else in the house gets it, including me! I guess at least I’m feeling ok right now, and bloods were all fine.

So looks like my finish will be more in sync with the rest of you now! Trying to stay positive, but am pretty gutted…

Hoping everyone else is managing to dodge bugs and stay on track! X

[Hetty 2775]

Hello everyone

Wow @RoseR that really is brilliant so pleased that this part will soon be over and great you won't need radiotherapy either, hope you can get that PICC line out and back to some swimming.  Got to keep on going we are getting through it.

Im starting doxetaxel (which I think is just another form of the same drug) tomorrow so good to know about hints and tips for aches.  I really struggled with nausea last time so hoping that doesn't affect me after this one. I was pleased that the infusion is shorter and the cold cap which Im now dreading isn't so long either. So over it all now.

Thanks @mighty_at0m only 1 GCSE left, its been a long 6 weeks but he's taken them in his stride but now I'll have my uni student and him at home all day every day and will have to make sure theres enough food in the house!

@Clobo glad you are faring better and able to get out, my dog walks are so good for the soul even if very slow at times.  You will soon be done and I found surgery ok if that helps, not sure what you are having but I had mastectomy with reconstruction, in and out in a day and recovered really well so hope that helps.

@claregreenacres so glad you are feeling so much better this time and hope the aches improve.

Stay strong - we've got this 💪 

[mighty_at0m]

Hi all,

@RoseR Nearly there! And done before July too. With the PICC out you'll be back swimming in the lovely summer weather.

@claregreenacres Good to hear the Abraxane has been easier than the EC. The absence of ick is certainly something to celebrate. Gentle massage and easy stretching helps me with the muscle aches. I have also been recommended acupuncture though I am a needlephobe and will pass on that one.

@Clobo You know after the recent super hot days, a walk in the rain sounds cool and fresh! Enjoy those good days 😊

@Hetty 2775 How have the GCSE's gone?

I am due my second Abraxane (Paclitaxel) infusion this Wednesday. In all just 3 more to go and I am counting the days down. Much like @claregreenacres it's has been a world better from the nausea perspective. My breathing issues are also starting to settle now I am off EC so I have been able to do more. Good thing too as the last 2 weeks have been packed with sports days and school performances. I am tired afterwards but it has been wonderful to cheer the girls on. Getting out more came with the realisation that my eyebrows and lashes are barely there. Makeup is such an artform! Those YouTubers make it seem so easy. It is going to take some practice to avoid looking like Bozo the Clown.

Stay well all. Keep maxing out those good days!

P.s. Does anyone know how long the sunsensitivity lasts for post chemo? 

[Clobo]

@RoseR You’re almost done! 🎉👏🏼 I’m genuinely SO excited for. You must be absolutely delighted. 😄❤️ 

[RoseR]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been a bit quiet on here too…felt pretty rubbish again after my last chemo, but at least it went ahead as planned, as my liver was back to close to normal, so they were happy to proceed. Have had the usual gastro issues, which seem to be the worst side effect for me on Docetaxel. The aches and pains have been manageable, particularly this time - paracetamol and heat packs have worked for me, plus walking every day, even if I ache…I got told off for taking Ibuprofen, and told I should have checked with my consultant before taking it. Have managed without this time, but another nurse said she thinks it helps more than paracetamol. 

So I am now down to one more chemo! And it’s been brought forward to next Tuesday! I was told I won’t need radiotherapy, and had a Mastsectomy back in January…so “just” Herceptin for 6 months, then probably Letrozole for 5+ years after next week! And I was told they will take my PICC line out at the same time, which I’m really excited about!! 

So pleased everyone is starting to think about the end of this part of the journey. Hope you are all doing okay, and enjoying your good days as best you can. Keep looking forwards! X

[Clobo]

Hi Ladies, 

Sorry I’ve been so quiet. I’ve been reading your posts but always find it hard to take the time to reply. 

I’m in between cycles at the moment and faring quite well - touch wood. Feeling relatively good and dare I say normal. I went for a walk in the rain this morning which was a lot more pleasant than it sounds, and managed to do everything I had planned to do. I’m taking it for a win! 

@claregreenacres so glad to hear you’re managing the new chemo drugs so much better. I think the nausea is awful and would definitely trade it for aches and pains. I find heat packs help if you haven’t tried them already. 

@Hetty 2775 I’ve also heard radiotherapy is so much easier than chemo. I hope it’s true. The plan for me is 28 sessions of radiotherapy which hopefully will start in September all being well. I haven’t had surgery yet, so that’ll likely be August once I’ve recovered from the final chemo on 21st July. A month and a day from now and hopefully I’ll be done with it! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 

I hope everyone is keeping as well as possible. We’re all a bit closer to finishing and being well again. Keep your eyes on the prize, you lovely ladies. 😊

[claregreenacres]

Hello ladies!

How are you all? Hope you've managed to enjoy some sunshine?

I had my 4th chemo on Thursday and it was a totally different experience on my new drug of abraxane, in a good way! Nowhere near as many anti sickness drugs so wasn't wiped out and mega tired on the day, just a bit of general fatigue in the last couple of days. The biggest change is no nausea at all (yipeee) but quite bad muscle and joint aches, which I would definitely choose instead of nausea!! Any tips for muscle and joint aches? I've got some bath soak and am using paracetamol and ibuprofen so far.

Sending hugs to you all xxx

[Hetty 2775]

So glad @mighty_at0m that your breathing is already better on the taxol, its so hard moving to the next drug to know how it will affect you.  I'd heard about the neuropathy and aches so hope it doesn't affect being able to keep mildly active. It really wiped me out this last week with nausea so be glad to be done with that.

Great news that both you and @claregreenacres  will have a chemo free August, my last is 3 august so Im counting mine as pretty much done by July before radiotherapy.  People seem to say its a walk in the park compared to chemo so lets hope thats the case.

Hope you are all able to enjoy a sunny weekend wherever you all

[claregreenacres]

Hi everyone!!

@mighty_at0m it's great to hear your breathing hasn't been affected this time!! Hope you get the enjoy those walks!

I'm hoping for a chemo free August too, if it all goes to plan my last one will be 28 July then on to radiotherapy (fingers crossed)

@RoseR I hope you're doing OK and the liver is OK.

@Clobo I bet the time with your sisters is wonderful!! Hope you're doing well.

I've been getting out on daily walks too, I'm hoping to carry on with my next chemo but I move to nab paclixatel on Thursday so not sure what to expect yet. The nurse said definitely less or no nausea but maybe achy muscles so fingers crossed the walking will continue.

Hope you all have nice relaxing weekends planned? Mines a quiet one just trying to get organised ahead of chemo on Thursday, and trying to spend as much time outside as possible xxx

[mighty_at0m]

Hey all you lovely ladies,

Hope the you are feeling are better @RoseR  and that the liver settles. It's good to know that there are other options too. Different medicines suit different people and fingers crossed there aren't any delays so you can enjoy the school summer holidays with the family and get back to swimming. I am hoping to have August chemo free! The Oncologist has said not too book any holidays though as I have radiotherapy scheduled 😒.

@Clobo Hope you and your sisters are having a blast! A road trip and change of scene sound just fabulous.

@Hetty 2775 & @RoseR  Well done on getting out for daily walks. EC really clobbered me and affected my breathing. The first 7-10 days post infusion I had difficulty breathing just getting up the stairs. No half marathons here but I was running 5ks before, so this was a major reduction in function.

On the bright side I had my first Paclitaxel infusion yesterday. Total time 4hrs 15 minutes. Heads up that the Paclitaxel is dissolved in alcohol and how much you get depends on your dose. I had 2 units of alcohol. As a total alcohol lightweight I was pretty tipsy by the end. Not much nausea so far. Best thing though is that it hasn't affected my breathing and I reckon I will start daily walks in the local woods.

Stay strong ladies. We'll get there!

[Hetty 2775]

Ah @RoseR how lovely to live by the sea, having grown up on the Isle of Wight I want to get back to the sea and need to make it happen as we live in north Hampshire at the moment.  Im also a swimmer before all this but in a local lake, made it all through the freezing winter temperatures and now missing the balmier summer swims.  We will be back to it soon, I cant wait to have my picc line out either. Ive just managed to get out with the dog in the woods and its definitely good for the soul.

Hope the return to school goes well for all, big week of GCSEs here. 

[RoseR]

Thanks everyone. It’s been so nice to feel normal again over the bank holiday - am keeping everything crossed for bloods today!

@Clobo - that is such a lovely surprise. Have an amazing week together.

@Hetty 2775 I’m walking every day, but the length and difficulty depends on how I’m feeling! We live right by the South West coast path….on good days, I do a bit of that, on bad days, I drag myself up to see the sea but not much else. I swam a lot before all this, and can’t wait to get my PICC line out so I can get back in the sea! I might look into yoga or Pilates too…

Have a good week everyone - am off to hurry my girls along for school starting again today! 

[Hetty 2775]

Wow @Clobo how amazing that your sisters surprised you, special times, hope you have a blast.

So sorry @RoseR to hear that you are having problems with liver function, do hope they are able to help you and that it doesn't delay you - any delay really does seem harsh but better that you are sorted and well.  Horrid to have felt ill for such a long time too - do hope you are feeling better and able to enjoy the weekend - despite the rain.

@mighty_at0m hope you are enjoying some quiet time with or without your toast to the queen, never too early!  I made it to a street party for a few hours and it was nice to feel normal for a while despite the lack of booze at such an event. 

I'm just eating so much but its not very balanced with exercise at the moment but guess that will come, Im walking the dog and doing some yoga, I did jog before this and was just about to do my first half marathon, is anyone else doing any more strenuous exercise at the moment? I'm just not feeling upto it.

Hope you all stay well

[Shi]

RoseR ❤️ Lots of peoples liver takes a battering during chemo ❤️ It’s one of the se’s that can happen ❤️ Your team has seen it all before ❤️ It’s disappointing when you want to get the chemo done but stay focused ❤️ You will get there ❤️💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[Clobo]

Hi Ladies, 

I hope you’re all well. @RoseR I’m sorry to hear about your liver problems. As if we don’t have enough to contend with. Fingers crossed your bloods come back better and you can go ahead with your planned treatment. 🤞🏼

@mighty_at0m i’ve not had a chemo infusion that lasted less than 4 hours. It sounds long but the time really has gone by quickly. Last time it took 5 hours because it took an hour, 3 nurses and multiple attempts to get the cannula in. My veins don’t want to play ball anymore. I think they’ve had enough of being poked and prodded. 

@Hetty 2775 i’m on docetaxel but it’s only 1 of 4 I get every time so not sure how long it takes. I think it might be 90 minutes but I’m not 100% on that. Sorry I can’t be more helpful. 

I hope you’re all enjoying the extra long weekend. It’s a long weekend here in Western Australia too! And my sisters surprised me last week and turned up at my front door. I hadn’t seen them for 4 years (thanks covid 🙄), and they’d flown in from UK and Ireland. We’re just on our road trip down south for a few days. It’s really given me a boost. 🥰❤️ They have another week before they head home so trying to enjoy every moment. 

Anyway, better get off my phone as I’m supposed to be navigating. 🙈

Clo 😊

[RoseR]

Hi everyone,

Hope you’re all managing to enjoy the extended bank holiday.

Reaching the half way point feels like a milestone, doesn’t it?! I’m afraid I didn’t cold cap for the Docetaxel, but the actual infusion didn’t take as long as I expected….longer than FEC, but I was done in two hours, and that included my first Herceptin, which they did slowly.

I’m afraid my side effects worsened after my last post - I’ll never again think I’ve “turned a corner”! I ended up with an upset stomach for about 10 days - literally couldn’t keep food in me, and was only eating boiled egg and white toast for about a week. They ended up doing bloods last week to check it wasn’t an infection, which it wasn’t….but they’ve shown that the chemo has affected my liver, and consultant said they will have to delay chemo or change drugs if that doesn’t improve when I have bloods taken again on Monday. So keeping everything crossed that it’s improved, ascan’t face any delay to treatment…I want to be done by the school summer holidays! My heart rate hasn’t settled on this round either - it’s still annoyingly high, but they seem less concerned about that.

Have a lovely weekend….it’s wet and rainy here in Devon today, but we’re going ahead with a BBQ later!

[mighty_at0m]

Hi all,

Hope you are all enjoying the long bank holiday. I've packed off the kids and hubby to the grandparents for raucous Jubilee fun so am having a nice quiet one at home. 

So glad to hear that @Hetty 2775  and @claregreenacres have made the halfway milestone. Apols if I have missed any one out. I am also due to start the taxanes next cycle (on Thursday!) and they have blocked out 4 hours for the infusion. If it goes well maybe 3 hours. It's an age and I am not sure the Wifi is up to streaming box sets off Netflix.

Right.. I am off to raise a Clean G and T to her majesty.. oh dear its 8:45 am.. is it too early if it doesn't acutally contain alcohol ? 🤔

[Hetty 2775]

Hello everyone, hope you are all able to enjoy something over the weekend, whether its sunny weather or trips out.  Had my final EC on Wednesday so planned a quiet time here but other than the nausea which was pretty bad on Wed eve (realised I forgot to take my table that night) ive been ok but clearly still in the steroid high.

Onto Doxetaxel for next 3 sessions - is any one else cold capping and on this treatment?  Just wondering how long each session might be as I read its a long time and I found the cap harder this last time.

Anyway sending best wishes to you all ❤️

[claregreenacres]

Hi there!!! Third and final EC done and dusted, now onto nab paclixatel (abraxane) in 3 weeks. EC has been much the same as the last ones thankfully, fatigue and low level nausea but the meds help! Have any of you had abraxane as part of your treatment yet? I'm hoping for some top tips! Apparently it's far easier on the nausea front and you get less meds to take home which I'm hoping is a sign it's a bit easier (maybe I'm going mad 🤣🤣). 

Anyway I hope you're all managing to enjoy the weekend, it's lovely and sunny up north.

Sending hugs xxx

[Hetty 2775]

Hi @claregreenacres hope you had a wonderful time at the wedding and glad you were able to make your hair workable!

How did your last EC go today?  Hope its all bearable and doesnt tire you too much.

My last EC is next wednesday and then onto doxetaxel, I'll also be halfway which as you say is a good milestone.

Hope everyone else is doing ok today

[claregreenacres]

Hi ladies! Back from the wedding fun now and prepping for my third round of EC tomorrow. My last EC before I move on to nab paclixatel so feels like a milestone to reach tomorrow, I'll be halfway there!

@Hetty 2775 my hair is the same, I thought it looked mostly OK for the wedding thanks to my hairdresser but on some photos you can really see my bald patches, it does make me wonder if it's worth carrying on with the cold cap if I shed a lot after this round it might make the decision for me! @Hetty 2775 Have you finished EC now?

I hope you're all doing OK and the side effects aren't too bad xxxx