December 2017 Chemo Starters

[Shi]

Hi everyone just woke up to no water, there is a burst main, you need to contact your waterboards and let them know you will be on chemo so they can put you on their vulnerable list so you will be contacted if water is going to be switched off and they should bring you bottled water out, just wanted you all to know as this was a surprise we could all do without while on chemo that’s for sure. 💕💕✨✨shi xx

[Poppywheel1]

Hello all,

I’m an interloper from the November thread too - but wanted to say hi.

I too have had the fertility dilemma - I chose to try egg cryopreservation but unfortunately it was unsuccessful for me, but I’m now on Zoladex injections every 4 weeks, so fingers crossed that that will keep things okay.

It’s just another big decision and stress that’s unexpected, on top of the cancer diagnosis.

I’m finding everything all a bit stressful at the mo - all the things Cancer brings, like the fertility and not being able to work and pay bills etc..

Anyway, I’m having a right olde moan aren’t I... whooops.

I’m grade 3 IDC with lymph node involvement and about to have my 2nd FEC.

Lesley, good luck on Thursday - we can hold each other’s hand🙂🙂🙂.

Saw the nurse today in pre chemo clinic, and she said that I had tolerated chemo really well... erm... they’ve added in omeprazole though now to help with the nausea.

She did say that this time round won’t be any worse than last time, but the change to T might be a challenge 🙂😢🙂.

Can I ask what the accelerated FEC T is please, as I’m on FEC T. Thanks.

Well, I also saw the psychologist today, who is happy to see me again, which is fab.

A bit more hair out today, but will try cold cap again this time round.

Well ladies, hope you are all as good as can be. Good night all - sleep well.

Xxxxxxxxx

[cmccorry21]

Thank you scooterbek for your kind words and support. I've really not had much understanding about my fertility. The medical team just want me to start chemo and worry about it not coming back. I think that is such an important decision to have the option for children after treatment but not everyone sees it like that.
Going to take a little bit of control back and have my eyebrows microbladed😊 x

[scooterbek]

Hello cmccorry21 KirstyH & SamH37 I'm so sorry to hear that on top of having to cope with BC you are also having to cope with the worries over future fertility. This must be very tough. Sending love & energy. Scooter x

[Shi]

Just had a thought ladies my onc told me to stop the matcha powder green tea and any turmeric 2 weeks prior to starting chemo, you need to check with onc about all supplements etc that you are on prior to chemo if you have not already 😘😘💕💕💕✨✨✨shi xx

[AnnaKarenina]

I am an interloper to the thread as a November starter who has her second accelerated FEC-T on Thursday.

I just wanted to thank Shi for the top tip for Thieves Oil which I have never heard about and sounds like a brew I would love to mix up (I always wanted to be a wise old healing woman!).

I also wanted to wish you all the very best for your first cycle. Like Lesley62, I was apprehensive but it was much better once I had started and I hope it will be for you all. Even on the rough days, this site and the chemo monthly threads have made me smile and feel less alone, so don't be on your own with any niggles, worries or questions. Take all the love and support you can. xx

[rabbit28]

Hi Lesley, sorry I made a mistake yesterday with the company name it is wigsmart. I am currently trying to cancel the order and get a refund but unsuccessful so far. I am going to take a look at simply wigs xx

[lesley62]

Also wanted to say to Rabbit ........... simply wigs - ordered on Friday, delivered today ..... and it's fab - really pleased with it.

Hope you get yours sorted

xx

[lesley62]

morning all

just wanted to pop in from the nov thread to wish you all the best....   

I have my second FEC on Thursday 30th Nov and I will be thinking of you all as you start your Dec journeys.

There is loads of advice on here, a lot of which you will have forgotten by the time it is relevant but sing out and someone without chemo brain will point you in the right direction.

I think the worst bit is waiting for it.... it's the fear of the unknown.  But I have found that it wasnt as bad as I expected ....... its wasnt great ....... but I had built it up in my mind and was expecting all sorts of horrendous SEs

As JC says, the fact that there are so many young ladies on here is so so so wrong.  It makes me angry.

We'll keep an eye on you as you enter your first sessions

xx

[KirstyH]

Oh no one has mentioned zoladex to me, I wi.ask about it. Sam, we are similar in that then as just didn't want to delay treatment starting as thought it was too much of a risk.
Thanks for the oil tips Shi, will have a look for some x

[Shi]

Dec thread you might want to mix yourselves some thieves oil ready to dab on hankies and put in oil burners, it wards off germs and May thread and lot of us on Oct thread have it. 40 drops clove bud essential oil, 35 drops lemon essential oil, 20 drops cinnamon bark essential oil, 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 10 drops rosemary essential oil then just use extra virgin olive oil as carrier oil. Just get oils from Holland and Barrett or health shops or offline. Hope this helps 💕💕✨✨shi xx

[cmccorry21]

Sam H87, it's good that you've had the option for zoladex. It is a hard decision to delay treatment and zoladex offers the peace of mind during and after chemo. My oncologist has refused me the zoladex. Its not used for preservation in my area. He also said that my grade 3 is the reason but I'm not sure if it's a financial reason. They are hard to trust at times.

[JC1262]

Oh ladies, you are so young to be going through this. Life's just not fair sometimes. Good luck with your treatment, keep strong & positive . Sending you hugs 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗💕💕💕🍀🍀🍀🍀

[SamH87]

Kirsty- I’m in a similar position too! I have since been given Zoladex before starting chemo next week. I’m 30 and was given the option of seeing a fertility specialist but it was looking likely to be a 3 week delay on treatment and I just couldn’t do that.
The C diagnosis is just earth shattering in itself but then there is is everything else that comes with it that becomes so disheartening 😞 — will things ever be ‘normal’ again? I’m due to start chemo next Wed... I’m hoping things get mentally easier? X

[cmccorry21]

Kirsty, Sorry to hear that. It was a tough decision but like you said. You Feel it was the right one. When it feels right then it's much easier to live with I guess. But you are young so hopefully the'wait and see' option will work out for you.
I am lucky to have my son but felt that my family was not complete. Although no partner either but always had the hope that things would change.
I will be thinking about you staying this week. I've to have my pic in on Thursday. It's all getting very close x

[KirstyH]

Thanks, After the initial day spent crying after we left the clinic, I have felt confident that I made the right decision even though it's such a crap thing to have to have decided xx

[JC1262]

Kirsty, tough decision, but you are one brave & strong lady!! 🤗🤗🤗🤗💕💕

[KirstyH]

Cmcorry21 I can relate to you on that as I am 34 and we had planned to start a family next year, now this may never happen so it is like grieving for the loss of that on top.of everything else. I went to the fertility clinic to discuss ivf amd them freezing embryos but it was going to delay the start in my chemo treatment buy a week or two and I just couldn't cope with putting myself through that (for a 20% chance of the ivf working anyway) so we have decided to take our chances as I wanted my own treatment to come first. I had a rough couple of days after that app but am now focusing on getting treatment started. Sending hugs xx

[JC1262]

Hi cmcorry, your oncologist is there to answer any questions you have, please don't be put off by him & go armed with your questions, you have a right to answers!! Good luck for tomorrow & I hope you get your answers 🤞
🤗☄💫💕

[cmccorry21]

Thank you so much for the tips and supportive words. I will most definitely stay with the thread and look in on other months. I think knowledge does give you a little control back. Feeling prepared mentally I hope will help me. Chaffinch I too am small but the 75 FEC had not been mentioned so I may discuss this tomorrow with my onco . Even though he does not like me asking too many questions. I've asked him for zoladex to preserve my ovaries during chemo however he has said no to this. I'm 41 so I think he just thinks I'm too old anyway. Hard to take. Grieving for this alongside my own diagnosis.

[KirstyH]

Morning ladies, thank you for all the tips so far from the ones who have started. It is great to have the support and tips before starting. 3 days to go for me then it begins x

[Chaffinch17]

Welcome cmccorry. You will find loads of support here. The reaction to FEC is very varied. The most common side effect (SE) seems to be nausea. Take your anti sickness meds and if you still feel nauseated tell your team right away because they can advise you in either I increasing the dose or add an extra one in. It’s easier to prevent the nausea than it is to treat it once vomiting starts. Some people have very few SEs some really struggle it’s hard to predict. I’m 3 cycles into FEC 75 and I’ve found the nausea really hard but I’m only quite small so I suspect that’s why I’m on 75 not 100. The first week is the worst then first cycle you should get two weeks of relative normality. It does get tougher round by round but you also get better at managing SEs with your meds. The drinking loads is important to flush everything through and guard against UTIs I have a glass of cranberry juice every day because I find my wee gets acidic especially during first week and a half. Using a good moisturising mouthwash that’s alcohol free is also important to help prevent ulcers and oral thrush I use Biotene and Biotene toothpaste so far so good 😊.
Some people get diarrhea but more seem to get constipation from the anti sickness meds especially Ondansetron I took dulcoease this time and it’s helped a lot. It’s worth having Imodium and stool softener on hand as well as pile cream and flushable toilet paper wipes.
Eat little and often when nauseous, bland carbs and almonds are my go to foods and if you have someone who can cook for you and tempt you to eat proper food without having to prep it yourself then use them.
Best wishes for your treatment, I can’t emphasize enough how supportive this forum is we give each other invaluable advice and also plenty of laughs x

[Shi]

Cmcorry hi I’m from Oct thread, if you read back in this thread there are tip for coping with fec, is it fec you are having or fec-t? All the threads look after each other on this journey, so you will get a lot of love, support, compassion and the most wonderful friendships, 24/7 support and any question or concerns can be asked and someone will answer. Everything gets covered from 💩tips to our shopping binges online from the steriod rush we all seem to get and everything in between. Take your meds as your team will tell you, if they don’t appear to work, tell your team so they can change them, take one chemo at a time as se’s can differ each one, drink 2l+ of fluids a day, like I say? Look back on this thread there are lists of top that some of us have already put up to try and help Dec starters. Keep strong and positive we will all get through this 💕💕💕✨✨✨shi xx

[JC1262]

Hi cmccorry, I'm from the November thread & popped in to read your thread. I had my 2nd chemo last Friday. I am on 6 cycles of FEC-T. I had a mastectomy in July after a routine mammogram revealed the very early stages of bc, not even a lump!! But I had areas of calcium turning pre cancerous. It was only decided late Sept that I needed chemo after an oncotype dx test revealed that I would benefit from chemo as it had turned grade 3 aggressive,  but fortunately hadn't spread to lymph nodes. 

To be fair  my chemo hasn't been too bad,  I've had some nausea,  tiredness during the first week, then a reaction to my immune system boosting injections, but the lovely ladies on the November thread have suggested I take 1 clarityn daily whilst having injections. I've had a few days of a sore dry mouth (ask for difflam mouthwash) and down below  (used caneston). Days 7-14 are when your immunity is at its lowest so best to avoid crowds, coughs,  colds, sore throats etc. The final week I was absolutely fine, except for losing my hair (as I'm not cold capping) so had a few nice days out planned.

All in all, I can only say how I have found it and it hasn't been too bad , although some of our ladies have had it harder,  but we're in this together and help each other through highs and lows. 

Good luck with your journey xxx 🤗🌟☄💫💕

[cmccorry21]

Hello everyone, starting FEC 100 on the 5th December. I'm hoping this thread will help get me thru treatment. I'm grade 3. Had a lumpectomy with clear margins and nodes. So I'm lucky. Very scared about chemo. Feeling in limbo right now. Xx

[JC1262]

I agree, went for walk today with turban & beanie on!! Nice & snug though

[Chaffinch17]

I think if it were spring or summer and I didn’t have a large mole on top of my head which somewhat messes with the symmetry, I would go bare headed and proud. I actually think it’s a great look. Too cold at the moment though!

[JC1262]

Hi ladies, I'm from the November thread and just had chemo 2. My hair is shedding like autumn leaves, from around day 16 and am wearing my turbans, my wig is on standby.
When I was at the hospital the other day, this lady walked in and totally outshone everyone. She was totally bald; which is very on trend- think Cara Delevene (?), had stunning strong make up, she had enhanced her eyes, eyebrows, bright lipstick. She wore dangly earrings and looked so beautiful. I wanted to applaud her and thought kudos to her, she made me feel positive about losing my hair.
Wishing you all well and hoping you are enjoying this glorious weather
Xxx 🤗🍂🍁☄💫💕

[Chaffinch17]

I prefer my hats and scarves, look at YouTube for tying tips. I’ve finally found a use for my drawer full of scarves and an excuse to buy more 😊. You can have fun matching with outfits and accessorizing.

[scooterbek]

Hi Ruth07 KirstyH I also had a look at liz.oriordan yesterday & found some of her information so useful. Rabbit28 I'm in York, blue skies today....but the temperature has dropped now & it's FREEZING! I'm impressed you've attempted doing crawl swim already. I still have cording in my arm so taking it abit slower. I'm sure you will remain in fairly good shape as it must have taken you some will power to achieve your previous weight loss. Just be kind to yourself along the way.
Had a Pixie hair cut today & went for a wig fitting too. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of wigs but not sure if I'll prefer just hats & scarfs.
Scooter

[Ruth07]

Hi yes Dramaminx I am also TN awaiting genetics I am usually found chatting away on the Oct thread 😄😄😄

[lesley62]

Also meant to say Dramaminx that there are quite few of us TN girls around going thru genetics testing.  I am waiting for results, should be January time??

So you are not alone

xx

[KirstyH]

What a brilliant article and such an inspiration, so pleased to read something like that as it gives some hope xx

[KirstyH]

Hi Ruth, aw fab well done on your first run since chemo starting, that's amazing that you haven't felt a difference in level either.
Haha yeah must look on the bright side and maybe some performance enhancers 😂🙊
Go for it with the half marathon! I've run 4 obstacles races this year with my crazy team I train with and my goal will be to get back to that next year after all this hopefully... start some fundraising through the runs too I hope. Thanks so much for the link, I'll have a read 😁 xx

[Ruth07]

First run!!! Damn text

[Ruth07]

Hi Kirsty just thought I would pop on the thread and let you know I did my first fun since chemo this morning! I couldn't quite get there on my first cycle but this week I went for reflexology on Wednesday and it feels like my body got lighter and so decided to give it a go!
I was relatively surprised as despite a break of about 5 weeks I was able to run about the same level as b4 chemo (which isn't marathon standard I should add but do have my heart set on a half marathon next year to show cancer who is boss!)
Perhaps all those performance enhancing drugs they pump us with might have some beneficial SEs 😄🤣🤣 Certainly none of us could consider competing in the Tour de France after all the steroids and blood proliferators!! 😁

I was also reading Liz ORiodans blog last night and thought this page might interest you
http://liz.oriordan.co.uk/Chemotherapy_files/run-or-dye-tri-ing.html

XxRuth

[rabbit28]

Hi Scooter, I missed my swimming after op beginning of Oct but when I saw the consultant 2 1/2 weeks after for follow up he said I go go again which was great.  I mainly ownly swim front crawl so arm was a bit achy after the first time but now its fine.  I am really concerned about not keeping up the exercise as I've lost 6 1/2 stone through exercise and healthy eating over the last couple of years so really don't want to put it back on!!  No sun here today where in the country are you? xx

[scooterbek]

Hi Rabbit28 I was also surprised when my oncologist said he was happy for me to continue swimming as it was the thing I missed the most whist recovering from surgery. My surgeon said swimming was an absolute No due to infection whilst wounds healed. I went swimming yesterday which felt fantastic...might be a while before I attempt crawl again. The physio said it's great exercise when trying to gain full arm movement after lymph nodes taken out. Also put my name down for Nordic walking group that came highly recommended for breast surgery recovery. Beautiful sunny day here! Scooter x

[lesley62]

Oh my goodness, you girls make me feel tired just reading about all your exercise and physical activity!   I couldn't do it normally, let alone when going thru chemo..... hats off to you all.

But I am a bit of an old bird, its more about comfort than speed for me these days 🙂 but still glamming it up as well.... think chubbier Joan Collins!!  🙂

Dramaminx, I have my second treatment next thursday, but I have to admit I was sat yesterday thinking, why can't I have it today,  I felt perfectly ok for it .... but I have no idea what my blood count etc is doing.  So I am back to sitting on my hands!!

If there is anything worrying you, use this group to air your concerns, someone will have done it and got the t-shirt as well!

Better together.... as they say!

xx

[KirstyH]

Hi Karebare, I'm sure this thread will be useful for us all starting.

Thanks Rabbit28, hope you get a start date soon as well. That is good news for you for the swimming 🙂 When I was asking my surgeon at diagnosis, about my basketball & running, he said do whatever you want, take up rugby if you want lol it will all be beneficial. But will need to wait see what the energy levels allow, I am now preparing myslef for a massive drop in that x

[Sue C]

Hi Karebear

Welcome to the thread. I hope you will find lots of support and advice here. Please ask if you have any questions.

Best wishes

Sue xx

[rabbit28]

Hi Kirsty, I'm due to start my chemo early December just waiting for a scan on the 30th Nov then a start date shortly after.  I like you am hoping to keep up with exercise and work through it.

However, my oncologist did say I would probably need at least 7/10 days off after each session.  She did say I can carry on swimming which I was suprised about but also pleased.  Apparently as I have juicy' veins they will just put a line in each time so it's not a problem. 

Good luck with your first session. xx

[Karebear]

Hi my starting date for chemo is 20th Dec
This forum will be so useful to me

[KirstyH]

Hi meesh73, that sounds like a good way to do things. My chemo is set to start next Thursday so my plan it to take thuraday and Friday off then it runs into weekend which will give me the 4 days in a row to rest and recuperate then will just need to wait and see how i feel on the Monday and possible go into work but for shorter hours x

[Meesh73]

KirstyH, I'm from the October thread and I had chemo 3 last Tuesday. I work full time and I usually sign myself off for the Tuesday to Friday (4days) then I work from home the second week as this is when immune system is low and then have been going into work week 3. I choose to sign myself off the first 4 days as I think it's important to let my body recuperate after the chemo and hope this means I'll be able to continue to work during later cycles. So working and chemo has certainly been doable for me but I do find going into work more tiring than working from home, although it's nice to see people and takes my mind off things even if just briefly. i have also been using a bouncer each day and doing yoga and meditation every day too all this does seem to keep the fatigue at bay for me. 

[Sue C]

Hi Dramaminx

Welcome to the forum and the thread.

So sorry to read that you're having to go through this again, but it sounds like you are feeling positive.

When I had my chemo, I found that by the end of week 2, I felt pretty good and was itching to get on with the next cycle. I do hope that you feel the same.

 And you're right, take one treatment at a time.

There are lots of lovely ladies going through this right now and the threads are very lively! Everyone is so supportive, so I do hope we can help along the way.

Best wishes

Sue xx

[KirstyH]

Been managing to sleep most night surprisingly actually scooter, but lavender oil is a good tip when struggling. It's a huge thing to get our heads around but just need to try and be positive and get used to the new normal x

[KirstyH]

Hi AnnaKarenina, lovely to hear you are managing both work and exercise, in moderation at least. Exercise is such a big part of my life and the physical and mental benefits are great, will definitly listen to my body tho and not over do things and hopefully can get by doing a little bit. Just be good to keep some normality. Hope your next treatment goes well x

[scooterbek]

Bex I like the idea of an app to track meds...I was just going to put phone alarm on for reminders but maybe an app with give more detail. Thanks x Scooter

[scooterbek]

Hi Kirsty sorry you have had to join this thread & that it is all happening so fast for you. I was diagnosed end of August so have had some time to get my head around chemo. I hope you are managing to get some sleep as I certainly struggled with that in the first few weeks. I found lavender oil on my pillow helps knock me out when I really struggle to switch off.
I have been trying to get back into doing some exercise since recovering from surgery but it's slow...! I do the walk to school every day so is a good start & try to do my yoga & Pilates too. Scooter x