December 2017 Chemo Starters

[lesley62]

Hi holliepea .... definitely the club we wanted to avoid!

Are you triple negative(TN)?  

I have grade 3 TN with 2/13 lyphm nodes, so far had a lumpectomy and total axilla clearance and am going for chemo 3 today, the last FEC ...... I will be well and truly FEC'd by the end of it.

I have been up to Guys for the genetic testing and just awaiting results - due at the end of the month 😞

I know it's very easy to say and very hard to do, but try not to think about the testing and what might happen.  You have enough going on at the moment, dealing with the initial diagnosis and chemo.  I found my lump in June, surgery in Sept and first chemo in Nov, so lots of time to come to terms with it.

Keep in touch with your BCN and talk to her about how you are feeling.

And it's ok to have bad days.  This is **bleep**, there is no getting away from it.  Your beautiful children will have their strong, beautiful mum back in no time.

If you are anything like me you will find you have days when you just cant imagine being normal again.... but literally 2/3 days you are normal!!!   

You will get a lot of love and hugs from us all on here as well.

Take care of yourself and be kind!! xx

[Karebear]

Am also getting the genetic testbut I have breast cancer in my family history my sister and aunt has had it and survived it which is brill
I just wish they would have tested me for the gene first before the surgery because if I have it the right one is off

[WhyteFawn]

Hi all. I'm from the Oct thread just seeing how our lovely Dec ladies are getting on. Well done on ladies getting through their first FEC and EC. I've done 3 FEC and had my 1st T 2 weeks ago. Holliepea you are going through exactly what all of us have gone through after diagnosis. I'm still not 100% sure it's sunk in for me even tho I was diagnosed on 17th August. You'll feel better once treatment starts as something is being done about it. It's easy to say don't worry but harder to do I know. I too am waiting genetic test results.
Cassie x

[Meesh73]

Hi Hollipea to the club no one wants to join! I'm from the October thread but pop on here every now and again to see how everyone's doing and to try and offer words of wisdom if I can. I've done 4 of fecx6 so far.  Well done on first chemo today, make sure you drink loads to get rid of the tizer pee! Just rest up and listen to your body. Try and eat if you can as this helps with the 🤢🤢🤢. Make sure to also take meds as prescribed even if you don't feel sick as it's easier to prevent sickness than treat it if it starts. If meds don't work call your team don't suffer! They can adjust them for you. Oh and make sure to get on to the laxatives if you don't 💩as normal especially if you're on ordansetron as it can bung up your botty pretty quick. 

Feel free to pop pop over to oct thread and post there, we're a friendly bunch and will try and help.

Well done Dec ladies you're doing really well stay 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 Here's some ✨🌟⭐️🌟✨🌟⭐️🌟✨⭐️⭐️and 🦄 🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄hugs from oct ladies to help you on your way.

[KirstyH]

Hi holliepea85, welcome to the crappy club none of us wanted to be in 😞 there is a lot of supoort on here though ans good knowing we are not alone.
I am also getting tested for brca1 gene as well due to age, although my onc said he doesnt think mine is genetics due to the type, but if it is then double masectomy as well.

Try and rest and drinks lots of fluids, sending hugs xx

[Holliepea85]

Hi ladies. Looks like I'm joining the club that no one wants to be in 😬

I had my first EC yesterday. I'm having 3 cycles and then 3 cycle of doxy-something. I am wiped out today and feel rubbish.

I have grade 3 cancer with1 lymph node involvement. I am having genetic testing to see whether I have that dodgey BRACA gene and if I do it's a double mastectomy and ovaries out for me.

I only got my diagnosis on 5th December and am really struggling. Every ache and pain I think is proofthe cancer has spread and I'm months away from dying.

I was doing ok up until today but have given in and am in bed crying away, feeling guilty that my 5 children don't have their strong mum around anymore.

[KirstyH]

Wow that is low! 🙊🙈 but just shows how fast they can revover if back to 4 the following week. Cool thanks I will ask about them if still too low tomorrow, thanks xx

[Camilla9]

Hello Otter, I also am FEC T and had the first 2 days ago. So far, feel mosly  'normal' still apart from being awake all the first night. How has it gone for you?

[Camilla9]

Hello Otter, I also am FEC T and had the first 2 days ago. So far, feel mosly  'normal' still apart from being awake all the first night. How has it gone for you.

[SueW]

My injections stayed at 5 despite switch as 5 seem to be doing the job xx

[Shi]

Oh yeh and mine went to 0 and I got a uti and was in casa nhs for 6 days, onc did let me out when they were 0.5 and by the following week they were back up to over 4, so if you do get a delay, enjoy Christmas and then get back onto dec’s train or rollercoaster, I don’t know what you ladies have on your thread? On Oct we have a 🚂 and nov have a 🎢😘😘💕💕✨✨shi xx

[Shi]

Hi Kirsty 5 injections on fec is standard in some trusts, ask for them, they should help. When you go onto t you should have 7 injections. Also ask to get re-weighed, I’d lost weight from when I met onc to having my first fec so it was too much as they work out Chemo meds on your weight. I know another lady on the Oct thread with me eats liver to help with hers too. We’ll try anything to keep the neutraphils up 😁😁😁good luck for tomorrow😘😘💕💕✨✨shi xx

[KirstyH]

Thanks Shi, no I dont get the injections on FEC but they told me I will be getting them  when I move on to tax, so I can always ask about them tomorrow if my levels havent come back up. Do you know what yours were at when they were really low the first time?

I was eating the manuka honey but was only 5+ stuff from Aldi, but on monday my order of 20+ arrived from online so I will maybe see a difference with that x

[Shi]

Hi Kirsty, have you had course of filgrastim injections to take at home? I know some ladies have them and others don’t depending on which trust they are with, might be worth asking for them if you don’t have them. They say ther is nothing you can do to get neutraphils up, but I’ve been on a steak a day and also taking Life Mel honey twice a day as my neutraphils went to Florida on the first round so That and I had my dose lowered to 80% has helped so far with neutraphils since. Hope that helps a bit and wishing you luck for tomorrow when the re-test. A nurse did tell me too that they can just shoot up by next day too. 💕💕✨✨shi xx

[KirstyH]

So just had a call from the hospital to tell me my neutophils are too low from my bloods yesterday morning, so I have to go in early tomorrow before my treatment to get repeat bloods done, so frustrating! as I feel totally fine. And I have been eating mauka honey every day as well lol. They were at 0.54 and need to be up to 1, anyone any idea if they can go up that much in the space of a few days? x

[KirstyH]

Hi Karebare, I also didnt sleep well on the night of first Chemo, maily due to them giving the big bag of IV steroids at about 4pm I think. The following night was better as had my steroid tablets with breakfast and lunch instead of late on in the day. Def drink lots to flush things round, I waited and waited on side effects to hit and felt like I was waiting for a train to hit and luckily nothing really happened, so try to relax and take each day as it comes instead of expecing and waiting on all sorts of things that may not happen. Round 2 for me tomorrow as well! Take care x

[Fiona17]

Hi Karebear I didn’t sleep well after 1st chemo either, think it’s brain going into overdrive and steroids. It was better next night though. Lesley’s advice is good don’t do what I did went Christmas shopping then crashed n burned exhausted. Crap tv lots of fluids and rest. Feel better soon. I’m in again tomorrow for Christmas chemo cocktail let’s wait and see what week 2 brings. Take very good care of yourself. 😘

[lesley62]

Morning Karebear, try and rest up and keep your fluids up.  The more you can get in and flush your system out the better.

It is hard not to sit there waiting for the next side effect to kick in but try and relax..... easier said then done I know! and let your body do what it needs to do.  Lots of nibbles if you have nausea and if you can manage some exercise it will help with the fatigue and your moods as well.

But if all else fails ..... remember they invented day time tv for a reason...... snuggle up and indulge in some cr*p tv!!  There are bound to be some slushy films on at the mo!!

You December girls are doing really well - hugs to you all

xx

[Karebear]

I didn't sleep much last night
Am just waiting on something bad on happen
It's a weird feeling knowing what going though your body 😢

[Karebear]

1st chemo done it went well
Home now to rest and to get spoilt (hopefully)

[Meesh73]

Well done Karebear, rest up now and remember to drink loads.

sam, Kirsty I also came up in a few pussy whiteheads on my cheeks cycles 1 and 2 and I don't normally suffer with spots either. Don't seem to have had them cycles 3&4 although came up in a rash across my chest last week which resulted to trip to chemo unit, all ok now! This is just the 🎁 that keeps on giving 🙄

[KirstyH]

I woke up with 4 pussy spots on my nose all at the one time 😷 and I dont normally get spots, so panicked a bit when chest broke put too but face wash I bought seemed to dry them up. Another crappy side effect of this sh@t x

[SamH87]

Ok thanks Kirsty- will give that a go! It’s flared up really badly!! Xx

[SamH87]

Well done Karebear!! Plenty of rest and fluids 🙂 xx

[KirstyH]

I had spots that all broke out on my nose and chest about a week to a week and a half after 1st treatment, bought tea tree and witch hazel face wash and they have cleared up now x

[Karebear]

1st chemo done it went well
Home now to rest and to get spoilt (hopefully)

[SamH87]

Outbreak alert!! I have the most horrendous acne that has suddenly come up on my cheeks!! Anyone experienced Else experienced this??? X

[Mamadeacs]

Thanks for the tip Chaffinch, I’ll try and increase.
Good luck with your bloods Kirsty, mine are tomorrow.
Have a good day everyone xx

[Chaffinch17]

Keeping up the fluids might help with the headaches
Mamadeacs. I seem to get one if I let my intake slip.

[KirstyH]

Well done camilla for 1st one down 🙂

And well done mamadeacs for now braving she shave! Glad it wasnt as bad as you thought. You can definitely feel the cold on the head though cant you lol I also keep forgetting ive done it when I touch my head and realise my hairs gone

Im off to the docs this morning for my first set of ore chemo bloods since startinf treatmebt, praying my white blood cells are ok for Thursday xx

[Mamadeacs]

Well done Camilla - 1st one done, take it easy now.
Good luck Karebear for tomorrow, hope it goes smoothly.
Sam I’m sorry you are feeling rotten, hope you pick up soon...sending cyber hugs xx

I braved the shave today....it wasn’t nice but it wasn’t the worst thing either. Caught the train to Birmingham to have a look round the Christmas markets this afternoon, it’s odd getting used to no hair especially round my ears even with a chemo hat on. Headache is killing still and not helped by feeling so tired now. On the train back and looking forward to my bed! Xxx

[Meesh73]

Well done camilla, rest up and make sure you drink plenty of water.

good luck for tomorrow karebear hope the chemomtreats you kindly 😘😘🤗🤗

[Karebear]

I start mine tomorrow Camilla9
I hope I can get some sleep.tonight
I feel like am taking the cold

[Camilla9]

Home from 1st chemo went really well and feel fine. The calm before the storm?

[Meesh73]

Hi Sam, sorry to hear you're having a low day. I also had some low days just after cycle 2, it is perfectly normal as this journey is really 💩💩💩just let yourself feel what you need to. I know it's hard but try to think about some positive things. I keep thinking that I would never have met the lovely ladies on the oct thread, they really are fabulous and have been my lifesavers. At the moment we're plotting to tie a bloke, that was mean to Lovely Karen, to our 🚂  and drag behind so he can get a feel for what this journey is like! 

[lesley62]

Sam, this will pass, I promise!

I suffered with this on chemo 2 and felt awful, as you say it's the feeling that things will never be the same and normality will never resume. 

It will!

A week after my couple of days feeling like this I was completely back to normal

I know it doesnt make you feel better at the mo, but knowing it will pass I hope is reassuring.

sending hugs🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[Fiona17]

Hi Sam, we’re allowed to have a blip day, we didn’t want to be in this club, we don’t like the game and it sucks. We’re all in a big team though and we know that tomorrow is another day. Don’t beat yourself up, be kind to yourself. Sending hugs. X

[KirstyH]

Sorry to hear that Sam, sending hugs. I know how you feel as I had one last night after going to visit my sister in laws new baby, then seeing new pregnancy announcements on my FB newsfeed, ended up crying for a couple of hours, this wasnt how it was supposed to go! but I am feeling better today though, so I hope your blip passes as well. It is such a rollercoaster between feeling positive and stong then breaking down over things x

[SamH87]

Having a blip today. Scared that things will never be the same again and just keep thinking the worst thoughts 😞 x

[Mamadeacs]

I’m in the same place as you Scooterbek :((x. I was going to get my husband to buzz cut it tonight as there isn’t much left now and chickened our. Tomorrow morning it has to be done then I can get my hat on and a scarf and get used to what I’m going to look like for a few months. Xx

[scooterbek]

Thought I had prepared myself for hair loss. Had a short hair cut in November, everyone said how much I suited it! Bought lots of hats, scarfs & a wig. Yesterday morning in the car on our way for a family day out the first hairs came out in my fingers. I have been so shocked this wkend by how traumatic the experience has been.
I went to my hairdresser yesterday afternoon as planned for a grade 2 cut. I was so tearful even with husband there for support. I needed a Gin & T to recover! Spent the whole evening mostly in tears & broke down again this morning when I met my sister for breakfast.
Hoping that I can pick myself back up tomorrow and try get things back into perspective. It's just hair & it will grow back. So thankful it's cold weather & lots of people out & about wearing hats too.

[Meesh73]

Hi camilla, I also think it depends on whether they get your antisickness meds right and would recommend taking the meds as they prescribe them don't wait until you feel sick as they say it's easier to prevent than stop it when it starts. I normally try and spread them out during the day. If you do find you're suffering tell your team straight away don't suffer as nausea and sickness is one of the SEs that is treatable.

Cycle 2 I got the munchies for sweet stuff and ended up eating whole packets of fig rolls and Jaffa cakes in one go! Hence trying to put myself off sweet stuff!

Good luck 🍀🍀🍀🍀with your treatment hope it goes well for you and the chemo treats you kindly 😘😘🤗🤗

[Camilla9]

Hi all, thank you.

Meesh, you mad me laugh, too and I feel more relaxed.

I assumed with possible nausea I wouldn't want to eat so that was a surprise. The ice lolly suggestion a good one. My chemo 11 30 tomorrow will also take some ice cubes. The journey begins!

[KirstyH]

Haha meesh that made me laugh 🙊😂 didnt work then? Lol

I also ate proper lunch before my first FEC and was fine then went home after it and managed to eat normal dinner as well. They told me to eat as nor.al and drink plenty water befire it, luckily I dodnt suffer any nausea from FEC, but everyone is so different that you will never know how you will react until you get there ans have it, I prepared foe the absolute worst then was pleasantly surprised when wasnt as bad as i thought. Good luck xx

[Meesh73]

Hi camilla I'm also from oct thread have done 4 rounds of 6 fec. I think it depends on what time your treatment is, mine has been at 9:30am each time so far. I've had breakfast before I go with my steroids and I'm cold capping so normally there until lunchtime. I normally try to eat a good lunch too as I found the only cycle I didn't I felt rough fir a week, but everyone is different. I wouldn't eat your favourite food on chemo day as it puts you right off it, mind you last chemo day I ate chocolate muffins in an attempt to put me off cakes but it didn't work 😂🤣😂😂

[Shi]

Hi camilla, I’m shi from Oct thread, I’ve done 3 fec and Just done first of 3 t. For both fec and t, take your meds as prescribed if antisickness doesn’t work phone the rapid response so your meds can be changed, nothing to worry about. Make sure you drink over 2l of fluids everyday. For fec, suck ice lollies while red one goes in (helps preserve mouth from sores) your pee will be pink for a few hours after as it flushed through. Keep a diary so you can track meds and side effects (se’s) and also keep track of your temp. If you pee starts to burn even with no temp phone rapid response it will be a uti. Always phone rapid response if you are not sure, best to check. Now be 💪and take it one treatment at a time, the love and support and kindness on these forums will get you safely through this. We have a great chemo 🚂the Oct girls and we have been lucky to have ladies from earlier threads guiding and supporting us too. Sending you 😘😘😘and these threads will give you 24/7 support lovely, you won’t do the journey on your own. 💕💕✨✨✨shi xx

[Mamadeacs]

Me too....we have had enough surprises xx

[Camilla9]

Thanks for hat! I'm someone who likes to be organised and know what's happening. Good luck with your next cycle.

[Mamadeacs]

Hi Camilla...I can only speak for me and I’m only having the FEC part, no T. I ate a good meal before my first chemo (pesto pasta just because that’s what I fancied). I got a little bit spinny with the steroids but other than that I only had a faint bit of nausea on the day but the next day it was there as well as very little appetite. I did rest when I got home mainly because of the dizzy feeling. Chemo day itself is not scary, the oncology nurses are amazing and put you at ease and mine talked me through every step. Good luck with it, I have round 2 this Friday coming. Xx

[Camilla9]

I have my first chemo tomorrow (FEC T) and feel as if I'm jumping off a cliff and not knowing how far down I have to go.. 

Whenand what should I eat before chemo? Will I start having side-effects while  I am sitting having the chemo? When will 'things start to happen?''  Should I go to bed on getting home or does the body react gradually?

I feel so in the dark.