December 2017 Chemo Starters

[Unicorngirlmummy]

Hello lovely ladies 😘

Sorry to hear you’re in hospital mamadeacs, fingers crossed it’s not a clot & that you can go home very soon.

Glad the line went ok cathsin, it does make getting bloods etc so much easier. Although a pain with the weekly flush.

Glad you didn’t have to stay in hospital Kirsty.

Good for you runaway girl & camilla with your fish & chips 😋😋 I hope they were delicious!! I find potato seems to be the only thing which tastes reasonably ok!

Good luck with your port Moijan.

Dramaminx, I hope your appointment went ok, been thinking of you.

Still really struggling with side effects from cycle 4. My arms & legs feel like lead 😬 I seem to just need to sleep all the time. Had my picc flush today & they took bloods.

Hope everyone is ok xx

[KirstyH]

Oh no, sorry to hear you are in hospital mamadeacs, its horrible having to go in with temp but it is the safest place to be, fingers crossed no blood clot and they are just being thorough

Good luck with the docetaxol today camilla, I hope the side effects are kind to you and you dont rnd up with temperatures!

Glad the line wasnt as bad as you thought cathsin xx

[Cathsin]

Mamadeacs yes you may be right about them being thorough but while you are there you may as well cover all eventualities . I hope they have got you in your own room x

[Mamadeacs]

Morning ladies....temp is up still but no where near as high as yesterday. I have decided I hate hospitals nowadays! So noisy and not much sleep isn’t a good combination. I have severe Mucositis and an ear infection and querying a blood clot so I’m waiting for a scan. I don’t know the symptoms of a blood clot but I think it’s having been really out of breath since chemo on Thursday and really high heart rate. Not to be a cynic...but it might a young doctor wanting to show he has been thorough!
Hope you are all feeling ok today xxx

[Fiona17]

Cathsin glad all went well yesterday.

Mamadeacs hope overnight in casa NHS has bought some of those numbers down and you’re on the up this am.

F x

[Cathsin]

Mamadeacs sorry to hear about the temp and the hospital admission but in best place
Moijan line went better than thought but still anxious about this loop of line strapped to me for next 7 or so weeks but I have three sessions left so doubt they would put a port in me .
Camilla eat as many fish and chips as you want while you are capable of eating them 😀.

Hope the rest of you ladies are doing ok x

[Fiona17]

Oh Mamadeacs, you’re in the right place. let’s hope they get you on the road to a Speedy recovery asap. x

[Mamadeacs]

Evening ladies....well I’m back in hospital with 38.9 temp and heart rate over 140 that won’t go down. IV going through now and I assume they will probably keep me in but not sure yet. Hope you are all feeling a bit better xxx

[runawaygirl248]

For all those having chemo this week - hope it all goes well for you ladies wirhout too many S/E's or hiccups! Also to those ladies having lines and ports fitted - hope those go well too.

Camilla - dont feel guilty about fish n chips - Ive had them twice every chemo session and loved them ....nice and tasty 😉

I had 4th EC on Friday and am on 5 GCSF injections each cycle now so thankfully last one tomorrow. New S/E for me this cycle - night sweats!!! Not sure if temporary menopause (Im 39) or GCSF injections...see if they stop after last injection tomorrow. They're waking me up every hour so lucky if I get 5hrs sleep which is contributing to me being fatigued all day.

Stay strong ladies 💪💪

[Camilla9]

Kirsty so sorry to hear u were in hosp! Hope antibiotics kick in and keep u going for Thurs
I have been in the chemo unit all day changing to pertuzumab and herceptin, having to hang around 6 hrs in case a reaction, then back in tomorrow for docetaxel , then it's 4 down 2 to go
I will be given 7 days worth of gcsf injections to take home.
Having had 8 steroid tablets today, actually had an appetite so had fish and chips tonight as husband away and cldnt be bothered to cook. Felt v guilty tho knowing nourishing food languishing in the fridge . .
Well, I wonder what new se's will descend on me . ..
Gd luck everyone another day got through!

[Moijan]

Cathsin, brave girl how did the line go?

am going for a port myself soon...saw the n.spec about it today...I too am nervous.

but I hope yours went well?

Moijanxx

[KirstyH]

Thanks ladiea,Yeah this round has certainly been one thing after another 😞 my immunity is right back up now but on last trip it was rock bottom, I didnt get the injections but will see if my oncologist has prescribed them this time.. id guess she probably will have xx

[Cathsin]

Kirsty it's one thing after another for you sorry to hear that you ended up in hospital . Fingers crossed for Thursday x

[SamH87]

Oh no Kirsty!!! Fingers crossed you will be ok for the next 2 rounds. Is there anything they can give you to boost your immunity this time around? I can’t remember if you had the white blood count injection or not? Xx

[KirstyH]

Hey ladies, so sorry for all the awful losses and horrible times you are having, it must make things even harder

Well Sam, yes round 5 on Thursday but was a close call as ended up in hosp again last night with a high temp!! Just woke up on monday with it after being so fine on Sunday. My neutrophils up at 7.04 tho and no other sign of infection so they let mw home today with oral antibiotics and said treatment as planned for thursday unless anything changes. This docetaxol is not agreeing with me very well lol glad only 2 left xx

[SamH87]

Morning ladies - SEs still lingering, mainly the lack of taste buds now. I’m a week post round 4 so hoping that tomorrow/Thursday is better. I was given some anti sickness to take before bed that make you drowsy... it was the best night sleep Iv had in months!! 😂

Unicorn mummy - I started on Metoclopramide too (I’m still on it) but each cycle seems to be doing less and less and I was given some other new ones yesterday to take. Hoping they take the edge off for the next 2 cycles.

Kirsty - how are you doing? It must be your 5th cycle this week?!

Xx

[Mamadeacs]

Morning ladies...I started off ok yesterday then went downhill. Mostly fatigue that I can not shake and sore mouth and throat. Have been up two nights running with a sore throat. Temp is 37.9 this morning, come down to 37.4 with paracetamol so I’ll keep an eye on it for a couple of hours and phone in if it goes back up again.
Hope you are coping with SE’s today. Xxx

[Mishy18]

Fiona you will also be feeling fragile too 12 months isn't a long time when losing a parent especially after being diagnosed with bc so soon afterwards so take care of yourself too 💖 hoping all you ladies get through the rest of your treatments with minimal SE stay strong 💪

[Fiona17]

Morning all,
Hope all goes well for those having treatment today. May the side effects be kind.
Mishy - that’s what I meant I found it difficult and wasn’t going through chemo my heart goes out to the girls dealing with both their loss and chemo.
Here’s to a good day for all. x

[Cathsin]

Good morning Ladies well today is the day I get my Hickman line fitted to be honest am a bit anxious about it.
My latest gift from chemo is conjunctivitis it like something new happens eavk session

Unicornmummy I have my next chemo tomorrow and they have given me emend to take this time for sickness so see how that goes .

The sun is shining here today look lovely from the inside of my house x

[Unicorngirlmummy]

Morning, how is everyone getting on?

Moijan, my fingers get very numb each cycle I have. I’m on a reduced dose too. I need to get some udder cream but at the moment ordinary hand cream has been fine. Many years ago, when I used to work night shifts, my hands would be sore & chapped. I used to use helping hands from lush which was the best hand cream. Not the best shop if you’re feeling nauseous though! I’m also feeling very nauseous this time. Not sure if it’s because I took the akynzeo & then the chemo didn’t happen until the next day. They said it lasts 5 days though. Metoclopramide not really helping this time.

Big hugs to you all xx

[Moijan]

Thanks for sharing Sam. Xx

noone else has sore fingers then? Would love some advice?

[SamH87]

Mamadeacs id definitely see if you can push your chemo back a couple of days. Mine was delayed by 5 days during round 3 and they didn’t seem to be bothered by that. Will give your body a few extra days too...💖

Chaffinch17 - I’m on Herceptin. I started it with my 1st round of chemo. I’m having 18 rounds of it I believe? Iv been told the side effects are pretty minimal in comparison to chemo. Although it currently gives me a sore runny nose. Will be able to tell more once the other drugs stop though!

Moijan- I have been suffering with nausea too. Every round has got worse and worse to the point where I ended up having an anti sickness injection today and some new tablets that dissolve in the mouth?? Really hope to god they work as nothing is touching it at the moment!!

Xx

[Mishy18]

Fiona, It was September for me when i lost dad so not as fresh as with mamadeacs i just know what she is going through as my loss was during my chemo too, its awful at any time but I think your a bit more fragile when having treatment
Im sorry you are still feeling so sad but it was only 12 months and you are dealing with your bc on top of grief x
M

[Fiona17]

On my goodness girls, I’ve had friends over for the weekend and not checked in and you’re all having such awful times,

My Dad died 12 months ago and I don’t think I’ve really dealt with it even now. You are bound to be feeling sad and emotional you’re dealing with a really horrible time for your own health and the loss of close family who have always been there to hold your hand, cheerlead and advise is heartbreaking.

Be brave or cry how you handle it all is so personal and there are no rights or wrongs.

i send you all love, hugs courage and bravery for the difficult days and make sure you tray yourselves to something lovely even if it’s only a posh lip balm.

thinking of you all.

F xx

[Mishy18]

Yeah camilla is right they were going to delay mine when my dad died for a week but I would have missed funeral so i just cracked on but i don't think a couple of days will harm anything you won't be strong enough the day after chemo to go through such an emotional day x

[Mishy18]

I hope those burglars get what is coming to them too absolute scumbags, look after yourself and i hope everything goes well at your mams funeral xx

[Camilla9]

Mamadeacs, can u not delay your next chemo a couple of days so u can get thru ur mother's funeral?
I'm sure if ur unit could re-arrange ur Onc wld be understanding
Because my unit was shut Xmas Day and Boxing Day, my 2nd chemo was delayed 2 days but no-one seemed to think it mattered.
Just a thought...

[Mishy18]

It certainly is just be careful i became neutropenic the day of dads funeral and had to go in hospital for a few days i can't help but think that because of the emotional pain I was holding in i was a little more susceptible to the effects of chemo you should definitely speak to your onc about what is going on aside from the chemo he may want to keep an extra watchful eye on you my team were fantastic trouble is now im finished treatment im beginning to now deal with the aftermath if the whole experience my own bc dads cancer and fear of the unknown, it will get better in time but for now you have get through this take care 💪💪💪💪

[Mamadeacs]

Thanks Mishy I really appreciate your message. Getting through any one of the things that has happened recently is an ordeal on its own but with chemo and shingles (and struggling with the chemo as well) makes it harder. We were also burgled the day my dad died too, you couldn’t write my life if you tried now. My next chemo is the day before my mums funeral, I have been so exhausted and short of breath and the gcsf injection pains make my legs want to crumble, I’m actually worried about how I’m even going to manage the walk behind her. I am strong and I will get through it all but right now I’m beginning to get emotional and that is what I have tried to avoid until this is all over. I don’t want to be in tears in front of everyone. I had this chat with my husband at the weekend, he has been amazing but it is clear everyone is waiting for me to go to pieces. Emotionally I don’t know what to deal with first. I am seeing a psychologist but I’m really bad at letting my guard down so not sure what I’m getting out of it.
I’m so sorry for your loss too...you know they say god gives his biggest battles to his strongest soldiers...that must be us. I’m not religious but it’s very apt.
Big hugs to you xxx

[Mishy18]

Mamadeacs i hope you don't mind me sending this post i was a July chemo starter felt like i wanted to reach out to you im so sorry to hear your going through such a difficult time during treatment, i lost my father to cancer dring my 3rd chemo cycle very sudden as he was only diagnosed 2 weeks before i remember that day all too well i was with him when he died and he told me 2 days before he wss devastated about me and i had to be strong and finish my treatment, it was just too late fot him nothing could be done for him went off to chemo 3 days later funeral was on day 9 i really struggled after that during treatment so i really feel for you im just coming to terms with everything thats happened now i finished my treatment 4 weeks ago, be kind to yourself and maybe your unit could arrange some alternative therapy for you as someone to talk too, mine did for me it really did help get me through the rest if chemo sessions 💖

[Moijan]

Ladies, can anyone help me please?

have just nearly finished my week off (10 days since last dose)😥😥after 1st cycle of taxol and my fingers are still Very sore and numb at the tips, I’m already on a reduced dose, I don’t recall this 17 years ago on Docetaxel I know about udderly smooth, but has any new drug or cream come out that helps.

Also feel vaguely nauseous all the time. Maybe I’m far too long in the tooth to be doing thisxx

love to all of you

Moijan😪

[Moijan]

So so sorry mammadeuks

spend time with lovely people xxxx and thank you, tooxx

lotsof love, Moijan

[Mamadeacs]

Thanks so much Moijan...I’m sure things have had a delayed response inside as so many things happened so close together.
My dad died suddenly and unexpectedly and my last conversation with him was telling him my cancer was worse than first thought and I needed another surgery. He was in tears. It plays on my mind so much, and especially that I didn’t get to say goodbye and tell him I loved him on the day he died. My mum was poorly with Lewy Body Dementia and I was with her when she died and said goodbye and told her I loved her. We haven’t had her funeral yet but it feels different. My family’s faces tell me how much they are worrying about me, especially on days like today, day 4 and feeling really crappy.
I wish you well I really do xxx

[Moijan]

Lots of love to you mammadeauks.

yes, I understand how sad you are feeling for some of us old hands...but there is a saying ‘never say die’ and as an old hand, yes I do get sad sometimes, but it’s so important to have hope...a friend Who is  still thriving wellish was given two months to lives about four months ago...so see what can happen......?

sosorry about mum and dad, it really is a very hard knock for you....and may be affecting you much more than you realise...take special care of yourself and try hard not to use up loads of energy for all those other ladiesxxx

hugs

Moijan🤗

[Mamadeacs]

My leg was a little sore Karebear but it was put in really slowly and I’m sure that helped avoid a dead leg after. Xx

[Karebear]

Thankfully am staying on FEC for the 6 cycles
Big hugs for any ladies on the T treatments

[Karebear]

Am having a course of 18 Herceptin injections over the year.
When I asked about S/E they said maybe a dead leg

[Chaffinch17]

Sounds like quite a few of you ladies have been through the emotional wringer. I feel for you this process is tough enough without other blows raining down on you.
The good news is chemo does end, most of us October ladies are now moving onto next stages. Bruised but not beaten with the support of each other you will get there x
Talking of next stages, are any of you having Herceptin as part of your treatment? I’m trying to set up a group in the Targeted therapy section for Herceptin people so that we can compare side effects and support each other during what is a long ongoing treatment schedule. It’s entitled February Herceptin starters?
Wishing you all well x

[Mamadeacs]

Thinking of you all today. I’m not as emotional today but have had a 3 hour sweat 💦 on that I assume is probably the herceptin kicking in. I’m white as a sheet and zilch energy but other than that ok, have dozed on and off on the sofa all day. Hope you are all having a better day.
Love Nikki xxx

[SamH87]

Sorry to hear of the sad times people are having. As if this wasn’t tough enough already. Sending love to you all 💖 xx

[Cathsin]

Thinking of you all coping with all the losses we will probably process these once after we have finished our chemo I am expecting to crash with exhaustion once mine is finished x

[KirstyH]

So sorry to hear all the additional sad times you are going through on top of what is bad enough :(sending love to you all xxx

[Mamadeacs]

Oh Karebear and Camilla I’m so so sorry for your losses too. None of this has hit me yet I don’t think, other than those ladies on Thursday.
Runawaygirl I’m sorry it’s bringing all the old memories flooding back. This whole thing is one big bundle of confusion.
I had one FEC, one EC then didn’t have choice about coming off that regime with the severe reaction. Although I still have issues with Docetaxel, in general I have found it better. I’m sure the pain and exhaustion I’m in is exacerbated due to the shingles. I am on Zomorph and that is helping. Two more cycles left for me so light at the end of the gloomy tunnel.
My love and hugs to you all xox

[runawaygirl248]

Sorry to hear you've had such a tough time Mamadeacs but pull on the stremgth of your husband and sons.

I lost my mum to cancer 22 years ago when I was just 17 and its like Im on 2 journeys at the minute with all the past of my mum's cancer catching up with me. She had lung and secondary brain cancer and passed within 4 months of initial diagnosis.

I had 4th round of EC yesterday after choosing not to swap to Docetaxel and back on full dose steroids. Usial S/E's of severe nausea and really tired. Had a couple of hot sweats as well - wonder if Im becoming peri-menopausal now 😕 Am having Filgrastim (immune injections) for every cycle now as a precautionary measure according to chemo assessment worker.

My vitamin D levels have also come back as extremely low so on tablets for that too to add to my chemo cocktail.

Sending all you lovely ladies a big hug - the final chemo goal post is getting closer!!

[Karebear]

Mamadeacs
I feel for you
I've had 3 deaths in the family since my 1st chemo
We are burying my MIL on Monday
None of them hasn't hit me yet i feel am just concentrating on getting though the chemo
Big hugs xx

[Unicorngirlmummy]

So sorry to read your sad post mamadeacs. That is such a lot for one person to go through & so very sad. I think that makes you human to feel so sad at those palliative ladies, especially when your life has been turned upside down 😥 Sending you lots of love xx

Sorry for your loss too Camilla xx

Karebear I use whatever body moisturiser I have. When/if you go on to have rads, they usually recommend e45 xx

[Mamadeacs]

I do Camilla yes, my husband, our sons and friends and family have been truly amazing. I have felt really strong, probably to help everyone else cope. I’m still positive but unravelling. It’s taken me to cycle 4 to really let them help but I have had to now. Xx

[Camilla9]

Mamadeacs, what a lot to cope with all at once. I'm so, so sorry. I hope you have support around you to help with practical things.
You need to rest, recharge batteries and hopefully people around you can do basic, practical things.
But, of course, you'll feel so sad. My mother only died 8 months ago and I am still raw.
I hope you have people around to hug you - lots. Xxx

[Mamadeacs]

Hi ladies...have had the most emotional day so far in this process and grizzly as anything. Everything catching up with me. Getting burgled. Both parents passing away, my dad suddenly immediately before 1st chemo and still not hit his ashes back then my mum 2 weeks ago and not had funeral yet. I’ve had every issue going from anaphylactic shock to shingles and I have not one scrap of energy. Twice in hospital for few days. My bone and skin pain from the Docetaxel and shingles combined with injections making me so low. I’ve put two and a half stone on and don’t look anything like myself at the moment. On Thursday (chemo day) I was in for 5 hours to avoid a reaction and all the ladies were really chatty but only me and one other lady that day were in primary chemo, all the others were on palliative chemo and only had months to live. I felt so desperate for them. They were so brave, no tears and more than happy talking about it but it’s knocked me for 6 realising how grateful and guilty I feel that my outcome is better than theirs. I know it’s the reality of what we are going through but oh my goodness I hurt for them all today. 😢😢😢