February Chemo Starters 2018

[Bibi]

Morning ladies - had a fairly quiet few days after round 5 - 🤞it seems to have passed without too much discomfort- certainly not as bad as last time . I also find ginger tea comforting when feeling queasy and seem to naturally not want milky things- and use soy milk when I do. 

Hope you are holding up Miss Green - not having a good understanding of what’s happening and waiting round for answers are both stressful - take care. 

Macneech I hope you have started to feel better  x.

Hubby has been a demon in the garden despite the dreadful weather and I’m hoping to get some plants in soon and wait for some warm weather to enjoy them. Have a good week everyone x 

[Moijan]

Hi Macneech

doxetaxel is a really tough ride isn’t it? I Am finding that the oat milk is helping me a lot and I’m feeling better on it...I’d read about the taxanes affecting the gut and sometimes people find milk makes it feel worse...I must admit, I’m trying hard to avoid things that might irritate the bowel  as I have diverticulosis and some foods make me sore........the other thing is I’m drinking ‘ginger tea’ herbal tea, and find it has a soothing effect on the bowel also.

have pmd you

hugsxx

Moijanxx

[Moijan]

Oh, dear Miss Green,my heart goes out to you......it’s tough enough having mets, without walking away from an appointment not knowing where you are...and also side effects don’t help eitherxx

have pm d you

hugs, Moijanxx

[MissGreen]

Hi Jude51

The Oncologist offered to do an appt by phone if ai wanted but I like to take someone with me to appts as I don't always take it in. The Oncologist said he wld struggle to get me into clinic so am due to see a Breast Cancer Nurse who specialises in Secondary BC next Friday but am hopeful she can see me before that. It's the first time I have come away not feeling confident after an appt ☹. X

[jude51]

Oh Miss Green those down days are bloody horrible but you just have to ride them out dont you. Plus having to wait for information seems like an eternity - have you got another appt soon ? 

Big hugs xxx

[MissGreen]

Hi ladies

Jude & Bibi i too have piled on the weight. Doesn't seem fair especially as we can't taste what we're eating most of time.

Macneech it sounds like you've had a rough time this cycle. Hope it settles down for you.

So after a lovely weekend of feeling normal it all came crashing down, mentally. Saw the Oncologist on Monday but it was a waste of time. The CT scan results hadn't been looked at in full. He mentioned something about extending the chemo or maybe just keeping me on the chemo tablets once the Docetaxal finished with. I feel like I am limbo until I can speak to someone about the scan and what's happening in my breast, chest and lung. Started round 4 on Wednesday and I feel like my body has been run over with a steam roller. My finger nails feel like they've been crushed or someone's tried to pull them out. Not pleasant. Have to keep telling myself it's all necessary but it's not always easy.

Love n hugs to you all 😁

T
x

[jude51]

Hi ladies,

Looking fab Miss Green ! Just realised that i that havent had an alcoholic drink since xmas - not a big drinker but never been that long without - still doesnt appeal now even if im feeling ok. 

I have decided to go back to wearing underwired bras - so much more comfortable now. Plus trying to find ones without wires is nigh on impossible with large boobs ! I did wonder if it was too early (nealry 5 months since surgey) but doesn't seem to be causing any problems. 

Bibi - i can relate to the weight issue - ive put on half a stone. Being told its not important is very frustrating and not that helpful ! Fab news with only needing one more treatment. Aveeno cream fab - have been using it on my hands religiously. 

Macneech - sound like its been tough. The unpredictability i have found is very frustrating - you think you have got it sorted then it throws a curve ball ! Miserable weather here in Lincolnshire too - wheres that sun gone ! 

I started new regime yesterday - 12 weekly does of Paclitaxol and 3 weekly Herceptin. Been told side effects greatly reduced with having it weekly which im hoping is true ! Herceptin injection a bit stingy but fine. IV Ranitadine, Dexamethasone and Piriton half hr before chemo. Piriton knocked me for six - had taken lots to do as needed to be there for 6 hrs after Herceptin but ended up dozing for the entire time. Still feeling quite sleepy today. Only have two days of Ondansetron, no other tablets and no injections - hallelujah ! If thats how it goes for the next 11 weeks i can deal with that but who knows what i might throw up..we shall see. 

Enjot the rest of the weekend and hugs to all xx

[Macneech]

Hi Bibi - you have done so well to persevere with the cold cap.Has it worked well for you??I keep looking at my sparse 5- 6 mm ( by sparse I  mean one hair every square cm if I am lucky)! Hoping for that day when I can say it has started growing back.!!!

Haven' had the itchy skin but bath in sanex  bubble bath every night and have Aveeno moisturizing cream- however have just noticed a circle of eczema looking redness in the crook of my arm - been told to expect rashy hands with Docetaxol. 

Hoping everyone else is ok out there xxx

[Bibi]

Macneech - no line - just takes ages as they do a flush between each one and then I use the cold cap on the Docetaxol so that adds about an hour and half - but they look after you well don’t they ?constant cups of tea / toast/ sandwiches/ biscuits/ yogurts if you want them. 

Ive had very itchy skin the last few weeks - especially on my torso - a friend recommended Aveeno cream last week, got some and it is great - stopped the itching really quickly - can recommend for anyone else with itching. 

[Macneech]

Well done Bibi for getting through such a long day of chemo ( is that with a line in)? Count down to last one !!xx 😀

I have just come out the other side of cycle 4 T, first good night sleep in 10 days!!! Been waking with migrains and the tummy trouble has been rough - need to discuss with onc on Mon.I suppose one bonus with gripes and diarrhoea is that it keeps my weight off!! Getting through the treatment is hard enough let alone worrying about weight gain/ right diet.I find I have to eat what gives me pleasure ( and taste a little!) to keep me sane😣.

I commend those exercising - just walking up the stairs is currently a challenge for me.Crouching to the floor and getting back up again- omg! Poterring in my greenhouse - even pricking out seedlings has been a daunting task of late.Today I think I have my mojo back (Well helped if I can eat something and keep it in!) - so hopefully out and about a bit ( if only in the greenhouse) the rain hasn't stopped here since our 2 day heat wave! - and I am down in Hampshire !!

Hoping everyone else  is doing ok xxx

[Bibi]

Morning everyone - 5 down only 1 more left 🎉

such a long day 10-5.30 so felt tired as I don’t sleep well the night before chemo - good sleep and feel fine today. If it follows last time I will fell well for 2days and then not so good ( Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab and  Docetaxol) - typically weather was lovely yesterday whilst we were in unit and is horrible today - not so good for gardening project ☔️ So will make the most of it doing a few crafting things and catching up with friends. 

Trying to manage my weight but it keeps increasing- steroids don’t help, not as much exercise as usual but trying to walk and do yoga when I can. People tell me not to worry it’s not the most important thing at the moment but it is depressing - doesn’t help to feeling good - but will keep trying. 

Hope evryone is managing their treatment well, have a good weekend 😊 x

[Moijan]

Hi macneechxc

sorry you feel rough I’m feeling slightly better today and for the very first time...less nauseous....I read on one thread that milk can worsen the tummy pains...so I’m trying out soya and oat milk just to see. Also I’ve hardly eaten much today and wonder if my liver feels more able to cope?

my fingers are very sore.....

have pm’d youxx

Moijanx

[Macneech]

Morning ladies.Day 7 after first Docetaxol for me .Day 5 I was rough with tummy gripes,diarrhoea and generally feeling blurgh.Horrible night waking every 2 hours or so.Yesterday felt better - bit gripey ,bit tender but able to do some chores.Rough again today - so frustrating.Woke at 4am with achy pelvis, gripes.Horrible mouth. Tender nail beds.

Symptoms seem so up and down- is this due to amount of fluid we drink or rest we get?? Even water tastes yuk still.Lemonade tastes better but I suppose not good for the reflux/ gut symptoms😔

Thought this was going to be an easier ride this time as had such a good start - feeling fed up today.

Just having a moan - need to stay positive.2 thirds of the way there😃

Good luck with chemo 5 Bibi - I am staying close on your tail !! How are you doing Anne Marie??

Big hugs to all xx

[Bibi]

Cool hat Miss Green - I bought a big floppy one from Sainsbury’s - reminds me of my youth in the 70’s

have you tried something like lanszaperole or omeprazole for the reflux? Works for me. 

Hope you are feeling better Wee Burd and sorted out the thrush issue

Thanks for the bra info Chrissy will definitely have a look at them.

I had a great weekend catching up with old friends and feel ready to tackle the next round of Docetaxol on Thursday - how quickly it comes around - but this will be 5 of 6 which means in 23 days I will be having my last chemo 🤞

Have a good week everyone xxx

[Chrissy68]

Fantastic value for money if you a gym person like I was before all this yuk could use them again under t shirt. I’m now wearing non under wired bras 4 maths after surgery and it’s lovely xx got my Hickman hidden down my cleavage !,

[Chrissy68]

[MissGreen]

Yes we can Chrissy. 😁

[MissGreen]

Hi chrissy68

Yes that was alcohol and it tasted bloody lovely lol. I try to do something nice when I start feeling normal after my 2 weeks of chemo stops. The last two times alcohol has been involved - whoops lol 😁. I added the photo by switching from the mobile version to the full site version of the website. Hope that helps?

I too suffer from reflux, mine is extrem and I constantly regurgitate my food/liquid. It's not caused by the chemo, has been an issue for a couple of years, but sorting it out has taken a back seat to the cancer.

I also understand your pain and frustration with your brother as I have a similar issue with my father. You can't choose your blood family but you can choose your non blood family ie. Your friends.

Good luck with starting Docetaxel. That's one of the chemo drugs I am on.

T

xx

[Chrissy68]

Yeah my brain still works hope you can see it xx

[Chrissy68]

Hi miss green lovely pic was that alcohol is so have one for me next time as with my reflux I don’t want to risk have only managed tea recently. I too Feel ‘normalish’’ at the mo but tomorrow start cycle 4 new chemo for me docetaxel . Had all my steroids today bloods done hope they ok and stitches out of Hickman so will have bath in preparation for tomorrow.

Have been told got GCFS INJ for 8 days so hope that’s ok too.

withregards to bras Go for zipped front opening if mastectomy you will not be able move arm well for quite a few weeks .This is what I bought off AMAzon and were brilliant left no marks unlike a more expensive one can’t remember if took a while to come so order early unlike as I didn’t have a clue about anything until after op .

Sorry can someone tell me how you put a pic on here.

just wanted to say to everyone we need to have a moan on here it’s important so don’t feel bad moaning . We all can totally empathise as we’ve physically been through it as some people just don’t get it and when they see you on a good day they think that everything is fine . So don’t feel quilty for moaning . My bloody brother has only rang me once in feb and I had the op on 21st dec and I’ve not heard from him since . I won’t say how I feel about it but thankfully I’ve got some fabulous friends .

good luck everyone for any treatment you are having xxx

[MissGreen]

Hi ladies

Hope you're all well.

I feel I have been quite negative of late with all the horrible side effects and thrombosis I had this cycle. As the sun has been out today and my taste buds have finally come back I thought I would do a positive post. Cancer and chemo are horrible but it's not like that all the time. I raise my glass of cosmopolitan to all you strong cancer kicking ladies  😁🍹

Normal service is due to resume on Wednesday for cycle 4. 

Love n hugs to you all.

[Wee Burd]

What a difference a few days can make! Now at day 10 of my 3rd cycle of FEC. Plunged down into the abyss on Monday - felt so drained and low that I barely moved all day. Was only marginally better on Tuesday but thankfully since Wednesday have been rapidly improving and feeling pretty good today. Sadly I have been plagued with thrush - the downstairs kind as the local pharmacist put it! Even after the medication it has been so itchy that I found myself at 5.30 this morning applying yoghurt to my nether regions just to get some relief!! Why couldn't I just have had the mouth ulcers again - the mouthwash is so much easier to manage!
Still have hair but now also have a random mostly bald patch on one side. Took ages to realise that it's the side I mostly sleep on and the hair is just rubbing off. Still not that comfortable with the wig so have started wearing a scarf to cover it. However I am going out for lunch with the girls tomorrow and may just give the wig a proper outing.
I am heading to the office today for a wee catch up and lunch which should be fun and might bring back some feeling of normality. It'll probably also make me feel quite glad to be off as they're preparing to move out to different premises and are frantically busy. One of my jobs today is to pack up my desk. Hope I don't find anything nasty!
Thanks all for letting me offload. It's good to know that I'm not alone xx
Enjoy your weekend and hope everyone gets a bit of sunshine xx

[Flora29]

Predictive text changed Bibi to Bobo! Oops!! 😂

[Flora29]

Hi Bobo
Good point re:crop tops and mastectomy. You’re right, movement is tricky immediately after that, especially if lymph nodes taken, so front opening clothes and bras are best in those early days. I used the crop tops for my lumpectomy and sentinel node removal, which wasn’t so invasive, and because my surgeon wanted me to wear a bra night and day for 3 weeks to support the surgical layering he’d done. As a result, I have no dent at all! Arm exercises after mastectomy are vital, and really worth it. I used to flex while watching telly. 🙂

Macneech, this is one place I can share this stuff and know there will be people who understand. In real life, some just don’t know how to react! I’m philosophical about things. What is meant to be, will be. I’m just inordinately grateful I’m getting so much amazing treatment, for free, to keep me alive. My gran died of this, in the 1960’s, at my age. I’d be dead too, if treatments hadn’t advanced so much. We’ve a lot to be thankful for.

[Bibi]

Morning everyone - doesn’t the sun lift your mood ? 🌞😍😀

Macneech hope you continue to feel well - I had 2 great days after T and then hit a bad low when steroid high had gone - so take care of yourself xxx

Flora thanks for the reminder about hydration - it really does help .

Interested to know if you were able to get the soft crop bras on easily after mastectomy- could you lift your arm easily to manoeuvre? Heard it’s quite hard to lift arm high so looking at getting bras easy to get on and off and shirts to wear. I will be having a mastectomy in a couple of months - don’t know what they offer at the hospital I’m under so interested to hear about people’s experiences.

Hope your return to work goes smoothly xx

Have a great weekend everyone - I’m off to a college reunion to see my friends from 40 years ago! Should be fun . 

Stay well x 

[Macneech]

Hi Flora - glad you are feeling mostly normal and back to work is on the horizon.I have heard that although radiotherapy is easier to cope with it can still be exhausting. Was hoping to work through mine but a long way off to me yet.

Thank you for the advice re mastectomy bras.

So sorry about your pregnancy difficulties - another reason to hate this disease.You are amazingly strong to share all this on here.

I had my first T yesterday and so far feel ok! High on steroids I think.Had an unexpected good night sleep too with no aches and pains yet.Did take cocktail of anti sickness and painkillers plus  Loratidine however.Not even a hint of nausea and eating well - not sure if this will continue with steroid drop tomorrow 😞.

Hope everyone else is doing ok xxx

[Flora29]

Hi Ladies and welcome Annie

Like Miss Green, I've been a bit quiet of late, but more because I feel mostly fine apart from 4-5 days of bone aches after each chemo (which is the T many of you are now moving on to).   

I've just had my final treatment, as I only needed 4 of them, as the main aim was to get me onto the herceptin.    My first cancer was aged 36 (I'm now 45, and this is a new primary, not a recurrence), but no children. I was trying to get pregnant when I found the lump, but bthe first round of chemo put paid to that, and an urgent, single round of IVF to freeze an egg didn't work.

At today's treatment, they did the herceptin first, and after that as they were putting the cannula in (2 attempts needed), I had a low blood pressure crash.  I went woozy, distant, hot and my BP dropped to 97/54. I guess that's what it feels like to faint, although I didn't black out.    I came back OK, obs for an hour, drink more water, then they gave me the abraxane (which is taxotere/docetaxel in a fancy format) when my BP came up to 105/67.   It was either an allergic reaction to the herceptin (but this was my 4th, so unlikely), or I was dehydrated. So, the lesson is, make sure you drink plenty the day before and the day of treatment!  I think I had forgotton that yesterday. 

M&S is the easiest source for mastectomy bras. They have quite a range, and they are reasonably priced.  You can claim the VAT back on mastectomy bras too, as they are medical aids.  You'll probably get given a 'softie' insert initially (like a little pillow!), but I found it rode up as you moved about.  The proper sillicone prosthetic is heavier and sits more nicely, but I found that I needed higher tops as you're missing cleavage and the gap feels obvious, especially when you lean forward.  The mastectomy bras also tend to be fuller than other bras.   I had reconstruction (back flap) 3 years after my initial mastectomy and am really pleased with it.  I didn't bother with creating a new 'nipple'. Ain't no-one but my husband gonna see it!   M&S also do some slip on bra vest/crop top type things, which I used after my WLE this time around to give gentle support.   I'll probably revert to these again during radiotherapy if I get sore. http://www.marksandspencer.com/2-pack-non-wired-crop-bras/p/p20138158?image=SD_02_T33_7001A_YZ_X_EC_...

I'll be back to work in 2 weeks, but will do a kind of phased return - basically, I'll be sensible and do what I can, and my boss trusts me to do the right thing.   I'll do short days during radiotherapy, which starts on 10th May. 

Best wishes to everyone, especially those moving on to the next stage.   xxxx

[Chrissy68]

Oh macneech you have made me laugh so much with the Dennis healey eyebrows and hair ! Great comments!

i was brave yesterday had to go into work for another sick review they do them every 4 to 6 weeks (do others have this harassment?) and when I saw the girls I work (ed) with I showed my head ! 

The look good course is fab . I also attended the breast care workshop in Solihull west mids that was good too but a shame so far away as too far to remain in contact with people who attended.

Good luck to everyone I too got oncol appointment Friday to discuss the T part of chemo on Tuesday will be interesting macneech if I have Gcfs as they are not too keen here have had 3 doses for last 2 cycles but only because I asked as was neutropenic and chemo was delayed.

kitty75 the reiki is at a local cancer support group I don’t hear from the bcn at our hospital think they are really busy.

hugs to all xxxx

[Macneech]

Well - went to the Macmillan 'look good feel better ' session this afternoon.Good for a laugh if nothing else!Came out plastered in make up(applied by oneself)!! Lovely big mirrors but difficult with fuzzy/ drippy eyes,some Dennis Healey eyebrows and gappy eye lashes.Should be grateful I suppose for some hair hanging on🤔(still got some on the wrong places though which is annoying).

It was interesting how some ladies there were hairless,some had very convincing wigs.One lady promptly took her wig off at the table when we sat down - she says she struggled to keep it in place,we were able to give her some tips.It was a bit like the Specsavers advert (long haired guinea pig in this case)-lol. I don't have the courage to de- wig in public yet.

Came away with a lovely bag of goodies😁.

[Bibi]

Macneech that is great news about the shrinkage of your tumour 👏👏👏

Welcome Annie - hope you find the thread useful for support - I have .

I feel for all you ladies coping with all this and also having your young children to look after - tough times but sure you are getting lots of love from them to help you cope.

My baby ( she’s 26 lol) has been home for a couple of days and that has certainly helped to lift my spirits. 

Heart scan this week for me to check effects of chemo on it 🤞it won’t be too much.

Have a good week everyone xxx

[Macneech]

Welcome Annie, - hopefully you will find like the rest of us that posting on this site helps, even if it is just to have a good rant or just to share the horrible bits we are going through.

I too am a nurse - a palliative care nurse of all things.Really scary being on the other side!

Like you,I  am doing Fec T.Have had a 8cm grade 3 tumour that I didn' even feel.Had onc review today following 3rd Fec - tumour shrunk to 3cm - whoop whoop! 1st T weds - again like you bit scary not knowing what side effects I might experience but know like our fellow Feb chemo girls - we will get through it!!

I have got to have right mastectomy and axillary clearance - hopefully early July,then radiotherapy so we can discuss mastectomy bras nearer the time.

Thinking of everyone having chemo this week - have my survival kit ready for T. Loratidine,Brufen,Lansoprazole,(double steroids- urgh!),Been told I shouldn't need Emend this time as shouldn't feel as sick 😕.Will have Ondansetron ( prunes seem to work for me ).Have Aveeno moisturizing cream.Oh and 7 days of Gcfs  injections for me - had 5 days previously. 

Big hugs to everyone xx

[annie2424]

Thank you for your lovely comments!! Glad to see theres a few nurses in here, i Have struggled to seperate the nurse from the patient lol. But im getting better. I havnt even started looking at masectomy bras? 🙈.

[Kitty75]

Hi everyone

Sorry have been very quiet on here for past 4 weeks been really struggling with side effects and feeling really down. It's nice to know I m not alone and am sorry everyone seems to be struggling a bit.
I'm now due my 4th TC on Weds and have only really felt well since weekend. Although have terrible swollen legs and fluid retention am really breathless and feel 99 yrs old as I reach top of stairs!!
Easter holidays were tricky with my children think they are over mummy being unwell! It' goes on for so long doesn't it? Was diagnosed in Dec and I think they want things back to normal as do I!

Welcome Annie I too am a nurse and have 3 children 13,11 and 7.

Cuddles great news about tumour reduction. Great to know chemo is working. I too would love to run away to the hills.

Weeburd aveeno cream is fab isn't it. Constipation is just the worse. I used senna this cycle which helped a lot. Think it's the ondansetron which is so constipating not forgetting the rest of poison they are giving us!

Chrissy glad to hear your on the list for counselling and reiki sounds lovely. Did you get that through your BCN?

Macneech and Bibi I too will join your drippy gang drippy eyes drippy nose and sometimes a drippy bladder another gorgeous side effect!

Good luck Bibi with your counselling hope you find it helpful.

Miss Green hope your arm is feeling better now. So unfair to have more injections on top of everything else.

Take care everyone let's hope the sun helps lift everyone's mood..

[MissGreen]

Welcome to this fabulous thread Annie.

I had my mastectomy and immediate tram flap reconstruction back in 2003 when I too was 33 but I had it before chemo. Afterwards I found wearing sports bra helped, I don't have a sporty bone in my body lol, but as the months passed I slowly moved to normal underwear bras. I am sure you will find what's best for you.

T

xx

[Chrissy68]

Hi Annie welcome to the thread and guess what I’m a nurse and there are quite a few other nurses on here too . That is a concern is it a NHS Thing LOL !
Glad to here you not been too bad I too am due to start T soon but have been really ill with FEC . I have a 12 and 16 yr old so GCSEs this year .
Let’s hope if you’ve not been too bad you’ll manage with the T part . Good luck .
There’s quite a few of you due to have mastectomy well I had mine first probably in hindsight I should have done chemo first as I’m triple negative with node involvement . So anyone who wants to know about surgery feel free to ask me .

I’ve had right mastectomy and reconstruction and sentinel node biopsy but unfortunately have node involvement so now need radio. So after my radio I may have more surgery to remove other nodes. I’m also having repeat bone scan end May as lumbar changes seen . So I’m keeping my fingers crossed and it’s a shame I had reconstruction as the radio may cause capsular contraction .

Anyway I wanted to say I was advised to buy front opening bras they were brilliant and comfortable and when I’m better I can use them again for exercise (which I feel is in my dreams at the mo !)
I ordered them off eBay and Amazon . They had removable pads in them and if wanted could put a softie in it. I’m now 4 months post surgery and back in normal bras but no underwire. George is very good and much cheaper for bras to .

Anyway good luck can’t believe how much Tumor has shrunk cuddles that’s fantastic news.

Weeburd I found movicol great for constipation and works quickly.

I rang back cancer support again and have got date in June for reiki so looking forward to that and on waiting list for counselling .

Good luck everyone I’m on my last week of feeling normal then back to it again x

[annie2424]

Hi everyone. I have only just found this thread!! My name is annemarie (annie) dx on 7th feb with inflammatory breast cancer with lymph node involvement. At the age of 33. I am a registered nurse and have two young kids who are 11 and 10. I started chemo pretty much straight away on the 16th feb. Ive now finished the fec part of the treatment and will start the t part and herceptin this thursday and Friday. Feel like im on the home straight now. Had the typical hair loss and incrrased fatigie but other than that i have been well. Ill have a single masectomy june/july time then radio therapy after that. Then hormone treatment and herceptin to continue 😒.its been a lot to deal with and im scared of how ill cope with the next lot of chemo

[Cuddles79]

Hi all, oh gosh what a journey this is... 5 days after 3rd EC constant dizzyness weakness and nausea. I do flag sometimes. But at least I had 4 weeks to recover after 2nd one and had some good days to weed and plant my garden. 1.9 cm tumour has reduced by 4 mms so that's something positive. Yes the port picc line thing does ache a bit but I try to ignore.
Bald head gets quite sweaty with hot flushes. Real urge to run away from all this and frolic free in the hills but I'll be good and stay. Lots of love to all and thank you for your stories.

[Wee Burd]

Seems like everyone is having issues of some kind as we go along. I'm on day 5 cycle 3 of FEC feeling sensitive all over. All the skin around my jaw line and across my shoulders is sore to touch. Having to cover myself in Aveeno cream otherwise itching all the time. Appetite has been up due to the steroids I think but getting heartburn. Fortunately that's resolved with Tesco's own brand indigestion tablets. Bad constipation this time round has led to sore bottom and a tear - gave myself a fright with blood on the tissue paper. Feeling a bit sorry for myself! But I am halfway through the treatment so it's not all bad. If only the promised good weather would come along!
Thanks for sharing ladies it's good to know that I'm not alone xx

[Bibi]

Hi everyone- all the things we write about show our shared concerns and problems on this horrid journey.

Jude - bras 😬 I am looking at post surgery bras ready for after my mastectomy- a few months away yet but having a look - apparently if you are a large cup size like me you obviously don’t like pretty bras - at least in M and S - it’s v annoying. Will have to have a look online - trouble is I like to try them on as you can never be sure of sizes from shop to shop. 

Macneech- drippy nose, drippy eyes here too - then sore nose from coping with wiping drippy nose . 

Chrissy - hope you get your acid stomach sorted - I take omeprazole too and find it really good .

In terms of mental well being I think I am finding it harder and harder, feeling low and really fed up with it all at times - but yes the sun does help. Chrissy I hope you manage to get some support- I also phoned my local cancer support centre as they offer counselling and have managed to get an appointment this week. Never tried counselling before , a bit nervous about it but hoping it will help me. 

Have a good week everyone- I feel almost back to normal ( day 11 of  round 4  - 1st round of Docetaxol, Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab) 

Take care x

[Chrissy68]

Hello everyone
Sorry been quiet been in my chemo coma first day out yesterday In 12 after 3rd FEC .
Some of you sound how I’ve been feeling obviously the horrible symptoms as everyone else but yes Jude the feeling of low is horrible isn’t it . On Tuesday I rang a local cancer support place to see if some counselling may help no one has returned my call !
Luckily the cloud lifted with the sun yesterday and I am feeling happier. So hang in there everyone keep telling yourself it’s temporary and I’m sure the weather doesn’t help when it’s so gloomy.
I’ve had the most horrendous heart burn rang unit increased lansoperazole to twice a day but not helped then rang again told need to change so had a bit of hassle getting,had to go to gp in the end on omperazole it’s helping abit but still not brilliant. It’s horrible not enjoying food .
Anyway my last week of feeling alive til I start docetaxel on 24th x
Good luck to everyone it’s so funny for 2 weeks my bank account doesn’t get used and now I feel better I’ve been spend spend spend !!

[MissGreen]

Hi all

Glad to hear your last cycle hasn't been so bad Jude. Good luck with the Docetaxel Macneech and you're right we all seem to be effected in different ways.

Bibi the tummy troubles settled down thank heavens.

So despite having 5 days of injections my arm is still swollen and sore from the blood clots that have blocked the veins my PICC is in. Admittedly it's not as bad as it was so that must be a good sign. So that on top of, nausea, sore mouth, horrible taste in my mouth and sore hands I am still battling with the mental side of things. I'm sure I am not the only one.

Yesterday the sun was out and I left the house as cabin fever had definitely in. The sun seemed to make everthing seem okay. Plus my boyfriends Mum gave me some Aveeno cream for my hands and it's made a difference already. Highly recommend it.

Hug n love to all

T

xx

[Macneech]

Glad you have had a better time this time round Jude.First cycle of Docetaxol for me weds - who knows what to expect as we all have such differing experiences 😕.I  am just bothered by the drippiness at the moment - drippy eyes,drippy nose - strange that this seems to come on at the end of my Fec cycles ?!

Haven't had my mastectomy yet but seems frustrating that many women seem to struggle to get bras/ prosthesis that look half decent for shape.

Hope everone else is ok and coping - been a bit quiet on here last few days.Looking forward to the sunshine coming - hopefully will lift our moods 😎🌻

[jude51]

Morning all...day 10 after 4th cycle EC. Ondansetron definitly helped this time, no shakiness, min nausea  or feeling the need to eat every few hrs, just the tiredness that kicks in. Mentally seem to be struggling a bit - so desperate to just feel normal...no headache, no horrible taste, no gut issues...just normal. I know it will come but so unbelievably fed up witht the whole thing now. 

Halfway through chemo now - due to start Palitaxel 27th april. Weekly sessions doesnt fill me with joy but maybe something to aim for each week will make it go quicker...or just feel like it will never end...who knows. Looking forward to the sunny weather expected but now realise i need to look at my wardrobe. Bras are the bain of my life with being on the large side but even more so now - there really is very limited availablity post mastectomy. Ive just been wearing a softie or mostly nothing at all so really must look into getting a prosthesis as nothing sits straight now...one up and one down. Although so nice not to have to think of long hair in hot weather occured to me that little beanie hats will not be very comfortable - my head sweats very randomly as it is ! Oh the joys of this bloody journey....

Hugs to everyone xx

[Wee Burd]

Interesting article Bibi - wish I had known about it before surgery and could have discussed with the surgeon. I was prescribed dihydrocodeine post surgery and advised against anti inflammatories which could inhibit healing. However I just have to trust that the node biopsy didn't miss anything too microscopically small to be detected and if it did that the chemo and herceptin are going to kill and/or disable any stray cancer cells roaming around.

[Bibi]

Happy Anniversary Wee Burd - glad you are all sorted - stay well.

Just read this article,- quite interesting 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/04/11/breast-cancer-surgery-healing-study/506525002/

Might have a chat to my oncologist about it next time.

Hope everyone is OK and staying on top of things - Miss Green hope those tummy troubles have eased - that was not a nice experience for me. Also had terrible backache last night - Docetaxel really does keep throwing a curve ball. 

Finding I am good in the morning but tired in afternoons- getting a bit of knitting done-am knitting angels for local church for Xmas would you believe - passes the time.

Waiting for sunshine now so can enjoy some time outdoors.

Good night - sleep well xx

[Wee Burd]

Hi All - pleased to report all went fine this morning and I have now reached the halfway stage already! Slight delay in getting started as the nurse doing my line care hadn't removed the stitches when they were supposed to be and so we started off with that and a good clean of the whole area and new dressing but it all feels much better now. Chemo went fine and I felt ok when I came out but have been sleeping all afternoon.
Noticed today that my scalp has gone a bit scabby - like caked on dandruff 😩. Took a walk out to the local pharmacist to buy some cradle cap shampoo but he recommended pure olive oil so have got some to massage in tomorrow when I wash my hair.
Today I am rocking the Jennifer Saunders look with my white turban on. Almost frightened to look at my hair today as it felt like it was all sticking to the inside of the cold cap when I took it off!
Not the best wedding anniversary ever but was feeling good last night and so we went out for the most delicious dinner and even managed to enjoy a wee glass of wine.
Thanks for the tips for the T Jujubee. As ever the worst bit is the fear of the unknown! Think I will treat myself to a manicure and get my nails painted a nice dark purple. The oncologist said it's thought that the nail thing is brought on by sun exposure and that's why dark nail polish helps.
Miss Green hope you're keeping better now and fingers crossed for you for the next scan.
Love to everyone - keep well and strong and make the drugs do their work 💪💪👍❤

[Moijan]

Awwww what a nuisance xxm

[MissGreen]

Hi all

Glad everything went okay Wee Burd and that you're feeling better Bibi.

Jujube I am on 6 cycles of Docetaxel (Taxotere) and Capecitibane. I have them at the same time as the latter is chemo in tablet form which I have to take everyday for 14 days.

Yesterday and this morning I was hit with "tummy troubles" not pleasant at all. Thank heavens I am still off work at the moment. On top of this today's PICC line maintenance didnt go to plan. Mentioned my swollen and painful arm. I am the proud owner of two blot clots on top of everything else !! Now need to inject myself in the tummy to try and break up the clots. Feeling peed off to say the least. Sorry for moaning ladies .

T

xx

[Jujubee]

Hi Wee Burd, hope it has gone ok today,  the only advice I would give you about starteing T after FEC is to rest,  I found it harder on the T but I think I was trying to do to much.  Keep the fluids up and rest as much as you need, eat healtthy, even if you cant taste it and be good to yourself.

Good luck x

[Wee Burd]

Thanks everyone it was all good this morning and have the go ahead for tomorrow. Feeling much better today than yesterday thank goodness. Had a long chat with the oncology pharmacist as she was also preparing me for the start of the docetaxel next time. Sounds fearsome but having come this far surely I will be able to get through the last FEC and the T !