February Chemo Starters 2018

[Chrissy68]

Hi weeburd and miss green

thanks for your reply’s . Yes I have applied to the moving forward course although it’s a 56 mile journey I’m looking forward to it . Have any of you still got reflux . Mine is so bad that I’m eliminating food and it’s not making a difference. Haven’t drunk tea for nearly a week only water and camomile tea (yuk) . My Gp has put me on esomperazole 40mg twice day but after 2 weeks it’s not working. I rang the chemo unit who said to ring gp and I also rang radio unit as I had radio to neck area to see if it’s related but was told yes but then told no . Just wondered if others having problems .?

[Wee Burd]

Hi Chrissy,
I don't have pain in my nails but they are quite discoloured and the thumbnails look as if they might break off so I'm trying to keep them moisturised and avoiding catching on anything. They also feel really weird if I try to do anything that I need to use them for - like opening a ring pull can or trying to undo a knot! I'm on tamoxifen now and getting some flushing but it's manageable so far.
Last week I started on the Breast Cancer Care Moving Forward Course. It runs over 4 weeks. I found the first session really helpful and am looking forward to the next one on Thursday. If you can go on one of these courses I would highly recommend it. It was good to meet and talk to other women going through the same experiences in the same way that it's been great to have you the support on the forum.

[MissGreen]

Hi Chrissy

The nails I have left still look funny but have stopped hurting. I keep cutting them as short as I can. Since stopping chemo and starting letrozole my flushes got worse. Especially during the heatwave we had !

T

x

[Chrissy68]

Happy birthday Bibi and fantastic news.
Good luck with radio compared to horrible chemo you’ll find it so much easier . I finished mine last week no other treatment available for me now as I’m triple negative so just the road to recovery . Still got the most aweful reflux though medication doesn’t seem to be working so back to Gp Monday . Still got peripheral neuropathy in hands and feet and nail pain and dreaded flushed and sweats . Have others still got issues ? Hope everyone is ok xxx

[MissGreen]

Excellent news Bibi and happy Birthday x

Teresa

[Wee Burd]

Happy birthday Bibi! Good news !- hope you're recovering well from the surgery.

[Bibi]

Hi everyone - really happy to report that I had WLE and node clearance a fortnight ago and today I got results that there were clear margins so it is all out!  It’s my birthday today as well so it feels like the best birthday present ever 😁 Still have radiotherapy, herceptin injections and some other drugs for 7-10 years but today feels like a huge step in my journey. 

Hope you are all keeping well , and wishing you all good luck for the future and thank you all for the support over the last 6 months. Xxx

[Chrissy68]

Hello everyone lovely to hear from you . You sound like you are all going through it but miss green I feel for you and hope things get sorted for you . Do you take someone with you for support. Sending you a big hug 🤗
I too have applied for a moving forward course but certainly don’t feel right to go back to work . I have 2 more radio sessions . They aren’t doing a axilla clearance now just the radio and then it will done for me as I’m triple neg I can’t have anything else . But I’m still suffering from chemo sideeffects . Peripheral neuropathy hands and feet . Nails so painful big toe nail fell off other day and the worse thing is reflux . Gp has put me on new tab esomperazole 40 mg twice day but it’s not made a difference . It’s getting me down . My memory is terrible too x from the radio side of things my throat is like razor blades and psin in chest side. I too weeburd have heard it peaks a few weeks after finishing and can last up to 6 weeks .i hope you all are ok . Keep doing the atm exercises they are so important especially if you need radio x fingers crossed for everyone 😘

[Macneech]

Hi all - looks like we are all still having a few issues.Hope your drain came out yesterday Bibi.Sending big hugs to you Miss Green.Must be nice to finish rads Wee Burd.The thought of moving forward and going back to work is daunting😕

I ended up going back to theatre on the 24th to clear a large heamatoma behind my temporary implant.Drain number 2 came out last Fri and all dressings off yesterday so hopefully on the mend now.Still very tender especially under my arm pit although scar stops atleast 2 inches away.Been told this is probably nerve damage where they took the lymph glands out.

Bibi like you I am   finding the exercises a bit tricky to do.Dont want to over do it as don't want to induce another heamatoma or seroma. Going to Spain Sunday ( daughter is bridesmaid) - don t fancy going in to Spanish hospital for drainage! Managed to get insurance😀

Some good news - hair is growing back - have about 1.5cm on the top.Eye brows have all of a sudden started to appear and have a few tiny eyelashes!Oh and pubic hairs- they seem to be winning the race currently.So glad the chemo bit is behind me 😁

I have been referred for rads Bibi but not yet heard.I anticipate a 1-2 week wait for onc appt.Then 2-3 weeks before date for 'planning'.Then 2 weeks before start of treatment.Therefore mid to late Sept( Portsmouth hospitals).

Maybe back to work end of August.??(I work at the hospital- planning to have the treatments whilst at work/ just after shifts depending on how it  effects me.

Thinking of you all xxx

[Wee Burd]

Miss Green, so sorry to hear that the doctors misadvised you.  Hope they have a firm plan worked out for you by Friday.  Hopefully there is something they can do that doesn't prolong the treatment for too much longer.  Sending hugs and wishing you luck.

Bibi, hope you are recovering well and get a chance to enjoy the wedding at the weekend.  Keep persevering with the exercises, they really do help!

I finished radiotherapy treatment today, so no more trips to Glasgow for a while.  They have advised that the after effects will probably peak in about 7 - 10 days' time.  I have invited some friends round for a celebratory afternoon tea on 10th Aug, so I just hope I haven't been overly optimistic about my energy levels by then!

Off to visit my parents tomorrow - and to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary with them.  Looking forward to the break.

I have signed up for the Breast Cancer Care Moving Forward Course starting on 9th August which I hope will be interesting and informative.  I need to think about getting back to work and I'm hoping the course will have a few pointers about coping with that!

Keep well everyone x

[MissGreen]

Thanks Bibi. Feel so angry. They should have got all their ducks in a row before using the R word.

Xx

[Bibi]

Oh Miss Green - the emotional up and downs of these pieces of information are so hard and draining - I am sending you hugs 🤗 and hope you are bearing up and they are able to offer a good plan for you 🤞xxx

[MissGreen]

Hi Bibi


That's great news you could have a WLE rather than a mastectomy. Fingers crossed they got a good clearance.

I am afraid my Oncololgist was premature in saying I am in remission. He referred me back to the Breast team as he was satisfied with my chest and lung but an ultra sound shows one of my tumours had stubbornly remained in the boob. On Friday I will find out what the plan next. Hoping they can do another WLE on my mastectomy.

T

xx

[Bibi]

Morning everyone - glad to hear your good news Miss Green - must be such a relief for you. 

How are you coping with the radiotherapy WeeBurd? At least the hot weather has gone now but the daily trek must be wearing - not looking forward to that. 

Macneech hope you are continuing to recover and initial problems after op are easing. Have you had results and dates for radiotherapy yet?

After always being told I would be having a mastectomy - when the chemo finished and I saw surgeon again it was a different (one due to illness of previous one) after much discussion of chemo results ( very good response) and initial diagnosis and much soul searching I was advised I could have a WLE instead . Date for op was delayed a week so went off to the Welsh Coast to enjoy the beautiful weather, but I had it last Thursday- 26th so am just recovering. Drain a bit uncomfortable but 🤞out today when I visit hospital for check up, feeling bruised but much better than I thought I would. Next big step is getting results and hearing the words ‘ clear margins’ so just distracting myself from that- got a family wedding next weekend and looking forward to catching up with everyone plus hoping can get my outfit on! Doing the arm exercises but some a bit painful atm . Take care everyone and continue to enjoy life. xxx

[Wee Burd]

Hope everything improves for you Macneech and no need for interventions. Sounds like a lot to cope with after the chemo. I've now had 10 of my 19 radiotherapy zappings. Compared to chemo it's a scoosh so far although a friend who went through it last year has warned me that the worst of the effects are about 2 weeks after the treatment. But I think for anyone who's been through chemotherapy there's nothing to worry about in coping with the radiotherapy.
I am getting some more hair on my head and arms now but still no eyebrows! I've taken off the nail polish now as my nails were flaking so much. Not looking good, trying to keep them in as good condition as I can manage.
Energy levels still fluctuating - a combination of the early starts, travel to Glasgow every day and the hot weather as well as the radiotherapy.
I've started on tamoxifen now - has anyone else been put on it and are you having any side effects?

[Macneech]

Brilliant news Miss Green. Good luck Bibi for your surgery this week.I had a right mastectomy and axillary clearance last Tues and frustratingly had a slight blip.Felt brilliant the afternoon following surgery but I managed to block my drain overnight,had a very low blood pressure and grew a HH size boob.I had a B size temporary implant! Been home since last Thurs but have still been really wobbly with low HB ( been put on iron),Felt like bad chemo days!

Oops - thought this bit would be easy and maybe had too higher expectations.

Saw consultant yesterday - pressure dressing off which was a relief but drain still draining.Back to see him tomorrow- threatening to aspirate blood clot/ fluid if it hasn't gone down 😕

Oh well - I know things will get better.On to the final hurdle ( rads) come Sept then hopefully done.

Hair definitely coming - very fluffy on the top of my head.!!

Again - good luck Bibi - try not to sleep on your drain!😁

[MissGreen]

Thank you Wee Burd. You and all the other ladies who have been on this forum have been an immense help since February xx

[Wee Burd]

Fantastic news Miss Green! So pleased for you. Onwards and upwards!

[MissGreen]

Good news the lung tumour has gone, chest lymphnode is so small they're not concerned. May need an MRI re boob tumours, not showing on CT as so small, but this is now going to be discussed in light of good news. Being put on tablets to block my oestrogen so the cancer isn't being fed. Basically I am back in remission so NO more chemo. Still in a state of shock with the good news

[Wee Burd]

I asked today about the  nail varnish when I was in to get my herceptin - the answers varied from 3 - 4 - 6 weeks! Looking on the internet, I couldn't see anyhting specific to answer this - only that any discolouration should go away in a few months.  I am now 3 weeks on from my last dose and was thinking of giving my nails a breather when the current polish starts to chip which will probably be within the next 2 or 3 days.  One of the nurses suggested cleaning it off at night and reapplying during the day but that sounds like more effort than I can be bothered with!

[Katsy]

Does anyone know how long you have to wear daerk nail varnish after last chemo. Four weeks after chemo now and I’m longing to take it off!

[Bibi]

Hi everyone - I’ve been lucky with nails , just one or two splitting at the ends - I’ve been wearing dark nail varnish which I hate so don’t know whether that helped - have taken it off now as I am nearly 4 weeks post chemo now and hoping any effects from light have passed. 

Hope your op goes well Macneech and you make a good recovery. 

My op is July 19th  so hoping we will get a little break away next week for a few days after hubby has finished a work contract and in between heart scan and pre-op. I’m fancying a walk on the beach to lift my spirits and steady the nerves. 

I am starting to feel my energy levels return and have been trying some exercise, done a couple of swims and did yoga in the garden last night with my yoga teacher - first time since Jan - really enjoyed the stretch. Trying to build myself up before op, am eating much better and 🤞am slowly starting to lose a bit of the chemo weight gain. Hope you all continue to recover well and good luck with whatever is next for you xx

[Macneech]

Hi everyone,good to read that most of us are gradually coming out the other side of chemo.I am beginning to feel nearly normal at last although my legs still feel like  tonne weights and numb when I get moving and am now in a continuous hot flush! - could be something to do with the weather!

I have managed to hold onto my nails so far but the tenderness is still there.The nail tips rather than the cuticle seem to look weaker ( yellow and fibrous)which is weird as I thought the damage should show from about half way down.

Hair is growing but far too slowly and so patchy😕.Lots of new grey!( Can't brave going wigless yet).

I did have post chemo bloods but am due to have surgery next - pre op tomorrow then mastectomy and axillary clearance  next Tues.Any advice greatly received!!

So need to get away - so glad you had a great weekend Miss Green!

Planning to get to south of Spain ( daughter is maid of honour for her best friend ) - will be 4 weeks post surgery?!?

No swimming in the pool for me I don't think - just dangling my feet xx

[MissGreen]

Hi Chrissy.

Some of my finger nails are really sore and have lifted. A few others lifted but have gone back down but I still think I am going to lose 2 more finger nails and a toe nail as they leak fluid and a little blood. Had to bandage one finger up today to stop me catching the nail especially after yesterday when I banged it and it bled for 10 mins. Chemo has a lot to answer for.

Having said all the above I have had a fab weekend, walked loads (comfy trainers are a must even in this heat), eaten far to much but above all i have laughed and smiled. I def recommend having a weekend away when you can.

[Chrissy68]

Hi everyone thanks for your reply’s .
Hope you have great time away I want to go away not had a break or day awaysince diagnosis on 5th Dec 17 .
Hope your nail is abit better mine are killing me too xx
Let’s hope this journey had nearly finished xxx

[Wee Burd]

Hi Chrissy I haven't been given any more appointments for blood to be taken after the last cycle. I was slightly anaemic too but was just advised to eat plenty of iron rich food and as far as I know I am okay now as I'm a lot less tired.

I had a phone consultation with the oncology pharmacist yesterday and she asked about the side effects from cycle 6 and confirmed my appointment for my next herceptin injection next week. I think that's about all the input I will have now. She certainly didn't mention any future blood tests being done.

I hope that you are feeling better now that you've been taking the iron. Just be careful not to let it bung you up!

[MissGreen]

Hi thanks for the advice re my lack of nail.

Chrissy, no I didn't have anymore bloods taken after chemo stopped.

Weeburd, my boyfriend booked us a couple of days.away this weekend to celebrate getting to tje end of this phase. I cant wait for sea air and to enjoy eating food I can taste.

T

X

[Chrissy68]

Hi miss green , kitty75 and weeburd,
Lovely to hear from you again and hope you are all ok.
Miss green I would ring the chemo ward for advice as they are more used to it than perhaps other health professionals. I think I’ll be joining you soon in loss of nails as mine are incredibley painful and I have terrible pins and needles in both hands and left foot . But slightly less tired . Hope the radio goes ok i still don’t know my start date .
Wanted to ask did anyone have bloods done following chemo to check how things were . I was anaemic before having my last chemo and only because of doing the add aspirin trial found out I’m still anaemic so have put myself on iron . When I asked the onc if they repeat bloods post chemo was told no ! Bit daft to think it’s like well you are finished now .

Anyway good luck hope the nail grows soon make sure you keep it clean xx
Good luck with scan too and any other treatments xxx

[Wee Burd]

Hi Teresa I would agree with Kitty that as long as the finger is clean and not sore then probably best just to leave it uncovered. I've managed to keep all of my nails although some of them look as if there's a new layer growing underneath the existing nails. I am enjoying the feeling just now of increasing energy levels and the knowledge that I don't have to put myself through any more chemo. Beginning to feel that we might get our lives back soon after so long on hold. We have booked ourselves into a gastropub with rooms for 2 nights this weekend as a Little treat before radiotherapy starts next week. And I haven't escaped the chemo ward entirely as I'll be back there next week for the herceptin injection. But there's an end in sight at last.
Hope your next scan shows positive results.

[MissGreen]

Hi kitty

The nail area is sore but only if I touch it. It's actually less sore now the nail has gone. Don't think it's the only one that going to go.

I finished my original treatment last Wednesday. I had 6 cycles of Docetaxel & Capecitibane running concurrently. Chemo free at the moment until i see my Oncologist on 16th July to discuss my next scan which is next week. Think they are going to put me back on chemo but just Capecitibane.

Teresa

[Kitty75]

Hi Teresa
Nail or lack of sounds sore!! I haven't lost nails they are all discoloured, some blacker than others but just really weak.
Does it look like a new nail is growing? If it looks clean and healthy I would just leave to air. If it's a bit manky then maybe ask your pharmacist for advice, they may have a dressing you could use or failing that practice nurse.
How are you in general? Have you finished chemo now?
Take care hope the new nail grows back super quick!!
X

[MissGreen]

Hi

Not sure if there is anyone left in here but need some advice. After suffering from bad nails for a few months I have finally lost one. My thumb nail came off today and I wondered do i need to do anything with the bare thumb eg. Cover it, use creams on it etc etc ?

Teresa

[Chrissy68]

Hi wee bird and Bibi
I’m so glad you managed to get the next round of chemo and well done to the vampire nurse.
I agree with you about the weight gain it’s so annoying. I have bought an exercise bike but I’ve been so poorly I haven’t used it yet but like you said Bibi I will try exercises more ina few weeks.
I have felt terrible this week and usually by now I’m peeking up but I can’t stop sleeping that I’m like my cat ! The fatigue is so debilitating.
Well I’m waiting to see my onc today to discuss when radio will start . Fantastic you have a date already weeburd I have a funny feeling I won’t have a date today as I have to be referred to a different hospital. But I’m hoping they will tell me if they are going to do axilla clearance (previously I had SNB but have node involvement).
Good luck with surgery, in hind site I wished I’d had chemo first but can’t turn the clock back . Take it easy think this round is the worse so don’t book too many things unlike I stupidly did this week x had acupuncture yesterday which was nice xx

All the best everyone xx

[Bibi]

Ah Wee Burd that is so good that you got to finish - hoping you get through the recovery from it in time for your choir - that’s something to look forward to. 

Had my last T last Thursday and am just about over the sicky feeling but also suffering from the dreaded diarrhoea and am very fatigued - got up this morning feeling full of energy - went on a tiny walk with dog and had to have a lie down 😂 legs are like lead. So realise I need to be more realistic in my plans for the days and build up slowly - had great plans today but mostly slept and read. 

Have appointment to see surgeon next week so trying to build up for being prepared for that. 

The weight gain is a pain isn’t it? In the grand scheme of cancer things I know it’s not  but helping to feel good is not helped by it. I have 2 family weddings in August and bought outfits earlier in the year - dreading trying them on now 😱 so am going to focus on good nutrition and gentle exercise for next month and hopefully they will still fit. I find after Docetaxol and steroids Imreally crave carbs - which obviously doesn’t help but am hoping I am through the worst of that now and can get back,to some healthy colourful food. 

Take care everyone and good luck with next stage - whatever that is for you xxx

[Wee Burd]

Hi everyone! It's been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster this week. I was feeling so devastated last week by the vein access problems and anxious about the delay in treatment. I went to my oncology appointment yesterday and saw the pharmacist who had access to all my blood results from last week. She said it was all okay to go ahead with treatment (scheduled for today) provided there was access to a vein. If they couldn't get one then they would just terminate the treatment on 5 cycles. So the chemo nurse had a look at my hand and arm. I think she must have been trained by vampires as she got a cannula in successfully! Once they knew it had been done the drugs were prepared and I got my last docetaxel there and then - a day early! I also got my herceptin so everything is still on track. Feeling ok and the steroids are kicking in so have been wide awake since 5am listening to the dawn chorus (and some snoring! ). I've been having diarrhoea a lot - it was bad enough with the last round of chemo but the antibiotics have made it worse. Hoping that will settle a bit but not go to the other extreme as I had very bad constipation last time round.
I still have hair on my head, no eyebrows, very few short eyelashes but no hair under my arms and barely any on my arms, legs or pubes. Looking forward to seeing it come back again although I have enjoyed not having to shave anything.
My nails are still okay. I don't know if the purple nail polish did the trick or if I just didn't get that side effect. My nails are actually looking better than they usually do!
I am determined to be fit enough to sing at my choir's annual concert on 22nd June as I have managed to get to all but one of the rehearsals although I have put on too much weight to fit into my posh frock and will need to find an alternative outfit!
I have today free from treatment and my younger son is home from university so that's a bonus.
On Thursday I go to Glasgow for my scanning appointment for radiotherapy which starts on 4th July and I have my first pack of Tamoxifen to start at the same time.
Progress!

Keep well everyone - we're all reaching the finish line for chemo at least and what a struggle we've had at times.

I'm not looking forward to the inevitable dip but today I'm feeling so positive that I'm just going to enjoy it!

[MissGreen]

Hi Ladies

Glad to hear your out of hospital Wee Burd, hope the anti biotics do there thing.

Chrissy, sorry to hear you're suffering with the dreaded aches and sore nails. Same here plus the usuall tummy gripes. Especially suffering with my right thumb. Struggling to do clothes up and even get my chemo medication out of the packets.

Not sure what's happening chemo wise with me now as I had my last Docetaxel last Wed and take my last chemo tablets next Wed but don't see the Onc until 16th July. Think I will just enjoy being chemo free for a while.

Love n hugs to all

T

x

[Wee Burd]

Hi ladies, I got home from hospital today with oral antibiotics as the bugs were finally identified along with the drugs to tackle them. Frustratingly nobody could tell me today what the plan is now for my final docetaxel cycle as the oncologist was on holiday today. I have been told to go to my oncology appointment tomorrow and fingers crossed that someone will know what's happening. I'm assuming that nothing will happen until I have finished the antibiotics, although I am wondering if I will get the herceptin as I don't think that affects the immune system. Fingers crossed for some progress!

[Chrissy68]

Hi everyone had last T last tues thought I was over things but wham today it hit me . Think it’s the steroids wearing off . I was that bad after going for my Hickman line flush etc I had to go back to bed. Eyes so blurry and really wobbly.

roll on the end of mouth. Got horrible mouth changes nails hurt back ache and so tired.

How is everyone else..? Iffel that this thread has come to its end of life now as everyone seems to be moving on. Just wanted to say thankyou for all your support and good health to everyone xx

[Cuddles79]

Oh gosh... Sorry ladies I haven't been around for a while. I was struggling to clear dad's house in between bouts of EC. Which I managed ok, fatigue was the main thing but I kept a good appetite and could squeeze at least a good 10 days of not feeling too bad between sessions. Not so docetaxel. I had my first last Friday. 7 days ago. It's got progressively worse each day. Weak, dizzy, diarrhoea, just awful really. I had built up a stockpile of steroids which I didn't really need on the EC. Now I really need them to function at all. It's great to see you all coming to the finish. I next few days gets me a bit better. I did get quite low at one point but even though it's tougher now I somehow feel bloody minded to keep going.

[GreenDamsel]

Sorry to hear of your delay WeeBurd, fingers crossed it’s dealt with quickly but it sounds as if you are getting great care and attention from your health professionals.  It must be frustrating, especially when so near the finishing post.  I still have 2 weekly sessions to go and veins are hanging on in there so i’ll pop in to the forum now and then.  

Steroids have kicked in again so back to prowling the garden in the middle of the night to try and tire myself out so I can get back to sleep, although surprisingly i’m never tired in the morning when I get up for work so no rest for the wicked. I think my boss is slightly confused how I keep turning up each day apart from the treatment days and still carrying on as normal. 

Congrats to everyone ending this stage of treatment it’s amazing how we all cope with this process especially after those briefing sessions where all the possible side effects are gone through in such detail you’d be forgiven for locking the door and hiding under  the duvet until it was all over. 

Take care and i’m sure you’ll get to that  final treatment, maybe just a little later but in the meantime enjoy the view of the Ochills. 

[Wee Burd]

Hi there everyone it's good to see so many people reaching the finish line. It looks as if I am going to be cheering from the sidelines for a bit. The Hickman line was taken out this afternoon and I've been getting IV antibiotics through a cannula in my arm. However the same problems with my veins that resulted in the line have happened again and the cannula has now been removed and I don't know yet what's going to happen next. When the doctor this afternoon just couldn't get a vein to take a blood sample it hit me that there's no way I will get chemo in my arm next week. The only way to stay on track is to have a new line in place by next week but that seems pretty unlikely especially if they can't check my bloods to see if the infection has cleared. In the meantime I am still in hospital but at least I have a private room (Infection control) with my own toilet and shower and a functioning tv as well as the WiFi password! I also have a nice view of trees and the Ochil hills and swallows and swifts flying up to my window. So although I have spent most of the afternoon blubbing, especially when the nurse tried again and failed to get some blood, I know things could easily be worse. I am alive and mostly healthy, the medics will find a way to complete the treatment and although everything will take a bit longer I will get there in the end. And my mum and dad will just have to have an additional late wedding anniversary celebration which I will enjoy all the more for having come through this setback. You never know, maybe I am being too gloomy and it will all work out!
Thanks for the support everyone. I'm genuinely inspired by all your experiences that you've shared and it's really helping me through mine. Love and hugs to everyone - don't let the treatment grind you down - we'll come out stronger xxx

[Bibi]

Last Docetaxol done today - felt quite emotional leaving the unit - they have been an amazing support during this **bleep** time. Will still see them after the surgery as I am having herceptin injections too Macneech - have 14 to do as have had 4 lots whilst having the Docetaxol. Also having mastectomy and axillary clearance - said it would be 4-6 weeks from now so will be expecting appointments soon-also interested in any advice on that.

will then be having the radiotherapy. So still a long way to go but feeling like I’ve reached a big milestone today - still got to get over it mind - usually have a good a couple of days first whilst the steroids are in system so will try and enjoy the good weather - although having a new boiler tomorrow as that very annoyingly conked out just before we went on holiday- currently boiling water in kettle and having showers with bucket and jug standing in bath - oh joy ! 

Sending you hugs Wee Burd and hoping the infection hasn’t stopped your last treatment - I think the thought of it being delayed could be quite upsettting when you e had it mind this is the end - but you will get there so take care. 

Thank you all for the support on this journey that we are all getting to the end of - hope we will still continue through the rest of the treatments it would be good to hear how everyone is doing. I will probably look on the surgery threads for some tips and advice so may see you over there as well- well done everyone for getting this far and take care for the rest of the journey xxxxxxx

[Flora29]

Oh and my hair started coming back 2 weeks ago, and my eyebrows and lashes are making a reappearance this week! Yay!! Progress. Still need my wig though, for now.

[Flora29]

Hi All. I’ve been absent for a while but thought I’d pop in to see how you’re doing. So glad you’re all reaching the end of the chemo, but gosh Wee Burd, going out with a last hurrah! I do hope everything goes ol from here.

I’m nearly at the end of my radiotherapy now. Finish on Friday. I’m feeling a bit tired now and then, working shorter days at work, but that’s mainly because I have a daily 140 mile round trip from home, work, hospital, home. I’ve managed it ok, with some days working from home (reduces the driving to ‘just’ 100 miles)! Also got a suntanned boob, only a touch sore under the arm.

I’ve had a zoladex injection to suppress my ovaries prior to having them out at some point, and expect to get letrozole today. I’m at the hospital now, ahead on my next appointment. Doing this as I have been on tamoxifen for the last 8 years and my cancer came back, so need to try something new.

Chrissy, I would have thought that if one of your lymph glands had cancer in, they will all have to come out. I’d want them out! One indicates there may be others beyond it. I went to a Lymphodema education session recently and there are things you can do to reduce the risk - it isn’t a given that you’ll have problems. I had them all taken from my right side 8 years ago and although that arm is a tiny bit puffy, my body has got used to it and manages my lymph Ok now.

Is anyone else here having Herceptin? How’s it going? I’ve had 6 of my 18 now.

[MissGreen]

Hi Chrissy welcome to the end of Docetaxel. Such a nice feeling. Today I feel amazing and when I feel like crap in a few days I shall remind myself that I am going to be chemo free for at least 4 weeks. Just hope the Oncologist doesn't put me back on it. I was surprised the removed the PICC today but pleased as it saves me weekly visits.

Hi Wee Burd, sorry to hear you've ended up in hospital . Hope you feel better soon. Xx

[Wee Burd]

Hi All, I am writing this from a hospital bed. Woke up yesterday with a temperature of 39° and was told to come to the hospital. Of course by the time I got here my temp was back to normal! However the most likely reason for the fever was an infection in my Hickman line so was given antibiotics and they took bloods to do a culture. Got a phone call today to say there are 2 kinds of bacteria in the line and to come back for some intravenous antibiotics. The consultant has just told me that they probably won't use the line to do the antibiotics today in case it spreads the bugs around. Also that they may want to take the line out and do my last chemo in my arm. Just as long as there's no delay to the treatment at this late stage. But I'm terrified at the thought of having the chemo in my arm again. Wish me luck!

[Chrissy68]

Miss green I’ve still got my Hickman in they have said it could be a month before it’s removed x

[Chrissy68]

Hi ladies
Had my last chemo 6th doxcetaxel yesterday very restless night with steroids but I have to admit I’m so glad to finish and I know that by end of this month I should be feeling better. On 15th after oncologist meeting I should be able to find out when radiotherapy will start and if I am having axillary clearance. In a way I hope it’s just radiotherapy as I’ve heard that radio should do its job . I may have clearance done and then pose the risk of lymphodema and there may be no cancer cells there. On my SNB I had 3 glands removed and 1 was cancerous . Has anyone else had or heard similar things.
I’m thinking of doing the add aspirin trial too as I’m triple negative I won’t be able to have any more treatment after radio.
So chemo I’m really tired and have put on 17 pounds though ! My legs are really weak and I feel like a little granny . I was really fit before and can’t do to much so I’m hoping this will improve with time . Has anyone else had this . I’ve got all the other symptoms such as tummy issues nails tender and they appear to be lifting indigestion but omperazole is helping . Taste changes will happen soon .
Oh my hair has started growing back has this happened to anyone? but my eyebrows and eyelashes have nearly gone and I’ve got terrible night sweats.

With regards to those of you now under going surgery good luck . George is good for post surgery bras . Make sure you do your exercises and if you’re not ready for discharge say I stayed in 2 days after mastectomy reconstruction with implant and SNB .
Hope everyone is coping with the side effects.xx

[MissGreen]

Hi ladies

Hope you're all as well as you can be 😁

Cycle 6 starts today so 14.5 days of chemo & feeling like crap here I come. It's the last one of my original treatment plan - yipee. My PICC is coming out today to free me up from weekly maintenance appointments. I will be chemo free at least until I see the Onc on 16th July for the next plan of action. Next scan is not until 3rd July and I already have scan anxiety lol.

T

Xxxx