Hello everyone, I am from the November starters thread and on cycle 4 now of a planned 8 cycle accelerated EC-T treatment schedule. I wanted to wish you all the very best and share my experience too in the hope it may be helpful for some of you.
I should start by saying I am a complete wuss and worrier too, so the apprehension some of you are feeling is familiar and, I think, probably normal too. I felt so much better once treatment had started. I hope it will be the same for you. I was dreading it and had visions of being completely incapacitated, but like KirstyH, I have managed. I exercise most days, even though I am far from an athlete and sometimes it is tougher than others, but then that was true before chemo! I work through the cycle too for the most part, although I know I am incredibly lucky to have a job that allows me to work at home when I need to do so.
I had a portacath fitted after discovering that my veins are a bit rubbish, although it has yet to be used. I am not great with needles either, but I have managed for the most part to survive cannulation and the assorted needle contact until this point. I always tell whichever poor person has to come at me with a needle that I am anxious and have been met with nothing but kindness and understanding. Don't be afraid to share your fears, whatever they may be. It is okay not to be okay.
In terms of side effects, some cycles have been tougher than others, but I have learned two things along the way. The first is that everyone is so different and there is always someone who can help (on here and in the clinical team) with whatever happens. I had trouble with nausea early on and a combination of top tips from wise women here and some tweaking of medication by the oncologists made all the difference. It recurred on my third cycle, so when I go back next week before cycle 4, I will be sure to mention it. Don't be alone with anything. The second is that these threads are wonderful. I can't tell you how much the community of people going through this pesky process and walking alongside me has helped - I've laughed, nodded in recognition, got great advice and felt such warmth every time I log on. I can see the sense of camaraderie is already building here - enjoy it and draw strength from it.
Finally, the all important hair question! I didn't cold cap (I am a wuss remember) and my hair was cut short after cycle 1. By cycle 2, it was pretty much gone, so I went for the buzz (not shaved as my hairdresser said it would be kinder on the scalp). She said it would all vanish soon. It never did! I have a covering of velvet hair that seems to be growing not disappearing. I have a wig (Petunia the Pretend Hair) and some great hats. It was immensely and unexpectedly emotional when it went, but I did adapt quickly and now I barely notice when I look in the mirror. So far, eyelashes and eyebrows are hanging on, but when I move to Paclitaxel, that may change apparently. I am about to do a Look Good, Feel Better course in a few weeks, so I hope they will teach me how to hide the 'no brows-no lashes' look if need be.
If you have any questions, do ask but in the meantime, I wish you all the very best for the coming weeks. You can do this, I promise. xx
