July 2021 Chemo Starters

[katenonip]

Hi Corina

I am sorry to hear about the addition of the tinnitus, so horrid, can you take anything to help?  I am pleased to say the palpitations have calmed for me so think they relate to the steroids.  The sleep has improved a little especially from the first week.  I know they say avoid alcohol but last night I had two glasses of red and slept well until 5am. Might try that again 🙂

@DAB72 I have been using argan oil on my scalp as it is quite natural.  Coconut oil or olive oil can help too.  

I was told if the EC didn't get all my hair then the bloomin Docetaxel will so I am clinging onto those brows and lashes for dear life.

I hope everyone is doing ok xxx

[katenonip]

Hi @DAB72 

How did Friday go?  I am hoping you are feeling ok. Did you make the graduation yesterday?

I had another buzz cut this morning just to even up the growth in sum areas versus the balding in other areas.  My brows and lashes are also hanging in there at the moment.  My legs are like that too.  Armpits nice and smooth though.  

My friend brought me round some difflam, i checked the ingredients and they are the same as the hospital gave me for any mouth ulcers so happy to gargle with that.  Seems the sore throat is very much a side effect so I will stop with the crazy lateral flow testing checking for covid.  It is so good that your hospital is testing you.  I just have to prove a negative lateral flow.  

I think the steroids for the EC are 6 in the morning then 3 x tablets morning and lunch for 3 days.  I have to start taking them the day before hand when I start the Docetaxel (sorry still can't spell it).  Are you on meds for the heartburn? 

I hope you are well and sending love x

[katenonip]

Hi @sharlea 

I am so sorry this is your second bout, over how many years?  This is my worst fear and scares the hell out of me.  It sounds like you are a super warrior and by no means a wimp!! No more of that thinking ok.  I am glad you are on the strong meds, like they say short term pain for long term gain.  It sounds like you have a great oncologist too.  Sending lots of love xx Kate

[sharlea]

Hi DAB72,

Thanks for your kind message and get well thoughts. I hope you are keeping well with your treatment, and things are going as smoothly as possible.

My chemo eventually got going on Friday, after the nursing team and on duty oncologist initially unwilling to start. This was due to a swelling in my neck, where the portacath insertion point goes into the jugular vein. After the nurses were able to get some bloods out and give the port line a good flush, the chemo got going. I was later given a blood thinning heparin injection in the tummy and returned for an ultrasound scan first thing Saturday morning, thankfully no clots in my neck or arm, just my body not really liking the portacath, despite it being the only option for my chemo, due to bilateral.

The pains are in my lower limbs, just one of the side effects of the chemo that seems to get to me. Not having pain in back or hips from the injections, thankfully.

Big hug, xx

[DAB72]

Hi @Corina , 

sorry to hear about your palpitations and the  tinnitus, that must be very frustrating. I had the palpitations on and off for a few days but they went away. Have your medical team suggested anything for either problem, or your GP? Perhaps some beta blockers would help if you could take them?? I don’t  know much about tinnitus and whether there are meds you can take for that but I had positional vertigo back in April which just lasted a couple of weeks ( prior to treatments and never had it before) and that came back about a month ago and was much worse at treatment time. It’s a little better now but hasn’t gone away and as it’s related to the ear canal, I wonder if chemo does affect the ears in some way?

re scalp treatment; I haven’t really used very much as the TC chemo seems to have given me spots; I feel like an acne ridden teenager during week 1 of cycle. Or maybe it’s hormonal due to meds affecting menstrual cycle. In any case my scalp has also been a bit spotty so didn’t want to put on creams and anything that might block pores further. I have been using Simple shampoo and conditioner ( as I still have a little hair) and that seems to help moisturise a bit. Simple also do a light facial moisturiser which I read can be suitable for chemo scalp. I only use it on my face sometimes, in place of my normal moisturiser, but might be worth trying as it’s very cheap so not a major expense if it turns out to be no good. 
let me know if you try it or if you find something good to use. 

wishing you well for your next treatment and hope this week is a bit more ‘normal’ before starting all over again. Take care 🤗 xx

[Corina]

Hi Katenonip

Hope you’re feeling better. My palpitations are still there but not as bad as the Chemo week. For all I know they might be part of my menopause symptoms considering I haven’t had any steroids for a week now. Another problem I have is tinnitus, I’ve had it for a few months but it seems to have got worse. It’s really annoying and something I could do without. I find all of this quite overwhelming at times but nothing I can do about it atm.

How’s your sleep, hope it’s getting better. 

@DAB72 I’m like you in terms of hair, I shaved my hair just before the second cycle of EC and the hair in my armpits and legs have stopped growing but still holding on to my brows and eyelashes 😊 I wonder if they’ll come off by the third cycle which is just over a week away! Do you or anyone here use any product for your scalp? I think my scalp is quite dry. I’ve seen a few products recommended by some cancer group but I’m not sure which ones are the better. 
Hope everyone’s doing ok xx 

[DAB72]

Hi @sharlea , sorry to hear about the extra sessions but see what the oncologist says after round 4, you never know 🙂 🤗

I hope round 3 went well on Friday and that you are doing ok. Please let us know, when you feel up to it. If your extra meds are working as planned hopefully it won’t be so bad this time  🤞. I think you said the joint pain is a lot to do with the injections, is that right? I wonder if you really need them? Might be worth checking with your oncologist as I haven’t had to do them and my bloods were pretty much identical to pretreatment,  pre 2nd round. I suspect this is why I have avoided such bad side effects regarding bone pains. 
Sending you a big hug and lots of get well thoughts 💐 xxx

[DAB72]

Hi @katenonip, so good to hear the Look good feel better session went well and a bonus to get some freebies. So far my eye brows and lashes don’t seem to have really been affected and although my super short buzzed hair is thinning I still have a fine fuzz all over. Wondering if this is it or whether the final 2 chemo sessions will result in the shiny head and brow/lash fallout. Funny my armpits are totally hair free but the legs are still a bit stubbly which is a shame 😂

sorry to hear your throat is so bad. Have you tried gargling salty water? I was recommended to do that by my chemo nurse even before my mouth becomes sore from treatment, just to help prevent ulcers and infections. 
How many steroids do you take? I have then for 3 days (1day before, on day of treatment and 1 day after) but like you seem to be hungry all the time and I’m definitely not eating the healthiest of snacks!! I do have to be a bit careful though as have become very prone to heartburn since treatment started. 
Sorry , I’ve lost track, but when is your next cycle? Mines on Friday so bloods and COVID test on Tuesday. My daughter has her postponed graduation from last year,  on Saturday so praying I will feel well enough to go. Last cycle ( unlike the first one) I was ok until the Sunday so 🤞. 

Wishing you a good week and hope you’re feeling much better. Take care xx

[sharlea]

Hello katenonip,

Sorry to hear they have added another ound, but it is good they are a reduced dose.

My oncologist has no intention of reducing the doe at present, but giving me plenty of drugs to combat the side effects. She did say that she would review the treatment after the fourth dose, which is an absolute minimum. If the side effect meds continue to help, best to continue, but carefully consider weighing up the benefits of the chemo 5 and 6 versus my ability to tolerate them. She also told me the TC regime was very tough and I was getting short term pain for long term gain. (This is my second bout of breast cancer, new primaries, not secondaries, hence the tough treatment I guess.)

The liquid morphine was given to help with the very painful musculoskeletal pain I had after the first round of Docetaxol and Cyclophosphamide. My lower limbs had me in tears for a few nights, started off tingling, then like pins and needles before feeling like a hard and nasty brutal massage of my calves and ankle stabs - along with feeling like a bad case of flu type aches in myt shoulders. I was told the morphine would be far better than codeine, faster acting and a 2.5ml spoonful equivalent to a 30mg dose of codeine, should also help with getting a good night's sleep. Regular paracetamol didn't help really. This was my reaction though, and it seems that not everyone gets pain. I was anxious about this and felt like a right wimp, but my oncologist put me right on that, not a wimp at all, and natural to feel anxious, but better to feel able to get through the treatment.

Was given plenty of meds to take home to help with DC side effects, including Dexamethasone (steroids to help the immune system), Ondansetron (anti-sickness pills) and other anti sickness pills for as and when (which I didn't need). I am sure your oncologist will do all they can to help with any side effects. They are trying to make sure it is manageable, that the chemo does its job without it cauing us too much discomfort.

Hope this helps, I really do try not to get anxious, easier said than done, take care, xx

[katenonip]

Morning,

I am on 3 rounds of EC then 4 rounds of DC. It was supposed to be 3 and 3 but last week they added a round but have now said that the 4 rounds of DC will be 3/4 doses rather than 100% doses which might help me tolerate it a bit more.  You could ask if they are planning on reducing the doses over the 6 rounds for you.  My oncologist said that they started me on the max dose and can always reduce it towards the end.  I suppose we just have to trust what they tell us. May I ask about the liquid morphine? Sorry if I have missed this previously. What causes the pain for the morphine?  I am anxious as my next round will be all new, Herceptin, DC and Zolodronic acid. I am scared about the different side effects of the next round. 

I felt like that on round 2, I sat crying thinking how the hell am I going to get to  round 7.  I have a few found respect to anybody that has been through chemo.  We will get through, just take one day at a time.  

Sending love and hugs xx

[katenonip]

Hi @DAB72 I don't know if it helps but I know a few people who have changed their Tamoxifen type, as in from the manufacturer as silly things like them being sugar coated capsules etc has effected people and whether to take in the morning or nighttime.  I hope you get on well at your appointment.  There is so much to listen to and take it that you just feel like you live in the moment of treatment.  People were talking about their ops yesterday and I now can't even remember the size of the tumour that they removed. It is weird, maybe it is a safety thing built in to our brains so that we can cope at one stage at a time.  I read yesterday that eating foods like soya is supposed to help.  I think I would need to ask a professional as I did pick up a leaflet yesterday on menopause symptoms so I need to see what might help. I think all HRT is not allowed.  We are literally going cold turkey.  The next time a women complains about the menopause to me I might just laugh and say get yourself to the doctors for some HRT and deal with it, they have options, we have none.  I received my letter yesterday to say that won't be referred for any genetic testing so my daughter should just be tested from 35.  I can pop a DNA sample in a bank too apparently.  

The Look Good Feel Better session as fabulous, I highly recommend it.  The drive made me feel like a normal person as I was getting more and more anxious about long journeys.  The 2 hour session was lovely and the goody bag was fab.  Lots of tips on beauty, skin care and makeup tips when you've lost your eye brows and lashes.  You can do them virtually too and they still send you some goodies.

I am still in my dressing gown as have a horrid sore throat.  It kept me up loads despite taking sleeping pills.  More pills needed.  I must rattle by now.  I am feeling fat and horrible from the steroids.  They just make me so hungry and I know I am putting on weight now.  Argh it never ends!!

Sendings love and hugs xxx

[DAB72]

Hi @katenonip,

Yes the tamoxifen is after rads has finished  I haven’t quite got as far as being told much about it yet but at my oncologist appointment next week we’re meant to be discussing  the next steps and radiotherapy in preparation for one my chemo finishes. 
I’ve heard tamoxifen can be quite intolerable for some people both in terms of side effects and the sudden menopause so I am a little apprehensive. Obviously HRT is out of the question but I wonder is that the case for everyone with BC or if someone like yourself is able to have it as that might help your symptoms? 
Drive carefully tomorrow, I hope the roads aren’t too busy for you if you are feeling a bit concerned about your driving ability at the moment. Looking forward to hearing all about it. Take care xx

[sharlea]

Hello to everyone on July Chemo,

Is anyone scheduled for SIX cycles of TC (Docetaxol and Cyclophosphamide)? I’m asking because I had the phone consultation with my oncologist this morning and she confirmed that I was scheduled for six cycles. However, she mentioned that it’s uncommon to get beyond four, and that not many people make it to six.

She has revised my dexamethasone, yet again, so the big slump is not so pronounced this cycle, and I have plenty of liquid morphine left. But the chemo brain (as she called it), is a result of fatigue, which is not relieved by sleep. It has been getting incrementally better, but I’m fairly dozey most days, and certainly couldn’t go out in public anywhere, too wobbly on my feet after 10 minutes. My third cycle is on Friday afternoon, which would be halfway through the proposed regime ... am starting to wonder how on earth anyone gets through this.

[katenonip]

Hi Dawn 

Thanks for your message. I am looking forward to the session at Maggie's, I am just a bit worried about the journey to Oxford as since being on chemo my driving ability is atrocious!

Thanks for the book tip.  I will definitely take a look as this I need all the help I can get at the minute.

Do you start Tamoxifen after the chemo/radio?  I am HER2 positive so I am sorry but don't know too much about it.  it is a 10 year program isn't it?   

Sending you lots of love xx

[katenonip]

Hi Corina,

Sorry if I confused you.  I think I meant Zolendronic acid! Have you heard anything more from the team regarding the palpitations?  I am still not sleeping, it's just so horrid. I might need to have some sleeping pills tonight.  I hope you are feeling a but better and brighter and have managed to get out xx

[DAB72]

Hi @katenonip, 

I hope you are feeling a bit better and are managing to get some sleep. Let me know how the session at Maggies goes and fingers crossed you can get some menopause info. Coincidentally a post came up in my Instagram feed today by menopause_doctor who has a book coming out this week. There is also another account called themenocharity and I wonder if these might provide some useful information. Both I noticed are followed by cancer related accounts. I am 49 so not quite reached the menopause but like you are being thrown into it with the chemo and down the line I’ll be taking tamoxifen. So far I haven’t had bad symptoms and any I have had I’ve put down to the chemo itself but I have had a few hot flushes. 
take care and keep me updated on how things are with you. Dawn xx

[Corina]

The dose was the same but it’s funny you mention that, I did think the 2nd cycle was a bit quicker just wasn’t sure if it would effect people differently. I tried to google the term in your message but had no luck. I’ve spoken to my team and they are going to see what may be the cause of the excess palpitations this time round. 
This time I didn’t take the recommended steroids dose post chemo for the same reason, they do cause palpitations you’re right. 
I’m glad you’re feeling better, I might have to wait for that walk in fresh air another day still in PJs too 😄 Thanks for cheering me on. Take care and be strong xx

[katenonip]

Hi @Corina 

I am so sorry you are feeling so rough.  Did they change your dose this time or change any of your meds.  I felt so awful after round 2 as I had Gosleronic acid and they think they gave it to me too quickly.  I didn't have any on round 3 and feel much better.  I know I am not drinking enough though so will hydrate properly today.

I think the heart palpitations are from the steroids aren't they, mine race like wildfire for the first four days.  I daren't take a blood pressure reading in fear that I might be dying 🙂 I hope your symptoms have eased up a bit and you are feeling a bit better today.

I asked about CBD oil for the hot flushes but was told no, I am not sure of an alternative at present.

Anyway sending you strength and love and I hope you can get out for some fresh air today. I am attempting some work although I am still in my dressing gown!

XX

[katenonip]

Thanks Jennet, I will certainly take a look at the link as it looks really useful.  Thank you for your kind words too, it is so nice to have this support group. I hope you are doing well today xx

[katenonip]

Thanks @SeaUrchin I really hope so.  I hope you are well and had a nice relaxing weekend.

[katenonip]

@DAB72 Thanks for your message.  I am at a Maggies centre on Wednesday this week as I have the Look Good Feel better session which will be nice.  I will see if I can pick up a leaflet about the menopause and support as the only way to get through it at night is sleeping pills which can't be an option especially as I have promised to only take them for the first few days after chemo to get me through the injection pain and side effects.  I hope you are ok.  Please let me know. xx

[Corina]

Hi Katenonip

My 2nd cycle was very rough, I've spend most of the days since Wed in bed. The sickness, tiredness and heart palpitations have been really awful. I did have some palpitations the first time round but not as bad as this. I phoned my doctors but they said it was the side effect of chemo and it would resolve. I've been feeling really low physically and emotionally, finding it difficult to stay strong. Haven't managed to go out for fresh air, don't think today is going to be the day maybe later this week. 😞 

I'm sorry to hear you have to go through menopause this way. Mine started three years ago, I was on HRT for about a year and half and came off it a couple of months before my BC diagnosis. My hot flushes are horrendous and they're another many conditions I'm having to cope with. 

I hope you find the right support to take you through this, hang in there.  

Hope everyone is doing well xx

[Jennet]

Hi @katenonip I hope you managed a good sleep and that things are looking a little better. Menopause can be really difficult and especially if it’s sudden - I agree there should be more support. I found this forum helpful https://www.menopausematters.co.uk

I had to stop HRT overnight, having been on it happily for 5 years. Nobody has talked to me about the consequences of that - hello mood swings, night sweats, brain fog, aching joints. Hard to know what’s a symptom of cancer and what’s hormone changes. 
You’re not alone, at any rate, and I hope you feel better soon x

[SeaUrchin]

Hi @katenonip 

I'm really sorry to hear you are are having a rubbish week. Sending you lots love & hugs. Although I don't know much about forced menopause, as @DAB72 said I would seek advice from your oncology nurse.

Menopause is not a pleasant stage of our lives in best of times but when it is forced upon you like this, it can play havoc on you- physically and mentally. Please stay strong🤗 We will all get through this together. Good days are ahead of us 🌞

Love, hugs and healing power to everyone

💕xx💕

[DAB72]

@katenonip I’m so sorry to read your post, it sounds like you’re having a tough time at the moment so I’m sending you a big hug 🤗 

do you have a Maggies centre near you or something similar like Macmillan ? I believe they can offer 1to1 support sessions and perhaps talking with someone about how you are feeling or the menopausal side effects you are experiencing might help. Maybe your oncologist/breast care nurse can point you in the direction of the support you need. Don’t try to go it alone. Thinking of you and wishing you a better week this week 💐 xxx

[katenonip]

Hi Corina

How was yesterday? I had my third round yesterday, my chemo nurse said not to have the cold cap as it would be too painful.  Sorry I’ve been quiet I had a terrible week. The oncologist has added another round of chemo which was unexpected. Lots of tears and just feeling a bit angry about how little support there is for forced menopause. Took some sleeping pills last night but as still awake a lot.  I hope you aren’t feeling too bad. I might try and get some air later as was in bed all day and night. 

love to everyone 
xx 

[Corina]

Thank you 💕💕

[SeaUrchin]

@Corina , hope everything goes well with you tomorrow. 

Stay strong & take care, 

 xx

[Corina]

Hi Katenonip

Thanks I will have a look. I have two bandanas but can do with another one and maybe a soft Woolly hat too. Yesterday I went out and even with cover my head felt cold. The small hair is now coming down in the shower when I wash so my scalp is getting more bare! 
We shouldn’t forget scalp care, I hear Bio Oil is good 😊 

I’m having my 2nd cycle tomorrow, not looking forward to it as I have to go through that period of being sick and lethargic especially now that I feel a bit normal again. Never mind.
Hope you are well, take care xx

[katenonip]

Hi Corina,

I got some nice head pieces from Anna Bandana, they are really soft and cheap.  They do matching PICC line covers too.  

I hope you are doing ok.

xx

[Corina]

Thank you 😊 I’m getting used to it, I thought I’d be wearing scarf even at home but I can see that’s not a good idea scalp needs to get air. 
I had a bandana and I’ve bought another one, they seem to be a better option than bigger scarves. I’ve tried the ones I have at home and have no clue how to tie them or turn them to turban, need to watch some YouTube videos for ideas 😄 I do need to order a woolly hat though as the weather gets colder. 

[veggiecaz]

Oh @Corina that sounds like it was a tough day, but glad they were so lovely to you ❤️ hope you’re feeling ok now.

Now it’s hello endless orders of headscarves x

[Corina]

I shaved my hair yesterday, like you said it was very emotional as the look cements the reality of what we are going through. The person who did it was very caring and kept asking if I was ok and if I wanted the length shorter but I told them to just go for it. I couldn’t stand the hair coming down in chunks like it did. 
I sobbed and they did too and they refused to charge me for the cut, that made me even more emotional. Been going to the salon for years so they know me well but I didn’t expect that, these are the times when our faith in humanity is restored. I did leave a tip but I will think of a way to return the favour. 
I tell you what though I don’t have to pick up hair from anywhere now, every cloud…! 
Hope you’re all well 💕💕

[veggiecaz]

@DAB72 I hope the shave goes as well as it can and @Corina I hope yours went well.
My hubby said the barbers make it look easy, I told him to stick to his day job 😆 It is definitely emotional, but kept telling myself it was inevitable. It relieved some some of my scalp pain to. Even made myself chuck on a headscarf the next morning and go out and I’m so glad I did else it might have taken me a while to build up the courage. 
Thoughts are with you all x

[DAB72]

Hi @sharlea So glad to hear the extra meds have helped and not having to take the morphine is great. I hope your tiredness is short lived and you’re feeling a bit more yourself very soon. 
My second treatment session went so much better than the first; such a relief. I even got free lunch this time 😂. Drank loads when I got home but then was up and down to the toilet all night 🙄 so feeling a tad tired this morning. Had positional vertigo this week (something I had a few months ago, totally out of the blue, for a couple of weeks ) and that was much worse when I went to bed last night but an anti-sickness tablet took the edge off and it’s not quite so bad at the moment. 🤞the rest of the weekend will go smoothly.
Resorting to shaving my head today as like @Corina  and @veggiecaz have said, the hair loss is now embarrassing and annoying.  Not sure my husband is looking forward to doing it and I know I’ll probably shed a tear or two. 

Good luck to @veggiecaz & @Corina for Monday and Wednesday! 

love to everyone💕

[Corina]

Thank you, strange as it sounds I can’t wait to get it over and done with. I just went for a shower and it was horrendous I couldn’t manage the hair coming down I don’t think I even washed it properly. 
I don’t wish to sound insensitive or offend anyone but I think maybe the best advice is to cut the hair really short or shave the hair right after the first cycle, no one should see their hair falling out like that. 
I guess whichever way we look at this, it’s not going to be easy 🙁
I wish everyone well 💕💕 

[veggiecaz]

Thanks @Corina and I hope your cycle on Wednesday goes well 💪🏻
Good luck with the shave tomorrow x x

[Corina]

Good luck with your Chemo on Monday, you’ll be fine. 
I booked an appointment to get my hair shaved tomorrow, like you said it’s embarrassing and messy. I thought about cutting it pixie short but surely that will come off too so best to go for the shave I suppose. 
Hope everyone are doing well 💕💕

[veggiecaz]

Hi everyone 

Sorry I’ve been a bit quiet on here. I hope everyone is doing ok. 
@Corina and @DAB72 I was in the same boat, my hair was coming out in clumps this week not noticeable to the eye but shedding everywhere. Plus my scalp has been really sore. I’ve found the shedding embarrassing and annoying so last night my husband shaved it off, no1 all over. I was definitely emotional but I knew it was coming. Think it’s just scary making that next step. Do what feels right for you. 
I have my second FEC on Monday @Corina I’m dreading it to as this week I’ve felt ‘normal’ and been enjoying time with my kids. Keep telling myself we’re on the countdown, it’ll be another one done!

Sending ❤️ to everyone 

[sharlea]

Hi DAB72,

Wishing you all the best for your second TC tomorrow. Hope it is far better than your first cycle.

The few extra steroids they gave me, to slowly reduce the dose, were very helpful, as I didn’t get that extreme tiredness two days after. Am starting to feel a bit more tired today, but taking good rests now and again. Thankfully, haven’t needed the liquid morphine either, which is great. Maybe because I’m drinking more than 2 litres of fluid daily, to help flush out the toxins and trying to keep walking about to help move the muscles. Eating little and often too.

My hair is now very thin, but still have a few straggly strands left. Lots come out when even a very gentle wash. But, at least it shows the chemo is doing something, which is good.

Wishing all the best to everyone on our July chemo thread.

[DAB72]

Hi @Corina ,

I’m in the same boat as you, my hair is also rapidly falling out!! Delaying the buzzing off as visually apart from looking messy as I daren’t touch it, I don’t have bald patches and it’s actually difficult to tell that I’ve lost a wigs worth already, just a bit thinner. It’s the trail of hair I leave every where that’s getting on my nerves. I’ve also heard that the fallout can sometimes stop for a bit so 🤞. 
maybe I’ll see what happens over the coming days as I have my 2nd TC tomorrow. Not looking forward to it but it has to be done 🙂

@sharlea How are you doing? Hopefully the extra meds have helped a lot and it’s been much better than last time!! 

hope everyone is coping ok and good luck to all those having treatments in the coming days! Xxxx

[Corina]

Hi Seaurchin

Hope your chemo went well. 
My hair has started to fall out at a pace and it’s getting hard to manage. I’m debating if I should also shave my hair. 
When we say shave do we mean buzz cut or proper close shave? I suppose if we do buzz cut that will also come off? 
My second cycle is next Wednesday, I’m dreading it as I’ve just started to feel a bit normal again. 
Take care x

[katenonip]

Hi there @SeaUrchin I am so sorry for the late reply.  I worked all day yesterday and today and am now feeling tired but trying to catch up with a few bits now. My goodness I feel much better now thank you. How are you doing? Are you used to the hair now?  Good luck tomorrow with your second round xx

[Jennet]

Hi @sharlea and good luck with chemo this cycle- I hope it’s getting easier each day.

im Day 8 round 2 - one more of this EC and then Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab and Docetaxel from September for three rounds. And then we’ll see if it’s having any impact…hopefully there are effects as well as side effects! 
cold cap definitely hasn’t worked but I have resisted shaving. My head looks like a badly plucked hen but thankfully I’ve never been a vain woman and I’m finding pretty scarves in charity shops (I go when they’re quiet - my son said, do they give you a discount in Cancer Research? But no they don’t and neither do they insist on masks).

im realising that I can’t wait until treatment finishes to get on with my life. There will be a time when ‘this is all over’ but meantime lots to get on with. Hope you’re all coping with this cycle and I can recommend punching a cushion when it all gets too much cxx

[Corina]

I’m so pleased you are feeling better.
I’m having 3 cycles of EC for period of 9 weeks and then Tacxol once a week for 12 weeks followed by radiotherapy. Not sure how long for but I think it’s for three weeks. 
I’m forcing myself to eat mainly to fit in my clothes 🤣 I need high calorie food, if I was close to McDonald’s I would have a burger often but problem is the taste is not great for me atm so have to resort to other food. 
Hope everything goes well with your treatments. We are all in this together xx

[Corina]

You are very brave, I’ve started to think about shaving my head probably after the second chemo. I cut it short before the first injection but I guess soon the inevitable will happen. 
Good luck with the next treatment, hopefully it won’t be as bad as the first one. My symptoms lasted about five days and this week I feel like a human again. 
The sun is shining today and that makes everything better 😊 x

[sharlea]

Hello to all going through chemo this month, and hope everyone is managing as well as possible.

I had my second cycle of TC last Friday, and was given a lot more, additional, take home drugs, to help with the side effects. Hopefully won’t need them all, as been given 3 x 100ml bottles of liquid morphine, to help with last cycles severe musculoskeletal pains during the first week. This time last cycle was very unpleasant. Thankfully, I’m not feeling as bad, due to drinking 3 litres of fluid every day so far. Apparently one of the bloods indicated a score slightly higher than the top limit of something that could cause kidney damage, so was told, very firmly, to drink lots, lots more!

Hair really thinning out, on head and down below (sorry if tmi), looking very straggly, but no more tender scalp, which is good.

Found out on Friday that I’ll be having 6 cycles of this TC regime. It’s a long haul, this flipping chemo, but, worth it, worth it ....

[DAB72]

Hi @SeaUrchin ,
My tooth is much better thank you. I finished the antibiotics on Saturday evening so hopefully it’s all sorted now. My next chemo (cycle 2) is Friday so COVID test and bloods tomorrow and oncologist call on Thursday. Not looking forward to it after last time’s fainting episode; hoping the cannula insertion works first time this week!! Avoiding buzzing my hair off for as long as possible but it’s falling out quite a bit now. Visually you can’t tell but with a just below chin, all one length bob, I’m starting to get fed up with hair in my dinner and the wig on my shoulders. 😂 trying to laugh about it although I have my moments of tears now and again. 😪

Good luck to you for Wednesday and to any one else with treatments this week! 🍀🤞

[SeaUrchin]

How are you all doing? 

@DAB72 is your tooth better now? When is your next chemo?

@Jennet I hope you are feeling better each day.  I agree that cold caping has been in vain in my case. After losing a lot of hair, I had it shaved yesterday. Although my scalp is sore, I'm feeling much better about it like @katenonip. My oncologist also said I won't be having any scans until after my chemo finishes. I wonder whether it is depending on having adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemo. I'm having adjuvant chemotherapy.  I have an appointment with my oncologist tomorrow, I will ask this question.

@katenonip How was your day 3? Having to rest is easy said than done when you have 5 year old. I hope you are getting some rest. How is your appetite? As @Corina said, Omeprazole really helped my heartburn which I only started taking halfway through the first cycle.

I felt much better on week 3 and ended up working through the week but with shorter hours.  My second chemo cycle is on Wednesday. Getting the portacath flushed and blood/covid tests done tomorrow. 

Wishing you all a better week X

[katenonip]

How are you feeling today?  I hope you've managed plenty of sleep.

I was prescribed some Omeprazole on Friday and that has really helped.

I hope you are doing ok xx