June 2018 Chemo Starters

[Val54]

Thats the big pain. But if you use 30 or above can have sneaky sit lol x

[DawnT]

Val54 hope you carry on feeling goodish, although I understand we're not allowed to sit in the sun?! Bums. 

[DawnT]

lol Kip - me too with the short hair! And I've been told by random people who don't know at the gym that I look younger! I get my dates and treatment plan tomorrow morning. 

[Kip]

Dawn that was first thought to.  I've just braved the pre chemo short pixie cut and feel glad it's done, looks quite nice and everyone says it makes me look younger

[Val54]

Hi Dawn. That was my worst thought just got back to feeling fine after lumpectomy to face 6fec-t was so so worried about it all. But the ladies here have been really helpfull. I tried the 2-3 litres water day before, day of chemo and today and 🤞 so far no horrendous side effects bit weary n achey. Have you got your date yet? Val x

[DawnT]

Thanks. The hardest thing for me is that I feel fine but I know the treatment is going to make me ill. It's proper sh*tty! x

[Kip]

Hi Dawn T, welcome to the club that nobody wants to be in.. but we are all here to get through this together. xxx

[Embolorry]

Morning all,
Just wanted to let you know that this morning I feel sooooooo much better, had first FEC on Monday.
Showered and plan to leave the house today!
You’re right about blanket if you having a cold cap, I was freezing!
Also if you’re having a cannula you need to be nice and warm when you arrive and well hudrated for the guess to get to the vein.
Take something to watch or read, and if you have a funny friend take them too!
Anyway just wishing you all the best,
Em
Xx

[Val54]

Welcome Dawn. I had my first fec today. I bottled it with cold cap I dont like the cold. But other than bit achey im ok. So take it one day at a time and do what you feel is right. All the best x Val

[DawnT]

Hi All

Another sad worried person joining you for a summer of fun!!

Dawn.

[cazzy50]

2nd day of chemo done, so one down five to go. Very very long day. My brother picked me up at 8.00am and dropped off at home at 5.30pm. Had all four drugs no reactions so next time can can have all in one go. As for hints and tips, wrap in layers that you can add or take off if having an ice cap. Also was given a knitted headband that went over my ears to stop them from falling off from the cold. lots of mags books anything to keep you occupied. Lots to drink. I had already prepared tonights meal, and I have prepared tomorrows breakfast, so even if not feeling too good there is something ready for me. I have a bag ready to take containing all my notes and tick charts should I need to go into hospital as an emergency. Feel so happy to have now started one step closer to finishing this stage of the journey. Hugs to all Cazzy 

[SallyG63]

Hi,

Had my pre-chemo meeting today. They are happy for me to not have a Picc line which is good news. Also got measured for the cold cap (large which is a surprise) so I'm good to go Friday after my physio appointment.

Sally

[Kip]

Well done Cazzy, glad things went ok for you, hope you feeling ok for part 2 today.   I've just received appointments for bone scan and MUGA (heart) scan, the bone scan they had schedule for the same day as first chemo (wonder why these departments don't talk to each other) and the MUGA was for 4 days later, neither of which I can do, so no have Bone this Thursday (so scared of the results) and MUGA on 22nd June.  Just feelign overwhelmed with appointments, things to sort etc and also trying to remain calm for family as son in his 3rd week of GCSEs too.   Wish I could sleep through the next 6 months...

Please keep us posted Cazzy, any good tips will be useful.

Love to all starting chemo this week Kip xx

[cazzy50]

2nd day of chemo today, so a long day ahead. I have opted for the cold cap, so that adds time. Collected all my pills and injections yesterday too, spent a long time getting it all written down correctly and tick charts done. Slept yesterday afternoon, not sure it was the drugs or just catching up on sleep from an enjoyable weekend, very tiring though. Dog didn't help when he wanted to play with foxy outside at 3.30am! Ate OK yesterday drank lots of fluids, mainly water. Will be having a PICC line put in on the 21st, so that will make things easier.Yesterday and today using small veins on my wrist. Bag packed with big cuddly to wear and wearing thick socks to help during` cold cap. Lift arriving soon. Enjoy today. hugs Cazzy x

[Embolorry]

Hi all,
So started today, 3 x FEC followed by 3xT.
I slept when I got home (2 hours) as I felt exhausted and now wide awake (11.45pm), so thought I would check in to see how everyone is doing!
I had the cold cap, and although it was bearable, I seem to have a headache and wonder if they are linked?
I also have read up on fasting for chemo, so haven’t eaten since Saturday evening. It’s supposed to miniseries the side effects and boost the chemo effect on the cancer cells?!?!?!?
My only advice is take a friend and expect to be there for much longer than you are told. You have another 90 mins after the chemo finishes with the cap on and all the drugs seemed to have a gap in between.
Wishing you all lots of luck,
Embo
Xxx

[Mai7]

Just popping on to wish you all the best ladies. I finished 8 rounds of FEC-T last October.  My hair was straight and is now growing back a bit curly!  Just take it a step at a time and don't look too far ahead.  Here's my blog with some tips in the chemo section which you may find useful: http://lifeafterlola.blogspot.com/

💗 xxxx

[Jencat]

I'm from the Oct thread and just wanted to send you all best wishes as you start your chemo x

[Floss62]

Good luck today Cazzy x 

[Kip]

Good luck Cazzie, let me know how it goes.. I think this will be a long week for me, the waiting is awful.  xx

[Val54]

Good luck jazzy 👍x

[SallyG63]

Good luck Cazzy,

Hope it's all trouble, pain and stress free for you.

Sally

[cazzy50]

Today is MY day, YAY. Jane, my sister in law, my supporter is picking me up at 9.00 to get to the hospital to start treatment today. Been a long time getting here, but made it.X

[Kip]

Hello, thanks for the good advice.   I start my chemo on 11th June and have already written myself off with every side effect possible... must try to calm down a bit as everyone seems to get some but not all of the SEs. I'm having my hair cut short on Wednesday in readiness.  I haven't been offered ice cap so not sure if they do it at my hospital, will ring on Monday to find out.  The thing I hate the most is knowing I feel so well at the moment and that in a couple of weeks I won't.   Just want to fast forward a few months.. wishful thinking hey.  Big hugs to all... Kip x.

[cazzy50]

Morning Floss, start chemo on Mon I was to have 2 ....mab mix on the Mon and the other 2 mixes on tues. However they dont have one of the ...mabs until the tues. So on Mon I will be at the hospital 9.30 to 12.30 ish with pertuzumab no cold cap needed. On Tues trastuzumab, docetaxel and carboplatin with cold cap so will be there 8.30 to 4.30 ish, long day. Had an echocardiogram yesterday results have been sent to my oncologist, but dont expect any problems there. Have taken the first week off , and see how I go. The Nurse said my biggest problem would be fatigue which would generally worsen as treatment progressess. The nurse also took some bloods and as the large vein in my right arm collapsed at my least treatment 12 years ago, after this first round of chemo they will put a PICC line in. Today I am going up to Mums to give it a final clean as we have a first viewing this afternoon. So much has happened in these 3 weeks feeling as though I'm coming to the end of one race to immediately start another. Breathe in, Breathe out,  keep going. Have a good weekend. Cazzy50

[SallyG63]

Uh Oh...even going to the loo first won't stop me needing to go again.

[Val54]

Thanks Sue good to have an idea how long it will take. I will be trying cold cap see how it goes and will def visit toilet first lol. Xx

[Sue C]

Hi Val and welcome.
When you go for treatment, you can be there a while. Mine took approximately 3 hrs and if you cold cap, probably another hour on top of that. So, take food and drink, and maybe a magazine. Although saying that, the hospital I went to, provided all that. They were lovely.
The most important thing I took with me was my Mum! Then anything that I was concerned about, or needed help with, she sorted. Also, nice to have a natter!
PS..... Go to the loo, before you start, otherwise it can be tricky taking the wires and machines with you x

[Sue C]

If you opt for a wig, best to get it sorted ASAP as it can take a while to sort. Alternatively, you can purchase scarves easily. Whatever you choose, invest in a night cap, as when you start to lose it, it can make a mess on the pillow, plus it keeps your head warm. Xx

[Val54]

Hi everyone I have my chemo meeting monday which I hope will answer any questions. I would be glad of any tips on what to take for first treatment to make it easier. Good luck to all for coming few days xx

[Kip]

Hi all, yes good idea to think about one treatment at a time, just trying to get my head around the hair issue.  Do I get a wig before I lose any hair or when I have lost it?  Any advise on what to expect re side effects and tips on how to get through it would be gratefully received.  Thanks in advance.

[Sue C]

Hi Kip

welcome to the thread.

There is a lot to take in at the start and it can all feel overwhelming. Try to break it down and think about one treatment at a time. Focus on the chemo, and break that down into each cycle. It is more of a marathon and not a sprint. Look after yourself and take it easy.

Best wishes

Sue xx

[Floss62]

Hi I hope your appointment with the chemo nurse went well, have you got your start date now? I have the chemo nurse on Tuesday, and start chemo on Wednesday. 😱
I’ve also been told that due to the nature of my job ( special school) I’m nit allowed to work at all during my treatment.
Good luck and keep in touch xx

[Daisy200]

Morning ladies,

I finished FEC-T last week, if I can be of any help at all.

Good luck to all those starting or on their journey xxxx

[SallyG63]

Morning,

Hi Kip. Can't tell you about FEC-t cos that's not what I'm having but just from reading around seems to be what the majority do have so they'll be plenty of people to hand hold and give you more details.

Sally

[Kip]

Hello ladies,

I have just come from my hospital appointment where i was given my resuls post surgery (masectomy and 4 nodes removed).  The nodes were positive so am having 6 x FEC-T chemo (not sure what that means as still in complete shock) and then rads and tamoxofen after that (plus possible surgery to remove remaining nodes?).   Am so scared so will glad to see how you all fair and pick up any chemo tips along the way.  Big hugs Kip

xx

[MrsS]

Hi ladies, hope you are all ok 🙂 I'm also starting chemo 4th June. 

3 cycles of FEC followed by 3 of T.

Starting on Monday with the E so looking forward to having red pee on Tuesday 🙈😳😬😂😂😂

Wishing you all lots of love 😘💖

[Lynda52]

Hi Sarah

Thanks so much for letting me know how your first chemo session went. It's really useful to have someone with experience of the whole process as it's the not knowing thats the worst.

I hope your second session went ok.

Will let you know how it is for me

Lynda

[SallyG63]

Floss,

I'm type 2 diabetic on insulin. My oncologist said the chemo and steroids WILL mess up my numbers and that as long as I can keep my blood sugar under 20 it'll be fine cos it's short term.

Sally

[SallyG63]

I've set mine up with the hospital so that, blood test allowing, I'm to have my chemo on a Friday so if I'm rough and knackered for a few days it's the weekend when there's plenty of family around. My EC is every two weeks so I'm expecting to be perfectly fine for the second week at least. After the 8 weeks for that I'm weekly for the Taxol.

I have my meeting with the nurses after my oncologist on Tuesday then chemo due to start after physio (cording and really restricted movement and pain after axillary clearance) on Friday.

Just have to get through putting my foot down on not having a picc line.

Sally

[Sue C]

Hi Embolorry

No, I had TC chemo, so slightly different. Fec t seems to  be the most common though. Try popping a question on earlier threads, like May or April, and I'm sure there will be ladies on there who can help.

I didn't have any delays, so my chemo was every 3 weeks. But what they will do is take a blood sample each time and make sure that everything is ok. So it will depend on that.

Sue xx

[Embolorry]

Hi sue,
Thanks so much for your reply.
Have you done FEC-T? If so is the Tvpart very different? The nurse said it was and the side effects can be painful???
Will get childcare in place and work from home as much as I can that first week.
Did you also have any delays? Or did you get chemo exactly every 3 weeks? I am thinking of the summer and trying to organise things!
Thanks again,
Em

[cazzy50]

Hi Floss, sounds like we are having similar chemo. Seeing the chemo nurse on thurs, lots to get clear answers to. At school part of my job is welfare so need advice as to when to be in school, already sorted that I will not be doing any of the 3 S's ( snot, sick or s h i t ) but I will need a care plan in place for me. Maybe I am looking through my rose coloured glasses from 12 years ago ,I expect to feel well enough to go into school.  Have a happy Sunday,  X

[Floss62]

Hi ladies, 

i too start on the 4th June, FEC and then Docetaxel, Herceptin and Perjeta. 

I’ve had type 1 Diabetes for 43 years and rather worried about all the possible side effects.

good luck everyone x 

[Sue C]

Welcome Lynda and Sally to the thread.

It really won't be as bad as you think. Just try and organize things so you don't have to do much for the first few days. Take it really easy.

I certainly didn't feel ill at all.....Just fatigued.

Hugs

Sue xx

[SallyG63]

Hi,

I'm due to start on 8/6. 4x EC followed by 12 x T. I'm hoping to work for as much of it as I can. To be honest, I'm dreading it cos I don't do ill.

Sally

[mustardandgrey]

Hi @Lynda52

I'm from the May starters and am just coming to the end of my first FecT cycle - I have the second on Monday.

It's normal to be apprehensive about side effects, and everyone is different, but I have found this first cycle very doable.

Aside from the first four days...vomitting on day one, then nausea, fatigue and general wooziness - the remaining two weeks plus of the cycle I've felt completely normal.

I went right off tea and coffee almost immediately, and my taste buds changed, but after week one my appetite was back to normal and I'm enjoying tea and coffee again.

I did have mouth ulcers during the second week, but these cleared up after seven days with Difflam mouthwash.

And...early days...it hasn't been nearly as bad as I was anticipating.

Sarah x

[Lynda52]

Hi Ladies

I am also starting FEC-T chemo on the 4th of June so it will be good to chat to all of you going through it at the same time and to those who have been there. Glad to be finally getting going but must confess to being anxious about the side effects. Any tips gratefully received

Lynda 52

[Sue C]

Welcome cazzy and Val xx

[Val54]

Hi ladies. I to am starring 5th June Fec-t like cazzy50 im happy to have date and move on through this( remind me I said that ) it will be good to chat to everyone and share experiences and tips. Good luck ladies. Val x

[Sue C]

Hi Embolorry
Welcome to the forum and the thread.
Re. side effects.... The first week is the toughest so if you can get any help with childcare that would be ideal. Also if you can take any time off work then try to do so for that first week. You may get some sickness, but they will give you medication for that. Also, you will probably experience some fatigue so just prepare yourself, in terms of stocking up the fridge, washing etc. So then you can just relax.
Re.fasting.....there is a thread on here that deals with that, and also you can message Blueash who is a community champion who has experience of fasting.
Best wishes
Sue xx