June 2020 chemo starters

[louby_lou69]

@Butler10 

Hi 

Thanks for your reply. I hope you're well.

Yes these forums are such a comfort,it's so good to share experiences 

Lou x

[Butler10]

Hi Lou

I had my treatment in may 2020 I had 3 EC  but was fine on those no side effects except tiredness   but I did loose my hair very quickly. Like you I was going to have 12 paxitacil  I  had first dose but had that

but felt unwell that week went back for 2nd dose and had a reaction. So they then changed me to another tacil family drug. Which they gave me every 3 weeks.   But every one is do different  and you might be fine on it.  All the best. I finished all my treatment last December   just go back every 6 months for next 3 years for a infusion for protecting my bones. And also my yearly mammogram.  These groups were a life line.and helped me a lot. 

Love juliex

[louby_lou69]

@Jo77 

Thanks for this. I'm not cold capping and have already lost my hair, just have a patchy covering.

Im hoping it's kinder. 💕

[Jo77]

Hi Lou ,

I had 2 Paclitaxel after 3 FEC and 1 T which I had an allergic reaction too .I wasn’t nauseous with Paclitaxel as I was with the FEC , I did get a bit fatigued but that’s just one of effects from any type of chemo on your body I think, BUT … my hair did come out loads when I’d finished although I used the cold cap throughout my treatment .Good luck xx

[louby_lou69]

Hi ladies, I've jumped over from the October monthly chemo board and thought I would pick your brains.

I've just finished my last of 3  EC and am due to start 9 weekly cycles of paclitaxel next (with Herceptin every third week). I found the EC hard, but easier than I thought - if that makes sense. EC I've just suffered with fatigue, nausea, one bout of vomiting, heartburn and a sore throat. all pretty well managed with meds. Weeks 2 & 3 after treatment I was pretty much back to normal.

Im just wondering what to expect side effect wise with the Paclitaxel. I've heard it's slightly more bearable but does come with its own side effects. 

Any words of wisdom please. Thank you

Lou x

[ann has cancer]

Hi Lynn, Tara and all, how nice to see the odd post here, I often think of you all.  I finished my treatment 4th August and found it quite hard just to move on with my life so I ended up doing a moving forward course with Breast Cancer Now and then did another one with Cancer support Uk, the Cancer Support Uk one suited me better, it was via zoom but with the same ladies each week so I got to know them and it really helped me control my anxiety so if things are getting you down well worth a try they are both free courses.  Would be lovely to hear from more of you, hope everyone is well and thriving.  Lov from aNN

[Anna45Anna]

Hello Tara. 
lovely to hear from you. Sounds like life is fairly full on in your house too! You know, one of my big lessons during treatment was that I like how my head is when life slows down. I like taking a little time to do the simple things around the house, to clean out my fridge. It’s like the cleaning of the fridge every week or two is a symbol of whether I have too much going on in my life. I eased back into work 2 days a week in December (I run my own business so has been doing odd days through treatment) and then my manager at the office took covid in January and has been pretty much off since so things went nuts and I haven’t slowed down since. I feel and see that it’s not good for me but there’s been a huge lot happening in work and family life and sometimes you just have to get on with it. I do have some goals to slow down again and by end of October plan to be back to only 2 days in the office with the other days from home where as my own boss I can at least mix up how much I do. 

So I also started to bleed last Thursday with a vengeance - the gap had been 15 months for me. Friday and Saturday I had to come home from work/town because I leaked through my clothes 😳 After 4 days it eased off. I still have some lingering pain and just don’t feel quite myself. I’ve been to the GP for hormone bloods, regular blood count, a smear, and red flagged for a gynae appt. This is standard I think for a post-menopausal bleed and I guess that’s probably what happened you too. At 46, I guess it’s probably some hormone activity still going on in there, all I could think was ‘Just typical that my ovaries decide to fire up again when I thought I was done!’ 

I had a sensitivity to the hormone based contraceptives in the past (liver disfunction in pregnancy) but I was allowed to have the copper coil and they were happy to leave it in place during and post-chemo. Definitely horrid for you to have that pregnancy worry - it occurred to me the other day that my Dad was born when Granny was 48, her last hurrah after 8 other children, and I definitely don’t want to go there 🙄 I am on my own with my children so no risk of that for the moment. 

I feel fortunate that I bounced back well after treatment. I started to eat lots more vegetarian and an improved diet (which my children disgustedly call my ‘vegan’ diet - I’m not vegan but it’s their most insulting term 😄). I feel far the better of the dietary changes. Just wish I could do more exercise and slow down my head again. When a potential health problem comes up, I do find an anxiety rises up quicker than it would’ve pre cancer. Realise it’s probably healthier to let that our rather than push it down. 

Hope we all stay healthy anyway! 

bye for now 

Lynn 

[ttyler]

Hi Anna, 

lovely to hear from you. Sorry for the late reply, my husband and I are in the process of taking over our local pub as landlords at the same time as me being  working full time and trying to complete an access course to get into nursing at uni next year. Life is back in full Swing since finishing treatment 😂 

 I have had the u expected return of my period too. Before treatment I was on the contraceptive injection and had not seen a period in 8 years. In February I was told I had gone through the change when I was having other tests done to ensure I didn’t have pituitary tumour and then would you believe it in April I started to bleed really heavily for weeks at a time. As you can imagine I was extremely worried and hD tests done only to find out the menopause had reversed and I am now fertile again. I have to say it is pretty scary for me as although I was triple negative, the implications of becoming pregnant now and it causing the cancer to return so worry me. I have been told I can only use a barrier form of contraception now as hormonal contraception could cause the cancer to return. At this moment in time I am trying desperately to get my husband to have the snip, but it no is yet to happen.

 How are you feeling about it? And how are you in general. Would be great to hear how you and the other June 2020 ladies are getting on. I sometimes find myself having times of panic and horror when I realise how lucky I have been and how things could change in an instant.

 Sending lots of love ❤️  

Tara xxx

[Anna45Anna]

Hello everyone. Hope you are all keeping well and that most of you are clear of any treatment by now. 

I have just had the unexpected surprise of getting my period this morning, after 14 months with nothing. Because I had lots of hot flushes and fatigue I assumed I was in full blown menopause but seems my ovaries decided to give it another go 🤨 How has your cycle/menopause been for you all? I am 46. Suppose I should get the doc to check bloods…

[ann has cancer]

Hi Lovely ladies, I don't know why but I have not been getting emails re your messages so lovely to hear all your news.  I am still getting 3 weekly was an infusion but is now a 5 minute injection, another 2 treatments to go so I finish 4th August, so I am still isolating but really looking forward to some much needed retail therapy.  Really pleased you are all doing so well, I must check this site more often as I miss you all, what a lovely support group you all are.  Keep well, love and kisses aNN

[ttyler]

 

Hello ladies,

lovely by to hear how everyone is doing. From what I am reading quite well for all of us! 🤞

 I am getting ready to go back to work soon too. I was all set to be going back next week, but as one of the other ladies have said I got some heavy bleeding and clotting down below so are currently having scans to check this out. I was told in February I had gone through the change, but it appears my ovaries are back into fertile action! I have just enrolled onto a social science access course to start my new career off. I’m thinking of doing nursing. Funny how this has made me reflect and want to better my life. I am so grateful to be alive!

 I did get a blood clot on my lung in October, which they said was caused by the chemo, but I am off the blood thinners for this now. I also had a clear mammogram in April, so all good on that front.

 I have managed to loose a stone of the 2 stone put on in chemo, but have lymphedema, so have to wear stockings for 2 years and it makes loosing weight and exercising more challenging. The stockings helps prevent further blood clots too. 

 My hair has come back loads, although trying to tame it is a nightmare.

 Keep on coming with the stories lovely ladies, I love reading them!

 Lots of love Tara xxx 💕

[Anna45Anna]

Hello Julie, Jo, Ann and all June 2020,

It’s been a few weeks of anniversaries for me, a year since diagnosis and a year since surgery, I marked the dates by feeling so very thankful for how smoothly it has all gone really. 

I've also been back for mammogram and a full set of checks. I went slightly early because I was worried about pain and lumpiness around the scar but it was just general inflammation of the chest wall (no more planks and push-ups recommended but more moderate body weight exercises, so much for getting in shape 😀) The appointment really reassured me, didn’t realise how much I’d been building up a problem in my mind. 

I had a bout of shingles a month ago. Luckily for antivirals and got it under control early. Seems my white blood count/ immune system still low (1.2 neutrophils if any other geek also likes those numbers) but I googled and read a medical report that suggests that combined FEC and Docetaxel can result in depressed immune system for up to 9 months - so again that was a relief to know. 

Hope you are all keeping well. Nice to have the few updates a year on. 

Anna

[Jo77]

Hi Julie and everyone , 

Glad you’re getting back to work and getting on ok .

my mammogram was also clear , had a few issues bleeding constantly down below and had womb biopsy but that’s clear too so just my body re adjusting after the chemo and possibly effect from Tamoxifen. I’ve been back to work since new year , I do get a few lethargic days but push on through . Hope everyone’s well x

[Butler10]

Hi Ann and all June 2020 

Was just wondering how every one was doing. Cant belive it year to when we all found out and started our treatment. 

I had my first yearly mammogram today.

And I'm starting back to work next week. I just want to say thank you to you all in this group. It helped me a lot reading how you was all copeing with your treatment  and the added stress of covid.  Hopeing you have all recovered, or those still receiving treatment are nearing the end of treatment.  Wishing you all the best

Love juliex

[ann has cancer]

Hi girls, missing your postings, I fund this support site the other day and wondered if it might help anyone.  Cancer Support UK - Cancer Support UK Keep smiling  Love aNN

[ttyler]

Hi lovelies,

 I had my injection last Saturday and have been okay other than having a few headaches in the night and a water infection on Thursday. I think this is more to do with the stress of being in constant lock down together with the home schooling. I am sooo grateful to have got through the cancer treatment but want to live this life now! I’m sure everyone can relate. 

 My youngest had an mri scan yesterday  at the children’s hospital and had to be put to sleep as he would not be able to lie still for 20 minutes in the scanner. He also had a micro array test to see if he had any chromosome defaults due to his autism. He is okay but been a little grizzly as he has a fear of needles, the did not put the cannula in until he was asleep but it is sore and a little bruised today, so that is tiring too. Mind you I should be grateful as the nurse was saying there are so many children in hospital at the moment with the virus and with their underlying medical conditions it must be so scary for their parents. They are using the chemo ward at the children’s hospital for covid patients apparently. We had our own room on the day case ward so it was nice and safe.

 I hope everyone is getting on okay and starting to feel a little better. I have almost managed to loose a stone of the 2 stone put on during chemo but still find it hard to exercise as I’m still so swollen.

 Was lovely to hear from you Ann and would be nice to know how others are getting on.

 Take care, much love ❤️ Tara xx

[ann has cancer]

Hi Girls, hopefully you are all getting your vaccines soon, mine is next Wednesday, it won't change anything shortterm but it will give us back freedom at some point.  Hope you are all feeling ok, Feline friendly will be thinking of you on 18th, what's your Dads name and we will have a drink to him.  Love aNN

[cecilia]

Morning all 

It is hard to know when to go back 

One minute the government say shield the next they’re telling us to go work

ive be lucky that I got the letter that said to shield so I’m  on furlough 

 my doctors surgery had the Covid vaccine but they ran out of supplies so I wasn’t able to get it 

My mind is ready to go back to work but my is saying do I want to take the risk of getting on a packed train into London everyday 

stay safe be kind to yourself

[ttyler]

Morning Julie, My Deputy Head did call me to discuss whether to put me on furlough or continue as I am getting esa as my half sick pay finished in October. My sick not currently days I have cancer not I have to shield. I have been told I can go on furlough, my sick note would need to say shielding instead, but if Boris opens schools again in February I would be required to go back to work then and don’t fancy being amongst 30 children whilst I am still recovering and know I need to shield for a possible upcoming operation. You see o too have had the letter from the government, I had one during the first lock down and then in the lockdown in November the letter changed to say you can go to work if you can’t work from home. Well I can’t do my job from home so they would have expected me to go in. Both the deputy head and myself thought it best if I carry in with my sick note for another 4 months albeit I would not get any pay from the school and by then I would have met with my surgeon to see if I can have my op, when it is likely to be as I will have to shield for this or no op because of the virus. I will have a better idea about when to go back.

 It really is funny how quickly your life can change in 12 months isn’t it and how much arranging it takes to get back to some sort of normality? I was saying to my mum this morning I can’t believe how quickly this past 12 months have gone especially with us being in lock down. I can’t wait to be able to go and sit on a beach somewhere. For now I am happy with the snow and the wildlife I see in my back garden! I saw a squirrel 🐿 running across the back fence with a piece of toast in its mouth yesterday. I’ll try and send you a picture.

 

 Have a restful Sunday everyone. Enjoy the snow ❄️ if you have it. I know my boys will!

 Take care, love ❤️ Tara 

[Butler10]

Hi tara

Like you i have decided not to rush back to work till I am feeling stronger.

I spoke to my firm and they said they were not even expecting me back before April. Which was good. Also because I had a shilling letter send me when we went back into lock down, they could put me back on furlough.  So surprised your not getting that? 

As I'm a manger of a shop and we are open, I was hoping to also of had our 2 jabs before I go back.🤞     But for now I'm taking each day as it comes. I still have out of the blue for no reason 

tearful moments, or a burst of tiredness,  but hopefully soon we can get back to some sort of normality 

Take care to you all

Love juliexx

[ttyler]

Hi everyone,

 happy belated new year, I hope everyone is doing okay!

 I have been so busy with Christmas, home schooling and soul searching that I did not check in on you my pals, so I wanted to say sorry for that!

 Butler, I myself have been wondering when might be a good time to go back to work, however I do realise that after Christmas like I thought in the summer is too soon. I work in a school so cannot go back just yet anyway because of the virus and the plan to do my good side surgery sometime after April, but have decided to build my fitness up first. I put 28 pound in weight on during chemo. I did not necessarily eat bad, hardly anything unhealthy, but have been told it’s due to the steroids. So far I have lost 8lb of this in the 3 months since finishing chemo, but are still very swollen and get tired a lot. After speaking to my very wise grandfather on the phone today I have decided to not even consider going back until I feel well enough in myself to. My Nan had breast cancer 3 times in her life time and my grandfather swears it returned because she rushed to get back to work. I don’t want to not be ready to go back and then get so exhausted that the cancer comes back, I would never forgive myself. I was thinking I may look to go back the last 2 weeks of this school year to see how I go and then I get the 6 weeks holiday straight after before throwing myself into a new school year.

 It sucks a little that I no longer get sick pay from work, however we are used to living on the reduced income now and my boys don’t seem to have suffered. They are still fed and clothed and most importantly loved 🥰 My priority is them and to be well enough to take care of them.

 Sorry to waffle on everyone, but what I wanted to say is be kind, we have been on one heck of a journey and are now delicate, it will take time to rebuild ourselves!

 Love to you all ❤️
 Tara xxx

[Butler10]

Happy new year to you all on this site.

I am all finished and done  now ( bar the 6 monthly bone infusion)   and now I got to start thinking about when I think I be ready to go to work. Which I am nervous about  as have been in this little bubble of home since last April.

Hope all you ladies  are all nearly finished  but if not good luck for rest of your treatments. And thank you all on this site.  Love juliexxxx

[CactusQueen]

Happy New Year to you all. 🥳🎉 

Love CactusQueen xx

[ann has cancer]

Happy new year girls, lets make sure we have some fun this year.  Lots of love  aNN

[michellelow123]

Hi cactus queen 

Hope your well! 

When I got fitted for my prosthesis by the company amoena at my hospital, I was given the bra free with the prosthetic so made it easier to re order more 😀. As you already know all bras are different and we need different sizes in different styles ect. I think it’s always best to get fitted each time. 

Michelle

[ann has cancer]

Hi Cactus Queen and all, Cancer Research UK sell mastectomy bras if that helps.  Love aNN

[ann has cancer]

Hi Girls, I watched the second half of "Real full Monty on Ice"  tonight, some very brave women showing their masectomy scars and reconstucted boobs, the whole programme is dedicated to breast and postate cancer, well done them.  Love aNN

[ttyler]

Hi ladies,

Hope you are all well!

Ann/Butler, I did not see the real full month on ice but my Mother in law was telling me that it made her cry. I am going to watch it on catch up tonight when my husband takes my eldest to football training. I know what you mean about it being more personal this year. I am not sure about everyone else but think you become more emotional when you go through what we have.

 Butler, well done you for getting signed off! I do hope as I do for all of us that you never have to be in the same situation again. Don’t get me wrong I am so glad I got to meet you guys and never realised the strength you have when dealt with our diagnosis, but I truly hope it never ever comes back.

 It would be good for us to all stay in touch. Have a good Christmas all!

 Lots of love ❤️ Tara xxx

[Butler10]

Hi Ann

 I watched it.  It was very emotional .I cry every year when Iv watched it,  but suppose like every one on here it felt more personal this year.  Hope you are doing ok. Iv got my bone infusion today, then that's it for me. My oncology phoned me yesterday to sign me of and said In the nice possible way I hope I dont ever see you again.🤞. Like to wish you all the best and hope you all have a lovley xmas with your family.xxx

[ann has cancer]

Hi Girls, don't know if I am the only one watching the "Real full Monty on Ice" but Dame Jenni Murray ex womans hour, is one of the brave souls, she had a masectomy 13 years ago and said about breast cancer "you have it and you get on with it" Love aNN

[CactusQueen]

Hi Tabs and everyone 

Thanks for your reply, you’ve given me lots to think about which is good. Reconstruction is such a big decision. I’ve looked at before and after photos on Google images, some are much better than others. I’m definitely going to need to talk to someone who’s already been through it. There’s a local charity here who offer this.

My breast cancer nurse told me about the drip option for the bone strengthening. She said it may be useful when I go back to work when time in the mornings might be more of an issue. It’s amazing to think they can offer a treatment you only need every six months instead of every day. 
How are you after your treatment? Not too many side effects I hope.

Take care everyone.

Love CactusQueen x

[Tabs]

Hi Cactus Queen,

Before covid disrupted everything I was planning on having immediate reconstruction, then it had to be skin and nipple saving with implants for delayed reconstruction but then ended up having to be a straight mastectomy with plans to have reconstruction a couple of years after radiotherapy. I think I've gone full circle though and I'm hoping to have a mastectomy on my other breast next year some time when covid allows.  I'll miss my surviving breast (and I'm slightly worried that I'm taking it for granted right now especially as it probably helps me ignore my mastectomy side) but I'd like to be symmetrical. Right now, I feel like I've got none of the benefits of a pair of breasts nor those of being flat chested so everything's a compromise. Luckily I tested negative for the known breast cancer genes so it wouldn't be considered risk reducing surgery but there's always the niggle that they haven't discovered all the genes yet so removing the other breast, lowers the risk.  Right now can't bear the thought of going through abdominal surgery (or from elsewhere) to create the new breast, I just want to get on with life. Although a mastectomy is still an operation with its risks, I feel it's more of a known quantity that I could handle.

But that's just me. I think (I may be wrong so check with your consultant) that you have to wait at least 18 months after having radiotherapy before you can have reconstruction, so if you're undecided, you can keep your options open by still planning for reconstruction and then you can always change your mind nearer the time.  I found having the mastectomy quite traumatic at the time so was referred to an oncopsychologist and have since talked it through which I found really helpful. I don't know if that's an option where you live. There's also the Someone Like Me support and they may be able to put you in touch with someone who may have had to make similar choices a few years previously and be able to give you a different perspective with the benefit of hindsight or help you talk and think through it.

By the way, was it you that was having the bone strengthening tablets? I'm not sure if I'll be having any bisphosphonates, but I know that my hospital offer another type called zoledronic acid which is given through a 15 minute drip but only every 6 months. Again, I don't know if it's an option in your NHS area or if it would be suitable for you or if you can switch once you've started on the tablets but I thought I'd let you know that it maybe something to investigate if it means you could get a lie in (or do early morning yoga)!

Finally, re bras, one of my nurses said that Asda had a really good range of mastectomy and post surgery bras. You'd probably still have to buy them online at the moment as I don't know if changing rooms are open anywhere (maybe I'm wrong) but at least you could take it back to a real store if you wanted to.

Good luck.

Tabs

[CactusQueen]

Hi ladies

I hope the last chemo went well Tabs 🔔 and that you’re not feeling too bad. Hopefully by Christmas you’ll feel much better. It’s so good to hear that we’re all getting to the end of chemo and radiotherapy.

I got my prosthesis on Monday after having a softie since the middle of May. The fitter didn’t think much of my mastectomy bras so I’m going to have to find a shop that’s doing fittings. M & S have some mastectomy bras but the choice is very limited. I have bought bras online but it’s not the same as trying them on. Every style seems to be a different size.

I can’t remember who else has had a mastectomy. I’ve got an appointment in nine months to discuss reconstruction. At the moment I don’t know if I want it or not. It’s such a long operation and I can’t face the recovery. I may feel differently in a few months. Has anyone else got any thoughts on this? 
Have a good day everyone, Tara take some time to get some rest! 😊

Love CactusQueen xx

[michellelow123]

Hi all

I hope everyone is doing well? 

I’m 5 week post op mastectomy and auxiliary clearance. I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer and the tumour after chemotherapy was reduced to 18 cm, and 3 nodes were still affected..........but has  all been removed 😀

 My radiotherapy doesn’t start until 30th dec and runs until 20th jan. I’m awaiting another  muga scan so I can continue with target therapy for her2, which has been changed to Kadcyla. 
I have 2 appointments tomorrow 1 for a prosthesis fitting and the radiotherapy marking ect. 

it’s been a long year and I hope this covid goes away soon  so we can all get back to normal  😀

Michelle x

[ann has cancer]

I'm sure I remember one of us not being inished before Jan but can't remember who it is, will be nice to know we have all finished chemo.  Love aNN

[ttyler]

Hi ladies,

 meant to say ring that bell 🔔 hard to Tabs not Butler. So sorry my chemo brain is still bad!

 Xxx

[ann has cancer]

Well done Tabs, ring that bell.  love aNN

[ttyler]

Morning ladies,

I have finally managed to get some much needed rest. After a busy weekend of football with my eldest I am currently in bed having a relax. Hubby has taken the boys to school and is off to work (window cleaning) so I should have some  peace lol 😝  

 I used E45 cream lotion all the way through radiotherapy and still use it now. I was also told to get Aveeno if I started to get redness or become sore. As this did not happen I have stuck to the E45, so far so good!

Cactus Queen, it is a nightmare that you can’t lie down with taking the bone strengthners, I know it’s not much consolation, but could you maybe sit up on the sofa and lift your legs on a stool or puff  for more comfort and relaxation? 

 I had men at my radiotherapy appointments and although it is strange I am that used to whipping my chest out now I hadn’t really taken any notice. That and the fact that I used to be a competitive swimmer and you wouldn’t believe the places I have changed into my costume before! On the motorway once between an open meet and gala! I also had a man tattoo me at my planning appointment. Turns out his sister had breast cancer about my age. She struggled mentally with her diagnosis so we chatted about that. Hardly noticed I was talking to a man.

 Butler, good luck today with your final chemo, I will be with you giving you a virtual hug as you ring that bell hard girl!

 Ann, I have got a very eventful life and as much as I moan on it would be strange if it was any different. Just need to slow it down a little maybe and try and have more me time like this morning. My brother works from home now and has offered to meet me in a morning when I drop the boys off at school to go swimming. When the pools are open again of course . We have never been particularly close until my diagnosis, but I think I will take him up on his offer, spend some time with family is always good and it saves the anxiety of going alone with a bald head and lop sided chest too! 

 I hope everyone is doing well and are not in too much discomfort. Nearly there now ladies!

 Much love ❤️ Tara xxx

[Tabs]

Hi CQ, 

I was just lying on the sofa having tea and toast and listening to Marr on the TV when I read your message about having to take the bone strengthening pill first thing but then not being allowed to lie down. They don't mention no more lie ins as a long term side effect!

Tara, your side effects sound awful. Plus you've got catch 22 of wanting to lose weight but not having the puff to do it. You will though, it's not much consolation, but it's safer if it's slower and gradual. I don't know how you've had the energy to run the household and look after everyone and keep everything clean whilst your husband has covid. It's amazing the strength that can be found when needed. I bet you could have done without having to.

Ann, I hope everything is settling down for you. Have you been able to get out on any nice walks recently? I am but have to take it easy as my toes (and fingers) are hurting more each week. It's my last chemo tomorrow, I've got the bell ready! I'm not sure about E45, people have said aveeno and a couple of Australian oils, I've been given one by a friend by grace cosmetics called vital skin oils but I need to show it to the radio therapy team to get confirmation that it's OK.

Speak to you all soon, CQ, I hope you're allowed to lie down now in the time it's taken me to write this. 

Tabs xxxx 

[CactusQueen]

Hi ladies

Good to hear from you. I didn’t expect men at my radiotherapy so I was a bit surprised. I expect they’ve seen it all before, and as my sister said I’ll never see them again. Does anyone know why some departments say you can use E45 as a moisturiser and others don’t recommend it? I’ve had no side effects from the radiotherapy, it’s almost like it didn’t happen. I’m pleased to hear you’re all coping with it too.
Two weeks ago I started taking my hormone tablet, one a day for the next five years. It makes me feel a bit sick and gives me hot flushes. It’s going to be like going through the menopause again- what a joy!🤪. I’ve just taken my first ibandronic (bone strengthening) tablet this morning! I’ve been putting it off as it’s a bit of a pain. You have to take it first thing in the morning, you have to stay sitting up or standing for an hour afterwards and you can’t eat or drink for an hour. I’m trying not to think about a cup of tea. My son has just made himself some toast which smells delicious. I’m on this tablet for three years so I’ll get used to it. I have been getting aches and pains so I expect I need it. It has been a bit frustrating that recovery takes a long time. I hoped that once the chemo had finished I’d go back to normal immediately, how unrealistic! 
Tara I sorry to hear about your troubles, your life is never dull. You and your boys were lucky not to get the virus. I hope that when things settle down I hope you will get time to rest and recover. 
We are going to put our Christmas decorations up soon which will cheer me up. Breast cancer is certainly challenging but during a global pandemic it takes to another level! But we are beating it!😊

Have a great day everyone.

Love CactusQueen xx

[ann has cancer]

Gosh Tara your life is never quiet, no wonder you haven't been posting,  hope hubby is ok soon, bring on christmas!!!!!!  love aNN

[ttyler]

Hi ladies,

Glad  to hear your radiotherapy is going well. It’s nice to read how everyone is progressing.

 I have not been in much lately, because I took my boys out of school 3 weekends ago as the virus was spreading like wild fire 🔥 in their school. Adam and I decided it would be best to protect me with my blood clot on my lung and then ironically Adam caught the virus. Luckily the boys and I tested negative, however I had to move into their bedroom for 2 weeks and we had to isolate away from Adam. I ended up running up and down all day in gloves mask and visor making sure the house was disinfected, Adam was fed and the boys are home schooled. I have never felt so exhausted in all my life. When I mentioned this to hubby his response was, ‘ thank god you haven’t got this because you’d know about it!’ Can you believe it after the treatment we have had to endure over the past 4 months and he says something like that? Men hey?

 I finally managed to go and get my steriods to take on Wednesday night and had my cortisol blood test done yesterday to check for Cushing disease and have seen my surgeon today about a lump I thought I felt In my breast and my uplift. Thankfully he said the lump is scar tissue and a creator from the tumor removed. He is going to see me in April about reconstruction to my good side, as he said I need to loose weight first. I put on 28 pound which they think is a little excessive that is why I am being tested for Cushing disease. I felt a little upset because I have lost 8lb in 9weeks since finishing chemo and I know I did not eat excessively during treatment. Also I am on tablets for my blood clot on my lung and high heart rate so asked if this could be holding the weight and he said he is unsure. I would love to exercise like I used to but honestly feel breathless just walking up the stairs. Plus because my ankles are swollen and the stockings I have to wear for 2 years they hurt when I walk or when I have sat for a while and stand up it is like my ankles are not strong enough to hold me. Sorry to moan at you ladies, I just feel like I have never really been ill and I went through treatment to save my life, which has now caused a whole load of new problems. Has anyone else experienced late side effects.

 Hope everyone is looking forward to Christmas I know I am!

 Sending lots of love ❤️ Tara xxx

[ann has cancer]

All fine, boob is still pink but I was warned that getting tired and sore might get worse for a couple of weeks.  Hair is growing slowly, my lovely husband got me to shave his to the same length as mine which is about a 2, tongue still gets metallic taste quite regularly, other than that ok, I think this year is catching up with me, probably the same for the rest of you, so generally weary and a bit weepy.  Cannot wait for the vaccine, the thought of another 8 months shielded is a bit depressing but the targeted therapy does not have any side effects luckily.  Anyway life goes on, keep your chins up girls, missing your messages, Love aNN

[Butler10]

hi Ann

 Yes just got home from 2nd session. 

Was freezing  in room yesterday I coulnt relax as I was so cold. And also I had 3 young men doing my radiotherapy  lol.  It was like having my sons in there and even they havnt seen my breast out for a few years😂😂  But today was better, room was warmer and only one young man today and he was a trainee.   How are yours going.xx

[ann has cancer]

Hi Julie, hopefully everything ok with your radiotherapy, love aNN

[ann has cancer]

Hi Julie, thanks for asking, I was thinking of you today which was day 2 of 5 for me.  I hope your exercises are going ok because you lie on a board with various supports but your arms have to be above your head, it only takes about 15 minutes the treatment and is totally painless, in fact you cannot feel anything as the machine moves around you but you have to stay completely still.  I finish on Friday and have been moisturing twice a day, I was told to use E45 or Aveeno cream, I do get tired, going from chemo in Sept, op in October and radiotherapy in November is a lot.  My hair started re-growing in September but is still really short, especially on top, my eye lashes and eyebrows are just stubs, better than nothing but a long way to go. 

Hopefully by the end of next week Julie you will be finished, and everyone else if not already finished will be through by christmas or soon after, even though it looks like being a strange christmas. 

Love to you all, my cancer family aNN

[Butler10]

Hi Ann how did your radiotherapy  go today.  Xxx

[ttyler]

Hi Horseylass,

 congratulations on finishing your treatment I bet it feels like you can finally take a deep sigh of relief? This is how I felt anyway. Well done 👏 you!

 Ann, hope you are okay, please let us know how you get on with the radiotherapy. In fact it would be nice to stay in touch so ladies of June please keep posting.

 Cactusqueen, I applaud you ringing that bell 🔔 well done you! I am similar to you and have had the side effects of peeling hands and flaking finger nails after treatment. I think you have that much adrenaline to get you through the chemo you relax more afterwards and your body has to get rid of the nastiness to begin to heal again.

 I have not posted for a few days even though I have been reading what you have all been doing. My boys are isolating from school as there has been an increase in covid cases in their school. Adam and I made the decision to take them out of school at the weekend until the 2nd December  to protect me as I have a blood clot on my lung and high heart rate. However, I had an email from the school Monday to say my eldest sons class needed to isolate as the dinner lady in their bubble had tested positive along with a child too. I felt guilty about taking them out, but not so bad now as his whole class are isolating. It’s back to home schooling for me 🙄. Hard work teaching 2 different year groups learning, but will be good practise for when I go back to work. On that  subject are any of you ladies planning on going back to work and if so when? Would be good to hear.

 Hope you all have a lovely day!

 Stay safe, love ❤️ Tara xxx

[Horseylass]

Hi CactusQueen,

Congratulations on finishing your treatment. 👏👏👏

I’ve been taking Letrozole (anti oestrogen) since April although I had to stop during chemo. I will be starting on bone strengthening bisphosphonates too but need to have some dental work first. 

I had 6 rounds of EC and I haven’t had very much in the way of side effects apart from the hair loss and dry skin. My hair is starting to grow back but I only have a slight fuzz at the moment. The worst part is my eye lashes growing as it really makes my eyes itch like mad. 

I’ve felt very similar to you in that I’ve only been able to deal with one aspect of the treatment at a time. I had a breast reduction when they removed my lump so that has left me very lop sided and needing the other reduced. I don’t know whether my Heath trust is still doing those sort of operations at the moment or not. I guess I’ll find out when I meet with the surgeon on Thursday. I would like to get it over and done with but I do understand that there may be people with a greater need than mine.

xx

[CactusQueen]

Hi ladies

Although it’s been months since I last posted anything I’ve been reading everything and following your advice. Thanks everyone so much for getting me through the treatment. xxx

Ive finally finished treatment but I’ve never seen a bell at the two hospitals I go to so I’ll ring a bell with you 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔. I can’t quite believe we’ve got this far. Good luck to any June starters who haven’t finished chemo yet. Hopefully the end is in sight for you. 
As people have been saying it’s been a strange time. I’ve felt quite lonely during my treatments. I had three sessions of EC which was okay. Then I had 3 sessions of docataxel, which was a challenge! My last treatment was six weeks ago but I know it’s still lurking in my system. Sometimes I think I smell of chemo drugs but my husband and son say they can’t smell anything.
I’ve had swollen feet and ankles which the nurses have said is water retention. I’m trying to move about more, drink much more and when I sit I put up feet up higher than my bottom. When it was really bad I slept with my feet on a pillow to keep them raised.

My feet tingle and the skin is peeling even though I moisturise them every day. My fingers feel numb although not as bad as they did. I managed to do some sewing last week which I couldn’t have done during chemo. My finger nails look like I’ve trapped them in a door, particularly my thumbs, index and middle fingers. I’m wondering if the nails will come off.

Still no hair re-growth😐, how is everyone else’s? 
I had five sessions of radiotherapy last week which was okay. I’ve followed the advice about moisturising and so far all is well.
I start my tablets later this week, an anti-oestrogen one and a bone strengthening one. 
I’ll need to decide in the future about reconstruction, they are not doing that operation at the moment so I don’t need to think about it. I have found that I can only think about one part of the treatment at a time. 
I hope everyone is feeling well today, keep safe.

Love CactusQueen xx