May 2017 chemo starters

[Jay68]

Wolfee - my side effects were also worse on the last lot - will be 3 weeks ago for me this coming Thursday and I've still got aching fingers and legs.

It's interesting you mention the itchy bottom - mine was every cycle - it used to drive me crazy!

Hope today has been a better day for you x

[Jay68]

Trish - no blood tests before Herceptin each 3 weeks - thankfully.

You will have to have a blood test a few days before you op (if you haven't yet had it) - to ensure your blood is ok to go ahead with op and also so they can cross-match and get in blood in case of need during operation.

[Mai7]

Morning ladies! I'm having a very lazy morning and hoping to get out for a walk this afternoon.

did you know you can buy Naproxen over the counter under the brand name "Feminax"? It's only sold under license for period pain in the UK but it's the same product. I buy it for migraines but you have to say it's for period pain when you buy it or they can't sell it to you! Bizarre!

[Trisha69]

Glad it went well with nephew! I suffer with my hip and take Naproxen and that's approved as is codeine. I never asked about deep heat it use it and not had any side effects good luck x

[WolfEE]

Morning all, had a lovely evening with my nephew in the end.
Next problem though ...... my back. I have suffered on and off a bad back for years although not recently. Last night I become crippled somehow I've managed to do my back in and worse than ever before. I can hardly move and feel really annoyed as on top of how I'm feeling I don't need this especially with surgery coming up.
Regarding painkillers are we free to take most things? Is it possible that this is chemo related? I know we get aches but something is telling me this is back problem not chemo ache? Do you think we can use deep heat?

[MJK]

Sorry you've had rough days WolfEE and Katie
Day 2 of last T and already I'm feeling wiped and ot doesn'the help knowing it gets worse before it gets better. Watching the Strictly launch as therapy. X

[katie11]

Oooooh mai nearly there.

Welcome Kala.

Ive had bit of marshmellow day too wolfee. And have definitely got the bruised nails which has only happened a week after last one! Hope your nephew cheers you up or is at least a distraction. Put today down as a bad one .

I decided to have a clear out of clothes and underwear . It's was quite emotional throwing away my old bras that no longer fit. I've also just dropped off my son who is on an overnight trip with football in Warwick which is his first one on his own so think I am feeling bit vulnerable today. Having film night tonight with youngest and hubby and greek takeaway as a treat. Tomorrow is another day xx

[Mai7]

Treehouse, I have blood test Tuesday, Oncolgy appt Weds and Treatment (all being well) Thursday. Penultimate treatment! X

[misyangel]

Wolfee it's probably the cumalitive effect and it's all catching up now, I think you do get sick of,people reminding you and when your feel like that I find nothing can lift me sometimes you just need a good old cry and get it out your system, or punching a pillow can help lol but no energy to do that he he 

kala welcome aboard I don't know where I would have been without this forum it has helped me so much as we all understand the high and lows we all go through.  That's really great news that you can't feel the tumour.

[Raitchr]

WolfEE sorry you are having a down day. I think the build up to last chemo is so overwhelming and everyone says its the last one etc but we are still going through it, even when chemo is done, there is surgery and rads. It is never really over, we will never get back to normal, it is a bit like grief, it gets easier day by day but you never really get over it.

Sending hugs to all. 

Heather

[Trisha69]

Wolfee. don't feel bad. easy to say and I know the feelings. I've just had a sleep and groggy as hell last chemo was y day so got the horrid moith erc to cone and trying to summon the energy go see a friend but really cba! X

[treehouse]

Interesting you mentioned itchy bottom. I got that last cycle 2. Most unexpected. Used sudocrem and washed lots. Only
Lasted a couple of days. Thanks for sharing. I was a bit nervous if mentioning that. 😏

[treehouse]

Wolfee from my experience no 2 cycles have been the same. Emotions are bound to come out especially when there are mile stones. Don't feel bad. I understand you being unsure about your nephew. You may find it is good to have someone to distract you. You sound like you normally really enjoy his company.

How you doing Mai. You must have treatment soon?

[Mai7]

Congratulations Kala and well done on your last chemo. Last lot of side effects now so just keep plodding on and you'll get there soon. X

Treehouse, moaning is expected on here, it's a sounding board and keeps some pressure off your home life when none understands.  X

WOlfEE, hope you are soon feeling a bit brighter and don't feel bad for having a bad day. X

[WolfEE]

Hi Girls, today is my day 6. I'm not sure why but this one feels very different. I've been relatively lucky on the previous T's. My main complaints being diet mouth and bad taste with trouble finding s drink I can tolerate but as far as sore mouth and aches and pains I think I got off lightly.
This time however, my sleep is far far worse, my tounge aches, my legs ache, my hands hurt and the tips of my fingers feel bruised. My bottom is very itchy and the dark feeling left from the steroids doesn't feel like it's lifting as quick.
I'm not sure if I've lost patients with this cycle or perhaps it's because I have my friends and family constantly reminding me this is the last one it's over etc etc that I'm ahead of myself!! Maybe I'm just having a bad day?? I feel angry today.
I have my nephew coming over this evening his mum is out on a work do. I've planned a chicken roast dinner and his fav chocolate desert and movies etc I had been really looking forward 2 it all week expecting it as a bit of a treat and celebration of side affects wearing off but now the time has come I feel I can't be bothered how awful is that.
Sorry for the crumple - dad day xxxxxxxxx

[Trisha69]

thanks for letting me know Tree house 're blood tests. just been to my local pharmacy for Epsom Salts. run out! on order. I've been struggling with watery eyes when I go outdoors and waking up with them stuck together. Got some drops called Carbomer eye gel. let u know of it works x

[MJK]

Well done Kala🕭 Great to hear from you. I 🕭on Thursday so will be feeling rubbish on Monday. I think we've all got more treatment to go in one form or another.
I really enjoyed a long soak in the bath last night, especially my PICC free arm (Epsom salts half price in Waitrose at the moment). Not much sleep though... steroid buzz 🐝.
Hope the side effects are ok Treehouse, the windy side effects seem to be catching here too. 🌬😝. I hope you can change Tuesday's appointment. Day 4 should be appointment free as standard. X

[treehouse]

Kala good to hear from you and you are sounding super strong right now.💪🏻Please please join us with the moaning. It is part of the journey and trust me it makes me feel better knowing we all have bad days and I can give back all the support I have received.
You are part of the team.
( may be I over share sometimes sorry)
X

[treehouse]

Feeling the love this morning ❤️
I was told no more blood test Trish. First injection already booked for 3 weeks time. And one more onc appointment before surgery.

[Trisha69]

Any of you ladies know if u still have to have a blood test before Herceptin each 3 weeks?

[Jay68]

Congratulations and Well Done Kala - I agree totally this forum has been a god send - it's an amazing place to either sit on the side and read that others are going through the same problems and you are "normal" and also nice to contribute to the comments, banter, etc when you're feeling stronger.

I enjoy it each time another of our warriors passes the chemo finish line - it brings it all back to me!

We are wonderful and we are brave - some of us still have a bit of fighting left to do in this battle - but we'll do it - we are warriors!!

[Kala]

Hi everyone 🤗. Hope you are all doing well and nearing the end of doxy tax hell . I unfortunately didn't have a bell to ring at the end of chemo so everyone clapped instead . Chemo on Wednesday so side effects set to kick in tomorrow. I can't believe how amazing and strong you have all been and how supportive you have all been to each other. I sit on the side line reading every message every day but never being able to have enough courage or strength to say some things without falling to pieces and then feeling bad that I have whinged too much. Today I want to say that I know what's coming , I know the bone pain the sickness the heart palpitations etc etc etc, the list goes on n on n on but that last chemo , when you know you have finished for now hopefully , you think you can cope and I think I can just about cope . 

If I hadn't gained all the information from you guys on here on an every day scale I would have been on the phone to the oncologist every blooming day , I swear. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ for all the normal every day issues that most of us are experiencing and willing to share with others to gain information only we can recognise. 

I don't know where to go from here. I'm expecting genetic results in a week I hope to see if it's mastectomy or bialateral mastectomy but I'm hoping my MRI scan shows reduction in tumour, can't feel it now 😍.

So here's to plenty of water n ice cubes, boring see through chicken soup , stomach lining shot to pieces 😟And tasty Horlicks xxx 

Thank goodness for friends and families and most of all you wonderful wonderful brave ladies xxxxxx

[Trisha69]

a croissant. yum. I have one! I'm booked for mammogram,scan and meeting with Surgeon on 21st Sept. with surgery prob week of 16rh October. I will tey9and change it because am not now going away. too skint. so hopefully 1st or 2nd week. and fingers crossed still just a lumpectomy. My neutrons were 1.2 this week and nurses queried it but Oncologist had pit a note to say carry.on. phew. x

[treehouse]

Walk by the sea sounds lovely. I just had croissant 🥐 for breakfast. Just enjoying food while I can still taste it.
I also need to phone surgeon on Monday to inform her of the fact treatment 6 has now happened late. She may want to change my appointment on Tuesday. I really hope so!
Oh also I have CT scan on Thursday and I just mentioned to chemo nurse how they had a hell of a job getting a canular in for the contrast as the room with the scanner is so cold. Bless her she booked me in to get the canular fitted on the chemo ward first so I can have a heat pack and be done by the experts . How sweet is that!!

[Trisha69]

Hi Tree house been awake since silly o clock too. my other half sleeps in spare room. he snores and grinds his teeth! managed 6 hours sleep. last day of steroids then the dreaded side effects. We've done it girl. Will be on the case Monday about the injections/intravenous Herceptin and then ring that bell loud! Planning a short stroll in Sea front thus morn see what the waves are doing. have a good day xx

[treehouse]

Good morning all. Been wide awake since 4am and decided to get up as I worry I am am disturbing husband and as he will have a tough week ahead I know he will need his sleep.
I know what is coming with the last round. Steroid buzz, lack of sleep. The bloating and wind has started already ( although the family seem to join in with this side effect) 😷😂
Then the stomach issues, pains, emotional moments and horrid mouth. I know all this
But right now even sitting alone in my living room the overwhelming feelings I have are being cared for and loved.
I really am so lucky with my friends and family. Their support has been overwhelming. And any gaps in their ability to understand and advise has been filled by you my brave May warriors.

How are the early bell ringers doing with side effects? Hopefully through the worst.

Thanks for the eye warning Jay. I do notice the odd floater from time to time but they pass. I will get an eye test soon any idea when they suggest?

Hope you are ok Trish x

So who is next?
Wishing you all good days.
X x x

[Mai7]

Thanks for the heads up Jay, I'll get an eye test as soon as possible after chemo. It's a never ending story isn't it!?...........

[Jay68]

Ladies,

A word of advice, I've just heard from the friend I made whilst on chemo - she's now 3 weeks post op

Whilst on chemo she suffered with blurred vision and watery eyes but more recently she had also noticed a grey dot in the front of her right eye vision which affected her sight, she went to the optician who told her the chemo has caused a premature cataract which is a rare side effect and has referred her to have an eye operation for a replacement lens.

So ladies - be aware - any significant changes to your eyesight - get it checked out!

x

[Jay68]

I've just enjoyed a long soak in epsom salts - still got achy legs! Mind you I have done lots of housework today Also had some radox bubbles - it was lovely!

Well done to all who have had bloods and treatment this week - hope you all have a good weekend (with very little side effects). xx

[Jay68]

Trish - congratulations and well done on your final chemo - hope the side effects are not too bad for you this time but at least you know no more once they're done!  

I wonder why they saying your herceptin will be intravenously given rather than injection.  Mine is every 3 weeks by injection - my first one being next Thursday.  

I head them saying in the chemo unit that it can be administered intravenously if you have any problems with the injections, ie rashes, aches.  The injection takes 5/6 minutes - the iv half hour - seeing as they've removed your PICC line, I trust this is just a mix up!  Although I don't know how long you can have a PICC fitted?

Of course you can ring your bell the chemo is over - Herceptin is the targetted therapy part.

Have a good weekend. x

[Mai7]

Congratulations Treehouse on finally getting to ring the bell 🔔 and a little post chemo boogie! 💃🏻 Just SEs for the last time now. Glad you are all cosified in the caravan PJs. X

Well done Trisha, today sounded pretty awful for you but I think you still deserve to ring the bell 🔔 if it's just the herceptin as that's potentially ongoing maintenance. Hope you get through your last chemo SEs OK and the sickness and diarrhoea is under control. X

Katie, the course sounds good and like you say, nice to mix with others in the same position. I'll pop in the McMillan centre next week and get myself on the waiting list. X

Ive been decorating the last two days (why oh why do I do this to myself!?).  All finished and ready for a restful weekend. 🛌

[MJK]

Sounds like a great way to spend a Friday night.
As my PICC line is out I think I'll do the same. 🛀

[treehouse]

Early bath and now sitting in my caravan pyjamas. Bloody love them x x x

[Trisha69]

It knocked me for 6 when they said about not having injections. it's not definite. will know.more when they get hold of Oncologist. just had a large vodka and home now. will send.photos when I ring the bell. Happy for you sweetie. enjoy weekend x

[treehouse]

Trish that's 💩. Why can't they do injections?
I feel you can ring that bell 🔔 loud and proud as chemo is done just regular herceptin which is the same as me.

[busybeeS]

Well done Treehouse. Glad you got today out the way without any last minute hiccups. Fingers crossed you get through the side effects quickly and you can tick this one off your list!!

[Trisha69]

x

[misyangel]

Trisha what a bloody nightmare sending big hugs xx

[Trisha69]

Total co** up. PICC line out and chemo finished but now saying have have Herceptin. intravenously..
.???? was told 15 injections every 3 weeks. surgery and radiotherapy. dont seem to.know bym grom elbow. Oncologist not in so told.dont ring bell.just yet.

[misyangel]

Yes well done treehouse, that must feel amazing to not have to have that again

Katie will be interested to see how the rest of the moving on course goes as I am interested in booking on that one myself 

[katie11]

Ding ding treehouse! Well done xx

How you getting on Trish?

Moving on course quite good, more about general information for the future, how to check your breast's, help with insurance, finance, work etc and where to go for any questions and problems etc. Next week is diet, exercise etc. Bit vague but helpfull in parts if you do need help with something. Nice to chat to ladies in same situation x

[MJK]

Well done Treehouse⚅✔🕭😀 Great to hear you're done.
Trisha, I hope things have got moving. X

[Jay68]

Congratulations and well done to you Treehouse - that's that bit over and done with - enjoy your little boogie - you deserve to skip, dance and jump for joy!!! xx

[treehouse]

Virtual bell 🔔
I am done. Little boogie in the corridor outside chemo ward!!!

Waiting for you to join me Trish x

[Jay68]

Keep going Treehouse and Trisha - will all be over quick enough - and just think..... last one!!!  

Hope you've both remembered your lunchtime steriods.......!

x

[WolfEE]

Oh Trish, Treehouse I'm so sorry it's going so slowly. It's frustrating but hang in there it will end - keep going you can do it. X

[Trisha69]

God it's **bleep**. just want to cry been awake 12 hours. grumpy and p off. Sending y a hug xx

[treehouse]

Blimey Trish that's a delay. We are going very slow. I feel a bit sick and my vein is very thin so she wants to keep the pressure low.
Drop drop 💧

[Trisha69]

Hacked off. Appt was at 11. seen 1130 now 1.30 and the damn Chemo still not here Grrr

[Raitchr]

My Moving forward course isn't until Nov so will interesting to hear what goes on.

I got a cancellation for my op, 48 hrs notice, finished work Weds had op Fri same week,no time to get nervous!

H