November 2021 Chemo Starters

[KC57]

Hi Everyone 

Firstly big hug to LMH i know what you sre going through re the nails mine were very very similar the nails seemed to seperate , top layer from bottom and i see yours doing the same , i can give any advice because i think they just do their thing now , my toes are the same .

I saw my surgeon in March and had a refashioning of scar on the 27th April as it was so messy and horrid , things seem a lot better although it's been much more painful than I expected though I developed a seroma which was drained two days ago things seem to be settling .

Still waiting a PET scan and then final onc appt in June, its been a tough few years as I started my journey in Sept 19 , seems so long ago .

Hang in there ladies for those having radiotherapy it's doable , like everything else we have little choice . For those whose hair isn't back yet, it is a thrill to feel it coming through , but then so does leg stubble , witchy poo chin hairs and everywhere else , think I was most thrilled to have nasal hairs back , silly drippy nose !!! 

Working through Chemo !!! Well you are super super women !!! And I admire you immensely  🦸‍♀️

Rest , recuperate, and recover everyone 💕 Kim xx

[LMH]

@karzo nice to hear from you and congrats at finishing chemo. I’m excited to hear your hair is coming back, how long before it started to happen? I finished chemo 2 weeks ago and optimistically am already checking. Thanks have stated taking these hair vitamins in the hope that it speeds things up. 

I am suffering the side effects of taxol messing up my nails. So painful (any ugly). I am keeping them wrapped so they don’t catch on anything and I’m praying I don’t lose too many. 

Ugly pic attached. 

hope everyone is hanging in there xx

 

[karzo]

hi everyone, 

Just wondered how everyone is doing. I guess most of us are through chemo now? I am happy to see my eyebrows and hair returning slowly. Now just dealing with fatigue and prepping mentally for radiotherapy. Am still working full time but wish I wasn't. It's been good to get out more lately.

Hope you are all getting through it too!

Karen

[Jukat]

Hey @Kelli_41 ...hope you are feeling ok 😘

I had my last chemo treatment on 18th March. It should have been last Friday but they wouldn't go ahead with it as I have had some problems with my fingers and hands.

I feel in two minds about this....I was so relieved that they said they weren't going ahead, because I felt so awful. I felt like I had flu (negative LFT) couldn't eat because I felt constantly sick, stomach cramps were crippling and my nose would not stop bleeding. But then I am also a little worried....I have already had my surgeries, but because the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes the chemo is now meant to catch any rogue cells that may have gone to other parts of the body, this is the mopping up....but if I have completely missed one of the treatments, will it still be as effective? It's really quite annoying that I am left with these thoughts!

I also have my radiotherapy planning session in April and due to start sessions after Easter. I am thinking this has to be a piece of cake after what we have already been through.

Good luck with your final 2 sessions!

Julia xxx

[Jukat]

Hi Karen

I am starting to feel more positive now that some of the more unpleasant side effects are lifting, not that any of the side effects are pleasant....but my nose slowly stopping bleeding, being able to cook and eat...these are all small positive steps. I am still tired, though I can see tiny improvements, I'm not there just yet. When you are in the thick of treatment it feels like there's never going to be an end and you just long for that touch of normality and now it feels more in reach, 11 days post chemo.

What is your re-excision for? Just remember to be kind to yourself...don't push things...let everything happen at its own pace. 

Julia xxx

[Kelli_41]

Hi Julia,

How you doing? Have you now completed? I still have 2 weeks of chemo to complete due to 1 wk delay as I had an infection😖 then following wk missed as husband had covid! 🤦‍♀️. I am due radio planning appointment booked for April. Xx

[karzo]

Hi Julia, 

I finished chemo two weeks ago and popped on here today precisely because I'm feeling so tired and wondered if it was normal, had anyone else felt like this? I get it that when you feel awful, it makes you emotional, I'm having a bit of that too. Hope you are feeling brighter now.

I tried to Google about feeling tired after chemo, how long before I feel better etc but didn't come up with much other than 'it varies' or some say 6-12 months 😩

I'm also mentally preparing for my re-excision surgery next week. I feel more nervous this time, maybe worried about going in to it so tired.

Hugs to everyone

Karen

[Jukat]

Hi lovely ladies

There has been a development that I wasn't expecting. I should have had my last chemo treatment on Friday gone...but I have been having a bit of trouble with my fingers and arms, so the oncologist said not to have the last session. She was worried that the issues in my fingers could be permanent if I had another chemo. I had been feeling awful this last week as well, which made me very emotional, so I was so happy for it to be cancelled.

How long do you reckon it takes for you to start to feel normal? 

Has anyone else finished chemo and how do you feel about it?

Julia xx

[Jukat]

Hey everyone

Its good to hear how you are all doing, however crappy!

I am feeling crappy too. I have my last chemo session this Friday...the last of 12. It has got noticeably more difficult as the weeks have gone on. This week I have noticed my fingers are more painful, like I've burnt them. My nose is either stuffy or streaming and bleeds a lot. I also get terrible stomach cramps and feel wiped out....can't even be bothered doing anything (bloods are fine) I have been doing some reading and apparently it is normal to feel like not bothering. I just can't wait to have my energy back and do everyday things like going shopping, out for dinner, the cinema!!! And I can't wait to have my hair, lashes and brows back....god I miss those!

@KC57 I agree, your oncologist was insensitive saying something like that. It beggars belief the things people say. When I had my first E&C cycle, its 3 weeks of feeling like poo, every minute of every day. My best friend made a comment the day before my 2nd cycle....she said 'that's come round quick'....I said 'maybe for you it has!' People have honestly got no idea unless they have been in the same shoes. 

Fix your crowns and hold your swords high ladies....fight on!

Julia xxx

[karzo]

Hi Kim, 

Thank you so much, that does resonate! I feel like my brain is ready to get up, go out and be busy, but my body is not having it! I don't think I'm anaemic, they tell me my bloods are fine. And I'm tired of being tired ... Guess I need to be patient.

Hope you are having a good day x

[delly]

Oh YEH @KC57 

That is a WONDERFUL poem 🤗 "Thank You" sooo much for sharing it, darlin'. 

Sending Lots of Love and Strength to Everyone on here,

Delly X❤️X

[LindseyLou72]

Beautiful poem, I needed to read that today.  Hope you’re doing ok x

[KC57]

Hi @karzo 

My first round of chemo I had EC without the F and it floored me, are you anaemic ? That can make you very tired , however chemo is not nice stuff, and it's effects build up as you go along thank goodness it's your last .you will start to feel better slowly but surely and don't be hard on yourself , I found this and it's so true

Love Kim c

 

[karzo]

Hi all,

I'm in the last days of my last FEC cycle and I'm just exhausted. Is this normal? Sleeping 9-10 hours, having breakfast and then needing to crash out on the sofa. 

Hope you are all doing as well as can be

[karzo]

Hi Jad and  everyone,

I had my final chemo two weeks ago and I felt similar, overwhelming relief, so much that I was in tears when I arrived at the chemo chair and again as I left. Blubbered all the way home much to husband's consternation! Relief it was done but still steeling myself for the nausea etc. It's been a very very long two weeks, am basically holding my breath as while there are no more infusions, the game isn't over yet. I think that's the hardest bit. I've just had the usual side effects so far, but am pretty knackered. Managing to get out for walks but I m tiring really quickly and still feeling dizzy and crappy in general. 

And now bracing myself for re-excision surgery on April 5th. And yes, already worrying about how I will feel once treatments are done. The whole thing is worse than a nightmare but at least we can chat to each other! 

Hope the side effects are not too horrible

Xx

[KC57]

Hi All

Bit late with my follow up msg , as you probably guessed my scan results weren't normal , there are some nodes up in my chest and I need another PET scan in 3 months , i'm not too sure what it means but I was gutted not to be discharged , i am hoping its from the covid I had in the new year as PET was only 5 weeks after my infection.

Anyway I pulled my big girl pants up and will just have to get on with it as there is nothing else I can do , but the oncologist remark of " just go and enjoy life" I thought was a bit thoughtless, I know she meant well but it's always there in my mind , I guess she meant well.

On a more positive note my oncoplastics appt  has been brought forward to the 29th of March as my mastectomy scar is a mess and I still have a seroma ( collection of fluid) at the scar site , i am a bigger lady and apparently its not so easy to get neat first time round , or that's what they said , personally I think it looks like an apprentice has done it!!,🙄 I don't want more surgery but , well it is a mess 

So I guess I just have to keep going and hope for the best .

Well done to all you ladies completing chemo strong women every one of you  💪🦸‍♀️ 

Love Kim ❤️

[Jad]

Hi all,

I had my final chemotherapy treatment yesterday 🙂The relief was quite overwhelming. I am on a bit of a high but just waiting for the side effects to kick in now. Radiotherapy starting in 3 weeks along with tamoxifen. What a rollercoaster the last 6 months have been. From feeling that I would never get to this day to not really believing I have. We go through so much on this journey and I suppose it will always be with us in thought, apprehension, fear and hope. 

Stay strong everyone and remember it's a day, hour and minute at a time.

Love and hugs to you all 

Jxx

[Jukat]

Hi Ladies...hope you are all managing.

Would any of you like to help me out with something? I am writing a book about my breast cancer journey and wondered if any of you would like to contribute? If any one is interested then please private message me.

Julia xxx

[KC57]

Thank you Jukat 😌 xxx 

[Jukat]

I can imagine that must be so worrying for you Kim. 💕

I always have the mantra that it is nothing until they tell me that it's something...I know, easier said than done!

We stand alongside you Kim and send you strength and love.

Julia xxx

[KC57]

Hi everyone 

I was supposed to have my oncology appt for my PET results on the 24th but it was cancelled , the registrar wanted to take the scan to the MDT, so I am in panic mode as it was an end of treatment scan and I was presuming rightly or wrong if there was nothing there I would be discharged, so its not been a great week for me 😔, I'm there this coming Thursday so 🤞 for me ladies, I just hate the waiting 

Love Kim ❤️ 

[Jukat]

Hi @Kelli_41 ...hope you are doing well.

I had my 5th Paclixatel yesterday (Friday) so I have 4 more to go!!!!....woohoo!!!!

I can feel it building up in my system now....the first two weeks were fine and I thought it would be a piece of cake....but now I think I could be wrong 😁

Yesterday I wore my wig for my treatment and one of the other patients thought it was my own hair....I was very pleased! 

What a pain about your PICC line. I have a port (TIVAD) which is completely buried under the skin...was horrible to have inserted and I honestly can't wait for it to be gone.

Will you be having radiotherapy? I have had my consultation and have my planning session booked. 

Onwards and upwards, fighting the fight.

Julia xxx

[Jad]

Hi Everyone,

I have been hunkering down. I had 5/6 second Doxectaxel on the 17th Feb and have basically decided to go back into isolation until number 6 is done. I feel like I am so close to the end of chemotherapy I just don't want anything/COVID/flu/cold to knock me off. If my bloods do nothing I can do about it but if isolation for 4 weeks keeps me on track it's a little sacrifice, not like I haven't done it before!!

1st Doxectaxel was awful. Mouth swollen, constipation, exhausted but then I think that's one more down and done, I can cope. 2nd has been similar but not as severe so far, although I can feel my fingers beginning to feel sore at the tips. 

I have my first radiotherapy appointment on 7th March, Monday before my last chemotherapy. I am starting to see the light getting a little brighter towards getting my life back. However, as nearly everyone has said, I still have a nagging feeling this is not the end. That's the nasty reality of Cancer, we just don't know! We didn't know it was growing in the first place, how on earth are we supposed to know if it comes back. I know people will say, you can't control it, forget about it, you could get knocked down going to the shop. But that doesn't help. 

I am signed up for counseling, just waiting for a space!

Love, hugs and positive strength to you all.

Jxx

Do you follow Dr Liz O'Riordan on twitter see posts some really good info xx

[Kelli_41]

Hi Julia,

How you doing? Hope you managed to get back on track and maintained rest between cycles? X had a week of  picc line not wanting to give blood ( back to basics lol) but was a positioning issue and all good xx bit tired now 5 weeks left !!! How bout you xx

[Pigaletto]

Hi @KC57 KC57,

I've found the same with eyes and nose. For the eyes I have Blephasol which I use first thing in morning and last thing at night with cotton wool pad (which enables me to read or it is all blurry!) and mini sachets that clean them out in the day - just in case that helps.

Having been on the 'Look Good Feel Good' charity online course on nail care, there were women who'd finished chemo having problems who'd never been told to wear dark nail polish, to moisturise with cuticle oil, wear washing up gloves, and to wear most comfortable shoes on toes so as not to cramp them. If you haven't done it yet, sign up. An unexpected bonus is talking 'face to face' with other women going through the same thing (which I certainly miss on here).

So delighted to hear your taste is come back and there is light on the horizon. Go well -xxx

[Jukat]

Hey everyone...hope you are all still standing in the face of Eunice!

After finishing 3 cycles of E&C, I have now had 4 of the 9 rounds of weekly Paclixatel. During the first two rounds of this weekly chemo I had virtually no side effects...just a little gripey tummy ache but nothing else, though I also had steroids with these first two rounds. They have now stopped the steroids and I don't know whether it is coincidence but I have started with a few nasty occurrences of tiredness, bleeding nose, stomach ache etc. The end of chemo cannot come soon enough!!

There isn't a bell at my chemo centre. I heard someone had complained about it so it was removed. There is one at the other site where I will be having radiotherapy. I think I will ring it. I want it to signal a celebration for managing to drag myself through a really hard period and to draw a line under this whole cancer incident. Enough of this, bog of cancer, you are not welcome and are not allowed to come back!! This is certainly how I want to think....but those little niggles sometimes pop up and I start wondering whether it will come back and what age I will make it to....does anyone else think like that or is just me being morbid?

I will also need another surgery at some point as I had a failed reconstruction (expander had to be removed) , so one side of my chest now resembles a wrinkled old mans face! At some point I will have to decide if I want to go for another reconstruction or a tidy up of the area...choices, choices!

Hope all you warrior women are doing well 🥊

Much love to you all 💌

Julia xxx

[KC57]

Hi everyone , I had my last chemo of docetaxel on the 18th January and have just had an end of treatment PET scan as my cancer was a recurrence , so wIting to see oncology on the 24th .

Still struggling with some side effects of chemo , my eyes are driving me mad watering and my fingers and toes are still shedding skin , I've noticed my fingernails have become thickened and them have marked ridges I think it coincides with the chemo they look awful and I think I may lose a big toenail . My energy levels are poor and I get tired easily but on the positive side my taste is back which is soooo nice and I think my hair is starting to grow .

I have had my breast surgery prior to chemo , but my mastectomy scar is a mess so waiting to see onco plastics in July .

How's everyone else ? 

Kim xx

[Pigaletto]

Hi @karzo, I was thinking maybe we are all suddenly finding it getting tougher and hunkering down somewhat. 

So pleased for you that your last is approaching. I have number 5 of 6 on Monday of Docetaxil/Taxotere and the last on March 14th. Can't wait for the third week after that, once the side effects start to calm down. They were nothing short of a 'bitch' this time. Bone pain off the chart, mouth like a sponge, diarrhoea, blurry eyes (eyebrows have now gone). However, there is at least light at the end of the tunnel and it can't come too soon. 

And yes, I find the bell thing not for me for two reasons. One, you still have 2/3 weeks of hell ahead of you and two because while chemo is done, the rest isn't and the psychological game of 'will it return' is coming down the line. Time for some counselling me thinks!

Sending love and hugs to all. xxx

[karzo]

How are we all doing? It's been quiet so I hope that means we are all getting to the end of our treatment s. I have one more FEC to go, on Feb 28th and can't wait. Absolutely fed up and had enough now. 

Is anyone going to ring the bell? Feels a bit odd to me ... 

[karzo]

Hello everyone, 

Hope we are all hanging in there. I had a really rough weekend with general side effects, but am gradually feeling less seasick. 

I just wanted to tell everyone about the amazing and huge goody bag full of make up I just got from the Look Good Feel Better people. Everything is in there, foundation, blush, lippy, eyeshadow, mascara, pencils, brushes, cleansers etc etc I was amazed. I'm not much of a one for make up and I think this is the most amount I've ever owned! So pleased because I can now try everything out. You get the stuff when you attend a webinar. Really worth doing! 

Ok back to the ginger tea and daytime TV! 

Karen

[Jukat]

Hi @Kelli_41 

It's quite comforting to know that they can adjust treatments according to individual needs don't you think?..especially if it's something like liver function and not like me just being an idiot! I also had to delay the first Paclitaxil on Friday...but was all my own fault. My last EC was difficult but in that week leading up to the Paclitaxil cycle I was feeling much better and decided to give our rather large conservatory a deep clean after we had a new solid roof put on and plastered...that was followed by a day of errands (blood test, cat to vets etc) and I think I over tired myself...woke up on the day of the Paclitaxil cycle and felt as rough as a badgers backside! Had what felt like a migraine and generally unwell...went to the hospital to be assessed and they said I could delay for a week rather than trying to get it over with. Feel like such a weakling and failure...don't think I've ever over tired myself in my life! Going to try again on Friday.

How are you managing with the PICC line? I had a port implanted before chemo started as the Oncologist said I had terrible veins. It's buried under the skin and looks like a big lump...I couldn't be more attractive! 🤣

Hope you stay on track and feel well.

Keep fighting the good fight.

Julia xxx

[Kelli_41]

Hi Julia, 

How you doing? Sorry for delay, so i started Paclitaxil although wk 3 deffered due to liver function 😕. Back on track now 🤞. Have had a picc line fitted also as my body went on blood giving strike 😂. I also found the last EC hard x had my Paclitaxil dose reduced due to signs of neuropathy and the liver function issue xx hope your fairing ok x

[Jad]

Thank you Charlotte,

I was thinking the same about a party for family and friends. Not sure if I will. My friends who are in Yorkshire have booked a cottage in Northern Ireland about 40 minutes away from my house so that I can come home if I need to. We are planning to sit around, cry, laugh and just be together as they haven't been able to see me at all. 

It will be my first step forward. I too am reassessing whether I go back to teaching or move on to something else. But that is way down the line at the moment when I am out of the tunnel, fingers crossed.

For now, lots of hand/foot cream rest and head down for 3 more treatments. Good luck with your planning and hopefully you'll get to lie in the sunshine soon xxx

[Pigaletto]

Hi @Jad,

Your experience mirrors mine (though I'm on FECT with 3 behind me and 3 of Docetaxil starting on 31st Jan.

I really struggled with number 3 - felt no closer to the beginning than the end. While everyone kept saying 'you're half way through' I still had the week of feeling hideous before even beginning to think like that.

Anyway,  Filgrastim injections made my hip bone agony this time (weird as hadn't before) but as soon as they were done I was restored. Like you I'm feeling I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. A pin prick but its there. 

I'm even thinking of throwing a party in May to say thank you to everyone whose supported me. It's fun to plan with our 16 and 13 year old. 

Just one thing to mention. Thanks to a critical health insurance payout I want to take myself and maybe a girlfriend on a retreat for a week, just to process this experience and think about how I want to do some things differently going forward (around work, looking after my health etc). For me I want the break to include being by the sea and having some sun, so I asked the chemo nurses on here when it is possible to 'lie in the sun' again. In answering they explained that it can take some time to come out the other side and perhaps to be cautious and remain flexible in case you get waves of fatigue. This said, things like lymphatic drainage reflexology can really help clear your system asap......

Anyway, sending you a big hug.....and good luck with 3, 4 & 5. Any tips as you deal with side effects....let me know!

Charlotte

[Pigaletto]

Hi all, 

I'm on 6 rounds of FECT with the 3 FEC behind me and the first T/Docetaxil on 31st Jan.

Got the Moo-Goo/Udderly cream at the ready and cotton gloves on order - also recommended by my mother and a friend.

Question for those of you ahead of me....for those of you experiencing the painful fingers, when did that start to kick in - straight away?  

Likewise fatigue. Is it just during that delightful first week or does it go on from here to a couple of weeks after the last session? (Though I know for some it goes on and on....but I suspect they are on more rounds)

[Jad]

Thank you ladies, as always understanding, helpful and comforting to get advice from those who really know xx

[Shi]

The udderly smooth with extra urea from Amazon was a good cream a lot of us found during the t chemo, quenched the skin better than anything else for a lot of us and prevented it being sore. Hope this might help it was a tip passed to us from the beautiful tatyana back in 2017. 💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[KC57]

I'm on Docetaxel and cyclphosphamide just had 4th Dose then thats my lot , so i'm going through to sore hands , it started with sore nail beds first then fingertips peeled and i got paper like cuts on them , you need lots of hand cream but rub very gently, my toes started on round 3 really just the same as the hands but I have a numb 2nd toe and altered sensation in my heels, makes it hard to walk long distance not that I'm doing much of that at the moment.

I know what you mean about it taking over your life and I take my hat off to those that work and do chemo !!! I just wouldn't be able to have done it , not that it mattered as I had just retired at first diagnosis .

Don't worry too much about the doce its strange when one course of poison is almost a comfort because you get to know it , then worry about the next , just keep hands moisturised and I'm sure you will sail through it .

Sending positive thought to you Jad 💕xxxx

[Jad]

Hi All,

I haven't posted for a while. I have just had my head down trying to get through round 3 of EC and avoiding COVID. We are slightly behind England in NI.

I have found the Neulasta, injection a bit of a nightmare. The bone pain was awful so I ended up taking strong co-codemol to get through. This brings on the constipation and adds to generally feeling shocking. But from about day 10 I felt much better. Apart from hot flushes and acid!!!

Next week I have round 4 and move to Doxectaxel, which I have been told can make you really tired and give sore hands and feet. Fingers crossed it's not too bad and the Neulasta side effects are not as severe. Would be nice to hear how others on Doxectaxel have found it. 

Do any of you find sleeping is difficult in the week leading up to your next treatment? I have tried lots of relaxation and meditation, nothing seems to stop my mind.

On another note, I found after round 3, and realising that I am hopefully halfway through, that I can see a tiny bit of light at the end of the tunnel. I even started making plans for friends to visit after the last treatment. I would never have even considered that before. I was like I was in a tunnel and couldn't look out or forward. I haven't been able to work so it feels like Cancer took my life away and I can't wait to get it back. 

Stay strong and well everyone, big hugs.

Jxx

[Niks75]

Morning!

I know that same feeling, I am off for my 4th (out of 6) treatments today and into a new drug (Docetaxel), I have been dreading it.  I will get on with it though, as we do.  I hope your side effects are kind to you, enjoy resting up for a week.

I did the LGFB course last week too.  I was on the Tuesday morning, I was worrying about it and nearly cancelled as can be shy, but it really was lovely to chat to the other women, women the same as me! I highly recommend it.

I had to take a double dose of steroids yesterday prior to the treatment and will have the usual steroids today and the next few days, I am so tired already!

I am ok with doing the injections and have only had mild wild effects from them so far.

Hope every one is doing ok? 
Nik xx

[karzo]

Hi everyone, just thought I'd drop by and see how we are all doing.

I had my fourth round of FEC yesterday and I'm feeling surprisingly ok and very glad to be two thirds through. I felt anxious on Sunday as I didn't want to go. I know how shit it feels the first week ... Like four hangovers at once while I'm on a cross channel ferry in a force 9 gale ( with constipation). So of course, who volunteers for that ... But I told myself to get my eyes on the prize and get on with it. The nurse was kind and let me have a quiet cry, I think it was the anxiety coming out. 

I'm also having the filgrastim injections, I have to get my husband to do it, as I just can't bring myself to stick the needle in. 

Am off work this week so just taking it easy and watching easy happy stuff on TV. 

I went to a Look Good Feel Better webinar \ zoom call about make up last week, it was quite informative but to be honest the best thing was the side chat with the other women on how we feel being bald, how we cope etc etc. Worth doing and free. 

Hope you are all doing as well as can be. Karen

[Beth.Dragonfly]

Thank you for this. I just ordered it from Amazon. ❤️

[KC57]

It's an amazing book Shi , it helped me through my first diagnosis  , covid lockdown and my second diagnosis, its a book every famy should own its timeless , for young children  and adults , its kindness and gentleness will touch you to the core xxxxxx 

[Shi]

KC57 thank you for sharing that ❤️ It will touch and help a lot of hearts ❤️How beautiful ❤️💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[KC57]

Still not sure how to start a new post on here lol 

here goes ,

I found this wonderful book , The boy the mole the fox and the horse by Charlie Mackey 

it has helped me through some tough tough  times , I particularly liked this by the same artist and it’s one for all of us here . 
love to all 💕

[KC57]

Hi Kate 

I thought I had replied to you about the toes but not sure where it went, I'm on Docetaxel and one of the side effects can be hand and foot syndrome , I have had the very painful nail beds it hampers me opening  packets tying shoe laces and I couldn't get a credit card out of my purse in the shop yesterday , now my toes have started hurting my toes next to my big toe are numb and my heels have altered sensation , the skin on my fingers went hard and peeled off and I think the same is happening to my toes as the skin has gone very hard and cracked .

I don't think there is much they can do , keep moisturised ,if you have an open sore contact your team as it could be a root for an infection .

My last chemo has been put back because of my Covid infection to Tuesday so only a few days delay , at least I won't feel rubbish on my birthday , they mentioned a PET scan on completion at my first appt but he said I don't think you need it , I think he saw my face drop behind my mask and asked my concerns , I said my body has let me down twice now and the consultant obviously felt there was some worth as she mentioned it plus I have a lung nodule they were following up , so he agreed to do one and will see me in 6 weeks with results 

Then I'm on my own again no further treatment available for me and this is when my anxiety levels go up and I feel unsafe , barmy I know  but your trust in your body does take a knock 

Upward and onwards ladies every treatment is another ticked off the list 

Love Kim xxxx💕

[Jukat]

Hi Kelli...hope you are doing ok x

The 3rd EC was the worst!! I felt more poorly for longer. My main complaint was the pain 😩 After each cycle I have had an egg sized swelling come up just above the collar bone...the chemo nurse thinks this is remaining lymph nodes and is ok if it goes down, which it does (I had an infection post mastectomy which caused the tissue to fuse and they couldn't get to all the nodes 🤢) ...but after this 3rd cycle my whole upper body felt swollen, not just egg neck! and this seemed to cause so much pain. I think it affected all my lymph nodes and any movement was such an effort....even the port area felt uncomfortable.

So now EC is over thank goodness and it's onto Paclitaxil for 9 weeks. How has this been for you? They keep telling me it is usually better tolerated than the EC and that I may even see some hair growth! 

Onwards and upwards!!

Julia xxx

[Jukat]

@Kate-44 

Hope you are doing well.

The pain in my mouth is more of a sensitivity around the gums rather than mouth sores. The chemo nurse gave me a huge bottle of Corsodyl and recommended Sensodyne. I haven't used the mouthwash but did use the toothpaste and it's partially sorted it.

Blisters under the toes? I have not even read anywhere else of anyone experiencing this. How is it now? I've not had any problems with my feet other than in the day they are freezing....I have had to use a hot water bottle as it's quite uncomfortable.

Battle on Kate!

Julia xxx

[Kelli_41]

Hi Julia 

Happy New year...how are you doing, hope the palpiationd have settled x I'm due my 5th cycle this week ( have had 3 cycles of EC and 2 Paclitaxil...of 12 !! Xx had similar sid3 effects of flushed face, cold extremities hands...and the getting the hubby to shave my hair ..decided against cold cap as oncologist advised it's poor success rate on weekly chemo xx hope your feeling ok xx

[Kate-44]

Julia, sounds like you're having a really raw time of it. My doc prescribed Corsodyl the moment my gums started getting sore and that's been amazing - so far managed to get away with one or two ulcers max and it seems to be keeping at bay what looks like the start of a fissure on my tongue. If you're not taking anything, it may be worth asking for some. Some say it discolours your teeth but I've not found that - especially if you water it down a bit and don't have it every day (like flossing, it's easy to forget or get lazy about!)

Sending mutual sympathy for the fingers. My nail beds feel bruised but, when I banged a finger earlier, it felt exactly as you describe fingers being in ice. 

A question for all - anyone else experiencing blisters under their toes? Thought I needed new shoes but apparently it's another weird and wonderful side effect of chemo!