October 2017 Chemo Starters

[SueW]

my current hair sorry dnt know how to turn it round ha ha

[SueW]

Thanks ladies I am fortunate that my hubby bought me 1 wig and my mom bought the other x I will get a free one when I meet chemo nurses too my hubby said it will be like getting a new wife with each one I wear lol xxx at the moment my hair is bright pink for bc awareness before the shave x just me kicking back this crappy disease might have knocked me sideways but I refuse to let it knock me down xx

[Sue C]

Hi Sue and welcome.

You've raised a fantastic amount for MacMillan! Well done you!

Glad you're feeling so positive. Let me know if you have any questions.

Sue xx

[Patchworkgirl]

And by the way how brilliant raising that amount of money! 

[Patchworkgirl]

Hi SueW, good luck with your own treatment.  You are winning me on the wig stakes, the wig salon attached to the hospital is a charity and they only had one longer hair wig in when I went for a fitting having sold the others so some more have been ordered for me to try.  Love your positive attitude, mine is on the whole positive, nerves are jangling a little bit now it's closer to.  

[SueW]

That should have said head held high 😄

[SueW]

I have been offered cold cap but declined it as my sister and myself doing brave the shave on 9th October and so far we have raised £1200 for Macmillan’s x I have 2 wigs ready and will wear them with my hair held high and a positive smile x good luck to all getting ready to start x

[SueW]

Hi all I will be starting chemo on ...,,, Friday 13th October good job I’m not superstitious lol xx

[Patchworkgirl]

Hi Cw1895, first off sending you a virtual hug as not surprised you are anxious, it's a horrid time.  I hope your side effects aren't too debilitating  with you having such a young family.  I was given a list of side effects today at my pre assessment, I felt less stressed after the appointment as the nurse explained what they could do to help me with them.   All the best to you with your own treatment.  

[Patchworkgirl]

Thank you very much Sue, been to my pre assessment today and have been given anti sickness tablets and mouth wash.  My hospital won't give me the cold cap I did ask.  I am having my hair cut short in preparation.  Will check out the September thread for the list, thank you! 

[Patchworkgirl]

Thank you for the info Angela.  I did ask about it but apparently my hospital doesn't use cold capping.  

[Sue C]

Hi Patchworkgirl and Cw

Welcome to the thread. Sorry that you've found yourself here, but hopefully we can all help each other through it.

My chemo was slightly different to yours, but there does seem to be common side effects throughout. The first week is the hardest, when fatigue is certainty a challenge. Sickness and nausea can also occur, but this can be treated, so let your team know if this a problem.

I didn't get neuropathy and it is not mentioned much on this site, so I would assume that it is quite rare, so hopefully you will be fine.

Hair loss happens at about 3 weeks after treatment starts. Its a good idea to think about how you are going to deal with it. Wig or scarf? Have you considered cold capping? It's not something I did, but there are other threads on here that specifically deal with that. If you have long hair, it may be worth getting it cut short, because when it starts to shed, it does make a mess. It is upsetting, but there is no getting round that I'm afraid. Its just dealing with it as best you can.

Try to prepare for the first week as much as possible. Eg, stock up the fridge, get the washing done and make sure you've got all the meds at hand that you may need. If you can get child care at all, I would advise it for that week. If anyone offers help, then accept it! This is the time to let others help!

On the Sept thread, some ladies have put on there a list of things that you may need, so its worth a read ( its right at the start so you will need to keep scrolling down!) .

Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions.

Sue xx

[feelthefear]

Hi patchworkgirl. I’m popping over from the July starters thread. Just want to ask if you’ve considered cold capping? You basically wear an ice cap on your head during chemo to protect your scalp from the treatment.
I’m due my 5 th chemo tomorrow and haven’t lost any hair. And I’m not alone, there are others who’ve also kept all of their hair. Ask your bcn or chemo ward about it. If you decide to go ahead, have your hair cut short so it carries less weight and also have it layered so it’s thin, this will help you to achieve a good fit with the cold cap. If you have any questions, just ask. There’s also a thread on here with lots of info; just search ‘cold cap’.
Angela x

[Cw1805]

Hello. I'm starting fec-t on 2nd October. Feeling pretty anxious as I have a 10 month old and 3 year old to look after so hope I can mange the side affects.

[Patchworkgirl]

Hi Sue, I am starting on Thursday, I go for my pre assessment tomorrow.  Had PICC line fitted last Wednesday.  Already injecting blood thinners because of a clotting condition so hoping I can keep dvt free throughout my chemo treatment.    Having 3 FEC and 3 docetaxal and possibly herceptin (awaiting FISH results).  My main worry is the docetaxal  as I sew and crochet and would hate to get neuropathy really bad where making things becomes difficult.  Losing my hair is going to be upsetting.  Thank you for starting this thread.  Any tips would be appreciated.  

[Sue C]

Hi Ladies

This thread is for anyone who is about to start chemo next week.

Hopefully you can all help and support each other as you go through your treatment.

I had chemo last year, so I will try and help as much as possible. If you have any questions please ask and if I don't know, I can at least point you in the right direction of who to ask!

Best wishes

Sue xx