October 2020 Chemo Starters

[Guest user]

Well I had second chemo on Wednesday and on Thursday morning my hair started to fall out rapidly.  On Friday I had a hideous look where the top of my head was completely bald but I had hair left all round the sides and back.  I got my daughter to shave it off completely and I feel much better.  I got some coconut and argan oil to rub on my head but it's like concrete - had to use a spoon to get it out of the jar.  It was like crayon shavings so it was a bit of a laugh waiting for it to soften so I could apply it.

Anyway I went out shopping and to the allotment in my new wig and people were very complimentary which was a bit of a boost.  Once I knew I was home for the day I took it off - but you do notice the cold!

My daughter says she prefers the 'bald' look to the previous 'skinhead'.  Now where did I put that rubber stamp that says 'Best Before 2020' ........

Take care everyone xx

[Shi]

Hi withers no harm in checking temperature as much as you want and it’s good you are and being vigilant don’t forget even with no temperature if wee burns then rapid response it and same for thrush mouth or thrush down below too (chemo can cause this) keep safe 💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[York-75]

Withers14 I’m sorry you are feeling exhausted. I am OK first thing and then progressively worse from 10.30 onwards. At 8 I could go the school run (walk!) and I took a short drive and if one errand after. At 1pm I walked round the block and felt exhausted and really dizzy. Funny how it affects us all differently and st different times of day. I hope you get a little bit if ‘normal’ time too, gives a boost to feel able to do things even for a short while.

I don’t think there is a rule about temp.. I take mine first thing, then only measure again if I feel different in any way. First 2-3 days I probably checked every couple of hours, now maybe once in the morning and once later in the day.

I hope it settles down for you. Xx

[whiters14]

Glad you’re feeling ok after your first session. It’s good that you’ve managed some cooking. I haven’t managed to do a morning school run as feeling very tired in the mornings.

Has anyone else got thermometer paranoia? How often should I be checking my temperature. Mine is fluctuating and I phoned the unit as it was 37.5 but I was using my own ear thermometer (which I think I’ve overused giving myself a bit of a blocked ear) I knew my excessive worrying would affect this. 

[Allie_A]

I had my first session this Monday.  I did the cold cap which wasn't too bad.  Did get a headache at first and went a bit sleepy.

Sounds like I am getting similar effects to others.  Just tired and a bit nauseous. Not liking the taste of coffee is annoying. Managing to take and pick up my son from school and some cooking but not much else.  

I did the first injection yesterday which I was dreading but was fine.

My treatments are fortnightly so hoping for a few good days before the next one especially as half term next week.  

[Guest user]

Hi Chesterbrownbear,

Had session 2 today - only 40 minutes this time and I felt very relaxed about it.  Like you I had 10 days of manageable side-effects and then felt great, though tired, for the next 11 days.  I'm hoping it's much the same this time.

Horror of horrors I seem to be developing a bald spot 😱

My chemo is being moved to Thursdays so I'm on for the Christmas Eve cocktail too!

Think it's you and Linflo tomorrow - hope it goes well for you both.

NAJ

[linflo58]

Chesterbrownbear 

Had a telephone appointment with the oncologist today. Lasted all of 5 minutes as luckily I had nothing to report. Apart from tiredness in first week I have felt good. I’m currently wearing a cap to try & keep my hair from falling all over. It is a soft turban that I bought last time & didn’t use. It’s definitely coming out with a vengeance, but if that’s my major side effect I can handle it. It’s good to know we have this group for support  throughout this treatment, it will be interesting to see if the chemo will be in our Christmas Eve box! 

We are not missing much with these covid restrictions, hopefully the world will have recovered by the time we do.

Good luck with your treatment x

Linda

[Jojo1447]

Hey Mrsquincey

Well done on the first treatment.

I had my first EC treatment last Friday, not doing the cold cap at my hospital due to covid, but to be honest i dont think i could have coped with that.

I was only there just over an hour and a half in total and to be fair I was ok the rest of that day and the following day Saturday, i did keep on top of the anti sickness meds though i hate feeling sick.

Sunday it hit me, i just had no energy at all kept getting up for an hour then back to bed for a couple.

Monday wasn't as bad but still tired.  Managed half day at work.

After that I've felt fine and been to work as normal.  I want to try to carry on as much as i can within reason, i don't want this thing to overtake my life fully.

I had to start the self injections in the stomach last night, was terrified as i'm a real needle phobe, but i numbed it for an hour first and to be honest didn't feel a thing and to my surprise didn't pass out lol only another 4 more nights of that to go till next round, then i'm guessing have to start it all over again.

Hope you're feeling a little better today, take one day at a time xx

[York-75]

Good luck Chesterbrownbear and Linda for tomorrow!

2 of 6- a third of the way there! 💪🏻

[chesterbrownbear]

Good luck lynflo58, like you I’ve got my 2nd session tomorrow.

babe strong, will be 2 down 4 to go xx 💪💪💪💪💪

[chesterbrownbear]

Hiya not a jockey, like you I’ve got my 2nd session Thursday and I’ve got the willies.  To be fair the last 3 weeks wasn’t too bad, the 1st 10 days were the worst but after that I’ve felt surprisingly good.  Yes it looks like I’ll be having a session on Christmas Eve☹️. Normally as a family we go and pick up the Turkey walk our Labrador and have a meal at a country pub, ( my daughter is 36!) so will have to miss that this year. not heard anything about a wig yet, so I’ll have a word about that tomorrow.  Yesterday had my blood test and then a COVID test, OMG I think the swab touched my brain, perhaps they have to check I’ve still got one 😀😀😀.

Good lunch to you and everyone here, and we will be strong together xxxxxx

[Guest user]

Hi everyone,

Well done to all those of you who have had your first session this week. I hope you soon start to feel as good as new.

I've got my second Fec T chemo tomorrow.  Fortunately my side effects were not too bad though the acid reflux was horrible and I've felt surprisingly tired.  My hair has not fallen out but I guess it will do pretty soon. 

Having got one session under my belt I'm feeling much more relaxed about tomorrow.

From next cycle it looks like I'll be getting my chemo on a Thursday which would mean one on Christmas Eve.  Hmmm.  Maybe someone else can cook Christmas Dinner this year. 🙂

[York-75]

Good work mrsquincey on getting through the first one! 💪🏻
I’m sorry you have been feeling rough.

Keep on top of the anti- sickness meds, I hope you don’t have to suffer too much. 
Hugs to you, it can be exhausting to try to stay strong for these little people sometimes, can’t it. Xx

[York-75]

Withers14, 

well done on getting your first one done!

fantastic that you still managed school pick up, I feel super pleased with each one I manage. 
Today I did both drop off and pick up, but now I feel pretty broken. So be kind to yourself, we need rest to replace all these cells the chemo is killing off! Xx

[jomich50]

Hello everyone I had my treatment plan signed off today and chemo may start November 3rd week or end of next week so thought could sneak in this group.  I am jo had first mammogram mid September and recalled just in time for my 50th birthday  !   So have invasive ductal BC triple negative one tumour 20-24mm approx and a tiny dot one only found after MRI and swollen armpit and some cells grade 3.   Got pre apt next week flu jab done and urgent dents, work next week.  As I am triple they are trying me initialling before any surgery on carboplatin to be done weekly for first half (total 24 weeks) as evidence show this is effective on triple especially with my family history with EC every three weeks. Anyone else has weekly with the EC every three weeks jo xx    

[Jo22]

Hi mrsquincey,

Well done, that's one down.👍 Sounds like you're having a tough time. Rest as much as possible, I slept on and off for nearly a day & a half afterwards.

Thank goodness for cuddles xxxx

[Jo22]

Hi Linda,

Yes I think you are the first and I am a week behind you. I feel great now and no side effects at all to speak of. However i had my wig appointment today via the NHS by phone! The lady texted me a couple of days ago with a few ideas for wigs and colours after I'd sent a few pics of me. So they're posting it to me to try. Lets hope it fits and suits me! I had my hair cut short last week just in anticipation of it falling out but I've gone for a long wig more like the person I was. Whether I'll wear it remains to be seen! Will you go for a wig do you think?

Best of luck for Thursday xxxxx

[Jo22]

Well done Whiters14, another one past their first session!

Sorry you aren't feeling well. My nurse told me to stay on top of the anti-sickness tablets over anything else as they take a while to kick in. My nausea had passed by day 6 and by day 8 I felt normal again which was such a relief.

Its good you managed to walk & pick up your boys, I'm struggling to motivate myself to get outside now the days are getting colder. All I want to do is curl up in a chair.

Hope you feel better soon xxx

[Jo22]

Hi Mrsquincey,

I had my first session on the 8th Oct and just wore some nice jogging pants, t-shirt and long cardigan. I definitely wanted to be comfy & warm as I had the cold cap and it really helped. 

I had a mix of folks in with me but most were older. I offered them all a murray mint & that went down quite well! After that I couldn't get the lady across from me to stop talking 🤣🤣

Best of luck xxx

[Jo22]

Well done York75, that's one under your belt!

xxxx

[mrsquincey]

Heya all. Had my 1st chemo today. Ec. Was there from 9.30 and didn't leave till 3.20

I managed the cold cap it is bloody horrible but if I didn't try I would think what if. 

Car journey back and I did feel ropey so bloody ropey. Literally felt like I was in a taxi the night after a heavy night. 

Feel a little better now back home. 

They told me I couldn't pick my lilun up from school due to infections 😢 but by the time I got in they had a dettol bath and scrub and ready for cuddles with muma

[Jo22]

Welcome Buochs!!

Sounds like you have a tricky decision, what do your team think? Usually they do have an opinion one way or another. But as has already been mentioned we are all different and you have to do what feels right for you. It may take a bit of time to get there but you will.

I had 2x grade 3 IDCs and 2 lumpectomies (diagnosed back in June)  & then they found DCIS so now I'm on EC chemo and then a mastectomy. They absolutely do their utmost to keep your breasts or at least that's what I've found anyway.

All the best & you have found the right place for advice, everyone on here is so lovely.

Jo xx

[linflo58]

Hello everyone 

I think I am ahead in this group, I had my first chemo on 1st October, apart from fatigue the first week, I have felt remarkably well. Have done some decent walking and had a few G&T’s along the way. My second chemo is this Thursday & I’m ready for it! My hair decided to start falling out on Saturday, quite substantially. Luckily have a very thick head of hair, so not noticeable at the moment, but I was surprised at how easy & how much does ‘fall out’. I work in a school, so they will not allow me to go in, although I did feel up to it. I think we should just take each day as it comes, if it’s a good day, make the most of it, if it’s not, put your feet up & let people look after you ( that’s the hardest bit for me) .

Good luck to everyone xxxx

Linda

[whiters14]

Hi York75

had my first session yesterday and managed the cold cap it wasn’t as bad as I thought the chin strap was annoying.

was a bit sick during the night and agin this morning feeling tired so had a few naps. My eyes are stinging which is weird. Managed a walk to pick the boys up from school which made me happy. I have a feeling the next few days are going to be unpredictable! 

im glad you are feeling good, I know what you mean about feeling pathetic but I think we’re allowed to take it a bit easier with all that’s going on.

take care everyone 💕

[York-75]

Hi there, 

How is everyone doing?

Hope you are all ok. Some more of you starting treatment this week, I think. Hope you are in good spirits and that is goes well.

I’m on day 4 of cycle 1 of nab-paclitaxel, and not feeling too bad, although some new symptoms keep cropping up. I now have bleeding gums when I brush my teeth, so time to get those super soft toothbrushes and the salt water rinse out.

I also have a rash on both thighs and itching, so was relieved to find that an antihistamine was allowed. I also use aveeno moisturiser, which seems to help.

In the morning I have more energy, so I have been able to take my daughter to school and do some jobs, but come 10.30 I’m tired and achey and might even need a nap after lunch! I feel I’m being a little pathetic, I’m not used to being ill. 

Gang in there everyone, hope you all have a great day. Xx

[Shi]

Bouchs123 ❤️ Has your team advised which type of bc you have? Remember your team have seen it all before and will know what to do ❤️ Use the number on here and speak to a nurse they could give you ideas of questions to ask and you can make your decision on what’s right for you ❤️ But do everything for you and what’s right for you, it’s your body ❤️ I had therapeutic mammoplasty so if that’s option do get levelled up at same time, I didn’t and wish I’d had them levelled up all at same time. I can have the other levelled up when I want but my headspace is just about getting there now, I just wanted to go out and enjoy everything after treatments that I didn’t want another op, but you will be surprised how quick your body heals ❤️ It’s amazing 👍 think most people are 😳💩😳💩 when you hear chemo but think of it this way it’s extra doctor on inside 🥊🥊🥊 anything that might have escaped 🥊🥊🥊 break it down into cycles it does make them go quicker and tick them off, I had post it up in kitchen and thermometer nearby and bat phone to rapid response and called them if I had any concerns, your team appreciate you being vigilant ❤️💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[mrsquincey]

Thank you shi. My family have spoilt me rotton with bits from m and s etc. I was a florist before so no one wanted to get my flowers cos they just arent special like that to me. I have the softest cardy and jumper from marks so i think its gonna be my chemo outfit that i will only wear for that. Thank you so much x 

[Shi]

Mrs Quincey I had some nice comfy clothes from Zara and pair of uggs so snuggly comfy during chemo 👍 and make up and I had a perfume that I just wore specifically for chemo one I’d not had before and would not wear again after, didn’t want any of my favourite perfume reminding me of chemo if that makes sense. When having treatments I just used to speak and say has anyone experienced whatever it was I wanted to know about and luckily where I was everyone was more than happy to give tips and tricks everyone was in it together and you pass the knowledge on when others ask ❤️ 💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[Guest user]

Hi Buochs

I was diagnosed in July - the day before my 60th birthday - and I just wanted the tumour removed as quickly as possible with the least amount of messing around, so I didn't opt for reconstruction.  I had surgery in August and at the follow up appointment the pathology results showed it was grade 3 with some cells identified in one lymph node.  I had been told if it was in the lymph nodes I would be taken back in for more surgery to remove them but at the follow up that had been changed to dealing with the lymph nodes via radiotherapy as the outcomes were no different.  I was absolutely certain I wanted a mastectomy and my surgeon was happy to do what I wanted.  The chemo has not been anywhere near as bad as I feared and I was terrified beforehand.

Everyone here will feel differently about their situation and you have to decide what you can live with afterwards.  I haven't been fitted for a prosthesis yet but the 'comfy' I'm using looks fine and no-one would know.  I do have to make sure the dog doesn't see it or she will soon have all the filling out of it.

Get as much information as you can from professionals or other women about reconstruction if that is what you are considering.  This site is great for information.  Try to stay away from google.  Whatever you decide, good luck.

NAJ

[mrsquincey]

Hey buochs. 

Oh its all so daunting isnt it. I think i can speak for everyone that none of us can tell you what is best for you and your cancer. 

I have a grade 3 cancer stage 2b with no spread that is 3.5cm. I also have dcis in the same breast in two other areas. 

I will be having chemo first then a Mastectomy  with reconstruction at the same time. Is this the best for me ? im not sure tbh. In my head im like bloody hell cut both of them off and get it over with. However I am starting to trust my team. They are the professionals, they have the best idea. We are special but they have seen our type of cases time and time again. 

I am, looking forward to seeing what road you take that you and your heart is happy with x

[mrsquincey]

Lol shi I think its the flooring in hospitals that made it worse cos i felt like i was clip clopping for miles just walking to reception. I did try to make eye contact but everyone was reading or chatting to themselves so i just stared out the window.

I did meet a lovely lady whilst i was waiting on my mammogram though but her treatment was over 10 years ago so from what she was saying everything seems to have changed. 

I was wondering what to wear for chemo. I normally make an effort but i think i will need comfort more than anything x 

[Buochs123]

Hi

I was diagnosed late September and saw my the doctor a couple of weeks ago who informed me I have grade 3 invasive breast cancer with a small spread into my Lymph nodes under my left arm. I was told my options which were ne-adjuvant treatment using chemo to reduce the tumour and so being able to conserve the breast all being well that the tumour shrinks enough for them to do it. The alternative a Mastectomy followed by the chemotherapy. My first reaction was to go for the Mastectomy but I am now beginning to have second thoughts, is it better to go for the chemo 1st so hopefully keeping most of my breast. It's so hard trying to make the right decision. I go for my pre-op on Monday so I am aiming to discuss things with my team, this is the 1st time since my diagnosis I have been able to do any kind of research at all and studying my options a little more than giving my decision straight away to the doctor on that horrible day of diagnosis. Some people seem so clear on which road they wish to go down but unfortunately I don't feel like that at all. I am frightened of chemo and its side effects as I think most people seem to be but that is something I am going to have to accept.

I am hoping over the weekend to come to a more positive decision as my op is scheduled for the 28th October, I am fortunate that I have a very supportive husband who will be there for me whichever road I choose to go down. I am so pleased to have found this forum and I would appreciate any feedback I may get from fellow sufferers.

[Shi]

Mrs Quincey 👍for the 4 inch boots, nothing wrong with styling it out 👍 i always had make up on etc during treatments 💄💄 do speak to others if it’s allowed in your unit, everyone is a wealth of knowledge and you find you’ll see same people most of the time during treatments and you are all supporting each other ❤️ It’s like having extra family ❤️ And everyone understands ❤️ 💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[Guest user]

Hi Jojo

I hadn't been warned about the injections either!  Luckily for me my daughter is a teacher and had been trained to inject a diabetic pupil she taught so she popped in every day after school.  I chickened out of doing it myself - I think it's because it goes into your stomach.  I also have three nurses who live within 50 yards of me and I'm sure they would have helped.

Sounds like you had a really stressful day yesterday.

All being well I've got round 2 coming up on Wednesday. 

NAJ

[York-75]

And Mrsquincy, I know what you mean about the age range- I am older than you at 45, but have only seen one other lady under 50 in the last couple of days in the unit.

Some are very frail and elderly, and I feel very bad for them having to go through such a rough time when they are not strong to start with.

But on both days I was there I found almost everyone in surprisingly good spirits, positive, joking, supportive of each other, we even had a laugh some of the time. It is a very curious but somehow also uplifting experience to see so many being so positive in the face of quite hard treatments.

Xx

[York-75]

Hi there,

I had my first chemo yesterday: Abraxane (nab-paclitaxel). I am lucky to get this one because of covid, as usually it is too expensive to prescribe, only usually given if you cannot tolerate the weekly paclitaxel.

They told me it usually gives less side effects, and so far so good! Yesterday and today I have felt fatigued and a bit woozy, but Ok. No sickness or pain so far, fingers crossed. I wouldn’t feel able to drive or do anything complicated, but fine to potter about at home if I take it easy. If it doesn’t get worse I will be very lucky!

I was very worried about the cannula. I am squeamish about needles and they always struggle to get blood from me. To have the best chance of success I drank loads of water in the 2 days running up, and wore double gloves on the way there. They Soaked my hand in warm water and managed the cannula without a problem. I hated having it in, but it was only 1.5 hours in total for me, so not bad. The saline and Abraxane going in felt strange and cold, but not particularly painful.

So I am grateful to have the first round under my belt, and will keep my fingers crossed that I won’t get more side effects cropping up as I go. (Or if I go, that they are manageable.) All the nurses were fabulous and supportive- really keen for me to call with any issues at all, so that was reassuring. 

Hope everyone is doing ok- hope side effects are manageable for those who have started, and that those who are waiting manage your keep the nerves in check. Waiting sucks! Xx

[mrsquincey]

I'm OK with needles and bloods. But my veins just.. They like to hide. Tho they always seem to get there in the end. So yeah hopefully I will be able to push on without one. But if I need one then so be it. I must admit for the short time I was in the chemo unit I really stuck out like a sore thumb. Being 33 and having 4 inch boots on. Everyone else was a much much older ladies (and men). I don't know why this shocked me but it made me get a bit anxious. As silly as tht sounds 

[Jojo1447]

You go girl.

i was terrified of having a picc line being a needle phone the procedure freaked me out but it was really nothing to worry about and they didn’t give me the choice of not having it lol xx

[mrsquincey]

I haven't had a picc line yet they are seeing if I can do it via cannula and then a picc line later down the road. I just feel like the faster I start the faster I can get running to the finish line. And hell yeah I feel like Mike tyson with the amount of fight I am charging at this cancer with. And yes I hope we all win. 

[Jojo1447]

Hi Mrsquincey

You sound very much like me just want to crack on with it now and tick the treatments off.

I had my chemo postponed 1 week should have started last Friday but had to go for a PET scan first which was this morning. I had a nightmare start 8am was my appointment and they said allow 2 hours.  830 the radioactive injection had not arrived.  I ended up going into the treatment room at 845 then had to wait 1 hour for it to take effect.  I just kept clock watching as my chemo appointment was the other side of town and would be pushing it let alone taking the meds i was supposed to 1 hour prior.

The scan only took half hour so i was only half hour late for chemo but they were ok cos i'd let them know and were a little behind anyway.

I wasn't scared or even apprehensive about the chemo and as they say first time they sit with you and explain everything so it flew.  I am a needle phobe but have a picc line fitted however they have dropped that i need to inject myself in the stomach for 5 days starting from Tuesday, not sure how i'll manage that without passing out lol.  But all in all i am putting the scores on the doors as Jojo 1 Chemo 0 I know its very early days but this is a fight and one i intend to get the better of.

Good luck with your treatment hun 

Jojo xx

[mrsquincey]

Hey everyone I finally have a start date for my chemo next Tuesday wooohoo

Had to see my onocolgist today to get my bone scan results and results of calcifications that the mri picked up. 

The calcifications turned out to be dcis so will have to have a mastectomy. 

But no spread at all not even in nodes so I can be thankful for that. 

[York-75]

Thank you Jo22 for the reassurance- glad to hear it has not been too bad.

Everyone in the unit is lovely and the Herceptin injection was fine. I asked to warm it in my hand, which worked well. The nurse was new and very kind, I put the timer on my phone saying it was so I could tell when it would be over, but really it was so we could both see how time was passing and make sure it was fine nice and slow. She did a great job and I feel fine. Have to stay 3 more hours, and seeing other people have chemo. Tomorrow afternoon it will be my turn. 
first treatment- tick! 
Hang in there everyone!

[whiters14]

Thank you Jo and NAJ

I am so glad I found this forum you are all so lovely and are really helping to put my over active mind at ease.

I need to find myself a headband. I am visualing the cold cap as a cold winters morning at the side of the football pitch when you’ve forgotten your bobble hat!! 

I hope you are still feeling good following your first session.

whiters x

[Jo22]

Hi Jane, welcome!

I had 2 lumpectomies (for 2x IDC tumours and some DCIS) with positive margins in July & August but then a high oncotype result in September suggested chemo. I'm having EC every 3 weeks for 18 weeks then a mastectomy Feb/ March next year all being well.

Hopefully you'll get some answers from your oncologist tomorrow and a start date for your chemo.

Best of luck,

Jo xx

[Guest user]

Hi Whiters14

I almost forgot this.  If you're being a good girl and drinking lots of fluids you will almost certainly need to use the loo during your chemo session.  If you're having yours by cannula wear clothing you can deal with one-handed (practice at home first). 😊

NAJ

[Jo22]

Hi Whiters14 & York75

I had my first chemo last thursday and I was really nervous both of the process and the after effects. I am having EC and using the cold cap so it took about 4 1/2 hours in total. The first session is busy you don't get much alone time as they are talking you through everything including your meds to take home which is usually mouthwash and anti sickness tablets. I know other people had others things too depending on their chemo.

Once sat down in your chair (which usually recline) they fit your cold cap. Make sure you have the headband to cover any exposed skin. I had a headband but realised as I have quite a high forehead some bits of skin were still exposed so next time I will take a couple of cotton pads to cover those bits up. I didn't find the cold too bad at all as the room was nice & warm but a blanket is definitely useful. Some people suggest warm socks and gloves but this would have been too much for me and also no-one took their shoes off so I never used mine.

There was a lady coming round offering hot drinks and biscuits and then we were also given lunch. I managed to read a little and caught up on a few messages but apart from that I didn't have time to do much else. I actually felt quite elated getting out of the chair and going home. It hadn't hurt and I felt fine.

I felt OK the first evening, had a proper meal and a good nights sleep despite the PICC line which can be a bit tricky (I now sleep in a long sleeve top to stop it catching). Had some feelings of nausea and tiredness so rested the first day. 2nd day had a morning nap but then ok and 3rd was up and about feeling great. None of this would scare your children as you really don't look ill and you're not in pain. Keep on top of your meds is my best advice. I don't like taking medicine/ tablets most of the time but I ran out of paracetamol and had an awful day 5 with sinus/ achy body pains a bit like flu. Once I'd taken some it virtually disappeared. I also suffer from early morning dizziness, not sure what that is yet.

Wishing you both all the best for your first session, it will go ok but I do know exactly how you feel. Jo xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Linda,

I had the same op in August but my chest isn't as flat as I expected.  It looks a bit 'cornish pasty' like.  The breast nurse said the swelling below the wound is probably a solidified seroma but I don't know if that will disappear in time or not - I certainly hope so.  So far it sounds as if our experiences of chemo have been similar.  I felt grotty days 8 and 9 and apart from occasional heartburn I've been feeling good ever since.  My next chemo is Wednesday all being well but I'm slightly concerned because my foster child has developed a cold so I'm hoping not to catch it from him.  I had my head shaved down to No. 2 on Saturday but like you I haven't lost any hair yet.

Jane - I bought extra large t-shirts to wear in bed after my op.  It was almost impossible to find pjs that buttoned down the front and looked nice so I didn't bother.  I had no pain from the wound but my armpit felt a bit odd and when I did the exercises I could feel the stretch for quite a few weeks afterwards.  All of this is really scary but everyone on here is in the same boat.  Good luck.

NAJ

[linflo58]

Jane

Welcome to this group, hopefully you will find some helpful hints & tips & all round general support. I had my mastectomy & lymph nodes removal mid August & was not as bad as I thought. The biggest shock was the flatness of my chest. You will be a bit sore & stiff to begin with but I found the exercises really help. I had a physio session via video, which again was very helpful. I was impatient for the chemo to start, but they give you about 6 weeks to heal, so I made the most of the last couple of weeks, whilst I felt well. You may well have scans & tests to keep you occupied. I’ve had one chemo session 2 weeks ago. I was on the ward less than 2 hours & apart from general fatigue, which peaked about day8, I’m feeling really good. I was given a ‘prescription’ for a wig, so would hold back buying one yet. Thought about the cold cap but then thought it wasn’t guaranteed so declined the ‘brain freeze’, but each to their own. I haven’t lost any hair yet, but it is early days. I was given a prostheses which is really comfortable, I have surprised myself by wearing it every day, it feels very natural. 

Good luck, & stay positive.

Linda x

[aqua76]

Hello Ladies!

A new starter here - very early days, but having had mastectomy surgery postponed twice, I'm now meeting with oncologist Friday and hoping I'll be getting started next week! Everything seems to have been dragging.

No idea what I will be getting or for how long so just need to go with the flow!

All a bit scary but i've been far more positive and realistic about this whole nightmare than i would have expected, so just want to crack on!

Jane x

[York-75]

Whithers14,

I know exactly what you mean, I have Herceptin tomorrow and first chemo on Friday. I can’t wait to get first ones ticked off the list, but I’m nervous about my 6 year old girl seeing me poorly.

She knows I have cancer and needs treatment that will make me ill for a bit and make my hair fall out, but I don’t think she can really imagine what it will be like, and I don’t want her to scared.

she has been talking to her friends at school: ‘None of the other mummies are having chemo?’ She finds it hard that this makes me different. 😔

But saying that, kids are more accepting than we think of situations- she saw both her granddads deteriorate in nursing homes without too much upset- if we are as normal as we can be about the situation, they soon get used to things being different. I hope!! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻