September 2018 Chemo Starters.

[Dawn_BCN]

Hello you lovely lot!

I've just caught up on all the posts. I've been staying up in Carlisle for 3 weeks doing radiotherapy with limited Wi-Fi. I've tried to reply a few times using my phone, but the forum kept kicking me out...so frustrating. So, I'm now using my tablet and it seems to be behaving so far, so I hope this reply posts!!!

So, how the devil is everyone?

Jacqs  - I'm so pleased you've had your central line removed now.  I hope the soreness and bruising goes down quickly. That's rubbish about your stomach being so bruised with your injections. Good luck starting work next week. That little bit of normality will do you the world of good, just take it slowly and build up tho. Our bodies have been through so much trauma.

Gaby - I think you taking up running is a fab idea. Is your picc line would healing well? I'm sorry you had such a nightmare getting it out. Thats rubbish you got a clot too. More sodding  injections. I love your kittens, they're super gorgeous.

Lisa - congratulations on starting back at work. I think you and Jacqs are brilliant. Slowly and steady tho. I agree with all of Gaby's comments re your colleagues. Let us know how you get on.

That's great you've booked your holiday to Malta. Don't stress about the weight....once you start at work and are active, it'll come off again.

So, I'm back home and all my rads are done, yipee! Im still having my herceptin injections every 3 weeks and I''ve just started on Letrozole which I'm still concerned about. The side effects look crap, so I'm praying I'll be ok on them. I didn't finish all my chemo...even the weekly paclitaxol gave me nerve damage on my hands and feet so they stopped the last one. Radiotherapy went well and my skin is ok, if a little red. I'm slapping on the gel they gave me and it's good stuff. I stayed up in Carlisle on my own for the first week which was horrible, so we took Eve (she's 10) out of school for a week and the next week was half term anyway. It was a lovely 2 weeks with Stu and Eve with me and we made the most of our time up there. I guess that'll be our holiday for the year!! I think we'll just do camping weekends in summer, even in the garden will be fun. We live on West Coast of Cumbria so we have lots of choice in The Lakes for days out. We just need another fab summer!

My hair is growing back like anything. I do like my buzz cut tho, so I might keep it now, it's just so easy. I don't mind rocking the bald look weirdly. Whilst in Carlisle, I did the Looking Good Feel Better course. Oh my, I drew on eyebrows and they just looked like a couple of slugs. It did make me laugh lots. I had no eyelashes for the mascara either!

My weigh is driving me nuts, so I'm trying to be sensible with my eating habits. Now I'm getting more energy, I'm starting to cook more. AND...I had a little ride out on my bike for the first time in forever it seems. It was only up our lane but I felt like I was gonna have a heart attack and my legs were killing ... I'm incredibly unfit now, but I'm determined I'll get there. Oh, and i went to my yoga class on Monday. There was so much i couldnt do, but it was nice to go and see everyone, and the relaxation bit at the end was lovely! 

Hope you all have a lovely day. Lots of love and congratulations everyone,  we're finally on the way to getting our lives back to some new normality. Love Dawn xxxx

[Jacqs]

Hi Ladies,

Hope you are all all doing well & have made the most of the lovely weather - it was so nice.  I’ve been on a few long walks, but unfortunately it looks like it’s going to turn cold again, so it’ll be back to the woolly hats.

I had my central line removed yesterday.  It’s a little sore & badly bruised but thankfully it’s out & I can now look forward to a couple of months without weekly hospital trips.  

Gaby - sorry to hear you had a bad experience getting your picc line removed.  I’m also on blood thinning injections - hope you’re managing ok with them.  It’s not great having to inject every night but only 25 more days to go for me.  Can’t wait - the bruising on my tummy is severe.

Lisa - i’m also planning on going back to work next week.  Part time hours to see how I feel.  It will be nice to have that sense of normality back.  The next couple of months will be busy for us with Easter coming up, so hope I can keep up.

Take care all xxx

[GabyF]

Hi everyone,

I have emerged from my last ever chemo fog, picc line wound is healing nicely, the sun is shining and the flowers are coming out - what more could I ask for! 

Lisa: I wasn't quite up for celebrations at the weekend, but we had a couple of nice walks in the sun and all now feel very positive. I think I shall wait a couple of weeks before toasting myself with some bubbly. As for that diet, well, yes, I need to do that too  I've decided (I think?) to take up running - I hate running, actually!!! - but everyone I see in the park who is running looks fabulous, so I think I shall give it a go. My daughter and I have decided to do the NHS Couch to 5K programme, very slowly, and with a lot of couch to start with  I shall invest in some good trainers and hopefully the pain of spending that money will keep me going for a bit! I'm so impressed that you're going back to work. It seems a very sensible idea to start part-time and to build up slowly. I'm sure everyone will be so pleased to have you back and presumably those colleagues who need to know what's happened have been told. As for the rest, maybe just play it by ear - if they ask and you feel up to it, tell them, if they don't ask, well, maybe leave it for now. You have enough to deal with re-adjusting to work to worry too much about what other people are thinking. You should be very proud of yourself to have got through the last few months and to be at a point where you can return to work! I think it's fantastic and I'm sure your family and friends think so too.

Hope everyone is doing well and getting a chance to enjoy this amazing weather.

Gaby x

[Lisa-T]

Good morning ladies,

We’ve all gone a bit quiet! Hoping that means we are all busy doing lots of lovely things ❤️💪🏻

Gaby - ooh ouch that sounds really painful - hope you you are feeling brighter now. Did you celebrate at the weekend? I celebrated a little too much 😂 but had a fab night with family. Now the diet starts today 😞

I’m starting work on Monday ... just 12 hours a week to begin with ... will see how I get on. Really nervous as a lot of people at work don’t know why I have been off. I don’t look like the old me so they are in for a shock 😜. I am looking forward to getting back to a bit of normality though and I’m hoping work will give me that. 

Hope you all have a lovely week ❤️ Lisa xx

[GabyF]

Thanks Lisa and Jacqs!

I had a difficult day today, as they still had trouble getting my picc line out. In the end I had to have a local anasthetic which was really painful and they were then able to do something or other - I didn't loo, as there seemed to be lots of blood! - and got it out. Now, however, I've got a small blood clot just below the piccline entry point, so am having to inject blood-thinning drugs for the next 3 weeks, lovely! I spent quite some time in the pharmacy waiting for my prescription and when I got home I had a phonecall from some specialist nurse to say that they need to reduce my dose and so I will need to go and see her on Thursday. I'll probably be feeling the SEs of my last chemo by then, so it's not great timing, but I'd rather have a lower dose, so will drag myself in to King's. Hopefully that will then be it! Time to celebrate at the weekend I think 

Hope things are going well with everyone. I've slightly lost track as to which stage everyone has reached, but it's so lovely that we're all emerging from all this tough treatment and can now start to think about rebuilding our lives.

Gx

[Jacqs]

Fantastic news Gaby.  It is a really emotional thing - I had a good cry the day I finished.

Hope you recover well from this round.  Get plenty of rest then when you’re feeling a little stronger make sure you have a little celebration to mark the end of it.

Enjoy those little kittens & take care.

Jacqs xxx

[Lisa-T]

Ahh fantastic Gaby - well done - you did it 💃🏻🎉🥂 No more chemo ... it’s a really good feeling 😘 something that seemed a really long way off when we all started in September. Everyday you will get better and no more counting down to the next cycle 💪🏻❤️

Hope you managed an end of chemo dance before you fell asleep 😜 Take it easy over the next few days and rest ... big hugs ❤️ Lisa xx

[GabyF]

Hi everyone,

I had my last chemo today!!!!!! And, like most of you, I rang the bell and ran!!! I didn't realise there is an actual bell for us to ring in the chemo ward - I'm evidently not very observant and strangely enough haven't heard anyone use it before, but I jolly well did use it, nice big hearty ring! Everyone clapped and I started crying, so legged it before things got too embarrassing . I've got to go back tomorrow morning to have my picc line taken out. They tried today, but for some weird reason it got stuck?! Apparently this can happen, if your vein goes in to a spasm, so hopefully it will relax over night and they can then just pull it out. In a way I'm pleased, because one of my favourite nurses wasn't in today, so I couldn't say goddbye to him, but hopefully he'll be in tomorrow. I got some chocolates and biscuits for the nurses, and gave them a card and lots of hugs, but really I wish there was something more meaningful I could have done for them. I could not have got through these last few months without their incredible kindness and humour, and skill of course.

Anyway, I've done it!!!!! Just have to get through the next few rubbish days, but at least I know this is the last time. Am getting rather tearful again, as I am writing this. But they are tears of joy. In fact, If I wasn't feeling a bit tired, I would do an "end of chemo" dance or something, but maybe I'll do that next week, once I'm over the worst side effects. 

Hope everyone is ok.

Gx

[Lisa-T]

Thanks Kip xx I bought some conditioner from a wig shop on Saturday so hoping that will help make the wig last a bit longer 🤞 They also steamed my wig for me which seems to have done the trick for now 😊. Lisa xx

[Kip]

Hi Lisa T, sorry to jump into your thread,. I saw your post about conditioning uour wig,. I had some specific cknditioner from the wig shop tk use which kept mine soft,  have  you had any?   I also had wig shampoo too.. you can probably get some on line too.

kip

Xx

[Lisa-T]

Lovely to hear from you Kath xx

My hair is also really patchy and there is too much white for my liking (I’m 43). As long as it comes back though🤞 - we can dye it after 6 months 😉 

I’ve put on a lot of weight too ... my diet and any exercise I used to do has completely gone out the window! With everything that we’ve been through I don’t recognise the person in the mirror anymore. My goal for losing weight is May ... I’ve booked a week holiday to Malta 😎 Will hopefully be ditching the wig then too (or at least just for the holiday) Enjoy your weekend. Lisa xx

[Lisa-T]

Ahh no that is so annoying Jacqs - hope you manage to get it sorted soon!  Enjoy your weekend with your sister ... the diet can definitely wait!

I’m visiting family this weekend too, my Mum and 2 sisters, who all live close to each other. We are having a big celebration meal as I missed Christmas and New Year with everyone 🎉🥂 Diet is definitely (definitely this time and no excuses) starting after I’ve been to see everyone 😜 

On a different issue ... the ends of my wig now look like the frizzy hair you see on an old barbie doll 🙈😱 ... tried washing it with fabric softener but does anyone have any other tips? Maybe it’s time for a new one 😜

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend ❤️ Lisa xx

[Kath1977]

Evening Everyone 

Sorry haven't been on for ages, I have been reading all your posts. 

Just want to give you an update. 

My oncologist came to the decision to stop my chemotherapy early due to chemo causing me nerve damage to my hands and feet. 

I now have a few weeks before my radiotherapy starts middle of March. 

I have been reading your posts about your hair or lack of it. I am so glad I am not on my own. What is this fluffy stuff on top of my head!! It doesn't even feel like hair and its grey!!!! I'm 41.... 😮😮😮😮😮 

And I look ridicolous as it's patchy. I have two bald patches on front of my head so look like a receding middle aged man. 

Am also trying to lose the 2 stone I have put on while on chemo. I'm asthmatic so can't do too much but have been out walking every other day and making sure I'm doing 10,000 steps and also doing a fitness video at home. 

Hope you are all doing ok and all have a good weekend. Xx

[Jacqs]

Hi Lisa,

So glad to hear you’re finished with rads.  Hope it doesn’t get too sore. 

You do keep thinking that as each area of treatment is over that it’s all finished, but unfortunately it’s never that simple.  I’m 8 weeks past chemo & almost 3 weeks past my bisphosphonate treatment, but still have my central line in.  Have been ringing different depts each day this week to chase up appointment to have it removed, but still nothing.  Very frustrating 😬

As the weather was so lovely yesterday, I went for a 2 hour walk but am suffering for it today.  Everything aches! I think it’s going to take a long while getting back to a better level of fitness. Haven’t psyched myself up to dance fitness classes just yet.  I’m going to spend the weekend with my sister in Cambridge so maybe will just have another weekend relaxing before getting my fat butt in gear.

Have a lovely weekend all.

xx

[Lisa-T]

Morning ladies,

Ahh Gaby, Ollie and Luna are gorgeous 😍 (fab names too) - I’m sure they will give you all a much needed boost and distraction to the last few months when they cause the chaos that all kittens do 😉Pleased you are feeling better too. 

Haven’t heard the tip that brushing helps to encourage hair growth but I’m in! Willing to try anything 😂 Although my daughter looked at me like I had gone mad when I sat brushing my hair (or lack of it) last night. 

MBJ, good luck with your treatment next week ❤️💪🏻 Everyone reacts differently to treatment but you can do this and you will get through it. Sometimes it’s the thought of what is happening and the unknown that is worse than the actual treatment. Try and focus on just one treatment at a time and keep a diary of SE as they will follow a pattern - you will then know when your rubbish days are on your next one. Drink plenty of water too. Will be thinking of you next week 💪🏻😘

Jacqs, pleased you had a lovely weekend away. Well done on winning the dance fitness class - you just need to go now 😉 I really need to start looking at my fitness and diet as my weight has piled on 🐷🙈

I finished my last radiotheraphy yesterday 🛎🛎🛎 all felt a bit strange but it was a really good feeling. All went ok but I have started to go a bit pink and the nurse said it might get itchy and sore in next few weeks. There was me thinking that was it 😂 not so lucky! Had a lovely lunch out afterwards and then a few drinks last night to celebrate. 

Hoping you all all have a lovely week ❤️ Lisa xx

[GabyF]

Hi ladies,

I'm feeling so much better - those antibiotics must have been super strong. In the past I have always avoided antibiotics whenever possible, but now I am very grateful for them!

Jacqs: We lost our 13-year old cat the day before my diagnosis. How odd that we should both have lots our old pets at such a similar point. It was defintiively the worst week of our life as a family. Originally I told my children that we would get a new cat once all my treatment was complete, i.e. sometime late summer 2019, but then my daughter reminded me that she would be at uni by then and possibly not living at home, and my son also looked so disappointed, so I of course changed my mind in about 2 seconds! 

MBJ: I'm sorry that you are feeling so scared about chemo. I think we all felt that way before the treatment started. It is the fear of the unknown that makes it all so awful. I can only speak for myself, but once I actually started chemo, I felt more in charge and no longer at the mercy of the cancer. Throughout I have tried to keep the endgoal in sight - getting rid of this blasted tumour. I have of course had some really rubbish days and weeks. Chemo is defintively not easy, I'm afraid. But having this forum as a space to sound off, moan and voice my anxieties has been a huge help. Make use of your Feb thread - the support you will get from everyone there really makes a big difference. Is anyone coming with you for your first chemo? It's good not to be on your own. Also, I hope you have a good BCN - s/he too should be a good support, both in terms of giving advice and helping you through any any emotional issues. If there's one thing I have learnt through all this, it's to ask for and to accept help more readily. I like my independence and usually like to do things for myself and in my own way, but sometimes that has not been possible and I've had to learn to voice my needs much more openly and to put my needs first, at least occasionally. The nurses on the chemo ward have also been a god-send. Perhaps I am lucky, but the chemo ward team at King's iin London are highly professional, kind, caring and have a great sense of humour. I couldn't have done this without them and I really hope that you have a similarly wonderful team to look after you. I wish you much strength and love for your treatment.

Gaby x

[MBJ]

Hi GabyF

I love your new kittens they look so sweet. But as a cat lover and mum I know looks can be decieving. I am in the February thread starting chemo next week, scared to death to be honest. You have to be so careful all the time and even when you are sometimes it's not enough, AE staff obviously did not take your cold seriously enough. The worst is you suffered for longer and this journey is hard enough as it is. Enjoy you kittens, they will son grow into beautiful cats. 

[Jacqs]

Hi Ladies,

Just back from our weekend away in Nottingham.  It was lovely to get away & do normal things for a change.  Although I have to say my fitness levels are shocking - a couple of days walking around & i’m exhausted.  

We went to a charity evening on Saturday & I won a 1 month unlimited pass to a dance fitness class.  Definitely need to give it a go.

Gaby - feeling very envious of you with your new kittens.  I lost my 15 year old kitty the day after I was diagnosed & have spent last 9 months telling myself I wouldn’t get another.  They are so much fun though and bring so much happiness.   Hope your cold is feeling better.

My head has been very itchy over last couple of days - i’m hoping that’s because of growth.  I’ve got a fine covering all over now.  Cutting it a little while ago seems to have encouraged growth.  

Hope you’re all doing well this week.

jacqs xx

[GabyF]

Good morning lovely ladies,

I've been a bit quiet the last few days - have had my first, awful cold while on chemo. Developed a slight temperature on Saturday, so being the good girl I am, I trapsed in to A&E to get assessed. I spent 5 hours there, only to be told that my bloods were fine and as my temperature was not particularly high (37.8C), I should just go home. No antibiotics, nothing. By Monday, I was feeling far worse, phoned acture oncology, who hauled me in to the chemo ward immediately, put me on an antibiotics & saline drip, and didn't let me go home, until my heart rate & temperature were back to normal. I slept like a log last night and am feeling SO much better this morning - I love my chemo nurses! 

This morning I have spent cat-proofing our house. We collected two gorgeous kittens, Ollie and Luna, from a charity on Sunday and they love cables - help!! 

They look innocent, but they are actually incredily cheeky, as all good kittens should be. Ollie and Luna have put a big smile on all our faces and it has been lovely to watch our kids looking so happy!

I saw a note on the August 2018 thread about brushing hair to encourage growth - has anyone tried or heard of that? I haven't got more than 2-3mm of growth on my head yet, but gave it a go this morning anyway. Quite nice feeling, bit like a head massage, and so nice to actually use a hairbrush for the first time in months!

Hope you're all having a reasonable week.

Gx

[KEENO72]

Thanks Lisa! Still hanging in there keeping busy!! 

Re the hair it will catch up mine was thin on top also.....my eyelashes just arent playing ball though! 

Lots of love

Hxxx

[Lisa-T]

Lovely to hear from you Helen - pleased your head hair is coming back well. Mine still isn’t growing back as much as I would like (maybe I’m expecting too much 😬) - it’s growing at sides and back a bit but still quite sparse on top ... not a great look 😂 

Sorry you’ve had a rubbish few days - it’s so frustrating when treatment gets delayed. You will get there tho ... stay strong ❤️ 💪🏻 Really hope you get positive results soon and can keep your new boob. Make sure you take it easy 😘

Hope you all have a lovely Sunday.

Big hugs. Lisa xx

[KEENO72]

---

@Lisa-T wrote:

Afternoon ladies,

Hope you are all doing well this week ❤️

I’m completely losing all track of the days at the moment but it’s nearly the weekend whoo hoo - will be pleased to not have to go to the hospital for a few days.

Great news that you are coming to the end of chemo Gaby - it’s a strange (but fantastic) feeling. We are getting there 💪🏻 Not surprising you were emotional - it can catch you off guard at times can’t it. I was in tears driving to hospital thinking about the end of rads and ringing the bell! Hope I won’t be a blubbering wreck on the day 😂 

Jacqs, hope the facial hair is now under control 😜 Weekend away sounds fab - hope you have a lovely time celebrating hubbys birthday. 

Lisa xx

---

Hi all! 

Ive not been on for a while and it took me a while to get through all the posts! Hair appears to be the main subject! My head hair is going like the clappers the grow gorgeous is good I do have an array of colours! I have devided to just let it grow until there's enough to have it cut properly as i have some long bits and the rest needs to catch up! 

I had a shock when I discovered my leg hair had grown without me knowing!!! I had been back to work for a couple of days with black tights on luckily! 

Eye brows and lashes not keeping up with the rest but yes I can see a hairy face starting to appear most bizarre! 

Anyway Ive not had a good few days....I had the piece of skin removed and then a shock to all  when the margins werent clear enough so  i was wipped back in for a further removal of 1.5 cms of skin and while at it they decided a full axillary clearance would be best rather than radio on armpit....so I now have the drain back in a huge scar and am playing the waiting game to see if its now clear.....if it isnt then the new boob has to go!! My rads have been delayed and  i feel like a major step back I so  hope Its back to positive news soon....

Keep the posts going all and keep positive..........

Helen xxxxx

[Lisa-T]

Afternoon ladies,

Hope you are all doing well this week ❤️

I’m completely losing all track of the days at the moment but it’s nearly the weekend whoo hoo - will be pleased to not have to go to the hospital for a few days.

Great news that you are coming to the end of chemo Gaby - it’s a strange (but fantastic) feeling. We are getting there 💪🏻 Not surprising you were emotional - it can catch you off guard at times can’t it. I was in tears driving to hospital thinking about the end of rads and ringing the bell! Hope I won’t be a blubbering wreck on the day 😂 

Jacqs, hope the facial hair is now under control 😜 Weekend away sounds fab - hope you have a lovely time celebrating hubbys birthday. 

Lisa xx

[GabyF]

Hi Jacqs,

You really made me laugh last night with your mention of lip hair and bellies, thank you!! After reading about your rather annoying lip hair, I looked at my face properly in the mirror and realised that mine had at some point fallen out and I hadn't even noticed. Now, thanks to your warning, I'm on high alert for any monster regrowth  I hope you manage to get yours under control!

On my way back from seeing my oncologist just now I had a little cry of complete relief. He's booking me in for an MRI and to see the surgeons in just a few weeks and I won't see him again until after surgery. As I was walking home through the park, I suddenly realised that this means I really am coming to the end of chemo. Then the birds all starting tweeting around me and well, tears started to flow! Haven't cried for weeks and I actually felt really happy, crazy!

Hope everyone is having a reasonable week.

Gx

[Jacqs]

Hi Everyone,

Good luck for your meeting tomorrow Gaby & hope the swelling in your boobs improves.  I think the general feeling of being bruised n battered is down to our bodies just being low & protesting at everything they’ve been put through, but still not easy to deal with.

I am pleased with the progress on hair growth front - with huge exception of top lip hair.  Think that’s growing faster than anywhere else on my body and have just invested in a slimline epilator for facial hair today.  Lip hair longer than head hair & belly bigger than boobs isn’t a look I’m aiming for 🤪🤣

So tomorrow morning is to go for good long walk before breakfast then come home to do lip defuzz.

Have booked weekend in Nottingham for hubbys Birthday this coming weekend.  Will be able to spend some time with my stepdaughter too which will be lovely.  Looking forward to getting back to little more normality.  

Little Pixie - hope rads are going well.  Get through this week and you’re more than halfway ❤️

Have a good week all xx

[GabyF]

Morning everyone,

I think I'll have to brave the camera and get a photo of myself up here as well! Haven't let anyone take a photo of my for a few months now, but will see if I can do it myself on Monday (in peace and quiet ). It is really nice to be able to put faces to names.

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement with the injections. I've now done 3 and they're actually not bad at all. It's just the thought of putting a needle in myself that's the problem. But it doesn't hurt, so I have stopped making such a fuss about it! I am getting a lot of aches with these injections though - feel weirdly bruised all over my back and arms - and my boobs seem a little swollen. Am seeing my concologist on Tuesday, so will just check this with her.

Very interesting about your stubble, Jaqcs. I will have a chat with my hairdresser next week and probably get rid of my fluff. It's so nice to be able to feel something growning on my head, finally. My old eye brows have now mostly fallen out and new ones are growing - yippee! Have also got a load of short new eye lashes. Nothing on my legs yet (good! ) and no pubic hair yet either. Oh well, can't have it all.

LittlePixie: hope your first few days of rads have been ok and that you managed to get some rest over night.

Jacqs: hope you're starting to feel a bit better. Sounds like you've had a few tough days, but maybe you can get that trip to the Lake District sorted soon to get some lovely fresh air and build up your strength.

Have a good weekend.

Gx

[Lisa-T]

Thanks for the info ktk / Jacqs xx  

Pleased you are over the worst now Jacqs and great news about the stubble. 

Hope you are coping ok with rads / being away from home ALittlePixie ❤️ 

Big hugs ❤️ Lisa xx

[Jacqs]

Hi Lisa & Ktk,

I am feeling much better today thanks.  As Ktk says, it was like a 24 hour flu type of thing.  

As well as strengthening the bones to protect from osteoporosis, they do believe that bisphosphonates help prevent cancer cells from coming back in the bones which is common in triple negative breast cancer. They stress however that you must be postmenopausal - I was borderline, but they still agreed to go ahead with it.

I noticed a little bit of stubble on my lashes today WOOHOO!! 

Its lovely to put a face to a name Little Pixie & Lisa. I’ll have to try & figure out how to do it too.

Have a lovely weekend all.  💗 xx

[ktk]

The bisphosphonate is to reinforce your bones, make them absorb more calcium. It is recommended post menopause to limit osteoporosis. The worst SE could be necrosis of the jaw!!!!  You have an infusion every six months for a couple of years. It also made me feel a bit fluy, but only for 24 hours. Kx

[Lisa-T]

Hope you are feeling better today Jacqs ❤️ What is the bisphosphonates treatment for and how long do you need to have it? It’s rubbish that its making you feel so lousy ... big hugs. Hope you are taking it easy xx

I haven’t got any sign of eyelashes / eyebrows coming back either. Hopefully soon 🤞

Managed to avoid any more mishaps in the car park today 😜 even with all this snow. Haven’t heard anything yet about bump so I’m hoping I won’t now 🤞 

Hope you all have a lovely weekend ❤️ Lisa xx

[Jacqs]

Hi Ladies,

Hope everyone is well.

I finally had my bisphosphonate treatment yesterday.  Blood tests showed I was borderline postmenopausal.  Nurse said it would only be 2/3 more months of having symptoms, then i should be officially postmenopausal, so agreed that the treatment could go ahead.  I woke up feeling like i’d been hit by a bus as my whole body is aching so badly.  

On hair front, I got rid of my hair fluff on Monday.  It was so soft and fluffy and very patchy but does now seem to be more stubbly like real hair.  I’ve got opposite problem to you Lisa - mine is mostly white with a few dark patches.  Still little sign of lash & brow hair though.  Sorry to hear about your bump & hope you don’t hear anymore about it.  

Little Pixie I do hope rads went well today.  Have you got any company whilst you’re away from home? Paul & i we’re thinking of a night away in the Lakes this weekend but will be putting it on hold with the cold weather.  

Gaby Well done on getting your first injection out of the way.  Hope your energy levels pick up soon.

I’m currently looking into CBD Oil.  Have been told by a number of people that it’s worth trying. There’s claims that it stops cancer cells re-occurring and although no evidence to prove this, my last oncologist did say that it has potential for future NHS trials, but for now, I do believe it can improve energy levels and help with aches & pains.  I was asked not to try it whilst going through chemo, but no reason not to try it now. I generally avoid taking any unnecessary meds but can’t be as scary as some of rubbish we’ve put into our bodies over the last few months.  

Have a good evening all.  Stay warm.

xxx

[Lisa-T]

Well done Gaby - first injection done whoo hoo.  The first one is always the hardest - you’ll be an expert soon ❤️ A day of tv / sleep sounds perfect ... it is so cold outside! Big hugs xx

[GabyF]

Morning ladies,

Good luck with today, LittlePixie. I think it's the unknown that is worrying us all about these different treatments. Once you're having it, at least you know you're moving forward. Everyone says that rads are no where near as bad as chemo, so I'm sure you will be fine. How lovely that you OH has been with you to all the treatments. I'm sure he'll be with you via phone and will be supporting you wonderfully through all this from home.

LisaT: what a pain about the reverse parking. Hopefully it won't be too bad and I'm sure the car owner wil be really grateful that you left a note with your details. I'm sure it can be sorted quite easily. We had someone go in to our parked car last December - quite a big dent and no note . You definitively did the right thing.

After a lot of procrastination and a bit of a panic I finally managed to do my first injection last night. Wasn't as bad as I had thought, but I shouldn't have read the very long list of SEs! I needed to read the leaflet to remind myself how to do the injection, but then spent quite some time at night worrying and waiting for all those awful things to happen! I did feel very cold, so put on my electric blanket, only to get a spate of hot flushes , can't win! Am feeling pretty weak today and my appetite has gone (though my stomach is rumbling?!), but so far it's fairly manageable. Another day of telly and sleep I think! 

Hugs to you all.

Gx

[Lisa-T]

ALittlePixie, I was given some QV cream at my first rads appointment - was just told to use that. You will probably get something similar tomorrow. Good luck tomorrow - will be thinking of you. Compared to chemo rads is a breeze ❤️💪🏻 try not to worry xx

Thanks for the tips about the hair Gaby / ALittlePixie ... not heard about shaving it either. I’ve been using lush red shampoo bar as I had seen it on another post. Think I’m just too impatient - I’m expecting it to work miracles 😂 

After another 45 mins delay to rads appointment I managed to reverse into a parked car trying to leave hospital car park today 🤬 ... just what I needed. Left note on the car but there wasn’t much damage ... hoping they don’t contact me 🤞 

Lisa xx

[Dawn_BCN]

Gosh, it keeps posting before I've finished. Must be my fat fingers typing!! I also write lists Gaby....even the little things tire me at the moment, but you're right, it does help to write stuff down and feel like you've got stuff done.

I'm a little nervous about rads tmoz. I'm going up on the train as it's too far for me to drive at the mo, plus the weather/roads are rubbish at mo. I've had my Stu with me to all my treatments/appts since I was diagnosed in June, so it'll be weird to start this part without him. 

Right, gonna try and sleep and not think too much about tmoz.

Night all xxx

[Dawn_BCN]

It posted before I'd finished!!! I'm not sure if it's helping or not but my hair is def growing on my head! I still have no eye brows or lashes tho.

Thanks Gaby. Yeah I'm the same about not bothering to go behind the curtain. Ooh I might ask about shaving my head again...I've not heard that, but I'll ask.

[Dawn_BCN]

Evening everyone

Lisa - thanks for the tips. I'll go bra-less and drink lots. Any particular cream I should use to moisturise with? For my hair, I've bemusing Grow Growth Serum from Grow Gorgeous range

[GabyF]

Morning ladies,

Sounds like we're all having a bit of a rubbish time! I'm feeling quite weak this morning, so am just reading and watching telly. I have made myself a to-do-list, but it just includes things like taking the rubbish out and washing up - just to give myself the feeling that I am doing something useful

Jacqs: I'm so sorry to hear that things are not very easy at the moment. Having to deal with a new oncologist doesn't help in all this, I'm sure. But hopefully she will be keen to get off to a good start with you.

Lisa: My hair has also started to grow back very slowly - it's nice to feel a bit of fluff, even if it's patchy. My chemo nurse recommended that I shave this first lot off to encourage growth. I shall speak to my hairdresser to see what she thinks. Has anyone else had this advice?

LittlePixie: Hope all goes well with your rads. Sounds like you've got all your accommodation well sorted - hopefully that will make the whole experience a bit easier. About showing our boobs - I regularly forget to close the curtain when I have to undress at hospital and have had some funny looks about that from nurses and doctors, i.e. don't you want a bit of privacy?  

Hope everyone gets some well-deserved rest today.

Gx

[Lisa-T]

Hi ladies,

ALittlePixie, So far rads are going ok although travelling is becoming a real pain and I’ve only had 4 sessions 😂 Make sure you drink plenty of water, use cream straight after rads and go braless as much as possible - saw it on another post - it seems to be working for me🤞

Thanks for tips about profile pic - will have a look. My hair is coming in really patchy - it’s not a great look! My hair is also quite dark with some white 😜 mmm that is going to take a bit of getting used to. Do you use any products on yours?

Jacqs, sorry to hear about all your delays ... it’s so frustrating! Hope your pj day watching Luther has cheered you up ❤️

Gaby, hope you are still feeling ok ❤️💪🏻

I managed to have a mooch around the shops and lunch out before my appointment so that cheered me up. Got to have some perks 😜

Lisa xx

[Dawn_BCN]

Hi Jacqs
I'm so sorry to hear all your news about the oncologist, treatment, op, bloods etc. It seems never ending and so bloody frustrating at times. Vegging out and watching Luther sounds like a very good plan. I'm currently eating my body weight in chocolate. I've put so much weight on but right now, I couldn't care less. I just hope I finally get some energy to lose it eventually. I miss cycling with my little family....I'm looking forward to summer and some warmer weather.
Lots of love xxx

[Jacqs]

Hi All.

A Little Pixie - sorry to hear you’ve been feeling so tired.  I would agree that at times you’re body doesn’t feel like your own.  I too have to have a second op to replace the implant I lost to an infection but the surgeon won’t do it till end April / early May.  Good luck with the rads.  Hope it doesn’t take too much of a toll & that you can get through it without any damage 😘 

Lisa - hope you enjoyed your lunch out.  Sod the diet & enjoy 😉.  I might take your advice given to Gaby about injecting into the thigh.  I’ve got another 2 months of blood thinning injections to go & my tummy is so bruised, it’s hard to find somewhere to do the bloomin thing.  

Gaby - hope you’re doing ok - it is exhausting and the only thing is rest as and when needed to get our strength back.  Glad your daughters interview went well & good luck to get for the next ones.  

I went to see my oncologist today, only to find out she has left and gone to another hospital, so saw a new one & I was her first patient.  Tad frustrating to say the least.  Bisphosphonate treatment delayed because my bloods didn’t come back from lab in time.  I went to hospital twice last week and they couldn’t get blood because my central line wasn’t working and they were unable to find a vein that didn’t collapse, so had to go back very early this morning.  May or may not have treatment tomorrow & will now have to wait another 3 weeks before they take central line out.  So have come home, put pj’s back on and am going to veg out on sofa watching Luther.

love to you all 💋 

[Dawn_BCN]

Hi Lisa!
We all seem to spend our lives hanging round hospitals at the mo, don't we? Hope it's going well tho. My breast surgeon said my implant will probably damage, so that'll be another op if it does. They didn't think I'd be having rads so they did it straight after my mastectomy. Heyho.
Ooh lunch out sounds perfect. I'm in my jammies watching Call The Midwife 😂 I live such a rock n roll lifestyle nowadays.
Yes, that's me with the 1cm of hair ringing the bell! I have no idea what colour it's going to be yet...it seems to change daily.
I changed my pic by clicking on my profile and then clicking on the avatar icon and choosing a pic from the gallery on my phone. I'm not very techy but it was surprisingly easy to do and it worked!
Right, I'm off back to crying at the TV. The show always makes me cry!!!
Xxx

[Lisa-T]

Good morning ladies,

Lovely to hear from you ALittlePixie - sorry to hear you are still feeling rubbish. Good luck with rads on Thursday. Travelling each day and hanging about for the appointments is such a pain so it’s good you can stay in Carlisle 😊 I’ve not got an implant so can’t advise on that but hope there will be no damage. Love the photo by the way ❤️ - lovely to put a face to the name. Need to work out how to do that 🤔

Pleased you are taking things easy Gaby ❤️ 💪🏻

Could do without this snow forecast today but I’m going to try and have lunch out with a friend before my next rads appointment. The diet will have to wait (again 😜) Lisa xxx

[Dawn_BCN]

Morning Gaby
Good you've slept and feel a tad better this morning. Keep taking things easy - I'm doing the same!
The hospital have put me up for the week and a bit in a guest house (it's a 3 hr round trip otherwise) and I've booked an Airbnb place as well for a change of scenery! People say its the travelling that's the hardest. I hope the journey for you isn't so busy and stressful when you start too. Had a man for my planning session....I literally show my boobs to anyone nowadays 😂 We did have a good giggle about it all. You really need a sense of humour!!!
Lisa - how are you finding the rads so far? Hope it's all going OK.
Lots of love to everyone x

[GabyF]

Morning everyone,

I went to bed early last night - completely shattered and good for nothing! Am feeling ok-ish this morning, but am defintively taking things easy.

Lisa: thanks for the tips about tummy vs. thigh. I'll see how I go with my tummy - got enough flab there  so will hopefully be ok. Hope your rads continue to go well. Nice you've got female nurses. I think I'd feel more comfortable with them as well, but will just have to accept whoever is in the room I guess.

LittlePixie: lovely to hear from you. Sorry you're still feeling so lousy. It's probably accumulative. Our bodies have had so much to put up with, it's no wonder they're protesting. Good you've been able to sort out accommodation in Carlisle. Hopefully that will make things less exhausting. Are you staying with friends or in a hotel/B&B? I've got to travel in to Guy's every day, once I start my rads in Spring, which takes me about 45 minutes, so not too bad. Though I think I shall get completely fed up with that journey, as I've been told that depending on the outcome of my MRI and op, I will need 4-6 weeks of rads. Good luck with your rads on Thursday.

Take things easy and have a good day everyone. Lots of hugs 

Gx

[Dawn_BCN]

Hi everyone
I've not been on for ages, so I'm trying to catch up on everyone's news.
I never completed my last weekly Pacitaxel as the SEs were still bad in my fingers and toes. I'm relieved I didn't have to tbh. I'm still having my Herceptin injection every 3 weeks tho. I'm absolutely shattered from all the chemo. My body doesn't feel like it's mine anymore!
I'm starting rads on Thursday. It's 3 weeks worth, so I'm gonna stay up in Carlisle Mon-Fri as it's so far to travel every day. I've been warned my implant could be damaged so it's a waiting game I guess.
Sending love to everyone xxxx

[Lisa-T]

Hi Gaby,

Only 1 more to go - fantastic ❤️💪🏻 hope the SE are kind to you this time. Make sure you take it easy. Good luck with the injections on Wednesday - you’ve got this 🥊 I found it easier to do the injection on the top of my leg rather than my tummy ... but that could be just me 😜

So far I’ve only had female nurses ... usually have about 3 in the room. Not sure how I would feel if I had a male nurse ... although you definitely do get past caring 😂

Big hugs to everyone ❤️💪🏻 Lisa xx

[GabyF]

Hi everyone,

After last week's delay and a few minor problems with a blocked picc line, I finally had my penultimate EC session this morning. I'm feeling very sleepy already and have been sent home with the usual barrage of pills to talke over the next three days. Also have 5 syringes, which I will need to use to inject myself with from Wednesday onwards to support my neutrophils. It was really good to hear that those of you having to do something similar are coping well. I practised on a small rubber cushion on the ward today and it seemed very easy - however, let's see what happens when I'm faced with my own bits of tummy!

Lisa, hope your radiotherapy is continuing without any major problems. Did you get a male or a female nurse to position you? I've read a few posts elsewhere on the forum of women who've had male nurses and initially felt a little uncomfortable about that, though I think many of us are by now so used to whipping off our clothes in front of nurses and doctors, that this is probably not a major issue?!

Pulapula and Jacqs - hope you're both doing ok. 

My daughter's interview last week went really well. She's got another 4 over the next couple of months, so fingers crossed. The only things I'm tearing my hair out (what hair??) is that she procrastinates (apparently that's a sign of creativity - really!?) and has just met a boy at a party who may be taking on boyfriend status - great timing that, with interviews, A-Levels and her operation for Scoliosis comgin up in the summer. But, I'm trying not to "nag" and just hope, that she gets through everything in her own, inimitable way 

Gx

[Lisa-T]

Hi ladies,

Completely agree with you about the drugs Gaby ... I hate taking anything and only used to take paracetamol when I really had to! Now I just take what I’m given and like you don’t read about side effects - probably for the best 😬 Hope your daughters interview went well xx

Hope you are feeling ok after your T Pulapula - big hugs xx

Pleased you are feeling better now Jacqs - I’m still walking quite slowly (especially up hills) as my legs ache but hopefully improving now. I hope all goes well with your oncologist next week and your first bisphosphonates infusion ❤️

I’ve just started tamoxifen (last two days) and so far have had few more intense hot flushes (or could just be me!). I’ve also been to two radiotherapy sessions now and apart from it being a very odd experience so far I’ve been ok. Lying half naked on table with arms above your head while nurses measure and position you before leaving you for a machine to buzz around you. Was half expecting a light or something to show where the laser was aiming at (maybe I’ve watched to many sci fi programs 😂 ) but all very quiet and not much to see. Didn’t feel anything too.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend ❤️ xx

[GabyF]

Hi Jacqs,

It's so good to hear that you're starting to feel less tired - what a relief that must be. I'm rather fed up with being tired all the time and for no particular reason (other than chemo of course!). Also very glad to hear that all is good with your ribs. I think we all have a tendency now to worry about our bodies. It's not surprising of course, but I do hope that this will ease a little with time. I used to see my GP once in a blue moon and would avoid taking anything other than paracetamol/ibruprofen, and now I just swallow any old horrid drug that is handed to me (and without reading about possible side effects) - anything to get rid of that ghastly lump!

Thanks for the tip about OHs - mine seems quite keen to help, but I really don't fancy that. a) he has no clue about anatomy (he did classics rather than biology at school ) and b) he is quite a drama-queen when he has any injuries, so who knows how he will react when he has to handle a syringe!

I'm driving my daughter to an interview this afternoon. Once I've dropped her off, I shall settle down in a cafe with my book and a nice tea & cake  (I'm not going to worry about my weight until I've finished chemo ).

Hope your meeting with your oncologist goes welll next week, Jacqs.

Gx