September 2020 Chemo Starters

[Koukla]

Hi SU

I also had long hair and got it cut short when given my diagnosis the majority of it has fallen out now but like Sarah you can still see parts of my hair I've got what someone described as a patchy 5 oclock shadow 😂 I haven't gone for a wig I'm just sticking with my hats which I love.

I've had a rubbish 2nd infusion just feeling pretty achy and tired. Makes me more nervous about Mondays 3rd infusion but at least I will be halfway there. 

Sarah I was advised not to try smoothies as such as when you blend fruit you lose the fibre and because I was having so much trouble with constipation although if it means you getting some fruit it probably better than not having any. I've found that having really small bits to eat even a couple of slices of banana every hour or so has helped with the nausea I wish I could find a solution to the hot flushes apparently they are caused by the hormone medication but if anyone has any advise if love to hear it.

Hope everyone is keeping safe.

Take care xxxx

[Sarah50]

Hi Su, I wanted to take control over my hair, i had long hair, so once I knew when chemo was starting I went and had it all chopped off, into a new short style, then when it started to fall out, I had a number 2 all over, which 3 weeks later all fell out, eventhough i was prepared for it, it was still quite emotional.  I havent lost all my hair, seems to be growing back, still have my hairline and eyelashes, and eyebrows, starting 4 cycles of T in 2 weeks time, so maybe that drug will make the rest of my hair fall out.  Im quite happy with my hats, and also got a wig a couple of weeks ago, totally different style to my normal hair, as thought it would be a good time to explore new styles, as havent been very adventures in the past, have had more styles in 2 months, than in my whole life, lol.

I wanted to ask you ladies also a question.. have you made any big changes to your diet? I know we should be cutting back on red meat, eat more vegetable based diet, which im trying, but im not eating a lot of fruit, which I know I should, does anybody have smoothies ? any ideas will be great to get more good food in.  Im actually suffering with a lot of nausea at the moment, so not very hungry.

Well hope you are doing well, and look forward to hearing from you, big hug xx

[Phoebe55]

Hi SU

I've always had longish hair and I knew that I would find it difficult to cope with losing it so the first thing I did on getting diagnosed was to go and sort out a wig. As soon as I had my first chemo I went and got my hair cut off and put the wig on. It was the only way I could do it. It wasn't easy but I honestly wasn't as freaked out as I thought I would be. I now have a selection of beanies for indoors and out and I get Moira on for zoom calls (I named her Moira, wig lover extraordinaire from Schitt's Creek). Due to shielding I won't be going anywhere apart from the hospital for ages. 

I got a wig that looked as close to my usual hair as possible which made it easier for me to get my head around so to speak 

Good luck with it all! 

Pxx

[Carmen Verandah]

Hi SU

Wishing you good luck for your chemo.

I’ve had 2 cycles of EC, and despite cold cap, my hair started to shed about 9 days ago, and is continuing to do so. I’m having it shaved on Friday, but I don’t have my wig fitting for a fortnight, so it will be hats and scarves till then🙃.  I have found it quite distressing losing the hair even though I knew that it would happen. It started quite evenly all over but now I have a few very thin patches, although my friends say I am probably more aware of it then other people.

Cancerhaircare.com is a fantastic website, with lots of videos, freebies and telephone consultation. They are sending me some false eyelashes, although I’ve always struggled to apply them in the past 🤔.

Im not sure what sort of wig to go for, as recently I’ve had either short peroxide hair, which grew out to grey hair in lockdown. I think I’ll go for something a bit longer. Have fun choosing yours.

[SunnyOutlook]

Hi everyone

glad to see everyone making progress through this!  I had my second of 4 EC last week. I managed side effects better this time. I chose not to take all of the anti-sickness meds  I found the nausea better than the never ending dragging constipation!  I was also better at putting my out of office on and having good rest. 

[Strangely upbeat]

Hi Sarah50

I start EC chemo on 22nd October and freaking out about loosing my hair.  I don’t know whether to leave it, go for a short cut or take the bull by the horns and just get it shaved.  I am booked in at the wig shop tomorrow but would appreciate any advice you may have being a month a head of me with your treatment. 

Thanks SU

[Phoebe55]

Hi everyone. Hope you had good weekends - or at the very least restful ones! Gearing myself up for round 3 of my AC treatment this Friday. Fingers crossed you're all feeling ok with things just now. 

Phoebe xx

[MaryJane]

Hi all. Also found 2nd cycle harder than first - not really different but just more of the same, so felt rougher in first week and for longer & couldn't work this time & then second week had more trouble with sore mouth / ulcers & needed mouth gel prescribed by onc.

Cold cap working to an extent so still have hair but am waiting to see what this weekend brings because that's when I started to shed on first cycle to my current somewhat thinned look.

Flu jab for me was ok but might depend on when in cycle you have it. Fingers crossed won't last Phoebe.

Sarah really hope #3 is much kinder to you. Halfway is good milestone. 

[Phoebe55]

Hello all! I'm feeling quite rough today: had my flu jab yesterday, don't know if that might make a difference? But I did manage to get a pretty good sleep last night which was a huge relief.

Great to get to the halfway stage Sarah: light at the end of the tunnel! Pxx

Px

[Koukla]

Hi Sarah how great that you are at the halfway mark 👏👏 that's great news. I still haven't lost all my hair either like you I still have a few odd hairs still hanging on. My 2nd infusion has been worse than my first but feeling a bit stronger now although very achy and super tired. Hope you have a less adventurous infusion this time. How is everyone else getting on? Would love to hear from you all. 

Take care and stay safe everyone xx

[Sarah50]

Morning All, just heading up to hospital for my final EC round, so hitting the half way mark, hurraaa!! how are you all doing? also finished work yesterday, contract came to an end so all good timing, feeling a lot better since a couple of weeks ago, hair still hasnt fully fallen out, still have my hairline, which looks a bit funny, and some very light amount of hair, but have a feeling that after today, it will be gone. Got a wig last week, very pleased with it, still getting used to it, the good thing is that its a lot warmer than my hat.

Anyway, need to head, wishing you all a good Friday and weekend, take care xx

[Phoebe55]

Hi everyone

I made the decision to stop work as soon as I got the diagnosis - I had a number of other things I had to get sorted before chemo (2 kidney stones showed up and had to come out and I also have MS). I found myself wondering if I had done the right thing in stopping work earlier this week as I felt maybe I could do a bit. After my first chemo I hadn't felt too bad for the first few days but by Tuesday I felt like I had jetlag and was falling asleep at 10am on the sofa. I managed to do ok for the rest of the week but now it seems like it's time for things to go crazy with the bowels. If this is a sign of the things to come I don't think I'd be able to work and deal with all of the joys that chemo brings. I really miss work, but it looks like I need to stay off. Huge respect to those still working: normally I'm able to juggle loads at once with my health and work, but this is next level - and then some! Px

[Sarah50]

Evening, thank you ladies, uff its been a hard week, I managed to work today, but I totally know what you mean with the self doubt and belief, its hard to be hit out of nowhere with these emotions, and no matter how strong you think you are, it does affect us.  I like you, dont think I have cried as much as I have this week, its a total rollercoaster, Im just trying to think in 6 months hopefully we will be writing a different story, one that we have made it through this horrible trip, that none of us signed up for, but we have to take, and we will, and we will make it :-).  Im so glad to have this forum, to be able to talk to you all, as family and friends, are and have been amazing, but they are not living it, like we are, and I wouldnt wish it on them, but reading your messages makes me realise we are all in this together, sending huge hug to you all xx

[SunnyOutlook]

Hi Sarah

i too thought I was doing pretty well but I have been an emotional mess today. Sure the nausea was grim on day 1. Constipation was also very dragging until Sunday but mentally and emotionally I had it together and I have been working throughout having rest naps when needed and getting a lot of personal satisfaction in still being able to do a thing I love. I’ve been lucky that I was having a job change anyway so I’ve been selective about what I actually take on. Work have been fantastically supportive. The thing that I couldn’t account for was the amount I would second guess myself. So in a meeting where someone rudely interrupted me and my brain chose that moment to take a break and forget the rest of the sentence. That has bothered me ALL WEEK!  Was she really rude or am I over emotional. Was I saying something stupid?  No. She was rude. If she behaved like that to someone on my team I would take it up with her manager. So all week I’ve felt maybe I’m not good enough right now. Maybe they would be better if they weren’t making allowances for me. All of these stupid self destructive messages my brain has been sending all week. Anyway the end point of this long ramble is I’ve been in tears most of the day. And I’ve not cried at all on this long horrible journey until now. 
Fortunately I was able to speak to a close peer and my manager who both said that even a 50% me could knock most people out of the park any day. To be kind to myself. To take more of those midday pauses. To finish earlier in the day. To work less at the end of the week when my reserves are low, and to always know the option is there to not work at all if I want.

To the point made by others. Only you can listen to what your body is telling you. Like the name says we are going through cycles. We don’t do wear tampons when we don’t have periods. Do the right things at the right times. 

[Koukla]

Hi Sarah 

I'm so sorry to hear you have had such a rough time this cycle 😥 I have to admit the constipation side of things bothers me quite alot as nothing seems to work for me. I can only imagine how tearful you have been it just seems to be one thing after another. Hopefully you will have a good weekend. I think your right about not working, this is taking such a strain on our bodies you just have to put you first. If ever you want to talk I'm happy to call you. 

Hope everyone else is fairing ok. 

Is anyone else on hormone treatment also? Are you having any adverse effects? 

Stay strong everyone.

Much love xxx

[Sarah50]

Hi Koukla, hiya I spoke to soon, chemo day and the next were good, then saturday came and it all went down hill, started feeling unwell, and had very bad constipation, started taking the meds, but nothing worked, was in pain and awake for 72 hours, before they took me into hospital, turned out i had a huge blockage, as you can imagine, not nice, was in for 24 hours and they managed to sort it out, I got home and have been asleep for 48 hours, it has also hit me emotionally hard, I thought I was invincible flying through my 1st cycle, then boom!! it can just go the opposite way very fast.  Im seriously having to rethink work side of things.  

What have you ladies done ref work, ive managed to still work full time, but with whats just happened, I now thinking, i need to take care of me, and may take the next 3 months off to do just that.

Well the weekend in near, wishing you all a good one, and tomorrow is a new day, and hoping to feel well better than today.x

[Carmen Verandah]

Hi Tara

Thanks for the tip, really helpful,  there is so much to learn.

🌻

[ttyler]

Hi ladies, 

jumped in from June chemo starters, hope you don’t mind. Good idea with the paracetamol, use it myself, not for cold cap but to help with sinus pain in fec, but be sure to take your temperature  first as paracetamol can bring this down and you need to be well to have treatment, dont want no false readings lol 😝  good luck tomorrow to those having chemo. I have my last one hopefully.

 Take care and sleep tight!

love Tara xx

[Carmen Verandah]

Hi Mary Jane, Good luck for tomorrow. I was advised to take paracetamol 20 minutes before putting the cold cap on, which might help, I hope so. Sleep well.

🌼

[MaryJane]

Know what you mean about needing a spreadsheet! Was very glad when I got to the end of day 5 and my drugs & injections ended. Tiredness for me was worst in first week / 10 says and slept loads, after that better but am now finding that seem to be losing handfuls of hair despite cold cap so not sure how that is going to go. Have next chemo tomorrow and nervous that with thinner hair cold cap will be harder to tolerate. Actually just generally stressing about chemo 2 when I think about it & getting myself in a bit of a tizzy. Will be ok I know but just need to get through it. 

[Carmen Verandah]

Hello September starters

I started 4 rounds of EC on 16th September. I was quite reluctant to have chemo, as I hadn't thought I needed to until they found some pesky lymph nodes. I felt surprisingly ok up until  yesterday when things took a bit of a downturn. I’m not sleeping well, and have a stomach ache and feel as if my head is full of cottonwool.  I think feeling  jet lagged describes it best. And very weepy. Oh dear. I nodded off in my Zoom yoga class on Monday evening , and halfway through Bake Off last night. I had so many anti sickness pills and a steroid to begin with I felt I needed a spreadsheet to remember to take them with food, after food, not enough hours in the day!  And then I forgot to put my injections in the fridge, which involved my brother making 2 trips back to the hospital, as they wouldn’t issue replacements till he returned the others. 

I’m a nurse so have a tendency to read about every possible side effect, even though I know I won’t get them all. I’m a bit anxious about covid too, which adds another layer of risk.  Tried the cold cap so am waiting to see how it goes.

The beautiful weather has helped me stay positive and I am very happy to hear any advice and tips and to hear how everyone is getting on. Considering the pandemic on top of everything else,  think we are amazing.

🌼

[Phoebe55]

Hi there. I'm Phoebe and I started on 24 weeks of chemo on Friday. This forum is already proving to be massively useful and reassuring so thanks everyone, I really do appreciate your posts! 

[Mrs Kettlebell]

Hey all

Hope everyone us getting on well. 

Sounds like a bit of a voyage of discovery @koulka. Hope your bone pains are short lived, and mouth heals well soon. Bet you’re rocking the GI Jane look 🙂

Had second treatment today and dare I say I was nearly looking forward to it! Now I’m in the realms of Chemo, I want it done and done as best it can be. Hope this optimism continues once the side effects hit!  Speaking of which, it sounds as though I’ve been quite fortunate. In between general tiredness and a few headaches (which I think we all seem to get) the worst aspect has been a bad tummy which lasted a quite a few days. Been given meds to help control this, and probably explains the weight loss I’ve had this cycle. Having said that, am sincerely glad I’ve been able to scale my work hours down - am sure that has helped me enormously.  

Like you Koulka, I’ve had a few days craving carbs (rarely eat carbs) and cheese.  Strange!  Suffered a bit with a dry sore bleeding nose (lovely!) and rashes/cracked/broken skin on my face which required a very rapid change to skin care. The ‘has she been in a fight’ look has since disappeared (thank goodness!) and back on track now! 

One thing I wish I’d done better during Cycle 1, was to more diligently log the symptoms on each day to better pre-empt proactive treatment this time around. Hopefully what I have logged is good enough. I’ll find out soon enough! 😂. 

I’m cold capping, and fair to say I’ve had a bit of shedding from Day 17.  Nothing drastic - but definitely more hair coming out when brushing. 

Hope all goes well for those in treatment this week and next. Take care all xx 

[Koukla]

Hi all, 

Hope everyone is well and everything crossed for those of you having infusions this week. 

@sarah glad you had a nice anniversary and that your 2nd infusion went well hope that's still the case.

I had my blood tests results back on Friday and they weren't too bad but my white blood cells were a little low so needed an injection for a boost Friday pm and then Saturday morning and to call the oncologist if I got a fever. All went fine Friday but woke with a bit of a sore hip Saturday but just thought I'd slept funny. Saturday lunchtime my back was in agony 🙄 transpires I had a good reaction to injection and have ended up with too many white blood cells now which I would have known if I'd called oncologist with sore hip 🤔 at least I'll know for next time. Hair started to fall out Saturday so I'm now supporting the GI Jane look. 

Sore mouth today the roof of my mouth feels really tender and too sore to eat much, anyone else got a sore mouth? 

Next chemo Monday I'm keeping everything crossed I haven't gained weight but like you Sarah I've been craving carbs 😋

Have a good week everyone and would love to hear how you are all getting on.

Take care and stay safe xx

[Sarah50]

Hi Kaukla, thanks!! yes we had a lovelyday, went to Wells and sat on a lovely pubs terrace for a couple of hours watching the world go by, everything seems normal, then in the evening out for a lovely meal, was a lovely day xx.  Sorry to hear you didnt have a good start to the week, Hope your week got better and that you manage to have a good weekend

[Sarah50]

Hiya, well round 2 done and dusted yesterday, they slowed down one of the EC drugs, the clear one, still not up on the names, and that seemed to solve the bad headaches, as woke up this morning feeling fine, no nausea or headache, the only major thing that has happened, is that my hair started to come out last weekend, until yesterday was not wearing a had , but this morning, half my hair came out in one go in the shower, so looking like a very bad plucked chicken, but at least my scalp is not sensative now, i shaved my hair off last sunday to a number 2, and found it quite liberating to walk around with such a short style.  I did want to share it to a number 1, but lucky I didnt as others having chemo with me, who are some treatments ahead, said that they had been advised not to go to 1, as it itirates the hair folicules, which sort of makes sense, and that some people have ended up with sores due to it, so glad I went to 2

How are you girls doing on the hair front? Im sat here with my light cotton night cap on, which also is acting as hair catcher, as its everywhere at the moment, but its quite warm.

Well I managed to put on 2 pounds since last chemo, not good, but just been craving carbs and marmate since 1st chemo.

Well still no cake in party bag yesterday, I did drop a hint , but nothing 🙂 will keep trying even if just a kit kat, wishing you all a good weekend x

[MaryJane]

Hello whitmic4 & welcome.  

Sorry to hear you've had a couple of rough days but good not so bad now. Not on taxol but will be on Herceptin when I get to my fourth cycle (on FEC T).

Am feeling on the up as I get to the end of first cycle but not looking forwards to next week when it all starts again starting with bloods on Monday morning. 

[whitmic4]

Hello all, 

little late as we are nearly half way through the month but I started 12 weeks of Taxol last Thursday alongside Herceptin 3 weekly. Felt ok initially but hit me Friday/Saturday with tiredness, aching, headache. Thankfully I’m feeling better today and feel I’ve turned a corner! Anyone else on same treatment? Hope everyone else is doing ok xx. 

[Mrs Kettlebell]

Hi Koukla

Sorry to hear you’ve had such a rotten week and glad you’re through the other side.  Sending hugs for a good week ahead xx 

[Koukla]

Hi all,

Hope your all doing ok and symptoms are at a minimum. My week wasn't good I really suffered with the nausea and the headaches 😥 due to me having chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel my sleeping and my tummy haven't been great either...but I'm out the other side now thank goodness.

Totally gone off coffee and no smelly foods near me please. Anyone else finding stage cravings or things they can't eat or drink? 

@mrs Kettlebell I am so glad you got you KitKat..word is spreading 👏#sarah happy anniversary for yesterday I hope you managed to have a nice time despite restrictions. 

Hope everyone has a good week. Bloods for me this week to see if I need to start injecting. 

Take care all xxx

[Mrs Kettlebell]

Morning All

Just seeing how everyone is doing today?

@kazza81 - hope your first pre treatment appointment went well this Saturday.  I asked about exercise when I had my PICC fitted as keen to keep going if possible: was told no swimming, if you do weights start very lightly, but could do walking, running, usual gym stuff/classes no problem, just need to give the PICCa few days to settle down. 

@nikki49 - thanks for much for all the info. Was really heartening to read both your advice, and know that you are through the process and fighting fit. 😊

@sarah50 and @koukla - had my PICC line fitted earlier this week, and returned to the ward to be greeted by a cup of tea and A KITKAT! Word has spread!! 😂. 

@sunnyoutlook. Amazing job with your weight loss. Sounds as though you’re doing great things! 💪 I also put on weight during lockdown, have exercised everyday since diagnosis however small an effort and been watching what I eat - and 24 pounds down so far. It seems a few of us are on the exercise trail and be good to hear how everyone is getting on.  Getting used to each cycle seems to be key - at the start of the week I was so tired my husband was dragging me round our usual evening walk route; two days later, I’m back on Couch to 5k 😂

@yorkshire_defector - thanks for your words too. Gave me a bit (lot!) of encouragement to stick to healthier habits.

@MaryJane - hurray the first one is done! Hope side effects continue to be minimal.  I asked my GP about flu jabs before treatment started, and he seemed to think our group would be in the first call up but had no dates. 

@sarah50 - can hardly believe it’s coming up to round 2 for you. Hope all goes well - you know what to ask for in your goodie bag!! 😂

Good luck to anyone starting next week. xx

[yorkshire_defector]

Hi SunnyOutlook

Juts wanted to reassure you that given you've done so well on your weight loss so far that, with some willpower, you'll be able to manage your weight throughout chemo.  I started EC Sept 2019 and took the cancer journey as a kick up the ar5e to lose some lard & get fit...and succeeded!

Apart from the week after EC I was able to walk, go to gym & cycle, my appetite was ok, not the usual glutton standards that I normally achieve, but could eat healthy stuff with no problem...interestingly (luckily?) I went off booze and pizza...think that helped me lose 5 stone between then & now.  Be prepared for end of chemo as you may find that you get really sluggish, I did, but it passes within a couple of weeks.

You've done really well so far, don't let this cr4p put you off your stride!

Sam

[Nikki49]

Re flu jab, yes you should have it but time it within a day or two of chemo xx

[MaryJane]

Hello ladies. Just checking in. Day 9 post chemo (assuming day 1 is chemo day itself?). No major side effects & pleased no sickness but have felt "off" and tired / bit shaky on and off for last 3 days & bit of a dodgy stomach . No temp, nothing major & still managed to work part days from home but had take breaks & have slept lots. For once am listening to my body and stopping when I need to. More energy today - but bit of a sore throat so watching that. Not sure how I can catch anything when I haven't gone out!

What are you all doing about flu jabs? My GP called and said I should arrange one?

SunnyOutlook - gold star for slimming world success!!

[SunnyOutlook]

Hi Kazza81

I don't know the medical answer to your question, but I am sure your nurse would be happy to answer if you send them a message or call them.  I had all my tests yesterday ready to start EC on Tuesday.  I am going to get a port, but not before then as the guy is on holiday until Monday. 

On the exercise/weight front I am also anxious.  I started on Slimming World in May after ballooning in lockdown (and before if we're being honest), and got back into daily walks and alternate days yoga/cardio. 4 months later, 4 stone lighter, I am now worried about not being able to exercise as much and/or not enjoying food, and/or being offered biscuits and chocolate during chemo or by well meaning friends, and/or steroid weight gain, to undo all the good stuff I have done so far.  I have had at least 1lb off every week, even through diagnosis and surgery, so I completely understand how this additional feeling of out of control is affecting you, I feel the same.

Good luck - sending hugs

[Sarah50]

Morning Koukla, great to hear you are doing good. Like you Ive been relatively well, do have a funny tummy at the moment, but nothing else, energy levels are high, no nausea or bad headache, as I did for the first 5 days, so counting my blessing.  Please say Thank you to your Doc on behalf of all, that is so nice of him, Im seeing mine on Tuesday, as next Chemo is on the 17th. It seems to have come round quite fast, just hope Im as well as I have been for the first one.

Ref PICC line and exercise, I am doing 2 workouts a week with a trainer at the hospital, been told its fine to work in the gym with my line, just not to play racket ball games, anything that is high impact and lots of movement on the arm.  It has taken nearly a week for my body to get use to the line, had problems with the plasters they use, getting very itchy, but 3rd time lucky, and they have found some super antiallegenic plasters, and all is good again.  

Ref Netflixs, only have this, Im hooked on married at first sight australia on E4 every evening at 7.30, lol

Well Ive been in isolation at home for the last week, hoping to venture out in some good weather this weekend, wishing you all a great weekend. xx

[Nikki49]

Good evening ladies, I just popped in to wish you all the best and hope the side effects are minimal.

i started fec-t chemo on 10th September 2013, yes 7 years ago today 😊

My diagnosis was triple negative, macromets in one lymph node so I had to have an mx & a full axillary clearance.

I had a portacath for chemo delivery - if you can, get one fitted.  They remove it after chemo, it's left a little scar about an inch long which sits nicely under my bra strap.

my tip would be to drink at least 2lts water day before, day of & day after chemo.  Take every tablet they tell you to take, if you leave it till you feel sick it could be too late....😬

Stay away from people during low immunity (each drug is slightly different so ask your team when it is) be scrupulously clean and stay away from anyone who is unwell, the last thing you need is for chemo to be delayed due to illness 

I've since had reconstruction surgery and my other breast reduced to match. Despite being over 50 I now have the boobs of a 20 yr old, every cloud & all that 🤗

Im not gonna lie it was tough going at times but the support you get from each other will see you through - I'm still in contact with a few from my group.

You will get through this and in a few years time it'll just be a nasty memory.

anyway I've waffled on long enough

take care x

[kazza81]

Hi everyone. 
I had my lumpectomy and node biopsy (which came back negative) in July and I’m due to start my chemo too this month. I had my first oncology appt on Tuesday, and was told that I will be having 6 x EC-T and Herceptin injections. I have my ECG next Tuesday and hopefully any day now I will get a phone all to tell me my first date of treatment and other pre appointments.(All I know is that 1st one will be a Saturday)
Feeling anxious and really silly that I can’t get the thought that it’s gonna come back somewhere else in my body.

With the PICC line, does anyone know if it’s ok to exercise with one in? I’m starting to feel very fat and useless at the mo, and worried I’m gonna explode. Had some complications with the healing of my wound and so haven’t been able to do anything. One are just will not heal x

[Mrs Kettlebell]

Brilliant! Thank you so much. Will look those up later 🙂

After 3 days of feeling remarkably well, I’ve had a couple of days of tiredness, dull headaches, stomach cramps and diarrhoea all of which has conspired to feeling washed out. Biggest issue has been the stomach issues which, I hope, are now improving 🤞. Had no sickness at all yet which was my biggest concern - a thousand hurrahs for that! So far, so good 👍

You mentioned a jab... I had one too on the day after Chemo. It was one self injection and was ok to do (from someone who’s not great with needles!).   

Take care and sleep well tonight x

[Koukla]

Hi Mrs Kettlebell, thanks for your message, I'm just about to head to lie down now so will add more ideas tmrw but an easy to watch one of my favourites on prime is 'this is us' and the other one is New Amsterdam. Have a look and tell me if you are interested in these types of things but my husband and I love them both.

Are you still managing to stay symptom free? 

Take care xx

[Mrs Kettlebell]

Hi Koukla

Great to hear from you and hear it went well.  Laughed when I read about your KitKat - you’ve got your oncologist well trained. I must have words with mine! Hope all goes well over next few days for you. Sounds as though you’re well prepped.  

I don’t have Netflix, but we do have Prime, and would also (cheekily!) be interested in any recommendations. Downloaded Sewing Bee from the BBC iPlayer which won’t last me long! 

And hello to Mrs ET and SunnyOutlook - please do let us know how you get on xx 

[Mrs Kettlebell]

Hi Koukla

Great to hear from you and hear it went well.  Laughed when I read about your KitKat - you’ve got your oncologist well trained. I must have words with mine! Hope all goes well over next few days for you. Sounds as though you’re well prepped.  

I don’t have Netflix, but we do have Prime, and would also (cheekily!) be interested in any recommendations. Downloaded Sewing Bee from the BBC iPlayer which won’t last me long! 

And hello to Mrs ET and SunnyOutlook - please do let us know how you get on xx 

[Koukla]

Hi all

1 down 5 to go...it all went smoothly with no problems I can expect to feel rough from Wednesday for a week. Feel a little nauseous now and know I need to eat something but not sure what....anti sickness tablets to take for next two days (only if really desperate as it will cause added issues to my constipation) blood tests next Wednesday and then possibly will need to self inject to boost white and red blood cells. Not sure my husband will be up to doing it for me he is scared of needle's and even more scared of hurting me 😂 (so am I) all in all a good day.

Oh and I didn't get cake BUT because I had told my oncologist about all you lovely ladies and that none of you had got cake he did actually come to my room with a KitKat 😂😂😂 it will probably be put on my bill 😳 but it gave me a good laugh and thought of you all. How is everyone coping with symptoms?

Welcome to the newer members of the group will be interested to know how you all get on.

Sarah50 have you got Amazon prime? Or just Netflix? I'm trying to find some things for you to watch but all my good stuff is on Amazon 🤔 

Take care xxx

[SunnyOutlook]

Hi There.

Just spoke to oncologist for the first time, so far have been dealing with Breast Specialist/Surgeon.  I had a Wide Local Excision and Sentinel Node removal on 19 August, and even though its gone for a second opinion we are full steam ahead for chemo starting later this week or early next.  4 cycles EC and 4 cycles Carboplatin/Paclitaxel.  Just waiting for the phone to ring for the chemo nurses with appointments for all the pre-tests.  Whilst I wouldn't wish this on any one you, it is nice to know I am not alone....

[MaryJane]

Thinking of you today Koukla. Hope all goes well.

[MaryJane]

Welcome to the party MrsET. Think it's tough for partners as care and support is focused on us and due to covid they can't even come to appointments with us so very much on the outside. Still early days for me as chemo before surgery so think we are still in the "reeling" stage. For me hubby has thrown himself into taxi service and carer role to give him something to do - but has found most of the carer support aimed at people older than us who need more care themselves so doesn't really feel right for him.

Hard to manage your own journey as well as others.

[MrsET]

Hello All,

Bit late to the party but seeing as there's no cake there's been no urgency! 😉 

I'm due to get started with chemo in the next couple of weeks. Im getting my start date tomorrow. Its been really useful hearing from those if you who have started already. A friend of mine has just recently gone through it and has given me a few pointers. I'll type them all out another day for you all.

One of the things I just wanted to speak/ask advice about is regarding my husband. He's falling apart with anxiety and its starting to really do my head in. He's always been prone to anxiety and its part of him but since my diagnosis its getting worse and worse - understandably. The thing is is that i don't deal with things in the same way and am feeling really good post mastectomy and lymph node cearance and in this window before chemo starts. Im just starting to feel a little resentful towards him about it all. He speaks to his mum who is great and has been through all the macmillan and hospital support and has a buddy and is certainly not afraid to ask for help or talk about his anxiety.

I'm not sure what I'm after really, I think i just needed a moan! 

Anyway, hope everyone has a good day xx 💗 

[Shi]

❤️Sarah, always check everything with your team ❤️they know your individual journey so are best ones to advise you always ❤️ and they want you safely through ❤️💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[Sarah50]

Hi Shi, yes you are totally right, do not want to put myself at risk, may end up having a take away at home and save the celebrations to later x

[Shi]

Hi Sarah, please check with your team about going away, they will be able to give you advise on safe to go away or not and what measures to take if you can go away, you can also ask them for guidance for rest of chemo too ❤️There is the ask the nurse and the number to ring on here too. Everyone’s different during chemo it’s not a one size journey fits all ❤️ Main thing is to get safely through, having stunts in casa nhs during chemo is not where you want to end up if you get infection ❤️ Please keep safe 💕💕✨✨Shi xx