Starting Chemo in December.2012

[Guest user]

Hi Wendy

the injections are lenograstim i had a five day course, its to boast your white cells.
so glad to hear your results were clear. Good luck Wendy with your chemo, i have got to do T after my 4 fec.

Love Sharon Xx

[Guest user]

Hi Alex (Alpal),
I live in Leicester, but my sister is in Bristol, so I'm going to travel over there for the forum, as I'd like to make face-to-face contact with people in similar situations. I live in Leicester, but there apparently isn't a younger women's support group here, in spite of the fact that it's actually quite a large city!
For anyone who doesn't know, the Younger Women's Forums are two day conferences, including free accommodation and food, where women under 45 can meet and attend sessions about living with breast cancer. I've been to a few work-related conferences before, so feel ok about going on my own. I'm probably more worried about germs on the train!
My reaction to docetaxol was, I think, more dramatic for everyone else around me than it was for me - I just lay on the floor while they stuck things to me! I was so out of it I hardly noticed, and came round quite quickly once they started on the antihistimines. Fortunately a nurse had been sitting next to me just as the reaction started. It's good to know that it usually only happens once.
I'm not bothering at all with cold caps or anything like that. If the hair's gonna go, then it's gonna go. It'll be back eventually, and I kind of feel that it's the least of my worries right now.
Reading through other people's comments, I just want to also say how amazing my partner is being. I don't think he could be more supportive if he tried!
Stay positive! Hugs x

[Wendy56]

Hi eveveryone had good news yesterday rang hospital as still hadn't heard about Rosenberg results. They are clear so happy.

Sharon what injections are they ?

Well first chemo Monday it is the dreaded Tax but a least it appears I will only have 4 now nodes clear and providing I shrinks tumour so fingers crossed yet again

Wishing everyone a better 2013

Wendy x x

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies and hello to all the newbies.

I am on day 11 today, i have just finished a course of those injections yesterday and omg my back hurt so much and the musles in my thighs, i must admit i did get a little worried. I am continueing to take paracetamol today, my legs still feel achey.

Mu husband has get a cold and a cough of all the weeks he gets it this week when my white cells are down. God i hope i don't don't catch it and end up in hospital...it would be just my luck. We don't have a spare room either for him to sleep in.

MAIRE your wig looks great.

2nd fec on the 9th i don't whether to do cold cap again.

Enjoy your day and good luck to anyone withs chemo and appointments soon Xx

Sharon Xx

[Cressida]

So many posts - chemo brain can't keep up. Hello again to Supachick and any other lurkers. And Sarah66 - are you leaving us? We don't really care if you have the actual chemo in Jan you can still talk to us. Why would you want to go and join those Jan girls? We are much more fun. Maire - well done on chemo 2. And hello H144. Battery nearly flat and need another cup of tea, bye, xx

[Cressida]

Morning Crackers,

First of all welcome to Elkie to the club no-one wants to be in. I went to the younger women's forum in Brighton and it was really good. Loads of info and the chance to meet other people in a similar situation. I felt nervous about going on my own cos cancer has ruined my confidence but it was fab and very supportive. Even when I had a mini breakdown whilst attempting to discuss my premature menopause and ended up crying in the bar for about 2 hours. I actually enjoyed myself (apart from those 2 hours - and to be honest I needed that) for the first time in months. Go for it. Also, I was allergic to Taxotere too, but you might be glad to know that it was fine every other time as they give you anti-hist and extra steriods before the tax next time and I didn't react again.

Mandy, hun, I really hope your back pain is nothing to worry about. Stress can make us very tense and clench up muscles unconciously so that we end up sore. Definitly demand a scan though. Now is the time to get your money's worth out of the NHS. As for lymph nodes - I was really anxious cos they only took one, but now I realise that they only take the ones that "light up" with the stuff they inject you with - these are the ones that the lymph from around the tumour area are draining through - so everyone will have different numbers taken. I think 3 is actually about average. The fewer the better in terms of future lymphoedema risk. They only need the ones that the tumour has drained through to check for spread. Hang in there.

Cathie - we are all doing the best we can - you can do this - keep it up, x

Lolly - good luck for chemo on Monday

Sue - so sorry to hear about the spread - sending you good vibes for the scans and shrinking. Cold cap - each time I used it was different, sometimes it hurt more than others, sometimes more hair came out than others. All depended on how well it was fitted to the head I think. If you can peservere, you may be glad to know that my hair came back much quicker/thicker at the end of treatment than those who let it all fall out.

As for me - not much to report actually - feeling quite a bit better this week, woohoo. Despite all the Howard Hughes precautions hubby has cold and is banished to the spare room. Very festive. Visited the aged parents yesterday and ate more sprouts. Won't need the Movicol this week. Am starting to think that this GemCarbo stuff is not proper chemo as I only feel like sh*t for the first one and half weeks and then just knackered. Hope it is working. They did warn me it will have a cumulative effect so I had better enjoy myself now. Anyone for a virtual new year party?

Keep on keeping on, xxx

[Guest user]

hi
not been on for a while hope everyone had a good christmas
had second chemo on 21st although its now been changed cos of the spread instead of 2 more fec im straight on to t not sure how many im havin now though got third chemo on jan 11 wen il b havin t and herceptin then should b havin more scans in feb to c if its shrinkin im also using cold cap but hair has started to cum out loads gettin verry thin but gonna stick with it second one was alotmore painfulthan the first but think this is cos my scalp was alot more sensative so next will prob hurt even more as hair so thin now havin good n bad days still gettin my head round it spreadin n think im slowly startin to getmy fight back just need to get poaitive again hope everyone else is doin well
lastly just want to wish everyone a healthy pain free sidefect free great new year lets all make 2013 the year we kick its butt 4 good best wishes everyone x
sue x

[Alpal]

Hi Elee, I'm Alex - your situation sounds very similar to mine (although i start chemo on monday and will hopefully not be allergic to their drug of choice). You poor thing, that must have been dreadful. I too was diagnosed in Nov and have some lymph node involvement and will be having surgery after some hopeful chemo-induced tumour shrinkage. I'm not Bristol based but live in Bath and a distinctly young 46!! Are you having the cold cap? Are you impressed with Bristol? RUH Bath seems OK but is sadly pretty grotty externally and the corridors can make you wince - but hey, as long as they are spending the funds on treatments and care..........and recruiting delish docs!
Keep me posted on how you are getting along x

[Cybele]

'An act of senseless violence against an entirely defenceless domestic appliance':

Today's post on [color=#290cd4]http://chemonights.blogspot.co.uk/

[H144]

Hi I'm a newbie to posting but have been lurking for some time - but as a bit of an oldie (56) am very slow at typing - stil only use 1 finger ! (or occassionally 2!) Had a mammogram end of October had arecall & bioposy & then got the diagnosis.- no not diagnosis the bombshell. Lump about 3 cms & spread to the lymph - but had some better news last week had CT scan & full body scan & only showed one nodule on the lung which could be benign. Having chemo, followed by surgery then radiotherapy. Had first FEC chemo on 7 dec & 2nd FEC today. Didn't do cold cap as suffer from migraines - my hair was very thick managed to do without headscarves or wig until yesterday - but really gives you a downer when it kept coming out in great clumps & still find it depressing looking in a mirror at virtually bald head with just a few wisps. Felt nauseousb ut was not actually sick for first few days after 1st chemo & thought I was doing well & would be able to cope but day & got caught out by terrible heartburn, aches, feeling totally groggy and hallucinations at night. (which I was told could be a rare side effect to the steroids even though by then I had finished taking them!) But after anothrer few days felt really good most days - which was just as well or i might not have turned up for another dose today! Husband is trying to be supportive but unfortunately had to have a major operation op his foot (he had polio as a child) on 23 Nov & couldn't walk on it for the first 2 weeks and is still completely housebound & should not walk on it using the special shoe he has been given on it unless he has to-so I have been nursemaid -not a role I'm good at it at any time! Daughter (24) still lives at home but she was on teaching pravctice until last week so is working really hard & her boyfriend has just come home from uni. She took me for appointments every dayt last week & took me to chemo today. I got a lift last time & went by myself & both son & daughter were annoyed when they realised they could have come with me! Son doesn't live too far way & has also taken me for blood tests & scan when he can. Anyway won't bore you anymore! Keeping fingers crossed for no side effects at all this time - watch those pigs flying! Doesn't bode well thastr was given Enmed before the treatment & then had to take another antisickness tablet during the treatment!

[Guest user]

Hi Elki what is the Younger Women's forum in Bristol?
x

[mandyp]

Hi all
Thanks Cathie - went to doctors this aft and they think I'm better of talking to people rather than offering me anymore drugs!!!! I think they think I'm neurotic! never mind! I am taking quite strong sleeping tablets and now on anti infammatorys for back amongst other potions! I'm to see a herbalist st the Haven in Leeds. The guy who did my massage mentioned holy basil for stress! Anyone heard of that?
Hi Elki - sounds like you had an eventful day and you still sound so upbeat which is just amazing. The trial sounds interesting. I'd heard that the T can be worse but I think everyone different!
Xx

[lolly123]

hi all been in to have my dressing changed on my picc line, that went well took bloods from it and had it flushed thorough, all preaty straight forward, found out i have to go in at 11.30 for my first chemo, then let the fun begin,only three more sleeps to go, that if my body lets me i cant sleep at the moment, keep waking up around 2am then toss and turn for the rest of the night. going to have a few bacardi's tonight, gona be brave tomorrow as new hair cut again, going even shorter, maybe a number one, watch this space lol x

take care everyone speak to you real soon hugs to you all xxoo

[Guest user]

Hi all,
Hope most are having a happy Christmas, in spite of everything.
I haven't looked through the whole of this thread, as it's massive!
I'm a 35 year old woman, and was diagnosed with BC in November. I started chemo yesterday. Doing FEC-T backwards (started with the T), because I'm doing the Artemis trial. I'm doing chemo before surgery, because there's something in the lymph nodes too, which they want to stop in its tracks before surgery. Had a spectacular anaphalactic reaction to the drug, and ended up laid out on the chemo suite floor with antihistamines being pumped into me!
But I've been feeling not-too-bad today. Just a bit tired and slightly achy. It seems from some of the comments that the FEC is worse...
BTW, is anyone going to the younger women's forum in Bristol in Jan?
Hugs,
Elee

[Guest user]

Hello everyone sorry been off air for a couple of days struggled with the whole Christmas thing but we did get through it. So Cybele well done you and Cress and in fact all of you who seemed to just get on with it. Cybele I am also trying to cut right back on diazepam as also highly addictive bit I think wwe need to recognise wheN We need one and that's Not always so easy. My husband so just thinks I have gone completely bonkers I think. I to am in no fit state to drive.
Teal I have cried and cried and cried . Can't control it sometimes. I am on day 9 after first FEC and now getting myself worked up about next one. Will I be we'll enough, on the one hand I want it over ASAP but delays always panic me but then you read some of the other ladies comments and a delay sometimes helps, how confusing this all is. My next ONC and blood checks on 8 Jan and then second FEC booked in on 10 Jan. Like you I have 6 in total . Ask for really really strong anti sickness tablets and the other ladies are right take them regardless. And yes you are right it will be two down and four to go.
Lolly glad all went well with PICC line. Call the they yey really reall ca help I seemed to have phoned and asked the most ridiculous questions but they are always so helpful as is this site. Then I used to feel guilty about calling them but any worry you have you must ring and ask, it really won't help if you keep the worry/ies to yourself . And don't feel a wimp about cold cap I couldn't face the thought of it either we are all different.
Mandy so sorry your second FEC was so much worse . Why would thus be can anyone answer us as I am now getting into a dither not mst about second FEC but why horrid spots appearing on my face and one where yiu just would not believe! WHY?? Mandy sorry if its something you have already tried but I still consider myself a newby to all of this so all advice, comments etc are very helpful to me but have you tried the lorazepam or diazepam? Chemo brain kick,I g in think I might have posted some of my post a little early but all I have left to say is good luck to us all and I send you all my love.
Cathie xx

[mandyp]

Marie - thank for your reply - yes tortured mind indeed..... i wish I could find it in me to say fingers up to it all and bring it on......but I cant!
when is your next treatment and what number are you on?

[Mindy63]

Mandy, sorry to hear you're feeling rough. Ride the storm-we're all rooting for you. I'd have been rough if I'd had my 2nd fec when due as I didn't have the Nirvana week as promised!
Think you are quite right to have a scan. I'm going to ask-nay demand one-at the end of all this. Though I had no lymph node involvement I have a niggle in my collar bone which was dismissed as probably due to radiotheraoy last time. Not good enough for my tortured mind!
Update on TC: so far so good. No nausea but have gained 2 lbs overnight. Feel a bit jittery and had 2 hours wakefullness overnight followed by delicious sleep till 11.30am. Chemo brain is back and spelling is very difficult. Not sure I'm fit to drive.

[mandyp]

Morning Crackers
2nd FEC yesterday and felt shocking all the way through and all of yesterday - what was that all about??? didnt get any sickness last time, just headache and tiredness.
my back pain is bothering me and i am getting very worked up about it......so they have agreed to do a full body scan.....
what are the chances of it being in my bones? I was grade 3 26mm totally removed with mx and of 3 nodes checked all clear (why didnt they take more nodes????)
Is this just tension, am i torturing myself.....i am not making the back pain up? cna tension really do this to you??????
xxx

[Cybele]

'My (entirely hypothetical, obvs) funeral arrangements' -

today's post on http://chemonights.blogspot.co.uk/

[lolly123]

hi christmas crackers,
just to let you know i had my picc line put in today, was a quick and painless procedure, i was only in the treatment room for 10 minuets so was really ok, not looking forward to the 31st not sure what time my appointment is as i have not heard from any one for a couple of weeks so hopeing they will call me soon as to what is about to happen to me as i feel left in the dark at the moment, dont want to call the bcc as i am sure they have more important things to contend with than me wanting to know all the ins and outs of what i am going to find out anyway.
going to go for a shorter hair style on saturday so will prob change my profile pict with new short hair cut, as not going to do the cold cap, feel abit of a wimp but really thought hard as to wheather to go for it or not so therefore ive decided to cut my hair short for the fall out i will go through.

hope you all had a good xmas as best you can are looking forward to your new year xxx

lolly x

[Guest user]

!4 days now since I had my first chemo FEC I know I will lose my hair and am dreading it I think then I will have a good cry when this happens, I have not cried for weeks when I was diagnosed that is all I did (actually I felt better when I had a good cry) I having my next chemo next Friday 4th dreading that dreading the sickness etc hope the anti sickness tablets kick in this time. At least it will be 2 down only 4 to go 😞

[Wendy56]

Well done Marie glad it wasn't too bad

Wendy

[Mindy63]

That's my first TC done. Nice and slow and no shaking this time. Will keep you posted.
Had horrible sinusy feeling when c drug went in. Took longer to pass this time.

[Guest user]

Hi All, hope you all had a good christmas, Am at day 15 now. Cressida thanks so much for the marmite sprouts recipe cheered me up so much today when I needed it. Hair started falling out today just a little bit but know is the start of going completely. Know Im going to be a mess when it starts properly - mind bit of a shock that hair in nether regions fell out first hadnt even considered that.
Suffering quite a bit with aches and pains and am knackered all the time apparently normal wiith TC and seem to have got a bit of cold, luckily already on antibiotics as bloods were a bit too low and temperature borderline when checked before christmas.
Hoping to be ok to go out new years eve - hair or not - need to have people contact other than my boys (2 sons in 20s) who have been brilliant cooked christmas dinner and spoiling me rotten.
So if I dont get on before Happy new year to all

Debs x

[sarah66]

Hi unfortunately i will not be having chemo in Dec will now be Jan 2013, di=ue to having crappy veins, have to now wait to get Hickman line fitted !! disappointed but having a loine will be less distressful for me and the nurses !!

Sarah66

[supachick]

Hello Crackers
so am now 9 days post and kinda feeling OK- really tired and having lots of duvet days! Had a central line fitted today as they hava been having so much trouble with my veins- so should make things a bit easier come next chemo session. Have been loving all the posts although I have been only lurking!
Hope all the ladies having treatments and results this week go as well as possible.
xxx

[Cybele]

still haven't read back properly , but briefly

Cress: HUGE HUG, how f****** awful re your start to 2012 xxx When I found my lump I had just spent 3 months working very hard at swimming, to make me fit and healthy, after being hospitalised with respiratory problems ilast spring (my lungs are rubbish), plus some other minor health problems, including slightly high blood pressure that was becoming borderline for medication - So I was all 'the next time I go to see the doctor I will have brought my blood pressure down AND improved my lung capacity by swimming miles and miles and miles'. WRONG. By that time I must have already had breast cancer for at least a couple of years, and next time I saw the doctor, it was about the lump. Have put all the other things on hold for the moment.. Still at least I now have really great arm muscles.

Also, your sprout recipe had me hooting with laughter the other day, and was also laughing just now at the image of your husband struggling to come to terms with the concept of a blog - a friend of mine, similarly blog-innocent, wrote to me helpfully last week to ask whether I realised that the posts were appearing BACKWARDS, so that you couldn't read the story from the beginning... :))

Maire, you look utterly fabulous in Cher - good luck with the TC today xx

Mandy - v.sorry to hear you are still feeling so rough at day 20 - people kept telling me that you do get the each third week when you're not feeling so bad, and that made it sound bearable, but not to get any break at all is awful. I'm on day 16 (??), so just into the third week, and still have the nausea, which is my constant companion, and the sleeplessness, but otherwise not feeling too bad.

The Lorazepam are BRILLIANT, they just knock me out, and I sleep for 8/9 hours. I'm trying not to take them too often, because they're highly addictive, but I reckon if I allow myself one every third night, that is enough to make up some of the sleep deficit without getting addicted.

[Mindy63]

Mandy-If it's not too late. tell them how you're feeling. My extra week off the poison was fab and I feel great today....so far.
Maybe they'll delay yours.

[Wendy56]

Hi Marie

Hope it goes ok today I don't think TC makes you so sick more muscle aches etc. Not had snb results as yet so might have to have 6 !! Help !!

yes let me know how it goes we will have to compare notes but perhaps by pm!

Sending my love Wendy

[Mindy63]

Wendy-I'm getting 3 Taxotere with 3 cyclophosphamide. I've already had one of the c doses with fec but they've dropped my other 2 F E doses as it seemed to affect my heart. This was purely based on my reporting of mild symptoms and I can be a wee bit sensitive to evey twinge so i feel I've cheated a bit and am worried I might not be getting the full statistical benefit. Having said that the fec hit me pretty hard. 6 days of nausea (which I found quite bearable but the nurse said was not on and was going to up the meds) total hair loss-head, lady garden and starting on armpits, legs and possible arms. Eyebrows thining , eyelashes ok so far. blisters on hand and feet (palmer plantar syndrome-look it up-very mild though) WBC dropped and took an extra week to go up. Soooo I'm hoping any stray cancer cells imaginary or real have been hit as hard. Starting Herceptin next time. Getting my TC today.
Mandy P Good luck with your treatment today.
Cybele-off to read your blog.
Will be truthful about the Taxotere folks but will also not try to be scary.

[Cybele]

'Keeping the home fires burning...'

Today's post on http://chemonights.blogspot.co.uk/

Sorry I just keep dropping off links to new blog posts and then running - the whole Christmas thing has been keeping me rather busy.

Hope you're all ok, and will start catching up and posting properly again tomorrr0w

C xxx

[mandyp]

Hi all.
Today is day 20 and I feel almost as rotten as I did in day 3. Was expecting to feel great. Maybe too much rushing around and thinking I was going to sail through it. So am in bed with hair all falling out! And have FEC 2 tomorrow.
Cathie - was so repeated (sorry) that you said you too had backache! Thank you for replying x
Cybelle - am gonna try those lorazawhatever as I am desperate for some sleep.
Good luck to everyone else for tomorrow and to everyone else. Just off to Cybelle's blog now!
X

[Cressida]

Cybele - my hubbie is now a fan of your blog, he would tell you himself but he is stuggling with the concept (so, it's a kind of diary, only anyone can read it?). You should hear him rant when someone asks for his money to do the trip/experience of a lifetime. Why not (a) just pay for it, enjoy it and don't be self righteous about it or (b) don't do it at all and just give all the money to charity? 2011 was a year full of loss and death for us and we promised ourselves we would make the most of 2012, cos you never know what life will do to you next. I found my lump on new years day 2012. But the breast clinic told me it was benign so we booked a fantastic holiday. Of course, I didn't quite trust the blundering idiots at the clinic due to the 4 different explanations I was given, so I had to go back and shout them. How we laughed when they said I had cancer after all and needed to be admitted to hosp immediately. The insurance company said it was a pre-existing condition and did not give us our money back. When a friend recently asked for money to go and cycle the pyrenees (after doing the same in the rockies last year) he was pleased to tell us it was for a cancer charity - hubbie almost just thanked him and took the brown envelope straight off him. I am aware I am ranting on a charity website, one which has helped me and I am grateful for it. I am not against charity, but I love the idea of being sponsered to do something you really don't want to do. Good for you.

[Wendy56]

Great got all that to look forward to on 31st.

marie how many tax are you to have ?

Wendy x x

[Mindy63]

Thanks folks. I think it helps that it's dark. Underneath Cher, lurks my Prodigy firestarter look!
Bloods done, steroids started and Omeprazole, henceforth known as omnipresent. Side effects can include diarrhoea, constipation,nausea, thrush, hair loss, aggression etc-but at least I wont get heartburn!

[Wendy56]

Marie not sre what your hair looked like before but you do actually look stunning with Cher on . Looks really good on you x x

[Cressida]

You look fabulous darling, xxx

[Mindy63]

Merry Christmas from me and Cher.
Had a nice relaxing Christmas thanks to an extra chemo-free week. Had quite a few wines both white and fizzy and red, and all varieties were palatable. Could not have had any had I had chemo last week. Managed to keep Cher on for a wee while but whipped her off and stuck on a tammy after meal
Cressida, your sprout recipe made my day. Classic! Will you be bringing some with you to the summer Christmas party?
Alpal-my lump was discovered in August and I started chemo at the very end of Nov. I had to have MRI which took a while and bruising from biopsy delayed surgery so chemo timing was o.k. Also they had to do quite a few tests before the HER 2 status was confirmed.
Anyway, have just popped my steroids in anticipation of Taxotere tomorrow. Off to get bloods done now. Getting flipping scared again.

[Cressida]

Morning ladies, hope a few actual crackers were pulled. I got a wine stopper, when wine tastes of vinegar. Humbug.

First let me encourage those of you with Chemo tomorrow - Sarah and Maire - anyone else? The quicker you get them done the quicker they are gone.

Cathie and Shaz and anyone else who found Xmas Jollity a bit hard work - I refer you to my earlier suggestion of Christmas party in summer. I see no reason why these things have to be done on speficic days. Celebrate early or late. Humbug to waiting for stuff or to not enjoying it cos the time was wrong. Big christmas party in the summer with a load of people who know the value of life and want to have a bit of fun? I'd want to go.

Bit more serious - Sarah, Wendy and MZ thinking about Mastectomies. I was devastated to need one (massive 10cm TN tumor) but I also seriously considered having double. I could not see piont in one (large) boob. All the medics looked at me as if I was mad and ignored me. They obviously thought I would change my mind. I gave up - I had enough to worry about. Anyway - the point is I am sort of gald I did not have double cos it was tough enough having op on one side on top of chemo. Everyone will tell you the op is the easy part, and it is compared to chemo, but it still takes it out of you. I think I have recovered better physically from just having one done. I can always get the other off later when I am fitter. For TN girls - if you are under 50 you can get the genetic test done on NHS without family history. I am having it - that will make up my mind for me - if I am positive then the other one can go.

Teal - I think the answer to will I lose my hair on FEC without coldcap is a resounding yes. Everyone I saw at chemo 1 was bald by chemo 2. I was the only one doing cap. However, most of them said they were very upset when it happened but said they got over it suprisingly quickly.

As for me - it seems that Gemocide is not as bad as Carbuncle, so it looks like I get to feel sh*t 50% of the time and just knackered the rest. I'll take that. Actually tasted Xmas dinner after piled on black pepper and then followed it with Baileys. Mmmmmmm.

xxxx

[sarah66]

Hi Alpal , i was diagnosed 8th Oct and having first chemo on 27th Dec, fair enough i had to have scans and a referral
to lung dr , but even so i ended up phoning BC nurse and pestering to get things moving !!! Good Luck with chemo

Sarah66

[Alpal]

Thank you Cressida for your link about the cold cap - very reassuring. Love your recipe by the way. Definitey one for the mother-in-law! Thanks Mandy, Maire and Cathy for your lovely replies to my strop with with regards to all this *******s. I can't actually believe that I found the lump on 16th Nov and I'm not getting my first course of chemo till 31st Dec - is this normal? Has everyone else had to wait 6 weeks or so? Had a lovely Christmas Day though - jewellery and cashmere have slightly taken the sting away momentarily - (but only slightly and only momentarily boo hoo). x

[Cybele]

'If there's anything I can do...'

Today's post on http://chemonights.blogspot.co.uk/

[Cybele]

Happy Christmas, my Sisters in Chemo!

Am feeling much better today, after several days of being pretty much off my head with lack of sleep and associated exhaustion.

Took a Lorazepam last night and it knocked me out, and I slept for 10 hours. Sheer bliss - and woke up this morning feeling reasonably human again.

Haven't got time now to catch up with all the posts, but will do so later on - hope you're all ok, and will have a good Christmas Day.

My Fec 2 will be a week tomorrow, and I am already starting to feel tense in anticipation. I'm now on day 15 and starting week 3, which is meant to be the week when you don't feel too bad, but I'm realising this is going o be overshadowed somewhat by FEC2 now looming on the horizon. Also still suffering from the nausea.

Fec 1 was quite enough, thankyou - and has left me pretty exhausted. Can hardly even bear to contemplate having to go through all this another 5 times, knowing that it is probably going o get worse each time, as the poisons build up.

Oh, well, people do say it goes very quickly.

nb, for anyone still undecided re cold cap - am now on day 14 , and no signs yet of hair falling out. Also got useful tip from previous cold-capper: during the first 10 minutes after they put in , when it is quite oainful, have a hot drink of some kind, and this should help - I will try it next week and report back.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!!

ps I totally agree with whoever it was said we should have a Xmas party in the summer - yes!

[sarah66]

Hi Karen & Wendy , this i my 2nd time round too, having 12 X Taxol and Avastin starting 27th Dec, for recurrance and ? small lung mets, decided not to biopsy lung as close to heart valves so treating as mets. Will need mastectomy after, again i am thinking of asking for double to lower future risk? hopefully but then do not really know, have not discussed options yet. As i am large breasted will feel really odd with one boob only evenif it is reduced, also do not want loads of ops ?? what to do .

Best wishes
Sarah66

[Caroline60]

Hi Ladies, where do I buy a reasonably priced thermometer? I live in London and have looked at a few in a well known pharmacist - but they are really expensive. Iv thought about visiting £ shops - but would appreciate your advice and experiences.

[Cybele]

'Sleepless in Hammersmith,,'

Today's post on [color=#290cd4]http://chemonights.blogspot.co.uk/

[margietee]

Hi Crackers. I'm popping in from april chemo bunnies on Christmas Eve evening to say I'm thinking of all of you who have only just started your chemo this month. A horrid time to have had to start it, but I send you all my good wishes And i am thinking of you all. You will come through to the other side just as we April bunnies have done. I finished chemo on august 11 and believe me if does all get better. Good luck and lots of love to you all. Here is to 2013 when you, like free will be out the other side. Move, margietee xxxx

[margietee]

For 'Move' read love. I hate predictive text!!!!

[Cressida]

Happy Christmas everybody. I will try and keep off here tommorow as I want cancer to f*ck off for one day so I am sending you my wishes now. I would like to suggest we have an Xmas party in the summer. I know some people say there is always next year but that didn't work for me last time, so now I propose 2 Christmases just like the Queen has 2 birthdays. Have the best one you can, Cress, xxx

[Cressida]

Marmite ‘n’ Movicol Sprouts

You will need:

• Sprouts (does not matter how many – actually not too many – they have vitamin K, and you can, in theory, overdose and get a blood clot, I know this is true cos it was on the BBC website)
• 2 sachets Movicol
• Large teaspoon Marmite
• Either – 1 bottle wine (any type) or, in fact, any type of alcoholic beverage, in any quantity
• Or – glass water and 5 – 10mg Benzodiazepine of your choice
• 1 slice bread
• Dab butter
• Bit more Marmite

What to do:

• Have a little drink, or a pill (you might want to break the pills into bits so that you don’t overdose)
• Peel sprouts – remember to get all the mud off – a bit of mud could kill you – best take all the leaves off.
• Boil whatever is left until it smells of socks
• Have another drink/pill
• Drain sprouts and stir in Marmite whilst still warm so it melts
• (note – people without cancer might retain the water to make gravy – you do not need to bother)
• Place sprouts in buttered dish
• Sprinkle with 1 sachet Movicol
• Bake at whatever temp you like for as long as like
• Have another drink/pill
• Toast bread
• Spread with butter and marmite whilst still hot – eat immediately – you need to soak up the drink/pills
• Place cooked sprout mix into a Tupperware and serve to anyone who says “you look well” or tells you about their Aunty who lived to 103 despite having cancer and always helped out a homeless shelter this time of year regardless of what treatment she was having.
• Reserve the final sachet of Movicol in case the toast and Marmite won’t shift.
• Have another drink/pill and a bit of a sit down. Someone will cook something and, if they don’t, at least you had the Marmite and toast.