Anyone due to start chemotherapy in September 2015

[Bibi44]

Well done Chelle & Suzy. Both big achievements. xx

[Scaredchelle]

Well ladies I did it. I completed my first full day of work since the summer. Had rads at 8.15 this morning, popped back home to pick up my folder and then caught the train into the city. It is now 5pm and o am finally on my way home.
Very proud of myself but am also on my knees!!
Not sure I will make it through the day tomorrow..........

[SuzyEB]

Sue I forgot to say try not to take the steroids after 2.00 pm as they can keep you awake. I had to take 2 at 9.00 am and 2 at 2.00pm. Just be aware that you may find it hard to sleep. You may also find you have a big burst of energy. I used it to do housework and ironing. You can also feel like you have to eat lots as well. They are very necessary to help prevent reactions so you must take them. Talk to your chemo nurses and they can advise or alter the steroids if you have problems with them.xx

[SuzyEB]

Hi Sue. Have you spoken to your chemo nurses? You need to let them know if you've noted bloating as well. You do get breathless even going upstairs but you sound anxious. You can call the emergency number they've given you. They can advise you and put your mind at rest. The emergency team are there to help and advise. Are your temps ok?
The tiredness can get worse on Tax. Rest as much as you can. Do a little each day but rest. You are being battered by the chemo. Your body needs time to adjust. I hope you get some sleep.
Hi TC and Chelle. Hope your rads are going well. I'm having my last rads tomorrow. My chest is bright red and tender. Just so glad it's almost done.
Ange how's it going back at work?
Bibi hope you've enjoyed today. Xx

[Daisy63]

‎
Hi everyone i am a Feb starter. Just need some advice.
I must say I need to get my breathing sorted out, was out of breath when walking. Don't know why it's begining to scare me now. My belly is so bloated as well. And still very tired. Sick of moaning how tired I am. 

Now waiting for Thursday for my T to begin.


 Can you girls tell me when's the best time to take the steroids, as I have got to take 4 the day before my first T and 4 on the day and 4 the day after. 

hope your all doing well.

sue X X

[SuzyEB]

Had my hairdresser round for coffee. Have decided on a short spiky style. Think Jamie Lee Curtis short. Hair will be there in about 8 weeks. It does grow very quickly.
I have to speak with my boss this week and then occ health. They have the final say on the hours I can do.
I am going to the gym regularly and got the go ahead to return to doing upper body resistance training. Feel like I'm coming back to me. Enjoy your recuperation time. Xx

[Bibi44]

Hi Suzy sorry it's sore for you. It's quite a barbaric thing really. I know two ladies on Feb Rads had similar problems to those you describe & both said it got much better quite quickly. They were surprised how fast. For me, it stayed the same for a week after, whilst the rads were still working, but quickly better after that & back in a bra by 2 weeks after.  You might need a staged return to your bras as well as work😀, I know I could only wear mine for either the morning or afternoon for about a week after that. I am pleased to say the 'tan' line is also beginning to fade now (6 weeks post).  I do feel miles better now & even played tennis for an hour on Friday, albeit with underarm serves & not a lot of running for balls more than 10 feet away,  but returning to work seems quite daunting to me.  I had a zero hours contract job, which I had to resign from when I was diagnosed, so just mucking about at the moment.  I will probably give myself the summer to recuperate (still have some redundancy money left from 2013 when I lost my career job) & start to look in the Autumn when I have some more normal looking hair (well we live in hope!). All the best for your last couple of zaps. Hope TC/Chelle going ok with the rads.  xx

[SuzyEB]

Know what you mean Bibi. Ive been setting my alarm for 6.45 to prepare for work in 2 weeks. I do my bible reading and then go back to sleep for an hour. Need to get up straight away. Ex boob is very red and tender. It is also still swollen. Any ideas on how long it will take to settle down? I'm disappointed that my mastectomy is not a flat smooth scar but is instead all puckered. I know I have to give it time and all the seromas have not helped. Finished moaning.
All I can hear outside are the wood pigeons cooing. It is a glorious morning. Only 2 more rads to go. Sorry TC and Chelle. It does go quickly.
Ange hope you are all settled back into work now. I'm starting a phased return in 2 weeks. Not sure how I feel about it. I'm starting to enjoy not going in but I have to work.
Have a lovely day. Xx

[Bibi44]

OMG I'm incapable of leaving the house before about 9-30 these days & I get up when HB goes to work. Just seem to climb back in with a cuppa. Glad it's ok so far. It was only the last couple of days that were sore for me, but I knew I was near the end. All the best for next week all. Two more now Suzy? Good weekend xx

[Scaredchelle]

Hello ladies. How are we all getting on?
How was your first session tc?

I've had 3 now and it's been pretty straight forward. Feeling a bit tired which I assume is normal?!!!
Only worrying thing for me is that I just had a phone call changing my appointments to 8.15am mon-wed next week!! AM I said AM!!!!!

[SuzyEB]

Chelke glad it went well. Hope you have few rea tions. Keep putting on the creams.
TC all the best with your first session today. Hope you manage ti get your arminto position. How's the cording? Xx

[Scaredchelle]

Big hugs tc. Must be hard for you right now.

good luck for tomorrow. I had my first today and it's was like nothing happened!!!!! A walk in the park I would say lol!

xxx

[turnercat]

Thanks ladies xx

[Bibi44]

TC life is so tough sometimes.  Big hugs to you for rads & your brother too.  Chelle hope you're doing ok too.  Suzy nearly finished your rads now. Hope this week is ok for you xx

[SuzyEB]

Oh TC, sending you lots of hugs. It is a bad time for us all. Lots of hard news. I'm praying for you and your brother. Xx

[turnercat]

Hi ladies special thoughts to my brother in Germany tomorrow who is having his second lung operated on after cancer spread to his lungs and liver after bowel cancer. Im missing my boob at the moment. Its probably sitting in a jar at the moment in the Essex University labs I donated for further research into bc. Oh well start rads on Thursday. Here we go again x

[Daisy63]

[Daisy63]

I have just finished my FEC just over a week ago. Next step T what ever that is. So glad to hear some other ladies had breathing problems. I suffer with panic attacks so can't get out on my own for a walk. What a wreak I am. X X X

[SuzyEB]

Daisy. You poor thing. FEC T is horrible. I had awful fatigue and could just about get upstairs but had to stop at the top to get my breath back. As Bibi said a small walk every day helped as did lots of water and good food. Do a small ammount when you can but listen to yoir body. If you need to rest then rest. If you have the immune boostimg injections then you can get awful bone pain as the marrow starts working. I also had vey broken sleep on FEC as I had to pee evry two hours. Your taste goes and you can have a very painful mouth and awful reflux and indigestion. I found I couldn't eat pastry or rice. Tea and coffee were awful as well. I know it sounds hard but you do find what works for you. We are all hear to help you through this. You will find strength in yourself that may surprise you. All the best. Xx

[Bibi44]

Ps in terms of the fatigue, daily walks really help.  I used to drag myself off to meet my friends for a walk some days, thinking I would never make it round, but I would actually come back a lot more perky.  Sounds counterintuitive, but I wasn't the only one who found that.  Also eating healthily & drinking lots of fluids seem to help the fatigue.  Really no idea why!! I was ready for bed most nights by 9-9.30. HB to,d me he used to get upset on Sat nights on his own, guess he was thinking this is what it would be like ... xx

[Bibi44]

Oh dear poor you.  I didn't get that but some people definitely did.  In fact I remember quite a few people moaning about it.  There's no solotion other than to do everything slowly & pace yourself I'm afraid (from what I remember them all saying.   Are you still on FEC or have you moved to T? x

[Daisy63]

Hi bibi44

yes I can relate to all of them, the only other one is I get out of breath more now is this normal? Have to keep sitting down after trying to do chores. I am 64 don't know if my age has anything to do with it. I get very fatigued. It's all getting me down I am afraid. 

Sue x X X 

[Bibi44]

Hi Daisy

Most people had hair loss, a horrible tasting mouth, morning sickness feeling, hungover tired feeling, dry nails, sore feet, terrible indigestion, dry everything (skin, lips, use your imagination), either constipation or diarrhoea.  Some were actually sick (mainly the FEC) , got mouth ulcers, were hospitalised for neutropenic infections, bad headaches, dry cracking nails, muscle aches & pains (mainly the T). Have I forgotten anything ladies? If your SE are not amongst those listed, tell us what they are & chances are someone had it.  How are you coping? xx

[Daisy63]

Good morning ladies, I am in the Feb forum. So hope you don't mind me popping in.

I would very much appreciate  your help with side effects from FEC T. Please could you take a couple of minutes to just jot down any you had no matter how small. It would put my mind at rest to see if what I am getting is because of the chemo. I am a born worrier lol lol. 

Please do this only if you have time. 

Thank you. 

Sue x X X 

[JenJen]

Hello all x

Im at our holiday home in Dorset for a few days then im off to see hubbys family for a few days so no overdoing it and lots of being looked after

Love to all xx

[SuzyEB]

Jen jen well done on getting through chemo. These weeks between are a great time to just gather your strength and rest. Have a fab time away. Try not to overdo it.
All you other lovely ladies have a great weekend.
Ange hope work is easing a little and you're not overdoing it. Xx

[Bibi44]

Have a great hol Jen Jen & all the best for your surgery xx

[Jobey68]

Jetting off somewhere warm and relaxing I hope Jen! Enjoy you certainly deserve it!! Xx 

[JenJen]

Just popping in to give you Sept ladies a big hug and say I finished Chemo and thanks for helping me through it x im in those weeks between chemo and surgery now where not a lot is happening so im jetting off for a few days before I meet my surgeon.


Suze x TC x Bibi x Chelle x big hugs

[SuzyEB]

Hi TC. Losing big toe nails on both feet and thumb nails looking very bruised. That's how the toe nails started. They are so ridged and brittle. Flaking at slightest knock. I also have a very stiff neck and am finding it very painful to turn my head. Going to speak to bcn about physio. On the plus side my skin is holding up well to the rads. Have an onc rads assessment on Friday.
Sorry to hear about lymphodema. I'm getting paranoid about the slightest swelling or tightness in my arm. Have been fortunate so far.
Great news about rads unit. I'm finding the journey to N Mids quite tiring. This week they have been running with 30 mins delay. Added to the travel time it means falling asleep on the sofa when I get home. Halfway now. Have the cocktails in the freezer to celebrate on the last day. Xx

[turnercat]

Hi Suzi I'm pleased to say we have a brand new radiotherapy unit at Colchester so I'm really lucky its on my doorstep. Bit of bad news today at the physio I have cording and it looks like I'm getting lymphodemia.Also ladies how are your nails Mine are disgusting. Brown thickened yuk xx

[Bibi44]

Glad you're all headed in the right direction ladies. All the best for rads Chelle & TC. xx

[Scaredchelle]

Hi ladies. 

Just returned from an open evening at the rads department. Got to meat the team and see the machine and what happens. Makes it all very real just as I had started to feel a bit more normal. But also eases the anxiety of starting rads.

how are we all doing?

some talk earlier about counselling and having been for my 3rd session today I can highly recommend it. If anything it has made me realise that I need to start to spend time on 'me' much much more. I'm seriously not sure how to do that but at least I can think much more about 'me'

[SuzyEB]

Hi TC I'm going to the lovely N Mids. It is usually ok but have found that the first day of the week is always busy with long delays. They are really lovely staff and it's fairly easy for me to get to.

Where you going for yours? Take this free time to rest up and keep doing the exercises as the position can make you a bit stiff. Take cream with you and put it on as soon as you get dressed. I have found it very uncomfortable to wear my bra so have been making do with a vest. Hope your physio goes well and is not too painful. xx

[turnercat]

Hi Suzy where are your rads taking place?

[SuzyEB]

Hi Chelle, hope your physio paid off at your planning session. xx

[turnercat]

Hi ladies still here Seroma gone, finally got my dates for radiotherapy 14th April 15 sessions.  Have an appointment with physio on Wednesday re cording and possible slight lymphodemia.  Feel as though I'm turning a corner but may being too optomistic.  You all sound very tired after rads.  I would love to go swimming but don't suppose that's aloud xxx

[SuzyEB]

Oh Ange, Glad your rads have finished. I'm starting to think about returning to work but just want this next month to go. I've just had herceptin on Friday with rads and am so tired. Can't think how I'll manage going back to work. Can't wait for some normality to return. xx

[MadAnge]

I am in limbo with aches and pains :(. Rads finished 2 weeks ago and I am sore and uncomfortable. I am having herceptin 5 on Tuesday so more aches to come. Have started to work from home. All seems weird as I am exhausted but trying to do normal things xxx

[SuzyEB]

I didn't realise how tired I would be from the travel, rads and Herceptin. I also have overdone the housework and am in the process of clearing out the fridge and freezer. Have only 15 days to go to the end of rads. Getting anxious about what happens next. How do you prepare for the end of treatment? It feels like a safety net is being removed. The last 8 months has almost been non stop treatment of some sort or other.

Hope everyone is having a peaceful evening.

TC all the best for your rads tomorrow.

Chelle hope your planning goes well and the physio works.

xxxx

[Scaredchelle]

Hello ladies.
Very quiet on here
I seem to have energy at last so have spent the past couple of days doing house jobs that are overdue, theatre visits, play dates, shopping....... Think I may well flake later!
Have had intense physio now which has helped so my planning snac should work out well on Monday. Can't wait for this chapter to begin.... Hate the wait.......

Sunny hugs to you ladies xxx

[Bibi44]

Yes it's a funny one mentally isn't it? I felt exactly the same & had to override all of my instincts to go through with it. If it's any help, it did get easier for me & I think I'm glad I did it now ...from the I've thrown everything at it perspective. Sorry to hear about yet another cancer ... are you close? We seem to be surrounded by it now. Is it our age or is it actually getting more prevalent? Keep up the R2....see what I meant about super tiny sachets? Hope everyone else is ok. xx

[SuzyEB]

Bibi so sorry to hear about your friend. I have a relative who has also just been diagnosed with a cancer.
Had my first rads today. Slightly warm chest but drenched in R2 and Aloe Vera double strength gel. Had a big wobble and didn't want to get on the table but fought back and went through with it. 14 to go. Had a takeaway for a treat. Hope everyone is keeping well.xx

[Bibi44]

Hi everyone.  Sorry to hear you had to have yet another seroma drainage Suzy. Hope this is the last one for you. Will you still go ahead with rads as planned? Chelle hope your physio goes ok so you can get on with rads & TC really hope not lymphoedema for you.  Have u seen the specialist nurse? We had a chat on it after rads, but you might need to go earlier if you think you're getting it.  Shazza very impressed you're back at work.  I have been off trying to get back to normal life too, although knackered for 3 days after a yoga class on Weds (it was the lie on the floor, meditate & do gentle stretches type, not hot yoga) so def not ready for work.    Played tennis for 20 mins yesterday with kids sponge balls.  Than goodness for the latter, as realised my reactions are woefully slow when got smacked straight in the nose by our 17 year old.  Brain didn't even manage a duck or flinch.

Emotionally ok until good friend diagnosed yesterday.  I just burst into tears & HB looked really shell shocked too.  I don't know if it was the sad little 'not good news, L has been diagnosed with BC' text from the husband, which just took us back our diagnosis moment, or I was crying because of what I know she has to face.  This blo*dy disease claims another good person.  She had DCIS 3-4 years ago & opted for the wait & see 'it might never happen' option.  When I was having chemo, I really wanted to say to her, get it chopped out, it's not worth the risk, but decided everyone has to make their own decisions.  Happy Easter all.  We're off to see my sister for lunch today. Nice to have a day off gardening! xxxx

[Scaredchelle]

HI tc.
Good to see you back. Have you been checked for lymphedema on your arm! Our local cancer charity facilitates a specialist clinic. I attended yesterday to be measured and checked and given advice. Certainly worth asking?

[turnercat]

Hi ladies still here. Radiotherapy planning on 1st April still got Stoma feel I mat be getting Lymohodema s***. Will ve back soon. Live ti eceryone. Happy Easter xxxx

[SuzyEB]

I know that feeling. I am aiming for 5 weeks to get back on a phased return. Felt like I was wasting the surgeons time today.
Hope physio gets your arm moving more easily. I'm still doing the exercises and will kerp on wiyh them during and after rads.
I have really enjoyed the reflexology but haven't found it helped the seroma but it massively improved my sleeping. Xx

[Scaredchelle]

Hi Suzy 

glad to hear it's improving. Slow but at least In The right direction. 

I have had a start date for rads but have had to postpone due to my lack of movement. So physio is now a priority for me before my planning scan on the 4th. Hoping to start some time soonafter that. 

I have also approached work to return on a very very part time basis. Feels like I may be returning to the real wirld soon lol!

[SuzyEB]

Oh joy, having another drainage today on advice of onc. Things are definitely improving but frustrating that it's taking so long. Also have a rotten cold and laryngitis.
Hope everyone is doing ok. xx

[shazza45]

Hi ladies
Good luck to those starting rads soon. I didn't have to have rads, do I've been back at work 4 weeks now. I too am struggling emotionally. I thought once chemo was done and going back to work everything would go back to normal! I wish!!! I agree that during treatment we're so focused on getting through and it's so hard when you've finished. We all seem to have the head in the sand feeling .... I today made a appointment with my GP as BCN suggested but have to wait 3 weeks! I'm just so anxious about everything and can't get the feelings out of my head. Hopefully time will be a good healer.
Love to everyone xxxx