Anyone starting chemo August 2015?

[Richelle]

Hi ladies just catching up on you news, pleased to report not too bad here much better with the steroids, no tears even this week hooray, my lovely mum is off back home after her usual five day stay today bless her although to be fair my two boys need more care than me! Weather rubbish but hoping to get out over the weekend.

Debs loving the attitude, I think your right we all just do what we need to get through and achieve the best outcome it's amazing were we keep digging our reserves from! ☺️

Sarah good to hear your doing ok x

Bibi I didn't see the pictures but it is annoying when they try to sensationalise it's tough enough without scaring people half to death with images, my scar is like a little sideways smile a friend has the same on her left breast and we laugh and say we could be friendly flashers 😜

[bravescholar]

Bibi, I didn't see those photos but will see if they're online. My oncologist mentioned them to me on Monday. Re Victoria Derbyshire, I think she was misguided to hold those placards up and say her cancer was gone, esp as she is also going to have chemo and radiotherapy. I was even moved to do a blog post about it: https://iamtheoneineight.wordpress.com/2015/10/23/sorry-but-i-have-to-disagree-with-victoria-derbysh... xx

[Bibi44]

Debs I got changed from 3 to 4 cycles for T, so will still be here until Jan! My heart did sink when she told me as the finish line moved further into the distance, but I've adjusted now.  Sarah glad you are ok & long may it continue.

On a separate subject, did any of you London based ladies see those Stella Mccartney photos in the Evening Standard? It made me so cross, I have just texted in a comment for publication. They are pictures of ladies who are hugely disfigured by breast surgery they obviously had a number of years ago. Modern surgical techniques, with minimal scaring & effective reconstruction were not represented at all. It must be hugely damaging/dispiriting  for anyone who had just been diagnosed to see that (even Victoria 'isn't BC do-able' Plumcake as she's known on the September thread). xx

[Debs30]

I am ok with the change. Right at the beginning my nurse said I would be having 8 but my locum oncologist at the time put me down for 6. Talking to a couple of ladies during treatment they said they were having 8 so it did play on my mind a bit that I was only having 6. 

I had got myself ready for my first T and now I have 3 more weeks to wait . Never mind got to think that in a way 2 more may be beneficial . Still 3 weekly but my day has changed to a Friday instead of a Thursday because of my change of oncologist . My new oncologist is lovely and very thorough and is not a locum so all good. 

Debs xx

[Sarahd-1]

Shelley good luck for today Hun be thinking of you xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Sarahd-1]

Aww debs. How are you feeling about that. I think it's so wrong for them to do that. They did the same to my cousins wife's sister. Who also had surgery after chemo. How are you feeling today? I will try and pop on as much as I can to let you know how T is so far I'm on day 2 and I feel fine. I have taken anti sickness but I have had no nausea. I know tomorrow could be the day of change and I'm going to take some painkillers in advance. Steroids don't seem to be as bad so far but I know they will linger after. The allergic reaction didn't happen they give it 15 minutes to see if anything happens.hope all you lovely ladies are all ok big hugs to all especially debs. How are you Richelle and tania Tc I hope I haven't missed anyone bleeping chemo brain xxxxxx

[bravescholar]

So who else other than Debs and me are having chemo pre op? Good luck, Shelly.

[Bibi44]

Good luck Shelly. Hope you have a better day today. Sarah hope it went ok with no allergic reactions x

[Bibi44]

So sorry to hear you have 2 more than expected Debs. Must be hard to be told that now. Mind you the more it shrinks the less they'll have to take surgically, so might help you in the long run. They do 8 for AC-T & EC-T at our place, but I haven't heard of that for FEC-T.  Will they change you to dose dense (2weekly) now as well? 

[Debs30]

Hi Sarah

My new oncologist has changed my plan ( should have been this in the first place apparently, the hospital where I have my treatment give the ladies who have chemotherapy before op 8 sessions) . I have today got one more Fec and then 4xT . I will now be one T behind you so will follow your progress . Hope you are ok , same for all ladiesxxxxxxxx

Debs

[Shellyjenks]

Hi Sarah, I need to take the dose age prescribed for the, the 8 tablets for the 3 days and then reduce them, not been good today, dreading tomorrow. Hope you are ok after yours todayxx. Hope you other ladies are all good too xx

[Bibi44]

Wow that sounds nice.  Never seen anything like that offered at my hospital x

[bravescholar]

Ha! Yes, Bibi, this one was completely uneventful, thanks. For the next one, I'm booked in for a foot massage half-way through!

[Bibi44]

Brave hope this one that's your more kindly than the last.

Carole enjoy your first free Thursday for months! 

x

[bravescholar]

Rosie, I also shaved my head when the hair loss became too bad.

[bravescholar]

Hi all, Just back from 6th session overall, 2nd paclitaxel session.

Rosie, today's session took just over 5 hours in all. As Carole says, veins take longer than ports. Pax is given through veins over three hours but the weighing, the observations and all pre-meds took one-and-a-half hours. I've had no trouble with nausea but my finger nails were a nightmare last week. Very, very tender and sensitive for 3-4 days. Couldn't do up buttons open milk bottles, peel an orange... but I hadn't done the dark naiil varnish thingy. Give it a try? I also had a few night sweats. But other than that fine. Good luck.

Take care all. xxxx

[carolec]

Hi Rosie
You sound as if you've done really well on the EC so think you'll find the Pax much better. For a start there's no steroid tail as you're given steroids at same time as chemo and you shouldn't feel sick on the Pax but I did suffer a little but. My nails held up but my problem was indigestion but we're all different. I used dr organically oil on fingernails and painted toe nails a dark colour. I also had a port which was much quicker than using a vein - 45 mins for the pax to go through, although I used the cold cap so it made the whole experience longer. I had the port removed on Monday as now finished my 12 weeks. Bravescholar and Bibi will also be able to advise you as they are both now on Paclitaxol. Good luck with the rest of your treatment xx
Hi everyone hope you're all doing ok xxx

[Rosiebubbles]

Hi Carolec

Someone on the Sept forum suggested that I dipped into the August forum as there were others who had had pax? I am currently on EC - started on 1/10/15 and doing ok so far although food is bit of an issue and ended up in hospital about day 15 round 1. Had EC round 2 and first 2 days similar but headaches not too bad since. Food still bit of issue.

Not yet found anyone having pax for 9 weeks after the 3 EC rounds and been wondering what I might expect as will be having over Christmas and New Year? Happy to paint nails what ever colour is needed if this works and any other tips would be great . Got visitors from Oz over the break and thought I would plan ahead to help manage things a little.

Travelling for the treatment and going ok so far. Have had great support from GP in doing bloods early so don't travel unnecessarily and local hospital going to sort ones for weekly trips so that works too 🙂 

Learning to enjoy and be busy in the ups and manage the less up days and listen to my body. Took control and shaved the head and felt heaps better, happy in my skin if that doesn't sound odd. My granddaughter similarly took it in her stride and she enjoyed trying my hat and feeling my head 🙂 She makes me smile and life is good 🙂 

New to this but any advice welcomed, especially the pax. 

All the best

Rosie

[Josie11]

Hi Sarahd ,

I started with paracetamol, tried ibuprofen but my stomach revolted, co codamol wasn't enough and ended up with amytripilline first time round, second time, paracetamol was enough. But we're all different and you may sail through 😀. Horrible as the pain and the mouth were, they do pass and the significant risks with T are neutropenic sepsis and peripheral neuropathy, one is life threatening and the other can be long term, xx

[bravescholar]

Good luck, everyone.

[Sarahd-1]

HI Richelle thank you for letting me know.I hope this round will be better for you. Hi Josie good luck for tomorrow I hope its like round 2 for you. Is it best to have paracetomol or is it better to have something stronger? xxxxx

[Josie11]

Hi Richelle, hope you don't mind me popping in - I had an awful T1 and was given a steroid tail of 3 days of 4mg daily after the 3 days of 8mg twice daily - the second T was fine - I managed to de clutter the lean to and apart from the horrible mouth and taste loss, just was a bit tired and a wee bit sore unlike round 1 when I was sitting rocking with the pain. Still got slightly blurry eyes but not as bad. I hope it goes better for you. I have T 3 tomorrow so hopefully it will be like T 2 but at least it is the last one, we're getting there :-). Xxx

[Richelle]

Thanks ladies, Sarah I was on 16mg of steroids from the day before chemo and two days post chemo, but he has extended it to the following regime, day three 8mg, day four 6mg, day five 4mg and day six 2 mg so will see how it goes and keep you posted!

Felt ok today just a bit of blurred vision and some rib/back pain which started about and hour ago, but some paracetamol and a hot water bottle has done the trick.

Take care all xxx

[Sarahd-1]

Hi RIchelle so have you only got one more to go? HI Shelley I hope you are ok about Friday and let me know what your onc said I have to take them this time round and I stupidly didnt ask why. Hope everyone is ok today xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Bibi44]

Shelly Good luck for Fri  xx

[Bibi44]

Hey Richelle Glad u survived T1, although sounds a bit of an ordeal. I have read on other threads that the steroid tail can make a huge difference to how people feel on tax. Fingers crossed for a better experience this time. At least u know u have to go through that only one more time. All the best. X

[Shellyjenks]

Hi Sarah, I have my 1st T on Friday, and got the steroids the same as yourself and I had them reduced on the fec, going to pre chemo clinic this afternoon, will ask about steroids then. Hope you are all good, dreading this round of chemo, then again I've hated them all so far lol xx

[Sarahd-1]

Hi Richelle. Good to hear from you 🙂 Im glad you are ok. I have my first T on Thursday. I have to take 8 steroids the day before are you the same? I had my last lot of steroids reduced. You are getting close to the end 🙂 How are you feeling Debs about T this week. My house move is becoming more frustrating as the people we are buying off cannot find anywhere. So this could go on for while. House prices have gone mad in Bristol at the moment. Hope you ok Tania? Hope everyone is ok big hugs xxxxxxx

[Richelle]

Hi ladies not posted in a while but caught up on all your news.

Brave I hope you enjoyed Paris well done on getting out and about

Sarah I hope the house move is going smoothly

Bibi hope the nose has settled and sorry to hear you were feeling poorly after your chemo
Tania hope your tax went ok I wouldn't be without my port it's a god send but do ask for midazolam as you will not remember it and it takes approx 1hr 10 mins under the full sterile sheet
Also Carol congratulations on finishing well done!🎉🎊

Just been for my fifth chemo today 2nd Taxotere must say felt rough after the first one until Friday of last week but the onco has put me on a reducing dose of steroids for all of this week to stop me falling off the cliff as he put it. He also said the cellulitis in my arm will come back after each chemo as the vein is damaged but hey ho inching ever closer to the end☺️ x

[lisajane7878]

Ah bibbi didn't realise your having hercep too. Yes I heard about the 6 hours wait after!! What a pain but like you say nothing compared to the ice cap wait xx

[Bibi44]

Lisa A friend of mine who's a GP said travel insurance might be very expensive for me, but she knows  a company that specialises in people having cancer treatment. Normal insurance co probably won't cover u for cancellation or medical treatment (so that's basically bag insurance only then . . How helpful!). I can ask the name if u want me to. Apparently it eventually goes back to normal the longer you're in remission.

Sarah just seen your post on Sept. All the best for Thursday. I think Debs might be doing T1 too this week. Hope it goes well?  I have my first Herceptin next week. They have said I have to stay in the unit for 6 hours in case of allergic reaction. I guess it will be an improvement to be in that place without the ice station zebra outfit on. BBxx

[lisajane7878]

Hi everyone has anyone looked into travel insurance whilst going through chemo? Just we are considering a trip to Disneyland Paris just before Christmas. Do you all think it's doable? Just with the way I have managed so far I think health wise I should be fine. We had to cancel our summer holiday and think this would be a great pre Xmas surprise xx

[Bibi44]

TaniaHow did the port go? Mine felt a bit like someone had their hands round mine throat for the first few days, but it does go. Lisalou hope you r ok after chemo. x

[carolec]

Thanks so much for your comments and you're all right behind me and will be over this stage before you know it. You're all doing brilliantly and I have great admiration for you on the heavier chemo - think I got off lightly with the pax. Your support and tips have been brilliant and made me feel like I'm not on this journey on my own - a kinda sisterhood if that doesn't sound too soppy! Brave hope you have a brilliant time in Paris - I'm going to try some free acupuncture for the peripheral neuropathy and everyone I'll be popping in from time to time to see how you all are love Carole xxx

[Bibi44]

Brave you deserve a medal for making the effort to go to Paris! Hope your nails are not too awful & that you are having a great time. x

[Debs30]

Wahoo Carol ..fantastic !!! Xxxxxx

[bravescholar]

Yes, Carole, congrats and best of luck with everything. My nails are still really tender and i fear i have some peripheral neuropathy in my feet...or that may be from walking round Paris for hours on end!x

[Sarahd-1]

Carol Congratulations. I agree with Bibi. 🙂 so so happy for you xxxxxxxxxx

[Bibi44]

Many many congratulations to the first graduate of August 2015 chemo!!! I am so pleased for you & may you never tread this road again. You have been a constant source of support & helpful advice to me & I am very grateful for that.  All the best for your break from treatment.  You deserve it. Have a lovely weekend all. BBxx

[carolec]

Finished my chemo yesterday - YAY!  Sorry for that but you'll be saying that soon enough.  When I went to see onco I kind of expected him to say "I think we shall add his chemo in as well" but he didn't and now I have  a few weeks break and on to rads.  That's apart from port out on Monday and herceptin Thursday and it's half term so will try and get away somewhere with my hubby and 16 year old as my older ones are either at uni or working.  Bibi and everyone I will pop in now and again to see how you're all doing.  One SE I suffer from on the pax is bad indigestion and reflux but realised a few weeks ago that it's better to take a daily omeprozole rather than when I think I need it.  I missed one out yesterday and paid the price at 2am this morning!  Good weekend everyone - I'm staying in London tonight visiting family so will probably be a hectic one xxx

[Bibi44]

Thanks Carole That's what I'm hoping for. You must be so pleased to be nearing the end of all this.  Are you having rads? I will be talking to myself by the end of mine . . Jan 25th, so do pop in occasionally & let me know how your recovery to feeling normal after Pac is going.

Lisa I get what you're saying about the logistics, but, for me, I think the extra aggro is worth feeling better. However, we're all different, so your choice completely. Have a good day all xx

[lisajane7878]

They haven't mentioned it abs to be honest I would rather go every 3 weeks than every week as would feel I was never away from the place xxx

[carolec]

Sorry to talk hair, but you'll be better when you start he taxol BiBi as it only takes 45 mins to go through and then 2 hours either side.  If you don't take lorazepam I would really recommend it as half the time I don't k ow it's on!  You've done well to keep hair, and you Lisa.  Lisa will they not give you 12 weekly taxol instead of taxotere every 3 weeks?  The weeklies are kinder to your body, but unfortunately some health authorities won't go to the extra expense!  Post code lottery again! Xxx

[Bibi44]

Last ghastly vomit cocktail down the hatch . . Congrats! Once you're through the worst SE at least u know u will never have yo do FEC again. Well done on the cold cap too. It's getting hard isn't it as hair thins? Mine was grit your teeth for the first 10 mins this time. Funny u mention hair . .  I've just had a real scare wash hair wash with tons coming out including some of the long ones at the front I like to delude myself all's well with. My worst bit is ear level down at the back where there are a couple of very thin, see the scalp through bits, but these can be covered by combover. Rest has come out fairly evenly. Parting a little wide on the crown but I sprinkle a bit of Topik in it & looks fine. Will definitely be avoiding hair washes for some time. Apols to ladies that have lost the lot. Best wishes to all. BBxx

[lisajane7878]

Hi everyone just had my 3rd and final FEC yesterday. Cap was really difficult as my hair so thin on top but I did it. Was really wiped out when I got home and went to bed at 7. Slept till 7 this morning so that's helped. Bibi how's the hair? Mine is very thin if not gone on the top but I'm managing to clip it back to hide it. Only just! Xx

[bravescholar]

Thanks, Bibi. I'll definitely try the sage.

[Bibi44]

Brave was talking to my sis about night sweats, as she's had her meno, she said in Germany they all drink sage tea & it's said to reduce night sweats by 50-60%. Might be worth a try. She said get some leaves a steep for 10 mins. Sorry not sure what it tastes like xx

[Bibi44]

Hi Sarah Glad you're enjoying your week off. Makes all this bearable. Paris sounds great too Brave. I had a ropey first night & had to call out GP, but nausea had pretty much gone by end of day2 & fine today.  Weird because nausea usually doesn't clear until day 4-5. Guess GP's anti sick tabs worked super well on top of the rest. They have also made steroid effect more spacey than verbal diarrhoea. Tania hope port was ok & LisaLou so sorry you are struggling before chemo, must be very annoying to waste good days. Have a good night all. BBxx

[Sarahd-1]

Hi everyone good luck to everybody having treatment and hope its not too bad. How are you feeling Bibi after your 3rd! And Tania I hope you are feeling ok? How is Debs and RIchelle? Carol the nails dont sound too nice I have bought some black nail varnish and my friend is going to the do them for me as I am rubbish at doing my right hand. Hi Brave Paris sounds like a dream, have a lovely time Good luck lisa. Big hugs to you all. I have had a very busy and productive day which always makes the in between days much better. 🙂 xxxx

[Lisalouw]

Hello ladies , just come back from seeing my oncologist and chemo 4 of TAC goes ahead on fri , I've been given lorazepam this time as I feel sick even before I have my chemo , I felt sick today too , so they think I have anticipatory nausea , great ! , so I'll be out of action for a wk , I normally can't move much from my bed , I'm still on an 80% reduced dose , Lv to everyone , xxxx