Anyone starting chemo aound end of May?

[Guest user]

hi rosiefff sorry meant to write this before. Glad you 'did the wedding thing' and are feeling more in control- it is so important to hold on to normality, isn't it? xx

[hollymeg]

mumszy, got a step nearer for a date to use the tickets on this dreaded trip, meeting cemo nurse on 8th june so it looks like 2weeks today i will need the tickets. Took a day trip today to newark.....lovely place but i only say the inside of a CT scan machine, oh well just have to wait and see now.

Debbie, yes i am thinking of using the cold cap. A BC nurse said even if it doesnt stop my hair falling out it may delay it giving me a bit longer with my own hair. Makes sense to try if i can bare it.
Luv Pauline xxx

[Guest user]

Hi everyone,today I realised why I have to go through this awful journey. I have had such a lovely day at Hampton Court with my 7year old grandson and I want more days like this, so the fight is on!! This is day 8 after my first FEC and I'm feeling good.Next worry is the hair.I did use the cap but am not optimistic, have been practising with the scarf just in case.
Mumszy I am so sorry that you have to wait again before you start-I think you got the wrong ticket!Seriously,I hope the seroma goes soon. As I told you earlier, I had at least 6 aspirations and then it was fine.Good Luck and happy sunny weekend to you all x

[Guest user]

Hello girls, hope we are all good this morning, thanks for the comments on the TAx - will just play it all by ear with fingers crossed - we dont really have a choice do we??

Pauline - welcome to the fectax club - are you going to try the cooling cap - I did and found it bearable but it didnt work for me - I have got used to it now after lots of tears at the hair loss and starting to like the scarf thing - I look at it that each day is a day nearer to finishing the regime and getting back to normal ! Keep well everyone, Debbie xx

[Guest user]

Hi Mumsy
Soz to hear your having prob re your seroma. They did drain it for me the once but explained that the more they do, the more chance of infection and that it will settle down eventually, which it did. It did start to 'fill up' slightly after they aspirated it but not as much as before and after approx a week - week and half was back to norm. I found that lying back on top of bed and gently moving arm over and out to the side to gently exercise it and then massaged the area with E45 cream really helped. Looks like normal armpit now only with a smile!!:-)

Hi Debbie
Re Fec and Tax, speaking to a girl today who finished her chemo in Feb and she found that the Tax was easier re SE than the Fec, so it seems to be an individual experience! She said that by the time she got to the Tax she had 'trained' herself to drink lots of water!! This is also something I will need to do as not great at the best of times.

Lots of hugs
C xx

[Guest user]

Hi Pauline - well I hope you still got the tickets??? sadly Ive eaten the sweeties but im going to buy a big bag for us tomorrow Ha ha! Im still waiting for this dratted seroma to go away before they will start Ive had my chemo start date changes 3 times now and its not looking hopeful as my arm is hurting again tonight....

[hollymeg]

hi ladies me again. met OC yesterday and guess wot i am joining your gang. 3 FEC and 3 TAX i think. starting in next 2 weeks. I am also worried more about loosing my hair. Not got appointment yet for wig.
Good luck tomorrow julie and everyone starting on the cemo adventure

Luv Pauline xxx

[Guest user]

Hello everyone
Just reporting in to let you know my worst SE to date has been lack of sleep. I was given corticosteroid tablets that made me feel as high as a kite but also did not induce sleep. I was advised that Day 4 and Day 5 could be emotional and tearful, but I think that is going to be due to coming off this drug. Sorry to hear about some of you having been in hospital with infections. Food still tastes okay and so does the wine. Wishing you all a pink bubble day. It is a long weekend in NZ - Queens birthday!! Yipee no work on Monday.
Susie

[kittenkat]

debbie - back and ok, feeling good, will have sleeping tab tonight and plan to take it easy for a while...mary x

[Guest user]

Thanks Mary - think I should prepare a bit better for the Tax cos of my little one, speak soon xxxx

[kittenkat]

hi debbie - just off for tax no 2....its so hard to know really as we're all different - I seemed to get off pretty lightly-ish with fec but felt the first tax knocked my system more and it sent me neutropenic and in hospt for jab in tummy and i/v antibiotics, temp and diarrhoea but I picked up quick then - most places seem to give you the jabs to prevent the drop but here they don't and I might well have been beter if they did but who knows - the onc has now dropped the dose - I was on the highest - and see how I do this time with the jabs on day 2,3,4......sounds awful when you read it but then my friend was the same with the fec and was in after the first one for 4 nights - we seem to bounce back well and I even sort of enjoyed the break in a sad sort of way....take care, mary x

[Guest user]

Hi girls, am a week into my 2nd lot of FEC chemo and feeling a lot better - got a wig from Debenhams yesterday but waiting for a friend to tweak it at the weekend - i think it looks really wiggy but i hope to get used to it - going for the NHS wig appt tomorrow - feeling lots better about the scarves now tho and even like them ?? I have one more FEC in June then 3 lots of the TAX - the reading material seems that SE are similar but can anyone else enlighten me - I have read on here that the TAX chemo is a bit harsher on you - any experiences and info greatly appreciated - hope my positive expereiences so far are a help to all of you waiting to start your chemo lots of love to us all !! Debbie

[Guest user]

Hello All!!
Rosie - I had Ondansetron in hosp when had Mx, the nausea was dreadful (from anaesthetic, op was difficult and I was 'out' for 4 hrs...)and Ondansetron helped but the real saviour for me was Domperidone. I had suppositories when actually being sick and tabs for nausea, in my mind I think that one is best. looks like we may be chemo buddies if I can get rid of this seroma! I havent had my hair cut yet but got a short wig yesterday and I really like it! when treatment starts Im going to get my hair cut like that then I can go seamlessly into my wig....

Daisy - I so hope you are feeling more ok each day, Im watching your progress carefully for obvious reasons as I hope I wont be far behind you!! I have 6 FEC to get through too.

Lynda - welcome to 'our gang' you will get loads of support from here its helped me tremendously. The hair thing worries me the most of everything, Ive found Surburban Turbans are lovely and their sleep hat really comfy, service was excellent too! There's a firm called Beau Beau in America that sells really lovely colourful scarve things that are easy to put on and look great, their service is very good too!

Mary - this seroma thing is really getting me down. I can feel that it has re-accumulated in just 48 hours, how long did yours take to go away and treatment could be started?

We WILL get through all this and I expect we will wonder what the fuss was when its all over! its something to tell the grandchildren about their brave old nannies!! Haha...

[Guest user]

Hi Mary
Thanks for the fore notice of constipation, Will get the prunes in stock, yipee the joys! Good luck & BIG hugs with your Tax today and soooooo lucky you have only one left!!

Hi Lisa
Thanks for info, dont know if i will get Emend as they will probadly ask why? but will try! You sound as if you have came through this chemo journey really well...hope thats the way it will go for me, fingers crossed and all that!:-)

Hi Zuzeee and Aliceblue
hope you are coping & keeping well + big hugs.

Hi Lynda
Good to hear from you, your treatment plan seems to be going really well, in terms of time scale, which is great! Know what you mean re: the hair thing as I had long dark hair down my back, but when i made the decision to get it cut short and go alot lighter (did have a wee weep) everyone has said it has took 10yrs of me and now i really love it and will consider keeping it this lenght after chemo. Its like what the others girls are saying re the chemo, once you start the process its alot easier! You'll love the new you! xx

[kittenkat]

hi Lynda - welcome to the madhouse.....keep posting here where ever you fancy, you'll get a lot of help and support - I too had a wound infection, they're pretty common, and collections of fluid in the breast - seromas - like lisa says once you get the first chemo out of the way it seems to fly.....have you looked for scarves etc? bohemia-fashions.co.uk have good ones - I like the padded front cotton and cotton jersey ones as they give my bonce a bit of shape - fave is the purple night one.....nice colours too for summer....mary x

[Guest user]

Hi everyone
Hope you don't mind me joining in. Due to start chemo (FEC) on 18 June for 6 sessions followed by rads and then arimidex tablets. Had my first op on 9 April - lumpectomy and all lymph glands removed - followed by second op for clearer margins on 30 April. Have had problems with the wound on my boob - still not healed and ended up with an infection and yet another stay in hospital last week. Hopefully everything going in right direction now. Have an appointment next week for the wig - decided not to go for the cold cap. Scared about the hair loss. Actually if I am honest - scared about everything the next few months are going to throw at me. Decided I am going to be very selfish (which is completely out of character)and put 'me' first.

Love to everyone wherever you are on this journey.

Lynda xx

[lisa_lisa]

Hi rose , Im taking emend and it does help , I was advised it from friend who works on chemo unit I was told they dont always offer it because it is one of the more expencive anti sickness drug , so make sure you ask for it .Take what ever they offer you to help with side effects even if you dont use them this time youl have them just in case .
Good luck to you all for your first chemo session like all the ladies on here will tell you once you have actualy started the cycles it does make it easier just knowing how your going to feal .

Ive just had my third and its flying by so fast...
Lisa x

[kittenkat]

rosie - re the local - injection around where they insert it....I had Ondansetron for antisickness - via the drip and prior to chemo and then tabs every 12 hrs and they worked well - but they do constipate you so I had a box of chopped up ready apricots/dried prunes/dried figs etc and drank tons for at least 3 days after the chemo etc and was ok, I was also given Domperidone tabs in case of break thru nausea and they helped too....mary x
ps due 2nd tax tomorrow - then only 1 more!!!

[Guest user]

Hi Mumszy
Like yourself was also due to start on 26th but now prosponed until 9th June as picc going in on 4th and wanted to have CT scan/Heart Scan and Bone density scan in place before i started so all begining Monday 1st June.
Have been offered Zofran (Ondansetron) for anti-sickness tabs but have heard some of the girls taking Emend and they were excellent (anyone any info on these brands)?

Kittenkat thanks for info re Picc, when you say local was offered do you mean injection or cream??

Daisy Daisy
Know exactly what you mean about 'not being in control with chemo' and when i thought of why i dreaded this part of the treatment it was exactly that. I have brought my three children up by myself and always been independant, strong and now its being faced with the unknown and not having that element of control in my life that upsets me. So at the weekend I did the False tan and wedding thing and had a fantastic day, even managed to catch the bouquet with my 'not so good arm':-) I now feel a little happier to hand the reigns over and take a back seat (but only for a little while):-)

Lots of love x

[Guest user]

Hi Mumszey,So sorry that you have to wait even longer before starting this journey that we all want to end.I hope that is the end of your seroma and you are more comfortable now.The tears are perfectly understandable- I keep bursting into tears, just hope you have someone keeping an eye on you as I know you are alone.I have been to work today and yesterday and have felt a bit strange,as though I'm on a different planet really.Just hate feeling like this I'm so used to being in control and now I'm not!It's amazing how life changes so quickly isn't it?This thing will take over our lives if we let it so WE MUST NOT LET IT.Hope everyone else is doing ok x

[Guest user]

Dear all, especially Trixie! - how kind of you to think of me! Well I was all geared up to go this week,with headscarves, turbans and wigs all nestling in my bedroom..... I felt fine but the BCN wanted to see me so I went up to the hospital. They did USS of my op site and aspirated 180mls of seroma...!!! So again no chemo for me. The thing is I didnt feel the pressure or anything but I am an awful lot more comfortable since and I actually think some sensation in my chest and arm have returned. It doesnt feel as strange as it did (which has been consistent) so can only think that its been there since they took out the 2nd drain. Im glad that I dont have a 'triangle' under my arm any more where the suture line ends too!! But Im really down that it isnt getting started this week again... Last night I just sat and cried which I know is silly but I just cant help it! To all those guys out there who want an aluminium free FEMININE deodorant, John Lewis do a lovely rose one that lingers all day! Good luck all you classmates I should have been with, hopefully next week...............

[Trixie]

Hi Mumszy

Have just read your thread, and hope I can relieve your anxiety re having chemo. It does affect everyone differently, and I consider that I am one of the lucky ones as it was quite 'do able'.

I started my first course of FEC (have to have 6 at 3 weekly intervals) on 15 May, and like you I was terrified, not knowing what to expect. They gave me four steroid tablets straight off (to enhance the appetite) which made me a little dizzy, but that soon wore off. I then had several phials of different drugs (the red one is the one that tends to make you lose your hair I was told). It took about an hour and a half to administer them, and my daughter was with me all the time. Make sure you take all the anti-sickness tablets they give you. I did feel a little nauseous but was not actually sick.

Like you I live alone, having lost my husband to leukaemia two years ago, and during the first week my son moved back in with me to help. I felt really tired and didn't really want anything except small snacky meals. You do need to eat something - high calorie foods - to keep your strength up, but you will probably find that you want to sleep quite a bit at first.

I am now on my second week and beginning to get back to 'normal', although I am still having a nap in the afternoons as I tend to get really tired by then. Apparently, the third week is the best so I am looking forward to that before the treatment starts all over again.

Hope this has been of some help. You will find that the ladies on this site are all lovely and there is plenty of support out there. Good luck with your treatment, hope it all goes well for you.

love Trixie

[Guest user]

Hi Just had my first infusion today of A/C in my hand. No real drama. Nurses wonderful and chatty answering questions. Given heaps of drugs. Feeling fine. Long may it continue.
Pink bubble hugs to all of you

[Guest user]

Good luck Alice, I am on 2nd lot of FEC and have found it very bearable. Hope it works out the same for you - rest up tho and drink lots of water/juice - get the pineapple in for the horrible metal taste too - good luck, let us know how it all goes, lots of love to ya, Debbie xx

[aliceblue]

Hi everyone, I was on this site so much on Friday and maybe Saturday that I thought I would give it a bit of a rest! Just wanted to wish everyone good luck with their treatment, I start tomorrow, so not sure whether to have quite a few glasses of wine (good thing to do) or drink lots of water (right thing to do). Will keep you posted about effects of FEC tomorrow. Lots of warm wishes Alice xxx

[Guest user]

Hello all
I start chemo later today 26th May 09 in New Zealand. I had a lumpectomy on the 20th April which was dx as triple negative, 1.7cms, clear margins and sentinel nodes. I am being given 4 doses of A/C to be followed by 35 days of radio. Am scared but feel very encouraged by reading all these posts. Look forward to being a part of this May group. I am hoping to carry on working as I am self employed as a Property Manager.
Pink bubble hugs to all.
Susie

[Guest user]

Hi Mumszey,
Don't want to say too much,as who knows what's to come, but I am doing ok.Much better on Friday,felt a bit nauseous up till yesterday,but managed lunch out with friends yesterday and have done some gardening today. Have had to keep sitting down though and I am not good at that, but looks like I have to get used to it!Eyes have been a bit sore but could be hayfever.Have had a few tears especially when I thought I might not be able to wear my contact lenses-glasses and no hair-oh dear!How vain is that-of course I realise there must be lots of women like that.Also trying not to wash hair too much,while I've still got it, which I hate ,as I usually do it every day in the shower.Glad to hear you will be getting to start this horrid journey with me on Thurs.Has the seroma gone? Good luck to the others who start this week.Let me know how you do x

[Guest user]

daisydaisy, how are you feeling today after your 1st dose of chemo? I think i will be in your gang next thursday! Do hope you are doing ok.

[Guest user]

Hi Hollymeg

Thouht i would put my pennyworth in from a different perspective. I think we know ourselves and the decision we make will be the right one for us and no one else. This is the wrong time to beat yourself up or worry about anything other than yourself and your fammily. I have not worked for nearly six months and i stand by my decision. I was actually hospitalised once as i caught a cold off my young son.

As i said in the early days of chemo i found i was quite capable of working and helped out in school with activities out of the classroom, marking etc.. - i was officially off sick. I am now, after two taxoteres, (and five treatments in total) really not up to a lot. Fatigue sets in quickly. I am now concentrating my efforts on getting healthier and fitter ready for school when i do go back.

Debs, i hope it goes well for you and i am sure, like me you will quickly recognise your limitations. Another thing though, i have heard of an awful lot of teachers with this lately.......

All the best
Linda

[hollymeg]

Debs, i think sharing your hair lose with the kids is a very brave idea and i admire you fof it debs. I am too busy worrying about what i will look like, hadnt thought that far, dont think i could be that brave though. Arn't you worried about picking germs up and delaying your cemo? i just want to get it over with and dont want to jeperdise it. Am i being selfish?

[Guest user]

Hi Pauline, Linda and everyone!

I haven't started chemo yet seeing onc 9th June, but have asked my bcn about working during it. I am a primary sch teacher too!! My bcn nurse said if I feel up to it to work as they prefer people to be 'normal'. Luckily my head is very supportive and we are going to see how it goes hopefully with me taking days off as neccessary, luckily there is a teacher who can come in when needed! i might find out this doesn't work or the onc gives different advice, but having been back for a week now I would like to try!

Not looking forward to chemo though! If I loose my hair plan to use it as a learning experience for the children too!
love Debs xxxxx

[Guest user]

Hi girls, its 2am and I cant sleep despite feeling whacked. I did go into work on Friday following 2nd FEC and was strangely on a high and full of energy (might be the steroids) LOL. I also work in a school but in the office so no direct contact with the little angels. The kids are special needs and tell you straight what they think and as I am now wearing scarves and look different to normal I have comments ranging from "beautiful" to "are you bald miss" to "are u a man now" very funny. I hate the look of the scarves without a fringe but have just bought myself a velcro one from "www.Bohemian Hair.co.uk" for £13.50 and I cant wait for the postman to deliver!! I hope it stays in place cos I could end up with a beard !! Funny the things that make u happy. Lucky for me its now half term so a week off to recover from any side effects and should be ok to go back next week all being well. Hope I am not being too over optimistic as I realise the effects will probably accumulate somewhat. Getting wig next week too hooray. Lots of luck to you all - its so great sharing experiences. Talk soon, Debbie XX

[hollymeg]

thanks for all your advice, helps me to realise i am making the right choice to stay away from my work in school till after the cemo. Went in to visit them today, it felt very strange after being away for a month, but they were all great. Its hard putting yourself first for a change isn't it ladies but we have to

Luv Pauline xxx

[Guest user]

Hiya Evie, Alice, etc...
Im not allowed to work either as I am a Neonatal Sister. They were worried about infections (both ways) and also I dont know about anyone else but I feel as though my brains were probably in my right breast and have now, sadly, departed! I dont seem to be able to concentrate and would never forgive myself if I made a bad decision about an intensive care baby. My head seems to be full of the grotty few months ahead of us all, and just to rub my nose in it the wig people rang today to make an appointment...... I feel suitably part of your club now!!

[Guest user]

Hiya, just nipping in! My BCN said i could not work as a midwife regardless of feeling well as its such " a dirty job".
Nice way to put it but she said the infection risk was too much.

Shame as due to go back from maternity leave 1st June and now will be off fighting this bugger...

heyho.

[Guest user]

Everning Ladies,

I can certainly understand not going to work if you are a teacher or working in a care home. I am lucky and work as a Soco. I have found I am off for week 1 following chemo then back to work for 2 and then it starts all over again. I have been very lucky though it could be that I have had 6 years to get used to fatigue as I have Fibromyalgia which is a combination of chronic fatigue and chronic pain. Everyone is different just listen to your body thats the main thing.

Aliceblue...Fec was fine for me, I was expecting the worse but side effects have been very minimal...Hope they will be for u too.

[aliceblue]

Hi, not sure this helps the discussion about going back to work but, I've been off since 24 April (mastectomy), and will be starting FEC-T on Tuesday, then rads. My onc said I might be able to do "very part-time work", if I'm lucky as he said the treatment is "punchy". Discussed with my manager today, and his view was for me to make sure that I get better and to really think hard before coming in or working from home. I'm not usually off sick not even odd days. It feels very strange not working, and post-surgery I've been up and about visiting friends. I'm just going to play it by ear. I'm normally a person that goes to work whatever, but this feels at the moment like such a big thing to get over, and I don't want to knock myself out. I have a 3 year old, and I just feel that I'd like to give a bit of my better days to her too. Post mastectomy I thought I'd be able to go back after 3 weeks as I was starting to feel fine, but getting well doesn't always follow a straight path and I've decided not to beat myself up about being off for a bit. I know I'm very lucky to have a very supportive working environment (at the moment at least...) and not everyone is in the same position.

[Guest user]

Hi Hollymeg,

Hi, i am a teacher in primary school and i havent worked since day before mastectomy in January. This was a decision i discussed with the head. There have beeen quite a few days where i have felt up to working and indeed have popped into school to do oddjobs but my overriding priority is me now. I have just had my fifth chemo and the effects are cumulative. I get tired very easily now. I was also worried about my immune system and germs and that helped sway my decision to go sick. I had never been sick from my job prior to this.

I think it is up to you to weigh up pros and cons. You do not say if you are a teacher or other but if you are a teacher, the other thing i thought about was continuity of care for my class, I did not think it was fair to them to be in and out of school constantly which i would have been. I was extremely lucky to have a understanding and thoughtful head who supported my decision.

Hope this helps

Linda

[Guest user]

hello all, Just got back from hospital, my seroma was only 34mls ( it felt like 340!!!)and the BCN is hopeful that I will start chemo next week... Im having 6 FEC, apparently no TAX because my lymph nodes are clear. debbie try the internet Suburban Turbans they're great! Ill get my lonh hair cut when it starts falling, well maybe it wont? Im always an optimist!!!

[Guest user]

Hi Mumszy and everyone,

I had my first FEC yesterday and feel much better today.I felt hungover and v weird last night(difficult to describe)A bit sicky too.Drank lots of water so had no sleep as I was forever up to the loo!Everyone was so kind and cheerful at the unit,it made all the difference.The cap was fine, just made me feel a bit light headed but who knows if it will work.Pauline,Iam continuing to work but have cut my hours. Infection is a big worry esp as you work in a school.I work in a care centre so it is much the same- I guess we have to be v careful.The onc nurse said the people who cope with this awful stuff the best are the ones who carry on as normal like the mums with young ones- I guess they have no choice eh.Hope everyone is doing ok x

[kittenkat]

hi girls - rosie - re the picc, they tried one with me, you have local to numb the arm a bit first here but my veins weren't any good so I ended up having a hickman line - had local for that too but some places give sedation, it was done in xray dept where as the picc was done by nurses in chemo unit itself so nicer......hi Pauline - some people manage to work but like you say apart from tiredness/fatigue etc the biggy is risk of infection between days 7-14 so depends on your work, I think if peeps can work from home fair enough.....mary x

[hollymeg]

hi ladies mind if i join in, i got told yesterday i am off to see onc on wednesday then i will be joining you all. i just noticed someone mention about going to work while having cemo, is this possible? I was under the impression you would be too ill to work. I work in a school so i was worried about having no imune system and all them germs kids tend to have. Anyone enlighten me on this, would be great thanks
Luv pauline xxx

[Guest user]

Hello Ladies, I had my 2nd lot of FEC today - it all went well. because of some of the posts I checked a few things out (doh) and I am on 100% strength but am only having 3 FEC and 3 of something else which I have now forgotten. I didn't have the cold cap today cos the hair is almost gone. Got some scarves from the 'Big C' at the hospital and wig appt is next Friday for the free NHS wig. I think I look so awful in scarves I am hanging on to my bit of fringe and bit at the back til next week when I am off to Debenhams to treat myself to the best one I can afford then my partner is gonna shave it all off for me - think its the best thing, hair today gone tomorrow and all that. Hope you are all doing well, if I can help in anyway for those going on FEC all I can say is, although everyone is different, I have found it really ok, I will prob go to work tomorrow cos last time the nausea thing kicked in on the Saturday BUT IT DIDN'T LAST and felt ok by the Monday, lots of love and luck to you all Debbie xxx

[Guest user]

Aliceblue, Ive found a super site called suburban Turban that sells turban material in 18 colours. Their service is quick, mine came in two days, the instructions are clear and I managed it first time! have a look it might help! My chest and armpit are very swollen today but the hospital wont see me until tomorrow... I really hope I dont have to have it aspirated more than once Daisy I just want to get the treatment overwith!

[Guest user]

Hi Aliceblue
Hope you dont mind me sending you this. I am also down on the 26th for same regime as yourself 3FEC + 3TAx. I wish i could sound as positive & brave as yourself, really dreading this as its gets nearer the time. It all seems so alien! Got offered pic line but not sure as did not get offered a local so still a bit in limbo(wimp). Alice do you know what strenght of chemo they are starting you on, as mine is 100 and would love to know why some ladies get 80 etc and i read somewhere that a women asked for hers to be reduced to 80? Would love to keep in touch and see how you are coping as we will be going through this at exactly same time.
Love and wishes C.

[aliceblue]

Hi Mumszy and all, I'm starting FEC-T on 26 May - 6 sessions. Then rads, then herceptin, then tamoxofen. Went to the chemo ward on Tuesday to have some bloods done, at least I know what to expect. Having a port fitted which was described by the oncologist as a bubble under the skin. Barts fit it with a general, but I was told it was a very short op. Not too much to worry about I expect though, after mastectomy! I have posted elsewhere, but have grade 2 stage 3 (in 12/12 lymphs)3.5 cm lump and other smaller lumps. No spread confirmed this week - so that's immediately made me feel more positve about the "punchy" treatment. A friend is a hairdresser and they will be cutting my hair shorter next week, struggling with finding bandanas - or more to the point fitting them - I look a bit odd putting up to my face in all the high street shops! Great to keep in touch to share this really nasty journey. Love AliceB xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Mumszy,
Sorry to hear that you have a seroma.I had to have mine aspirated about 6 times and then I got this rotten cording.It's a real pain but I am having physio and that helps.Yes,the waiting is awful,and,as you say,all we want to do is get better.Really hope you get to start your chemo next week.
The hair losing thing,as Debonair says,is one of the worse things about all of this.
Will let you know how I do. Keep smiling x

[Guest user]

Can anyone enlighten me as to what strenght of chemo you are having! It is proposed that I will get 3FEC 3TAX at 100 strenght. I have noticed that some women are getting 80 strenght and so on...any ideas on this one and why cos really dont fancy the full whack??.
Plus told that you don't get a local with pic line insertion and this is really putting me off...again anyone with experience on this one! Help!!

[lisa_lisa]

Hi Ladies just had third chemo session and to be fair by the second week I do forget how bad I felt chemo week so it cant be that bad Can it !!!
Ive gone for baker boy style caps if it helps fell less like a patient , this is a great place for advise and chats ...
Keep your chin up Lisa X

[Guest user]

Hi Mumsy
I found it easier doing my exercises lying down on the ground and supporting my arm with the other whilst taking it over my head really helping with not getting the cording. Must admit I took it a little easier whilst I had seroma but still kept it moving. Hope this helps. x