Anyone starting chemo in July 2015?

[Manicmum89]

Hi Josie no I had three lots of fec first. Had one t next one on. Monday, so glad to get rid of the sickness, do take care xx

[Mazzi]

Oh Josie sounds familiar!, I think it was day 9 or 10 after T I started to feel normal, it is horrible though especially if your awake at night. It is a bit like giving birth as you forget how bad it was until it happens again, just the body and minds way of coping I suppose. 🙂

[Josie11]

Hi Manicmum, thanks for replying - hopefully I will start to improve too. The nurse said Monday - there just comes a point when you can't deal with pain anymore and I'm reaching it. I hope all is good with you - did you do the T first? I had FEC first and the nausea was grim but the pain more manageable. Xx

[Manicmum89]

Oh Josie, that sound terrible. I think mine started improving about then. Try ibuprofen?

see you're go if you can't get any relief xx

[Josie11]

Hi guys, can anyone tell me what day the tax bus stops as I really want to get off 😓. I'm day 6 now and am so sore, have been since Friday - neck, shoulders, ribs, and random other places. I've tried paracetamol, heat, gentle exercise, co-codamol and nothing is making much odds. It feels like nerve mediated pain - sharp and irrational. I'm scared to try cocodamol again tonight as last night the rib pain got so bad just after I took it that I was rocking back and fore on my hands and knees. Next thing I knew I woke up in bed later and have no recollection of getting into it which frightens me a bit. 

I hope you're all doing well and having a good week, xx

[jky03]

Mazzi i felt completely wappy with my first docetaxel..didnt drive for a week but as too dizzy/spaced out...but eased with 2nd and 3rd and was fine driving straight away, as i was with the FEC.

Herceptin no.4 today...then home to blitz clean the house...aint been done properly for a couple of months..windows/paintwork/tiles...done before my op in few weeks. 

Hairs growing but driving me bonkers with itchy head...and still wispy fluff,was gonna shave it to see if grows stronger/thicker but got the wedding in Naples in 12 days so i'll see what its like after that.

laters  Jo.x

[Kobeobe7]

Mazzi I felt like that and didn't drive for a couple of weeks. I felt spaced out and a bit travel sick even when I was driven by someone else. It did ease by FEC 2 so drove after about a week I think x

[Manicmum89]

Thanks koboebe they are a good class x

[Manicmum89]

Thanks Jo

they couldn't fit me in on Friday 😞 delayed till Monday 😞

im doing surprisingly well. Went on a very long sponsored walk with my class on Friday (ended up doing 20k , which was much longer than anticipated!) will be second tax and just one more to go (silent cheer)

im very lucky to still be able to work, I love my job and the children help distract me. Some days I'm shattered when I get home, but luckily me and my girls w

ha e moved back with my mum. My husband is working nights, so visits us at the weekend, and we have a date night. 

My mum sends  me to bed, and off for rests and generally helps with everything, she's a godsend 

hope you're all keeping well x

[Mazzi]

Hi everyone, hope your all doing ok :), well 5 days on from first FEC and thankfully nausea wasn't really an issue and taste hasn't been affected too badly although because I can eat I'm feeling really bloated, not overeating and not sure if it's to do with injections which I am doing for 7 days instead of 5 previously with T.

Even though I haven't taken any painkillers I do feel I'm away with the fairies at the moment and so don't feel safe driving, did anyone else have this feeling? Take care all xx

[jky03]

Hey ladies...hows everyone doing?..think most are going into 2nd week now so hopefully feeling better...Mazzi, Manicmum,Joyce,Josie and Chenks, etal...good luck if having chemo this coming week and with any changes being made..Kobe, Carol & halfway there Sperry!

Joyce i had my Docetaxel reduced after 1st lot..by 25% cos of reaction...worried me at first due to efficacy of it but felt sooo much better with the last 2 cycles...by Tuesday thats my 3 weeks over. Have had full on weekend, out for meals, footy (we lost....again) and a few bevvies...feel a bit wammy today but getting there. Hopefully can go swimming in next few days...get my saggy ass into shape a bit.

Have a good day all

Jo.

[joyce11]

Thanks Kobeobe 7

[Kobeobe7]

Good news Joyce - I'm glad you've come through to the other side and can enjoy the weekend xxx

[joyce11]

Yehaaay feeling human again this morning - first time in a week without a headache etc. Shopping and housework today follwoed by a couple of glasses to cheer on England rugby tonight!!!!

[joyce11]

Just seen the oncologist who has suggested that the next dose of T should be reduced by 10% - I took some persuading but she asssures me in the big plan of things it will not make a differenence but will make it more bearable. Rads 4 weeks after chemo finishes and so ought to be treatment over by Christmas then to redjust!!

[Kobeobe7]

Thanks Sperry, thanks for the info. You're halfway there which must feel good xx

[joyce11]

Who needs sleep - the plus side is I feel as though apart from a grumbling headache I might have come out the other side from the first T. Don't feel so washed out - oncologist tomorrow so a few questions to ask. Trying to work myself up to a glass of wine on Thursday when out to lunch with my son - time to fill while his car is having an MOT but what better way to do it.

[Sperry]

Hiya

just completed 9/18 weekly  Paclitaxel . ONC told me this weekly type has milder SE. Maybe I have been lucky.

to answer your questions.

immunity , yes blood counts are lower but build up again by end of week. There is a gradual drop overtime though but not critical levels yet. Did pick up a chest infection a while back but a quick course of anti biotics sorted. They will observe you if you got blood clots and I take it you will have a blood sample taken each week.

ant sickness - given something begging with letter D via IV just before PAC. I was also given a pack to use at home but never needed.

also given steroid and antihistamine as pre med. so tues nights I'm a bit hyper.have a rest day from work on weds and after work thurs and fri have a nap. Find I am slow at the weekends but listen to my body.

---

@Kobeobe7 wrote:

I find a bit of retail therapy can do wonders too, especially internet shopping when I'm lying in bed on day 2!   Joyce and Manicmum I hope you're through to the other side of Tax and the SEs are lessening. Joyce, your description of the Tax SEs did make me wince a bit but I completely understood how horrid they are. Much better than how my onc described them. 

My onc has changed my final 3 x Tax to 9 x Paclitaxel (weekly) because I've got a blood clot on my lung. I would just like to ask Carole and Sperry to give me a bit of a heads up on what to expect. When my onc told me I forgot to ask the important questions .....  like what effect does it have on your immunity?  Are you immune suppressed for the whole weekly cycle, when does it dip or pick up again?  Do you have any sickness?  They won't give me Emend as I won't need it apparently but I was really nauseous with Emend on FEC and really hate feeling sick/being sick. And final question is how tired it makes you, are you tired on day 2 - 3 and then pick up a bit?  I would just like to get mentally prepared and it's the unknown that is the most scary bit.

By the way for those of us who've already had their op I've just received a 'Knitted Knocker' from the KnittedKnockers charity. It's a hand knitted softie which arrived beautifully packaged with a little note inside from the person who knitted it. It's actually quite pretty and I'm alternating between using that and my softie.  Xxxx

---

Preesed button to soon. Good luck with your next cycles and future retail therapy.

[Josie11]

Hi Chenks, I too have my first T tomorrow after FEC so it feels like a step into the unknown again. I'd got to grips with the FEC effects as they were very predictable if awful for the first 5 days. I hope all goes well and that we have minimal effects, xx

Hi Mazzi, all the best for the FEC. I was really nauseous from Wed, 3 hours post chemo to Sat afternoon but it did go and I got extra meds for the second time round. I have met 3 ladies who are having FEC just now and they have only been mildly nauseous and it's been fairly OK for them so I hope you will be like them. Take care, xx

Hi Joyce 11, I hope you are through the worst, it sounded grim, big hugs, x

And Jky03, thank you for giving us hope for the end - it is great to hear from someone who has come out the other end. Enjoy that wine, xx

I went in the Look Good Feel Better workshop to day and it was so much fun -  I can't believe how much freebies we were given in a huge makeup bag. Definitely worth doing 👌

I didn't get the steroid buzz on FEC, I was too busy feeling sick, but I am buzzing tonight - hope I'll sleep !

Night all, xx

[Mazzi]

Hi All, had 1st FEC this afternoon, was really nervous and was starting to feel nauseous before the chemo even went in, my mind is definitely messing with me at the moment!. Has anyone noticed that the time feeling better is shorter the more sessions you have, I'm still getting pain from finger and toenails, my chest feels heavy and I'm still sooo tired from last T.

I'm going to stay in my bed as long as possible and do nothing all day tomorrow, it will be the first time I've done this since 1st T 9 weeks ago and I'm not going to worry about keeping the house clean, washing up etc, hopefully my boys will realise I can't do it all the time, what I really hope for is the day they use their initiative without having to be told to do things, unlikely I know!!:).

Weather will be pants tomorrow so everyone should have a duvet day, enjoy whatever you do x

[jky03]

Evening all,

Joyce i had to take my earings out during Docetaxel as were sore/weepy but now theyre ok and earings are back in with no problems.

Good news Chenks...and good luck with the next lot of chemo tomorrow.

I agree re all you ladies working through chemo...awesome, i certainly couldnt have done it...was talking with my friend re this yesterday and we were discussing you wonder women and feeling a bit light weight at the sametime!!

Put all my chemo paraphanalia away today..thermometer,meds,sick bowl etc as now 14 days post last dose and feel its ok to get rid now...looking forward to dippy egg for brekkie tomoz...it is the small stuff that are the celebratory moments.

Raising a glass of vino to you all tonight...keep going, youre all amazing.

cheers Jo

[Chenks]

Re my post at weekend, nurse and consultant checked me out and couldn't find anything. They think I was pressing on my thyroid gland. I feel a bit daft but I had got myself into a state. My bloods ok to go ahead with Tax 1 (chemo 4) tomorrow. May be back on here with SE questions over next few days, ladies. Hope you don't mind me gate crashing at this stage.

Joyce11 - not had experience with earrings but only cos have kept same diamond (fake!) studs in since start!

Manicmum89, I am in awe of you teaching through this. I am also a teacher (secondary - French and German) and have been signed off since start of term. More power to you!

[joyce11]

This T bus seems to be slowing down but not before it's given me oral thrush and a dose of nystatin - hope it doesn't delay my next chemo  although to be fair an extra week would be lovely. Feeling a bit brighter this morning and the overwhelming fatigue seems less evident - never spent so much time in bed. Had my ears pierced about 40 yearsago and now am letting them heal up as they are sore andcannot get the earrings in - will buy clip ons and get them done again afterwards - has anybody else experienced this with pierced ears?

[Kobeobe7]

Thanks Carole. You've given me an idea of what to expect and if it did work out as a bit easier than FEC I'd be really pleased. I'm also injecting clexane for a few months - it stings a bit doesn't it. I hope your treatment continues to be bearable. Maybe by Christmas we'll all be feeling a bit more like our old selves Xx

[carolec]

Hi Kobeobe - re your question on Paclitaxol -I'll be having no 7 Paclitaxel on Thursday and the chemo nurses tell me it's not as harsh as the FEC or T so less SE's.  I'm ok for a couple of days after and then dip a bit for a few days and then ok again, but everyone's different.  I've never been so tired that I couldn't go out but as you know it's all about listening to your body and just resting when you need to.  I've been ok on the immunity and white blood cells have increased every week, although did have a set back as like you I developed a blood clot - mine was because of the port and a previous op I had and the downside is I have to self inject clexane for another 2 months.  I've never been given steroids to have before or after chemo and these go in before the pax along with piriton, paracetamol and anti sickness.  They also said to me that pax doesn't make you feel sick and I was fine on sickness up till no 5 and then think it caught up with me and they gave me emend and an aloxi  so I would insist on it just in case.  You've got through the FEC which I've been told is worse than the pax so the next stage is definitely doable - good luck with your treatment xxx

[Kobeobe7]

p.s. I hope you've got a nice class this year too xx

[Kobeobe7]

That's brilliant news Manicmum and makes all the **** of chemo worth it. I'm really pleased for you and only 2 cycles to go xxx

[Manicmum89]

Best news today. My tumour has significantly reduced in size 😀, only one of the three lymph nodes is still enlarged. Overall a good hospital visit x

[Manicmum89]

Hi ladies

thankfully the terrible mouth sores and bone aches have passed. Watched the tour of Britain go passed our hose on Saturday and then a family fun day down the beach on Sunday. 

Im off for an ultrasound today to see how effective the first four chemos gave been. 

I'm enjoying the new term at school,the team have been very supportive. My head couldn't be kinder or more supportive. I'm very lucky, it really is helping keep my mind off things, and make life as normal as possible for my girls. My youngest started school with me this term  and is really happy there. 

I hope everyone is managing ok. It's so difficult not to know how you're going to be after each round, the variation in side effects from prison to person and round to round make it all so hard to predict.

take care xx

[Kobeobe7]

I find a bit of retail therapy can do wonders too, especially internet shopping when I'm lying in bed on day 2!   Joyce and Manicmum I hope you're through to the other side of Tax and the SEs are lessening. Joyce, your description of the Tax SEs did make me wince a bit but I completely understood how horrid they are. Much better than how my onc described them. 

My onc has changed my final 3 x Tax to 9 x Paclitaxel (weekly) because I've got a blood clot on my lung. I would just like to ask Carole and Sperry to give me a bit of a heads up on what to expect. When my onc told me I forgot to ask the important questions .....  like what effect does it have on your immunity?  Are you immune suppressed for the whole weekly cycle, when does it dip or pick up again?  Do you have any sickness?  They won't give me Emend as I won't need it apparently but I was really nauseous with Emend on FEC and really hate feeling sick/being sick. And final question is how tired it makes you, are you tired on day 2 - 3 and then pick up a bit?  I would just like to get mentally prepared and it's the unknown that is the most scary bit.

By the way for those of us who've already had their op I've just received a 'Knitted Knocker' from the KnittedKnockers charity. It's a hand knitted softie which arrived beautifully packaged with a little note inside from the person who knitted it. It's actually quite pretty and I'm alternating between using that and my softie.  Xxxx

[joyce11]

Hi Hopefulholly

Didn't really enjoy the wine but made the effort just to spite the tax "bus"!. Things seem a little better this morning at the moment anyway so perhaps the worst is over for the this one and I can stay up and do things.

[hopefulholly]

Joyce, raise a glass for me. I'm 5 weeks post chemo and still can't drink, and I've tried lol!

[hopefulholly]

Hi Sarah, just browsing and came across your post. Hope you enjoyed the gig - was it Madness? After 3 FEC and only using cold cap on 1st one, my scalp was sensitive and my hair so thin I went to hairdresser to get my head shaved but she persuaded me to have a very short pixie style and I'm so glad I listened to her as it was a gradual way of adapting to even shorter hair and also because, as you know, my last 3 chemo had to be cancelled due to complications so I didn't have any more hair loss anyway. The pixie cut, with less weight, also stopped my scalp from being sensitive and painful. You need to do what's right for you though Sarah. Btw, I've sent you a message x

Sending best wishes to all you brave women on this thread and wish you well with the rest of your treatments x

[Chenks]

Thanks for welcome jky03. Spoke to lady at 24/7 chemo hotline who was quite reassuring - seemed to think was reactive gland because of infection. Made sense as been feeling like glands up bit since got bitten. Just need to power through to Tue morn and BCN appointment at 9am and hopefully some answers. Am hoping bloods will let Tax 1 (chemo 4) go ahead on Wed. Glad I braved it and posted. Been reading your Tax posts with interest. SE seem to vary from person to person. Hope everyone has good day. X

[jky03]

Sounds very refined Joyce, enjoy the nibbles.

Wonder how manicmums doing...after the Tax  last week..hope not too uncomfortable now with it.

[joyce11]

Hi jky03

Just trying a diferent tactic - afternoon snack of 2 paracetemol, small bit of cheese and small wine - all tasting okay.Trying to stay off strong painkillers if possible. Will try the pineapple later as bought some in preparation for this. Only two to go so well on the way lol

[jky03]

Hi guys,

Joyce take it easy love, it sure does thwack ya for 6...but like FEC it will pass, and i found the next 2 easier jyst simply because i knew what was coming. It was the cack mouth..no taste, dry, sore that got me, despite sucking on a Delmonte factory sized amount of pineapple in every single form you think of....oh and alcohol tasted disgusting on it too!! 

Sarah..hope it went ok at the gig,... i shaved my head after 3 weeks of FEC ..the itching drove me nuts and it was instant relief when i did it, the rext then fell out after a week. 

Hello Chenks...glad you decided to post, ...lots of support here when you need it. Welldone on getting halfway through this schizzle, and promising MRI results, sounds like youve had a few bumps along the way though. Re the lump youve felt, i know its not easy but try not to let yourself go into overdrive or google everything, ..contact your BCN tomorrow just for your peace of mind or get it looked at on Tues.

Ros..get your shopping trip pencilled in..Sales are on!!..hope the nect few pist dose days are kind to you.

Ive had eyebrow and eye twitching since ladt dose of TAX...12 days now..my flipping eyebrows are doing a Mexican hat dance!!..or i look like Inspect Dreyfus!!...didnt know it was a common side effect, othereise im good...went to watch Notts play yedterday, ..by myself as hubby in Brussels, then went out for a curry and few drinks with the family...actually could taste it too...the Cobra was lush!! Unfortunately paid for it overnight and this morning...say no more on that.

Bro's invited me for tea later at theirs .... wish hubby went away more often..i dont need to cook for myself its great!

2 mile walk round racecourse done..think ive earned a glass of vino with my made for me tea, ... 

[joyce11]

Tax "bus" won't move on feels like someone has come into the bedroom overnight and trapped each of my fingers in a door, stamped on my thumbs, replaced my brain with cotton wool and has a range of needles for all other joints - not really expecting this - bring back the FEC at least I would have had a drink of wine to look forward to today !!

Still one out of the way and two to go -yipeeeeee

[Ros53]

Well Joyce11 and jky03 went wrong somewhere. Hubby dropped me off for chemo with daughter and went off into town to wait for pick up call. In meantime bought jacket, jumper and pair of shoes! Methinks I have some catching up to do! So far feeling fine after Taxotere, hopefully that "bus"
Is on a long detour. Enjoy the day all and hope manicmum is feeling better. I am cold capping so sorry can't give advice on scalp and when to shave SarahND. Xx

[Chenks]

https://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Chemotherapy-monthly-threads/Late-to-this-thread/m-p/968818...

[Chenks]

Here is the link

[Chenks]

Tried to post on this thread but have created new post called 'Late to this thread' instead. Could you have a read if you have a second, please?

[Sarahd-1]

Thank you so much I'm glad I can wait I might wear a cap today as it is sunny but I wasn't quite ready for the wig to have it's first outing today. Xxxxxxxxxx

[Kobeobe7]

Hi Sarah,  I waited to shave my head until it became really sore and a lot of hair had fallen out and it looked very thin.  I found it to be a major 'milestone' in this whole process. But after I had done it I felt more in control and was sort of relieved. Lots of mixed emotions. I don't think you need to shave it necessarily today, it took a few days to really start falling out and become very sore. In fact a lot if hair fell out over a number of days and it still looked quite 'normal'.   Whatever you decide to do, have a great night out tonight xxx

[Sarahd-1]

Hi Ladies. How are you all? Im sorry I have nipped over again from August. I need some advice again. My head is itchy and sore today and a few strands at a time are coming out I am going to wash it in a minute and see what happens. I am going to see a band today and a lot of my friends are going to be there do I just go for it and shave my head and wear my wig or take the chance it might be ok today and do it tomorrow? xxxx

[joyce11]

two pairs of trousers on order to collect, weight watchers soup from poundland!! and some bare minerals makeup to start with.

[jky03]

Thats the spirit Joyce!!...im off to look for a new autumn jacket.....what you after?.

[joyce11]

HI

Well the Tax bus rumbled slowly in last night - really bad night - no sleep and aches and pains - always worse at night - not going to get the better of me so will be up and showered shortly- pills and potions taken and out to the shops!!

[jky03]

Hi all,

Hope all is well with the Tax tomorrow Ros...hope you sleep too.

Manicmum..good on ya for carrying on working, though do take it easy if you need to, Hope you can get some relief from the docs, rest and ensure take regular meds theyve given you, esp pain relief,take care....my mouth became uncomfortable and tongue was stripped but overall i got away with it lightly really compare..did get a big blister under my tongue but soon eased with corsydyl. 

Enjoy your trip away Joyce and hope the  Tax bus doesnt rumble into town.

Bad night last night..poor sleep and mind in overdrive re op and things in general...deciided i needed to get out and about a bit more..exercise and shift some timber..managed to walk round racecourse..approx 2 miles..amazed as on weds couldnt walk 50yds without puffing like an old steam train.

Good luck to anyone else having treatment tomorrow

Keep going gals....Jo.x