Anyone starting chemo in July 2015?

[joyce11]

Waheeeey last chemo completed and in and out on time so double whammy. Celebrating with some nice icecream- will have to wait until sunday for something sparkiling!!

Hopeyour last one went well manicmum.

When is your last Rosie?

Hope all goes well for us all - onwards and upwards.

[Josie11]

Hi Manicmum, hope all has gone well today - last one, hooray 🎉🎉.

i had a mastectomy and anc prior to chemo and it was much easier than chemo, the worst bit was not being able to drive for a few weeks. Xxxxx

[Manicmum89]

Hi everyone

not been on lately, I hope everyone is ok and coping as well as possible.

last chemo (tax) for me tomorrow. Meeting the breast surgeon prior to chemo. So starting to worry about that stage. Think it'll be a wle  and and anc as the cancer had spread.

take care ladies x

[joyce11]

Hi Josie

Thanks for your supportive message.I have managed to put in one or two things for the week even if it means lots of shopping. Hope your pain doesn't come tomorrow.

My reduction seemed to be based on the peripheral bits and the level of fatigue. Still I suppose they know what they are doing.

I have a friend coming at the weekend so having a non drinking week as I know we will not abstain at the weekend -should be great even if the weather is not going to be so good.

As you say it is good to be on the home straight and then move on to the next.

Hope your week goes well.

[Josie11]

Hi Joyce, I treated myself to a coffee and cheese scone in our local art gallery and cafe last week - just took my book and sat on a comfy couch and read for half an hour on my own. It was a real boost :-). I hope you can find some good things for this week. 

Ive just taken the last of my steroid tail and so far, I'm just tired and a bit stiff - what a difference from 3 weeks ago. I'll just have to wait and see what happens tomorrow, whether the pain comes then. 

The thing they seem to worry about most is the neuropathy and my level was probably still only stage one effects last time so that's possibly why I didn't get a dose reduction.

have a lovely week and isn't it good to be looking down the home straight - may it stay straight, xx

[joyce11]

Anyone else feeling fed up - hate Mondays plus its an in between time for chemo - feeling ok but don't know how to busy myself. Husband away, friends busy, lots to look forward to after laste chemo next week but struggling this week to stay "happy". Have just cut the lawns - wow exciting stuff but must have used a few calories!!

I have a friend coming to stay for the weekend so need to focus on that -mind you there is only so much cleaning and shopping a person can do. Sorry rant over.

[Josie11]

I will do - I'm up in the north of Scotland, :-).

[joyce11]

Hi josie

Please let me know - it never fails to amaze me how the treatment varies across the country. I live in kent - where are you?

[Josie11]

Hi Joyce, I'm so pleased this has been better for you :-). I'm just waiting to see how the steroid tail goes , x

[joyce11]

What a lovely Saturday morning - I have just managed to go out on my bie for the first time in months- I didn't go far but it felt great - hard work but great. The reduced Tax dose was definitely better and although they said 10% it was in fact 8% but such a difference it was worth it. It took me 2 weeks to get over the last whereas I feel almost human - yeah some minor SEs still but can cope.

Might do it again tomorrow!! Have a good weekend everyone- we are nearly through this chemo!!

[Bazookas]

Hi all, I've not posted for ages (got awful cold, chest infection, sinus thing between EC 3 and 4 and ended up at A&E twice and 2 lots of antibiotics). Only been feeling better this last week and had my 1st Taxol yesterday. Just been catching up with everyone's news, lots of us have started on Taxol recently. My chemo regime has been 12 weeks of EC with 4 doses every 3 weeks, then 12 wks of Taxol but weekly on a lower dose. I had awful SE's with the EC chemo - sickness, heartburn & generally feeling week and shaky. Was ok for the 1st 3 days then things got worse despite being every anti sickness med going! I feel so much better tonight, the night after Taxol than I ever did the night after EC but from reading lots if the posts the SE's can kick in later. Hoping the weekly option means much less SE's. I had lots of periton in my drip to counter any possible allergies along with dexamethosone (steroids) band didn't have any problems with my first Taxol. Chenks Im sorry you had such a bad time. I also fell asleep for an hour which really helped. The only SE I've noticed this evening is that a small section of skin has peeled off each heel, so far it's not hurting but might be uncomfortable if lots of skin peels off!  I've heard that Taxol can cause toenail loss so really hoping that doesn't happen. Is anyone else on lower dose weekly Taxol? My whole chemo regime lasts 24 wks in total and my last one is on Xmas Eve! I'm going to get Jan off apparently (hurray) before starting 6 wks of radiotherapy at the start of Feb. Then I see my surgeon in March for my breast reconstruction (as had a mastectomy & node clearance on 15th June). It's a bloody long road! I'm also thinking about my treatment in blocks - can't bear to think about radiotherapy just yet. Re flu jab, my onc said I couldn't have a flu jab while I was on EC but I can while on Taxol. Thinking of you all and hope you all have a good weekend

Baz x

[Mazzi]

Hi All,

Sorry to hear your having a rough time with tax Chenks, hopefully final session will be better. I to am looking forward to final chemo at the end of this month and having an extra weeks breather before operation.

Chemo brain has really set in for me, have had a few friends visiting last couple of days and I'm in the middle of talking about something and I just stop and don't have a clue what I was talking about!, they say it's nothing new but I was never this bad.

Looking forward to being able to get out and about more and walking the dog, the FEC makes me so unsteady that I don't feel safe going out on my own. At least weather should be ok for weekend, hope everyone feeling ok to enjoy x

[Chenks]

Hi all,

Good to catch up with everyone's news. We are getting to the end of this chemo business, ladies!

I had 5th chemo/2nd Tax today. Unfortunately, I reacted and had to have hydrocortisol and piriton, as well as oxygen. They stopped the infusion and then got me checked by doc and after lunch, let me it go on again slowly and I got it all fine. I dosed while it was going in - I think it was all the antihistemines!

I have had long discussions with oncologist and BC surgeon re op. I def need ANC as lymph nodes def affected. Result of MRI at chemo half way was complete response to chemo for both tumours which is fab, or as the MRI result letter effusively summed up - Good. After much thought and discussion, have opted for mastectomy for lots of reasons too numerous to go into. Hopefully will happen start December and then radio in New Year.

I just can't wait for chemo to be over now. I am also viewing my treatment in blocks and it is very appealing to think I should have most of November to have a bit of a break and some normality.

All the best to you all. Tax bus will roll in on Friday night if last round anything to go by!

[Josie11]

Hi Joyce, I hope you're still feeling the benefit of the reduced dose. I'm getting the full dose again on Friday but the onc extended the steroids and said that would make a difference so we'll see! I can't believe how quickly it all comes round again.

I hope everyone is having a good day - we're all getting there with the chemo - not too long now, xx 

[Mazzi]

Hi Ros, thought it would be in bed because of turning around at night. I'm having mastectomy and lymph node removal so yes I think it's the balance of lots of rest but remembering to do exercises.

Cookbook looks interesting will have a look today. 

Have a good day all x

[Ros53]

Hi mazzi - pyrex dish was beside me in bed; the tube is not that long for the floor.  After op I slept alot on my back due to drain, WLE and lymph nodes removed so didn't move around too much.  The LGFB talk is brilliant. I was shown how to pencil in eyebrows and came away with a lovely bag of goodies.

Just got the new Breast Cancer cookbook by Prof. Keshtgar.  Lovely recipes just hope they are easy!  I now want to understand which foods are recommended after breast cancer. xx

[Kobeobe7]

Have a glass of wine for me Joyce. I still can't face drinking. Looking forward to a lovely glass of red in 7 weeks xx

[Mazzi]

Hi Ros, thanks for the advice re drain, Pyrex bowl is interesting, did you have it in bed with you or on the floor!!. Op now booked for 26th November as long as last chemo session not delayed.

Have my look good feel better pamper day on the 19th November after last chemo all being well. Had 2nd FEC session today even though still have cold so may find next few days challenging. 

Hope everyone feeling ok

[joyce11]

Hi Jo

Yes I have had a few issues around the scar - had roblems post op with haematome and seroma so still quite bulky - not a pretty site but m assured after alltreatment done it can be dealt with. So following T the numbness has increased abit, a bit more swelling so feels tighter and some discomfort but small price to pay if T doing its job.

The wine is going down well tonight.

[Kobeobe7]

Joyce have you had the chest tightness on the surgery side with the T? I'm on the weekly taxol and finding that I'm still really feeling it around my scar. As its left side I'm always paranoid it's something more sinister. I'm glad the reduced dose has worked better for you. Jo xx

[joyce11]

Hi Josie11

The reduction definitely made a difference to aches and pains and have tried to sleep them off for a couple of days. Still got oral thrush and been to GP again to day as stand in GP gave me a gel to rub on my tongue - bad enough feeling a bit nauseous without having to stick your finger in your mouth to rub on gel - sensible GP gave me one pill to take!!

Nothing tastes very nice and have a freezer full of food but still going out to find something I fancy.

Not really noticed any hair growth as such on head but have more eyelashes which is a real treat.

One more to go whoooooooo.

Joyce

[Ros53]

Hi Mazzi - in reply to previous question when I had a drain the Hospital gave me a cotton tie string bag to keep it in. I also sometimes had a belt around my waist that I threaded the ties through;saves you holding it all the time.  At night I put it in a pyrex dish!! as I was always worried I would lie on it and squash it!  When I went out I just popped it into an over shoulder bag.  Hope this helps.  Good luck today with your 5th chemo.

Josie11 - has your hair started to grow on the Taxotere?  Great news and if so made my day in anticipation.  I  think jky03 might have mentioned this previously.

Well 4 days post T and not feeling too bad; mainly tired, achy and dizzy.   Wishing you all a happy day. 

[Josie11]

Hi Joyce, how are you getting on? I hope this one has been easier. Has your hair been growing - I seem to have a bit more now, but I'm not sure,

I've to see the onc tomorrow then chemo 5 on Friday. 

Take care, xx

[joyce11]

Hi Ros53

Haha - yes they are out!!!!

have a good day

[Ros53]

Hello Joyce11 - hoped you have remembered to put your bins out. 🙂

[joyce11]

YEah those 8 steroids for 3 days not much fun. Just enjoying a cool wine in the garden - feel I deserve it. Have got oral thrush again - that is now 2 out of two for the T so might get a prescription sorted for the third. The MIU  down the road from me will soon know me but very efficient with issuing the drugs. 

[Ros53]

Hello Joyce - I am the same taking it in stages but then when radiotherapy referral was mentioned I got ahead of myself as I so want it to be over by my Theatre break in December. I am havng Tax but have one injection day after chemo and no more.

  Now day two after Tax, feel tired but no other symptoms; think it is more down to lack of sleep,with taking the eight steroid tabs. So fingers crossed.  Sun is trying to come out so hoping to have a short walk. Wishing you all a relaxing day.xx

[joyce11]

Hi Ros

I go on 16th November for a meeting and asssessment and I guess at that point I will be given information about any creams etc. I am not really thinking too much about it as I am treating this whole "situation" in blocks and will look into any thing about radiotherapy once the chemo is finished and "tidied away" - if that makes sense. It is the only way I can get my head around it all - getting a bit fed up of all the injections x1 per day for seven days with the T - don't really like doing them myself but more convenient!!

Hopefully a sunny day tomorrow with a cheeky glass of chardonnay in the afternoon sun -

Joyce

[Ros53]

 joyce11 - great to hear your side effects are not as bad as previous, fingers crossed it continues.  When you were referred for radiotherapy were you advised of any creams to use beforehand?  I was given a leaflet about what will happen at the planning and side effects but no recommendation.  Any advice appreciated.  I had my second Tax yesterday and the senior nurse inserted the cannula in my hand which after 12 weeks is slowly getting better. The previous day the Oncologist suggested another Hickman line but I refused so I was relieved it went well yesterday. So far feel well but know from what has been said will kick in within 48 hours.  Last time wasnt sure what were side effects and what were infection symptoms. Wishing you all a relaxing good day.xx 

[Josie11]

Fingers crossed, Joyce, xxx

[joyce11]

May be speaking too soon but things don't seem quite as bad with the reduced dose so lets hope it stays that way.

[Mazzi]

Hi Joyce, I discussed flu jab with oncologist Wednesday and she also said 3 weeks after final chemo but op also being booked week after, so only have a couple of days to sort out, also not sure if I want to have it before op as don't really want any delays.

Not too worried about op as had hysterectomy in February and not as invasive but a bit nervous about carrying a drain around for a week and what about sleeping, does anyone have advice on this?

Currently have a stinking cold and antibiotic eye drops from gp, could definitely have done without this and hope it doesn't delay 5th chemo next Tuesday.

Enjoy the nice weather this weekend all x

[joyce11]

Well chemo brain kicked in last night whenI put the "bins" out and then remembered at 9.30pm  that today is Friday and not Tuesday - so outside in dressing gown  bringing them back in - could have been worse at least it was dry and dark!!!

I asked about my flu jab and could have it 3 weeks after last chemo so will give it some thought.

Have a good day one and all. I am just wondering if the Tax bus will roll into town today as it did on my first Tax on day 2.

Joyce

[Ros53]

Hi Mazzi,feeling alot better now and hoping my 2nd Tax goes ahead on Friday.  With feeling unwell  with the start of sepsis I am not sure what were side effects with the first one or the illness so we shall see.  Good luck Joyce with chemo today, please let us know how you get on with reduced dose.  Looking at your dates for radiotherapy it looks like I will be going right up to and beyond Christmas with radiotherapy.  I was hoping to have finished by Christmas.  I booked a night in Machester to see The Bodyguard before diagnosis so it looks like I will have to work around radiotherapy.  Laura hope your 2nd Tax went smoothly too and what a relief to get those fantastic results. I have had a lumpectomy and nodes removed.  Wishing you all a relaxing day and so good to start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  xx

[joyce11]

I had the numbness for quite a while and at my pre chemo the assessing nurse said that was also a good indicator for a dose reduction as it may last longer next time around and for some people it never goes so well worth mentioning at your prechemo.

Just got my dates through for radiotherapy - assessment etc on 16th November and then the 15 sessions begin on 3rd December last one 23rd December.

What is everyone doing about a flu jab -I intend to ask if it is a good idea when i go tomorrow - have always had one as I work in the NHS and now we are probably in an "at risk group".

Let me know how you get on. Enjoy the good days xx

[Josie11]

Hi Joyce, all the best for tomorrow :-). I'm seeing the oncologist for my pre chemo assessment next week - it will be the first time since before chemo. Apparently they like informed consent for radiotherapy at this stage to get you in the queue. But it will be good to see what she says about the next chemo. And she will have a very definite opinion - to say she calls a spade a shovel would be an understatement! 

I finally stated to feel better on Friday - day 10, but today is the first day I've had a reasonable amount of energy. I still have some numbness in my finger and toe tips - do you have that Joyce?

take care, xx

[joyce11]

Tax 2 tomorrow then husband away for 3 weeks so have stocked up on lots of comfort foods to keep me going. Might actually be easier just pleasing myself and can be bad tempered if I want, talk to the Tv if I want and generally give a running commentary on the rugby games.

Have friends to call on if required but with 10% less it may be over with a bit quicker and be a smaller truck that hitsme this time.

Hope yourswent well Laura.

My order of events is the same as yours Josie11.I saw the oncologist after first tax and the symptoms were why they reduced it. Have you seen your onc after first tax?

Joyce

[Josie11]

Hi Laura, I hope today went well - only one more to go 😀. Good news about surgery too. I had surgery first and it was much easier than chemo.

Im finally feeling better after the first T so am dreading the next one. Today is day 12 and I still have numbness in my fingers and toes but the nerve pain in my spine, ribs and pelvis is gone.

hope everyone had a good weekend, xx

[Manicmum89]

hi very one, tax two, round five of chemo tomorrow. I've had a root canal infection this week, that thankfully I've only just got under control and is no longer constantly hurting! 

Saw the oncologist last week, was really positive about outlook, huge relieve!ngenertic results came back and they were negative, so can hopefully have a lumpectomy and the affective nodes removed. 

Hope everyone is coping ok.

much love Laura 

[Josie11]

Thanks, Joyce11. I hope the dose reduction makes it easier, xx

[joyce11]

Hi Josie11

I have also had a cough and weepiy eyes and nose so guess it goes with the territory. Will let you know how next one goes.

[Ann1976]

Hi Josie & Joyce, I had my first Tax a week ago thurs, side effects kicked in on the Saturday & I was more or less in bed until yesterday! I managed to collect my boys from school for the first time yesterday since having the Tax! I hope you're both feeling well enough to enjoy the week end. It seems people have a similar pattern with the side effects & when they start. I have read that the first Tax is the worst & the next 2 aren't as bad, but I won't hold my breath. Have a nice week end everyone xxx

[Josie11]

Hi Joyce11, my timing with the T was the same as you, got it on Wed, started with the pain on Fri and finally today, the next Fri, feel that things are improving. I'm dreading no 2 and would love to hear how your next one goes with the reduced dose.

Has anyone else had a bad cough with T? I'm not sure if I have a viral cough or if it's just due to the mucosal damage from the T.

Hope everyone has a good weekend . Xx

[joyce11]

Hi

My first Tax hit me on the friday follwoing the Wednesday dose and so looking forward to the next one next week -not but 10% reduced dose might be easier -hope so as I will be on my own for this one and the days afterwards. FEC gave me really bad indigestion and got the GP to prescribe omeprazole which worked really well. Just thought I would share that on this lovely saturday evening.Enjoy the weekend .

[Mazzi]

Hi Ros, god what a nightmare, you sound like your getting it far worse than me, good luck with the veins next time, I'm sure it will be ok. Thankfully my PICC line seems to be holding out.

Chenks, I'm getting a lot more heartburn with FEC although I was thinking it was nausea at first, very similar feeling for me. Spoke to my breast care nurse today and she confirmed probably what I already knew and that is the need to rest much more and not feel bad about it. I tend to feel ok and get on with things, I've just done ironing but now having to lay on my bed to recover.

Keep smiling all its getting nearer to the end x

[Chenks]

Sorry to hear that we are all struggling with SEs. Suppose is to be expected as effects are cumulative. I had first Tax after 3 FEC last Wed. Fine until Fri afternoon and then on the painkillers until Mon with aching joints. Managed with paracetemol and ibuprofen although it wasn't pleasant. Now less tired but lovely heartburn (GP has ok'd me upping meds for this) and the blasted bites on my arm have come up again. GP drew round the swollen area with a biro and told me to make another appointment if redness goes outwith line. Thanks a lot! There's no dignity in this.

Looking forward to a bit of a normal weekend with the family and starting to plan ahead to Tax 2 - chemo 5 in terms of childcare, as will coincide with school holidays here. Only two more of these weekends of doom to go.

[Ros53]

Hello, not been on here since before first Tax, 11th September.  Did not feel too bad at first apart from aches and swollen throat. Gradually felt worse thinking side effects kicking in but ended up being admitted last Friday with sepsis!  My Hickman line got infected inside.  Ended up being in for four days on IV antibiotics and now oral antibiotics.  The line was removed. Feel alot better and hoping my chemo is not delayed next Friday but so need to get mentally prepared and hope my veins in my hand are up to it! Still have cellulitis although when inpatient they thought it was extravasation. Two more until the end and that is what is keeping me going  Hope you are all enjoying the day. Going to do a bit of online shopping  xx

[Mazzi]

Hi All, was having a good day, bit of gardening in morning, hanging 2 loads of washing out, decided to go to Tesco at 5.30 pm and only lasted 5 minutes as nearly passed out on escalator. I think I preferred the T.

Not sure if it's the fact of having had 4 lots of chemo or just different se's, but feel unsteady on my feet, tight chest, numb hands and feet, you name it I feel like I've got it.

Asked my son if I looked any different since I started as got a bit of a shock when I looked at myself in the mirror tonight and he says I've looked rough the last few days, well I did ask!!

Will relax tomorrow and wait for my Tesco food delivery in the afternoon 🙂 take care all x

[Josie11]

Thanks everyone, I think I may be a bit better today, fingers crossed. Hope everyone has a good day, xx

[joyce11]

Hi Josie

The tax bus let me off on day 9 and wow what a relief - you will get there. My oncologist decided for the next to reduce the dose by 10% so hopefully SEs won't be as bad. Like you I was reluctant to take the co-codamol but had a half dose a coule of times to get through the night.

Chin up