April 2017 starters

[SusieW]

Hi Chicken Really sorry to hear your news. How are you feeling today?  I was a bit sickly after mine, but it doesn't last too long.  I think there is a Young Breast Cancer Network on here somewhere if you want to talk to other people in their 20s & 30s. xx

[LMB212]

Good Luck to all the April 17 starters. I don't post very often now but I was in your place last year. Mastecomy March 16 followed by 6 Fec T starting April 27th 16 Herceptin and Radiotherapy. You can all do this and you will find the support on here invaluable. I cold capped and am pleased I did as the thought of losing my hair was the worst bit for me. I have had 14 Herceptin to date with 4 to go. Thinking of all of you. Lou xxx

[Chicken123]

Hello, I am new to the Forum and had my first chemotherapy session yesterday for Inflamatory Breast Cancer. I'm only 37 and it has spread into one of my lymph nodes but thankfully no where else. I've asked to join the Facebook Group if that's ok.

[Raitchr]

I'm now a May starter so popping over there, best wishes April starters !

Heather

[SusieW]

Hi 

I've just had my first FEC.  Can I join you? I've never used Facebook before, but I've just set up a profile & hopefully requested to join.  Sorry I'm a tech dinosaur🙄.  Hope you're all feeling ok x

[Paddington]

Please add me.

[Raitchr]

Hi just found out that I have a "Meet the team" meeting next Monday at Nottingham City Hospital where I will have a presentation and then one to one meeting. Sounds more like I am back at work then finding out about what I am going to be poisoned with! 

Have no idea what to ask, do they give you info, do I need to write a list of questions??

Any advice?

Thanks

Heather

[swampy1901]

Hi Duchess69 - Probably too late for your first treatment but better late than never!!

I'm from the October threads and had the FEC-T chemo treatment and I cold capped. It is well worth trying the cold cap and if you can persevere with it - it really is worth it. I probably lost 30-40% of my hair but in general apart from one or two very thin almost bald patches I coped with the odd strategic comb over or moved my parting lol!! I did have my hair cut shorter and then when I got my wig (just in case!) my hairdresser cut my hair in a similar style so there wouldn't be a dramatic difference should I have needed to wear it but in the end only wore it a couple of times.

Some suggestions - get yourself a stretchy headband for your forehead while cold capping, take a couple of a paracetemol an hour or so before your treatment, wear a warm cardi if you should feel the cold, drink plenty of hot drinks and listen to some music or do a difficult sudoku puzzle while you cool down and you will acclimatize and get used to it very quickly. 

Painting your nails a dark colour is suggested for when you're on the T part of the treatment and if you can - apply Onicolife Nail oil several times a day to your nails. I did this for my hands and apart from a few ridges on my nails they have coped well. I neglected my toe nails and the difference is very obvious - and they will eventually go but it's a short term thing so I'll get over it and they will grow again. 

We all have the wobbles as it's quite a scary thing to have chemo - but in the end for me after a sleepless night before my first treatment - I was thinking - there's nothing to it!! Especially if you have a PICC line or similar to help things along.  Afterwards just go with the flow - take the meds they give you and if you need more or alternatives then ask for them - there is no reason for anyone to feel poorly - we are all different and what works for one won't necessarily work for another.

Good luck - you'll get through it - we all do -  they don't call us pink warriors for nothing!! 

Swampy

[JulieJ]

I've requested to join the FB page - I'm Julie.  I'll post details of my situation when I get accepted on FB but am due to start chemo before the end of April so it would be great to go through this with others in a similar position.  See you ladies on FB soon.  Julie  

[Onwards and upwards]

Spoiler

Hi not able to get off to sleep tonight no particular reason nice to know someone else is out there. Had my first fecT on 27th march and my next session is this coming Wednesday but having fec first before  the T. I would recommend taking a bottle of water, hand cleanser and hand cream. Some chocolate and sucking sweets. A crossword book and magazine. Drink plenty of water as this helps the veins. I would also recommend taking a copy if your consent form as the hospital did not have mine on record and I would have had to have waited possibly up to 2 hours for a dr to come and reconsent if I had not had my copy with me. I have been told painting your nails dark color protects them but did nit really have too my side effects after the first fec and they were manageable I am hoping the next one will be the same good luck x

[Duchess69]

I've just asked to join the fb group, my name is Victoria xx

[Duchess69]

Hi all, i'm due to start 18th with Fec-t but t first. Thought I was all calm but had wobbles this evening as to what's to come. Had hair cut short and going to attempt cold cap as youngest daughter most upset about hair loss. Does painting nails a dark colour help. Any tips about what to take to first chemo session. 

[Onwards and upwards]

Hi everyone happy Easter. Started loosing my hair on thursday last week so now have a pixie cut which I actually quite like but think it will be gone after my second fec this coming Wednesday. Actually feeling quite well shame to have to go through it again but it is what it is all the best to others going through it again this week xx

[Wise-bee]

Hi all,

I've already started my chemo on April 4th, - 4fec then 4t .Then surgery.  I'm on week two, not feeling too bad now, I thought I wouldn't see myself for 6 months but am happy to say I feel ok. Still a bit tired and am probably l y too quick to do too much too soon. I would like e to join the Facebook group too please, Barbara Wisbey .

It's good to be in touch with others going through the same thing.

[Bells2017]

Hiya lovely ladies
Think you're all ahead of me. Saw oncol today to start EC x6 in a fortnight. I'm TN G3 and had wle last month. Hoping all is going to plan with all of you. I'm currently doing dentist etc and fretting about what to take with me for first chemo session. Xx

[Annie1616]

Hi girls, I've just sent a Facebook request to join you. Started A.C. 3rd April x

[Ziggy15]

Hi everyone,

i had my first treatment yesterday. Doc and carboplatin. Had my mastectomy 4 weeks ago and recovered fairly well, no reconstruction yet that will be after chemo but I am also BRCA 1 so will be having the other side off so new rack of boobies and a tummy tuck to come. 

But anyway, don't feel too bad after my treatment,got anti sickness tabs to take and steroids. Also injections to boost my blood count.

one down anyway, five to go, I know I will feel worse as things go on. I had breast cancer aged 27, wasn't expecting it again 14 years later, but will get through it again.

sending lots of love to everyone xxx

[meash67mosh]

Hi Raitchr

I have also had surgery, once for mx then they found involvement in 2 nodes so had a clearance 1st Feb.  Have started chemo on 27th 3 x FEC then 3 x Dox then radiotherapy they haven't said how much yet a lot of ladies have already been told this. Bogey did say tamoxifen for 5 years and injections for 3 years.

the waiting is hard every day feels like a week and you have a life to get on with.  Once they have sorted your treatment plan out it will come around quicker than you thought.  Try to enjoy the sunshine and just stay positive, this forum is full of lovely brave ladies who have hands on experience so will help you along the way. Enjoy the sunshine ladies xx

[Raitchr]

Hi Onwards and Upwards. I am fine thank you, recovering well after right mx 3 weeks ago. Just want to get started on chemo now and get to the end of treatment, and get on with my life.

[lilneenz]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AprilChemoStarters/
Facebook page

[Onwards and upwards]

Hi raichr I have the same diagnosis as you had mastectomy 30th January and had first of FecT on the 27th march. I have had some of the side effects but really not as bad as I thought they would be and have actually managed to get into work on some days. I hope you are recovering from the surgery as that in itself takes time to adjust to and then waiting for the next stage is not great for ones emotions I just wanted to get on with although this was tinged with soon denial that this was not happening. All the best

[Raitchr]

Hi I am going to be an April 17starter, starting FECT in 2 to 4 weeks. Please may I join you? I was diagnosed invasive ductal triple neg 13 Feb, mastectomy 17 March.

[Karen C]

Hi, may I join you? I've only found out that I'm HER2+ today. I still don't understand anything much about any of it so trying to get my head around things. My treatment plan is chemo, radiotherapy, surgery in that order starting on the 18th. I'd like to join the Facebook group too xx

[meash67mosh]

Hi tstock70

im afraid I am not on Facebook so can't join you. Does this mean you ladies will not be using this forum anymore??????? Xx

[tstock70]

Hi all, I had my first session of FEC yesterday, so far so good, just feel like I've got a sicky hangover at the moment.  Just taken nausea tablet so hopefully that will take the edge off it so I can have some breakfast and take my other meds.  Having a PICC line put in before the next time, the cannula was really painful and I'm going to have a nice bruised wrist.  The ladies in the unit are lovely though xx

[Jaecarter]

Hey... if anyone is still using this... I am 20 years old and my BRCA 2 gene is being tested right now. I'm trying to decide if I want to know if I carry the gene. I know it sounds strange but I really think I have it, maybe that's stupid or just a weird feeling because I'm worrying. I'm so young, and I just don't know if I'm ready, especially if it comes back positive

[LouP]

Hi ladies, i had first lot of chemo today (EC), got to the hospital for 8.15 and had my pre assessment about 9.30.  Then went through to the ward where i was greeted by such lovely nurses.  I wasnt going to do the cold cap, but thought about it and decided id give it a go if the pain was too much.  It was absolutely fine, 15 minutes of feeling weird but then just got used to it.  So done half an hour and then had the chemo which only took 45 minutes, then an hour and a half with the cold cap again and 20 minutes defrosting 🙂

I must say the anxiety driving to the hospital this morning wasnt nice but the whole experience today was soooo much better than i ever dreamed of.  ITs the not knowing which isnt nice.

Now just to wait and see what side effects i get.  I also stopped and Tesco and bought Corsodyl mouthwash and aqueous cream (to shower in) and simple shampoo and conditioner (and a bottle of wine but thought i best not have one tonight).

Good luck to all you lovely ladies xxx

[saraswatix]

Hi, I've been reading the posts but I must admit I haven't got much of a clue how to use the forums. The Facebook group sounds great. I've sent a request. I start 4 fec and 4 tax Monday 10th so it would be great to be able to chat with ladies going through treatment at the same time as me x

[wandalina]

oh my god my heart when he said it in his little soft voice xxx

[Lou Green]

Your nephew sounds like a real cutie xxx

[Lou Green]

We have to deal with what we are given. It cant be changed and must be faced.

The worse is the 'not knowing and the waiting'.Once there is a 'plan' the road is clearer.

I never expected any of this and never believed this would happen to me.

Keeping up with you all is a great help

Love to all  xx

[wandalina]

LouP it sounds like you are going about it the right way.  just think about all you've had to come to terms with since your diagnosis and here you are holding it together..if someone asked you a few years ago how you would deal with a cancer diagnosis what would you said? Keeping moving forward and remember how much you have accomplished already x

[wandalina]

yes you are right Lou Green 🙂 at the very least you feel like you are actively tackling the problem and getting one step closer to post treatment.  My 8 year old nephew asked me today " have you started your treatement yet?" i thought he was joking and asked why did he ask me that? why did he want to know " and he said well once you start then you'll be getting better sooner" the sweetheart ❤️ for him to be thinking about it in that way

[Lou Green]

Wandalina, yes it is good you are looking forward it.

I have always enjoyed the chats with the nurses and the whole atmosphere which sounds bonkers!!

I walk in smiing and leave feeling extremely lucky.

The only way is up - Lou xxx

[wandalina]

Christ i must be looolaa but im actually looking forward to starting chemo next friday! Its been a long wait since my diagnosis on the 10th feb and the time has finally come.  im getting sick of wondering how ill be during the treatement ..im done with the worrying now..ill be grand! im going to do the best job ever.  

[lilneenz]

I've requested the Facebook page - Mavis wanderlust x

[lilneenz]

Hi I start chemo 10th April - I'm 3 x FEC and 3x T - awaiting scans etc and feeling scared but do want to get that chemo in my veins x

[GreenBeans]

Hi all, I'm a bit of a late joiner to this thread, just been given my date for chemo for 5th April... had some delay getting a decision re. treatment after my op as my oncologist recommended I had an Endo Predict test done (similar to the Oncotype test) which came back pretty high hence the chemo recommendation. I'm having 4 sets of EC and 4 of T and will then have Radio. Slightly aprehensive about starting as haven't had much time to get used to the idea but went wig shopping today which was not as bad as I expected. Hoping to be able to continue to work throughout though I think that may be optimistic. Very glad to meet you all and will send a request to the facebook group.

Best wishes to all

Emma

[LouP]

Hi ladies, ive just sent a request aswell.  Linda, how are you feeling after your treatment?? xx

[Munchkin]

Hi mocot, All the best for today, I start tomorrow morning, I also had right mastectomy, I'm starting on the EC tomorrow. xxx

[Munchkin]

Hi everyone, I've sent a request to join the FB group, my name is Isobel.Xx

[Mocot]

Hi Iwas diagnosed inJanuary, had a right side mastectomy in February and I'm  starting chemo today. 3 rounds of EC then 3rounds of T. I would love to join the FB group as I find the many threads on here a little difficult to navigate. I have asked to join your group and my name is Maureen

[tstock70]

Okay ladies, I've started the group 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AprilChemoStarters/

I've already added you Linda xx

[Lmcunningham1]

Count me in 🙂 xx

[Onwards and upwards]

I would be interested

[Munchkin]

Me too!☺️Xx

[Yealand]

I would be interested x

[Yealand]

I would be interested cc

[tstock70]

Just a suggestion, but some of the other monthly threads have set up Facebook groups as it's easier to talk in a group, would anyone be interested in that? xx

[tstock70]

Hi Yealand, I start on the 4th, think I'm having the same drugs as you, but I've not had surgery yet.  Hope you get on okay xx