December 2015 chemo

[Nadz]

We only bought our house near 4 years ago Tina! And we are the same, trying to sort and save. I'm still living out of boxes! At least you can celebrate your 50th in style for sure!
My partner leaves for work tomorrow as well so I will be with you on the tears front! One of my friends, who is going through another medical problem, recommended that if you are going to have a low day, no matter what, watch a cartoon movie like a Disney. As something that simple will help bring a smile around and they can also help induce some healthy tears. I'm planning on watching Tangled!

[Tandy 4]

I know what you mean Nadz...... On a walk over Christmas, my two, aged 23 & 20 mucking about on a bridge playing pooh sticks! ☺️ And laughing, I love hearing my family laugh.

Oh Nadz, Im so sorry to hear that about you Hun, it's a complete bitch of a disease!

Yeah I'll be on tamoxifen also, but I'm a lot older than you and my family is complete. I'm 49 and if all the **bleep**ty sessions go to plan on the 21 day cycle, then my last one will be the day before my 50th!! 

We've still so much to get done in our house (moved in 4 years ago, but things not finished!) My hubby talks of getting this that and the other done, what shall we do/save for next etc? Some days I just want to scream...... That I just want to still be here to see it all finished!!!! 

XXXX Tina 

[Nadz]

Welcome pammy!! You stay lazy, think it's deserving x

[Nadz]

I feel the same way Tandy, keep thinking just need to complete this then I read how it comes back for a good few women. I've only just turned 33, was about to try for children and then this all happened. Chances of a child are slim now, as my cancer loves the oestrogen so will be on tamoxifen for 10 years.
I do think that we are allowed to feel the negative, but always look for something positive in the day...doesn't have to be about the cancer or chemo..just something. Today mine was the rain bouncing on our decking. It made me smile and when I got scared/peeved at the thought of going through all this and for it to come back, I just thought of the rain. Sounds silly, but it reduced my stress level.
Oh and yep doing the fec-t. Lovely pink colour!

[Tandy 4]

Hi all..... Hope you're all feeling ok. 

Nadz, are you having FEC x 3 and T x 3? I'm not having to do injections, assuming these are for white cells? I only had the one injection for that 24 HR after first session. I'm on antibiotics for precaution as my node clearence scar got little red and area felt like post surgery again with swollen feeling! I've got cording in m my arm too and she's referred me to physio. Saw my McMillan oncology nurse who said temp little high and 'just in case of start of infection' give antibiotics for 7 days. Had another blood test but all good with that. I'm due at my Drs next weds 6th for bloods, all being well, second dreaded session on 8th. 

Lost a little more strands of hair today than I normally would when washing...... So it looks like it's going to thin. Hopefully the cold cap retains most!!?!! This time next week,,,,,, session 2 will be done! 

I can't help thinking of the possibility of it all coming back! And I know I need to get over this thinking for sanity sake. How!?!...... One minute I think, yep, you're doing ok girl, have the treatments, get it all out of you! Chemo, meds and radiotherapy and this time next year done!.... But then I read of it coming back for others..... Is my life going to be cut short? Ongoing problems of insurance, holiday etc affected.... 

Sorry guys, feeling a tad emotional tonight, hubby going back to work away tomorrow as are both our grown up kids..... Not looking forward to being on my own and I know there'll be lots of tears in the morning! Xxx 

[Pammy]

Happy New Year to you all too. I'm on day 3 of my first EC chemo, feel okay, being lazy, don't suppose it will last, but hey ho, get on with it and look forward to a great year.

love..Pam x

[Pammy]

Hi Marie, we are all with you, you will get there soon, time goes so fast. I just hope you don't have too many bad days. My daughter went through, I think it was FEC, herceptin and radio, three years ago, and she is fighting fit considering she was going through a lot of stress in her life, money, home, partner etc., and she didn't tell anyone. She didn't want to worry us. I am a very young 74 and had a lumpectomy in November, and lymph nodes removed, same side as my daughter, and same time of year, spooky or what. I am having EC, and at the moment feel okay, but I'm a very positive person, and know it will be okay when all finished. I know everyone is not the same, and do feel is if there is anything I can say to help anyone I would.

my reasoning is, it's there, get rid of it out of my body and get on with treatment. 2016 will be great for us all.

happy new year and cuddles to you all.

pam x 

[Mariej2205]

Hi ladies hope everyone is doing okay just popping in from the November thread... I'm on weekly paclitaxel and 3 weekly herceptin and docetaxel. I was grade 3 and had a lumpectomy In August lymph nodes clear. I'm 45 married with 2 grown children and a grandson. I'm on week 8 and have 10 weeks to go so far se not too bad hair just starting to go but wigs at the ready. I find the weekly steroids and not sleeping for 30 hours at a time the hardest! When chemo finishes I have 4 weeks of radio to look forward to and then tamoxifen for 5 years. If I can support at all In anyway just ask sending good wishes your way! xxx

[Nadz]

And wow..I didn't mean to write so much

[Nadz]

Evening all! Hope your new years went well?
Marina did you go with the clippers today? The audible book's sound like a great idea! Will have to get into that right away! Though will be on SSP so might ask it as a wee gift 😉 hope the cold is settling for you too, I've been the same with the wanting to throw stuff out! Luckily I had a clear out at the beginning and have been too weak to do any more. My partner completely reorganised our bedroom so it would be "chemo ready" he even moved the bed so that my side is closer to the door in case I need to dash!
Gfinch gosh you have been energetic doing the hoovering! I count it lucky that I was able to move clothes from the radiator! I've discovered a hot water bottle placed on my shoulders and neck when going to sleep helps so much. The pain has moved to lower back now though, radiating up and down, with a weird sensation in chest, like my rib cage tries to expand more than it could? My mum and partner thinks it's because I'm just sitting around, but it's a proper ache? And have been moving as much as possible.
Tandy4 SE twins eh?! I really thought I was going crazy. How come you went on antibiotics? I've just finished my injections today, I had to do loads for if prior to chemo so been doing it myself..think I've given myself a bit needle phobia though, I sit there fora good 30seconds with it just in me and can't push it further then I finally get it. But still..hard work! I agree about the dry hair. I'm doing the cold capping (worse thing ever) and I don't think it went all the way to the back of my head so if I do keep my hair I will have a brand new trend to set. I'm thinking 10th will be the day for body hair...looking forward to no waxing and shaving..bit concerned about lack of eyebrows and lashes?! Every morning I'm inspecting my pillow for hair and my partner gets skittish about touching my head in case something happens. Though he has promised he will still fancy me bald..which has been a concern. Maybe a silly one but it's there.
Today was a good day, managed to play scrabble..though did near pass out from the concentration which seems extreme. We have all been sitting round watching movies all day. Partner returns to Base (over hour away) this weeked for a 48 hour shift, will be the first time mum and I will be by ourselves! She's a bit concerned as she really can't cook! Will be interesting!

[A.Faed]

You must have had your first FEC on Christmas Eve, too, Lynne? I reckon sometime from 10th January onwards for my hair to go south!

I felt lousy for a few hours on the first evening but not too much since then. Tired and woozy from time to time...if it didn't get too much worse than this...still, only time will tell!

The interrupted sleep is a bit of a pain though. I had steroids to take for three days but the munchies and sleepless got more pronounced after I had finished the doses, has anyone else found that? 

Hope everyone one is doing ok.

Amanda x

[Lynne1955]

Hi all

hope you are all doing ok.  I am on day 8 of FEC and have had very few side effects.  Woozy and tired for three days then triuble sleeping, in fact no sleep on three days.  Apart from that nothing else.  I must be lucky. I do understand each one can get worse because if the accumulative effect.

next hurdle will be the hair falling out, not started yet. Xxx

happy healthy new year to all xx

[Caffy]

Hi ladies, just popping in from the October thread with a bit of advice about side effects. I was sorry to see several of you dreading your next treatment as you know how bad you'll feel so I just wanted to remind you that when you see your oncologist the week before and have your blood test, be sure to tell him/her abiut every side effect you have suffered with. I had written them down as they happened so took in the list. They will then change or increase the medicines for afterwards or in more extreme cases reduce the dose of the chemo drugs. My onc always tells me we shouldn't need to suffer, as there is usually something that can help. 

I'm chemo number 5 tomorrow, no actually that's later on today, can't sleep due to steroids. This will be my second T and they are giving me a reduced dose this time so hoping I won't feel as bad. 

Good luck everyone, and happy new year, Chris xxx

[A.Faed]

Hope everyone who had chemo today is doing ok.

A week after my first FEC and I'm doing ok.Tired and woozy and very disrupted dream laden sleep, but really nothing to write home about, so far!

Staying in for New Years Eve for the first time in years, and won't be with my youngest (20) with us later as she is going out with her boyfriend 😢

Anyway, Happy New Year everyone, have a good evening and let's prepare to kick our C into touch in 2016!

Amanda x

[Tandy 4]

Hi Nadz.....l exactly the same SE as me!...... With you on the hair thing too... Mine short ish Bob but feels very dry at mo. Sense if smell is ridiculous!?! To the point where on a walk I even said to my family that I could smell that someone was having a 'lush' bath and also smell someone's tumble drying!...... We were a fair way from houses!?! It's a mix of a bad hangover and early pregnancy symptoms!? I'm due round 2 on 8th, dreading it as I know what to expect! Day 1-8 found hardest, then on antibiotics day 11! 

Are you Cold capping Nadz? Xxx Tina 

[Gfnich]

Oh found how you edit it Marina.  Go to your reply, click on options, and pick edit then you can click the ABC and fix it.

[Gfnich]

Hi Marina, before you post you can click the little ABC button with the tick and it does it for you.  Once posted I think it is set in stone 😄

nadz, hang on in there I am day 9 and am good today.  I find days 4 to 7 the worst.  Pleased you mention upper Back and shoulder pain I feel like my handbag and the Hoover are full of concrete my shoulders are quite weak.  Oh and the smells, isn't it odd.  You will feel better each day now though. X

[Marina]

How do I edit to correct spelling etc.?

[Marina]

Nadz hang on in there it does het easier. At least your Mum will be company for you when hubby goes. I found everything bothered me from smells, and even could read a magazine, in fact just wanted to have a major throwing away session. Wanted to chuck enerything in sight out!!!! Luckily didn't have the energy to do it!!
I joined AUDIBLE, it is part of Amazon.co.uk and you can download audible books. I found Iistening to someone read you a novel helped although I missed chunks as I fell asleep but it didn't matter. You can join to automatically spend about 8 poinds a month where they give you a credit each month to then choose a book. Then you can buy additional books as required. Just a thought for those spending time alone and unable to concentrate.
I have a stinking cold and next chemo (2) on 8 Jan. Am wearing a hat to catch all my falling hair, trimmer at the ready. Jan 1st and a new start might be the day.

Wishing you all a healthier and happy new year.
Marina xx

[Nadz]

Hi all. Happy new year! I'm on say 7 of first cycle of FEC. And this has been the first day were my afternoon hasn't felt like I'm living in some type of trippy world. My SE have been dizziness, muffled head like I'm seeing everything from a different place, muscle weakness and fatigue and very hard to focus. Nausea is there but in the sense as if you had a really bad hangover and only need to lie still. I'm getting headaches now, and upper back and neck pain. My sleep is full of nightmares but I do feel rested, just sore. Have only washed hair twice...red Robin, I did some colouring in during the cold cap, like you I couldn't focus.I'm dreading doing it again though. My hair is short but curly so looks a mess when not washed each day! Im finding it difficult to shower..so I'm a stinky mess. Oh and sense of smell is on hyper drive. I've been very thorough with looking after my mouth but still get a bad taste. Surprisingly my appetite has been good. Though fizzy drinks seem to be the liquid that helps me the most. My partner has been making sure I get proper meals and if I need something to eat to help with SE it's been a gingerbread man (perfect for this time of year!) Or a celebration chocolate..mainly a snickers which I don't normally like but the others just taste horrible to me.
Sorry for the long tale, my mum is here helping me but we never talked much anyway and my friends are staying away until my immune system is on the way up. Plus been too hard to focus that I can't reply to msgs.this has taken nearly an hour to write!
My partner is being posted abroad during my next cycle, only for a week but it's got me worried, mum will still be here but she can't cook or drive. Anyway. Hope you are all well enough to enjoy the passing of 2015 and embrace the new beginnings and strength of 2016 xx

[Tandy 4]

Will be thinking of you Laura! 👍🏼 

Wishing everyone a happy, better, healthier and prosperous New Year! 2015...... You can do one!!! 2016 IS going to be better! ☺️ Xxx Tina 

[Gfnich]

Happy new year everyone, hope those of you who have just had your chemo are ok.  Gillian x

[Lozza1217]

Hey everyone
Round 2 for me today, feeling very anxious as I know what's coming!
Just want to wish everyone a happy new year and hoping for a healthier one too!
Laura x x

[Tandy 4]

Well done Pam! One done. Take care and listen to your body now. Hoping none if any SE for you 🙏🏼 xxx Tina 

im on the 'good' week before round 2. Enjoying a glass of red and even fancied my peanut butter on toast this morning! ☺️

[Pammy]

Hi Marina, I started my first chemo today, and just feel fuzzy headed, but otherwise not bad. I had the cold cap which was very icy, but if you can stick it for 10/15 mins, it does ease a bit. I had EC chemo. I am a very young 74, my daughter went through this three years ago, same lumpectomy and same side boob. She had a different chemo to me tho'. I think it helped me seeing how things might go for me. I am a very positive person, but I know it's different and scary for some people. We are all out here rooting for each other, I am thinking of you, but nurses are amazing and have time to talk, everyone at the hospital are so kind. Lots of love and let's get this sorted so that we can have a fabulous 2016.

Pam x

[Tandy 4]

Thanks red robin..... I'm only a week behind you Nicola..... Good luck Hun xxxx 

[red_robin]

I don't think I can use my voucher online. I was told just these two places that are coming up with nothing I can get/use. Got to go for a flush in a bit. Still no community nurse space for me so got to do the hour round trip to the hospital. If not on before I'll be thinking of you on 8th Tina and Teresa xx

[Nicola47]

Hi everyone

Just a quick note to wish everyone a very happy and healthy ( in the long run!!!) new year. I will have my second FEC tomorrow don't know what I'm dreading more the cold cap or the after effects of the treatment!! No hair loss as yet but for some reason expecting it all to fall out after fec 2!!! So very nervous!! Won't be posting for a few days, but will be thinking about you all 

Love and hugs Nicola

[A.Faed]

Hi everyone, I wasn't really expecting to be starting until January but I am pleased to join you (you know what I mean!) and have my first FEC under my belt!

Thank you red-robin, this forum has been so helpful, you find yourself moving through various threads as everything progresses!

Neo Adjuvant chemo is usually given to shrink the tumour, then surgery may be less invasive, so they might be able to do a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy, for example. I went to my oncologist with two pages of A4 of questions, poop woman! If you want to know, ask away, I have always done and had pathology reports and everything, the chemo and breast cares nurses can help a lot. It depends how much information you want of course, but if something is niggling you, jot it down and ask away.

Here is a link to the 'wig' situation although you need to check for variations in you region; http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Wigsandfabricsupports.aspx
I didn't qualify for a free wig and my local supplier charged about £120 for my synthetic wig, and the NHS paid some, I ended up paying £67 for it. I haven't worn it yet, once the hair starts going south, I will go down to the hairdresser who supplies it, get a really short back and sides (I look dire with short hair, mine is to my boob) and get the wig fitted and trimmed. I don't know how much I'll wear it, I imagine I'll be on hats and scarves more, but maybe I'll like it better than I think! This stage of waiting for it to go must be the worst bit I think! go (Like all the other waiting, tests, op's, scans etc!)

I was given the injections to boost the White blood cells to do from day five after chemo. My eldest daughter is staying for Christmas and had injected herself a couple of years ago after her Caesarian section, so she did my first one and I did one last night, it was much easier that I thought and really didn't hurt at all. I was told these injections could give you pain in the hips and lower back.

If you have any chest pains, don't ignore it; phone the help line, it's probably nothing to worry about but in my 'Red Chemo Book' it is listed as one of the things you should report immediately, just get it checked out then you don't have to be wondering what to do or if it's normal.

Love and hugs to everyone,

Amanda x

[Teresa1978]

Thanks Red Robin, nice to hear from you... The surgeon seemed to think it would be a mastectomy but the oncologist did say if tumour responds well could be a lumpectomy, guess it's a waiting game! Good luck for the 8th, I'm also having 2nd fec then. Xx

[Gfnich]

hi red robin, and all wig hunters

have you you had a look to see if you can use your voucher on line?  Then you can get the name of the wig you like and order it? Most of them you can return if you don't lke it.   I got mine from Natural Images in the shop some branches are called hot hair, they have lots of branches.  It is hand tied and a monofilament cap which makes the scalp look real and was £196.  You automatically get the vat off if you have cancer. 

I had had two friends who had cancer before who kept me right.  Be careful about getting real hair as it takes lots of styling effort.  Take notice of the scalp bit, it is that that gives it away.   Remember you can get it trimmed a bit if you need to.

all consultants seem to give different meds, and remember we all have different tumours or had them and are having different treatments.  I get an injection of Aloxi, 3 days of Emend plus steroid and then have Metoclopramide to take if the sickness is bad, think I have used 3 over two cycles.  Most important thing though is make sure you tell the team how you felt so they can help you next cycle.  I haven't been sick but last time felt like I had a huge air bubble or cotton wool ball stuck in my gullet.

good luck x

[Tandy 4]

I'll be with you in spirit on the 8th Red Robin...... I'm number 2 FEC...... Using the scalp cooling system again. Can't bare the hair loss thought.... Still waiting for my voucher to arrive!?! Just in case.......  What system are you using? Xxx Tina 

[red_robin]

Hi ladies. Not been on for a while because of Christmas. Hope you all had a nice time. It has taken a while to catch up and I have made notes, lol.
Sorry if it seems a bit disjointed but here goes.....

Hi Amanda. You'll do ok with us xx

Gillian - my anti sickness tablets are Metroclopramide Hydrochloride 10mg 1x3

Tina - the injections are Filgrastim (Accofil) 30mu 0.5ml. I have to do these from the day after infusion for 10 days. I say I my fiancé does them while I pinch the tummy skin.

Nadz - with the cold cap I find I can't concentrate enough to read and can't get ear buds in to listen to anything. Just chat with others there. A spot of grown up colouring could easily be done.
I was also wondering wih your vein problems did they not think about a picc line? It will stop your veins getting tired and be easier for infusions.

Marina - I also have pain in my hips and lower back, so sometimes in my chest. I had been wondering about that too. Thanks Gillian for letting us know about the white cells. I am also terrified of my hair falling out. Think a little more in the comb today. Will be keeping my eye on it.

Teressa - yes mine is a neo adjuvant chemo (FEC-T) so my oncologist tells me. I am having mine post surgery but I am pretty sure that some give it before surgery to shrink the tumour before it is removed. I am sure the others will tell me if I am wrong or back me up.

Can't remember who said about the water and chlorine taste if left out but I get that too.

SamB - No you are not silly and please don't ever think that or that you are alone in feeling this way. I too am scared of washing my hair and the thought of hair loss.

Which brings me onto the fact that I had an appointment today with the 2nd and only other company my £120 voucher is valid with. I found a match but in no way can I afford it. It is a perfect colour match but £409!! Voucher doesn't even pay for half of it! Some people are lucky buying 2 with the voucher. It sucks. Possibly having some shedding today, like I say keeping my eye on it. Next chemo is 8th Jan (would have been my mums 59th birthday) at 10:30.

[Marina]

I was against wigs as I thought everyone would know it was a wig but I realize they are much better these days. And I don't want people who don't know me pitying me if I wear a scarf. Hence my change of heart. It still hasn't really hit me as very little has fallen out but I guess tomorrow is another day ...

[PeggyCat]

Hi all, just want to back up what my October chemo buddy Karen says about coping with hair loss. I have not felt at all self-conscious about going out in one of my hats or turbans and have even had some nice comments about them from people who just think I'm wearing head gear because I want to (not because I have to). In fact there are some lovely items available although I am in danger of spending all the money I'll be saving at the hairdresser and on hair products! I think it being winter time also helps as so many people are wearing hats now anyway.

Good luck everyone - you can all do it.

Ruth xx

[Gfnich]

Hi Marina, you should be entitled to a wig on the nhs. I have just been to a party and no one mentioned my wig at all it looks so real.  It does feel like a hat as the day goes on but I dont feel it makes me different to others,  I understand how it makes you self conscious but you do get used to it quite quickly.  We will all look back in the summer and our hair will be back 🙂 x

[Kazzer52]

Sam I felt very self conscious the first few times I went out wearing a wig, I kept looking to see if I could see anyone else wearing a wig. I didn't want to look like a cancer victim and have people giving me pitying looks but I've not noticed anyone doing that. The wig I've got is really good and even my oncologist thought I'd cold capped and kept my hair. If you're on FB feel free to add me (Karen Roberts Burwin) as I've got photos on there when I shaved my head and wearing my wig if you want to look. Do things when you're ready, we all deal with things differently xx

[Sam B]

Thank you for sharing .
I do gave clippers ready but don't feel ready myself .
When I'm out and about I've been looking to see if I can see any other ladies like me ( head scarves hats wigs ) and I don't .?on here it's great to get advice and share info with each other but in reality outside I feel alone as I'll be different . Please don't think I want more Women to experience this I just don't feel ready to tell the world im fighting cancer.
Xxx

[Kazzer52]

Hi Sam, I'm from the October thread and have just finished chemo. Losing my hair was very hard for me, because like you I didn't want to look different. When my hair started coming out in handfuls I decided to shave it off as I felt in control rather than my hair controlling me. I don't use my wig very often, in the house I wear scarves or don't bother with anything but always have something to hand in case someone knocks at the door. I thought everyone would look at me when I went out but they didn't. I wear my wig about 50% of the time I go out and the rest I wear a hat. I shed tears when I shaved my hair off but I'm used to it now and it saves a fortune on shampoo etc lol. You have to do what is best for you, but it's not as bad as you think it's going to be. good luck xx 

[Sam B]

Gillian
I'm being so sad as I'm afraid to even wash my hair now as comes out in fistfuls when I run my fingers through it . I am all prepared with wigs , scarves , hats etc but don't want to look physically different if you understand . I don't want people looking at me .
I like to just blend into the crowd .
I'm finding it so upsetting xx

[Marina]

Hair still here but not touching it at all ... and having been so against getting a wig, I have had a change of heart and ordered one over the internet! What with the hats and scarves this is all getting quite expensive!!

[Tandy 4]

Saw my lovely nurse. Given precautionary antibiotics for possible early infection. Signs showing in scar area and little puffy in arm and hand, have slight temp. Says nothing to worry about,  referred me to physio for specific exercises to help with the chording! Ah well..... Can still have a little G&T tonight though as alcohol moderately has no effect on meds 👍🏼😜

[Gfnich]

Hi everyone,

day 8 cycle 2 of FEC and feel quite good today got out in the sunshine with my little dog.  Felt like I was drugged Saturday and Sunday, just really tired and out of sorts but on the up now.  It tricks you for the first couple of days making you think you are ok! At least Christmas Day was ok.  2 FEC down one to go for me then 3 Ts so moving along the bumpy path. I am hoping 3 is not my worst like Jen bless her.    Have had my daughter home from uni and that has helped keep me going along with my ever patient hubby.

Sam, Marina - have been wondering how you are coping with your hair loss.  It feels like ages now since I lost mine and wig is part of me.  I did forget myself this morning though and put shampoo in my hands.  Hope you are ok and managing it.

Best wishes to you all Gillian

[Tandy 4]

Thanks Jen xxx 😚
Left message for My Macmilan nurse. If she doesn't get back to me by this aft I'll ring my doctor.
I know exactly what you mean about eating!! I'm iff shooing Friday and plan to make a few dishes to freeze for myself. Though worry about fancying any of it as my sense of smell can be acute or nauseating!?! Ill try and get my bum shifted to go for walk even if just round the block!
Glad your hubby home for NY 👍🏻☺️ You have it harder than me Hun. Do you have family near? I don't. I'm in north Scotland and family in South Wales!
Yes we must keep thinking we can do this! 🙏🏼😖 Though, will this sinking feeling of what the future holds ever diminish? Folk say, oh it'll soon be over and you'll be ok...... Um? Will I? Afraid to ask the odds on it returning!?
Up and down, down and up!.......

BCN just rung back...... Going in to see her this afternoon. 👍🏼

[Teresa1978]

Hi, hope everyone had a good Christmas well as good as can be expected!! I had my first fec on 17th Dec, suffered a few side effects main one was feeling like I wasn't firing on all cylinders... Feeling as close to normal as I think I will get now until my next on 8th Jan (if bloods ok on 6th).
I was just wondering if anyone else is having neo adjuvant chemo?? It has all happened so quick and I'm trying to catch up on why I am having chemo first, seems most have surgery first?!? I understand it treats the whole body in case anything has got away!
Anyway I hope everyone is able to relax now the busy period is over x

[JenJen]

Hi Tina x

Im doing OK (had s rubbish 3 days but thats it im back to normal) I have cycle 4 starting on the 12th Jan and am on weeklies from then so I have (fingers crossed no delays) 14 weeks to go till chemo done -12 weeks of treatment in that 🙂

Call BCN re scar x probably nothing but get looked at ive got all that to come post chemo currently worrying about it even though its 4.months away

SEs arent necessarily cumulative but mine were a bit worse on cycle 3 (though its a week today and I feel OK again) my onco said after cycle 1 that the only thing that may worsen was fatigue and if I didnt look after my mouth etc that but if your brushing and rinising etc then you should be OK mouthwise and if you rest and exercise then the fatigue is doable (by exercise I mean a couple of walks round the block it really helps you feel more awake

Dont worry about being alone x Ive done 3 cycles And will be doing the remaining 4 alone hubby has managed to get home for 1 night on each one on the saturday as I have my treatment the following Tuesday so we have a nice day out fill the food cupboards with my treats and goodies then hes off again. Hubs is a flight away so by the time he gets here its time to turn around . Its crappy I know x make sure before they all go off you have lots of easy things to eat in and make sure you DO eat even when you cant be bothered because its just you and you are tired try eat healthy but if you fancy something and thats all you fancy then have it (i had pavlova for tea last night!) and I had microwave pasta and sauce the night before something I would never eat pre chemo but it meant I ate. Im doing a nice mini roast today though as I fancy one hubs has managed to get leave (he asked for it in October!) So hes home NYE for 8 days yay

Im a bit infront of you but since ive had chemo first I will be around a while yet you will have the knowledge to help me when I have my surgery so I will be around and about if you are lonely or are missing hubs drop me a line x


Love to all , YOU CAN DO THIS!

Jen x

[Tandy 4]

Hi Kim, my last (2nd one! First on 8th October) surgery was the 12th November, nearly 7 wk ago...... Week before first chemo BCN said I had slight swelling but nothing to worry about and wasn't going to drain as my body would deal with it. It subsided and got better, until a few days ago..... Wondering if chemo affected my system and its built up again!? I'll let you know, I'm off to ring her now, failing that it'll have to be my GP? 

Wushing you good luck for this afternoon xxxx 

[Kim555pink]

Tina, I'm wondering if the swelling you mention is seroma (?) build up? I'm pretty sure I have this following my drain being taken out Christmas Eve. Got really bad Christmas Day but seems to have settled a bit now. My under arm continues to be sore like you describe too! I had surgery on 7/12. Got my first appointment with oncologist this afternoon, so I'm following you guys on this thread to help me know what to expect!
Lots of love xxx

[Tandy 4]

Hi all, Not been on here for a while, hope you all had a good Christmas? How are you all? Claire? Amanda? Marina? Jen? Gfinich? 

Not sure whether it was fate? ( notifications ended up in my junk box!?) But I'd decided to try and avoid the forum for while as reading posts (though I felt 'OK') was making me more paranoid and fretting!? Good to hear that those who've recently started getting this **bleep**e into them are doing ok. I have been thinking about you all. 

I'm on day 11, (post session FEC 1)

I've had a few SE's from nausea, constipation, woozy head, tiredness, mood swings, forgetfulness, sore mouth and tongue, sensitive nostrils (runny nose, and slight bloody one nostril!?), headaches etc. Nothing too major, though I'm expecting every next time will get worse? I tried the scalp cooling system, going for it again but dreading it so much. My hair feels so dry even after washing and has a mind of its own. Last two days it's felt itchy, 'warm' and tingly in parts....... Assume this is the time normal regrowth would occur but not happening? Like you Marina, worried about showering and seeing it fall out. I don't think the cap went right down the back of my head either?

Next one due on the 8th providing bloods ok on the 6th. I'll be on my own for this one, during and after. Hubby has to return to work (4/5 HR drive away so lives in the Mess) he's due to be home again end January, few days post session 3? My two grown up children will be back in Uni and work but both about hour and half away. It's going to be hard to start with as he's been home with me, all but a few days, (and I know I'm lucky to have had him here) since my first procedure on the 8th October!  So, I'll have to face any SE on my own and do meds. Not the first and won't be the last to do this and I'll just have to get on with it. Plenty of offers from friends to be in hand should I need anything, but you know what it's like? They've their own families etc and I don't want to put or rely on them unless I really have to!

I'm having to ring my BCN today for advice. I've continued with exercises (maybe not as much as I should have, but movement etc has been normal and underarm scars etc were healing and feeling good) But the past three days the discomfort and soreness has got worse again? Movement feels like I've got that ball feeling I had post surgery after drain out!? My lymph clearence scar area is looking bit red too and slight swelling above drain site. Only way I can explain feeling is if you've shaved under arms and maybe nicked skin (which I haven't! Nor intend to for a looooooong time! 😂) resulting in a shaving rash or how it feels sore on growing back?  

Hooecyou all have a good day, sending lots of hugs xxx Tina 

[Sam B]

Marina
Hair falling out here to and painful when hair flicked in different direction.
About to have a shower but scared of coming out bald ! I know it's silly . Xx