February 2016 starters

[Sissylw1980]

Hi all, just popping in from January. Jan and carol, I've had my 2nd FEC now, 3rd is next Monday. I was very anxious about my 2nd one and got myself a bit wound up about it. It was a little worse than the 1st one, I felt slightly more nauseous and more tired. However, I made sure that I kept up with the fluid drinking for the first few days and kept on top of my anti-sickness meds. I also took myself back to bed on a couple of the days. There were a couple of days early on in the cycle when I felt low and wondered if I'd be able to do it, however by day 8/9 I felt as if I was getting back to my normal self.

I'm a great planner of things and always make sure I have nice things planned for the 7-10 days that I feel well. And regarding animals, I have two cats, they're always on my bed and I keep forgetting that I'm not meant to kiss them! Sissy xx

[Sal]

Hi sue
Will be thinking of you thursday. Yeah drink lots water and let us know how you are doing in next coming days. We're all here on this fourm to talk to and share things and get through. Xxx

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Carol
I know how you feel about being anxious. I have deliberately not taken my temperature. I have been out walking as much as I can. I have also tried to catch up with friends. I must admit that I totally withdrew from all my activities and everyone for the last 3 months. I am trying to reconnect with people but I am anti social and very good at hiding.
I am more or less normal though I still suffer with nasty taste, not enough to put me off wine or beer though.
I am trying really hard not to think about my next cycle especially as my OH is away for a long weekend. 😞. I am trying to be positive and enjoy this week. I still have hair which amazes me thought I would be bald by now. Sure it's only a matter of time. 😉
I have decided to try to make plans for week 3 of my cycle assuming that's when I will be at my most normal. So as I can't quite guarantee mother's day I am going to go to Amsterdam with my 2 daughters on 9 th March for a girlie catch up. We are going on a mini cruise from Hull. Really looking forward to it. Planning a trip on north York moors railway end of April. So hoping to arrange something to look forward to each cy le. Limited funds means it can't always be time away but I will plan something I really want to do.

I'm not looking forward to next round Carol, I too have heard that the se's are worse but I am working on 1 cr***y week followed by 2 ok weeks. Trying to stay as positive as I can for my wonderful caring OH more than anything he has had si much to deal with and shields me from so much crap.
Sending hugs to everyone.
Keep talking and let us know how you are doing.
Jan x

[Cag61]

Hi everyone,

I'm now in my third week and getting anxious about my second FEC next week. I keep being told that the second really hits you which really doesn't help!!!! I am constantly taking my temperature and worrying about having to go to A& E, is anyone else feeling heightened anxiety all the time. I am really cross with myself for feeling like this. 

Daisy, you will be fine, you will be given all the support you need on here and also having the chemo isn't all that bad. Just take all the meds you are given. Xx

Hi Jan, how are you doing? I expect you've been for a lovely walk today...love to see the sun out. I've been catching up,with lots of friends who I don't normally have time to meet up with. 

Big it hugs to you all xx

[Lovewine]

Daisy, if you are HER+ it will probarly be herceptin which is the H part given with the Fec. I too was HER+

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Daisy
Glad you came over to join us.
You're right we are generally positive and up beat but we do all have our wobble times too. That's ok.
As I am having EC I don't know what the. H is but I am sure someone will be able to tell you. You can always phone your breast care nurse (bcn ) and ask questions. I know some people have had very mixed experiences with their bcn but they should be able to help.
There is lots of advice for you on here for your first session. I think the one about drinking lots of water the day before, the day of and the day after treatment really helped me. Also take the sickness medication regularly as its easier to prevent nausea than to control it.
I understand your anxiety but like lots of us here the thought was much worse than the reality honestly.
Look after yourself and keep talking to us.
Hugs
Jan x

[Lovewine]

Hello ladies, just popping in from April 2014 thread, on the query of pets- i have 2 dogs and 3 cats, after chemo when i felt rough and lying in bed watching t.v , i always had a dog cuddled up either side and usually a cat at my feet- they are a great comfort and know you are feeling poorly, my onc also said we are more at risk from germs in our own bodies!
Good luck with it all, its nearly 2 years since us April ladies were at the point you are in, we are in touch daily and meeting up for our second year this july, the forum is such a great support and full of information.
You will get through it, all the very best.

[Daisy63]

Hello everyone my first chemo is Thursday FEC and something begging with H lol my stomach keeps churning every time I think about it. You all sound so positive, hope I will be as positive as you after Thursday. 

Good luck to you all 

sue

x x x 

[Anna_BCC]

Hi February 2016 starters

There is a very helpful thread, Top tips to help get you through chemotherapy where forum users have shared over the years what they have found particularly helpful.  Please do take a look and feel free to add any new tips as well.

Best wishes
Anna
Digital Community Officer

[Kayak Jan]

Auntylady
This really is a time when you will need to listen to your body. I found I could only eat carbs in the first few days. In my case lots of homemade bread and homemade ginger cookies. I normally rarely eat bread but definitely kept my OH busy , he uses bread making for stress relief so win all round. For me there have been times when either sore mouth or the strong metalic taste has restricted my eating. I came to the conclusion that I will just go with the flow for the first week after chemo and then eat as healthily as possible for the next two. I admit I am concerned about weight gain but am trying to keep things in perspective.
Hope all goes well for you. Keep talking.
Sending hugs to all
Jan x

[Auntylady]

Thanks, I had assumed I would have to eat, but i've been doing a bit of research relating to the 5:2 diet and the effect it has on cells.....and how that could benefit you in chemo.

Everyone I've spoken to, thats actually done chemo though advises against fasting as there are periods when you simply cant face food.........and are fasting unintentionally. They've all said I would be glad to have had something in my tummy beforehand. It's such a minefield.

I'mm very aprehensive about it all.....even though I know I will be very well looked after!

[Cag61]

Hi All

Jan, well done for your first shopping trip, I've been ordering on line. Been so scared of catching something this week and have been constantly checking temperature. I am going to venture to the shops next week. 

Auntylady, I've not heard of fasting before chemo, I thought you should have food in your stomach. The nurses told me to eat something before I took the meds before the chemo. 

Ali, I have a dog and I am stopping him licking me and I am always washing my hands. He sleeps at the bottom of my bed and he has been such a comfort to me whenI have felt rotten. 

Mmey, well done, just make sure you drink loads to flush the horrible stuff through you. We all have different side effects and just let them know at the hospital those that have bothered you the most. Let us know how you are getting on. 

I have my my gradson here for the weekend which is lovely. Feel a lot better today, just a headache when I woke, I hope you all have a good weekend.

Big Hugs XXXXX💐

[Sal]

Dear Mmey
Glad you managed something and that the ginger biscuits did the trick. A little of anything is good. Hope the paracetamols help. Sending a big hug.

[Mmey]

I think I'll try taking some paracetamol because the headache isn't going.  I didn't do so well with my dinner but I ate a little and the ginger biscuits I got in were nice.

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Mmey
Glad your first cycle was ok. Sal is right try to drink lots of water, especially today and tomorrow. I found it helped with the headaches.
Try to take it easy for the next few days and listen to your body. Whatever side effects you have over the next couple of days you will soon be over them.
Look after yourself.
Jan

[Sal]

well done on today. Glad you've eatn and your ok. Get those feet up and drink lots of water. Look after yourself and hoping you get looked after and keep warm and comfy! Xxx

[Sal]

Hi Jan
And to all! Like checking in on here. Well done on that coast walk. Sounds fabulous always think the sea has a great energy love to watch it!
Well day seven for me and a lot better if achey on a night. Like that your hair still intact ( keep checking and mine still were it should be. It feels a bit different and a little itchy mind!) glad the nausea has passed after day ten. I feel all the chemo fog has gone today and a lot more with it. Not as tired either ie exhausted to do things. Been out for a bit of lunch which was fab. Spoke to my nurse today who always checks in. Need to have an mir scan from the organ results coming back so fingers crossed that's ok!! Wasn't expecting that. Can't believe I haven't been to work for two months!!! Hope your all ok and that you manage an ok Friday and weekend. Sal xxxxx

[Mmey]

Hi everyone

I had my first chemo today - FEC.  I have a bit of a headache and am a little queasy but not too bad.  I still ate my lunch with no problems.  I can see why people put on weight with steroids.

Hopefully I will cope with the side effects ok.

[Ali-B]

Many thanks Claire! Yes it all sounds sensible!

Ali xx

[Cs66]

Hi Ali,
Just popped in from jan thread and saw you pet query. I have two dogs and two cats and was worried about pet hygiene. My onc said to be sensible and very hand hygiene aware but no need to banish pets. I have stopped kissing them and wash my hands after stroking them but the cats still sleep on the bed and the comfort they give me is invaluable. I have avoided cat litter but otherwise kept things normal! She also said the germs we have in our own bodies are more risky so for the first time in my life I have stopped biting my nails!
Hope all the Feb starters are doing ok.
Claire xxxx

[Ali-B]

Dear Sarah,

Thank you for the advice, I appreciate it. 

One thing which I am thinking about is how to cope with pets when on a chemo course?

One of my cats always sleeps on my bed, I always have a throw on the bed to keep things as clear of cat stuff as possible.

What sort of precautions should I follow?

Ali xx

[Kayak Jan]

Morning 😃
Thought I would just check in with you all.
Hope everyone is out there having fun!

Happy birthday Carol hope you enjoyed it.
Hi Ali I think we have met on other threads but welcome to Feb starters.
Sarah glad first one went ok, questioning the powers that be hmmm....
Hi Sal I know what you mean about shopping I was sooo proud of myself going to the supermarket on my own, wow what an achievement 😳.
Lellie how are you , lets us know when you can

Well day 10 and feeling fine. Still have bad taste but nausea finally stopped. Still have hair but OH helped me do a number 8 on it yesterday. Sure a number 3 will be used before the end of next week 😉.
Finally managed my beach walk, well cliff top this time. Certainly blew the cobwebs away.
OS visiting today 😃 don't see him often.

Be kind to yourselves.
Sending hugs
Jan x

[Auntylady]

Hi, I start FEC-T on 25th Feb.

Has anyone any experience of fasting for chemo?

[Cag61]

Hi All, not been on for a couple of days, celebrated my 55th birthday yesterday so was a bit hectic!!! I have to say that the injections have given me a lot of muscular and bone pain in my back and pelvis!!!!! Paracetamol and tiger balm certainly helped. I am sick to death with taking my temperature. I went to the hospital to have clips put in where the tumours are so that when I have surgery at the end of treatment they can see where they are, so more prodding today. 

I hope everyone on this thread is doing as well as can be expected, we will all get through this. 

Big hugs to you all 

Carol XXX

[SLou296]

Hi Ali

Make the most of the next two weeks and rest, your are still recovering from your op.  The 24th will be here before you knw it and the actual day really isn't too bad,  I had my first FEC today, it was  a little bit uncomfortable and really boring but it was ok.  I was sent home with a load of anti-sickness drugs which are working, (although I wa wide awake at 3am so not so great) and a bag of other goodies for later - mouthwash and indigestion tablets.

I have had a 4 week wait between finding out that I was going to need both chemo and herceptin and that time has really helped me to get to grips with it all, I have never been so organised and prepared for anything and yes I have overthought it all, its inevitable but you have to stay positive - its a key ingredient in getting through this cr@ppy blip in our lives. 

And, in the imortal words of Bob Marley - Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little things gonna be alright. 

Hugs, Sarah x

[Sal]

Hi Ali
I know the waiting seems to be such a long treck! I also slipped in the hygienist and decided to spring clean and all sorts!! It will be ok they look after you and then first one will be done! We're all here and managed to get through first one and so it can only say that you will too! I bet your strong and more ready than you know. Xxx

[Ali-B]

Hello Ladies,

I recognise some of these names from the other threads I've been posting on, so HELLO!!

I am due to start on Feb 24 (just sneaking into the Feb 2016). I am not even sure what I feel at the moment. I have been swinging between elated (because I am post mx and nodes clear) to terrified (what-if syndrome) back and forth today.

Still, I managed to get booked to see the dental hygenist before treatment starts - figured it might be a good idea.

I am just fed up of over-thinking over and over and over! I'm tired and I've not even started yet!.

Ali xx

[Sal]

Hope your ok Sarah. Take it easy tonight and eat if you can.sending a big hug! Thankyou Jan and Sarah for wiggy advice! I'll make an appointment when i go see the doc few days before chemo again. They said tac chemo didn't work much with cold cap so I've just decided to not bother with it. I will get a wig I think for some occasions. Just thought of wearing a hat everywhere seems strange at the mo. I made myself laugh as an eyelash fell out ( think I was pulling them as a test) it's only day 7!
Felt a bit rough today very achey with the injections but had a cry and then had a little trip out with my mum at 45!! To shops. Exhausted! Have s new partner who is amazing especially as I feel as good as an old de hydrated rat at the mo!!
We must be strong eh as its hard. I think keeping emotionally with it will be half the battle. Big hugs xxxx never thought I'd get excited about making a cake and getting to the shops!! Xxx

[SLou296]

Hi Folks

Just got home from my first treatment, was expecting 'T' but ended up with a last minute swap to 'FEC' - cynical me wonders if it was something to do with me questionning the regime and why the T-FEC order with me having Herceptin too but whatever the reason 'FEC' it was so, having seen your comments, at least now I have some idea of what SEs to expect over the next few days.

Sal/Jan

I think it depends on which NHS trust you are in, I got a voucher for the full cost of my wig and my friend in the next door trust got £105 towards hers.

Anyone else waiting to start - the sitting around whilst being 'infused' is definitiely the worst bit - take a friend or someone who likes to chat -  I took my Mom (she can talk for England !!)

Hugs, Sarah xx

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Sal
I found the wig thing confusing to start with. I was given a name of the wig shop the hospital recommended. I phoned and made an appointment. The lady told me I needed to bring my prescription voucher with me. Confusing nobody told me about vouchers. I thought that as I didn't pay for prescriptions, I am over 60, I wouldn't have to pay for a wig but that's not the case. Apparently you only get them free if you're on a means tested benefit.
Anyway I went to hospital services in the oncology department and paid £67.60 for my wig voucher.
So off I went tried on numerous wigs to find the one I had chosen was not nhs! Great! I was shown the nhs equivalent of the one I had chosen, no comparison. I decided to buy the one I liked anyway. Once the vat had been taken off it was only £11 mote expensive anyway. So going to get a refund on my nhs prescription voucher next chemo day.

Are you using the cold cap? Do you think you will be getting a wig? I was totally against the idea but I have a couple of formal dinners coming up and thought a beanie would not really go with an evening gown! Just need the nerve to wear it 😃
Jan x

[Sal]

Hi Jan
Sounds like the wig shopping ended as a good success! Do you get them fitted when you go for chemo or get a voucher to spend?
I managed to feel a little better today on day 6. Got dressed and went for a small walk. Similar seem to be wanting carbs and other things when I feel pants! It's good communicating Thankyou! Xxx sal. hope you all feel a bit better tomorrow.

[Kayak Jan]

Hi all

How are you all doing? Been rather off for last couple of days but starting to improve tonight. Well ladies I went wig shopping with OD today. A much better experience than I was expecting. My daught was great and had me trying wigs whilst she took photos 😃. The ladies there were very serious and trying to be sympathetic not really understanding that I needed humour! I did buy a wig I am ok with. OD sent a photo to YD who txt back " looks like mum". So another challenge met. Just need to actually loose all my hair then go out wearing it. OH promised to take me out for a wig run. 😃

Hi Sal and Ann glad you found us. Small world, I lived in Chapeltown Sheffield for almost 20 years my kids were all born in Jessops.

Didn't manage my beach walk other day so planning to go tomorrow. Feeling little stir crazy and suffering from lack of exercise . Already gained half a stone 😞. Can't stop eating carbs and sweet stuff. Don't really understand it as I am still suffering with nausea and mouth ulcers.

Hope SEs are reducing and you are being kind to yourselves.
Sending hugs
Jan x

[Sal]

Hi Ann
Well sleep would be nice but aching like a cracking gate! Thankyou for reply. I'll write down all my side effects and maybe they change it a little. I guess it's only day 5. Gosh I guess I need to get all my reserves for this and try to bite the bullet. I'll take some paracetamols thanks. I'm living in Barnsley but they send me to Sheffield. I studied as an art therapist right near the hospital in 2002. Hope your doing ok. I'm not looking foward to next one but I guess each one is a step nearer the last one! Weirdly want to eat meat pies and mash! Xxx

[AnnDaw]

Hi Sal put Sam by mistake chemo brain I think lol.x

[AnnDaw]

Hi Sam I'm having FEC-T and had 1st T 13 days ago and found T harsh compared to the FEC.I've had thrush in mouth and down below. For a couple of days my bones ached but managed that with paracetamol.My fingernails have felt very tender and my feet have been ever so sore. Today is the first day I've felt anything like normal. I am not looking forward to the next session at all and will be asking my onc doc to reduce the dose.I spoke to triage nurse as my feet were so bad and she said dose was probably too high.Apparently we are all given same dose to begin with whereas the FEC is given depending on weight. Hope you're side effects are not too bad. I live in Mansfield by the way but did live in Woodseats Sheffield 1988 for 4yrs. My daughter was born at NetherEdge hospital.xx

[Sal]

Hello how are you all doing? My name is Sal. Started TAC chemo on 5th February in Sheffield. Think this will be really helpful to hear from everyone's experiences. In the first week and feel like a rough old dog today! Xx

[Cag61]

Hi girls, Well I just don't know, your life seems to plod along quite merrily and then...BAM, we all have this to deal with. Today was a better day, thank goodness. The sun was shining so that was it I wanted outside and fresh air. I went and visited my mum as I haven't seen her for a week, hate that but just haven't felt up to it. Was lovely to see her and for her to see that I am ok...ish 😬

Sarah I wish you luck for Wednesday and don't blame you for keeping busy, I did that and it did take my mind of the treatment. It won't be as bad as you think, I'm on day 7 and feel like I'm coming out of the haze. 

Lellie, I also wish you good luck and take eyour questions with you. I found reading posts on here gave me so many answers. 

Jan, I know you can become really sensitive to smells, I feel for you. Isn't it like being pregnant, the smell of lamb used to make me heave. I have had a horrid taste and have been using the mouth wash as mouth also been sore and painful. Have stopped pineapple as that hurt. It's funny what triggers the tears, I can be fine and then I think about something and I'm in floods. 

Debbie thanks for the idea of soluble paracetamol and really appreciate any advice. 

I am hoping to pop out to hobbycraft tomorrow as it shouldn't be to busy as I know my immune system will be shot this week. 

Keep going everyone, Big Hugs 💐Xxxx

[SLou296]

Hi Ladies hope you are all doing ok.

Jan, I'm glad my post gave you some positivity, have fun at your wig fitting, make sure you try lots on – I was happy with one and almost went for that until the fitter suggested I just try a couple more - glad I did now. I would definitely have a go at the auburn locks though  Hope you enjoyed your walk on the beach and that it blew the smell away for a while.

Carol, hope you are moving towards a better week, sounds like your OH is doing a good job – not sure if mine would be as efficient! I have been loading books onto my kindle ready for the sleepless nights, I'm going to start with 'Goodness Grace and me' by Julie Houston, it sounds like a lot of fun.

Lynsey, hope you are still doing ok.

Hi Lellie, I have my last day at work tomorrow and my first cycle starts on Wed. I'm hoping to go back in to work during week three of each cycle but I'll see how I go. Definitely write your questions down, I find that is invaluable because as soon as the doctor tells me something that I'm not expecting my mind goes blank.

Been keeping myself very busy this weekend, gardening, general diy, re-oiling wooden floors, cleaning; in fact anything to keep my mind off Wednesday. Going to go and cook dinner now, hope everyone has a good week.

Hugs, Sarah x

[Lellie]

Hi Debbie & Jan,

Thanks for the replies. It still doesn't seem real yet, although I am sure that will soon change! This is my last week at work which is very strange. Luckily I live in so I will still have contact with people at School and I feel that I will get a lot of support from this forum. You don't realise how many people are in the same situation as you until you read all the posts!

I think I will have to write a few questions down to ask at my appointment as I seem to have a lot buzzing round my brain! Xx

[Kayak Jan]

Morning 😃
Well doing ok today so far. Sleeping still pretty poor but hey ho.
I am continuing to be amazed at the stupid inconsequential stuff that bothers me. I have developed the expected crappy taste issue along with the sore mouth. Also I now have a real problem with a chemical smell, especially on me. Suddenly it is getting me down. To me, apparently not to my OH, I smell awful especially my skin. I can smell it all the time. In the overall scheme of things why is it this that is making me cry! Tried to get a grip, tell myself I am tired and go easy but I smell! I don't even normally wear lots of perfume or any thing. 😞
Rant over. Sorry girls and thanks for being there. Sometimes so hard.
Going to try for a beach walk later.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Jan x

[MummyBreenster]

Hi Lellie,
I'm from the January chemo starters, I too have invasive Ductal cancer and I'm having chemo first to try and avoid mastectomy. I have just had my 2nd chemo last week, I've found it tough but double. For me the first week is when you feel the worst then you have a couple of ok weeks. Talk to the oncologist about sickness if you are concerned about sickness as there are different options. Movicol has worked well for constipation, ginger biscuits and ginger drinks for sickness and soluble paracetamol for sore mouth.
The forum is a great place to have a rant, get tips and get comfort from others. We are all in this together. Keep strong.
Debbie x

[Cag61]

Hi Jan, 

wow you were up early this morning. Bit better day today, just feel like I am recovering from flu. Mouth Is sore but have mouthwash, body aches a bit but was expecting that with injections. OH very good at administering those totally painless. I made an apple and cinnamon cake which is lovely and moist. I'm struggling with food a bit at mo, feel like it is very nursery food!! Fish fingers, waffles etc. I suffer with IBS so any slight changes affect my tum. Managed to stay awake today but not gone out, have you seen int out there....even the dog is refusing to go out. Hope you are all still intact and not getting blown away. 

Enough about me, how are the rest of you all feeling today, it is strange living life day by day isn't it? 

Have a good night everyone, I shall be trying out my new book torch purchased from Amazon instead of my I pad which hubby reckons keeps me awake. 🔦😀

Big Hugs girls XXXX

[Kayak Jan]

Sorry Lelie mixture of chemo brain and automatic spell check 😉 x

[Kayak Jan]

Morning Leslie
Glad you found us.
This is definitely the place to have a moan . We all do and rant, cry and laugh. It's always difficult when you are the one helping and being constantly positive for others. Time to focus on your needs now though smiling and positive works 😄!
Keep talking to us and we will support each other.
Jan x

[Lellie]

Hi, this is the first time I have ever been on a forum so not quite sure how it all works! I have been diagnosed with invasive Ductal cancer. It has been decided that I will benefit from chemo first to, hopefully, reduce the need for a mastectomy. I have my appointment with the oncologist on 17th February so am expecting to start treatment the following week. I think you have to have had first treatment within 31 days of diagnosis? 

I work in a boarding school as a school nurse so I have been told that I must stop work as soon as I start treatment due to bugs!! I spend my whole time being cheerful for everyone so it will be nice to be able to have a bit of a moan sometimes! Sorry!!!

It's been really interesting reading everyone's tips on how to get through this. Vomiting and constipation seem to be my biggest worries at the moment. I don't seem to be too concerned about losing my hair (at the moment!) but I expect that will change when it becomes real. It all seems a bit surreal still!

Sorry to rabbit on a bit. Hope you are all keeping as well as possible. X

[Kayak Jan]

Morning 😃
Here I am 6am, showered, creamed and ready to go back to bed! OH at a conference and chemo lightheaded brain prevents showering when alone in the house. Actually very relaxed so far.

SEs not too bad yesterday Carol but finished the steroids so expecting others to kick into day 😒. Sorry you are feeling so off, just take time and look after yourself. What sort of cake was it? I think my love would be very concerned if I baked. Be is a great cook and has tried allsorts of stuff to feed me. Definitely into spicy at the moment though not curry. ( worried about the side effects if I ever get moving 😣 !). I hope you have a better day today Carol.

Lynsey what did you watch on your day off then? I have been recording Dickensian to watch in an afternoon, I can manage to follow a story for 30mins. Loved the hi tech solution I wore thermal gloves all morning right up until the cannula went in. Hoping SEs continue to be ok.

Sarah your wig post has made me really rethink the issue. I have always assumed the sort of wig I can get will be naff and obviously a wig, like your drama ones. I have an appointment next week for a fitting and am feeling much more positive about it. Especially if I can get something more like the pre crap days colour. I have had my shoulder length blonde highlighted hair cut shorter and shorter over the last few months resulting in a very short very grey lack of style. So hopes for an improvement although OD, going with me is pushing for long auburn locks. So thankyou Sarah your post has made a real difference to my mindset when I really needed it. Hugs

Carolyn hope you are feeling a little better today. I'm glad Suzy dropped in to explain a bit, hope it helps. Remember you can get support, information and often a good laugh on this forum. We can't physically be there but we have all been there so keep talking, ranting and laughing. Check out benchland wedding planners for a good chuckle some of their outfit designs are " interesting".

Well ladies a bit of an epic this morning.
Big hugs to you all
Jan x

[SuzyEB]

Hi Carolyn, just seen your post. I was admitted to hospital during both my first 2 cycles of FEC. The drop of neutrophils/white cells is called neutropeania. It means the immune system is very low or even non existent. It means you are very open to any infections as your body cannot fight them off. The oncologist can prescribe GCSF injections which will boost neutrophil production. Basically it kick starts the immune system. They can also drop the ammount of chemo they give you to help. They keep a very close check on your bloods to make sure you are not anaemic or neutropenic. Keep a close check on your temp and if it goes up then contact your oncology emergency number.
All the best for the rest of your treatment and I hope you stay infection free. Suzy xx

[Cag61]

Hi Carolyn & Jan, 

welcome Carolyn and I'm so sorry you have had to join us. I'm not sure about blood counts, like Jan I'm sure we will find this out. How are you feeling at the moment, put it all down and we can support you along the way. 

How are you today Jan ? I had my first injection today, woke up with a painful throat, runny eyes...ugh. Temp ok though. Hit brick wall today, lots of tears have no energy and just want to rest, this is so out of character for me. It is 6.30 and I'm in bed !!!!!!! 

Anyone else feeling the side effects today?? On the plus side I made a cake this morning much to my husbands delight. Managed a bit of cleaning too but maybe overdone it. !!! 

Big hugs to you all

Carol xxxx

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Carolyn
Sorry you need to join us but know that you can count on us for any support we can give. We send lots of virtual hugs and are always a listening ear.
Sorry you are having such a bad time. Are you getting any medication to help with the blood count? I have only had my first chemo on Tuesday so no idea about blood counts yet. I am sure if you checkout some of the ladies who started treatment within the last couple of months you will find some help.
Keep talking to us Carolyn
Sending hugs
Jan

[Carolyn 10]

help