February 2016 starters

[Carolyn 10]

Hi my name is Carolyn i have been diagnosed with Triple negative BC i have ust completed 2nd chemo  2 weeks ago i was in hospital with 0 white blood cells

[Cag61]

Hi all, 

Glad to hear we are all coping. I was awake at 3am for 3 hours so read my kindle, of course very tired today. I did stay in bed till 3 (very unusual for me) had a bath and went for a walk this evening with my yorkie. Hospital in morning for my husband to be shown how to do my injection !!!! 

Jan, loved hearing about you, I would start with the abseiling first 😃The mints may be too much this week. Been married for 12 years on Valentine's Day, so romantic ! I have a son and a stepson but we are all a happy family. My stepson lives across the road from us with his fiancé and is getting married Oct 22nd so am working towards that. My son lives 5 mins drive away with his girlfriend, so I am well looked after. 

I am having a bit of a tearful day, it didn't help it being world cancer day and listening to all statistics etc just brought it home to me what I have. 

I really appreciate and feel reassured with all the support on here. Keep strong ladies and keep posting, 

Big Hugs all, Carol xxx

[Kayak Jan]

Not c*****r related.
Following Carol's idea of keeping talking I thought I would tell you a little about Jan the person not the cancer patient so many people see me as.
So who am I? Like all of us ladies lots of things to lots of people. I am married to an amazing man . I have 3 children and a stepson. All just our kids and have been for last 19 years. So 2 boys and 2 girls. We have 2 grandchildren and another due early July.
I took early retirement after being made redundant and then doing a number of part-time posts.
I'm busy knitting for new baby and that is one positive focus.
I'm going to plan activities for the next few months.
I need suggestions. I am generally active and fit so open to any suggestions. I'm thinking abseiling from the top step of a bungalow or perhaps eating a whole packet of extra strong mints. Any ideas?
Hugs from Jan the person x

[Kayak Jan]

Hi all
Good day today 😄. Managed a 15min Pilates DVD and then a walk to the local supermarket and back. Felt bit spaced in the shop but think it was the lights. SE's just slight nausea but still headache. Scalp very tight hope it's not hair loss yet got an appointment for wig next week was hoping to keep enough to be able to compare.
Lynsey amazing you went to work you have my admiration I spent yesterday vegging out and feeling sorry for myself. Glad it went well. I was advised to wear a glove for a long time before. I have an hour drive so wore a glove all the way seemed to help but I love your high tech solution. Enjoy your day tomorrow.
Carol how are you doing, hope se not too bad.
Sarah, yep still certain the thought of it is more frightening .
Carol is right ladies we will have bad days but we have each other to help us through so lets keep talking.
Hugs
Jan x

[SLou296]

Hi Ladies, glad things are going ok for you all, hopefully everything will continue in the same direction  Its heartening to hear that the fear seems to be so much worse than the reality x

I've been and got my wig sorted today, I do a lot of amatuer dramatics and am quite used to wearing wigs,cheap and nasty ones mainly, so I was a bit unsure about how it would feel but I'm really pleased with it tbh - it's very like my hair when I spend ages straightening it ( I have a curly bob and it needs A LOT of taming) and its got some really nice highlights in it.

Lynsey, hope you get chance to take it a bit easy, think you are amazing going in to work today x

Hugs to everyone, Sarah x

[LynseyDC]

Morning lovely ladies,

Hope you're all doing ok?

I'm really good. First session went well.  Because I have little chubby hands they thought they might struggle with my veins, but one high tech bucket of hot water later and they were in.Just had a slight metallic taste for about 5 seconds then it went.

Had slight nausea last night but took additional tablets and it went away.  Woke up this morning feeling absolutely fine - but disconcerting I'm wondering when I might start feeling yuk!! I'm at work today but day off tomorrow so plan on binge watching Netflix and not doing very much.

Hows everyone else getting on?

Hugs and postive vibes,

Lynsey xxxx

[Kayak Jan]

Morning 😃
Feeling much brighter today.
Hope you are ok Lynsay and are planning on resting today.
Hope things are moving for you Carol 😉.
Sarah how are things with you?
Sending lots of hugs.
Jan x

[Kim555pink]

Carol, have you tried movicol sachets? (Think that's the correct spelling!) You mix with 125 ml of water, take twice a day. They worked for me and seem to be quite popular amongst those of us suffering from the same problem on other monthly threads. If you give your advice line a ring, they should be able to get some prescribed for you - good luck 🙂

Kim (Jan chemo) xx

[Cag61]

Hi all, 

felt a bit better today, not so sick. Tired in the afternoon so have had a nice sleep the past two afternoons with a hot water bottle. Not sure what I fancy to eat...those cookies sound lush Jan. I am taking senakot to no avail so need to look at my diet as I know the tablets make you constipated, I suffer with this normally so even worse now. Sorry to share this but any ideas ???I am listening to my body and not fighting it. Hope we all continue with no hiccups along the way........actually I have been suffering with them with all the tablets 😄

Is anyone planning anything for the end of treatment ???? 

Big hugs all of you 

Carol xxx

[Kayak Jan]

Hi all
Lyndsey hope it wasn't too difficult for you today.
I have spent the day in front of the television drifting in and out of sleep. Struggling to eat much but wonderful husband has made me oat cookies with crystalline ginger and my favourite bread. Decided I will just go with it today.
Impressed you managed a walk Carol that's my objective for tomorrow.
Rattling with all the drugs but feeling slightly more with it tonight.
Hugs to all the February musketeers 😃
Jan x

[Cag61]

Hi Lynsey and Jan, 

Lynsey good luck for tomorrow, you will be fine. Just keep drinking that water, it does help. 

Jan, one down now. I hope you get some sleep tonight. I was able to walk the dog this morning and do some housework, but slept a couple of hours this afternoon. Sickness feeling is easing and ate tea tonight. I am finding everything tastes horrible, but have brought a pineapples on tomorrow I shall cut it up and keep in fridge, will clean the palate and good for the body. I am certainly rattling from all the pills. My hubby is in charge of administering those, he is also going to do the injections!!!! 

Keep me posted on how you are both getting on, we know we will have bad days along the way but we are there for each other, 

sending BIG hugs to you both

Carol xxx

[SLou296]

Hi Folks

Lynsdey, hope it goes well for you tomorrow and that you go through it without any issues, will be thinking of you x

Jan, I'm really glad that it went ok for you and that you didn't find it as bad as expected hope the next few days are uneventful. x

Carol, hope you have been able to take it easy today and are still feeling ok. x

Mmey - hope you aren't feeling too nervous - I'm trying to take heart from what Jan and Carol have said (although I know I have a different regime so it might be slightly different) and hoping that the fear is worse than the reality x

Hugs to you all, Sarah xx

[tat4tit]

Hi ladies, hope you don' mind me popping in to check up on Jan 🙂  I'm glad it wasn't as bad as feared and really hoping for minimal side effects.  Hugs, Tat xxx

[Kayak Jan]

One down 😊👏.

Just tucking into cheese on toast!
Carol was right definitely thought worse than the reality. I won't dismiss it as easy but it is doable. Finished at 4 and so far a very sore hand and a killer headache (probably more to do with stress than the drugs). Fingers crossed for the next few days.
Carol how are you doing today not too bad I hope.
Lynsey hope it goes ok tomorrow will be sending positive vibes your way.

Hugs to all.
Jan x

[Kayak Jan]

Morning 😃.
Thanks for all the support, feeling strangely calm so far. My appointment is at 2 so planning a walk along the beach this morning.

Glad it went ok yesterday Carol and hope you got some rest. Love the idea of jelly babies as an anti sick medication think I'll try licorice allsorts my personal fav. Fingers crossed for minimum side effects.

Lynsey I managed to drink the water though not sure how much my body retained 😉. Try to keep busy today I am holding on to Carol's concept of the thought being worse than the reality.

I will post as soon as I can tonight but have no idea of time scale.

Sending hugs for tomorrow Lynsey .

Let the next battle begin !
Jan x

[LynseyDC]

Hi Jan,

All the very best for today.  I'll be thinking about you.  My first session is tomorrow so already trying to make my way through 2l of water. All starting to feel very real now. Eek.

Sending hugs and hoping it goes smoothly.

Lynsey x

[LynseyDC]

Hi Carol,

So pleased to hear the session went well.  Hope you're feeling as ok as is possible today.

Sending hugs.

Lynsey x

[Cag61]

Hi Jan, Sarah, Bibi44 and Mmey,

One down five to go !!!!! Home bathed and in bed. It is definitely the fear of the unknown....the cold cap was fine, team mins and it settled down, I had a mug of tea and a heat pad and it was fine, kept it on for he whole time., fingers crossed. The drugs were administered, no problem. Loads of drugs given in the hospital and sent home with loads too. 

I do feel sick but was expecting that, sipping on water and sucking jelly babies !!!!!! Very tired but I was told I may not sleep as I took the steroid at about 2pm. Will be taking at noon tomorrow. 

Jan I am sending you lots of love and hugs tonight, you will be fine tomorrow, It nowhere near as bad as I thought.

Carol xx

[SLou296]

Hi Jan,

Just wanted to wish you all the best for tomorrow, will be thinking of you.  Hope it goes ok 

Hugs,  Sarah x

[Kayak Jan]

Carol
Sending lots of positive vibes and hugs.
Jan xx

[Mmey]

Good luck Carol.

I start on 12 February and am feeling very nervous.

[SLou296]

Hi Carol,

Thinking of you today,  hope everything goes ok for you.  

Hugs, Sarah  x

[Bibi44]

Carol don't forget to take some painkillers an hour before the cap is due to go on (usually around 20 mins after your appt time) it makes a big difference, as does drinking a hot drink as you go through the brain freeze stage.  Just try & tell yourself it will get better after 10 mins or so.  Also take anti sick tabs BEFORE you start to feel sick, so on your way home or as soon as you get back.  All the best. xx

[Cag61]

Hi Jan, 

thank you so much. Can't lie, I'm feeling very nervous but have been drinking lots of water and will do tomorrow. Appointment at 12.30, will be trying the cold cap. Will hopefully be able  to let you know how I get  on. A friend of mine had chemo and told me to just take all the tablets they give you and rest up!!!! 

Good luck yourself for Tuesday, we are at the start of a road to recovery now. 

Big hugs Carol xx

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Carol
Just thought I would pop in to let you know I will be thinking about you tomorrow and sending good vibes your way. Hope it goes easily and the se's are non existent 😊.
Sending lots of hugs
Jan x

[Cag61]

Hi Jan & Sarah

I'm sure you are going to be fine Jan, it's just we have had time to think about it and you hear conflicting stories of what the treatment is like.We mustn't forget that everyone is different and responds differently to treatment. I had a moment today driving to my mums...the tears just came, I arrived at mums sobbing, bless her she just cuddled me and reassured me that she will be there for me. She is 94 and was diagnosed with bc in October, if it hadn't been for her I wouldn't have had the lump in my armpit checked out. 

I am ordering a human hair wig from your wig.com. It will be as near to my hair style and colour as I can get. i know I am going to use the cold cap but I don't want to keep washing my hair so will need to pop the wig on when I go out !! 

I hope you had a lovely walk today and cleared a few cobwebs. I can't wait for the warm weather and the light evenings to arrive, I am not a winter person and with the treatment looming it has been bleak.have a good weekend both of you, big hugs, 

Carol xxx

[SLou296]

Hi Jan, glad you're feeling calmer now,  its a big decision but I'm positive we've made the right one, I'll be honest - the choice was really taken out of my hands - I have to have the chemo if I'm going to have the Herceptin (which is a no brainer).  I too have finally decided not to cold cap so have been in touch with bcn about where to go for a wig - can't say I like the thought of it - have worn them for years on the stage and have always found them to be hot and itchy - but a proper one mightn't be too bad hopefully I'll get a call back today.  I don't start till 10th but I will stress if I don't have all my ducks in a row in advance and I don't have my pre-assesment meeting until 8th so no time to get anything sorted after that.

Thanks for the website link, I shall have a look.  Hope the wind dies down enough for you to enjoy your walk 

Hugs  Sarah x

[Kim555pink]

Popped over from Jan thread too - day 12 for me, hair still firmly here but ready for it to go with 3 different styles of headwear from Annabandana in different patterned materials. Each one under £7 and delivey was within 2 days of ordering! Well worth a look. I have a wig too - the cost was completely covered by my prescription (Amazingly the one I chose was just £91!) I'm not massively keen on it when I put it on - feels like too much hair but I'm telling myself I'll get used to it. Keep putting it on to try and get used to the different look!
Good luck for next week Jan and Carol, you'll be relieved to have got started (and anyone else starting next week) xxx

[Sissylw1980]

Hi all, just popping in from January 2016 thread.

I'm day 18 now and the hair has been shedding steadily over the last couple of days. Have a look on the Anna Bandana website, they have a really good selection of hats and scarves for a decent price. I've also bought a couple of patterned scarves from primark which will look nice when they time comes. Sissy xx

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Carol
I was given usual options of radiotherapy and hormone therapy, both of which I will have next. The main problem was a really bad first meeting with oncology. Felt I was not being given answers or clear reasons why I should have chemo. The registrar showed me Predict which showed I would have 2% increase over 10yrs of not getting reoccurrence. Which didn't seem to justify it to me, so much pain for so little gain. I left the appointment very confused and stressed. I talked with my bcn at great length and she went through the pathology report stage by stage, answered my questions and explained how the mdt had come to the recommendation. She also arranged another oncology appointment but with the consultant. Now I am ok with it all and can accept the need for chemo.
So went to my pre assessment meeting today, took 2hrs. The nurse was very thoughtful and supportive trying his best to explain everything. We talked about cold cap but given my hemiplegic migraine history we decided it probably isn't for me. It will also add a further 1.5 hrs to my treatment time. I am really struggling with the actual physical set up for treatment. I find being in a closed space with lots of people very stressful. There are side areas and they will try to treat me there but it is just so busy. Strange how the set up freaks me out more than the actual thought of the treatment. Poor man tried to reassure me by telling me a nurse will sit with me and talk to me whilst the drugs are administered, not realising that my way of dealing with it all would be to wear headphones and read. Take my mind to a far away place.
I have decided to go and look at wigs Carol
I am quite confused about the paying prescription charges though so I will ring up tomorrow. Not sure how long it will take but don't think I will have time to sort anything out before I start. I was given a bandana, tried it on at home. Oh boy its yuk! My daughter found a good site for me to send for different headgear.
Hats4heads.co.uk .
I am going to try to keep busy too. Have planned a walk over Bempton cliffs and Flamborough on Monday, weather permitting.
Keep talking.
Hugs
Janx
.

[Cag61]

Hi Jan an Sarah

I did try the cold cap on and it felt OK, just want to give it a go. I keep thinking I am being vein but I don't want to have to wear a bandana !! I have been told that my hair will become thinner but I am going to purchase a human hair wig which is as near to the style and colour I have. Honestly as if we haven't enough to contend with without worrying about her hair.!!!! I have got my grandson staying this weekend so that should keep my mind occupied.

Jan.....was there a reason why you didn't want the chemo, was there another option available. It is a big decision I know, but I had no choice. 

I seem to spend my time getting myself ready for Monday and the following week, alcohol gel, wipes, shampoo (from Holland and Barratt).

catch up soon, 

big hugs Carol xx

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Sarah
I'm sorry you had such a wait, my husband chunters everytime about how pointless appointments are as they are never on time. I am not sure about the cold cap either. Originally I thought I won't bother nor will I wear a wig but now I am reconsidering options. Think the reality is kicking in. Also got a couple of formal dinners coming up, somehow don't think a bandanna will go with an evening gown 😃. !!
Jan

[Kayak Jan]

Hi all.
Appointment not to bad yesterday. Though I was greeted with being told I needed a blood test. I questioned because I was there to discuss matters with the consultant as I wasn't sure about having chemo. Really is a conveyer belt, I was told they usually do it in that order. I stepped off for a while. Made the decision to have chemo so back on the belt had blood tests.
I know what you mean about it becoming real Carol I had a bit of a weep as I left hospital.
Got preassessment tomorrow so definitely real now. I too just want it all to just get going now. Start next Tuesday so day after you Carol.
Jan

[SLou296]

Hi Carol

I'm having 3 T then 3 FEC and 17 Herceptin injections.  I'm also very anxious but like you say its just because we don't know whats going to happen and how we're going to feel and, having listened to the Oncologist going through all the side effects that could happen its hardly surprising that we are a bit fearful . Once we have got the first one under our belt hopefully that fear will go.  Onc. suggested that I should try the cold cap but I'm not sure.

Hugs, Sarah xx

[Cag61]

Hi Sarah,

you poor thing, that is not good having to wait that long, as if you're not already stressed!!!!! How many cycles of T-FEC are you having ? All these names, it's like a different language. You start on my birthday somImwill be thinking of you. Feeling very anxious about my first one on Monday, think it's the fear of the unknown. I think we all just want to get on with the treatments now, we need normality, 

big hugs Carol xx

[Cag61]

Hi All, 

how did the visits go ? I met with my key worker today, had my blood test ready for Monday. I was absolutely fine until we started talking about the treatment then I just started crying, woh.....it all became very real. I was fine after that but think it is important to let it out, we a re not superhuman. I tried on the cold cap, large was to tight so ended up with extra large !!! My husband thought it was hilarious. I think that we just have to listen to our bodies and not fight it. I know we will be able to support each other and keep each other going. I have my stepsons wedding in October so have that to look forward to...I have surgery after chemo, so not sure what that will be at this stage. Lynsey, don't overdo it, I hope your employer appreciates that you will feel very tired at times and may not be able to work throughout.

I was given a list of foods you can't eat whilst having chemo, it's the same for pregnant women, no Camembert, runny eggs, pate etc. For the cold cap nurse recommended a shampoo from Holland and Barrat which is very mild. 

Off to do some knitting...keeps me busy, 

Big hugs to you all Carol xx

[SLou296]

Well I finally got in to see the consultant 2 hours and 5 mins after my scheduled appointment time !!!  My cocktail has been disclosed and I'm getting T-FEC (not sure why its in this order but there you go) and 17 Herceptin injections and I start on 10th Feb. Hope your appointment went a bit better than mine did Jan.

Sarah x 

[LynseyDC]

Morning everyone!

Hope you lovely ladies are all well?  Just catching up with your comments.  Seems like we have lots in common apart from this horrible disease.  Jan - your comment about your height made me chuckle - I'm only 4ft 11 so really get where you're coming from.

I've also got teenage children and trying to work as much as possible during chemo.  I came back to work 5 days after my mastecomy but I'm lucky as I manage an exam centre so not physical at all.  My employers will only pay me for 4 weeks sick leave so trying to save remaining days for chemo. My main worry is we have between 60-80 people coming in every day so concerned re infection but going to speak to chemo nurse on Monday when I go see the ward etc.

I'm still feeling positive.  Got a bit of a funny ache in my arm and a lumpy area near my elbow so going to get that checked out this afternoon as I've had an auxillary clearance and want to be on the safe side. This is a major turning point for me as I have history of putting things off which is what got me into this mess.

Hugs to everyone, Lynsey x

[SLou296]

Hi Carol 

I know what you mean about planning stuff I've been asked about a few things and just keep having to say I'll get back to you when I know whats going on - my job involves project planning - its driving me up the wall !!!  I suppose I should be grateful though I've already had my surgery so when I get my plan today it should give me a pretty good idea of how the rest of 2016 is going to pan out.

My daughter's oldest friend got engaged on saturday and asked her to be bridesmaid - they want to get married this year so I may need to buy a new hat too.

Hope you got back to sleep ok

Hugs, Sarah x

[Kim555pink]

Good luck with your oncology appointments everyone, hope they all go well.
I'm on day 9 now so feeling more like my normal self although will need to be careful as my immune system will still be low. I've been very lucky so far, at worst I've felt hungover and spaced out with a sore mouth (which recovered after a couple of days just using normal non alcohol mouthwash) I have been really good at making sure I'm drinking lots of water 2L day before, day of and day after treatment then down to at least 1L (as well as tea and coffee!) so whether this has made a difference? I'm definitely going to be keeping it up for as long as I can 🙂
My event to look forward to is my son's graduation in July. I've started looking at dresses and decided I like my wig enough to be happy in that, maybe with a nice fascinator attached. I'm hoping I'll have finished radiotherapy by then - I guess it depends on the break I have to have after chemo. I've also got a couple of events booked in April (seeing a band in Manchester and a Theatre trip 3 weeks later) All being well they fall at the end of my second week - so I'm thinking I'll be well enough for both! There's positive thinking for you!!
Wishing you all well, take care xxx

[Cag61]

Hi Jan and Sarah

Wishing you both good luck tomorrow, it will be good to get the appt done and get your treatment plan. I have hospital appt to meet with a nurse and discuss the chemo today (it's 4am) and I'm awake !!!!! Jan, what is the name of the DVD's, might be worth a try for me...I bet your looking forward to the new grandchild. My stepson gets married on 22nd October so I have that to look forward to. 

What I find hard is people inviting me to something and I'm not sure if I will feel up to going. I usually have holidays booked but again nothing as yet cause I don't know treatment dates or what surgery I will have. I'm an organised person so this is really hard. 

Going to try and get back to sleep, be thinking of you both tomorrow,

Big hugs

Carol xx

[SLou296]

Hi Carol, I have a feeling that might be the concoction I will be getting plus the Herceptin but I'll know for definite tomorrow.  I think my fitness is now almost back to what it was before my lumpectomy - ran 5k twice last week both times in under 30 mins - making the most of it while I can

Hugs Sarah xx 

[SLou296]

Hi Jan, thanks and I hope your's is ok too and that you're not fretting about it too much.

Sorry to hear about you mum and the added stress that it places on you - just be kind to yourself.

I've had a really busy few days - daughter came home for the weekend, went back last night and I've just got back from running a training session for a new customer so I haven't had any time to dwell on it.  I'm just keen, as it appears we all are to get this show on the road - the sooner we start, the sooner it will all be over.  

Hugs Sarah xx

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Sarah
Hope oncology appointment is ok tomorrow. I have an appointment with oncology consultant tomorrow afternoon too.
Sending hugs
Jan

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Carol
Strangely my mum also has bc she is 85 and is having surgery 10th February. She has been on hormone therapy to reduce it, it has grown. I have tried to talk to my dad about her quality of life and the likely outcomes but her is old school and thinks Drs are always right. I have really struggled with this added stress but am now really trying to accept that I need to concentrate on my own health.
I have been using a Pilates dvd and a yoga dvd designed for ladies going through bc treatments. It is definitely helping.
It seems we have a lot in common. I use knitting to keep me busy. My oldest daughter is expecting her first baby 4th July so lots of baby stuff. 😃 x Hoping to have completed treatment before little one arrives.
Hugs
Jan x

[Cag61]

Hi Jan, 

It must be really frustrating for you not being able to do the activities you like to do. I think you will have to look at things you will be able to do to keep fit......how about Pilates, Yoga ? Just a different type of exercise. I have a little Yorkshire Terrier who needs walking a couple of times a day, he is only 2 so is very active !! I also have started knitting, not on anything complicated but snoods, scarves so far. It really stops me thinking about things and I do find I need to keep busy. I am just at the stage when I really want to get on with treatment, I'm having surgery (think I told you that already) after chemo. It feels like I have been lots of waiting since I first went to the doctors in November. My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in October, she is 94 and had the lump for 2 years without telling me. Anyway she can take Temoxafen as she doesn't want surgery at that age. It was her diagnosis which made me go and check my armpit lump out !!!!!!! I was adopted so what are the chances of us both having it !!!!!! Well, this time next week I will be at the hospital.......going to make sure I'm busy till then. It's funny how situations bring us together, it is so nice to talk to you and others on the forum. I know we will be of great support to each other throughout, try and have a good day. 

Big hugs 

Carol

[Kayak Jan]

Hi.
I took the decision to take early retirement after being made redundant followed by a year of part time and sporadic work. I am 61 and until all this kicked off I was very active. Played racquet ball 3/4 a week, did 3 yoga/ Pilates type classes, cycled or walked most places and kayaked on the north sea as often as I could. Dependent on tides and weather! Oh and I have a very large garden. 😃 .
I have had a number of health issues since August so have had to stop most activities. I really struggle with the lack of fitness and the weight gain I come from a family of short women who are wider than they are tall! I think weight gain is more of an issue for me than loosing my hair. Just vain in a different way Carol 😊.
I had surgery 2nd December so now sporting "little and large". I have also had my hair cut really short Lynsey. I did it before surgery as I felt it would be one less thing to deal with nearer the time. People have got used to it now and don't even comment as it gets short every time I have it cut. Think bald will be next.
I have oncology appointment on Tuesday then preassessment on Thursday. Then start EC on 2nd February.
So I will follow you Carol and then Lynsey. We will be able to compare notes and share whatever we need to.
Although this would not be my choice of an arena for making new friends I truly welcome your friendship and value your support. I have had some really dark days but know we will get through this together.
Hugs to you all
Jan x

[Cag61]

Hi Sarah, 

I'm starting with FEC-T , not sure what the next cocktail is after that ! I have surgery after treatment, which seems to be less common. I am not working as I have to visit hospitals , residential homes etc in my job so as well be prone to infection the oncologist wanted me to stay away. I haven't taken sick leave for years so really am going to put my health first now. Mind you I would much rather be at work !!!!!! 

You are right, I think it is so important to keep yourself fit. I take my dog out twice a day and I know there'll be times when we feel soooo tired but apparently it is good to do exercise which can help with the fatigue. 

Take care and hugs to you

Carol xx

[Cag61]

Hi

it is always the fear of the unknown which is worse...I like you HATE being sick almost phobic about it. We are given so many anti sickness drugs which should help. I am having chem first then op as my cancer showed as a lump in my armpit first not in my breast so this is normal procedure when that happens. I am a bit vain so thought I will try the cold cap but also buying a human hair wig in case !!!!!!! My ex husband told me that I had gone through the birth of our son, which was very traumatic so I can handle chemo. We will support each other throughout this, one thing us women do well. When do you start Mmey ? 

Big hugs xxx

[Mmey]

Hi I'm new on this board.  I'm 43 with secondary school aged children.

I have grade 3 multi focal invasive ductal carcinoma strongly her2 positive, weakly er positive, with 2 positive lymph nodes.  I have had a bit of a roller coaster so far.  My original diagnosis from the core biopsy was of 80 mm of DCIS and clear nodes, with mastectomy recommended and further treatment unlikely.  Unfortunately the histology result after the mx revealed some invasive disease with lymph node involvement, as well as the DCIS.  Almost 2 weeks ago I went back for a clearance and all additional nodes taken were clear.

I'm due for FEC-T, 3 rounds of each, and herceptin and tamoxifen.  I will also have rads.  I'm not healed enough to start yet, but it should be in late February.  I'm very nervous of the thought of chemo because I'm rubbish with being sick.  I also don't like the idea of the cold cap although my oncologist thinks it is worth trying.  I also don't like the thought of losing my hair.  I have had a lot of hospital visits because I also have heart problems but they are willing to let me try herceptin.  I haven't had any scans to check for spread yet.