February 2016 starters

[Coxleonie]

That's reassuring as I get a tight weezy chest in the first week after FEC.
Hope everyone is well...
Xxx
Leonie

[JenJen]

March thread  for Emma Jane

x

[Emmajane]

I can't find the march thread! I start chemo this week... 😆Eeek

[Kayak Jan]

Hi all
Finally starting to feel something like! Second cycle definitely been considerably worse than first. SEs lasted more than twice as long. Just glad they are subsiding as I am off to Amsterdam with my 2 daughters on Wednesday for an overnight mini cruise. 😃 so looking forward to it. I had planned on booking some treat for week three of each cycle but this one hit so hard I have decided to plan flexible days out rather than nights away.
How is everybody? I have tried to follow the postings when you could.
Carol and Sarah how are you?
Sending lots of hugs
Jan x

[Kim555pink]

I try to think of it as if it hurts it's doing us good!! Xx

[Daisy63]

Hi pink I was feeling ok it's come in the past week it's
Something to do with the red blood cells , I don't know it all gets confusing. I don't even know what's in them injections we have, 🙄X

[Kim555pink]

Hi Daisy, Posted this on the March thread, then realised you were in the Feb thread!!! So have copied what I put.....
just seen your post in another thread re. feeling breathless. I tend to get breathless about 3 days after FEC, feels like pressure on my sternum and lasts a for a few days after that. I always worry about it! I take a deep breath and am relieved when I'm then not in masses of pain!! I'm day 6 of 3rd FEC today, and definitely feeling breathless!
It does seem that as one side effect disappears, another comes and replaces it! But there is always that good week to look forward to, and that's what keeps us going (along with the fact we have little choice!!)
Hope everyone who has started now are surviving the side effects and managing well and good luck to those of you about to start next week.
Take care xxx

[Lellie]

Good Afternoon All,

I hope you are managing to enjoy the weekend? Now day 15 (?) since first FEC and feeling well. Went out today wearing scarf/turban as hair getting very thin (and wasn't brave enough to try my wig!). I know I looked like a 'cancer patient' but felt perhaps I should wear that badge with pride!!

Scalp feeling really tender at the moment so in some ways will be pleased when all my hair has all gone!

Second FEC this Friday and so it all starts again! Must admit I am more apprehensive this time but I have a few outings to look forward to with friends so that will be good.

Catch up again, hugs to all. Xx

[Ali-B]

Hello All,

It's about day 11 after first EC and I am pretty much back to normal. I also have suffered indigestion but keeping topped up with ranitidine (over the counter until I can get some omeprazole from docs) has made a massive difference. My gums have also calmed down considerably. I sometimes have a bout of tiredness but it doesnt last long. I do find getting out for some exercise makes a big improvement to the fuzzy head thing. Even a brisk 20-30 minute walk around the block works wonders. Just wrap up warm as it's still cold out there.

Ali xx

[em32]

Hi ladies. I'm on day 8 of fec first cycle. How long does this fuzzy head last for? its literally doing my head in. Feel perfectly fine apart from this and a bit of indigestion.
Hope your all dealing with the side effects well!
Xx em

[Cag61]

Hi all, 

hope you are all dealing with the side effects as best you can. I have been trying to get used to my wig as my hair is really thin. I sent my brother a photo and he phoned to say he loved my new hair style. To realising that it was a wig!!!!! I keep telling myself that everyday that goes by is a step nearer to completing the treatment, so keep going. 

Anyone got snow, I'm in Hampshire and we haven't got anything, very rarely do. 

I have finished the injections which is a relief, my hubby is very good at doing these but I don't like needles 😟

I have found that on the 6&7th day of the injections my pelvis and lower back ache but apparently this is normal, paracetamol seems to,ease this. 

I hope you all have a good weekend, Big hugs XXXX 💐

[Coxleonie]

Morning everyone... Steroids are waking me up at stupid o'clock! Hope you are sll well x

Sarah - day 4. How are u? My symptoms so far seem similar to cycle 1, maybe a little increased.

I finally clippered my hair after ridiculous bald patches... I kept the grade quite high to protect the follicles and I feel like a hedgehog... The strands hurt ESP when I get a shiver! 😞

[Coxleonie]

I thought that was an actual medical term for a second 😳 I had it in first week as couldn't stop salivating and the constant swallowing have me indegestion. I just used Rennie tablets and picked up some Gaviscon but it subsided. I have heard Ginger is very good for indigestion x
Leonie

[Ali-B]

Hello Ladies,

Anyone 'blessed' with sh177y indigestion? If so what works for you? I am half tempted to get a prescription of omaprazole but not sure if it helps?

Just as the sickness is sorted eating is still a frigging trial!!!

FFS

Ali xx

[Coxleonie]

It is interesting on here how some of the info/ choices the docs/ nurses make clash... Procedure/ meds etc.
I couldn't remember whether I needed to take meds last night or this morning so ended up texting my consultant at 10pm!! Was feeling queasy... I slept relatively well (as well as I do these days... Very broken with a 6am internal alarm call) only have a walk planned today and white blood cells booster injection (expected that I do myself... Which I just couldn't) so stress levels at 0 😄
Sending you buckets of sleep vibes 😴😴😴😴

[SLou296]

Hi Leonie

Well the staying up didn't work!  I'm now watching a movie and eating biscuits - these steroids are bad for the sleep and the diet 

I used to love world book day when my kids were little - I'm sure they deliberately used to challenge me to make the most bizarre costumes - my daughter once wanted Little Bo Peep complete with bonnet and crop and when my son was reading one of the Harry Potter books he asked me to make a deatheater costume !!

The vein thing was ok to be honest, I only knew when the nurse told me she'd have to have another go.  I'm pretty sure I'm only supposed to use the one arm due to surgery on the other but the nurse said I have plenty to choose from so that's ok.

Hope you had a better night, Sarah x

[Coxleonie]

Hi Sarah
I know!!! Yay! My life is all about fractions theses day...
Maybe it's the missing school part! I even managed to make a 'room on a broom' outfit for my friend at school for World Book Day tomorrow while all cannulated up! I'm going to sit at home in my 'very hungry caterpillar' Tshirt 😁
That vein popping thing sounds scary!? They used my other hand as my vein became swollen after first cycle.
I ended up having to drink juice after last one as the water was making me feel queasy 😔
Maybe I should have stayed up... Problem is I love a good afternoon kip 😉

[SLou296]

Hi Leonie.  OK thanks, the first vein they tried (the one they used last time) 'popped' with the test so had to be canulated twice but, after that it went fine.  I'm now on 2.5L but and slowing down 'cause I'm feeling a bit queasy (but not nauseous so thats ok).  I did the pixie cut at the start of chemo - it did help me get used to not have lots of hair but once I couldn't hide the bald patch (and it started falling into my dinner) the zero setting on the clippers was revealed. Now getting a bit fed up of my head feeling like it belongs to an aged and balding 'Eagle Eye Action Man so thinking about shaving it but worried I might cut myself !!

Hope your's went ok today and you've had  good rest - I'm trying to stay awake to combat the steroids tonight - we can only hope.   Next time we'll be half way through 🙂

Sarah x

[Coxleonie]

Slou296
Hi Sarah how did it go today? I'm just back and feeling a sleep is in order...
Kept thinking of you and your 3L of water... I'm struggling with my 2L bottle I bought 😁
I wimped out of the shave and went for a pixie cut to acclimatise... Mainly playing "hide the bald patch" 😳

[Sal]

It's nice you just check in sue your fab! Xxx

[Daisy63]

Hi all not been on much as I don't think I can really be of help to any one. I know it sounds corny but you girls know a lot more then me.

hope you chemo goes well.

sue X X 

[Ali-B]

Morning Ladies,

I *think* today might be the first day when I feel the most normal since my first treatment. I have good apetite and tea even tastes ok. The tiredness is never too far but not feeling sick is the most amazing thing. Maybe I can do this!?

I found the eating and drinking little and often helped. And I mean often, sometimes a spoon or two of plain mashed potato every hour or two with a few swigs/sips of water was enough to keep it all settled despite still feeling sick (but thankfully not being sick). I later moved onto adding some mashed carrot and later broccoli. English muffins also were something plain and light to break it up a bit. I stuck to this pretty much until i felt less sick. Hot drinks were a total no no, but plain ice lollies/ice pops helped with taking in some liquid with a little sweetness to feel less bleurgh (not ice cream).

Also do the pineapple thing but alternate the corsydol mouthwash with 'zero alcohol' Listerine. Yes it does stain more, the corsydol, but the hygenist can sort this for you so dont worry about it. 

God you have to totally surrender your entire being to something so horrible as chemo, I think the emotional side is just as bad as the possible side effects if not worse. I do get very tearful at times but the nurses just tell me to go with the tears, need to just let it out.

HTH

Ali xx

[Cag61]

Hi all, 

wow, I'm on day 8 and this one has really knocked me out, been very tearful and feeling that I will never feel normal again!!!!! Jan, think this one is definitely tougher, but one more FEC to go. My hair has really thinned and have a largish parting which I cover with headbands. 

I went to my doctor and she has given me a repeat prescription for Aveeno which is free. DON'T pay for it. Lovely on the skin. 

Now my problem is constipation, I have taken Movicol but nothing yet !!!!! It is becoming a bit of a running joke with the family...no sympathy here. I hate the taste of the stuff, I had to have a colonoscopy many years ago and had to drink litres of the stuff before it and I can't bear the taste to this day, it makes me shudder. !!!! I'm thinking of you all and hoping that your day goes well. I'm just going to have a shower and get going. Want to visit my mum today as haven't seen her for a week. 

Big Hugs to you all 💐Xxx

[Coxleonie]

My friend who finished chemo and hour before I started mine bought me some Aveeno. I have booked my hairdresser to come tomorrow night to sort out my hair... I cried for the first time last night as I realised I really didn't want it to go. I don't want my husband to see me like that... I always used to joke I would leave him if he went bald... Oh the irony!!!

Thank for the reminder about drinking water as I'm terrible at it and hopefully it will help with the constipation and headaches.
Jan hopefully your fatigue will start to go soon and your start feeling more 'normal' soon x what is filgrastim? Is it the White blood cells injection booster into the stomach? I had that on day 2 it made me feel a little achey but I knew it was doing good x
Sarah good luck for tomorrow, let's hoping its kind to us x
Leonie xxx

[Kayak Jan]

Hi all 😃
Can finally face using a screen so definitely time for a catch up. I just really want to touch base with everyone in our group.
So in true teacher (retired) fashion time for a register. I know some of us are now into our second cycle and some have completed their first and I think perhaps Emmajane hasn't started yet. Let us know how you are when you feel like it. I hope I haven't forgotten anyone, please forgive me and shout if I have.
Drum roll 👏👏👏
Carol
Sarah
Lynsey
Coxleonie
Sal
Mmey
Lellie
Jill
Sue
Auntylady
Ali
Em
I know other ladies have joined us but I'm not sure what stage you are at so, Pumpkin, Lesley and Carolyn hi.
Really want to know how you are getting on girls.
Sending everybody big hugs
Jan x

[SLou296]

Hi Coxleonie

Yes, cycle 2, had a really easy time of it last time so hoping it will be kind this time too. Chugging down the water already - had 3 Litres today - peeing for England lol.

I had 3 bald patches about the size of 50p pieces and my (recently cut) very short hair was that shaggy I looked like Tufty the Clown !! Realised I needed to 'brave the shave' while I was picking hairs out of my dinner ewwwww. So I had my GI Jane moment and did it - first bit I did was front and centre so there could be no going back then I took a deep breath, wiped my eyes and got on with it.  You are brave enough to do it/get it done, it won't hurt/itch afterwards and it does feel good to take control xx  

Good luck, Sarah x

[Sal]

Hello everyone
Feeling a little extra tired and zapped from second round tac. Feel very spaced out. Was going to go for wig today but too zonked. Everyone else like this on secon round? Feeling a bit low and feel my normal life is a million miles away! Xxxx

[Auntylady]

I love a nice bath, if i'm ok tomorrow I'll pop into boots for some thanks xx

[Gfnich]

Hi ladies, 

I have always had dry legs but whilst having chemo I have been using Sanex Dermo Oil bath foam.  It is really good, my legs are so soft.  OfTen on offer too. Hope it helps x

[Auntylady]

Jan, I'm slathering on aveeno oily cream. It's lovely. And usually on special offer in boots. 

I'm day 5 cycle 1 and I'm sorry I can't keep up with everyone's names! God I'm 42 I used to be so good at forums! 

Wiped out with fatigue today and did my first filgrastim jab today. I was soooooooooooo brave!

Going to chase the wig lady tomorrow!

Big love everyone

AL xx

[Ali-B]

Jan,

Try an 'Aveeno' product, the oatmeal/colloidial lotions or bathing products. They say they are good for irritated/sensitive skin including chemo effects.

Ali xx

[Coxleonie]

slou296
Are u cycle 2 tomorrow? I have the same busy social schedule as you tues and wed!
My hair is still in but I have a bald patch so need to shave... I am putting it off but need to de brave. It feels like my hair is made of pins and hurts when it moves 😩. Hadn't of thought about what to do with my scalp but will make sure I get some bits, thanks for the advice x
Hope everyone is well x

[Kayak Jan]

Hi. Thanks for the advice all. Sarah I will try that, unfortunately I am VERY allergic to anything with a spf! Causes me allsorts of problems normally but obviously worse now.
Still feeling rough so will talk to all you lovely ladies soon.
Hugs
Jan x

[SLou296]

Hi Jan,

I'm using E45 dry scalp shampoo, my hairdresser (who is also a trained Barber so used to balding heads) said that I should continue to use a mild shampoo on my head as shampoos are specifically designed for the scalp. Its expensive (£5.00ish for a small bottle) but I only need a tiny bit as there is no hair to lather so I think it should last a while.

I've also been using a small amount of E45 cream which is doing the trick but she said Almond oil was good too.  Thing she stressed the most was that, at the slightest sign of sun to make sure that I use a good SPF factor sunscreen (even under the wig or bandanna).

Oncologist and bloods tomorrow and then FEC 2 on Wednesday - living the dream !

Hope everyone is as well as they can be - hugs to all .

Sarah x

[Daisy63]

What about bio oil? Just a thought
X

[JenJen]

Hi Jan

Im from Nov starters I have used a few things to help with scalp first was Coconut oil it worked really well but I got fed up of melting it to use it so I switched to almond oil just a tiny bit rubbed in has worked, now I have sprouts again im using a jojoba oil as its supposed to be good for hair growth x

[Kayak Jan]

Morning 😃
Sorry not been in touch really struggled this round. Screen makes me feel dizzy .
So just quickie. I have shaved last of my hair, all half dozen strands. Any suggestions on how to keep scalp in good condition? Tried E45, using that elsewhere , but not really helping. Sure someone will have a good idea.
Sending lots of hugs will catch up properly when I feel better.
Jan x

[Kim555pink]

Oh Daisy, sorry to hear about your sister. That must add to your worries too.
It was the extra chemo that I was surprised at. There are quite a few ladies in here who are having their operations before chemotherapy. You're right, they will want to be doubly careful with you. My brother died from a brain tumour over 20 years ago now when he was 31. It's such a shock then to be diagnosed with cancer after that, as if we haven't been through enough watching a family member going through it.
Hope you're starting to feel better soon - we'll power through this one way or another with the great support we have on here - sending you loads of love xxx

[Daisy63]

Hi kim555pink
The doc would not do op first, she said she didn't want to wait as it might spread. So chemo first. Then op. I hate all this my body don't feel like mine any more. To old for all this messing around. I think because I lost my sister 4 years ago with it they want to be careful. That operated on her and the wrong way round. But I lost her after 8 weeks. 😢
X x x

[Kim555pink]

Hi Daisy, I've been having a dry, sore mouth too (Jan starters) and mild sore throat with both cycles of FEC. Been using Corsidyl daily mouth wash and have avoided having actual ulsers but have read it can stain your teeth 😕 Having 3rd FEC in Tuesday, and going to try the pineapple recommended by Ruth below - have got 5 tins and 2 cartons of juice in preparation! (As well as loads of bottles of water!!)
Surprised you have got more chemo after your op? I'm having radiotherapy after chemo (had my op first).
Just keep an eye on your sore throat (take your temperature if you're worried) just incase it is an infection. Mine comes and goes so I'm sure it's chemo related.
Kim xxx

[Daisy63]

Hi peggtcat thank you so much for replying to me. X X X I have got 6 FEC-T then op then aprantly more chemo. 😩😩😩😩😩😩

[PeggyCat]

Hi Daisy, I'm popping in from the October 2015 group. I finished chemo 4 weeks ago and not feeling too bad now. The dry mouth is definitely a side effect and persists for me still. I eat a lot of fresh pineapple or eat Opal Fruits (I'm too old to call them Starburst - they are always Opal Fruits to me ) which seems to help. Had a very mild sore throat during one cycle of FEC but know people who have had it harder than me in that respect. Pretty sure what you are experiencing is due to the chemo but it will pass. Good luck with it all. It will be over before you know it.

Ruth xxxx

[Daisy63]

Afternoon all, can you tell me if a sore mouth, throte and a very dry mouth plus I keep running to the loo 😝😝😝 is due to the chemo? I have not been feeling to bad for the past few days but to-day feel so tired💤💤💤. Is it chemo or is it old age. 👵🏻

hugs all round.

x X X 

[Sal]

Hi emmajane
Yes downstairs regions nearly gone and eyebrows thinning. Luckily eyelashes still in tact! Some facial hair that I never admit too gone ( haha brilliant!!) so all in all....bonus! Xxxx

[Coxleonie]

Im day 19 and still have eyebrows, eyelashes and very thinning hair... I haven't dared pluck/ shave so am becoming a bit of a hairy Canary 😳
I was given 2 lots of anti sickness tablets to take as and when on top of the must takes. One lot was supposed to help you sleep???
Fingers crossed your next treatment will be less harsh 😞 xxxx

[Cag61]

Ha ha, you are so right, us women are so strong. I've just had a laug at the thought of your eyebrows flying off !!!!!! I've still got eyebrows &eyelashes. No underarm hair, and I had to shave my legs as I thought they would fall out and they didn't !!!! Nearly had to plait them 😄 Have a good day xxx

[Emmajane]

I have no wig yet! I need to sort that!

[Emmajane]

Enjoy the sun Sal! Was gonna ask if eye brows etc. Fell out... What about body hair?? There must be some benefits... 🙈

[Sal]

Yeah here's a big load of hugs for everyone and all the emotional roller coasters of feelings. Bloody hell we could win a war us lot with our determination and having to deal with such a life change! I had a sleeping tablet last night just to get some kip which has helped! Yes funny what food we go off... Mines coffee, cheese, tomatoes and salad! Today I'm going out for a little walk as only day too I'm sure I'll make it up the drive hehe! Thought I'd give my head an airing and see if my eyebrows blow off too! Have the best Sunday possible and lots of love. We're getting there! Xxxxxxx

[Cag61]

Hi all, 

I'm on day 6 and this has been an emotional roller coaster. I changed anti sickness and they have knocked me out, also the hair thinning has made me lose confidence! I tried my wig on and hated it !!!!!!! Isn't it funny the things that we fancy to eat, I'm amazed I can still drink tea, water is ugh and Ribena. I hope that we all have a better day. Roll on next month with the lighter evenings, hope you all have a better day, Big Hugs to you all 💐Xxx