February 2016 starters

[Ali-B]

Wow,

Really sick of feeling sick. Have been sick this afternoon.

WTF

Ali x

[SLou296]

Sal, that is Great news good luck for tomorrow.

Auntylady well done, rest and lots of water now.

Jan, I was told that a skin rash might be experienced especially on the second or third one but if you are worried just give them a call - they would rather you call them than do nothing and it be a problem x

Carol hope you are doing ok today

Coxleionie - hi don't think we've spoken. We must have started at the same time - my second FEC is on wednesday next week and like you my hair has started coming out. My eyebrows are holding firm but there is a really good video on you tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4lajZWeEyE - I wish mine looked as good as hers all the time!!

Ali hope the sickness has subsided now x

Hugs to all, Sarah xx

[Sal]

Can you ring the hospital Jan just for some advice? I would for peace of mind...
Just had MRI results and liver shadows are cysts not cancer! I'm so relieved just had a cry! 2nd chemo at ten in the morning!! Drinking water and steroids taken! Hope your all ok xxxxx

[Sal]

Gosh well done auntylady. Yeah sleep it off best way. Keep warm and cosy. Xxxxxxx

[Auntylady]

First dose done.

Have a banging headache so I've had some lunch and gone to bed.

Catch up with you all tomorrow x

[Kayak Jan]

Hi everyone 😃
Ali take really easy today.
I had a bad day yesterday with the sickness, much worse than last time. But doing better today. Although I have developed a very red face and upper chest looks like bad case of sunburn, not sure what that's about.
Carol hope you doing ok today.
Hugs ladies
Jan

[Sal]

Hi Ali
Yeah mega slobby sounds just needed! Hope you feel better. Thinking of you xxxx

[Ali-B]

Hi All

Managed to feel normal until around 9pm then nausea hit. Took my bedtime pill then up to bed. Was a rough night was sick a couple of times. Hard to keep on the water as it made me sick. Will be mega slobby today.

Ali xx

[Cag61]

Well done Ali, 

take the tablets, drink plenty, and rest. Listen to your body. Are you having injections ? Are you on FEC T ?

I have one more FEC to go then 3xT then surgery. It seems like a long haul but days go by quickly and everyday is nearer to recovery. It's reassuring to have this forum, we aren't alone. 

Big Hugs XXXX 

[Coxleonie]

Ali
Hope you slept well x

[SLou296]

Ali

Well done now rest and drink loads of water

Sarah xx

[Ali-B]

First chemo done! Cold cap really wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Feel tired with a slight headache but had a light supper and now just chilling. I was given some anti sickness meds as I was waiting for the cap to chill with another to take at bed time. Have some other ones to take over the next few days. Hopefully any side effects will be straightforward to manage.

Zzzzzz

Ali xx

[Cag61]

Hi Ladies, 

Jan- I crashed at 2am, but had dosed a or till then. Managed to sleep till 8 then stayed in bed till 1 and have managed to stay up. I changed my anti sickness drugs this time which are making me dozy. Take care of yourself, catch up soon. Xx

Daisy- I'm from Chandlers Ford Hampshire, my treatment is at Winchester. I'm having 6 FEC T then operation. That does sound a lot of chemo, you should check on that. Xx

Coxleonie-I'm signed off for 6 months as I work at a college as an assessor in Health and Social Care and I visit my students in their workplaces. This could be hospitals, nursing homes etc so same as you risk of infection. Don't think I have the brain power to work at the moment, but have a lot of contact with my colleagues, with visits and cards. 

Pumpkin- I've ordered a human hair wig on line but 3 weeks on still not arrived so am going to purchase a second one. Going to a place in Portsmouth tomorrow where I can try in lots of different styles. My bestie is coming with me so can give a second opinion. I have very fair eyebrows so use and Urban Decay brow color anyway so used to doing it, no loss to eyelashes and eyebrows as yet. Hair is thinning but still there, second cold cap yesterday so time will tell. I am used to washing my hair daily so feels greasy and flat...yuk, 

BIG HUGS TO YOU ALL 💐XXX

[Daisy63]

Hi girls can I ask is anyone else having FEC-T for 6 weeks then an operation then another 6 weeks of FEC-T? My doc won't do any operations on me as she said she don't want to wait any more longer then she has to because my BC has not spread. It just seems such a lot of chemo.

feel a better today it's only been a week tomorrow but I don't have any patience. I still feel like I have been on the booze lol lol been walking like a crab today. 

Sue

😳😳😳😳😳

[Pumpkin]

CoxLeonie

You can get stencil eyebrows from Amazon based on different shapes. I'd also agree on the non plucking. I shaved my under arms during cycle 1 and oh boy did I pay for it. Ended up with painful lymph lumps under arms that took about six weeks to go. Very embarrassing as I had to have an ultrasound under the arms as well.

[Coxleonie]

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to go shopping and treat myself before 2nd treatment next Wednesday so I'll look at those. I've never been good at pencilling my eyebrows but now's the time to learn. Did you work throughout? I'm not allowed as I work in a school and the risk of infection is too high 😞 x I've been told not to pluck my eyebrows but they are really bad at the moment!

[Pumpkin]

Hiya

Just finished work for the day. Wigs from Amazon. YouTube have loads of vids showing how to apply lace front wigs. Fantastic delivery and you can normally try them on as long as you don't cut out the labels or the extra lace at the front. I held onto eyebrows until about cycle 5 and now have a few strands left. I use MAC eyebrow pencil as a border and their gel liner to fill them in which is semi smudge proof. I didn't want waterproof as I didn't want to be harsh trying to remove it. For that same reason I haven't used mascara but I do use top and bottom liner which seems to do the job. I've never had long eyelashes nor applied the fashionable super coats so there is hardly a noticeable change though I've managed to keep half at the top.The bottom lashes have gone.

[Coxleonie]

£130 for a real hair wig? That sounds good, where is it from please? I have my chemo privately as it was 2 weeks quicker which means I don't get it through the NHS 😞 I'm off for a fitting tomorrow, luckily as its coming out now. I have bought a soft hat to wear at night/ under my scarves so give them a lift ( looks a bit like u have hair under). Any tips for eyelashes/ eyebrows? I'm thinking massive sunglasses!!
I live in Northampton xx
SAL - thinking of u x

[Ali-B]

PS: Also made some prep for hair loss. My hair is quite long mid-back, but have cut it back up to just above my shoulders. I am hopefully as ready as I can be.

Ali xx

[Ali-B]

Hello Ladies,

With synthetic wigs you can get a special spray which protects them against the friction against clothes. They say it should be used every time the wig is worn.

In general they say a wig lasts around 6 months with daily use.

HTH

Ali xx

[Les53]

Hi pumpkin can I ask where did u get your human hair wig? You are right about the synthetic ones they easily start to look matted / tangled especially if you wear scarves it high collared coats xx

Lesley x

[Pumpkin]

Just about to order some thermal gloves. I wear sheepskin slippers and boots but hands really suffer though I've been wearing normal thick gloves. Finished FECT on 3rd Feb. Single mx in 3 weeks. Can't wait but dreading the recovery part.

[Pumpkin]

Good morning ladies.

I didn't go to sleep until 1.30 last night replying to various posts. Can be dangerous sometimes. About the wigs. Before chemo I purchased two wigs and received another nice one from the NHS after a fitting at Barts Hosp. 

During chemo I've probably bought a wig each month but because I've lost my hair I wouldn't try them on in the shop. What have I learnt about wigs? Well I wear glasses so I have to be careful with fringes. Now I have invested in a lace front human hair wig which did cost £130 but it flows better and lasts indefinitely compared to synthetic wigs which started to tangle in a couple of weeks. I even sleep in mine as its fixed with a wig glue at the front hairline. No shifting or blowing about in the wind.

[Sal]

And good luck for today Ali! Hope your all ok after yesterday's round thinking of you all day! Going to see consultant today may get scan results too gulp!!! Before Friday. Happy sleeping ladies today. Xxxx

[Sal]

I'm from Barnsley daisy originally from hull. I go for treatment in Sheffield. Xxx sal

[Kayak Jan]

Hi all
Good luck for today Ali sending loads of hugs your way.

Yep very long day yesterday. 2nd one done.
Didn't feel as poorly straight after this time. Had a different nurse and he pushed the drugs through a lot more quickly. Lot less pain around cannula sight too. SEs manageable so far. No sleep due to steroids and usual hangover type headache. Going to stop in bed this morning.
I'll write again when I can.
Be kind to yourselves.
Jan

[Daisy63]

Hi it's me again lol I don't know if it's allowed, but can you say where we are all from? 

I am not ashamed of having BC I didn't ask for it and neither did you. He I go waffling on sorry X X X 

[Cag61]

Hi all, 

thats my second FEC under my belt!!! Had a cry as I find it a bit overwhelming as I don't deal with not being in control. My mum is 94 and I'm used to looking after her, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in October....me in December !!!!!! Bummer eh. 

Coxleonie-I cold capped and my hair started to thin on day 16 but I have thick hair so luckily still have a lot left, the nurses told me to keep going with it as it may just be thinner. I am defo getting a wig and going for a fitting tomorrow in Portsmouth at a specialist salon. The NHS will put £100 towards it so that helps. We share a birthday, I was 55 on Feb 10th so belated happy 40th...hope you were still able to celebrate still. 

Pumpkin and Daisy & Sal, think you have to be prepared with wigs and hats even if you still have thin hair, it is frightening when it comes out, I filled a bin with strands 😔 but I suppose we have to remember that this treatment will make us better. Sal, I bet that was the funniest sight you knocking on a strangers door !!!!! Laughter is the way to go and it makes you feel better. 

Ali B- good luck today, I'll be thinking of you. 

I had had a good nights sleep, I was zonked after all the meds. I changed my anti sickness this time and they make me drowsy...wasn't sick though !!!!!! Going to have a chill day catching up with programmes I've recorded. 

Jan- How are you feeling, you had a long day yesterday. Hope that the side effects are manageable. Xx

Big Hugs to you all

Carol XXXX 💐

[Daisy63]

I find super glue helps 😜😜😜😜😜😎

[Coxleonie]

Oh no!!! I have to laugh at the awkwardness of it all... Will it slip? How will I do yoga??? 😁😁😁 maybe I need to embrace the baldness 😩 ❤️

[Daisy63]

Hi girls first off I going to apologise for not putting your names on here as I am old and as my kids say I am going senile 🤓 I know what we are going through is bloody horrible but we gals have got to laugh. 😝 Other wise we will go nuts. If I find any jokes that might give you a laugh I put them on here. 

Hope everyone's ok this cold frosty morning. 

It it only taken me a week to work out the right way to reply on this sight. Ho hum X X 

[Sal]

Dear both
A good bit of laughing is best medicine! The wig I've borrowed till i get fitted is like a thick mullet! My friends laughed so much. I took it to the hotel We were all staying in at weekend and knocked on their door to make them laugh. Unfortunately I got wrong room and a stranger answered and had to apologise!! Daisy that's fab never thought I'd be sporting a wig like the rest of us on here!!! Xxxxx

[Coxleonie]

Daisy that is brilliant! I am definately trying to find the humour in all this... Really helps! X

[Daisy63]

Hi I have been for a wig fit not lost my hair yet as only started chemo last Thursday. I brought my wig and to be truthful it's a lot better then my own hair lol lol the only problem is stopping my son who is bald from keep putting it on and making me laugh. 👍🏻👍🏻

[Coxleonie]

Sorry to hear that after you chose to use the cold cap you still have hair loss. Its definitely started but just strands art he moment. I am away this weekend as a treat and was really hoping for hair for it! How long will it take? I have scarves and even a wig fitting on Thurs so am prepared... As much as I can be 😞 has anyone else used wigs?

[Sal]

Hi
Mine has gone quick but having tac chemo. Think we're all different with the hair! If it helps now it's actually been shaved off as was all falling out it feels like the wait is over and miles easier. Today was my first proper day and met some people from work for tea. I felt worried but when I met them they were fab. It's a bit draughty but give it a week and think it will feel better! I know we're all different but it dosnt change who we are inside. Big hugs xxx

[Pumpkin]

Despite the cold cap I noticed fallout on about day 17 just when I thought that the cold cap had worked. For that reason I didn't use it for the following sessions, but everyone is different and for some it worked.

[Coxleonie]

Hi
I'm on day 14 of my first round of FEC T which I started on Feb 10th (my 40th birthday) I thought my hair wouldnt fall out til round 2 but from reading this I think it may be earlier. When should I expect it to?

[Daisy63]

Hi Ali-b I defo will stick with the canular lol. I don't mind needles. Got a lovely bruise on the back of my hand 😜

[Ali-B]

Oh Daisy that wasn't my intention.

It doesn't hurt when they put it in - it really doesn't. There is a clip they often include to keep the line in the correct position which can be bloody sore but after about 2 days it was comfortable.

I am one of those girls who can really struggle with cannulas - I remember how painful it was when they were trying to push drugs into one when I was in hospital - unbelievably painful. So as much as the PICC sounds horrible, in the long run it's much much easier as they administer drugs, take blood samples etc via this one device.

The only hassle is that the district nurse has to come once a week to flush it and check it's OK.

Hope this helps,

Ali xx

[Daisy63]

Hi Ali-b had a look at the link 😣😣😣😣 wished I didn't.  That serves me right for being nosy. Don't it hurt 😨

X x x 

[Ali-B]

Hi Daisy 🙂

http://www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/National/Macmillan%20Cancer%20Support/assets/PICClinesMCS4Pages.pdf

Ali xx

[Auntylady]

Hello ladies.

I go for my pre chemo assessment tomorrow. To start on Thursday. I'm feeling a mixture of emotions not least because my father is back in hospital with suspected metastatic bone cancer after a cystectomy in November last year.

Will be very happy to get the first one under my belt!

Got hats and scarves at the ready!!

AL xx

[Daisy63]

Hi can I ask what's a pic? Lol just to let you know feel better to day don't know if I have caught up on my sleep. Only thing I got now is me funny head and a sore throat. 😖😖😖😖

[Ali-B]

Hello Ladies,

Just a quick tip - my 'limbo' PICC shower guard thing arrived today - it's totally fecking brilliant and thoroughly recommended. I only ordered it yesterday before lunch and it arrived this morning (first class post not any other special delivery).

Get the PICC one I think it's the model M65 'adult elbow'.

https://limboproducts.co.uk/product/limbo-adult-elbow-cover-m65

I think you can get it by prescription but I couldn't wait and just ordered it.

It makes such a difference to just be able to have a normal shower or bath if you have a PICC.

Hope this helps,

Alice

[Sal]

Hello ladies
Good luck this week and hope everyone is ok. Think most of us have second rounds coming. I have bloods and scan tomorrow and chemo Friday. Lost lots hair so now all gone after a shave with the clippers! First day out in public bald!!! wore a hat!!! Love the wig and beach walk Jan yes I agree we all have enough to worry about! Similarly my friend has given me a wig it does look like Stewart's hair too haha!! Gosh let me know how you all get on. Daisy hope you feel better soon. Good luck Ali. Good luck everyone. I went shopping today and ate a KFC stocking up before next week Ali thd injections are ok to do honest! Night night hoping for some sleep tonight! Heads a bit chilly!!! Xxxxxxx

[Cag61]

Hi, 

Ali B - good luck for Wednesday, it will be fine, honest. Xx

Daisy- hope you are soon feeling better xx

Hi Jan,mood luck tomorrow, I know you have a long day. I went for bloods today then met with Dr. All ok for tomorrow...feeling a bit nervous as hate feeling sick !!!!!! Been drinking loads of water today. I cold capped and my hair has been coming out for the last couple of days, Dr said to try it again tomorrow as it may just thin a lot, will see. I am meeting with the wig lady on Thursday. I have ordered a human hair one on line which I have paid for but thought I might as well use a voucher and get another one. Jan I had to laugh at your description, glad it stayed on your head !!! 😄Honestly as if we haven't got enough to think about without worrying about our hair as well. I have stocked up the freezer, bit more prepared this time. 

Big Hugs to you all Xxxxx

[JenJen]

Hi All

I am from the November 2015 thread so am nearly finished I just wanted to pop in and say hello and let you all know that it isnt as bad as we make it in our heads x honestly the worrying about it is a lot worse than the actual chemo. 

ali-b I have got to week 16 of 21 and up to now fingers crossed havent ended up in hospital so please dont worry , do monitor your temperature but dont worry x 

Take care x pop into the previous months threads if you have any questions the September/October/November ladies are still around even if we arent posting much as we are all using our respective facebook groups we set up 

Jen x 

[Ali-B]

Hello Ladies,

Had my 'pre chemo' check today, bloods temperature etc etc and I am 'fit' for chemo this Wednesday.

I am sort of in that wierd limbo of wanting to get started but not wanting to get started cos-it-makes-it-more-real thing.

I got myself a thermometer too - OMG I got pretty scared when they talked about the precautions you need to be aware of. I hope I don't have to visit A&E during my treatment!

@Daisy63 - I am sorry you are feeling crappy today and fingers crossed that you start to feel better soon. 

Ali xx

[Daisy63]

Hi ladies just a quick chat, not feeling to good today. Very tired. Had to go for my injection at the docs it has been my first day out since my treatment last Thursday. I felt very weak and sick. Did manage to sleep better last night. Hope I start to feel moe like my self soon. I hate all this sitting around. 

😩😩😩😩