February 2017 Starters

[max]

Mornning ladies,

Hope all feeling ok today.

Well D day is here! Great tips from you all, thanks. I think I've got everthing....warm stuff too for cold cap. Had bloods & echocardiogram yest and all ok to go. Not got aloe vera juice yet! Just had egg on toast & a banana, as not there till 12.30 & I'm going to be quite a while with cold cap. Hope SE gentle from tomorrow!!

Ann - I'm your chemo buddy then, as I start today. I was diagnosed 23rd Nov, so only 1 day diff! Good luck today. I was advised not to drive on own, as one lady took a turn & fainted & although was perfectly fine after, she wasn't allowed to drive her car home. My friend is taking me & staying. She's used to it as me and her went with our other friend to hers. I didn't want OH taking more time off work either.

Jo- no I've not heard of Kettleshulme. I'm in Urmston, near the Trafford Centre. I've been with family history clinic at Wythenshawe for years & so now with my family history they want to do genetic testing. I was told originally that it takes up to 9 months, but were going to rush it. Went for a simple blood test Monday & they said 5-6 weeks, which I queried & it's because they just doing BRACA 1&2 for now, not the whole genetic testing. You're supposed to have councilling too first, which I've not had as they wanted to do bloods before I started chemo. Depending on the results, I may want to go for double ms after treatment. Also, it has an affect on my 2 kids then too in the future, even my son!

Hugs to all and take care,

Max x

[Mama T]

Morning ladies

A FB group is a great idea, so is anyone up for setting it up as a private, or secret, group?

I am a week on from first chemo, think that's about the same as Jules and Zena. I haven't had any nausea, and don't know if that's because I am not prone to it or the pills I took. I had Emend, ondansetron, domperidone and dexamethasone. Gosh, how that lot rolls off the tongue, eh! I also had the single shot Gcsf jab on Friday.

The steroids or Gcsf, don't know which, definitely made me bloated, red faced and hot flushes by Saturday, and was a bit wired! The out of hours chemo line said it's pretty common and it takes a bit to get out of the system. My onc agreed that I could stop the steroids and will review the dose before next appt. 

if any of you have the gcsf, then it did leave me feeling a bit achy, esp in the hips and shoulders, and feeling a bit stuffed up. 

As as for constipation, foods that I found helpful with a lot of fibre were Fibre One cake bars ( not particularly cheap) and Ancient Harvest lentil and quinoa pasta ( high fibre and high protein), and surprisingly didn't taste too bad when drowned in sauce!

as for dry mouth, I got salivix pastilles over the counter, and will ask for them on prescription. I didn't like my chemo nurse advice to suck on barley sugars, as I am trying to avoid coating my teeth in too much sugar!

Good luck for those of you starting today. You may want to warm your veins up beforehand unless you are having a line put in.

Tessa

[Maria12]

Hi ann thank you .i start next week now starting to dread it , purely as ive been feeling weird this week with lightheadiness and like i cant keep up with my breath ..not something ive suffered with before .think chemo is going to be a nightmare if im like this already x

[Jo C]

Ann, please don't apologise! You have done a fantastic job at catching up...so much better than me.

Good luck tomorrow with chemo. You sound ready. I took iced drinks with me. I heard that sucking ice cubes helped to reduce sore mouth. I wasn't up for that so went with cold drinks. I put a bit of lemon juice and ginger (puréed root and sieved) lots of ice and diluted it with water. It was really refreshing and worked for me. I also took ginger buiscuits, Haribo tangtastics, ginger chocolate...didn't touch any of them.

I'm day 4 and feeling good this morning. Was expecting to drop a bit today as the steroids have finished but ok so far. Quite wakeful last night which a lot of ladies seem to have got with steroids.

Please ask away if you need to. You can find me on FB if that's easier and PM me. I'm Joanne Coward (not too many of those!) xx

[AnnCann]

Dear Lovely Ladies,  Maria, Jojo, Jo, Zena, Sparky, Max, Jules, Swampy, Tessa and Sallyann.. Hope I have not missed anyone. I am sorry I have not been online past couple of days.  I have been trying to settle in with my family prior to the start of my chemo tomorrow.  I now have mobile broadband until I can arrange something more permanent here at my parents home in Cardiff.  I live in the South East (Sussex) but I am originally from Cardiff and left in my early 20's to work for British Airways at Heathrow Airport, as a secretary.  In 1979 I started flying as cabin crew with Britannia Airways and I was there for 15 years.   Most of my working life was in the aviation industry and I "retired" in September 2016 as an aviation recruitment manager.  

Following my divorce in May 2016 I decided to take 3 months off and then travel to Australia to see my daughter and move back home to Wales. I have worked for over 40 years so I thought a 3 month holiday was not a lot to ask for....  Well that thought was rudely interrupted by my diagosis on 24 November 2016.  A date that will never be forgotten.  I guess not many people will forgot the date and the face of person who gave them the news......

Got my wig and had my hair cut short today.  Also had a light chicken broth diet today hopefully it will help with the nausea and I plan to eat the same tomorrow.  So I am ready for chemo tomorrow I guess.  Reading through the posts I see I have forgotten to get some Aloe Vera Juice!

Maria, I hope you are coping well and I will be thinking of your tomorrow. If my memory serves me correctly you start your chemo tomorrow too,

Jo, how are you doing after your first Chemo session

Zena, my cabin crew partner! Hope you are doing ok and nausea is getting better.

Julie: I appear to be the only one that has not been to Ironbridge.  Hope you are feeling better...

Tessa, Welcome, hope you are feeling better.

Jojo, hope you are doing good.  I don't have a problem with FB provided it is private group....

If I have missed anyone I apologise in advance.  I will try to keep up todate with  you all now.  Question?? has anyone driven on thier own?

Good luck to anyone starting chemo this week who I have missed.

Ann xx.

[Jo C]

Hi Julie, yes it's me. I was just pooping in to let you know I'd sent you a friend request but you've already noticed. Anyway, it is me and not some random nutter...just a regular one that you sort of know!

I'm off to be ladies. Night night and big hugs to those who need them xxx

[Jules1]

Hi Everyone

Zena - sorry you are feeling so bad.

Ann - hope it goes well tomorrow - I will be thinking of you.

Jo - I've had a Friends Request on FB from a Joanne Coward - is that you?

I've had a bit of a mare today - despite so much fruit and veg etc and plenty of water I have been in so much pain with constipation. I had a Beauty/Pampering session with a group of new ladies and although it was good I felt so bad. Going to seriously take steps to avoid any more! Today is Day 7 so I will be taking stuff from now on! OH bought me some Aloe Vera Juice so will have some before bed along with tabs!

The abrupt oncologist I met a few weeks ago (a locum) has left! So my 1 week appointment is now next Wednesday instead. Hope this one will be nicer.

Hope you are all okay.

Julie

[Jo C]

Hello ladies,

Just playing catchup. I've had my hospice day today. Somewhere I thought I'd never be but I am really enjoying it. I did some silk painting, had a manicure, was well fed and watered and then finished off with a group session. So glad I was well enough to go even though I'm still in chemo fog.

So sorry you are feeling crap Zena. Big hugs to you hun. I've been describing it as being like pregnancy. I was queasy but not sick and desperately tired...just the same now. Oh, and my brain...where did that go?! I agree about FB. I use it so would love to have a group but think it's important to keep this thread going for those that don't use FB.

Max, I'm from a little village called Kettleshulme...nobody has ever heard of it! I'm under The Christie/Stepping Hill. I've also been referred for genetic testing. What does it involve? I'm not too worried about the procedure itself but I have 5 daughters so really don't want those faulty BRACAs. Is it your first chemo day tomorrow? If so, good luck.

I think I need to spend a bit of catch-up time to see where everyone else is up to. I'm terrible at names at the best of times!

Hugs to you all.

Jo xx

[zena75]

Oh gosh Hun ,, it's so worrying I know .. lovely that your little one has got such a good friend x
My bcn gave me a book called mummy's lump. I think it's helped a bit as they could see pics and ask me stuff .. although when they very little, it's all just very overwhelming ..x

[Maria12]

Awww bless them , its so hard for kids and so unfair that their innocence is ruined by crap like this .mine just keeps hugging me , he told my mum he got upset at school and told his best friend as he knows he won't tell anyone, he dont want his other friends gossiping about me so does not want them to know .he told her he had to tell someone and feels bit better now he has ..he has not said any of this to me not sure why .but least he is talking to someone x

[zena75]

I got very very bad morning sickness - and put in hospital so I'm very bad with nausea- it's like the feeling when your just about to be sick but constantly never going - hard to explain but painful and debilitating.. you will not be the same Hun.. it's so rare .. the sickness drugs are good I'm just an odd one ..
sorry the prodding is horrible, I know - feels like our bodies now not our own and belong to this new scary world ..
I have promised a friend I will go see her and walk on the beach at the end of this chemo , so I have to do it .. I can't even think about my kids it overwhelms me with worry .. my 4 year old won't come near I'm so sick and my boys are looking worried too . My 9 year old read me some twits last night and it was heaven xxxxx

[Maria12]

Hi zena sorry to hear its kicking you again hopefully it start getting better .have a feeling i may end up the same and now starting to dread it , my bodys struggling with all the prodding and poking over the past few weeks , its taking its toll already so used to being ill and getting on with it but this week has got me xx

[zena75]

I'm sorry I'm not on fb as my job . But you all go ahead girls I'm very sick and prob making you all worry xxxxx

[Maria12]

Hi all , woke up feeling rubbish this morning think its all the recent prodding , poking and injections .i start chemo next week so god help me .though this site is great id also be up for fb as i do find its hard to keep up on here lol x

[max]

Hi everyone,

Firstly, thank you for your welcomes and I hope everyone is doing ok today.

I live in Manchester (originally from West Midlands until I was 12- remember going to Ironbridge on a school trip Jules!)) and am being treated at Christies. I would be up for FB too.

Well... had my bloods done yest for the gene testing and then went out for lunch with friends and then for tea with mums from school (with 2 glasses of wine!), so feel I enjoyed my last day of "normality". In work this morn & then off to Christies later for echocardiogram, bloods & see onc for signing the forms etc. I had ecg done 2 weeks ago at first visit to onc. Then tomorrow is the Big Day! The lovely lady at the Family History Clinic yesterday, used to be a chemo nurse, so it was nice to chat to her. She said the nurses had tried the cold cap themselves, so they would know exactly how it feels to discuss with patients and she said thet half couldn't stand it, but other half were fine. So still going to try. Took a selfie this morning after washing hair, thinking well this is the last time it will be like this for a while, as even if I don't lose it all, it's going to be greasy (as can only wash once a week), frizzy (as can't use straightners etc)  & a lot of grey roots (as no dyeing)!! Kinda thinking maybe bald will be easier!!!!  

Zena - I know what you mean about my nan and mum, but yes it is positive

Tessa - welcome x

Sarah - We have a caravan in North Wales near Pwllheli, not sure if anywhere near you?

Take care all,

Max x

[Mama T]

Hello everyone

I have been following this and the Jan starters for the last week as I wasn't sure which one would fit best with my chemo timing.

I am on 6 cycles of FEC-T like quite a few others, and had my first dose last Thursday. I certainly felt dosed up afterwards with the bag of pills, GCSF and mouthwashes! Side effects have been mixed - no nausea, but definitely some after effects from the Dex steroids and probably the single dose GCSF. Not quite sure what to expect as I go through this so just taking each day as it comes.

I live in Colchester and I haven't found any local support groups so hope I can get support through this forum.

Tessa

[Jules1]

Re: Facebook - Ann and I have already hooked up and I think it's a good idea but not to replace this forum as some people don't do facebook. So as long as we also post and support on here but also share stuff on Facebook too.

I wouldn't want to leave anyone out. maybe we can create a private group - how can we find each other though? I run a comminity page called Broseley Totally Locally and you should be able to find that easily. If you search for Julie Owen you will find a million!!!

Let's see if we can hook up - I'll create a page and see who joins up.

Julie

[Sparkydee]

Fb works for me, I use my phone mostly and these threads are hard to follow on here lol xx

[Jo C]

Hi Jojo, I'm would be happy with a FB group. It would be easier for posting photos etc.

Jo xx

[atomicjojo]

Right ladies I've had an idea.

Presuming most of the world is on Facebook now, how would you feel about starting a group? I do struggle with the format of the forum (not complaining at all about this beautiful community!) but I don't always get notified about posts & feel FB is in a more user friendly format. Also easier to share pics/info/humour. We could make it private if anyone has any misgivings.

Just a thought. No biggy if no one is interested.

Jojo xx

[atomicjojo]

Ah Sarah so you'll have the same as what I've already had minus the herceptin (I'm er+ pr+ her2-)
Good old Docetaxel! I very quickly settled in to a routine with it. I had 4 cycles all do able.
Don't hesitate to ask for advice.
T-2 days! Off out with a friend tomorrow to do a beach clean followed by coffee & cake. I'm a big believer in the power of oxygen to heal us. Got to get out before Storm Doris hits at the weekend!

[Sparkydee]

Hi ladies, hope we are all getting by ok today for those who haven't reported in 😉
I live in North Wales, near Holywell... lovely part of the world.. of course, NHS Wales is different, but I've been happy so far with my care, having never been ill b4 (I'm 42) so this is my first experience of the health system for me anyway. I work as reception manager for a local council, and so far very supportive.
Oncologist today was fine, confirmed I was positive everything! HER2, PR & ER!!
So, I'm gonna get TCH - 6 cycles of TCH then another 6 of the H. Also 3 weeks of radio after chemo part finishes, and rounding it off with tamoxifen after!
I've decided to try coldcapping, as I've got to b in all day for the first 2 cycles, so thought I may as well try it.
Just need to sort someone to see to the dogs when I'm in all day, first round is 14th Feb....!!! Happy Valentine's Day to me!!! 😂
Sarah xx

[Jules1]

[mrsorangecat]

Yes, I echo that, great job Jules, Ironbridge...  l love it there. Living in Rugby we visited on school trips once or twice and hubby and I go quite often. I'll look out for you next time I go when you are back at work 🙂 xx

[AnnCann]

Hey Ladies, keeping an eye on you... hope to have broadband set up soon... Julie thanks for keeping me in the loop... I had my clinic appointment today and got emotional for no reason at all... I guess cause the day is coming on Thursday........ I am finding it difficult to keep up with the thread. So welcome to any newcomers , it always feels strange saying and love and hugs to you all who had chemo last week... if I have missed anything I am sorry.. 🤗🤗 I am struggling a bit... A xxxx

[zena75]

Hi all
yep Jules - dream job ... im very jealous actually...
I'm in Herefordshire. After a 5 years in London where I had a stall at Camden market selling Indian stuff ( nice stuff ) years ago when it was small and not like now ..
Then lived in Dubai for 2 years flying for emirates..then to Brighton too for 8 years as worked for virgin .. amazing job ..
Then moved back up here and started a family ..
Now a counsellor just last ( 4 months left ) year at uni .. now this 🙁
I did the pics on laptop by choosing picture icon in reply box and up loaded from desktop . Bit of a faff actually but I love a pic xxx

[atomicjojo]

Jules, glad you're not too bad. I can't believe your job! My dream job! You get to dress up & talk about history...Incredible. I'm originally from Leicester and had many happy school trips to Ironbridge! (And Alton Towers before it got massive!) I'm now living just outside Bournemouth in Dorset and am being treated at Bournemouth Hospital which is also where I work!

Zena how on earth do you post photos from your phone? I can see how from tablet but....Ugh.

Solo Jules in Shropshire, Ann in Cardiff, MrsO in Rugby (Family Sundays at Warwick castle!!! 😍)

Can I just say that any ladies out there who read the forum without contributing, please don't feel that you need to hide. Come join us, we support each other and someone somewhere will have some advice for you. Don't be alone or feel excluded. Maybe at 2am you'll be able to find someone with the same thoughts & fears. Or maybe you don't have a support network at home. Please come say hi and let us shoulder the burden.

Keep on keeping on!

JoJo xx

[Jules1]

Hi everyone

Still feeling okay apart from a bit of an odd feeling. Appetite is low so just eating the smaller healthy meals my OH is making. We are both feeling a bit emotional today but trying to do small sorting jobs and listening to music together.

I'm originally from Port Talbot, then lived 7 years in Brighton and now been in Shropshire for 30 years. I actually work as a Victorian woman in Blists Hill - the open air museum at Ironbridge. I'm off work for the duration though as there are too many school visits and the general public. I'm being treated in Shrewsbury at The Lingden Davies Centre which is very new and the team are very good.

I see my oncologist on Thursday to see how how I've been after week 1. He was very abrupt last time and upset us (and the nurse) but I will be ready for that on Thursday.

I've been talking to Ann (Cardiff) on Facebook as she hasn't got internet but is able to use her phone. She's got her first chemo on Thursday so is one week behind me.

Lots of love to you all

Jules

[mrsorangecat]

Hello everyone, right I'm going to attempt all the names, Maria, Jojo, Jo, Zena, Sparky, Max, Ann, Taylor, Jules, Swampy and Sallyann... if I've missed anyone off then I'm really sorry, I'll try harder next time 🙂

Fab to see you are all being really strong and kickin' ass!

,

Best of luck to everyone starting chemo this week; Jojo, Max, Taylor and all,. you are all superheroes and you will get through this I promise and I never fib.

Lovely pic Zena - you sound so much better hun even if you're not really feeling it yet. Really good to hear that you are getting some sleep and hopefully in a day or two you will turn the corner and feel good again.

Maria, I hope your prechemo meeting goes well and they help to make you feel a bit calmer. I'll be a bag of nerves if and when it's my turn. No news as yet. Breast care nurse said to call her tomorrow if no letter from Oncology. It's been 19 days since they sent it to USA for oncotype test. I wonder if Sallyann has heard anything yet. I hope so. Hopefully not much longer.

Jules, you are so organised - lovin' the spreadsheets and the sea sounds. You sound just like me in that respect. I've got some whale music on at the min, birds will chirp in soon. Molly the cat looks round the room for them and makes me chuckle.

Ann, I hope your wig fitting went well? I keep admiring the Raquel Welsch range, though note to myself, I dont have a face like Raquel Welsch!!

In answer to someone's question, not sure if it was JoJo or Jules, I'm in Rugby, Warwickshire.

Anyway, it's nearly post time - I shall go and loiter by the door like a puppy dog and wait for postie to see if I've got a letter. Sad eh?!

Take care everyone, love Hxx

[atomicjojo]

Maria my love please try not to panic. I know that's easier said than done but these pre checks are just a formality really. I'm sure you'd already know if you had something wrong with your heart.
As far as stocking up goes, it's difficult to say really. You won't know what you fancy until it happens and on what days you'll feel better hence keeping a diary. I made up a bag of goodies to keep beside the bed for midnight nibbles although that only lasted during the first cycle, I slept much better the remaining 3 & never napped during the day. I only liked citrus fruits, satsumas particularly & haribo type sweets ( nice & soft ), wotsits (!) Egg mayonnaise lots of salt & dominos pizza 😆
Just go with the flow this time & then you can have more control next cycle as you can plan your life around the SE's
You will get there!!

Jojo xx

[Maria12]

Thank you jo , sounds silly but I'll be quite pleased if i get a ecg , im quite paranoid about my heart but i think purely to how unfit i am and my dad died quite young of heart disease , my oncologist asked if i had any heart problems as chemo can effect it , as ive never had it checked out not something i would know but has put me in panic mode since .havent been told much about review or anything i should stock up on prior to chemo .feeling abit lost this week x

[atomicjojo]

Zena, as far as the T goes, it seems some ladies are more affected than others, same for anything I suppose. I was previously on the September starters thread & some were reporting the "Tax Trots" but I went the other way! (May I recommend Aloe Vera juice! Can't abide senna)

So many different SE's for different regimes. I didn't have any nausea or sickness but to be fair I was proper dosed up. Steroids (Dex) the day before, during ,& 2 days after, Ondanstetron on the day & few days after & metoclopramide tablets to take if needed plus metoclopramide injections for district nurse to administer if necessary. I took metoclopramide for a few days as a preventative but it made me feel worse & never touched them again. Some ladies try travel bands to good effect so maybe something to consider?

Fyi...Docetaxel was originally made from yew tree needles. How amazing is that and how the heck did they discover that it killed cancer!

JoJo xx

[atomicjojo]

Morning ladies!

Will it ever stop raining?  Will it ever not be January? So many questions...

Anyway, it seems that I have missed tons of posts so will catch up at some time! I had pre-chemo yesterday ready for FECkin Friday & learned even more! I mentioned to onc that I was worried about being sick & she told me that if I got through the Tax without nausea then I'll get through FEC no problem! However, she gave me lorazepam and another tablet like Emend to take on the day. Thumbs up! Soooo, 4 cycles of FEC starts Friday. 

Hello & welcome to the new ladies, sorry to meet you if that makes sense! Please try not to worry about treatment too much. The oncology teams really are genuinely lovely people & all you have to do is say if you're nervous for them to talk through any fears or concerns. 

I'm interested to know where everyone is from? I know Ann is in Wales now but where are you all from? It still puzzles me how treatment can be so different depending on which trust you are with.

Zena I'll also be posting a photo at some point. You can see my hair regrowth before it all falls out again after Friday! That & my 5 eyelashes... I think the visual effects of having cancer is a massive deal. I've only just plucked up the courage to go hatless in public (actually got less pity stares & felt curiously proud) but then the weather is a bit warmer! 2 weeks ago my eyebrows & eyelashes started to fal out, 8 weeks post last chemo! Final insult! However, they are already growing back so don't be too despondent girls. I'm going to lose them all again with fec but I know it won't be long before they come back. And I must say that for all the trauma, and it was a trauma, of losing your hair, it is LIBERATING to not have to faff with it in the morning!

Waffling again, let me know if anyone is non the TC regime ( Docetaxel/Cyclophosphamide) I may be able to give heads up with dealing with SE's. Forgot to say have you all been told to paint your nails dark? I also took the Boots Hair,Skin,Nails capsules throughout & so far haven't lost any nails although some are ridged.

Heal well ladies, speak soon 

JoJo xx

[Jo C]

Zena, I'm glad you got some sleep. I managed to stay up until 10pm but did doze of for 10 mins before I dragged myself off to bed. Woke about 2am cos the cats were fighting 🙄 but did manage to get back to sleep.

Welcome Max, I think I missed you yesterday but I will try to keep up over the next few days!

Sparkydee, hope you get what you want from the onc appointment. I've only had one and got my treatment plan and date at that one. Good luck.

Jo xx

[Jo C]

Hi Maria, try not to be anxious about the pre-chemo meeting. You will probably have bloods and an ECG. One of the nurses will go through your treatment plan and answer any questions you have. I found it reassuring and took my OH with me too so he knew what to expect. The chemo ward I go to is fairly small and very friendly. I think most staff working in oncology are upbeat and very caring you will be fine. Try to get a few more good nights sleep and relax as much as possible. I was really anxious after I was first diagnosed and thought that I would never get through all this. I've only just started chemo but have learnt to take things one day at a time. Good luck but I'm sure you won't need it.

Don't forget to ask all the questions you can and write them down beforehand if it helps. All the staff are there to help and support you and keep you as well as possible throughout this journey.
Jo xx

[Maria12]

Hi all , hope your all doing ok so far on the chemo . just wanted to asked what happens at the chemo review ? Is it just blood test or do they do other things .mines on monday 2 days before i start. Starting to panic alittle now , also hated the fact that i had best night sleep ever , woke up forgetting i had this disease then it sunk back in 10 mins later , be so nice to not have to think about it xx

[zena75]

Sorry JoJo
Meant to say I loved your message about flying haha - I was an air hostess for 10 years so made me laugh even more xxx
Sorry your having Fec too it's rubbish- what was the t part like ? Can't be worse than this ( I hope) ..
Mrs c , I'm frustrated for you - the waiting is the worse bit .. fingers crossed for a plan soon darl xxx
Sorry Ann got it wrong it's Thursday you start so a few more days to clean Lol xxx

[zena75]

Hi dee .. and welcome max , I love the positive stories of your mum and grandma ( strange to say that as they had bc and that horrific but it's great to hear them making it through it Hun ) .
Sorry hi all , Jo I hope you got some rest tonight. As you can see I'm up again , but I got a good few hours sleep so it's ok ..
Good luck today Ann , you'll be fine just remember the duvex dive about 3 hours later 😴
Hope you get all your answers about chemo today Dee .. you are good at getting them I feel and a very sharp lady 👍🏻 Seen a lot about scar lumps on here and good to get it properly checked too babes xxx
Only one more day to go Taylor Hun so try relax and chill is my advice ( easier said than done , I cleaned whole house like Jo day before ) ..
Jules - sounds like you coping really well ( go lady ) xx
I still feel rubbish- nausea and just crap really.. bit fed up,but I knew I'd suffer I'm a total fanny ..
Love to all I've missed xxxxxxxx

[Sparkydee]

Hi Mrs O, and all you lovely ladies. Z get u posting a pic, so brave, and nice to put a face to the name!
I've got my first oncologist appointment tmrw, so hoping to know what chemo drugs I will have in conjunction with herceptin, and when to expect start.
Also going to ask about lump in boob around scar after WLE, when I had surgeon appointment he checked and said just scar tissue, but it's changed since then so want to double check... anyone else have hard lumps after WLE?
I've got to start thinking about food/supplements you are talking of, and how I'm going to deal. So much strength on here to make u realise and appreciate so many ladies going thru the same or worse... xxx

[Jules1]

Hi Everyone

Still feeling okay but have a slight odd feeling today which I can't explain. Just a bit wobbly, I suppose. I also have indigestion all the time and going through Rennies like sweets!

Still keeping my charts going so feel in control and getting better at the steroid injections.

Just had a weight watchers chicken soup for lunch which was just enough and good for my soul. Spent most of the morning laying on the sofa listening to a CD of sea sounds and it helped.

Hope you are all okay today.

Love

Jules xxxxx

[zena75]

Well done jo . We're gonna do this Hun ..
You'll be been than me I'm sure .. xxx

[Jo C]

Lovely photo Zena xx

First chemo done and all was ok. Fingers crossed that the SEs will be gentle.

Jo xx

[zena75]

thanks swampy, yes i have ondaz and metrocloprmide , just taken one of each... worth a go !
yes on gcsf injections so will try an anti hist later . thank you for checking on us girls on feb starters its kind of you xxxx

[max]

Hi

Just thought I would pluck up the courage to join this thread, after reading it for a few days! I think this forum is a great thing (if you can say that during all this?!), as you all going through it at the same time.

I'm due to start my chemo (EC for 3 sessions & Doc for 3 sessions) on 2nd Feb. I was diagnosed Nov 23rd & had lumpectomy, breast reduction & sentinel nodes removed on 13th Dec. Thankfully my nodes were all clear and they got a clear margin. My mother & grandmother both had breast cancer (my mother at 42 and is now 68 and my grandmother at 50 & she survived another 30 years), so I have had yearly mammograms from age 35 (now 49). I have even been on a Tamoxifen trial for the last 5 years, hence the chemo as Tamoxifen didn't stop the cancer coming (difference of opinions on this!!) and so the docs feel as a precaution I should have it. Tomorrow I go for blood test to do the gene testing & this will then dictate what op I go for next after chemo.

I am absolutely dreading the chemo!! I just dread how I am going to feel. Everyone's journey is different I know & some seem to suffer more than others. My best friend went through this in 2014 and I went on many appointments with her, so it all does seem like deja-vue!! She coped remarkably well through it all, but I feel the pressure to be like her....silly I know!! I have coped well through diagnosis and the op & recovery and feel I'm back to normal now. But then I feel the chemo is going to change everything and I'm never going to be the same person again...did anyone else feel like this? I've just noticed over the last 2 days how emotional I'm feeling about starting. Not the actual day itself, as having been with my friend, I know what to expect and so it's not as daunting, but it's more the SE's. I feel it's going to be 15 weeks of hell!! I have a daughter (11) & son (15) and I just want things to seem as normal as possible for them & they not suffer as a result. The main thing I get emotional about is not getting to my daughter's last things at school in the next 5 months, as she nears the end of her time in juniors. I also need to do school runs and work, so not sure how I'm going to feel for these and get stressed about this. I have my OH, parents and excellent close friends, who all offer to help, but I feel bad having to depend on others too often! 

My big 50 is in May and we had plans to do all sorts this year, but now feel it's all on hold (all being well, my last session would be 18th May, 5 days before my big day!)

I have picked up so many tips from this forum though, as was surprised how little the hospital gave me. I am going to try the cold cap. I have very thick hair and so maybe it may just thin..... I'll try anyway. I made a big list of all different things to get! Are there any tips though on keeping as healthy as poss or for getting prepared for starting chemo ie any vitamins or anything? And how soon do SE's kick in and then last? My friend's seemed to start after 48 hours and by the 2nd & 3rd week she'd feel ok again. I go for bloods on Weds, the day before treatment & see the doc to sign forms etc, will I be given more info then (like the temp thing, do I need to check this daily & what I do if up)?

Sorry for the lenghty post!! And for feeling sorry for myself!

Take care all.

Max x

[swampy1901]

Zena

Sorry to hear that you are feeling so dreadful. Do you have alternative medication such as Ondansetron and Metaclopromide to take in addition to the Emend? If not - get on to your chemo unit or GP soon for a prescription. Thee is no need to feel nauseous - it's just a matter of finding what works for you.

Coming from the October starters we all know how awful it can feel. The anti-histamine is usually taken with the gcsf injections to help with the pain that seem to arise with these injections - assuming you are having them that is.

Keep a diary of all the side effects and symptoms that you are having - so you can let your onco guy know if needs be and also so that when you begin to pick up and feel better on subsequent chemos that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Hugs!

[AnnCann]

I will ask when I go later.... just going for my wig fitting...😂😂... take care ladies and hope you have a good day... xxxx

[zena75]

its for the aches , i think , Ive heard it more than once on here too, its just more drugs are a worry really but if it helps the bone aches maybe worth it ,, don't know much more sorry Ann, maybe ask today for us xxxx

[AnnCann]

Zena and Jojo, why the antihistamine? How does it help? Thanks...

[zena75]

Thought id post a pic of me , no one else has to of course but i thought you may like to see my little face lol xx

this in me just after the 3 big pink tubes have gone in xx

[zena75]

Good girl Jo , you'll be better than me I just know it .. so the worse I make it sound I'm hoping the better you will think you feel ( does that make sense?)
Jo so right Mrs c all the tests are a pain but good idea so hang on in there it can't be much longer hunny xxxxxxx
And Sarah ( sallyann) yours too xxx
Jules hope you ok today and better than my sorry a** 😊Xx