Hello, is anyone starting chemo in February 2015?

[Herewego]

Hello ladies,
I saw my oncologist today and will be joining you on this journey. I'm having a port-a-cath put in on Friday and ECT will start on 10th.

I will try the cold cap but apparently it only works half the time to guess I'll find out about two weeks after the first chemo - I'm not that fussed anyway and have already attended HeadStrong session to so know what I like headwear wise and can just order online when needed.

Hugs to all and keep thinking positive thoughts xx

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Great Idea Natalie !Didnt think of Thermos flask😊X

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Brilliant Strawb,so glad it went okay and you was well looked after😊....did you get any sickness at all,or did they give you tablets for that?So do you have your next one in 3weeks?X Rachel

[Nattyoo]

Dear strawb, thank you so much for your reassuring information. I'm so pleased it went smoothly for you. Hoping you manage to get a couple of lovely restful days...

You are right, we are going to get such a lot of reassurance and support from one another here..

Tested frozen fruit pieces in a thermos flask; they stayed frozen all day.

Good luck, Ladies x

[strawb]

Hello lovelies

Well, first treatment's now under my belt and I can honestly say that it went really smoothly. I can confirm now that the needle really is tiny, after it was taken out I could barely see the mark and it went in easily too. 

I can also confirm that the red chemo does make your wee red - I've been drinking lots of water to flush it through and my chemo nurse said that this will also help prevent cystitis due to irritation from the drugs.

Thanks for the compliment Colli on the nail polish, its a favourite of mine and I wanted something cheerful with me.  The room they put me and my partner in was painted a lovely friendly yellow and I had a comfy chair with a pillow to rest my arm on.  She also put a heated pad over my right arm to keep it warm, another chemo effect.  I had eight syringes of stuff put in one by one and I didn't feel anything other a tickly nose and a prickling sensation in my bum which she said was a common reaction - very strange! 😄

If there's anything else I can help with do ask.  I feel so lucky to have so much support, both in the 'real' world and in the 'virtual' world here.  I can say things here that I can't say to my friends and family, and I can be understood without having to elaborate.

Love you all

L xxx

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Hey Lou😊Thankyou for your info...always so helpful to know about things that someone has has experienced themselves and passes on their hints and tips.I won't be using the cold cap,but am having my hair cut this week.I wonder how long it takes for hair to fall out after first session?
Hugs Rachel X

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Hey Sandie...how are you?😊X
Was confused when I read your message,as couldn't work out why your girls had just finished their summer hols...then realised where you live lol!!😄....took me 5 mins to work it out!
Has Mike brought the ultra modern thermometer yet?!
Hope it all went well with your Oncologist.Thanks for the good wishes ...Hugs to you too Xxx Rachel

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Hello Strawb😊X
How did yesterday go?Hope your feeling okay.I like the fact the the needle is small...as I'll be having the same.Had it in my head that it would be big!
Thanks for the advice about painting our nails,yours sounds nice colour😊.
Take care lovely,rest well X
Rachel

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Hey Natalie...think I've joined the roller coaster ride...any chance it will come to a stop ?!😊X
Great idea with the thermometer...didn't think of that,I'll add that to my list😊...
Frozen pieces of fruit is good too,I usually keep frozen blueberries,pineapple and mango in freezer for smoothies,so could take them in with us to sessions?May need a cool bag though to keep them from defrosting?Take care Rachel X

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Hey Sandie...glad you are feeling a bit better and got some nice bras😊...I saw some Masectomy bras in M&S the other day,pretty ones and £16 for 2,thought that sounded good?The queue was too big to try them on,so will go back when it's quieter!
Does the Portscath feel funny under your skin?X
Rachel

[womblemum]

Hi Ladies,

I am just popping in from the January 2015 starters to wish you all luck as your treatments start over the next few days... my first FEC was on the 15th January and I had a portacath fitted on the 14th.  I know the waiting is horrible but you will feel better once you are getting on with it.

I cold capped and intend to carry on, I have had my long hair cut to collar length and am shedding a little bit (but strands rather than clumps) but no-one else would notice as yet so for me it is worth the discomfort as I know many of the ladies on our thread have already lost most of their hair. I won't lie though - it is blinking cold but the first half an hour or so is the worst.  It also makes treatment take longer as depending on your regime you have to leave it on for 1-2 hours after the chemo!

Good luck ladies and stay positive

Lou x

[keepmumsane]

Ooo strawb, thats lovely about the teeny needle,  I was envisioning one for horse drugs.! Phew!

I painted my nails blue with silver crackle.  Actually the only reason I did it was because I normally have terrible nails.  Not working since december has let them grow!  

My friend came over and chopped up a pineapple to free flow out of the freezer, not sure how it stays frozen at the hospital but sounds like a good plan. 

Thats a great idea about taking your temp now. Good habit. Mike is planning on getting something fancy,  he reckons its a point and shoot,  he wants to test it on everything that walks past...the cat, the dog,  the cockatiels....

First day of school after summer holidays for my girls do best I go wake them... popularity will be at an all time low. 😉 

Sending love ladies.  off to chat to the radiation oncologist today,  cos thats what we do. ! 

Isnt it crazy to hear sentences like that come out of our mouths. 

Ill be thinking of you starting today,  hugs lovelies

Xx

Sandie

[Alison_46]

Hi All ,
So nice to know I'm not alone for this crazy journey, will be painting my nails tomorrow thanks for the advice.
Going to try cold cap & just see what happens though I've booked a wig appointment as well.
Good luck ladies, February is here and as we start on our journey at least we can see an end.
After this week 1 down only 5 to go............😍😀😜
Take care ladies, big hugs
Xxx

[strawb]

Well, tomorrow is looming closer for me and my first dose of TAC.  I'm going in armed with all the lovely tips and advice I've got from my fellow warriors and hopefully I can let you all know (tactfully, I promise) how it went if you'd like?

I haven't had any kind of port fitted so my treatment will go in a vein in the back of my hand (they told me this is to do with it being easier to control leaks if there are any) but they were so reassuring when I had my chemo talk that I feel fine about it, especially since they use the same size needle that they use with premature babies.  I hope this helps reassure anyone who, like me, has a needle phobia.

I also wanted to pass on that my chemo nurse supports the practice of painting your nails (both fingers and toes she said) with any colour that blocks the light, so it doesn't necessarily have to be dark.  She said that she could only go on what she'd seen herself and that it does seem to make a difference.  So I'm painting mine today a bright turquoise! 😄

Sending love and luck to all my fellow February friends xxx

[Nattyoo]

Hi folks,
That sounds like some ordeal Sandie. Well done!

So, do we all have our tickets ready for the roller coaster ride? Somehow can't remember signing up for all this...

I'm trying to get ready by doing lots of laundry and having stuff I'll need to hand. Been using the digital thermometer each day so it becomes habit and getting a baseline temperature to work from.
A friend recommends taking frozen fruit pieces in to eat throughout chemo. She says it preserved her sense of taste and she didn't get a sore mouth.
good luck next week, everyone.
Natalie

[keepmumsane]

Hmmm day 2 after portacath,  have decided I never want to be a cowboy!  Felt like Id been shot and they left the bullet in on saturday morning! at least they get whiskey! 

Reinstated the voltaren and feeling much more human.

 The portacath is about bottle cap size, and as thick as my little finger. Its under my skin above my right (as a pose to No longer there) breast lol

It has a membrane and a tube that fits a large vein in my chest. The membrane is self healing.  They can put the IV needle in there without hunting for veins in my arm every time. Considering it took them 3 goes the other day for my muga scan to find a decent vein,  despite the pain of this weekend,  im grateful. my veins are rubbish! 

On a happy note bought a bra today! A soft lovely front fastening wonder.  I never got one before hand,  the lady was very sweet and I wore it home. Actually bought 2..feeling a billion times more normal. finally shaken off the blues a little. discovered it was a proper post surgery bra too, that girl knew without fussing.

Small pleasures

Hugs lovelies, 

Sandie

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Okay,guess I'll find out on Tuesday!
Be great to keep in touch on here😊as we are all starting next week by the sounds of it?X
Enjoy the rest of your weekend,take care lovely X
Rachel

[dennymac]

Hmm depends on your veins, I was told likely in the forearm where it's harder to knock etc xx

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Oh yes,think I know what you mean....I don't think I'm having that,the Oncologist said that I'll just get a fresh line in Everytime I go in?Does the needle go in your hand or arm do you know?X

[dennymac]

It's like a port they put under your skin on your chest which is really good to give the chemo through. It's practically invisible and in that way better than a PICC line xx

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

I don't actually think they use it in my Oncology dept,and also 2-3 of the Chemo treatments I'll be receiving on the mobile unit,so they don't have it available.I don't mind though,got my head around it now that I'll lose my hair...be cool to have a new look lol!😃
So what is a Portocath?X

[dennymac]

Yeah the tips are great!! Why aren't u trying the cold cap? I'm meant be getting a Portocath but won't get it until after my first treatment xx

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Hello again Dennymac😊X
It is a whirlwind isn't it!Thats quick though from diagnosis to treatment...but good to get it going.Im single too,but have a teenage daughter,who keeps me happy😊.Great to have good friends.
Your hair sounds great,getting mine done next week...if you can bear it,try the cold cap,but I'm not using it.
There's a great list on the site to use for hints and tips for Chemo,have you seen it?
Rachel X

[dennymac]

Hey everyone I was diagnosed on 12 Jan and start chemo on Tuesday 3 Feb! Whirlwind isn't even the word. I am 32 and single with no kids but a bunch of awesome friends! Got my pixie cut yesterday in prep and still undecided about the cold cap since I am a migraine sufferer anyway - dunno if it's worth it! Need to get my pre chemo shopping done (pineapple and ginger nuts) lol xx

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Ann...my worry too about losing the wig,headscalf in the wind!!😄Xxx

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

That should say 'Hey Sandi'😊

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

😊hey.
Did make me giggle thinking about the pink Barbie stripes!X
Know how you feel with the crying..I've been like that lately,just burst into tears at the slightest thing😕....this morning was ironing my daughters top for a dance comp she has this weekend,burnt a flipping hole in it,so sat there and cried my eyes out!Don't know who I'm worried about telling me off,My daughter or her dance teacher!!Xxx Hugs

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Hey pjw😄...great idea with the chart lol!
I've found loads if videos re doing eyebrows etc,so will give that a try.Have you ladies looked at 'Look good feel better'? It's great for us going through Chemo,a local course that they hold usually once a month and it's free😄...you get free makeup and lessons on applying it.My local is near Oncology dept Cheltenham ,so yours should be nearby too Xxx

[keepmumsane]

When wigging in the wind, always carry an emergency leash in ones pocket and whistle for snoopy...
Xxx
Hugs ann xxx

[Anniegran]

Hi everyone,
Had to laugh at the picture of the pink striped Barbie girl! We have all got to getused to looking different. I am not too bothered about no eyebrows. I was a natural blonde, now silver grey, and have very light brows and eyelashes. I use an eyebrow pencil - light brown and grey, shall carry on doing this. Have you seen the video on the Breast Cancer Care site. Lovely girl demonstrates how to make up and tie a scarf, also demonstrates something called a Buff. I ordered 2 hats yesterday. Could probably do with them now. It's cold out there. Thinking about the wind - how do you stop wig blowing off? Mental picture of me coming out of Sainsburys chaseing my hair across the car park!
I.am busy cleaning up in readiness of imposed rest. Found a big pile of my late Mums knitting patterns and in with them were two lovely poems I hadn't seen before. Had a little weep thinking about her but felt an awful lot better afterwards.
Take care, Ann

[keepmumsane]

Hi ladies,  

Im a mess this week, couldnt get the bus card to swipe, cried... everytime I sit down with no distractions my eyes water. 

Was practically sobbing after the portacath today.  Actually do feel like a mugging victim. Had to laugh though,  got myself dressed, tottered out to the car and realised I had pink antiseptic stripes right up to my jaw line ...no wonder people were eyeing me funny! 

#barbiegirlpink

I tried a couple of wigs at a not very professional place found it devastating.  I have now booked in with a proper lady who said she can show me head gear too. I think those soft caps and wraps seem comfortable and comforting too. Figure I can get a brightly coloured hair extension to pin under a hat as a pony tail.  😉

Many hugs, its a tough week for all of us. Xxx I take heart from your humour and strength too, sending love xx

[pjw]

Must admit I'm more bothered about my eyelashes and eyebrows going. I've had short hair must of my adult life, it's even shorter now!

Just keep thinking - got to give approx 6 months to a year - to gain more for the future.

My son and I have had a laugh - think we might make a star chart for the chemo process. When I complete a cycle, I get a star and a reward!!!!! Xxx

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Evening ladies X
Thankyou Alison😊...I'll look at the nail polish thread,I always wear polish,so that will be handy!It freaks me out too about the hair thing...but got my head around it now(excuse the pun!)...and am ready for the big chop...I'm not doing the cold cap,as I don't think they do it at my Oncology dept,but that's fine,I'm okay with that😊.Let me know how you get on Natilie and with the brows etc.I think that will be the hardest thing to lose for me,because I quite like my lashes and brows..but hey ho,as long as the BC goes and doesn't come back,I'll give it all up😊XX

[Nattyoo]

Hi all.
Alison, I'm having the same treatment as you and am planning to use the cold cap on the basis that a little bit of hair showing from under a hat might be a good option. However, heard from a friend of a friend (who had very fine hair) that she didn't try the cap, lost all her hair, and it's grown in much thicker and luxuriant. I could do with a bit of that! So now undecided!
Bought a gel mask today to wear during chemo. Following the cold cap principle for eyebrows and lashes. It might work! I'll look a twit but would very much like to keep my eyebrows.
Went to the wig shop today. I was amazed at how natural they looked. Just a bit scary when it came off and my real hair looked so thin and flat! Not sure I can cope with all these drastic contrasts. Someone did say she found a wig helpful because people didn't ask her about her treatment all the time.
Is anyone else feeling exceptionally tearful? It seems to come from a very deep place sometimes and is out of my control. A natural part of this process we're going through, I guess?
Bets wishes,
Natalie

[Anniegran]

The 'hair' thing is freaking me out a bit too. I don't like scarves on my head. How quickly will it fall out.....eek! Had my hair cut too. My hairdresser offered to come to my house to shave my head if necessary. Visiting the ward where they do the chemo on Monday will give me the opportunity of asking about the cold cap.

[Alison_46]

Hi all & welcome Rachel,
The nail polish is to do with trying to preserve nails, there's a whole thread on here!!
Can I ask who is trying the cold cap? I think Sandie you said you weren't, I had a chin length cut but had it cut to a more manageable short style. Driving myself mad not knowing wether to try it or not, the thought of bald patches etc freaks me out a bit??!!
Just thought I'd see what you lovely ladies thought, I'm having FEC-T, not sure if this makes a difference or not.?
Thanks lovely ladies 😍

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

I'll start again!😊
Hi I'm Rachel,single mum,diagnosed with Triple Neg Ductal BC stage 3...Masectomy week before Christmas and have at last got my Chemo date..pre/chemo 3rd and 5th feb...yikes!!Been on another thread with some lovely ladies and found this one,which is ideal as we are all starting approx same date😊X
Makes me smile reading some comments...and so nice to share things.
Hey Sandie...chatted to you on other thread,I see you start on the 5th too?Ive never heard of a Portacat before?X
Natalie...you start same date as me too and sounds like you are preparing just like me😊...wigs etc...thanks for the website tip,will look at that,as don't wear makeup usually,but will no doubt need it!X
Hi Alison...what do they say about wearing dark nail polish lovely?X
Pjw...hey,I'm a single mum too,how you finding things,how old are your children?This site is great isn't it,such brilliant support😊.Have you cut your hair before your Chemo?X
Hope I've not rambled on too much!Just thought I'd introduce myself and say Hi!So nice to know I have lovely ladies to share the journey with😊...just wish it led to a sunny Carribean beach with Jessie Pavalka serving me cocktails dressed in just very small trunks!!
Take care,love Rachel X

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

😊

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

It won't let me delete comments I've made in error...just edit them lol!x

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Hello everyone!😊

[Nattyoo]

Hi everyone.
Saw my oncologist yesterday and am booked in for 5th. This next week is going to be a bit agonising but gives time to get things organised. Planning on some serious food/hat/ vitamin shopping over the next few days.
Planning to try some wigs on tomorrow whilst I still have hair so if I decide to have one I can just order it. Have had a horror of wigs and masks since childhood, always hated that moment in scooby doo where the villain peals off his disguise... I saw a woman at the clinic who was obviously a bit further down the chemo road. She was wearing an amazing black peaked hat made from folded jersey fabric, I think. (Possibly suburban turban? ). I think I might go for that look with a striking lipstick... Strangely, I've never been overly vain but this seems like a matter of importance. Really don't want to go out feeling too not-me.

I had only two weeks left at work when we got the diagnosis. Daughter is at uni, husband retired, and although I'm only 52 had planned to 'retire' to travel the world, build a studio, oh, and tidy those kitchen cupboards... So having lots of free time is new to me and I'm rather enjoying it (given the circumstances). The world and cupboards will have to wait. I'm off to watch the new series of Homeland.
Thinking of you all, Natalie

[pjw]

Hi girls - better day for me today. Went shopping yesterday, looked at everyone getting on with their lives whilst mine has been hi-jacked by cancer and promptly got on the feel sorry for me train.

Actually got more than four hours straight sleep last night and managed to achieve something today. Nothing exciting - hair cut, not quite GI Jane - and then some paperwok.

Has been a rapid journey so far. Think the waiting for chemo is difficult - trying to keep busy.

Two pages of prescriptions - something to look forward to then- I' m still writing down the time I take paracetamol/ibuprofen so that I don't take too many. Be interesting when 'chemo brain' kicks in!! Hugs to you all - we can do this xx

[keepmumsane]

Ooo anniegran, thanks for that!  Off to check it out. Meeting my district chemo nurse today,  hopefully he'll have tips for food too.... its a learning curve of epic proportions ladies.  

Hi pjw (did I get that right.? Its a hazard of who you reply to as you cant see the others ) you've sure fadt tracked your treatment,  not sure if that makes it easier or harder to get your head around.  I suspect it makes no differance really.  its still overwhelming. Hugs. 🙂 

Seems crazy to go from panadol and neurofen in the cupboard to half a chemist shop.  in fact my chemist only had half the things in the two pages of scripts I took in. 

I had the urge to tell them Id have them shaken not stirred thanks...  or shout holy pink maracas , all for me? 

But possibly they may have sedated me instead . 

Much love ladies, thinking of you

Xx Sandie

[Anniegran]

Hello girls, have been trying to find out what to eat whilst on chemo and have found www,chemocookeryclub.free downloads and some lovely recipes. I am going to order the cookbook.
I have been making some meals to put in the freezer.

[Nattyoo]

Morning everyone,
Welcome pjw, I'm certainly finding this forum an additional support. It looks as though most of us are starting on or around 5th Feb so we'll be able to share experiences. My main concern post surgery has been whether 'is this swelling/bruising/pain etc 'normal'? '. It will be really useful for us all to be able to travel this chemo path together.
It is easy to feel isolated as it's such a deeply personal experience, and of course our personal situations are all different. I'm learning to not expose myself to precarious situations when feeling vulnerable.

You made me choke on my Fruit & Fibre, Sandie. Whilst juggling chainsaws has never been on my To Do list, we might all be up for something Wonder Woman-ish by next year. Roll on June!
Big hugs, Natalie

[Alison_46]

Morning All,
Welcome pjw, gosh things have moved quickly for you haven't they?! I was diagnosed beg November, surgery beg December & start chemo on 3rd.
Sandie, I know that feeling of panic! Have been a bit off myself since getting the appointment date, not really bad just a bit up and down. Guess it's just that whole BC roller coaster thing that we're all on.
As always hugs to all, take care ladies
Xx

[June_BCC]

Hello Pjw

Welcome to the BCC forums.  Whilst waiting for support and shared experiences from your fellow users maybe you would like to call our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 and talk to one of our staff who are there to offer support and practical information.  The lines are open Monday to Friday 9-5 and Saturday10-2.

Best wishes

June, moderator

[pjw]

Hi everyone- I start chemo in February. Prov port op on 4th and chemo on 5th. Diagnosed week before Christmas and surgery just over two weeks ago. single mum who has good support but feeling isolated. have sent off for hats but can't face a wig!

[keepmumsane]

Oooo got my start date this morning,  portacath on the 30th , chemo on the 5th..

Deep breaths, kettle on, eyeing the Whiskey bottle....lol

And now I have the theme from mission impossible in my head... !

Hugs ladies, let the circus begin... next year I think chainsaw juggling and fire eating might be a more fun option.

Xxx

Thinking of you

Sandie

[keepmumsane]

Thank you Jo, thank you Alice. 

Logically I know its ok, but the last couple of days my circuts are a little shorted out.

😉 I already have shark bite/pirate sword/snake wrestling scar....maybe this will be my kracken wrangling one.

Helps to hear from you Alice, the work thing is bugging me . Im a free lance gardener, been slowly building a wee business which is limping now... but might be lucky if I manage the times and tasks. 

One day at a time. ♡

Xxx

Thanks heaps.

Sandie

*more compulsive baking required,  vanilla and Chocolate for everyone.