Holding hands - 1st FEC chemo 6th jan

[Richo]

Pearlysox (Wendy)

Thinking about you and hope you ok tonight xxxx

[Sabraan]

Hello Ladies!

Well I am grateful for lilythepink for starting this thread as it's lovely to read comments and support from women going thru what I am when I am if that makes sense!

Had my first dose of TAC chemo last Thursday (14TH) and still feel awful. Like you, lily, I'm having to deal with kids and school runs etc when feeling dreadful. My SE's so far are constant nausea, aching all over, tiredness, insomnia and my tastebuds are wierd and everything tastes odd. Except for nuts and cream cheese.

I haven't vomited which is such a blessing as I get very distressed and faint usually. There's been some constipation but lots of nuts and fruit seems to have eased that. ous lives we lead!

I decided not to go for the cold cap as was told it didn't have a very good success rate by my onc but have had my hair cut short ready for the fall out!

Do they do those "looking good feeling great!" workshops where you are lily? and the other ladies on this thread? I'm booked into one in March and am really looking forward to being pampered and shown how to draw in my eyebrows!

I'm due to have a PICC line fitted before my next dose of chemo which is on the 4th Feb. I'm not looking forward to having it fitted but understand it'll be better for me.

Got to go now - does anyone else find it really hard to spell, type or even talk?!!

Lots of love
Lucinda XX

[Guest user]

helen

I can't thank you enough for your post. You have set my mind to rest on my Hickman line and made me more determined to try and get over the first 15-20 mins with the cap. My husband will be telling me non PC jokes throughout it all and saying that it won't matter if i can't stand it, but i am going to give it my best shot.

My friend who is at a different hospital was not given the option of the cap as they don;t do it. Outrageous.

Thanks again.

Wendy
XX

[Guest user]

Hi all, thought I'd just add a comment as someone who finished 4xFEC with hickman line and cold cap just before Christmas.

Good luck with it all, hickman line is horrible and hurts for 2 weeks then should settle down and you should be ok with it. Make sure you watch for possible infection - I ended up with one, but was ok after week in hospital! Having the line out is much much easier than having it inserted. And when you hear the stories of 'search for the vein' from those without a line, you will be so thankful you have one - makes life so much easier - no needles!

I recommend the cold cap - I used it and kept all my hair. It thinned and was a bit bald on top but now would never know, apart from needing some colour it looks great. The cap is awful for the first 15 mins and then your head will go numb - just persevere with it, it's worth it.

Hope it all goes well for you all.

Helen.

[Guest user]

Hi there
Hickman line didn't go as easily as hoped. Bloody veins. Met a lovely lady, Geraldine, who is at the same stage as me (first chemo tomorrow me on the morning shift she is on the afternoon one ) having her Hickman inserted too. She was in xray for 15 mins came back right as rain no sedation. Set me up nicely. I got in there my vein wasn't where it should be?? And after 3 pokes around he decides to go for an ultrasound to try and find the bugger. Thankfully he eventually found it. Then off for a chest xray to make sure it was ok. 45 mins i was away ( which i know in the greater scheme of things is nothing ) but i did long to be the lady before me !! But i didn't go for sedation either so was home before the one o'clock news started. The fake tan from the iodine is rubbish - has gone very patchy so soon !!

On a really positive note just opposite me in xray was a lady having her line removed as she starts radiotherapy later this week - and she looked great. I hope i look so well in 6 months time.

Richo - the very very best of luck i will let you know how tomorrow goes. Cold cap to start but with Mama Mia on my psp hopefully the time will fly. Take care.
Wendy XX

[Guest user]

Hi everyone, got through my first treatment Thursday.
Felt really sick and unsteady for 24 hours, but then eased off - not good with ickyness - hope next one better.

Sallyjack - I did use the cold cap - managed to get a smaller size - larger one hardly touched my head so wouldn't have worth doing. Cold to begin with but after first 10 - 15 minutes head numbs and it gets easier.
Found that with the cold cap and cold treatments going in I got very cold. My daughter came with me and kept me plied with hot drinks which got me through (took 3 hours) - I was also very glad to have her there to drive me home as I did feel heady afterwards (although OK to go shopping). Will take extra layer next time and hot soup too.

Tiredness easing, but am back in to the office today (work at home) so see how I go.

Hope everyone else is Ok
Chris

[Richo]

Wendy,

Good luck today and tomorrow, let me know how you get on xxx

[Guest user]

Hi there

I am having my Hickman line fitted this morning at 9. Up early to get some breakfast - no eating for 2 hours before. My veins are rubbish so i was recommended to have the permanent line put in. can't say i am looking forward to it - may even snore if sedated - if they can find a vein to put it in!! I start my chemo tomorrow with the cold cap. Have to give it a go if it comes off during the treatment then so be it but at least i gave it a go which will make me feel better. My OH is coming too he is also a larger than life character who makes the most inappropriate jokes at the wrong moment but that is how he deals with it all. He is just too nervous to just sit there silent.
Richo i know exactly what you mean and feel - good luck for later in the week !
Wendy

[Guest user]

sallyjack think it is sometimes easier going on your own, my OH would have just told naff jokes, not even remotely funny.

All It is 4am and i am wide awake, carnt sleep as head itchy and when i looked in mirror, my eyelids have swollen up, looks like been crying but havent. Going to look like scary monster for school run in the morning.

Bit terrified how i am going to cope with the kids this week as been very tired today, i hate being tired, hate it hate it

[Richo]

Hi, its Sunday, 4 days to first chemo and I am still unsure what to do about cold cap, so many different stories, suppose will just decide on the day.

Spent yesterday shopping for as much stuff to deal with SE's as possible. Fingers crossed won't need too much of it.

Been down a little since read an article in our local evening newspaper about a girl (36 years old) from same part of Middlesbrough as me who was diagnosed with BC in Dec 07 and recently passed away. Better half tried to keep paper from me as he knew it would upset me and boy has it, two bloody years, bless her thats all she got!!!

This chemo better do its stuff!!

Sorry everyone, its just soooooooooooo scarey xxxx

[Guest user]

Thanks finty and Sabby for your replies. I shall be asking questions when I go back for the pre-assessment. There was just so much to take in when we saw the onc.

Thanks Jo for the links. It is taxotere that I shall be given, so that is useful to know a bit more.

As for my OH, I have been thinking about him taking me after all. Sabby you are right that my OH can only give so much help during the actual treatment. Having some errands for him to do might be a good idea, I'll work on that one.

[Guest user]

At the moment i only really think about BC and the chemo when i logon to this site, rest of the time manage to forget. There are a few reminders around the place, antisickness drugs and a wig but when i am looking after the kids dealing with paperwork or the dreadful ironing i forget. I think maybe this will get me through, distraction.

[Jo_BCC]

Hi sallyjack,

I have posted the links to 2 of our publications that you might like to read.

Taxol: http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/publications/quick-order-list/*/changeTe...

Taxotere: http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/publications/quick-order-list/*/changeTe...

If you would like to talk to one of the breast care nurses here more about your treatment then please do phone the helpline, the staff are here to support you. Calls to the helpline are free, 0808 800 6000, lines open M-F 9-5 and Sat 9-2

Kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator

[Guest user]

Hi sallyjack
Sorry can't help with your question regarding hair loss and the type of chemo you are having (I thought there was a difference between TAX and TAC?) but the answer is bound to be somewhere on the forum 🙂
Losing your hair is b****y awful (and cold!!) because we take having it for granted and it defines our gender and charater. I've decided now is the ideal time to experiment with my "look" make-up, hats, scarves, wigs and different style of clothes - retail therapy 🙂
Strangly enough you do get used to the bald women looking back from the mirror, although it doesn't stop you counting every hair that falls or checking for regrowth in a OCD kinda way 🙂

On the subject of your OH, he sounds just the same as mine! I also didn't want him to go to the chemo unit as he a very big, very loud and blunt with his comments (Farmer) but he wanted to - he felt helpless and ignorant on what was happening. This is the only way they can help support us, the chemo nurses know how to deal with them aswell as us! Once I'm settled on the IV I send my OH on errands in to city etc if he gets too jittery. But I'm so grateful he's there to take me home.

Please don't go on your on, if nothing else you won't be sure of what SE you'll have. If your OH wants to take you - give him the chance to try and help you.

All the best

Sab

Sorry - waffled on a bit

[finty]

sallyjack - I think you have been misinformed about the cold cap and tax - my onc told me the opposite - unless it is a dosage issue perhaps? Also my father has recently gone through tax for bladder cancer and not lost much hair at all, with no cold cap, and he is nearly 80 so would expect hair loss at his age. I was told FEC is the worst, and Tax responds well to cold cap. And after 2 x FEC I have still only lost a few hairs, so would recommend cold cap if it bothers you. I will continue through tax as well, as long as it seems to be working. The short hair cut will help, you need really good scalp contact with the cap.

[Guest user]

Hi everybody. I am a newbie and have just found out that I will start TAC chemo on the 26th. I have only seen one other person mention they are getting TAC on another post. I am now wondering why I am not getting the more common FEC.

It is all worrying and I agree the anticipation and fear of what might happen is the worst. I will be glad when it has all started and I know what my SE's will be.

My greatest fear, the one that seems to worry everybody, is the loss of hair. My onc told me that a cold cap would not be of any use, I am going to lose my hair. I had not realised I was so vain, but my hair is the only part of me that I have never had to be less than happy with. I am getting it cut short next week, and hopefully will sort out a wig soon though I do not fancy wearing a wig or a hat.

I will appreciate some hand holding here. Sometimes I feel as though I am the one who is being positive and supporting everybody else. I have told my OH I would prefer him not to be with me during the chemo as he has a low patience threshold and I know he would get restless and tetchy having to hang around. It will be less stressful for me if he is not there, but I know it is going to be difficult to make that first journey to the hospital by myself.

I am taking on board what you all say about being prepared, so when I go for my pre-assessment I will take a list of questions and requests.

Oh gosh, I didn't intend to write but I am glad I have found somewhere to meet others going through the same thing. Thanks.

[Guest user]

You're right Flora, PICC and Hickman lines do leave you more open to infection because they provide access for bugs at the point where they enter the skin so they need some care to keep them clean and infection free. Portacaths are different as they are implanted fully under the skin so once the wound from the insertion surgery is healed the risk of infection is much reduced with the risk being associated with introduction of bugs when a needle is inserted into the port for admin of drugs or taking of blood samples.

Linda
xx

[Flora29]

Hi Richo

While it is good to be prepared for the possible side effects, you may also not have any - I didn't, and many others are similar to me. Most I have had is hair loss (that's a given), some mouth ulcers on the first FEC (but still quite mild and now eliminated with Squigle toothpaste and mouthwash) and constiptation caused by the anti-sickness drugs. I have had 4 now, and have gone to work throughout, with only some slightly woozy/tired days - nothing that stops me operating.

Obviously, some people do get it worse, but I was unprepared for feeling OK!!! I just want to give you the other side of the story.

Regarding veins, again everyone is different, so just don't be afraid to ask if there appears to be a problem. In my chemo unit, they seem to try a couple of times, and then ask someone with more expertise to try. Very few that I have seen have a line of any kind, and they leave you open to infection to a degree, so it isn't an early option.

Good luck on the 21st.

Edited to add: hadn't read 1dayatatime's post, so I may be wrong re-infection, but that is what my OH and his nursing mum told me!!

[Guest user]

I don't think whether you're skinny/bony or not has much effect on how easy (or otherwise) it is to find a vein or how well they hold out with chemo. Some people to managage with very little problem while others struggle from the start.

My oncologist decided I should have a portacath fitted before I started chemo so I don't know how I'd have got on but when I had the op to fit the portacath it took them 3 attempts to find a vein to administer the sedation so I'm glad I went along with his advice (I was rather reluctant at the time!).

There are several different types of permanent line and it's certainly worth discussing with your medical team. My portacath is great and I'd highly recommend them but they are the least common type as I believe they are the most costly to fit. Portacaths sit under the skin of the chest so there is no exposed line and therefore less risk of infection, a special type of needle is then inserted through the skin into the port to give infusions and take blood samples so a small needle prick each time but much easier tnan fitting a cannula.

HTH

[Guest user]

I have a port fitted and it seemes easier rather than looking for veins, its uncomfortable for a few days when they fit it then, Once its settled, its fine u kinda forget about that its there.

[Richo]

Query about veins?? A couple of people have suggested getting a line in saves them looking for veins?? I am quite skinny with boney hands and now worried about this?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Anne xxx

[Guest user]

Hey

I just finished my FEC, its tough but hang in there the initial 3 days are tough but 2,3, & 4th the nausea, headaches get better but fatigue needs a bit more work, one thing I must stress is be very careful with infections FEC hits the white blood cells hard, make sure people wash hands before they even hug you and even with someone with a slight sore throat stay away...

someone suggested to get the white blood cells to use something called LifeMel honey which dear at 37 quid but u take small teaspoon morning n nite..hang in there..its tough but it will soon be over..

and anyone starting FEC first one, you may or may not get a migrane type headache, the first one is worse so before you go take 2 panadols or the pharmacist gave me something called syndol i took it for 2,3 n 4 so the headache was not worse

the day for chemo, eat light clear soups and make sure u take a cold water of bottle to drink during the infusions, try n finish it

Last tip, something that actually made me cope with FEC easier, the gave me an option to use slight sedation tablets, and I took it in as soon as the side effects kicked so u were a bit groggy thats all.

Its ok, you feel yucky but not worse, remember chemo is not your enemy but a little friend who has come to help fight the cancer(thats what i kept telling myself heheheheheh xx)

hugs xoxo

[marli]

Morning Richo - yes the atticipation is awful but once it is here and you get the first one over you will feel better.Like you I need to be prepared and have some idea what to expect so reading through these threads really helped . If you go to the community page and click on latest Posts then scroll through the list you should find "Top tips to get you through chemotherapy " which has some useful advice. There are some other very positve sites with loads of info, advice and support but can't remember titles at the mo.Will try to find them and let you know later. Best advice for me has been to drink loads, avoid constipation cused by anti-sickness drugs (speak to the chemo. nurse for advice),get some freshair and exercise each day and rest when you can. Take care. Marli. x

[Richo]

Hello everyone, I am due to have my first FEC on Thurs 21 Jan and find one minute I am ok and feel positive then every now and then get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. For me it was good to see the chemo unit. I am the type of person who likes to be organised and prepared for whatever SE's come my way. Can anyone advise where I can find the Top Tips for Chemo thread? Also my partner is away the next day/night and am wondering am I gonna be ok on my own??

Sometimes I feel this is all happening to someone else!!! Its only the beginning of a road I have to travel down and I don't want to be scared.

Find this site wonderful and would be lost without it.

Anne xx

[Guest user]

Hope everyone who is going through Chemo aswell at the moment is ok and not having too many SE's. I think my house has cancer, the boiler is poorlie, the washing machine, the cooker is on its last legs. I am going to try and project positive vibes, but probably need plumber and electrician.
My sons said he hated my new short hair cut, but then came up to me today gave me a great big cuddle and said he loves it now (he is 2) How cute

[marli]

Hi Liz - Sorry to hear that you are going to have chemo and your understandable concerns. If you have read these threads you will see that a lot of people feel the same and that the anticipation can be worse than the actual deed! There is loads of advice and positive comments - not everybody has bad SE's.I've been lucky and have had fairly minor SE's, constipation being the worst but if yo know about it and try to deal with it before it starts you should be OK. The chemo nurses are the ones to ask how to deal with and potential problems. My must have is lactalose and crystallised ginger(for nausea)
The hair thing is by far the worst thing and when it started coming out that is when I felt really down, so I understand where you are coming from. Getting a wig sooner rather than later is the best thing as that way you can always look a presentable. It's not my favourite thing but at least I can face the world. It's still early days regarding your scars etc. (I couldn't look at mine for months although my hubby would have a "scar check" every Sat. morning and reassured me they were fine. I started feeling human agin when I could have bubble baths. It must be hard for our parteners as they are very much spectators watching us going through all these horrid things and not knowing what to to to help. Hope you are felling a little better and feel that you can come on here and have a moan as well as get some cyber support. Marlix

[Guest user]

Hi All

Well 1st FEC down five to go, wasnt too bad and so far feeling pretty good(no doubt the steroids).feeling good hope it lasts.OH seems a lot less stressed now but he still keeps looking at me waiting for me to throw up or something lol. donna x

[Guest user]

Hey Liz

Try not to worry yourself too much about chemo. It is as they say 'doable'!

I have a phobia about feeling & being sick & managed to get thru 4 cycles of FEC okay & am halfway thru 4 TAX. I was only actually sick once after my first dose, but it turned out to be the effects of domperidone (anti sickness meds)on me rather than the chemo! The nurses are fantastic at tweaking your meds for you if the first lot aren't effective enough, so make sure you tell them about any side effects you have, no matter how small. The nausea you can't really avoid unfortunately,indigestion tablets from the hospital helped me a fair bit, but it's nothing worse than morning sickness & it passes quickly. And even as a sickness wimp I didn't find it too bad.

With regard to losing your hair...I joked about it for weeks & said it wouldn't bother me....until it happened! I had already got my hair cut short & I dyed it a colour I didn't like so I wouldn't be as devastated when the day came! LOL
The morning I woke up (day 13 for me!) and my hair was coming out in clumps I done a Britney! It was something I had to do myself & in private. I shaved my head with a number 2 & my husband done a short one when I eventually had the guts to take off my hat later that night! Once my hair was gone I was actually fine with it. It was just actually seeing my hair coming out that freaked me out, so, for me it was best to get rid immediately!

You'll probably be surprised with hats too. I never suited any kind of hat except a baseball cap prior to this, but I found a few hats that I really suit now & cover my full baldy head (so much so that no one realised I had no hair until I told them!). I found Debenhams really good & got 3 or 4 different hats in there & ordered some beau beau scarves online from America that come already shaped (no complicated tying) & I feel are more modern in design. At least it's winter & no one looks twice at you traipsing round the supermarket in a hat, makes me less self concious!

I empathise with the husband situation too! My husband is fantastic, but to him this is just a temporary inconvenience that will be finished as soon as chemo & rads are over for me & I get the recon that I'm desperate for! He doesn't really get my down days, or why I sometimes cry when I look in the mirror & see a bald Buddha staring back at me. He is getting better with me now tho & mostly treats me the same way he used to....throwing me round & slagging me off! LOL
It'll take your husband time & to be fair, the scars do look pretty sore when you're not long post op. He might just be wary of hurting you or damaging you wounds if he so much as cuddles you.
Like Naz says, sit down & talk to your husband about how you feel, I do quite often, much to his disgust! LOL. Most men just don't seem to be good with emotions & dealing with this sort of thing, they'd rather wait until it all goes away! He probably doesn't even realise how he's making you feel.

Good Luck with everything!

Hazel xx

[NAZ]

Hi there bizzyizzywizzy!
I understand where you are coming from, as i was exactly the same when i was told that i needed chemo after having a mastectomy to remove a 4cm lump from my left breast back in September last year.
I was even contemplating not having the chemo simply because i did not want to lose my hair! It is hard to get your head around all tha is happening to you, as it is such a roller coaster of a journey.

The chemo for me is not nearly half as bad as i had anticipated..you are given plenty of anti sickness medication and for every potential side effect, the doc can prescribe something to alleviate it.

As for the hair loss, you could give the cold cap a go..(there is a thread somewhere on here about them), it has worked for many ladies, so have a read and see what you think.
Again, once you face it head on (and that is hard i think) things can get easier for you.
Your husband and you are in this together, so chat and share your feelings, as i am sure he will worry for you.
When i am feeling a bit wobbly about the whole no hair/no boob thing, he re assures me that he loves me for who i am and not what i look like at the moment..which is good to know!

You can get some lovely hats now (especially as it is winter), so maybe experiment a little and go for a new look?
The wigs are also great, event he synthetic ones look real and remember all of this is TEMPORARY, just an inconvenience, but it will pass.

All the best.
Naz x

[Guest user]

Hi everyone,
Just read through all the comments. Diagnosed with DCIS in Nov, mx and diep done in dec, got the results and the cancer is now invasive and told i need chemo. Was fine till then, been very tearful and worried about the side effects, as i know i am not a very good patient, hate feeling sick, and the thought of lossing my hair is devasting - have never suited hats or scarfs. Husband does not really understand concerns - already feel less of a women, one boop down, other reduced, huge gash across belly. He is being (how to describe it) polite and like a stranger. He says he doesnt know how to approach me without hurting me. All i need is to feel human again. How do other peoples husbands, partners cope?
Liz

[Guest user]

Hi all, good luck to everyone who has just had or is having their first chemo.I remember how anxious I was before my first one.

I also felt a bit abandoned after first chemo, but the chemo nurses were very good if phoned and tried to answer any questions I had. Luckily for me my first one was the one with the least side effects.

Fast approaching chemo number 5 out of 6, so all good. The time has passed really quickly.

Good luck to everyone undergoing treatment or just finished, it will soon be all you first timers approaching the end.

Take care, love and hugs, Debbie. xx

[Guest user]

I'm in for my first chemo tomorrow morning - and feeling quite stressed - will be glad to get it out of the way. Sorted my wig yesterday - but am still wavering about using the cold cap, not sure if I can cope with that as well.
Hope you got on OK Lillyloo.

[marli]

Hi debbs38 - Well done first one over, and not to bad so far! I've been very well so far with only mild nausea but when it does arise I eat crystallised ginger and it works a treat so may be worth a try.Also remember to drink loads to flush the chemo out of your system and just relax and sleep when you have to. Keep well.
Marli . x

[debbs38]

Hi there,
chemo yesetrday was fine. cold cap think made me feel abit sick but after 15min was ok just heavy and headache. Got home and thought I was doing really well-had chemo about 12.30 and was absolutely fine till 8.30pm and then felt abit sick and v tired so went to bed and felt sick all night but not actually been sick, comes in waves. Suppose im lucky ive not been sick yet but its only the first day. still in pjs watching crap daytime tv. Think Id bettr go and have some more tablets to try keep it at bay.
hows eveyone else doing? xxx

[Guest user]

Hi all

just sitting reading all the comments, going for first FEC this afternoon, well it dosn't sound too bad(bet your all being kind to us new to it). feel remarkably calm but the OH is more stressed than me....poor old sod nobody seems to ask him how he is coping.thanks for all the tips sure will be trying most...donna x

[Flora29]

Debbs
Hope today went ok.
xxx

[Guest user]

LilythePink - I was put into contact with the district nurses straight after chemo and they came to introduce themselves the day after my first FEC. They have been issued with a prescription card from the gp and are on 24 hour call if I have any problems.

Try giving your surgery a call to see if the same is on offer in your area - it is a massive comfort that you don't have to do it on your own...

[debbs38]

Hi there,
Im in tomorrow for 1st chemo. Cant believe the time has finally come round. Hope everyone else is doing OK. Going to try the cold cap but my hair is really fine anyway so not sure it will do anything. Good to hear how people are doing. xxx

[scottishlass]

Hi Lilythepink, Ask your GP to prescribe Movicol. No need to make an appointment. Phone your GP and ask the receptionist ( I call ours the Gestapo !) if she will leave a note for him and ask him to call you if there is a problem. This is what I did. The movicol comes in sachets and you put it in water and it is very pleasant to take. I had lemon and lime. Love Val

[Guest user]

Thanks your right, you feel abit like a time bomb, i am going to try and forget about it, otherwise i will become paranoid.
Drinking loads, but its like being pregnant, where are the toilets when you need them?

[Guest user]

Hi,
I know how you feel, never knowing who to bother when you don't feel well. We collect quite a number of phone numbers along the way...I also felt alone after the first one, almost waiting for something to happen!
I hope you're managing to drink plenty.. it helps loads and rest (I know not possible with kiddies!)
hope the SE's pass quickly for you

Sarah xx

[Guest user]

I feel abit lost, Chemo went well, then home, and thats it, Feel like having to deal with SE's on my own, breast care nurse not interested as i am having chemo now, and phoned chemo unit, and they said will phone back when have time, Still major headaches (popping paracetamol like smarties), major constipation and the period from hell, it doesnt sound alot but the kids are'nt giving me any let up, and trying to keep on top of stuff. Sorry to winge(I hate wingeing)

On the plus side i havent been too sick, so thats good

[Guest user]

Coco - I don't know if this is any consolation, but like you losing my hair was my primary worry before the chemo. One treatment down, and I have to say that the worry has shrunk in my mind. I have got a very good wig and my OH even said he preferred it to my current look (think he was just being kind though!!). However, the wig will give me the confidence to go out and keep some semblance of normal life.

Know a lot of ladies use scarves and hats, but not a look that suits me. Good luck with it all!!!

[finty]

Hi coco - if the hair thing is freaking you out try the cold cap if you are offered it. I still haven't lost any hair - day 21 now - my nurse thinks I have the right shaped head to fit the cap perfectly ie. big! I also kept pulling it down so it was in contact with the scalp everywhere. Have lost my underarm hair,so am encouraged to think it's the cold cap that is making the difference.

[finty]

Thanks Flora - I'm seeing my onc today so will mention both those. Farting no problem - but can't stop burping! Guess it's gotta get out somehow or other.

[Guest user]

Monica, Val & all, many thanks for the welcome. I am all ready for Tuesday, although apprehensive & scared..natural response really.
I miss my work so much Monica, I work in a busy acute admission ward, one of my friends left the NHS a few years ago to go and work in voluntary sector and he loves it.
My treatment and recovery is: Grade 3 tunour, removed via wide local incision with spread to four axilary nodes. Due to start 3 X FEC then 3 X Taxotere. Period of recovery then mastectomy and removal of the ovaries. (I am a BRCA2 mutation carrier). Period of Radio but currently unsure of dose as advised by oncololgist. more surgery to remove other breast which is not diseased but due to genetic mutation, it is my choice to have it removed and have prophylactic surgery on both breasts, my surgeon agress that this is a good choice.
This will be a long recovery journey...I say I will be back on my feet this time next year lol...my friends and colleagues think longer....this is so hard, I feel that I am walking around in a disturbed dream..
Lynn xxx

[Flora29]

Hi Finty
My onc gave me lactulose for the constipation (but only after I reported it from the first treatment), and it worked ok for the second. For the third I didn't take it in time (ouch) and for the 4th I took it on the day and for about 4 days afterwards, and things did move, but only slowly. Not as painful as treatments 1 and 3!!

Everyone seems to recommend Movicol, so I am going to ask for that this time (or just buy some).

I am now farting for England though, so if you see a green mist in the Wales/Gloucestershire area, that'll be me!

Good luck!!

[finty]

Thanks guys - any recommendations for the constipation?

[Guest user]

hi i am having my 1st chemo tomorrow the 11th of jan and i am scared to death i have to have 6 cycles of fec and then 15 sessions of radio and 12 months of herceptin so dont know whot to expect there is some positive comments on this sitebut has people say we are all individuel i am dreading loosein my hair i have already picked a wig got it friday that was hard to do is the 1st one the hardest to cope with hope you are feeling ok i will be be thinking of everyone who has to go through this thought the surgery was hard to cope with but this is scaring me more maybe this time next year i could sit here i think whot was i scared off good luck to everyone goin through this best wishes to you all jackiexxxx

[Guest user]

my se have been the same both fec cycles. for me it's nausea (lots of anti sickness meds) or else i will be sick) , mouth ulcars, gum ulcars, and oral thrush.

I did the cold cap, but it didnt work for me. Hair started coming out on day 17. All gone now.So i wear hats/scarves. Have a wig, but havent got around to wearing it yet.
eva