'June Jewels' - Precious and shining through :)

[Guest user]

Morning Jewels,
FEC4/6 day 10.
I should have listened to the advice to get my sore arm checked out. This morning I could barely lift it and touching it was so painful The bruise from the cannula has got larger and blacker and I can feel a steady throb deep in the muscle.

Off to A/E we go at 8am. Packed already but I was taken straight through and seen immediately. The most handsome doctor I have ever seen dealt with me, if only I was thirty years younger !

Doctor was concerned I had infection and starting muttering about nutrphenia, sorry cannot spell, bloods done, poked and prodded a lot. Thankfully my count was '3' and i was allowed home with antibiotics. Is '3' good ? It seems my viens are starting to protest and get sore. I just hope I can get through the next 2 sessions, I really don't want a port put in.

[YB54321]

Morning lovelies,

Have updated the list but am sure one of the Jewels was only having 4 cycles but can't remember for the life of me who it was and I know Jill is changing to weekly after the next cycle but is anyone else? Just so I keep the dates right.

Just about to head over to Manchester so I'll check in soon x

[YB54321]

• jmeg - Jill 12/8 (cycle 3)
• LinsLleisio - Lins 13/8 (cycle 4)
• BeckyJoan - Becky 13/8 (cycle 4)
• jayney234 - 13/8 (cycle 4)
• ChelleB15 - Chelle 14/8 (cycle 4)
• Satsuma - Fi 15/8 (cycle 3)
• Marionblue - 15/8 (cycle 5)
• Spurs79 - Claire 15/8 (cycle 4)
• TaylorJ - 15/8 (cycle 4)
• Jackiebee - Jackie 19/8 (cycle 3)
• ethel1 - Elizabeth 19/8 (cycle 4)
• Esther_1986 - Est 19/8 (cycle 4)
• Meggy-moo - Agnes 21/8 (cycle 4)
• MarthasSOS - Martha 21/8 (cycle 5)
• pat_1949 - Pat 22/8 (cycle 4)
• Melrose15 - Emma 22/8 (cycle 4)
• Deedee215 - Deedee 22/8 (cycle 4)
• Flip Flop - Faye 22/8 (cycle 4)
• March13 - Ann 22/8 (cycle 5)
• LaineyK - Lainey 23/8 (cycle 4)
• Linsey 50 - 23/8 (cycle 4)
• Trish1303 - Trish 23/8 (cycle 4)
• ambercatz - Jan - 23/8 (cycle 4)
• PeachyPal - Emma 27/8 (cycle 4)
• Cassie1 - Jayne 27/8 (cycle 5)
• Izzy1969 - Izzy 27/8 (cycle 5)
• Maxie - Sandra 27/8(cycle 4)
• pointy - Debs 27/8 (cycle 4) FINAL
• flippantfox - 27/8 (cycle 4)
• Artemis17 - Vicki 28/8 (cycle 4)
• Suffolklady - Cress 28/8 (cycle 4)
• cazzer1970 - Caroline 28/8 (cycle 4)
• Fimbo 123 - Joan 28/8 (cycle 5)
• titus4t - 28/8 (cycle 5)
• Glasgow Girl - Fiona 29/8 (cycle 5)
• NicJ - NicJ 30/8 (cycle 5)
• Gussie-WW - 30/8 (cycle 4)
• Janet C - Janet 30/8 (cycle 4)
• Katherine10 - Katherine 02/9 (cycle 4) FINAL

[NicJ]

dont forget the mummy's lump story adapt it for grandma. Works for us but we have to up the age range since Tim is 16

[Maxie]

Morning Jewels,

Mixed bag of s/e's & some of you with lots of energy, wow Nicola running etc, brilliant!!
Hope you TAX ladies who are suffering feel better soon & those of you without the s/e's carry on feeling good!...x

Katherine long day for you but all done now & hope you feel better soon 🙂

Chelle, enjoy your weekend...happy times! 🙂

Fiona so pleased you seem to be keeping any s/e's under control....keep that energy going lovely!!..x

Nic J great to hear from you, you've certainly had lots on & I hope you enjoy your well deserved holiday! 🙂

Well you all inspired me yesterday Jewels & while I haven't climbed Everest ( your post made me laugh Jill!) I did manage to do a half hour brisk walk on the treadmill!...for me thats good going on day 4 of Fec!.. 🙂

Had a good day yesterday, phone calls from my two best friends from back home who always end up calling me on the same day even tho they don't plan to -spooky!! Anyway the nice thing was they were normal conversations, barely touching on BC & friend No1 asking for advice etc which was just great & made me feel a bit more like the old me!
Went to visit colleague & her new puppy in the afternoon, good catch up & pup lovely (border collie called Ruby!)

Today OH picking up eldest Grandson from Cheshire, & bringing him back for the weekend, can't wait, he's 7 & adorable, have missed spending time with him, I asked his Mum to explain my baldy head (last time I saw him had wiggy on & he didnt notice!) but because he's staying know he'll see it & didn't want to shock him!....difficult to explain but basically shes just told him Im on strong medicine thats made my hair fall out...Knowing what children are like Im sure he'll just take it in his stride & be quite intrigued!

Anyway ladies hope you all have a good weekend & s/e's are few....

Sandra xx

[jmeg]

Morning Jewels,Is there something in the water LOL we all seem to be bouncing again must admit Ive only managed work and shopping but bike rides,races,oreintering,cooking and sewing makes me wonder what you all did before BC,think todays going to be my most stressful one shopping with the mother shes like a whippet on speed with me trailing behind saying I am tired me legs are hurting lol sound like a 4yr old brat but can you just imagine a near 70yr old offering to pick me up,last time I just gave up and went and sat in the car.
Anyway being back at work has diffently picked me up,house isnt as tidy as it has been it looks near back to normal,think OS moved back in last tuesday he,s here when I go to bed and here when I get up eating me out of house n home I just cant be bothered asking him enough drama in my life without his when he's ready I am sure he will tell me happens fairly regular normally Id be telling him cant use my house as an escape go and sort it out but to weary and think shes having bad pregnacy,YS got his first pay from new job yesterday so he's on the MIA list,MS texted me saying he 'd like to fetch new GF to visit he's been with her 8mths but then I got this so not had chance to meet her yet because their not that local worried because shes only 6/7 yrs younger than me and I am not exactly a sparkling jewel at the moment bit like"Hey come and meet the bald psyco future MIL"
Anyway enough rambling just good to chat about normal life not the BC come Monday back on the cr*p part so going to make the most of the weekend but must admit I did buy myself some posh ready meals (hid at bottom of freezer) to save anding food poisoning to any SEs next week.
Have a good day jewels hope you all enjoy your day next time I log in no doubt one of you's would of climbed Everest (to me at the moment thats the ironing pile)
Jill xx

[Guest user]

Good to hear form you NicJ! We missed you. Doesn't sound like you've been having the easiest of times, so big hugs for you. I have elevated liver enzymes too but am waiting to see what they are going to do, no ultrasound or anything scheduled for me yet, more of a watch and wait i think.
And Gus, so glad you got your dose. Hope the se's are not too bad.
Sorry to hear those of you having Tax are having a hard time...hope you all feel a bit brighter soon.

Thanks to everyone for your lovely anniversary wishes, we had a lovely day at a national trust house and evening at a lovely riverside pub with some live music, I wore my wig and felt almost normal.
We are off to Cardiff now for the weekend to the Dr Who experience, kids very excited. So I will catch up again on Monday.
X

[Guest user]

well back from the bar, thank you all for the lovely messages and hugs, was at clinic for just over 9 hours, befor tax they gace me loads of ant-reaction drugs, then doc at half speed, it certainly seemed to do the trick as i only got a very slight reaction, a very tiring day, however did'nt have to stay in so worth it,
feel a bit spaced out and not sleeping but guess used to that now. next round is September 2nd was hoping to finish it all in August, but bank holiday has mucked it all up.
to all you wonderful ladies that manage to carry on i can only admire you and wish i could be the same but am getting there, just want to get back to how things used to me although i realise that will never be quite the same, all have a lovely weekend
love Katherine xx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Cress - I am weirdly energised today, but also woozy. Altered two blouses, cooked dinner, made smoothies and also managed a walk.
Taking Co-Codamol now before bed, as well as prescribed Ondansetron and Metoclopramide. Advised, same as you, to take the Co-C pre-emptively to help with the aches when they come. Reassuring that we got same advice, was it Joan who was advised not to take painkillers in advance?
I've had a few hot flushes, which began before I started chemo, something else to contend with.
Glad you picked up later in the day, after a bad start.

Izzy - sorry to hear you have been struck by the train. Do try some painkillers, worth a go.

Cress/ Izzy/ Chelle - I am having the single Neulasta injection. Had it after all 3 FECs and again today after my first Tax yesterday. No problems with it so far, onc nurse told me yesterday that the single injection costs £400. I think it was you, Cress, who said that cost was the difference between the single and the multi injections for your health authority?

Titus - love the sound of your holiday, although I'm Scottish not been to any of those places. Lived in Scotland for the first 20 of my 50 years. Family still there, so when we visit it is mainly Glasgow, Ayrshire and Edinburgh. Have promised ourselves to explore our native land more asap.
I am in awe of your energy, so well done in the orienteering.

Joan - you too with energy, another bike ride today. We might get hit by the train over the weekend?? Hope not, but I'm bracing myself.

Chelle - Have fab weekend - enjoy - hear from you when you get back.

Emma (peachy) - so sorry you having a difficult time. Hope the cider went down well and you get some much-needed sleep.

Gus - hurrah, last one! Catch up tomorrow if your'e up to it.

Night-night lovely Jewels,
Fiona
xxh

[NicJ]

Fec x 6 cycle 4 day 1
thank you everyone for best wishes especially Emma for pm ing me and Jayne, found an answer machine message that got hidden by more able ASD twin.
I got bumped from the 8th to today thanks to the Picc line being unnecessarily removed and infection setting in and changing all my booked dates.
I have not been able to get on this site for ages sadly due to a combination of SEs, phlebitis, cording, cold callers, growth explosion in the polytunnel s, OH away at work for past couple of weeks, fighting with education authority over funding for the right support at his new school for my really autistic son, the end of term, 2 hens dying, (what should you do with a dead hen in this hot weather? First one went in bin in newspaper - maggots by day one, the other got well wrapped up and shoved in the freezer), and packing for 2 weeks in Greece! We head off tomorrow.
I have noticed some of you have nearly caught up with me on the SE front. I have invested in very cheap big pants and nappy bags for the days when the loo was just that bit too far. You may have read my difficulty getting thrush meds from my local Boots (mortifying) but got them in clinic and now inthe chemo drug bag. Going to have fun getting thru customs with all my meds, creams and syringes also many packets of prunes just in case local shops don't have them. My new SE is elevated liver enzymes so having an ultra sound when we get back, anyone else got this?
Only got a bit sick after the bar today and pounced on the co codamol to lessen the headache. Had mega steroid dose so looking forward to the tomato coloured face, but hopefully will mix in with the too much sun crowd!
Need to sort out the house sitter and make sure he knows which animal to feed what and how to deal with the triffids were my veggie and chilli plants.
Might have more opportunity to keep tabs on you lot while out there.
Best wishes to all
NicJ
xxxxx

[Gussie_WW]

Evening Jewels. Just a quick note to say I got my final dose of FEC this afternoon. Pretty spaced and a little nauseous so won't hang around. Hopefully will for able to catch up tomorrow. Hope you're all doing as well you can.
Gus x

[Suffolklady]

Emma , so sorry to hear you're having a rough time. We're here for you anytime x I thought I was going to have a bad day but in fact I'm back up and cooking supper. If you're not sleeping, you can't get anything in perspective. My gp has prescribed me Zopiclone. It seems mild, I don't often take it, doesnt make me groggy and sometimes a half tablet is all I need to convince my body to let me go to sleep. Doesn't work against the steroids tho! Try talking to your unit ASAP.
Chelle, I had the multi dose jabs twice and just had the single one. It's more expensive but has less side effects I.e. less aching joints apparently. So far so good for me, day 3 I just have yucky mouth and spaced out feeling. Very tired but not in pain. Long may that last.
Sorry for typos but also got fuzzy brain!
shine on! Xxx

[Izzy1969]

Thanks for the hug Joan, I know you're a day or two behind me so hope you have a lovely weekend with not too many TAX aches or pains. And also a good and relaxing weekend to all the other jewels too xxxx

[PeachyPal]

Evening all,
I am now really worried out starting Docetoxel (tax), reading your posts has given me the wobbles – can I get off the ride now please. I’m normally a very ‘positive’ person (sorry to use the p word), but today hasn’t been a good day for me.

I’ve got sores up my nose, which every time I blow my nose makes them bleed, they then go all crusty and split again (sorry to be so graphic), so off to the doctors I went today. Antibiotic cream has been prescribed, so fingers crossed, but the doctor asked how I was……..the tears then started flowing. I’ve not managed much more than 2-3 hours’ sleep each night since Saturday and am just so tired. Asked if they could do anything to help me sleep, but she didn’t want to give me anything and wants me to discuss it with the onc next week. Just hope I get some sleep before then.

Popped into work at lunchtime and ended up breaking down in tears three or four times, including while having a catch up with one of the directors when he asked how I was……I was just a wreck. And to top it all off, this afternoon at my mums while enjoying spending time with my 4 nieces and nephews, I got stung by a wasp. Hand now swollen but spoke to hospital who say it should be OK as I don’t normally have a reaction. So I’m having a well-deserved cider in the hope that it will make me sleep tonight!

Nicola – congratulations, I don’t know where you get your energy from.
Cress / Izzy / Fiona – I’m keeping a close eye on you guys, lots of questions are being drawn up ready for my appointment next week with the onc. I hope the SEs aren’t too bad.
Sandra – some people do say the most stupid things. Love the way you whipped your head scarf off, it’s something I would have done too.
Jill – hope you got all your supplies sorted and stocked the freezer up.
Katherine – I hope you’re feeling better and the antibiotics work for you. I couldn’t agree more with the comments made by people, but I guess they don’t realise what they are saying.
Deedee – Happy Anniversary, have a lovely time away.
Jackie - Happy Anniversary for yesterday, I hope you had a wonderful day and evening.
Loads of love and hugs to all the June Jewells – not sure where I’d be without you ladies xxxxx

[YB54321]

All just a quick post as I'm busy entertaining the parents and some friends who have arrived....
I was told by the onc I'll get the single Neulasta WBC injection. Is anyone else having this and what's the diff between this and the multi dose injections?
I'm over in Manchester from tomorrow to Monday and off to see my God daughter (been shopping today and bought her some puzzles and arts and crafts stuff as she loves making stuff and then I saw a Minnie Mouse onsie with a hood with ears and a big pink bow and had to buy that too as its so cute). May not be on much until Monday evening so have a fab weekend my lovelies x

[fimbo123]

Hi Cress and Izzy, sorry to hear you've both been hit by the Tax truck. Gentle hugs to you.

I'm still waiting to be hit, although I'm feeling a but washed out this afternoon - repeated the cycle ride I did with eldest son yesterday with middle son today and it pretty much wiped me out. Wonderful husband has now taken kids to the park while I have a lie down. Oh, and I have a face like a baboon's behind again.

Nicola, too right you should be proud of yourself, that's fantastic! Well done for having the guts to go and do it, too.

Katherine, so sorry you're feeling rubbish today, it's not what you need going into the next cycle, is it? Hopefully those antibiotics will get working soon xx

Hope everyone else is doing ok and if we haven't heard from you it's because you're out enjoying the summer xx

[Guest user]

Fiona, we were staying at Brodie near Forres. Scottish 6 days orienteering festival. I managed to run every day and on the one day I made are a proper effort, came 24th out of 105. So v proud of myself. Very tired by the last day though, which is not usual for me but not really surprising given what's been happening this year. Visited Cromarty and Findhorn whilst we were there. Great holiday though perhaps not everyones cup of tea.
Still feeling OK post-Tax, but now waiting to see will what will happen on day 5! Was worried this morning that they had given me the wrong drugs. Would just love to avoid the woozy head bit which I hate more than any thing.
I too am beginning to have hot flushes - most peculiar! Does anyone else find that the GCSF injections make them really thirsty? I drink loads but still end up with a hangover head most mornings - and with none of the pleasure the night before!
Nicola

[Izzy1969]

Cress - sorry just noticed your earlier post and realised you're struggling today too. I totally agree about the fuzzy brain and yucky mouth! I'm just sitting here spaced out now keeping my fingers crossed the work I did today was okay as I really wasn't with it. I'm lucky to work as a secretary at the hospital I'm being treated at and they've been great, but this break has come at just the right time!! Hope you've felt a bit better as the day's gone on xx

[Izzy1969]

Thanks for the info about TAX Cress, if the pain goes on that long I'll have to start something now. Like you say, maybe paracetamol first. When you ask about my injections, do you mean my stomach injections? I normally get a five day supply of GCSF which I start on day 5 to boost my immune system, but because I'm going on holiday they've given me a 7 day course. My onc told me right at the start of treatment to do the injections last thing at night so I wouldn't notice any bone pain. Yes I have noticed very mild aches from it, but this aching I've had today is much much stronger and I haven't even started the GCSF yet, that starts tonight! It's really helpful to know how long this could last though X

[Suffolklady]

Hi Izzy
First Tax for me started day 5 and lasted about a week. I was advised to start pain relief and to keep it going regardless to get a certain level up in the body. You could try with just paracetamol (take temperature first!!) and then use co-codamol if it doesn't help.
Are you having the single shot injection or the 7 x daily ones? - they can cause the pain in your bones and joints. I've just been switched (Tax x 3) to the single one and although I feel rough, nothing compared to x1 and x2. If you're having the 7 daily ones, and you're in a lot of pain, it's worth telling your onc before round 2. I also had my dose slightly reduced...
Good luck Izzy, I hope it passes really soon - Take care - Cress xxx

[Izzy1969]

Hi all, day 5 after first TAX and I ache all over. Haven't taken anything for it yet (got some co-codamol) - does anyone know how long the aches and pains could go on for? Just had last day at work for two and a half weeks now, just as well as don't think I could go on any more! Will try the co-codamol soon but was hanging on as hubby has had these and found side effects quite strong strangely I feel relieved to be finally getting some side effects apart from the hair loss as hopefully it means its working!! Hope everyone else doing okay today x

[Suffolklady]

My Tax truck has hit sadly, can't get up! Can't think - brain gone fuzzy - mouth like the proverbial bird cage and just feel a bit pants!
Fiona, so pleased you're still feeling good - take it easy though!
Sandra - some people do state the bleedin' obvious dont they - 'has your hair gone' I mean - honestly!
I'm sure we've talked about the hot flushes before - but I was like a Belisha Beacon last night! Temperature normal (or a bit low) but sweaty betty! First time - no likey!
Where's my Breast Cancer Sucks T-shirt when I need it!!!
Have a lovely day Jewels - Good luck bar babes. xxxx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Morning all (whoops, just pm, what have I been doing all morning?)

FEC-T Tax cycle 1, Day 2

Joan - crossed posts last night. Glad you still ok, I'm a day behind you on our first Tax. Spookily, I feel good today, on FEC I would have been in bed feeling awful. Like you, doc said I could wake up tomorrow, Day 3, with the Myalgia aches and pains!

Katherine - hope you get on ok today, sorry about all the niggles, too bad. Big hug x

Jill - you are so busy, take care lovely. Yes, the "positive" word also wearing me down, but can't think of a replacement. Looked up the Thesaurus online but nothing seemed suitable.

Sandra - surprisingly got 4-5 hours' sleep last night, despite big increase in steroid dosage. Took all anti-sickness given, just in case, but still no nausea (whisper, in case it hears me).

Sun just come out, so lunch in the garden I think. Son and daughter so pleased to see me up and about, after the bed-ridden wreck on the 3 FEC cycles. Warned them it may not last!

Fiona
xx

[chezzap]

Chelle your god daughter is gorgeous

[chezzap]

Jill I sent you a pm I too am having th nose gel and the lovely pink shower gel. Having my portacath fitted on tues. What day you there for your line??? Hopefully we can meet up at Chrsities or somewhere local to have a brew and a rant!!!!

Sorry ladies Im a July/ august girl

[Maxie]

Morning Ladies,

Cress glad you enjoyed LGFB, looking forward to mine in Sept (fingers crossed am up to it!). Nice you got to meet some local ladies too.
Good comeback line for the "you look good" comments, Ive not had too many of them. Best comment Ive had was last week when called into work with scarf on & one of colleagues said " have you lost your hair then?"....er no I just walk round with this on for attention!!...anyway I lifted up scarf & said "yes hair has gone!" that did the trick! 🙂 am sure people just don't know what to say & don't mean any harm but this bloody BC crap makes us all a bit sensitive I think!

Joan great no s/e's for you as yet long may that continue!...good for you out cycling etc too, feeling a bit lazy again here!...xx

Fiona, no nausea yay!!...what a relief for you!!....so debilitating when you feel like that! Hope you managed to get some sleep?
Yes was ex-police lady who came, long story short she took early retirement from Met police then re-trained in Holistic Therapy, just got set up etc then BC struck so she's not been able to carry it on as too physical doing massage etc....such a shame, she's a lovely lady & been a great support to me (& me to her hopefully!)...xx

Katherine, hope all goes well today, so sorry you're feeling so c**p today of all days. Will most likely be the antibiotics making you go to loo, I was same on first cycle....not nice 😞


Jill well done to you on getting back to work, long hours you're putting in there & then shopping/cooking too!...makes me feel tired just reading your post...agree think the P word should be banned!! 😉


Been invited for cuppa to another colleagues house ( Ive only worked in the job for 3 months so nice to be remembered really!) am excited because she has a new puppy who sounds adorable!!....Catch you later Jewels....xx

[Suffolklady]

Jill
I've got a groshong line which I believe to be quite similar to a hickman.
I had it inserted in the procedure room on my day unit - it took about 30-40 minutes. It was not painful but it was uncomfortable because the sedative didn't work.
I had some discomfort on the entry site in my neck for a few days and had to keep that and the exit site clean and dry for several days.
My stitches came out after 3 weeks and now I am completely unaware it is there - and it has no covering. I can shower etc as normal but just need to keep it very clean. I have not been told to put anything up my nose! Thank goodness as all my nose is doing is running!
I have found it to be a huge relief not to have to have nurses digging around for invisible veins but it is a bit of a bore going in to have it flushed every week. The tube that hangs out of the chest looks a little unsightly but is usually covered by what I'm wearing (!) and I find that if I wear even a simple necklace, the entry sight is also much less visible.
Please ask if there's anything else I haven't covered. XXX

[jmeg]

Morning Jewels well first day back yesterday went great so good back to normality think after 3 wks off I had gone a little bit psyco totally knackered but so good not in today till 12.30-10.00 another long shift but so good to have a purpose for the day,only one elderly gent commeted yesterday asking me "so whats with the hat thingy" explained briefly and he was so apolgetic but his parting words were STAY POSITIVE ARGHH really have serious hangups over that word need to find a replacement word for it.
Going to hit frezzer shop this morning and stock up just incase next weeks crap then need to go for stock so fully occupied today did asda run about 9ish last night find its quiter forgot YS had gone out so had to carry it from car and unpack myself but at least I know where everything is lol he has asked me to get things he can cook so i said what like his answer was ready meals so think I might spend bit of time cooking and freezing stuff this weekend or if I go down next week I am doomed.
Regards hick line got my appt though post with a booklet explaining it actually sat and read it (unusal for me) and more scared now than before anyone got one that can be honest with me about it please dont use the word POSITIVE lol it just seems to need so much care,also now having to wash in hibiscrub and put gel up my nose because of infection risk so not only look ill now smell ill that stuff stinks
Anyway going to start my day good luck to all today take care
Jill xx

[Suffolklady]

Oh Katherine, poor you. I really hope things look up for you very soon and that the meds kick in to make you feel better. I can't think of anything to say that will make you feel better, except that I understand how down you must be feeling and I'm sending you a virtual hug to let you know that I'm thinking of you.
This crappy time WILL pass....

Cress x

[Guest user]

sorry should say good luck to all going today

[Guest user]

hi everyone,
of to bar today, feel like i have already had the poison, had a sore come up on my lip, never had a cold sore before was not sure what it was, distruct nurse who came to change dressing for picc line said i should see gp. also slightly inflammed around picc line, so off i went, gp not sure about sore, so siad would treat as cold sore and gave me some ceam, also gave me antibiotics for inflamation, they have made me feel awful, have had to visit bathroom quite alot, lucky have a downstairs lou, also very worried about today, gp, said they might delay treatment, it seems if it can go wrong it will. not very positive today annoying when people say oh everything will be alright, i know trying to help but it sounds so contrite i could scream. and like some of the others were saying being told you look so well really doesnt help, so will try some of the comments offered, even gp said it,
however, good lick to all ging today, and hope all goes well for you.
Katherine x x x

[Glasgow_Girl]

FEC-T, 3 of each. Tax cycle 1, Day 1 6 hours on.

Vicki - I'm really not super-Mum. On all 3 FECs had almost 2 weeks of feeling rubbish, so just tried to make the most of my "good" week 3. No real SEs so far with Tax, although only 6 hours after finished. Usually after FEC, I was totally out of it and really nauseous after 2 hours, so so far........
We will indeed have an interesting assortment of hairdos when we meet, can't wait.
You are coping so well, I really admire you. If you need to seek counselling, I have had some in the past for another issue and I would really recommend it.

Sandra - OK so far, I am touching EVERY wooden surface whichc is difficult when you have fingers and toes crossed.
How are you today? Glad you saw BC buddy (is that the policewoman?) and she perked you up.

Chelle - thanks for noting my date, also chemo 5 will be 29th August. Your Mum and Dad sound great, hope they spoil you for a few days with lots of TLC. Any progress yet on planning the trip to Ireland next year?

Debs - hope you feel better tomorrow.

Jackie - I've not yet answered door bare-headed, but almost. I did laugh at your story of the log man.
Happy Anniversary to you and your wonderful hubby! Hope you managed to have your family meal out to celebrate.
How generous are you? £5 an hour for chores, don't let my lot know, they will sell me on Ebay and defect to you.

Marion - we could enter the British Bake-Off together. I would love to meet Mary Berry, her recipes always work.
I woke up yesterday with a mere 8 bites on my leg. Nowhere near as bad as you. Germoline and they're fading, not too itchy. Poor you, you're covered, hope the cream or mouthwash working for you.
Wig looks great, can we have a front shot too please? Bet you look fab.

Deedee - lovely to hear from you, sorry you feeling bit low. You must miss foster baby, how tough for you.
Happy Anniversary to you and the lovely John for tomorrow and enjoy your trip away.

Gus - hope everything works out and you get to see Patti Smith.

Nicola - where have you been in Scotland?
Mmm, the "You look well" comment. No-one outside OH, son and daughter really see me when I'm feeling, and looking, c**p. So I guess I protect others from that. When they see me, Raquel is on plus a bit of slap. Even then, I do find it irritating, but guess people just don't know what to say sometimes?

Night-night precious ones. I'm not expecting sleep fairies tonight, but at least I don't have nausea, thank goodness.

Fiona

xx

[fimbo123]

Pleased to confirm another one here with not much effect from Tax yet - although my onc said SEs could kick in hard after 3-4 days. Been out for a cycle with eldest son and to the park with a friend and her kids to try to make the most of ut. Fiona and Nicola - glad you are both ok. I was given Domperidine to take home for nausea but I haven't taken any. Feeling very red in the face morning and evening from the steroids but it clears during the day - just as well, coz when I get up in the morning I'm just like your monkey pic, Sandra! No loss of sleep from steroids yet - I took my last dose at 1pm today.

Nicola, Gus, Cress - I am longing for someone to tell me I look well! Nobody does so I must look a sight! Sometimes I think nothing anybody could say would be right for me, I'm so touchy.

Gus, I hope your treatment goes ahead tomorrow. Good luck to Janet and Katherine too (hope I got that right, can't go back a page on my phone).

Deedee, sorry you've been feeling down. You must really muss the children you look after. When all this is done and over think of getting back to it again. Congratulations on your anniversary (you too, Jackie) and enjoy going out with your husband.

Off to bed for me, hoping the sleep fairies visit. Good night all xx

[Gussie_WW]

Ha ha, I also feel cross sometimes when people say how well I look. It does depend on their tone & how vulnerable I'm feeling. I know most people mean well but it does sometimes feel like they mean, phew, you don't look near-death.
I usually say it ain't so pretty under the long sleeves and the wig/scarf. or that they should see me on a bad day. 🙂

[YB54321]

Cheryl - it's my god daughter - she's a dolly pop.

Reassuring to see a few people coming back from first Tax relatively SE free x

Parents here so will catch up soon x

[Suffolklady]

Nicola - I usually reply to the looking well comment with 'It's amazing what drugs and make up can do' - that usually shuts people up!!
Starting to feel a bit spaced out after yesterday but enjoyed the LGFB session - met a couple of really nice ladies local to me.
V tired so lights out for me. Good luck for tomorrow to the jewels at the bar - and hope everyone is doing ok.
Fiona - hope you continue to feel non-nauseous.
Night night dear friends. XXX

[Guest user]

Hi all
Been in Scotland for 12 days with no WIFI! Just wanted to let you know that I had first Tax yesterday and so far no SEs at all. Slight scared as on previous cycles I've been out of action for at least 5 days with woozy head and fatigue.
Had to have steriods IV'd before Tax as I couldn't find the tablets they'd given me to take the day before (doh!) so it all took rather a long time. No nausea so far and I haven't been given any antisickness tablets at all. Can this really last?
Does anyone have a response to the "You look really well" comment. Does anyone else find it hard to deal with or am I just being oversensitive? It is I suppose better than 'Oh I'm so sorry. What's the prognosis?" which I got from someone on holiday! Myabe I'm just a grumpy old bat and should just be ignored!
Right now going back to slowly catching up on all your news....

Nicola

[Maxie]

Well done Fiona!....so glad all went virtually without a hitch!....no scary reactions etc. Hope you get a good rest this evening & that no nausea!!!...xx

Gus, sounds promising re bloods & seeing Patti!...good luck,.... hope goes ahead as planned tomorrow..xx

Good luck also to Katherine & Janet for tomorrow!...xx

[Gussie_WW]

Hello Jewels
just dropping in to say hi. Haven't heard from the chemo ward about the bloods my GP practice nurse took first thing this morning so hopefully I am going ahead with my final dose of FEC tomorrow. no news usually means you're good to go at my hospital. As for the festival dilemna, I decided that the show I would most resent missing is Patti Smith on Tues night so FEC on Friday will hopefully make that possible & who knows, maybe I'll make it to something at the weekend too.
Thanks to all sharing how switching to T is after FEC. The thought of T is scary but hey, that's at least 3 weeks away...

Jackie - happy anniversary! Congratulations. 🙂

Have a good evening everyone.
Gus x

[chezzap]

glad to hear you back Chelle - whats new profile pic?????

[Glasgow_Girl]

Hi girls, I'm back from the bar and my first Tax. All ok, except had 1 hour to wait before I even got hooked up, just so busy at the unit. Appointment was supposed to be at 2pm, Tax drip from 3.30-4.30.
Bigger canula for Tax than I had for FEC, so a bit ouchy and hold your breath going in. Fortunately no prob with veins after bit of "hunt the vein" at clinic on Tuesday.
Had bowl of pasta and some of my home-made rhubarb crumble for tea. Feeling okish, just a bit spaced-out and tired. 2.5 hours since chemo finished - never lasted this long with FEC before the nausea kicked in, so maybe it is true that there is no nausea with Tax, I do hope so. However, still got Ondansetron and Metrocroplamyde (sp?) to take for anti-sickness as well as the final lot of 4 x 2 steroids tomorrow. Also got Omeprazole for acid reflux.
Will reply to all your posts later or tomorrow when I more with it. Thanks for all the good wishes, love to you all and good luck to Gus, Katherine and Janet for tomorrow.

Fiona
xx

[YB54321]

Ladies,

just a quick post as I'm making tea but I get 3 lots of 2 steroids per day on EC so I take mine at 5:30am - 11:30am & 5:30 pm and I never sleep! So I think if you only have to take 2 lots - the earlier the better as suggested! X

CT scan done but no results back or blood test results so they are going to call if anything needs doing. I'm getting the single WBC Neulasta injection and told to take co-codamol for pain because of blood thinners but have got diclofenac in case pain gets bad.

I'll catch up later x

[Guest user]

Vicki, re steroids always try to take my first lot by about 7.30am and second lot by 12.30 still think they keep me awake but not had any other s/e's from them.
Sorry still feeling way out of it this round so just short posts for now
xxx

[Maxie]

Aww Deedee posts crossed....sorry youve been feeling down 😞 Am sure you'll pick up with your trip away, wow 26 years thats fab, another great husband too!!!....Happy Anniversary & have a great time!...xx

[Maxie]

Vicki (think I'll call you Sporty Spice from now on!). I don't mind you calling me by my dogs name....he's looking far better than me at the mo!!...xx

[deedee215]

Hi jewels,
Sorry I have neglected this forum but seem to never get the time, by the time I sit down to relax I start fallen asleep. My third cycle has quite good so far with no SE's just tiredness. My emotions seem to be worse though feeling really sorry for myself find it hard to get out of this low mood. Really miss the baby who we looked after from birth upto 17mths unfortunately she had to move onto other career cos of my illness but it is so hard, sorry for being like but sometimes it's hard to be upbeat all the time.
On a lighter note its my 26th Anniversary tomorrow OH and I are going to see Peter powers the hypnotist show then of to Berwick for two overnight stays in a luxury caravan, like you jackie my oh has been there always don't know where I would be without him, I also had preeclampsia delivered my daughter at 30 weeks weighing in at 3lb. Happy Anniversay jackie x
good luck to nicj and Fiona
Deedee xx

[artemis17]

Thanks Sandra (dont know why I used maxie?) thats really helpful. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what bits of me turn red lol..there weren't any leaflets or anything in the box but I knew the jjewels would help me out.:-). Xx

[Maxie]

Hi Vicki,

Mmmm steroid tips, well main one I suppose is not to take your 2nd dose after 2pm as can interfere with sleep ( still does to some degree as in midnight online shopping sprees!!)
Thing is the steroids are given for a different reason on Tax, on the FEC they're given partly to prevent any reaction to the chemo drugs but mostly to help with nausea. With Tax theyre mainly to prevent allergic reaction to the infusion. Side effects for me haven't been outrageous but am convinced they make me feel a bit sicky, they say on pack to take with food so that must be for a reason.
Sure the effects won't be as bad as you think....knowing you they'll make you do double zumba/ combat classes while the rest of us will be walking round looking like baboons bums!!!! 😉

[artemis17]

Hi me again 🙂

Thank you for the kind words following my emotional moment earlier, you ladies rock!

Jackie happy anniversary, your hubby sounds ace and im sure he is as devoted to you after all you've been through together.

Wig looking good Marion.

Maxie and chelle can you give me any steroid tips and advice as im a steroid virgin. The onc just gave me the tablets that say take four twice a day starting the day before but she didn't say anything about side effects etc.

Still feeling spacey and eating little and often. Also got very sore eyes so can't wear lens. Still got all lashes so don't think its that, anyone else had this problem?.

Ok well off to lay on sofa, make most of day off sick as back working tomorrow but least it's a Friday so cake in the office and then the weekend to chill.
Xxx

[Maxie]

Jackie Happy Anniversary!!....your husband sounds an absolute star...congrats to you both...xx....so funny about answering door baldy, I've done it a few times now & the reaction is quite fascinating, usually goldfish mouth & backing away from the door asap!!!

Chelle God yes can you imagine when we're on double steroids for the Tax, baboons bums r us!!...yikes! 😉


Marion, wig looks great but would love a front view!!!....am sure you look absolutely great in it...x hope the bites not giving you too much trouble today, did the mouthwash work?....thanks for tip on antihistamines too, will certainly bear that in mind with double dose next time 🙂

Emma (Peachy) just scrolled back & saw your reply to my post....ditto as have said this 3rd FEC has hit me a lot harder too .Not looking forward to Tax particularly but think would struggle with the thought of another dose Of FEC!....hope you're feeling a bit better now?..xx

I've been steroid shopping again ( obviously a s/e!!) & have ordered a short wig thats 'capless' so supposed to be less hot on head. Its cost under £50 so I figured I'd have spent loads more than that by now if I still had hair on colours/cuts etc at hairdressers ( & shampoo & conditioner!) its from Halo wigs, advertised as UK but obv coming from China or somewhere looking at spelling etc, anybody else ordered from them?

Bc buddy called today for our weekly chinwag. Perked me up but lying down now!

Catch up again later if I haven't gone into coma again...zzzzz!

Sandra xx

p.s. the more I look at that monkey the more sure I am we're related...redness gone down a bit today but our expressions remain the same lol!!..x