March 2016 chemotherapy starters?

[Primrose]

Hi everyone, 

I am 55 yrs old and was diagnosed with bc in February, grade 3 ER+, PR+, HER2 borderline. Due to the size of the tumour I am starting with chemo in attempt to shrink it before surgery. I am having D/FEC which involves 3 sessions of Docetaxel and then 3 sessions of FEC. I had the first Docetaxel session on 31st March and am due for the second session on 21st April. I think I had almost all of the side effects after the first session. I am now feeling fairly good but anxious about the next session. I am having the blood tests on Tuesday and will see the oncologist. Hopefully she can offer some solutions to relieve the se a little.

I am am also having a PICC line inserted on Wednesday. Really anxious about that too. 

I have only lurked in the forums until now but have gained a wealth of info and help already. Hoping to find support to continue with treatment. I still feel as if I am on a roller coaster.

[helly18]

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@Lynniepinns wrote:

How's everyone's kids handling your hair loss?  Mine insist I wear my cap all the time ( they are 8 and 10) and avoid cuddling me which is really upsetting me.  I don't want to disturb them but I think keeping my head hidden is like hiding a nonexistent bogeyman under the bed, what's everyone else doing ? Thx xxxhugs to all xxx

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Hi lynne pins, nothing useful to offer as I am waiting for the hair to fall and dreading it as my 10 yr old son is so upset at the thought of my hair going (although he had a try of the wig then other day). Just to say though mine have asked a few times whether you can catch cancer so you don't know what goes on in their little heads sometime. 

[Jembossable]

Aw bless you emmajane. I've just shaved all of my hair right off. Got so sick of it falling out everywhere. The boys in my life adapted to my hair pretty quickly, quicker than I have anyway. Sorry to hear about your pile problem. That's something I can honestly say I'm not sad I've missed. Maybe it'll go after treatment.

I still have tracking up my arm although it's from a different vein this time so I have it in the front and the back which feels like I'm getting chemo pushed in, which knocks me physically sick and I just can not get rid of that feeling. It's horrible and my temper and patience are back down to zero. 😢 I'm really struggling now. Even told the bf I didn't want my last 3 doses... He's talked me round but I could quite easily stop it all right now xx

[Emmajane]

Re kids and hair loss... At first Charlotte was a bit afraid, she's 4. Then she asked to stroke it. I kept hats on on house, gradually wore less e.g in the am. Now no hats inside and C is fine!! I'd say gradual revealing! I told her very little about my cancer, just that I'm a bit poorly and using special medicine at the hospital to make me better and that it might cause mummy's hair to go but it will grow back!! On another note anyone suffering with piles!? When I poop it's like giving birth!!!! Burning and sore... Is this normal? Got oncologist Tuesday will mention it! Xx

[Lynniepinns]

Thanks for reply, I will look at cancer research site, hadn't thought they might think it was catching.....oh dear.  I will make more effort with hat fun too, great idea. Xxx

[Warcol]

Hi Lynniepins my kids are 2 and 5! My 5 year old is way beyond her years though! I downloaded the boom from cancer research and got the hard copy for school and I have to say even the 2 year old understands it! Well worth getting as school has been able to support 5 year old as well as explain to other children! As for the hair loss I've been very open and made it all fun so they both wear my hats and they both wear my wigs as part of dressing up but u may struggle with that as yours are older! I'm sorry to hear your not getting cuddles all I can advise is some kids think it's their fault or they may catch it so sometimes having a very factual or truthful conversation with them is good so reassure them ur still mom it's not their fault and they can't catch it and u want their special cuddles to make u feel better! The hair loss is also scary to them as my 2 year old will not touch my head whereas my 5 year old can't stop lol! Sending you a virtual massive cuddle xxxx

[Lynniepinns]

How's everyone's kids handling your hair loss?  Mine insist I wear my cap all the time ( they are 8 and 10) and avoid cuddling me which is really upsetting me.  I don't want to disturb them but I think keeping my head hidden is like hiding a nonexistent bogeyman under the bed, what's everyone else doing ? Thx xxxhugs to all xxx

[Jembossable]

Well I'm 2 days into my 3rd FEC (I have a huge dose of epirubicen) and Ive woken up with a sore throat, my hand I get the chemo in is killing me and even though they used a different vein this time, I can see the veins and the tracking in my arm has begun again. I feel violently sick although I can't be sick and I'm finally getting little patches where all of my hair has fallen out, so I'm going for a number 1 all over again today. Lazy day on the sofa drinking oxo and eating cuppa soups me thinks. Good luck to everyone. On a plus note, all of my body hair has been gone since cycle 1. Every cloud and all that jazz!! 😊😉xx

[Lynniepinns]

Hi Helen, glad the new meds are helping.   They reduced the dose of the red one (epirubicin.) they gave me this time and that has helped a lot with the dizzy vomits, just feeling hungover too.   Well done on another day everybody xxxxxxxxxxx

[Warcol]

So 3rd FEC down and currently chomping on an Easter Egg cus I can!!! Not looking 4ward to SE but with my positive buzz I'm fighting them all the way! Sending virtual hugs to all u lovely ladies xx

[Tonya]

Lol! I still have a bit of a moustache going on?! My lady hairs down below have pretty much gone though! Even the little hairs on my toes have gone! 😜😂
Sod's law isn't it; I'm normally quite hairy and have to shave regularly and then left with a rash! This year I'm going to be lovely and smooth for the first time in years but not sure I'm going to be feeling much like strutting on a beach?! 🙄😂😂

[Warcol]

I've got a stubble on head and feel like a bog brush but what's really annoying is my lady hairs downstairs are still there WTF is that about 😂😂😂😂

[Amylou]

Loolyboo I'm also totally bald minus some fuzz but still had to epilate my upper lip the other day lol. Xx

[Loolyboo]

lol Tonya! Wish my chin hairs would disappear 😂

[Warcol]

👍 fingers crossed for u too Tonya keep us posted 😘 Xx

[Tonya]

Great news Colista!! I've got my scan next Thursday prior to my third dose; so hoping for the same good news!! xx

[helen1971]

2nd EC done and feeling much better on the new anti sickness tablets. Still have the hungover feeling and feel more tired this time. On the negative despite cold capping for 2 cycles my hair had almost gone so my hairdresser has just been and cut what's left into a short cut. Wasn't ready to shave it off yet!!! Disappointed that the cold cap hasn't worked and it was very emotional watching the rest be cut off but it's also a relief in a way as I was getting really fed up finding hair everywhere. Hope everyone is coping with there treatment. We can fight this!!!! Helen x

[Tonya]

Hi Loolyboo, I still have quite a bit of hair left I guess doing the cold cap the once has slowed it down? Wish I'd got it cut properly now instead of clippered by hubby! 😂 Just couldn't stand it anymore on Saturday! Still it'll all the be gone soon anyway! On the plus side I don't need to shave the rest of my body; even the whiskers on my chin have gone! 😂
Well actually went out for a meal last night, and felt reasonably confident!
Having to take more anti-sickness tablets this time though, which I didn't at all last time? 😕
I'm having fec-t is anyone else having this? xx

[Warcol]

Hi daffodil

i'll keep everything crossed for u and hope u ride the positive wave xxx

[daffodil]

Thats great news Colista. I've got my 3rd FEC tomorrow and a ultrasound appointment on Tuesday so hoping for similar good news from that. x

[Warcol]

Hi all
Had fantastic news just that my tumour has shrunk from 27mm to 19mm in 2 FEC doses currently plugged into my 3rd!!! We can beat this s**t and wanted to share my positive news and vibes with everyone love Colista xxxx

[Tonya]

Hi Loolyboo, I still have quite a bit of hair left I guess doing the cold cap the once has slowed it down? Wish I'd got it cut properly now instead of clippered by hubby! 😂 Just couldn't stand it anymore on Saturday! Still it'll all the be gone soon anyway! On the plus side I don't need to shave the rest of my body; even the whiskers on my chin have gone! 😂
Well actually went out for a meal last night, and felt reasonably confident!
Having to take more anti-sickness tablets this time though, which I didn't at all last time? 😕
I'm having fec-t is anyone else having this? xx

[Loolyboo]

Hi
Amylou, nice feeling to be half way through - I had my 2nd FEC on Monday morning & other than feeling tired with a really 'thick' mouth & zero taste buds, I'm not feeling too bad & hope the same goes for everyone here 😊
I have a bald shiny head now (v surreal!) but surprised myself how confident I feel wearing my wig out and about & nobody looks twice at me which is what I hoped for.
Loolyboo xxx

[Amylou]

Hi ladies hope everyone is doing well. I've just had fec no 3 so I'm officially half way through! Yay. Other than some vein pain it went well. Nurse put an arm warmer on for the vein pain which was fantastic. Feeling very positive this time, hope it lasts xx

[lettie]

Well, that's my 2nd FEC done! It was really easy compared to first session, probably because I was more relaxed. chemo nurse and I just chatted about TV and other day to day things and before I knew it was done! Home now feeling fine..…just waiting for the nausea to start but knowing what's coming makes it easier. I also wore my wig today for the first time. Nobody stared and it didn't blow off!!!!(although I did think it was riding up and wanted to pull it on all the time!)

hope everyone else has had a good day. I can now say I'm one third of the way through my treatment.....I like that!!!

[Jembossable]

Sat waiting to go in... I hate this bit!!! 🙈😢😭

[Tonya]

Hope everyone's gone through their treatments smoothly this week. My second was Friday and I'm happy to say I'm feeling close to normal today! 😊 Only difference from the first was I felt a bit more sicky and tired for longer, but find you just need to go with it (easy to say now! 😜)
Biggest thing this time was the hair cut! Hubby clippered it off but it's thinned on top a lot more since! Going out later wearing a hat for the first time so pretty nervous!!
Doing the Look good feel better session (yes daffodil; that's the one! 😉) today, so that'll make me feel one way or the other!! 😁

[Lynniepinns]

Good luck with everyone "FECing" today, see you on the other side. Xxx

[Warcol]

3rd FEC Thursday for me, good luck Jem and finding out if chemo working following MRI today! Hoping chemo can go ahead as got really sore throat, cough and cold 👎👎👎 but on a positive note got a new wig today and really happy with it 👍👍

[Jembossable]

I'm 3rd FEC tomorrow morning. Hopefully straight in and out. Good luck. 😊x

[lettie]

I had my hair clipped to a no.2 last night. It doesn't look great but it's better than the handfuls that were coming out.

I've got my 2nd FEC in the morning. Trying to drink as much as I can today, any other tips??? Not cold capping.

[daffodil]

Hi Tonya,

I did a Look Good Feel Better make up session which sounds similar. Was lovely so I hope you enjoy yours.

Re hair loss, I am constantly amazed at how normal my hair still looks. I have had 2 FEC's and have cold capped but my hair started falling out nearly 3 weeks ago anyway. So much comes out every day, particularly when I wash it, but as yet no bald patches. My hair is much thinner as it was thick to start with but if you didn't know me I still look normal. Fingers crossed it stays this way as long as possible. Hope yours stays ok too. Good luck to everyone else too.

Aileen x

[Tonya]

Feeling better after a shower and putting proper clothes on! Although my pillow is covered in hair I don't think it actually looks any different. Feeling a lot better today, hoping I feel even better tomorrow as have been invited to a pamper/makeup class at the RUH, should come home with lots of nice freebies! Has anyone else done anything like this yet?

[Jembossable]

I'm sure lots will come out when you wash your hair but it's just thinning not making you bald hopefully. Just pat your hair dry. Don't rub. Mine is dropping terrible at the moment but I'm OK. Not looking a great deal.xx

[Tonya]

Woke up feeling a bit better today; so fingers crossed! Definitely felt a lot more 'down' this time, but think this was definitely because of the hair; I now look ill! Really need to have a shower and wash my hair but a bit scared! 😕 Still new shopping to be done for hats! 😉

[SusieQ]

2nd FEC was last Tuesday. Had a rubbish 4-5 days with s/e which wasn't helped with the hair loss and I have to say I felt pretty depressed. Sickness etc passing I feel better able to cope with my hair (or lack of it). My husband has been amazing this week. I feel guilty taking it out on him when all he's tried to do is be there for me. It's the start of another week POsITIVE thoughts and I will crack this scarf tying business!  

[Jembossable]

Stay strong Tonya. It's a means to an end. Hair grows back and fighting this battle, you are do strong. I gave up on the cold cap. It wasn't nice and made the process so long. It'll be over soon enough. X

[Tonya]

Well I gave up on the cold cap on cycle 2 on Friday! So much hair was coming out anyway I couldn't stand it....hubby clippered it to a no.8 which is much better although feeling very tearful every time I see myself in the mirror....feeling more low this time, think it's because it's all getting a bit too real now....

[Jembossable]

Exactly why I did it. My hair was long when I got my diagnosis... Gradually it's got shorter and shorter. Now I'm not bothered. It is what it is chick xx

[lettie]

Thanks Jem, I'm sure shaving it really short will not make it seems bad. Xxx

[Jembossable]

I shaved mine to a number 2 and it was the best thing I ever did. My son has hardly noticed it thinning. No bald patches but I can wear my wig and he's fine. You'll feel a lot better I'm sure xx

[lettie]

Thanks ladies, hair casting full on now. Scalp still really sensitive and sore, although better since I had my bath! I'm really prepared for hair loss. I've got a lovely wig and have no issues with it. However, tonight I really (unintentionally) upset my 14 year old son and I'm feeling pretty bad about it. I am really positive and upbeat (cos I should be....I am very lucky where I am) and I accept what comes mainly with a very matter of fact attitude. tonight I was sitting with him and I was running my fingers through my hair, which was coming out in clumps, and I was showing him. I was fine but my older daughter has just told me he is really upset by it and not to show him. I suspect that hair loss is reality for him. I have been sooo well with very little side effects, I don't know if he thought it wasn't going to happen. He's in bed now, and I have made plans to have my head shaved to a no.2 tomorrow, so I'll need to speak to him tomorrow.  

Ooft, I thought we had talked it all out and didn't expect this 😬😬😬

[Emmajane]

Just read the darker nails is a side effect ESP if ur dark skinned... I am...

[Jembossable]

The pain on your scalp will go. Mine normally lasts a week before next chemo and thats when my hair drops. I wash it ok but just pat it dry. Hope you feel better soon.

Awwww Emmajane that would be all I need to go with my bloating and excessive wind!!! Big hugs my lovely.xx

[Emmajane]

Lettie my head hurt n then hair started to fall out after... I've had her sore throat too but no temp I think it's a side effect... Has anyone on Fec noticed nail cuticles looking darker a bit bruised?? I heard T damages nails... Xx

[lettie]

hi Loolyboo, that's exactly what it feels like!! I decided to have a bath and wah my hair that way. Wasn't too unpleasant, but the bath was full of hair when I was done! ! let me know how your 2nd chemo goes, hope it's not too unpleasant for you. love your positive spin too!
Colette x

[Loolyboo]

Hi Lettie
I had my first chemo on 21st March & my husband shaved my v long hair to a number 2 just 2wks later as it was falling out by the handful - even tho I have a grade 2 all over, it is really sore, feels like hair pins sticking in my scalp when laying on my pillow, oucheee! I was relieved once it was shaved off & love my new wig, I was dreading this part & have surprised myself as my hair was my pride & joy, but I keep telling myself that it will grow back 😊
Did you cold cap? I wasn't brave enough ..
I'm pretty similar to you, wle with clear nodes & her2 positive - my 2nd chemo is tomorrow & I like to note that this would make me 1/3 of the way through 😊
Loolyboo X

[lettie]

my scalp is sooo sensitive, I can hardly touch my head. I'm presuming this is the beginning of the hair loss? I need to was my hair but dont think I can take the water or rubbing in shampoo. anyone else like this? also sore throat but no temperature. 2nd FEC due Wednesday xxx

[Emmajane]

Jem it could be worse lol I have a blooming pile now!!!!! 😱Xxxxx hope ur feeling brighter!!

[Jembossable]

That'll be my last FEC (half way there) and then it's on to T! I'm feeling it a lot more now.x