March 2016 chemotherapy starters?

[cjrd]

I was supposed to have had my final chemo yesterday but this did not happen as my ulcerated armpit has yet to heal. Spent a few days in hospital last week due to the fact that both my haemoglobin and neutrophil levels had dropped significantly - blood transfusion ensued. During this past week my finger nails on my right hand have 'popped' off - hey ho, it can only get better. Best wishes to all. X

[Loolyboo]

🎉 Well done to everyone who has finished chemo, it's great read so many of you are finished!
I had my 2nd T yesterday & counting down the days until the last one, picc line to be removed the same day, 4wks recovery then 20days of rads & 3wkly herceptin - almost doesn't feel real! Loolyboo 💕

[lettie]

Well done to you all. The end is in sight for us all! I get my 2nd T tomorrow then a long three week wait til my last one. I cannot wait. Hope to arrange to have my Picc line removed same day....then I'll know it's over! 4 weeks radium after that but I'm not even thinking about that just now. Well done again and thank you all for sharing your highs and lows. Although I don't post often I do enjoy reading your comments, comparing my side effects and getting a heads up of what's coming. Onwards and upwards for us all xxx

[Jembossable]

Well done Ali. Happier times ahead my lovely. I'm over the moon for you xx

[Ali-B]

Hi Jembossible,

Had my last chemo too and picc line is out. Feels good to be at the end of this part!!

Ali xx

[SusieQ]

Congrats Jessbossable and Amylou, must be such a wonderful feeling. Celebrate with s lovely meal tonight before the taste buds go on a short break !!! Well done ladies 💐💐

[Jembossable]

CHEMO IS FINISHED!!!! Absolutely overjoyed. It wasn't the nicest of the 6 but hey, I won't be doing it again. Find out tomorrow if I get radiotherapy and then it's onwards and upwards kids. Stay strong, we've got this!!😙😙xx

[Amylou]

Well thats it! 3rd and final T done. What an emotional rollercoaster. Hoping everyone else is doing OK where ever you are in cycles. There really is a light at the end of the tunnel xx

[Jembossable]

I've got my last tomorrow and hairs rapidly returning this week. Just want it to hurry up a little bit.xx

[Primrose]

Colista, thank you. I'll mention fluconazole if things haven't improved by next week when I see my oncologist again.

[helen1971]

Evening ladies.

Number 5 for me tomorrow too (3 weeks and 1 day and I'm done). Hope side effects aren't as bad as last time..first docetaxel knocked me for six and I ended up ringing emergency number. Everything was OK but spent day in hospital under observation.

Has anyone got any hair regrowth yet? I can't decide if I have some stubble or if it's just the remnants where hair broke. I've heard hair does start to come back once EC stops. Living in hope!!!! Seen plenty of products which are supposed to encourage hair growth but scared they will make scalp sore. Anyone tried anything yet?

Good luck to everyone having chemo tomorrow.

Helen x

[Lynniepinns]

Good luck everyone tommorrowxxxxI have 2nd T tomorrow too.  Friend very accurately described how I am feeling, like a cat refusing to get into the carrier for the vets, made me laugh.  Still hot water bottles and painkillers are at the ready, so looking forward to being able to say only one more time xxxxxx

[SusieQ]

Thanks ladies for the positive comments regarding nails. I had visions of waking up and finding purple nails in the bed!! I'm day 7 of second T been very weepy, but tomorrow is my last steroid injection so hopefully things will pick up then. It's my grandson's 3rd birthday Saturday and I really don't want to be the 'old granny' sitting in the corner!

[Jembossable]

I've got my last t tomorrow and every T I've had there comes a point where my nails feel like I've trapped them in a car door. It does go but it's not nice. I still have all of my nails and I've had dark nail varnish on right the way through too. Just be careful with them when they're sore. Hopefully you'll be fine xx

[Amylou]

Hi SusieQ my nails have been sore for a while, get very tender if I bang them! Not been painting mine but have cut them short (to avoid catching/banging them) not lost any yet. Fingers crossed.
Got my finally T tomorrow! Really really sick of being ill now. Keep trying to be positive telling myself that it's the last one and I've not got to 'get over it ' again after this one. But that doesn't seem to be helping my mood. Been very grumpy and emotional last few days. Think it's just because it's getting harder each time to keep getting over it.
Wishing for a good nights sleep tonight.
Hope everyone is coping well. We're nearly there now xx

[Loolyboo]

Hi
I've got my 5th chemo (2nd T) tomorrow & feeling a little apprehensive too, hate steroids - taken 8 2day 😳 but once it's done we're going through it already & ready for the last one 👍
SusieQ I had sore nails after my 1st T, felt the same as you described - I've not worn any nail varnish although I was advised too & they seem to have settled down now, no bruising at all (fingers crossed!) 💕

[SusieQ]

Oh no, some of my nails feel strange as if they're bruised and sore😢. Please I don't want to loose them as well. Anyone else experiencing similar strange feelings. I ve been wearing dark nail polish for weeks. 💅💐

[SusieQ]

I had 5th cycle a week ago (2nd T). I'm in the middle of s/e which is pretty hard going, but this time next month I'll have had my final one and my hair should be growing that's what keeps me going. 

you're nearly there and you've done so well and anyway we're allowed a few tears. Good luck for tomorrow, positive hugs 💐💐

[sunshinestory]

Hello chaps

Am going to Fec 5 tomorrow.  

Already in tears.

Any tips on how to get through.

[Warcol]

Hi Primrose I've already completed 4 FEC and I found that a breeze compared to T! I have an appt with Oncologist in 2 weeks so will discuss the reduction as I don't think I could do this dose again!! I'm on nystan but if your not getting any joy with it ask them to perscribe fluconazole xxx

[SusieQ]

Thank you Primrose. I feel that my s/e are so much less than other ladies and send all my love to everyone. As everyone knows even the smallest thing when you experience it day and night has the ability to drag you down 💐💐 

no more pity potty I'm going to kick a@*e today!!

[Primrose]

Hope you are feeling better soon, SusieQ.

[Primrose]

Colista, I hope you are back home and feeling better soon. I had my final T reduced by 20% and was worried that it would reduce its effectiveness but my Oncologist said it wouldn't. She said the initial dose is an estimate and because of the side effects I had it was probably too high for me.

I have had my first FEC and am now on day 12. Sickness not too bad but the back of my throat makes everything taste foul. Have Nystan but it doesn't seem to be having much effect. Neuropathy in my hands has worsened and I find it hard to hold things, feel things with my fingers and keep dropping things. I am hoping this will go away. 

[SusieQ]

Oh Colista how awful for you. My second T s/e not as bad as before - I wonder if the Herceptin jab had anything to do with it. Good luck and all the very best for a speedy recovery💐💐

[Warcol]

Day 7 post first T and still in hospital although Dr just said all my levels are back to normal and waiting on Oncologist to decide on whether I can go home! Yay! I have terrible mouth thrush which I'm taking fluconazole and nystatin for and my appetite is zero! I'm wondering whether they reduce the T as a result of how bad it has hit me and if so what are the implications of reducing it...anyone else know about this! I'm panicking that if they reduce it it reduces the effect its having if that makes sense
Hope everyone has a good week xx keep smiling xx Colista xxx

[SusieQ]

Day 6 after second T. Side effects not as severe as last time (consultant thinks I also picked up a bug). Still a bit achy with strange sensation in feet. Get wiped out doing nothing and have lost my appetite, but that's not surprising NO TASTE BUDS!!! Hopefully when steroid injection stop (Wednesday) energy levels will pick up. love and hugs 💐

[Jembossable]

Ali, I feel exactly the same. Still got hair falling out when I wash it but I'm just ignoring it. 😂 Denial. I've got very good at drawing my brows on tho x

[SusieQ]

I feel the same and have become disillusioned with my wig - I think it's I'm fed up with the bald look and this warm weather doesnt help coz it makes my wig itch!!
Good luck for Wednesday. Xx

[Ali-B]

I've also got my last chemo this coming Wednesday. I do feel quite low looking at my lack of hair/brows/lashes. I don't feel quite right when I wear my wig with all the other stuff missing even if it's disguised with make up/false lashes etc 😕 can't grow back fast enough.

Ali xx

[SusieQ]

Good luck Jembossable for Wednesday.  In a few short weeks hair, lashes and eyebrows YAY!! Xx💐😃

[Jembossable]

Aileen I'm dreading the side effects too but one last time. Let's do this!! 👊👊xx

[daffodil]

Good luck for wed - my last one is on Friday. Not looking forward to the horrible side effects again but so excited that it is the last time.

Some of my eyebrow hairs came out after my first t and have just started to grow back so i have lots of dark dots in amongst the few remainīng hairs - looks very strange!

Susie - completely agree with you about leg hairs. I havent shaved my legs since starting chemo as i thought they would all fall out and i still have loads of hairs left - lots of different lengths so clearly many have dropped out and regrown. Shame you cant choose which hair on your body would fall out.

Good luck to you all - we are nearly there.

Aileen x

[Jembossable]

My brows and lashes fell out after my 2nd T. Very unfair. However, I HAVE MY LAST EVER CHEMO ON WEDNESDAY!!! EEEEEK!😜😲😉☺😙👊

[Loolyboo]

So do I! 😂 xx

[SusieQ]

Hi Loolyboo, eyebrows and lashes practically gone now, just wearing huge shades trying to look like a celeb😎. What's annoying I still have patches of hair on my legs!! 😡 What's that all about?  Xx

[Loolyboo]

Hi SusieQ
It's great to hear your side effects are a little easier than the first T 😊 I'm due my second T & second herceptin next Wed & like you said, only one more to go through.
Do you still have your eyelashes & brows? I do, I'm really hoping they stay 🙈
Take it easy chilling in your garden 💕

[SusieQ]

Day 4 after second T. Joints aching, taste buds gone but so far better than last time. Maybe I'm better prepared - it keeps me going that I've only got to go thru this once more.  Looking forward to chillin in the garden now we have a parasol (apologies if this brings on the rain!). Enjoy the weekend everyone and stay safe in the sun. Love and hugs xx

[Jembossable]

Ooooh I'm keeping mine lol. But saying that I spoke to someone who had a delay in chemo and now they say their hair is all different lengths. If you're gonna start again, do it now while it's short. X

[Warcol]

Hi Ladies
3 days after first T and mouth feels sore, no temp and no aching bones as been stocking up with pain relief! Due to a delay in chemo I have hair sprouting all over my head and wonder whether I should shave it off and start again!
Sending love and strength to everyone else and keep smiling xx Colista xx

[Jembossable]

Awww my lashes and brows fell out when my hair started growing back!! Go figure. Stock up on paracetamol and ibuprofen and you should be fine. Fingers crossed xx

[SusieQ]

Hi Jessbossable, I've just had my second T (yesterday) so it was good to hear that hair should start growing soon. With no eyebrows or lashes it will be good to say goodbye to the boiled egg look!!

Not looking forward to the side effects kicking in, or my first steroid injection tonight - roll on next week when they end. 

Good luck and best wishes to everyone xx

[Jembossable]

It's certainly a rollercoaster ride. I normally tell people I'm good but I think my face tells a different story. Once they start to hear the side effects we have to put up with, they realize that this is no walk in the park. I took control of my journey by shaving my hair off before it started to fall out. I've had 3 fec and 2 T and my hair is growing back now (Yeyyy) but it's not growing fast enough for me 😂.xx

[Guest user]

Hi
Im not at all awesome.....just the need to try and control a part of this journey. My littlest is happily oblivious to what im enduring and thats perfect for me. Thank you for replying. When people ask how i am....ive no idea what to say because i cant put it in words.. Xx

[Jembossable]

Hi Tina, can I just say I think you're awesome using the cold cap. I used it once but found it made me feel terrible plus I'd cut my hair short ready to lose it. I think sore mouth is something we all get to some degree, I haven't used my mouth wash and I've been fine. As for lack of patience... I hear you!! My partner has 2 boys and I have 1 of my own and it's been very tough. Especially if they want my food I bought knowing I'd taste them. I've been like a raving lunatic. I hope things pick up for you, we're always here if you want a chat. Take care and stay strong. 😊💖

[Guest user]

Hi March ladies.
Just popped in to read your comments to see what else i may be in for further down the line. Im currently day 5 after fec 2 of 3 then 3 fect then herceptin rads and hormone therapy...gulp! Seems soooo much. Ive cold capped but losing rapidly...anyone ideas for covering bald patches during next cap?someone said surgical paper hats but cant find any. Had issues with sore mouth and sore lady bits past2 days... Getting me down a bit although im using everything ive been prescribed. Find it hard too as ive no patience.. . not ideal with 3 girls and a "i dont know what to do" hubby! My lowest point was being hospitalized 36 hours for sepsis.. 24 of which i was lay on a bloody trolley on a noisy ward.. Please not again! Anyway....just wanted to say hi and any encouragement would be fab....days like today im struggling.
Ps. Oncologist appt friday....what should I ask?xx

[Warcol]

Hi Jen
Only positive I can offer is as u will be delayed (which I was) I had a few more good weeks where I got loads done and tasted food normally and even my hair has started to grow back so when u do eventually finish the hair and normality starts to return quickly xxx

[Jembossable]

Not happy. My last T has been put back from the 15th to the 29th so I'm going to be poorly for the race for life!! 😢 Both consultants are away on holiday. So much for all over celebrations after the race!!! What a bummer!x

[SusieQ]

First Herceptin jab today. Injected at 10.30 don't feel any different, but can't leave hospital for 6 hours!
Completed Word Searches, etc. Ummm what to do now ....I know eat chocolate !!!!!!

[Emmajane]

F by day ten I felt normal... Slightly longer than Fec. Xxx I had mouth issues too. Ulcers and thrush.

[Emmajane]

Loolyboo the injections make me ache too! Awwww I have a four year old, they keep you grounded!! X