October 2016 starters

[OldDawn63]

Sus12 - popped in again from September thread to reply to Gracie and noticed your post about nails. I've also been using Onicolife drops since the middle of my first cycle (so has Lisad). I was also using Flexitol cut cream until I ran out and couldn't get any more 😕. So far my nails have survived without discolouration through 3 cycles of FEC and 1 and a bit cycles of T (I am now at Day 8 of second T cycle), though they have started to get a bit dry since the T cycles started. As well as the Onicolife drops, I have been throwing whatever else I have managed to find at them, but have avoided using nail polish, because I never use it normally and don't want to start now if I can help it. In between applying Onicolife morning and night, after washing my hands, I now apply Dr Organic Tea Tree Anti Fungal nail oil, available from Holland & Barrett, and The Body Shop almond hand and nail cream (was on special offer). I think moisturising your hands and nails little and often is probably the best way of protecting them against the worst effects of T. I have applied the same approach towards my feet and skin generally, and I've definitely noticed that my skin is drier since starting on T, despite moisturising everything twice a day since the first cycle - so do watch out for that. Since my second cycle of FEC I have also been protecting my hands by using a variety of gloves to do different chores (assorted sets of different coloured rubber gloves for washing up, cleaning and laundry, disposable gloves for food preparation, and cotton gloves for dusting and ironing). Hope this helps - forewarned is forearmed as they say!

[OldDawn63]

Gracie - just to let you know I have posted a reply to your latest post to me on the September thread, where you posted yours (if this make any sense!).

[Sus12]

The T bit apparently makes your nails sensitive to light / uv but I've avoided Shellac nails even on the FEC (because of the uv light). I was told it doesn't necessarily have to be really dark/black just a solid colour. I've been putting one on regularly ( I'm not very good at doing my own nails though!) and I've been using Oncolife drops on my nails more or less daily from the start of my treatment and my nails are quite strong now - no sign of any discolouration or ridges or lifting so far but then I haven't started my T bit yet....1 more FEC to go this Thursday then the T bit 😞 . I'll be glad when the FEC is finished but I'm a bit apprehensive about the T and a new drug for my body to have to deal with :(.
SueF xx

[swampy1901]

Hi Angie

I'm glad that whatever was causing you discomfort has moved on and you are feeling better today.

Funnily enough my BCN rang yesterday for a catch up and she too mentioned about wearing dark colour nail polish during the T part of the treatment. I tend to wear nail polish very rarely as I find it seems to dry out my nails but I will try and find out more. I have been using Defiant Beauty Nail Oil since I started chemo - no idea if it's helping but time will tell.

My lashes and eyebrows have been falling out to the point that my eyebrows have a decided stripey look - a lovely girl at our local Boots taught me how to fill in the gaps so to speak and gave some hints if the whole lot should go awol. Apparently T goes for the eyebrows and eyelashes but is easier on the hair - I'm cold capping and am still losing hairs everyday but still have a reasonable if much thinner covering of hair on my head. Armpits are beautifully soft and hair free!! Legs patchy!! Other half says I still have a hairy lip!! Charming!! lol!! But my skin in general is really dry so am using lots of body butter and hand cream.

No doubt someone will be along to tell you about Herceptin because that is not something I will be having in my treatment regime but one of the ladies at our group said she had a long day in the chemo unit when she had Herceptin so maybe that was why.

Hugs

Swampy

[Angywd]

Hi all

Swampy, thanks for the advice.  For some reason today I have been fine.... no idea why or how but I'm not complaining!  Glad you have got the pain relief sorted, all of this is miserable enough without extra pain on top.   Today I have no sense of taste and half my face is numb, have checked in the mirror and my smile is all ok and no face drooping so guess it's just more unusual side effects, I had similar last time. Very lethargic and going up and down the stairs leaves me breathless but again I had this before and it does ease up.   My hair has started to shed again despite 3rd cold capping last Friday,  but they did warn me it would happen.... 

Has anyone else been advised to wear dark or black nail varnish for the T chemo cycles?  My chemo nurse advised me to do do this on fingers and toes but I can't remember why (chemo brain!) and I'm not a lover of dark colour nail varnish but if it has a real purpose...?  

I also still have lashes and eyebrows after 3 cycles of FEC, am due to start 3 cycles of T chemo on 16th Dec.  Does anyone know if the T is the chemo which makes you lose them?  Sorry so many questions but has anyone actually started on herceptin yet and can share the experience?  I start mine on 15th Dec and have been told I have to be in hosp for 6 hours in case of any reactions to it.

hugs all round

Angie

x💞x

[Truey]

Hi Kajista,

Wondering what happened about you being ill. Did you have the next chemo or was it delayed?

Sending hugs to get you through.

Sue O

[Skye]

Hi Swampy1901

Re your backache pain - I started taking Arcoxia when I first got the pains after the first cycle.  I've continued taking it every day with Omeprazole (I was taking both for a previous condition and stopped when I didn't need them).  I'm on Day 8 of my 2nd cycle and I've not experienced any pain at all since the first cycle.

Arcoxia, I think is cumultive so it might be worthwhile starting on it asap if you want to get the benefit.

Hope things improve.

Big hugs

Skye xxx

[Skye]

Hi Angie

Sorry to hear that you're having a hard time.  Have you tried Omeprazole or Lansaprazole for your heartburn, I've been taking it since I had the injection into the stomach for white blood cells and I've only suffered once in the early hours of the morning.  Worth a try.

Hope you feel better soon.

Big hugs

Skye xxx

[swampy1901]

Only two more Filgastrim injections to go - thank goodness  - for this cycle!! The backache and general low lying bone pain has been getting worse with each cycle. I have tried the anti-histamines but they don't seem to work for me so after ringing my GPs practice- the receptionist got the doctor to phone me who has prescribed stronger painkillers for breakthrough pain when Ibuprofen and paracetemol just don't have any effect.

I had a difficult weekend even though we made a point of going out and about to a Christmas fair - but I felt high as a kite without the relief from pain so fingers crossed things will start to pick up now. I run the risk of constipation again if I take loads but that is probably more manageable in the grand scheme of things but perversely as is always the way - when you actually get something to help - the need seems to diminish!! lol!!

Hugs

Swampy

[swampy1901]

Hi Angie

I found that Senna from the chemist worked for me. I started using it a few days after my first chemo and it was really quite uncomfortable with wind and constipation but if it's taken at night -  things start to move the following day.  I had gripey/crampy pains while they took effect but after two days everything was back to normal.

During treatments 2 + 3 I took senna on day one and two of each treatment and pre-empted the constipation pains - eating weetabix and fruit helped too and of course the all important plenty of water to flush and keep things soft.

If that fails then Lansaprazole may be needed by prescription - this helps with heartburn etc but every drug affects everyone differently.  I found that this got rid of the heartburn but increased the constipation - so I only use it when it's really bad - but actually find it easier to use Gaviscon and leave off the Lansaprazole. It's all a matter of finding what you find easier to live with according to your side effects.

Probably not much help when you are feeling so uncomfortable now - I do hope you can find something to help you soon.

Hugs

[Sus12]

Hi Khajista. You can take paracetamol based cold relief but you must take your temperature first as if you have a temperature of 37.5 or over you must call your helpline/chemo unit or hospital. They are happy for you to take paracetamol as long as your temperature is normal. You will need to keep checking it too.
Hope you feel better soon but see what they say at your chemo unit tomorrow morning.
Hugs,
SueF x

[Angywd]

Hi Khalistan
I feel the same as Swampy, think you should consider postponing your chemo for a week to allow you time to recover. The side effects from chemo alone are hard enough to deal with alone without you feeling so poorly before you start.
Angie
Xxx

[Angywd]

Hi everyone

seems we are all struggling at the moment...😰

Does anyone have any suggestions for trapped wind and indigestion relief?   All I've had today is some crackers and cheese spread, I've had hot water, gaviscon, remegels and my son rubbing my back as hard as he can and I am still in so much pain in my back and between my shoulders.  I normally suffer from bad indigestion around day 5 & 6 of the cycle but it's only day 3 and I'm in agony...

Any ideas which might help?

Hugs

Angie

xx

[suebond88]

Evening everyone,

thankyou for your suggestions and advice re the aching veins etc.  My Oncologist is not keen on picc lines - infections etc - and prefers to use cannulas. The nurse came today for pre Chemo blood test, and advises to keep arm warm at all times!  Will persevere, but did mention the cream to her, and she said to see how I get on this cycle and they'd add the cream to my next cycle if needed.  Oncologist suggested voltoral cream.

have 3rd Chemo tomorrow, am coldcapping again, as (touch wood) hair seems to be hanging on in there.

keep well everyone.

Sue Bxxx

[swampy1901]

Hi Khajista

Aw!! Poor you!! Have you spoken to your Chemo unit?

If you are feeling that poorly then they may want you to put off your treatment for a few days. You need to be as fit and strong as possible for each and every treatment so do get some advice. 

It goes without saying that you need to keep your fluids up and antibiotics won't necessarily help viral infections anyway. Hot Lemon and Honey is always good and generic cold remedies from over the counter will help alleviate some of the worst symptoms you may be suffering.

Wrap up warm and look after yourself.

Hugs

Swampy

[Khajista]

Hello all of the beutiful ladies here,

I am in terrible situation , have got bad flu and sore throat with my third chemo of AC cycle due tomorrow!!

Feeling super sluggish, weak and low. Need remedies and help please i want to avoid antibiotics as my stomach is already upset and i can't take any antibiotics.

Need some home remedies if anyone of you got flu during chemo.

Thanks and hugs.

Cheers~

[Joandthetribe]

Thank you so much for the advice about veins *OldDawn63* I had my 3rd cycle of EC chemotherapy last Monday and am just emerging from the chemo-hangover from hell! However the one side effect I really wasn't expecting was the pain along the vein in the arm the cannulate 😞 I can't stretch it out straight and it feels bruised and sore to the touch. The main vein into my forearm feels harder than it did before and I'm worrying they won't be able to use it for my 4th and final treatment in a couple of weeks.

I will ring and ask the specialist nurse about this cream.

And nothing wrong with smelling like casserole in my eyes!!

[OldDawn63]

Angie, Sue and anyone else with sore veins - don't suffer in silence, contact your oncology nurse for assistance, because there is some brilliant cream you can get for sore and painful veins. It is called heparinoid cream (brand name Hirudoid), it is an anti-coagulant, and it is effective at relieving sore veins, veinous phlebitis (build up of fluid) and stubborn bruises. It is prescription only so if it is the right thing for you, you will have to get it from the hospital or your GP. It smells of thyme (thymol is one of the ingredients) so you will go around smelling like a casserole for a bit, but it is a small price to pay for the relief it gives. I am one if the people who has managed to endure chemotherapy without a PICC line (I had my 5th treatment last week), because my veins are unusually easy to cannulate. Although they had held up pretty well through 3 cycles of FEC and my first cycle of T + Herceptin + Perjeta (plus numerous blood samples), they started to protest around the middle of the 4th cycle. Both my arms became sore and some painful lumps developed under the skin in my right arm near where the last lot of cannulas had been put in. I'd also still got some bruising. I was worried about this affecting the next treatment, so I contacted one of the oncology nurses who told me to go and see her so she could have a look. When she saw it she immediately diagnosed veinous phlebitis, a delayed SE of the FEC, which is quite rare (I've had quite a few other rare SEs from the chemotherapy because I'm awkward, but I will spare you the gory details). Heparinoid cream was prescribed, and within a week both arms were a lot better, and I was able to go ahead with the next treatment last week. The lumps, soreness and bruising have now completely gone. So whether or not you have a PICC line, if you are suffering with sore veins and bruising which won't go away, ask your nurse for something to relieve it rather than just putting up with it. Hope this helps.

[maryminder]

Hi All

Thank you for all the replies re Look Good Feel Better will just take myself along

SueB, so happy for you and hope you have a wonderful time with your family and I would also urge to you to push for a picc line, so much easler all round

Angwyd thank you for the reassurance and I will certainly have a word about delaying my treatment until after Christmas, will have both my sons home so would be nice to be able to enjoy it.

Hugs

Mary xx

[Truey]

Hi Sue,

I would book the Look Good Feel Better in January anyway. I was offered April!!!! I thought like you that it was too late but in reality I got in on a cancellation within 3 weeks. 

Our lives are so upsy downsy that they get a lot of last minute cancellations and like to run the courses full. Someone rang me at 6 pm to offer a place the next day!

Good Luck.

Sue O

[Sus12]

Hi Sue.
How wonderful for you to have your daughter, son in law and baby grandson over. It will be lovely for you to spend some time with them 🙂
I don't know where you are but if you look up Look Good Feel Better and Masterclasses on their website you might be lucky and find one of those near enough for you to travel to. They are extra to the usual bookable days. I'm booked in for January on the normal one but there was a masterclass near enough for me to get to as well which would have been better but sadly I was too sick to go as it was only two days after my last chemo. You never know you might be lucky! Or you can get a really good DVD from them too which is very good for ideas and makeup tips etc before your January one. I've found it really helpful.
SueF x

[Angywd]

Hi SueB, aw that is so lovely for you to have your family with you now, just the boost you needed I'm sure 😍 And a very good distraction too!

i had my first FEC through a cannula and I still have sore and tender vein in that arm now.  The last 2 have been done by the pic line they inserted after an emergency admission and about 7 failed attempts to get cannula in!  When she did the first FEC through the cannula my vein kept going into spasms and she had to keep stopping and massaging it, took over an hour to get one syringe into the vein.  I don't know how anyone manages 6 cycles through a cannula 😱.  Would strongly suggest you push for a picc line, my oncologist was reluctant to let me have one but the cancer ward I was put on in the emergency admission were horrified at what I'd had to go through trying to get a cannula in and organised one for me straight away.  When you only have one arm that they can use I really don't understand the reluctance they have for picc lines.  My veins were so rubbish I was spending up to half an hour with my hand in a bucket of hot water and they still couldn't get it in.  

Shame you have to wait so long for the look good session but it's def worth the wait, the goody bag is over £200 worth of products, my daughter keeps trying to get her mitts on mine, lots of Clinique, Estée Lauder, Lancôme and YSL goodies!! 

Hope you are having a lovely weekend with your family 💞

Hugs

Angie

[suebond88]

Morning everyone,

Had a wonderful reunion with my daughter, her husband and baby grandson yesterday.  Last time I saw James he was 10months old - now he's 18 months, and a proper little character!  A bit wary of us of course, but he is getting used to his new environment and having fun exploring!

getting ready now for FEC 3 on Tuesday .....

anyone else have a really achy tender forearm -  same side the cannula goes in?  My arm is really tender to the touch and achy.  Oncologist has given permission for bloods to be taken from my left arm (same side as surgery), as my veins are narrowing...

hey ho, one more thing to deal with.

i love the sound of the Look good Feel better sessions, but when I rang to book at our local centre the earliest they could fit me in was February!  My last FEC is 31 January, and I'd have liked some ideas now rather than after.  Never mind.

enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone

SueBxxx

[suebond88]

Morning everyone,

Had a wonderful reunion with my daughter, her husband and baby grandson yesterday.  Last time I saw James he was 10months old - now he's 18 months, and a proper little character 😍 A bit wary of us of course, but he is getting used to his new environment and having fun exploring!

getting ready now for FEC 3 on Tuesday .....

anyone else have a really achy tender forearm -  same side the cannula goes in?  My arm is really tender to the touch and achy.  Oncologist has given permission for bloods to be taken from my left arm (same side as surgery), as my veins are narrowing...

hey ho, one more thing to deal with.

i love the sound of the Look good Feel better sessions, but when I rang to book at our local centre the earliest they could fit me in was February!  My last FEC is 31 January, and I'd have liked some ideas now rather than after.  Never mind.

enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone

SueBxxx

[Angywd]

Hi everyone

Mary no you really don't need to take anything and it's best to go bare faced, I wore makeup but they get you to take it off as part of the whole beauty regime there are removers, toners and cleansers all in your goody bag which they go through all the steps of using each item with you.  They then make you up using your products, or you can chose to do it yourself but it was quite nice being pampered to be honest!  

So sorry you are feeling anxious, totally understand why.  I had the same period when getting all the results and diagnosis's that every time I went back it was for more bad news.  That said my sis in law had the same as you and is perfectly fine and was told they are quite common.    Have you thought about delaying the chemo on 22nd for a week?  At least you could get xmas out of the way first then?  My chemo nurse said it's fine to delay for just 1 week but as my first T is on 16th, it would have made it even closer to xmas.... 

We're all here for you anytime you need to chat or vent or just want someone to listen to your worries 💞

Take care

Angie

xxxx

[Truey]

 Hi there,

You don't need to take anything except yourself to Look Good Feel Better. They give you everything including at my Milton Keynes session, tea and biscuits provided by our local support group, Bosom Pals. You get a great bag of goodies to take home. It's high quality stuff, so even if there are items you personally don't use, your friends and family will be queuing up to relieve you of them. 

Enjoy ☺️

Sue O

[maryminder]

Hi All

I have my last EC on Wednesday which means date wise my first T is on the 22/12, have also been reading up re SE so also not expecting to much this Christmas, will have a chat with Oncologist re painkillers etc, my Thyroid biopsy is on the 5/12 so fingers crossed will have results around about the 16th.

I am finding it hard to carry on as normal since getting the biopsy date, all the memorys from my BC diagnosis have resurfaced and I keep remembering how things just kept getting worse with each test, I stupidlly thought the mastectomy, chemo and radiotherapy would be the end of it and i could get my life back to some sort of mormality, hubby keeps telling me it will be ok and I so want to believe it will but I am struggling. 

On a positive note I have decided not to use my wig, I hate the way it looks and even indoors I am very self concoius about it, it's just not me, I am much more comfortable in hats etc. so it has been consigned to the cupboard and I feel happy that I have made the right decision for me rather than trying to please others who think I should wear it.

If anyone has been on the Look Good Feel Better session do you need to take anything with you, I have mine on Tuesday and not sure if I need to take makeup etc.

Sorry for the moan, hugs and best wishes

Mary xx

[Angywd]

Hi Sue, think I would invest in a very lightweight knitted hat to wear underneath the caving helmet, god you are brave to be doing that anyway, hats off to you, excuse the pun!  Then when you take the helmet off you can leave the hat on and not have to worry too much about your hair.  They have some fine knitted ones on Ebay.  You can just quietly explain to the people running it your reasons for needing to wear it under the helmet.  

Steroids from Fridays chemo have kicked in so hardly sleeping again....😨 My cat loves it tho, she's so excited when she comes in from her night time prowling to find me awake for cuddles!! 

Hugs

Angie

xxx

[Sus12]

Hi Angie.
Yes think you're right. I'll see how I feel the Sat morning before we go. Wig or not. Or both :D. Mind you the next day we'll have caving helmets on so wig wearing unlikely :D. It could be wig for the dress up eve do, wig at breakfast and suddenly no hair but a caving helmet after breakfast! That will confuse them all. I'm hoping I'm up to it as it will be 10 days after my 3rd FEC so that's when at least I feel a bit better and not so sick. Thinking about it what do you wear under a caving helmet with no hair?! Never thought about that :D.
SueF x

[Angywd]

Oh Sue I feel for you,  but you know what you should go with which ever you feel most comfortable with and as you don't know many of them they probably wouldn't even know what you are going through.  My hair is very fine and now shoulder length and others say it's looking fine! But I know otherwise! And my bag I've saved with all the hair which has fallen out proves my point!! Some days I can put the wig on and I'm happy with it with just minimal faffing, other days I'm sat there an hour later just staring in the mirror thinking what the hell?!  Good on you for going, others don't realise how hard social occasions are for us now.  I went to see my nephew in a play this week with a crowd of other people.  Stomach was playing me up, felt so self conscious in my wig.  Then my stomach decided to play up again just as the show started so had to move seats past a load of people huffing and puffing so I could be on the aisle closer to the loo.  I felt like telling them I'm not doing this on purpose!!  Just know that it will mean so much to you  loved ones and they will be so proud of you for making the effort 💞 

Love & hugs

Angie

xxx

[Sus12]

I like the idea of the diamante clips :). Still just about holding onto my very fine not very much hair left new pixie cut hairdo but it doesn't feel like me when I look in the mirror. Will seem even less with a bald head, no eyebrows or eyelashes lol. We've got a weekend do next weekend and although I want to go, 50% does and 50% doesn't and I need to decide....wig (no one has seen me since mine mostly fell out! Plus most of them don't know us so wouldn't know but then I don't want the bc conversation just want to have a nice evening) or dangley earrings and never mind the pixie cut just go with it :D. Hard as with the wig the eve do is ok but doing all that to go to breakfast the next morning and all day? Or wig the night before and turn up at breakfast with a different haircut lol? I don't know what to do 😄
SueF xx

[Angywd]

Thank you Sue for your kind words.  Like you say it's hard to let the feelings out with loved ones without feeling guilty knowing there is really not much that they can say to make things any better.  I've just treated myself to some pretty hair accessories to go with my wig as it's quite a bit longer than my own hair was.  I'm not usually one for bling but have ordered some diamanté clips for xmas time!   Helped by the fact that the postman bought me a nice tax rebate in the post today, so not such a bad day after all!  

Hope you are having a nice weekend 💐

Hugs

Angie

x💞X

[Sus12]

Hi Angie.
You're not going all 'woe is me' at all! We all have such a lot to deal with and often it's hard to talk about how we're feeling all the time with people at home as I think we sometimes feel we don't want to keep on about it with them for all sorts of reasons. This is one place we ought to feel we can as we're all going through this breast cancer stuff, side effects and dealing with how we are feeling about ourselves. It is all very tough so there are times we need to just say how we are really feeling. It's good that you got to talk to the senior chemo nurse. They have such a lot of experience as sadly they see this so much but we are also individuals and the treatment we have, side effects and emotions feel and go through can be a bit of a roller coaster and all of this will be very individual. As you say though, we are hard as it is, going through all this for a reason - to save our lives. And that is a really good thing! When I'm feeling a bit down or feeling unhappy with myself and what this is doing to my body and my feelings about who I am and what I look like I try to remember why I chose to go through all this treatment. And I did have a choice so I have to be glad I'm doing whatever I can to beat this and be back to 'me ' 🙂
Big hugs,
SueF xx

[Angywd]

Hi everyone 

Truey, yes please keep us updated on how you get on with the first T....I looked back at the August chemo thread as many of the ladies on there are now into the T chemo cycle and then wished I hadn't! 

Swampy yes I was exactly the same for my cold capping this time, lots of hot drinks, heated blanket and for the first half an hour just sat there with tears dripping down my face in pain.  My lovely daughter was on hand with the tissues bless her. 

I am definitely feeling this cumulative effects of the tiredness now tho.  I also notice that after every chemo my breast wound starts leaking for a few days which is a bit weird.  

One thing I really haven't got my head around is that I have to have a mastectomy at the end of chemo before I start radiotherapy.  Due to having the radiotherapy I won't be able to have the reconstruction at the same time, it will be around 6 months after the radiotherapy has finished.  I can't seem to take it on board whilst going through the chemo side effects and keep putting it away in a little box 'to deal with later' .....

Ive had such a busy week leading up to this chemo, trying to do as much as possible before I'm wiped out again and I'm feeling the effects of it now.  Definitely going to be a weekend on the sofa catching up on rubbish TV.  

I had a meeting with the senior chemo nurse on Thursday, first time I've had the chance to talk through how I'm getting on with the chemo and effects, and generally talking through any worries.  Was nice to be able to talk it through and have her tell me I'm doing great!  My biggest fear is being bald and having just one boob, feels like all my femininity is being taken away 😰.  Everyone says not to be daft and they all love me no matter what but it's how I feel about myself and no one can change that.  

Anyway don't want to go on with the 'woe is me' ,  I have to just keep telling myself that this is saving my life and that's all there is to it. 

Hugs and love to all 💞

angie

xxxxx

[Truey]

Hi Ladies,

Angie and Swampy, I'm just ahead of you.....my first T is 30th November and I'm feeling very apprehensive. If all goes to plan, the second will be on 20th December, so I'm not holding out much hope for enjoying Christmas! 🙁

Anyway, I will let you know how it turns out for me side effect wise....

I agree about the fluctuating energy. Even in the last week of the cycle some days, or parts of them, I feel bursting with energy and ideas, then suddenly get tired and apathetic again. Maybe it's just mood and the constant reminders of our situation. Yesterday my other half drove me to a Christmas market. We got there early and avoided the crowds and it w a nice day out. However, at the market the stall holders constantly offered samples of cheese, sausages, Christmas pudding etc - none of which I could try because of the infection risk. Sometimes it is really hard to put the cancer brain away and enjoy "normality".......

Hugs to all.

Sue xx

[swampy1901]

Hi Angie 

We seem to be at the same point in our treatment, although I won't be having Herceptin but will be having Radiotherapy and hormonal treatments. Like you I'm cold capping and like you found it really hard this time around probably due to less hair to insulate the head. I spent the whole session wrapped in a blanket drinking hot drinks and really felt quite unwell through the whole thing. I ended up sleeping at home for two hours after maybe this is the cumulative effect that many people talk about. I have noticed though that I can feel fit, healthy and 'normal' one day only to feel completely decked another day.

My first T is due 13th Dec so hopefully I'll be managing any side effects in the run up to Christmas - they seem to suggest that that they are a whole new kettle of fish in comparison to what we have recently learned to live with - just what we don't need!

Hugs

[Angywd]

Hi everyone 

Feel like I've lived in the hospital this week, been there 4 days out of 5 for various appts but did have the look good feel better session on weds which was lovely.  As others have said the goody bag is well worth going for, I would estimate around £200 worth of cosmetics, perfume and beauty products.  It was nice to sit and chat with the other ladies as well.

Had my 3rd and final FEC today, cold capped again which was even worse with the thinning I have on top but the nurse assures me the amount of hair I have remaining is very good (doesn't feel like it to me!)   Heyho at least with the T you only have to have it on for half an hour before you start, the infusion takes about an hour and then you only keep it on for 20 mins afterwards (new instructions) so it's cuts the cold capping time down by half yay 🎉!  I still have eyelashes and eyebrows but the chemo nurse says they will go....😰

i have 7 days of injections at home by the districts nurses for the bone marrow after each chemo session, seems not everyone gets these....

i also start the herceptin the day before my next chemo and with the first one I have to be there for 6 hours afterwards.  So my T starts on 16th Dec, like many of you Christmas is going to have to on a suck it and see basis! Luckily my family are happy to do it and just leave me to rest or sleep as I need to.  Dreading the side effects of that one..  by the way, anyone who is having chemo in the weeks before xmas you can delay for 1 week and my chemo nurse assured me this is fine.  It's no good to me as I would only be able to delay until 23rd and thats even worse for me. 

Ramping up the online shopping so I can be organised before the last week, get everything wrapped and under the tree! 

Hope you are coping ok and manage to have a nice, if restful weekend.

hugs

Angie

X💞X

[swampy1901]

Well I had enough energy yesterday to go my local Hospices' interest group where a bundle of women all with BC get together to chat and talk about treatments, side effects and other things, and this time - take part in a craft making session. 

This is really to show us how to be mindful so that your mind is not always taken up with what is happening to you and around you and that you live in the moment. This was little funny when there are a few of us trying to use scissors when we are suffering the effects of neuropathy in the fingers as well as being artistically challenged!!

They knew it was the day after my chemo and as often happens many of us dont have the energy after for a few days but they looked after me very well. But I think the steroids helped a lot - no doubt I'll crash in a few days time if the last cycle was anything to go by.

The nurse dropped in to do my Filgastrim injection this morning and dressing change, my tummy wound although nearly healed always seems to go backwards a little with chemo but I'm told that's because the chemo attacks the good and the bad cells. Oh well as long as it heals up in the end.

Hugs to all however you feel today.

[elisan]

Hi Sue 

So happy for you,I felt excited for you just reading your post. Just the lift you need and it will be good for your daughter to see you in the flesh, it must be hard for both of you being far apart at this time. Enjoy the good times 

Liz xx

[suebond88]

Good morning everyone,

had my pre 3rd Chemo check and chat with my Oncologist yesterday, and subject to my bloods on Monday my third FEC will go ahead on Tuesday. Not forseeing any problems but you never know.  Half way point reached then 👍🤕

re injections post Chemo, I'm given (nurse comes) Neulasta 24 hours post Chemo - just one shot - which I understand is to boost my immune system.

will continue to cold cap, as (touch wood) my hair, although shedding isn't too noticeable.  Eyelashes and 'down below' have just about disappeared though.

am getting excited now - my daughter, her husband and our 18 month  old grandson arrive from Oz on Saturday😍😍😍 so excited.  A little anxious as they will see me at my best and worse - but, nothing I can do about that. It will be so good to have them here and have been busy toddler proofing th ehouse!!😍

Wishing everyone a good and safe weekend

sueBxxx

[maryminder]

Hi All

I have had the Filgrastim injections with both my EC doses, I have to inject into my stomach every morning for ten days after the treatment, they boost your white cell count, I have been told I will have these right through my treatment.

I had a call yesterday from the BC unit re my Thyroid biopsy, it seems that someone should have contacted me before I recieved the appointment letter and explained what was happening, apparantly my scan was inconclusive hence the need for a biopsy which is what I suspected, should have full results about the 16th Dec, fingers crossed.

Best wishes to all

Mary xx

[miss.mc]

hi fairycake. I had similar symptoms for a few days after my 2nd EC chemo the other week. it was about days 5-9, feeling totally exhausted & sleeping loads. felt like my blood sugar levels were really low or something. feeing a bit better now. I have never had any injections into stomach (or elsewhere) after the chemo tho. don't know what that is. I just get loads of antisickness drugs to take for following couple of days. hope u feel better soon. xx

[Sus12]

Not having a happy day :(. Feel fed up and sore. Had PICC line re done today as the last one got blocked due to no one being capable to do the flush at my doctors! Despite the fact that they are supposed to have had training. Our district nurses won't come out to do it now either. What a waste of the NHS's money. My oncologist was really cross and said it was completely avoidable. I'm now very sore as although it didn't hurt at all when I had it in the first time we unfortunately found our during this new one being put in that my arm is still sore inside from when they had to take it out a week and a half ago :(.
At least after 9 days of bad sickness that has now gone! Same happened last time so it's obviously how my body reacts despite all the sickness meds and changing them.
Roll on my third and final FEC next Thurs! I'll be in my bad week as well mumofmany. It can't be helped but it sucks!! We just have to get on with it and cope the best we can and enjoy the good days we do have. Luckily we do get some respite! 🙂
Lots of hugs everyone,
SueF xx

[Truey]

Hi,

I am on FEC-T and where I'm treated we do not routinely get injections for the FEC cycles; only the T - the first of which is looming up for me on 30th November....

I sympathise about Christmas, like many others on this thread if all goes to plan, I will be having cycle 5 the week before Christmas, so I don't hold out much hope for the festivities.

Hugs to all.

Sue

[Sue C]

Hi

Just popped over from radiotherapy thread. I finished chemo last month and noticed your question about injections. They are given days 3 to 7 in order to boost your white blood cells. However, like all of this, everyone is different and so not all have them and it also seems to depend on your hospital and consultant. Might be worth asking your bc nurse about it.

Sue x

[Mumofmany]

Afternoon Been for third chemo yesterday morning but it was cancelled due to my bloods being borderline and iv still got this cough, on antibiotics again and try again on Monday, only thing now is I will be in my bad week for all the Christmas parties etc that's booked 😢but it's that or hospital so il take a weeks delay x
I'm having EC and have noticed some mention injections, iv not had any does everyone have them or only if needed il be having 3x docetaxel after this last EC x

[fairycake2]

Hi all,

I had my second EC last Thursday and have had a pretty rough time of it since then. ON sunday I started feeling weak and by yesterday I could manage to do nothing at all. I just lay on the sofa or in bed all day.  When I tried to get up, my legs felt like jelly and as though I might collapse any moment.  Now I thought that these sypmtoms were not unusual as chemo side effects, but when I spoke to the chemo nurse she put the fear of God into me as she said I must get out and about as there was anincreased risk of thrombosis with chemo.  Later on she said that she thought my symptoms might be from the injection that they do the following day into your stomach. So.. I'm a bit confused, has anyone else had similar symptoms? And how have they been explained? 

By the way, although I still feel pretty rought oday I have managed to get out of the house for a walk so clearly on the mend. 

[elisan]

Had 2nd FEC today, 1 week late due to issues with neutrophils last week. Feeling a bit fragile tonight which has taken me by surprise-strange how quickly we forget previous bad times.  I have injection to take tomorrow to help boost work of bone marrow. Fingers crossed I don't have too many issues with it. Mentioned to oncology nurse and pharmacist about reports that antihistamine can help with pain from this injection. They had not heard of this but were interested and were going to do a bit of research on it. I cold capped again today but am aware that most people start to loose quite a bit of hair at this point.

Total respect to all you ladies(and gentlemen) out there dealing with this treatment. Hugs to you all and the family and friends who support you

Liz

[swampy1901]

Well Round 3 done and dusted! But I really didn't feel too clever while I was receiving chemo, the cold cap was initially really hard work despite taking pain killers - it just felt mega cold and I couldn't stomach any lunch. I spent the whole session wrapped in a blanket!! I just felt mehh!!  

I came home washed my hair and settled down with the cat and a movie. Two hours later - movie over and I never saw a thing - still feel mehh! but slightly better - need to decide what I want to eat but don't feel like cooking - think hubby is back on cooking duties for a little while! Definitely feeling sorry for myself today -but tomorrow is thankfully  another day.

Hugs to everyone who is feeling a little under the weather!!

Swampy

[maryminder]

Hi All

Beginning to feel slightly more human today, still have a cough but so much better than it was, unfortunately hubby now has a chest infection so I have moved back into the spare room, may just stay put for the duration !!

Due to have my third and final EC next Wednesday so hoping my bloods will be ok, have worked out dates and I am due my first T on the 22nd Dec and after reading about possible SE, have told family that Christmas will be a scaled back affair this year and we will be having something I can prepare and freeze before hand so if I am out of action on the day at least we will eat (hubby's cooking skills are not brilliant).

Most of my hair had gone so hubby shaved the rest off on Sunday morning, strangely liberating, no longer leaving a trail of hair where ever I go, going to see about another wig today as the one I have is not quite right, too evening out rather than everyday wear if that makes sense!!

Good luck to everyone having treatment this week

Hugs Mary xx