Spring into chemo in March

[Daffodil66]

Hi Ladies,

Pammy - Well done, I hope all goes well & you get to spend time with your family. I don't know whether I will need an mx yet but would have recon if I did. A friend of mine has the tummy one & has shown me, looks amazing but I think thats the most invasiven one to have?

Mungos mum - Mungo sounds so sweet, these dogs are so sensitive, one of mine was completely traumatised when I was first diagnosed. I still can't cry in front of him! This fatigue is so wearing, I've given in to it now. Just hoping to bounce back like Nipinuk once chemos over.

Angela- Good to hear the sciatica hasn't stopped your socialising, I'll be joining you on the afternoon teas as off to Cornwall on sun. Notice the weathers deteriorated!

I have just trimmed my chemo frazzled hair, nearly clippered as I know it needs it but can't yet. Chem nurse told me last week that cold cap is only likely to be successful if you are having fec 75, I had the 100! Wouldn't have bothered if I'd known that.

Nipinuk- You are looking & sound so well but don't over do it. Make sure mums taxi gets some breaks. Thanks for the karate evening offer but might give it a miss this week!;)

Does anyone know about travel insurance, how soon we can travel after surgery?

Suzy - I hope no 5 goes well tomorrow ;). Starting to get to tired to endure now though!

xxx

[Pammyx]

Completed number 5 today just waiting for the fall out hope you are all keeping well we are certainly all nearly there. I have brother visiting with his family this Sunday from TExas with his family thought I would put on a food buffet if up to it also going to cheshire show next weds with neighbour. BEst wishes to all how any of you ware have had a masectomy are thinking of foregoing a reconstruction?

[Lola65]

Angie - As regards sciatica and a ruptured lumber disk, I have experience of this, albeit 35 years ago!

I had on and off slipped discs since being at PE college in the 60's but never with the awful sciatica until the 1980's. It was the worst pain I can ever remember - worse than child birth I can assure everyone, so my sympathies are with you. I went through all the usual treatments, physiotherapy, being stretched on a rack thing, epidurals and cortisone injections straight into the spinal column (was supposed to have 3 but they were so awful and dangerous I didn't have the third one). As it was 35 years ago they were reluctant to operate initially because the procedures weren't as advanced as they are now. Anyway, I was so sick of screaming out in the night for my hubby to cut my leg off - and i would have let him too, that I pleaded for the op and they gave in. I was told 50% chance of it making things worse and the possibility of a wheelchair, but I didn't care. That was preferable. I had the op and have never looked back. They found the disc had exploded and all the bits of fibres were wrapped round the sciatic nerve. Each of these had to be picked off. They were put in a bottle for me to keep!

The following day I was up and walking about, swimming in the hydrotherapy pool, causing mahem in the common room, and aggitating to be let home. I was completely pain free. Not a pin prick anywhere. I was supposed to be incarcerated 10 days (the norm at the time for all major ops) but went home after 7. Now, 35 years later I still have no pain, just minor discomfort in lower back if I do too much gardening. It was the best thing I ever did.



I hope this gives you some hope. Linda xxx

[Mungos_mum]

FEC-T cycle 5 day 6
I have been keeping my head down for a few days as fatigue has hit me very hard. Mungo is keeping me company, and being a fantastic guard dog, warns everyone off who comes within site of a window! (he also plonks himself down on top of me for maximum protection, which is not quite so ccomfortable!)
Shelley - you poor thing! So glad you have escaped, let us know a bit in advance if there is a next time, and we can send out a rescue party... I'm sorry you had such a hard time with FEC, but there is a massive number of other things they can try, although judging by your scan results, the tax did the business! Fantastic news.
Daffodil - fantastic news for you too. It is good to be reminded that all this suffering does have a point, and a massive benefit.
Glad to see everyone seems to be enduring, I now need to lie down to recover from the effort of eating lunch.........
Best wishes,
C xx

[Nipinuk]

Welcome back Shelley! We missed you. 18 days!!! I think you hold the record for longest hospital stay amongst us Marchies. What an awful nightmare (deleted bloody n replaced with awful - trying to be a bit more ah...what's the word? You know what I mean!) Reducing your dose sounds good as you've been so ill with it. Don't worry about it being less effective. Each person is different and it's always a fine balance between chemo helping and harming us. Great to hear tumour has shrunk too - yes!
It's hectic here and I haven't had tiime to post yesterday. Had massage yesterday and was offered chocolates which I refused -never could do that before but I don't really yearn for it since stopping dairy. i do have the very occasional dark choc which i like! Today will be a bit hectic too. I'm hoping to go to my first karate class this evening. Took son for his class yesterday and spoke to his sensei's sensei. 6th dan black belt and he seems a very kind chap So that's good. The classes are in the army barracks in Winchester near junction 9 - Carol and Daffodil, fancy going?!!
Managed to sort out various sporting activities for kids during summer - basketball, tennis, fishing, cage cricket (don't ask, I keep wanting to say cage fighting!), boxercise, street dance. Phew that's it I think! Oh, will take them swimming too. All free by our council (Eastleigh) which is brilliant as boys have been doing it for years now. I'll be busy chauffering them around but I get to catch up with other mums which is nice.
I'm still doing my exercises - keep expecting to see a change after 3 days but nothing of course! Keep asking hubby if my tummy's gone down and he says "yes" all the time - haha, well trained after being together for 22 years 🙂
Daffodil - great, fantabulous news!! Really happy for you. hope everything goes well with ANC.
Suzy - which karate did oh do? I used to do shitoryu, now it's going to be a slightly modified goju ryu. All the best with FEC tomorrow. I hear it isn't as bad as Tax but what do I know?! So what's your "last supper" tonight? Hope it's something that really hits the spot for you xx
Angela - I've got two very close friends who really suffered with sciatica. Both have had ops to their lower spine - dont know whether they fused the vertebra but they're both doing really well now. One is regularly doing body balance classes which she says help a lot. It's so annoying to have this on top of chemo and tooth though! Great to hear you enjoyed your tea party! May there be many more!
My reason for massaging my scar is that I'm trying to break down as much of the lumpy scar tissue as I can. Radiotherapy will make my breast tissue more fibrous and dense so don't want the lumpy scar tissue to be even lumpier if that makes any sense!
I hope you get a good price for your property. It's all about supply, demand and timing isn't it?!
The last I heard is that roadshow is very fatigued. Onc has given her time off any treatment until August to build her strength and get better which is great.
NoraBatty - all the best for tomorrow!
take care all xx

[AngelaG]

FEC75 CYCLE 5 DAY 6
Good morning dear friends. It’s a bit grey outside here, but hope it’s better where you are.
I’m still really tired like most of you, and it’s exacerbated by the pain in the leg which makes everything so much more of an effort, I can barely walk. It would seem that I have sciatica caused, the onco thinks, by 2 lower vertebrae being compressed. I remember falling downstairs some 30 years ago and bouncing heavily down on backside, and another fall directly onto the base of spine. I remember the pain shooting up into my head. But then I just got up and got on with things. I imagine that was the cause. Don’t yet know what next step for that is, as it’s not chemo related so maybe a trip to GP to find out what can be done if anything.
Karen – the tea party was so lovely, blue skies, good company, not talking about me was a bonus, but about books, plants, etc etc. Really a great distraction. I’m taking one of my very supportive friends to Fanny’s Farm next week, hopefully, as a thank you. We’ll have afternoon tea there too!
Suzy – hope you are faring well. Seems like your cat is very patient with notebook on top if her/him! You might not be related to my friend Patsy, but you look like her, and now you are writing like she speaks with the ‘and breathe’ phrase. Strange! Your comment about OH dreaming in karate reminded me of my dad... my mother’s legs would be black and blue from when he played football in his sleep! All the best for #5 tomorrow then, I’ll be thinking of you.
Roadshow – does anyone have any news of her? We miss you so much. I do hope you are coping with whatever is going on, and that you’ll be back in contact very soon.
Mungosmum – thanks for your good wishes. My tea party sounds much nicer than shifting manure!! All the talk of gardening has made me want to get into veggie growing, but there’s no point as we’ll be in Spain, God willing, come harvesting time. Maybe I’ll do something there....
Nipinuk – it’s great to see you back on the thread after your break. It seems to have done you good, and you look fabulous in your new pic. Thank you for your good wishes regarding pain...i hope so too, just need this *=++”’ leg pain to stop now! What is the reason for massaging scar before rads?
Woolfie – what a shame you had to interrupt the reception, but I hope that on your return you were able to enjoy it a little. Twice a day for rads, you poor pair of sufferers. That must be a bit pressurised to say the least.
Mrs B – you have been through the mill too, I hope you are on the up now though. Keep enduring my dear, we’ll get there eventually.
NoraBatty – we have had plenty of viewers, and lots of women saying ooo aaah etc, but only one ridiculous offer £40,000 lower than asking price. We are prepared to drop the price, but maybe not that much...yet.
Pammy – hope #5 goes well today for you and SE’s are at an all time low
Daffodil – that’s wonderful news. You are obviously thrilled. You ask questions like me, ie where was the rest of my cancer hiding as only 2cm was showing of a 5cm cancer in both ultra sound and mammogram!
Jude – yes, even though we’re nearly done with chemo there’s still a way to go with other stuff for most of us. Hopefully it won’t be so bad as what we’ve coped with (kind of) so far though.
Shelley – oh what a relief that you’re back chatting with us. Poor you though, such a long hospitalisation must have been misery. I do hope that things get resolved for you and that the outcome is what you’d like it to be. I’m so glad you’re back in the outside world, and thrilled that your tumour has disintegrated.
Well my dears, I trust you all have a better rest of the week with nice things happening at the weekend. Let’s see what comes, and keep enduring xxx
Angela

[Guest user]

Shells
Sorry to hear about your traumatic experience you poor thing. Welcome back I'm sure you're so relieved to be home sweet home and feeling better again. Be good to yourself and get plenty of TLC from those around you
Sleep tight
Karen xx

[Cassowary]

Daffodil, forget to say. I had Mx before chemo, because ofthe size (5cm) and additional DCIS in the other part of the breast. ILC but with no lymphnode involvement. BS is already taking about reduction surgery to other side but I am conscious that rads may cause skin/tissue issues and was not expecting further surgery until beginning of next year.
Jude

[Cassowary]

Shelley, what an awful time youhave had, pleased to hear that you are out now and continuing to endure.
Suzy, Daffodil - because I am on FEC, I am not able to start Herceptin until completion of the chemo. Once completed though, my onc is keen to both start the herceptin and the rads. I see him again on 20th to discsuss planning, but at my last meeting I queried when Tamoxifen would be started and his response was 'well it is only a tablet'! the inference being nothing too it. I would like to think that my body could have more than the three week rest post chemo before a triple treatment onslaught! I will probably push him to check whether I am now post meno before starting hormone therapy so that I am put on the most appropriate drug. Time will tell.
Jude x

[Daffodil66]

Hi Shelley, welcome back. So sorry to hear you've been inside all this time, fingers crossed for you that you won't have to go through that again now. Great news about the lump shrinking loads too & enjoy the next couple of weeks before decision time 😉 xxx

[Guest user]

TAC 5/6 - Day 6
Hi all
Just a quick post to say I've been suffering a bit with my usual nausea but will post at length tomorrow but I am thinking of everyone, while we "endure". Shelley, you sound like you've had more than your fair share of "enduring"!
Lots of best wishes
Jess xxxxx

[suzy52]

First up Shelley, poor you, sounds like you've been to hell and back 😞 Great to hear the tumor has shrunk though, that s the best news.
Likewise Daffodil, amazing results from chemo! hope the docs work out the best way forward for you soon.
Jude, are you having more than chemo/herceptin at once? I can understand your concerns about overload. Glad the portacath is behaving 🙂
Christine, what I loose on the swings I gain on the round-abouts, so no bragging on my part re weight loss 😉
Woofie, sorry you got all dolled up and had to quit the party before it started - here's to the time you be the last to leave the party!
Angela here's to brighter days.
Nipinuk I'm postmeno, and not sure what hormone therapy I'll be on. I like your endurance with the sit ups - but your on your own there girlfriend! I was so determined to keep up the excerise when I started out on the chemo trip, but all these bouts of hospitalization have made me pretty feeble, and the docs have said just do a little and listen to your body. OH is black belt karate, though not practiced for many years, sometimes he kicks out at me in his sleep, its like lightening but I seem to be able to tell when he's dreaming in karate mode now, thank goodnes!
Just 2 more days till number 5 for me - this round has been a stinker hope the next one is kinder, bit nervous about going back to FEC.
xxxx

[shells64]

Hello Ladies
Sorry i havent been online in a while, been stuck in hospital for 18 days since the 25th may, so thats why i havent replied to any of your messages, just got released today. been 18 days of hell!
First went in on the friday 24th of may, because i couldnt stop being sick, then got discharged from the hospital, but then on the 25th may i was back in again due to having a high temperature and feeling really ill.
I was then told i was neutropenia with sepsis again, and that i had no platelets and a reduced amount of red and white cells below safety amounts. i had to have 2 blood transfusions and was put into a isolation room plus given a variety of antibotics. but yet the doctors couldnt find no infections or nothing in my blood, but my temperature kept spiking between 37.5-38.9 degrees. i had so many cultures and everything, i had countless meetings with the doctors and my chemo doctors and they dont think my body can handle another dose of FEC on the same level, so they have 2 options they are speaking about, either having reduced chemo FEC at 50% or if its not benefical then having the surgery early but wont know nothing till they meet up and discuss it. i should hear in the next couple of weeks so hopefully the worst is over!
On the other hand i had a C/T scan while in there and the lump is now 2.5cm so thats really good news 🙂
Again sorry for not reply to your messages, and i would like to thank everyone for there kind words.

Shelley x

[Daffodil66]

Hi Cassowary, I've just seen my bcn & you are right, if it's dispersed they won't need to do surgery. I will need a lymph node clearance, rads & then tamoxifen. What else are you having as yours is a lobular too?

I hope everyone is ok today xxx

[Cassowary]

Daffodil, what positive news. Hopefully the MRI continues in the same way. It does seem a mystery that you are told that you will still require surgery though!
Angela and Honeymonster - good to hear that you are both feeling a little brighter. Looking forward to the end of the month and the completion of chemo, but for me, increasing thoughts about the amount of other therapies which my onc seems intent on heaping on altogether which is a concern given what my body will already have taken with the chemo!
take care Marchies
Jude

[Daffodil66]

Thanks Karen, I can only guess that it's probably disintegrated so much that the ultrasound couldn't find it but she told me to be positve & she seemed happy with the result so im happier now. I'm seeing my cosultant on the 27th so he will let me know the next plan of action. They didn't do markers, bet they wished they had now! Bcn told me that if it disintegrates will need an mx anyway I think? Just nice to know chemos worth it xxx

[Guest user]

Daffodil big congratulations! I'm thrilled for you, thats the best news you could have. Yes its a mystery. Can you elaborate why you'll an op, is it to remove the marker?
Hope the MRI Iis stress free time to celebrate tonight lots of love
Karen xxx

[Daffodil66]

Hi Ladies, happy tears for a change today as just been for an ultrasound & she couldn't find anything, she said that everything looked normal & you wouldn't know I had bc! But she did say I will still need surgery & the mri that I'm having later today will tell them more. Of course my question is, where's it gone?:P

Good luck to all the other girls having chemo zapping scans soon, we all need that boost at the moment xxx

[AngelaG]

honeymonster...that's great news we're nearly there. i'm feeling a bit more alive today, so later will definately respond to ALL the posts that i need to. hope everyone has an amazing day. love angela xx

[Honeymonster]

Fec-T cycle 5, Tax & Herceptin 2, day 15 (one week until last chemo!)
Been very tired recently – like many of us it seems. The blood transfusion perked me up for a few days and I’ve been trying to eat iron-rich foods since but so tired… Will have my pre-chemo blood test next Monday so will have to see if I need another transfusion or not – really hoping not. I don't want any delays to my last one.
I was going to reply to individual posts but I'm not sure I feel up to that today, but wanted to wish everyone well as we endure. xx

[Nipinuk]

Hi Daffodil, it is so hard to carry on and I feel for you. After the second cycle, I just couldn't see chemo as medicine as it was more like poison. It got me really down. I think we just ride the river of rant, rave, reflection and wretchedness and endure it all.
I hear that it takes about 2 months to get the drugs out of one's system. It's been nearly 3 weeks and my fingers are slowly returning to their normal colour - they were very dark during chemo, taste getting better (tongue still not the right colour) and energy levels getting better. I'm trying to remember to massage my surgery scar before rads start. My eyes are still teary at times especially when the wind is blowing in my face and i wear glasses! My nose runs all the time.
I hope you feel better soon. Big hugs xx Are you getting good support from family or friends? Hubby's spport made a huge difference and I've recovered faster but still need to be careful about pushing myself. I do all the cooking now!
Any regulars on this forum with a smartphone please pm me and I'll add you to Marchies group on Whatsapp. I find it really easy to just send out a one liner (me, one liners?!) or share pictures.
It's a bit quiet here and I hope everyone's alright and enjoying a bit of sunshine.
take care xx

[Daffodil66]

Fec-t cycle 5 tax day 7

Hi ladies, I hope you are all doing ok after the last blast. It seems like getting painkillers into your system early with the tax does help but you still get hit by the extreme exhaustion. I'm at that stage where I don't want to do this anymore & finding it hard to be positive. My head hair seems to be growing & still falling out too? Have gained half stone, feels like 3 as so flabby but as you all say, worry about that after chemo.

Nipinuk-Sounds like you have lots of energy, so good to hear that your body does recover after all this!

Porta caths-I always get the nurse to leave the needle in after pre chemo bloods as very tender the next day.

Take care everyone xxx

[Nipinuk]

Hi Woolfie,
I love your mention of us Marchies on your profile pic! Thank you!
You made smile with your fabulous attempts in avoiding to swear 😉
You have valid concerns so make sure onc and surgeon give you satisfactory answers. Don't be afraid to ask them to clarify anything you dont understand as they do this so often that they sometimes forget. It's important for you to be happy with treatment plans as this will minimise worry and stress. you've got enough on your plate! Not sure but I read somewhere on the forum that it's better to have surgery before rads as tissues take longer to heal after rads.
Did you have mx? If so, was the tumour near your chest wall which is why rads was recommended?
Just curious, what SEs are hubby experiencing with rads?
Sorry about all the questions!

[Woolfie]

Your posts have given me so much to think about. Astounded by how everyone is dealing with this what I said to a friend yesterday is on one level yes we will get through and try to remain positive but on the other it is actually like the stuff Mungos_mum got to put on her garden! don't think swear words would be allowed on here!
Feeling less robust this cycle but so glad I am not on FEC-T as you guys seem to be having it really rough. My thoughts are with you all. What lies ahead before we reach the end of this road?
Got all dressed up to go to a mini wedding reception on Saturday afternoon(even had a pedicure and my legs spray tanned never had that done before but it was a bit of a boost) only to have a 'bit of a funny turn' and came home shortly after getting there. Had a bit of a lie down and felt better to return and pick up the OH. Teach me to be blase about how things were going.
Hoping I continue to be ok as we have now been told OH has to go TWICE a day for RADs good news is he will be finished earlier. I have said I can only do what I can do and if that fails we'll send for the cavalry. Thank goodness for the van! He is really starting to feel the affects of the treatment now.
I have an appointment with plastic surgeon on Friday and have lots of questions for him. Was reading some posts on reconstruction thread which scared some more of that brown stuff out of me. Plus appt with oncologist on 24th to plan radiotherapy and have read your posts with interest on that matter also. I do not want RADs to make the recon worse. Am i expecting too much it is only just over 4 months since the op?
good luck to everyone who had their treatment last week and to those having theirs this.

[Nipinuk]

FEC 75 Cycle 4 Day 19 (radiotherapy IMPORT HIGH trial treatment 1 begins on 17 June)

How wonderful to read updates from so many of you lovely strong ladies.
I've started doing sit ups, gentle arches, bottom up whilst lying on back and stretching yesterday. I remember building this up to 100 sit ups twice a day along with the other exercises and loving my tummy and bum then (20 years ago so results now will be a bit different but I'm hoping to persevere long enough to see a change). Anyone want to join me? I started with 20 repetitions last night. I'm hoping to start karate soon if I want to achieve a black belt by the time I'm 50!

Sorry Jude, I just realised I'd written a one liner in my earlier post. I do get interrupted a few times writing it. Anyway, I wanted to say I'm sorry I'm not doing tax, rads and tamoxifen at the same time. That's a lot for the body to take. Might be worth asking onc how you would find out the cause of a particular SE at that time. It'd be impossible to say if a particular SE was due to a specific treatment when you're having all three. That would be my main concern.

Onc is expecting me to do rads and tamoxifen at the same time. I've got my prescription for tamoxifen and I'm supposed to start it this Thursday, 3 weeks after final chemo, daily for 5 years. I'm not going to do this as I'm still unsure about tamoxifen So im delaying taking it. I'm planning to go ahead with rads on 17th.
It is really difficult deciding what's best and I'm trying to make an informed decision. There is a lot of conflicting information and sometimes I just have to go with what I feel is best for me. I did try to wriggle out of rads but onc was adamant I should go ahead with it. he must think I'm a bit nuts 😉 I've come to mentally accept it now.

Dianne - it's great to hear from you though I'm sorry to hear about the nightmare time you had. How awful! Were your baseline neuts low? Mine was 1.4 before I started chemo. I had Lenograstim instead of Filgrastim Injections after cycle 2 (5 injections), 3(only did 4 as my back was throbbing) and 4 (Onc said I only needed 3). My neuts go up to between 4-5 which was fine for chemo. Like you, I didn't want any delays in chemo as it's hard enough psyching myself for treatment and don't think I could cope with any delay!

Really happy to hear they've reduced your dosage. Can't have you so neutropenic and fainting again. I really hope you're recovering better than last cycle.
Yes, I remember getting irritated when a friend was happily saying that I was already halfway through and had 2 more treatments to do. I remember thinking, "Am I supposed to be happy about that?!" It is such a bugger that if I'd known what I knew I'd never have done it as I was given a choice about chemo. Eek, hope Marion's not reading this!

Daffodil - fantastic to hear that Linda's advice has worked for you and that you're finding it easier to cope with the pain.

Nora - phew, I'm glad you didn't have to stay in hospital. Hope your temp behaves from now on. Did you have Sorry the cldon't are titanium and don't set off metal detectors 😉 all the best for this Friday. Have you got your black nail polish ready?

coco - really happy to hear that it's been easier this cycle. What nice plans have you made to enjoy your good days? I'm trying to sort house a bit more but it's an uphill task! I'd love to sort out a bit of the garden so we can sit out with friends. I did over an hur of gardening yesterday and transplanted my primroses, pricked out tomatoes (hubby says to chuck them as they're so small but want to give em a chance!), planted some lettuce and purple broccoli in pots as I've run out of space on my little veg bed.

Hi Pammy! How are your hair and nails? My hair has started growing again but I'm getting lots of weak, wispy bits on my head so I used hubby's clippers yesterday. I'll keep doing that until strong hair come thru. Hair elsewhere are shedding and growing which is weird! As for feeling bloated, I think most of us experience that! Try not to worry too much about weight gain - Easier said thn done. Important that you eat properly to give your cells the best chance to regenerate. If you can, a bit of walking might help with circulation to reduce water retention.

Suzy, great to hear you're feeling better! My taste is improving too so green tea doesn't taste as salty. I must remember not to take it in the evenings as I can't sleep! Forgot that it's got some caffeine in it. Hubby very light sleeper so he didn't sleep well.
About the birds nest, it's a bit of a palaver preparing it. It needs to be soaked for about 8 hurs in cool boiled water, then "double boiled" for abut 2 hours! if you google double boil, you might see a ceramic/porcelain Chinese style container with 2 lids that you're supposed to put in a pan with water. Chinese medicine man said you can't use low cooker as you'll lose nutritional content. This method has been used for the longest time in China so guess that's the way to do it.
You can add dried longan (which I love), red dates and rock sugar to improve the taste.

Good to hear you don't need rads. Do share with us your experience later as I find it really interesting comparing French UK treatments. Are you pre- menopausal?

How was hubby's attempt at his fav pasta dish? What was it? Pray tell!

hope you feel well enough to make some ice cream today. I've got all sorts of berries in my freezer and I'm toying with the idea of trying out a summer fruit this weekend. It's only Monday and I'm thinking about the weekend already!

Angela, Suzy's pain experience with tooth problems just reminded me of the neuralgia I had in my jaw all the way up to one side of my head. Thought it was toothache. Pain was so intense you can't think of anything else. Eyes watery from pain... ugh! Hope you both never have that kind of pain ever again!

Christine - I need manure! Hope you have the energy to pubyoure our tomatoes today. I'd like to tackle the big straggly bamboo plant we've got so have been watering it a lot to try and soften the soil before I try taking it out. Oh, I'll need some pots too before I do that! I'd love some tall rectangular pots but they're so expensive for plastic!

Like Suzy, I've lost weight too from chemo. It's cutting out dairy and chocolates that did it I think!

Your ys is such a darling! Bet you were really touched and proud of him. Kids these days (haha, just what my parents used to say) generally don't realise how lucky they are. My boys tend to be a bit self-centred too so it's lovely when they show glimpses of kindness and consideration for others!

have a lovely day all xx

[Cassowary]

FEC 75 / 5 Day 5
Suzy - sorry to here that you have been back in hospital again. Hope you perk up now that you are back at home. Re: your question on the portacath, still fairly new, having had only two chemos and one mid cycle bloods. The nurses apparently continue to use the hand vein where possible for the day before chemo blood check, to avoid accessing the port two days running. The second chemo did leave me feeling a little bruised whereas no reaction for the first or the mid-cycle bloods so it will be interesting to see as I go along.
all of you on Tax really seem to be taking a hammering, at least we are all enduring and approaching the end of this phase at least!! Take it easy.
Jude

[Mungos_mum]

FEC-T cycle 5 day 3
It is so nice to see posts from everyone. It is good to see we are all enduring through this nightmare (thanks Suzy, that is such a great description of which we are going through). I’m just so sorry that so many of us have had such a hard time lately.
Nipinuk – I can feel your increased energy in your writing! How wonderful your family are! I trust the birds’ nests are living up to expectation and build you up well before your rads start.
Dianne – you have been through the mill! I am so sorry you had such a hard time with your first Tax, and hope the future reduce dosage helps with the SEs. It always amazes me how differently we all seem to react to the treatments. How lovely to have a big celebration to look forward to, just make sure you have lots of help organising such an event!
NoraBatty – glad you escaped incarceration! Best of luck with your first tax next week, the best suggestion I have is to rest lots as exhaustion really kicks in, and to keep painkillers at hand.
Cocobutterfly – Fantastic that you are dealing so well with your tax cycle. I’m with you on being irritated by facebook! I have kept facebook cancer free, but to have people wingeing about a hangover headache makes me have to sit on my hands to prevent a spleen venting diatribe!
Pammy - I have put on loads of weight with the steroids, and have had to put half my wardrobe away. I have come to the conclusion that I need to get through treatment before I start trying to get back to my pre diagnosis state. Finding food I want to eat is hard enough without restricting it! I’m now loosing eyelashes and eyebrows on Tax, but live in hope regarding hair!
Suzy – so good you seem to have bounced back after your hospital stay. Please don’t boast too much about losing weight, most of us are going in the other direction!!
Angela – I hope you had your tea party yesterday, and enjoyed it. Xx
After managing a trip for manure, I faded out this afternoon and spent most of it laid out on the sofa. I wanted to get the tomatoes in, but this might have to wait until tomorrow...... Lovely end to the day when YS decided to treat the family to dinner at PE using the charge card he was given for Christmas.
Best wishes all, xx

[suzy52]

FECT-T cycle 4 TAX day 17

And breath....! I feel sooo much better today, guts are back to near normal and food tasted pretty good, but then after hospital food not too suprising, only good thing about these periods of incarceration is I loose weight!

Angela sorry to read you've been having such a battle with your tooth and veins. The greatest pain I have ever endured came from an abscess under a molar, I rocked back and forth like a lunatic trying to find comfort, so I understand where you've been. And as for veins!!!! well, as I was put onto the infectious disease wards, thay had little knowlegde of portachaths so every vein on my right side has been probed and drained, and I thought I was going to escape all that! You sound perky after you 5th round though, so long may it last 🙂
Nipinuk so what do you do with your birds nest? make a broth then poach the nest? hope it makes a difference and its not contra indicated. I looked at allot of stuff that was supposed to be high in estrogen, like lavander oil and I worked out the amount in products and even using the essential oil, had such a minute hormone content it would have zero effect on my estrogen levels.
Good to hear you had a (lacy or lazy) morning - it was so comfortable being back in my own bed we did'nt get up till 10 am 🙂 I was intersted to learn about the titanium makers for radiotherapy. I have no idea whether I had them put in or not. My Surgeon certainaly expected me to have radio therapy, but I have since discussed it with 3 clinical oncos (2 english 1 french) and researched it for myself and have decided against it. My tumor was small, only 2.5 cm but it was spiculated, or had legs. These legs made the clear margin for surgery around 6/7 cm, so I had an elective mx as there would be virtually nothing left after a WLE. I had one encapsulated node found at SNB so had ANC too. So it seems Christine and I are in the same boat so to speak 🙂 I will have 5 years of hormone therapy too.
So happy to hear you had a good holiday, and you've been bitten by the camper van bug, its quite addictive!
Christine TAX sucks! happy to learn they got your adverse reaction under conrol with the anti-hists, frightening 😞
Have you made any icecream lately? I think I'll treat myself tomorrow 😉
Dianne I empathise re the 'only 2 more to go' comment - I want to shout, well you bloody have them then!
Jude no herceptin for me, but I was wondering how the portacath is working out for you? I'm always amazed by the difference in nurses needle technique - I have one who deffinately has celestial status, don't feel a thing!
Twinnumber1 Happy to hear your pooch recovered from the seaweed incident, he/she must have scoffed allot to cause a blockage! Benson only chews sticks but he was partial to stones when he was a puppy!

Karen Merci beaucoup, ca va bien aujourd'hui! One thing I've learned more french being in hospital sooooo much!
To anyone I've not mentioned by name sorry but I've run out of steam, none the less wishing everyone a pain free stress free Sunday evening. Off to instruct OH on how to cook one of his favorite pasta dishes - being that he's a stranger to the kitchen he's doing remarkably well 😄
We all Endure xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Pammyx]

Hello everyone seems as though we are all surviving best wishes to those who have had severe side effects. I receive my 5th tax this coming weds, the first tax was not too bad sore feet and tiredness but not as bad the fec although you can ever predict the next cycle. I don't know about everyone else but I have put a load of weight on during this cycle trying to eat sensibly but I suspect this may be a side effect of chemo has anyone else foundthis? Also has anyone begun to experience any hair regrowth or is it too soon? Best wishes for everyone next week we are nearly there!

[Guest user]

Fec-t cycle 5 day 7 (2nd tax cycle)

so far so good with this cycle of tax - I fully expected to feel awful like the first time around but have managed to escape a lot of the se's I had with my first tax - thank god! Having said that I have felt very tired and have been pacing myself with jobs interspaced with naps! I have had a few aches/pains, diarrhoea, heartburn, headaches but nothing unmanageable. When I say it like that it makes me wonder what I ever moaned about before when I was unwell. Nothing now (hopefully) will compare to how I felt when going through chemo! I find myself being irritated looking through Facebook posts of people moaning about being tired or having a headache haha. I'm sure I did and will do the same before long. I'm hoping I aren't going to be hit by the tax truck in the 2nd week and that my luckiness with this cycle continues. I hope that everyone else who've just had their own round of treatment are escaping with minimal se's this time too.
xoxox

[NoraBatty]

FEC 3 Day 17

Hope you are all doing OK. I seem to have been a bit more wiped out this time round. Had a trip to A&E last Thursday at midnight as temperature was 38 degrees but they checked me out and sent me home with oral antibiotics. Anyway my temperature is normal now. Due to have first TAX of 3 next Friday so have been reading everyone’s experiences with interest.

AngelaG So sorry to hear of your dental problems – you really don’t need those now. Take care and hope you get some rest. Any luck on the house sale?

Cassowary Good to hear that you are now on number 5 – one more to go?

Choccy61 Our cat is a pretty laid back character! Your cat sounds similar.. I have tried a wig liner – have decided I may ask hairdresser to trim wig as it is just too tidy and too full in some places.Great to hear that you have only one more chemo to go


Daffodil66 Glad to hear that you are feeling better

Honeymonster great that you are 5/6 way through and the finishing line is in sight although I know you have the surgery ahead like Scottydog1974

Jlr – you are nearly there – well done you. So sorry to hear about your best friend Sharon

Mrs B Hope you have better time with the second round of TAX – you hav really been through the mill with number 1


Pammyx – hope Tax going OK

Maryland thanks for advice about Tax –

Mungos_mum Really glad to hear that the tax SEs have lessened. Cat being mistaken for a ballerina really made me laugh! Mind you I can't talk as I have managed to drop and step on driving glasses getting out of car when it was dark so have had to fork out for new ones...

Nipinuk Glad CT scan went OK I had a reaction to iodine and took loads of Piriton but luckily red face and trunk calmed down quickly. Didn’t realised that might have clips in... Hope they don't cause prblems with airport security!

Scottydog1974 Great that you had such a good time with your family.

Suzy52 Sorry to hear you were banged up in hospital hope all goes well when you go back on FEC. Must try to get around to posting a demented pirate picture...!

Twinnumber1 Glad to hear that the Emend did the trick – nausea is the pits

Woolfie Well done for dong Race for Life. Things sound very complicated what with you and your other half having treatment on the same day.

[Mrs_B]

Tax no.2 Cycle 5 Day 3
Hi ladies

Sorry been away for so long. Cycle 4 was not a good one for me and and the docetaxel seems to have been a shocker for a few of us. All went well for first 3 days, but aches and pains started on the Monday. By tuesday could not move at all. Every bone literally from head to toe ached and was like the 'tin man'. I had to make numious calls to the hospital to get some sound painrelief advice, and ended up on codeine, paracetamol and ibuprofen cocktail. Anyway temp then started to go up and I fainted at home. So I spent a sunny 5 days in hospital being pumped with anti-biotics. My neuts dropped to 0.06!! However was shocked when one suggestion was to stop the filgrastim injections as they were adding to my pain. I said that I would carry on with the injections if they sorted out my painrelief. I'm thinking of the long game and want every chemo to go ahead on time. So I carried on and my neuts went up to 4.35 in time for this next cycle.

I think all this really left me worn out physically and emotionally, and I only really had one goodish week. Fatigue is definitely building. However I was relieved on friday when they said that they had reduced my TAX dosage by 25% in the hope to reduce the side effects I experienced. I'm also taking painkillers to build them up in my system. And yes, am carrying on with the Filgrastim injections. My husband celebates his 40th birthday at the end of July and we have a big party planned. So whatever it takes to get to my last chemo I will do.

I know that whilst we can see the end of the road it is getting no easier. I got really fed up with people saying 'oh only two more to go' as if the chemo is just one day or that somehow it gets easier. I certainly do not going skipping to the hospital at each appointment. Each cycle is a battle which we get through ready for the next.

Anyway, am hoping with new approach cycle 5 of the dreaded TAX goes better, as I do for all of you. I read with interest all your posts. We are all ploughing our way through such difficult times with everything with have to keep going.

Chin up ladies, the sun is shining and we are all bloody amazing!!!
Take care
dianne

[Nipinuk]

FEC 75 Cycle 4 Day 18 (radiotherapy IMPORT HIGH trial treatment 1 begins on 17 June)

Hello my enduring Marchies! I had a lovely lacy, I mean lazy morning 🙂 Karen, I bet it's the quiet ones on the forum that are racy lacy 😉 I had a good last two evenings at friends house and only got back about 11.30pm last night. I even managed an hour nap after dinner! Lol, never done that before but I couldn't keep my eyes opened 😉 they're good friends so very understanding.
ive had one birds nest. Didn't taste of much but younger sis said she had heard about it being bad for cancer. I read something about it containing hormonand so have stopped until I do a bit more reading up! Yes, I was so touched that mum spent so much of her savings to get them for me. I just hope that I can eat them all! It's really good quality genuine ones and cleaned really well as my aunt harvested them and had them cleaned in Penang.
how lovely to be asked to be godmother! Congratulations! Extra birthday to remember though!
Jude - lovely to hear from you.
Christine, thanks so much for the correction. It makes sense now. I'd misunderstood your profile notes. Mind you, mine needs updating! I asked my surgeon what stage my tumour was and it was 1b.
great to hear that Es has recovered well enough from op to play. I'halos happy to hear that antihistamines have made your SEs more manageable that you can go out so soon - fab!
Guess what? Next door have bought a motor home! saw it when we got home last night. They told us earlier that they were viewing a couple and that we could borrow it 😉 hope they mean it. Don't know what make, etc but will have a nose sometime soon I expect.
Welcome Marion, lovely to hear from you though very sorry to hear about the nose bleeds. Be kind to yourself and please feel free to "winge". You're only at the start of your journey and we feel for you as we've just been there!
Angela and Suzy, what a horrendous time you've both had! Angela, that was awful, being poked with a needle till you were in so much pain. Did you manage tea party at girlfriends yesterday? Hope u did!
Suzy, how r u today? It's so hard mentally to face another round with the hospital stays that you've had. Endure my dear, you're very nearly there!
take care all xx

[Marionblue]

Thanks Honeymonster. Blood transfusion hmmmm. I know I need to do this but you do wonder what state your body will be in at the end. With 5 to go it seems a long way off. Sorry to sound such a misery, I was really up yesterday, thought I was over SE's for a bit and the nose bleed has made me so down. I'll stop wingeing now and hope for a better day tomorrow.

Have a good night everyone.

Marion
XXX

[Honeymonster]

Hi Marion, I've suffered with nose bleeds too, especially on Tax when occur nearly daily, but worst the first and second werk. They sound similar to Mungo's mums. Always got a tissue to hand! I needed a blood transfusion last weekend as haemoglobin levels below 9 for a couple of cycles but not sure if related to nosebleeds, they will check you though before your next cycle.

[Marionblue]

Thanks Mungos_mum
I hadn't seen mention of nose bleeds before so thought it was just me.. In a nice way, I am glad its not just me. We all learn far more than we ever thought we would want to know about this process. I guess you ladies nearing the end of treatment know pretty much all there is to know. Don't disappear when you finish. Us newbies still need you.

Marion
XXX

[Mungos_mum]

FEC-T cycle 5 day 2
What a difference a few antihistamines make! I did feel tired, but still managed to pop into a friend's birthday BBQ last night for an hour and catch up with some friends. I went (chauffeured by my dad!) to watch ES have some training, first outing after his op. after plodding around the garden, I now feel pooped, and ready for a sleep!
Marion I noticed that you are on a Tax regime; sadly tax is very hard on the blood counts and can cause nosebleeds due to a low platelet (involved in blood clotting) count. It also doesn't help that the hairs inside the nose often disappear, just when we could do with aliens and pathogens being kept out! I have had some nose bleeds, all of which gushed at first but stopped after a bout 10 to fifteen minutes The longest has lasted an hour. The good news is that they stopped ocuring after about 4 days. These are fairly normal, so don't worry too much, but if you keep getting them I would chase up. Good luck!
Karen - enjoy your meal tonight, just make sure you have a similarly sparkling dring in your glass. The weather is just right for an elderflower presse! Bottoms up!!
Suzy and Angela - I am so sorry you have both had a dreadful week, but hope you are both on the mend and feeling better. Your pearls of wisdom, and not to mention your humour, has been missed!
Shelley - we miss you! how are you doing?
Hope everyone is well or on the mend. Love to all, xx

[Marionblue]

6 Cycles TC 18 Cycles Herceptin 1 st Cycle Day 15

Hi Everyone, Just popped in from June Jewels,
Looking for some advice as you are all further along with treatment Has anyone had nose bleeds?
Well Day 15 today. Hoped I was done with nasties, but no.. I had a really bad nose bleed last night, started about 9 p.m.. When it hadn't stopped by 11 p.m. my OH phoned cancer centre and the best they could suggest was going to A & E. As the hospital is an hours drive away and sitting for a couple of hours in A & E amongst people who had lord knows what infections seems like a mad thing to do, I didn't find this very helpful. They had no suggestions as to what was causing it or how to stop it. Not impressed. So I sat with a cold pack from the freezer on my nose and pinched it hard and it eventually stopped at abot 12.30.. Anyone else come across nose bleeds following chemo? It can't be good to lose a lot of bloood at this time. I don't suffer from nose bleeds, can't remember when I last had one so find this worrying.
Nose still feeling a bit iffy, just hoping it doesn't start again.
I'm feeling really kranky and down today. I was hoping to have some time SE free before the next lot next Thursday.


If anyone else has had nose bleeds, what did you do and did they stop. This is is my second nose bleed had small one one Day 7.
I would be so grateful for any advice .

Marion
XXX

[suzy52]

Note-book balanced on cat, who insists on claiming me after my long abscence! Hello one and all, I feel like Lazarus, which must be good? Got home from another spell in hospital, this time on the infection ward! Cooked up a good one this time! viral (cold) and bacterial (skin/eyes), the docs went into hyper drive as they are very concerned about portacath safety so wouldn't let me out till it was under control. I can't believe what a rough shout this cycle has been, I can't say that I'm full of vim and vigour for number 5 on Friday
Sorry to hear tales of pain and bad goings on, thrilled to hear some of us seem to be thriving! Eyes are really sore so will write more tomorrow, Thanks for your good wishes, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Enduring ...just

[Guest user]

Angela it sounds like you've been through hell and back this week, hang in there, only one more to endure. Have a wonderful time at the tea party, a lovely distraction to take your mind off things. Have a cupcake for me xxx
Daffodil thats great Lola's advice helped, she's a fountain of knowledge and support. Have a great SE free weekend
Cassowary from memory my oncologist said if your tumour is 5cm or more you still need rads after a mx.
Suzy ca va bien j'espere? Hope you are fairing well and seeing light at the end of the tunnel? The chemo tunnel not the Channel tunnel hehe!
OH and I are going out for dinner with friends, not sureif I'll be great company. I'll be eyeing up my friends bottle of prosecco with envy!
Karen xx

[AngelaG]

FEC75 CYCLE 5 DAY 2!!!
well here beginneth a new cycle, and after a truly awful 7 days prior to chemo day, i am looking forward to better days (please God). it all started last friday with raging tooth ache, and i went to dentist. he offered to extract it there and then, but i said i wanted to speak to onco for advice 1st. Glad I did. they told me to go to dental college at Kings where they would be nearby if necessary. Sunday went to AnE as face was swollen. they took bloods and i was neutropenic so couldn't do anything. went to dental col on monday and waited most of day.
booked in for emergency surgery when onco gave go ahead. tues went to clinic (oh i forgot... also terrible pain in left buttoch and down leg meaning i couldn't walk much more than snail pace) so dragged in to see once who ordered lumber x-ray, and also filgristin(?) jabs to bring bloods up and an ok for extraction on thurs. spent next 2 hours in x-ray dept. then up for more blood tests think i'm confused cos had already had 1 jab by then courtesy of D. was due in hosp for the next 3 days, but onco kindly gave me weds off!! thurs dentist...who had agreed to use PICC line...then at 11th hour said "we have a dr who is a wizz at finding veins for canula, will you let him try?" i kind of felt pressurised so said yes. he tried 3 times, lastly in my wrist when i was in such agony he gave up! (this what i wanted to avoid as enough stress!). then they had to call chemo ward to find out how to use PICC!!!!
once it was done i was out of it. came to & tooth gone and leg much relieved too! asked for some sedative to take home for leg...but they weren't having that!! chemo yesterday, and feeling quite good at last...PHEW
i will read & reply to any posts later on, am hope to go to a girlfriens for girly old fashioned tea party later this afternoon. after nap of course!
speak soon
love Angela xxx

[Daffodil66]

Fec-t Cycle 5 tax day 5

Hi Ladies, good to hear no 5 is out the way. I followed Lola's advice on taking paracetomol after the neulastra & it has worked :). No pains just a bit weary so can plan our weekend now!

Cassowary - I'm hoping that I can have some sort off temporary implant if mx is needed as will need anc & rads. I find it so confusing that all our treatment is so different, but its useful & gives us ideas.

Choccy - Hope you had a lovely meal & didn't fall asleep at the table!

Have a lovely day everyone xxx

[Cassowary]

FEC 75 /5 Day 2
feeling better so far than with round 4. One more to go, looking forward to the. End of June.
Herceptin - is there any other Marchie starting Herceptin after completion of chemo or are you all having FEC-T and therefore starting alongside the T? My onc is keen to start alongside rads,and Tamoxifen, once FEC is completed and the three weeks passed. Anyone else Doing all three?
Rads- interesting posts by Nipinuk and MungosMum. I had a MX - grade 2 ILC, no node involvement, but I have been told that I will be having 15 sessions of rads. Recollection is that it is due to size of tumour (5cm) and some DCIS in the same breast, but Iwill be querying based onyour comments and also the NICE guidance on aduvant rads.
Hope everyone who had treatment today are feeling ok. Nearly there now.
Great that youare able to enjoy thesun, now that it has finally arrived.
Choccy - great news about Robbie. A friend and I went to see his concert at Knebworth years ago and due to the awful traffic, ended up only seeing the last half an hour and that was with abandoning the car on a roundabout, but it was worth the effort! So hope that have a fab time
Angela - hope ypu are OK and have your teeth under pain control for the remainder of the chemo.
Daffodil - I had a tissue expander fitted and so far it has been fine. It was two thirds filled with saline during the MX and I haven't had any further filling since. It will be interesting to see what happens when / if I have the rads. I am also due to have reduction surgery to the other side and can decide at that point what if anything to have done to the MX side.

[Guest user]

Mungoes Mum just saw your post great news it went well today, you must be so relieved that this horrific journey is coming to an end and you can get back to normality? Have a great weekend xx

[Guest user]

AC cycle 5 day 1
Hi everyone
Another sunny day here, I'm getting used to this glorious weather. My treatment went ahead today so thats me one stop nearer the end of the chemo train. I'm feeling a bit queasy, achy and tired. I managed to eat dinner - cod with a sundried tomato and herb crust, puy lentils, runner beans and baby sweetcorn.
Janey glad you're feeling more human again, long may it continue
Mungoes Mum I hope your treatment was less stressful today? Thats great news about your mobility and I'm sure you're feeling much fitter as a result. Did the hospital run the classes or Maggie centre? I haven't heard of this locally but will ask the question when the time comes. Have a lovely time with your parents, hopefully you'll let them help you and take it easy rather than dashing around being hostess with the mostess. Be good to yourself xx
Nipinuk your posts always make me smile. No lace you should change your profile name to the Racy Lacy Lady hehe! Glad you and OH had a nice time for his Birthday. I'm intrigued to hear more about the birds nest your Mum sent, I'm sure you shed a tear when it arrived? I am keen to see that film, I'm a Euan MacGregor fan it looks like a good story and impressive scenery.
Choccy thanks I feel lucky to live here by the sea. This is certainly a good time of year to be off work. In Winter it gets dark at 4pm here, dark and cold. Glad your treatment went smoothly. Fab news about Robbie, he puts on a great show, I saw him in concert about 6 years ago and he's brilliant. Enjoy! I hope your SEs are minimal. Just 3 more weeks, hopefully time will fly in.
My best friends little boy will be one on the same day and I'm hoping to go to his party and celebrate. My friend asked me to be his God Mother this week, I'm so pleased and honoured. One more reason to kick cancer's butt! Thinking of those other ladies who had treatment today and wishing you s good nights sleep
Karen xx

[Mungos_mum]

FEC-T Cycle 5 day 1
Just a quick message today. Nipinuk glad you had a good day yesterday, No washing up was an added bonus! I'm afraid I have to correct you on my pathology - technically our lumps were the same, I was grade 2 invasice IDC with 3 nodes involved, but I had the full ANC because I had each type of positive nodes, micromets in one, macromets in another and one had encapsulation which means the cancer had spread outside the node wall. However, all the other nodes in the tree were clear, which is a good. Although I don't think I was given a stage officially, I think I was classed as stage 2b. I believe I only had the full ANC because of the encapsulation. As I had the MX and full ANC, I do not qualify for RADS. Has I not had the full ANC I would have had RADS to the armpit. The full MX (given as I not only did I have IDC, but DCIS and a large area with calcifications, or as the surgeon put it " a large amount of unstable tissue"!) with clear margins negates the need for RADS. However, pathalogically, I think we are the same! Sso another round all regular trips to the hospital are finished! just tamoxifen for five years
After an apprehensive start to the day, I needn't have worried as the nurses pre treated any reaction with antihistamines and more steriods so I slept for the treatment and was home by 2. Result!
Take care marchies, hope the sunshine is restoring all our strength! xx

[Choccy61]

FEC-T, Cycle 5, Day 1 Tax), Herceptin 1

Afternoon ladies!

How good does that feel - cycle 5 done and dusted, just one to go - woohoo! 🙂

I hope everyone who was in the chair today is faring well - Christine, I hope you didn't have another allergic reaction?

Karen/Daffodil - yes, I'm still on the list for LGFB, as I definitely want to do it. It's just unfortunate they were able to offer me a place so soon!

Daffodil - I completely understand about walking around bald in front of children. My son is at uni so hasn't seen mine, and will be fine with it I'm sure, but my Dad didn't want to see me bald. My niece (9) asked if she could see my bald head and then blushed, bless her, when I took my scarf off and the next day I was wearing my wig and she said "oh good, I see you're wearing your wig today!" Hope today went well for you - have you decided what to do about clipping your hair?

Jess - hope all went well yesterday and that SEs are minimal for you.

Jlr - gad you're feeling better and coming out the other side of Tax SE's. Just one more 🙂

Karen - it sounds idyllic where you live! Glad you enjoyed your picnic and hope today went ahead for you?

Nipinuk - yes, was a long day! Got there at 9 and left at 4.45! There was a delay because there was a query about my last echo which was finally resolved and was given all clear to start herceptin, so first of those out of the way! Thanks for offer re rads - I expect hubby will come with me to first appt - he'd better ;), and will let you know from there. Waiting for my appointments to come through.

Saw onco yesterday and she confirmed that I'm to have 15 sessions, to breast only, not nodes (presumably because I had full node clearance). She also said that the rads will affect part of my lung and that part will never recover, but I won't notice it! Also said there's a risk of rib fractures (!) but in all the years she's been doing it, it's never happened. Both are side effects she had to tell me about though. No need to worry about heart as it's the other side. I asked about clips and I have them too! She doesn't know what they're made off but they are to help help with radiotherapy.

I was asked yesterday if I would be prepared to take part in a herceptin trial (PERSEPHONE), the aim of which is to see if herceptin is as effective over 6 months as it is 12. There is no way of knowing whether I would be allocated to the 6 month group or 12 month group. I've read the notes and thought about it but don't think I'm going to do it. When I started this journey I always said I would take anything they were prepared to throw at me to give myself the best chance. If I only have herceptin for 6 months and it comes back I will always be wondering if it was because I didn't have the full 12 months. I know research is importantant but in this instance I'm inclined to be selfish!

Also asked what I can do to prevent becoming neutropenic again. So, I've got 10 days worth of GCS-F injectons and I have to start them 1 day earlier. It's not unusual to become neutropenic when changing from FEC to Tax apparently because you've still got FEC in your system and then it's hit again with Tax. If it happens again, she may reduce the Tax dose for the final cycle. My white cell count was 6 and neuts 3.84, both higher than ever before so fingers crossed!

And, finally, the good news is that my last treatment will be delayed to the Monday so I'll get see Robbie 😄

Have a lovely evening everyone! We're off to the pub with some friends who are back in Basingstoke for the weekend, but fizzy water for me after my cocktail today!

Carol xx

[Nipinuk]

FEC 75 Cycle 4 Day 16 (radiotherapy IMPORT HIGH trial treatment 1 begins on 17 June)
Couldn't find my post, luckily had a back up!
Angela, Carol, Christine, Diane, Karen - all the best today and hope that SEs are manageable.
It was raining cats and dogs this morning! I'm still waiting for the sun to come out! Yesterday was lovely. It was hubby's birthday and we went out for a quick lunch just the two of us and then to the pub with the boys. Very tired so no lace involved!
Got my denture to fill my gap and I don't like it! It stayed fine the fist day but started dropping by a couple of mm the second day so will need to see dentist again.
Replacement wig should be arriving today or early next week.
Karen - do you know what material your tumour marker is made of? Think probably titanium like mine as it doesn't set off the metal detectors as it's non-ferrous.
hope your neuts are high enough today.
I'm still washing holiday stuff! The area where yu live just sounds so idyllic! Scotland's been warm and sunny lately 😉
Not sure why some have tax and some don't either. But I know that here in Southampton n Winchester ( same oncologist), FEC 75 is the bog standard basic chemo treatment. I was given a choice whether to do chemo or not. Haha, would have said no if I knew what I was going to be in for! I'm such a wuss especially having done less sessions too!
With regards to WLE, mx, ANC - I'm as puzzled as you are! The type of cancer and size of tumour do affect the treatment but I also think it's down to the surgeon and individual. For example, I think my tumour (invasive grade 2, 14mm, with one node positive, ER and PR positive) is 'worse' than Christine's (hope you don't mind using you as example - grade 2 cancer with DCIS but no node involvement) but I only had WLE and Christine's had MX and ANC.
You are so on top of things I'm envious. Wanted to attack ironing pile but hubby said no. So we sat down and watched 'Salmon fishing in the Yemen instead' - loved Kristin Scott Thomas in it - she wasn't the main character but I loved her lines!
Daffodil - there's a reconstruction thread in the forum but then it's having the time to follow it! I keep wondering if I should have had a mx and recon at the same time instead of WLE as I'd avoid having radiotherapy..I think!
Water and tea taste salty here too. Wonder how long it lasts?!
Carol - you're in for a long day today. Hope you get all your questions answered - do share as I'm interested! If you're planning to go to Southampton on your own, please stop by my place (it's on the way. about 10 mins from M3 J12) and I'll drive us there. It would be less stressful trying to figure out where to go, etc. Your first appointment will be for treatment planning where they scan and tattoo 3 dots on you. My onc did the measuring. Of course if hubby is going to be with you, I'd only be in the way 🙂
I'm planning to keep track of my xray exposure. Handy template here - http://www.radiologyinfo.org/mobile/en/safety/ImageWisely/7678_Medical%20Imaging%20History.pdf
i agree that def worth postponing chemo for Robbie! It'll be so much fun with your sisters. I miss mine. I'll be celebrating that day as it'll be my birthday 🙂
Jess - I'm so sorry to hear how chemo has affected you. It is awful that you feel nauseous most of the time. It is challenging coping with the moods and people who haven't experienced it cannot understand fully what it's like. Big hugs Jess and I hope you feel much more like yourself soon.
Glad to hear your dog recovered. Didn't think seaweed stalks could cause blockage.
Woolfie - what a day you've had yesterday! Hope you're having a much better one today and that you have minimal SEs. Have yu got a friend or family helping you out with food? I had fish and chips yesterday! Just got a worried message from mum saying I'd lost weight. I'm generally feeling well though.
Christine - fantastic that you've got full mobility! I'm trying to stretch and massage picc arm when i remember as i can still feel the vein pulling. Are your parents pampering you? Hope you recover quickly! Love coffe and gossip! Well done you!
Being bald definitely has its benefits! Everyone was lovely and smiling at the shops we went to. Did the the school run bald for the first time yesterday. Normally have a scarf or beanie on. Felt fine so will do it again on a hot day. Just have to make sure I don't burn 😉
Janey - lovely to hear from you. Take care and I hope you keep improving!
Angela - did they get to sort your tooth before chemo today? Take care n hope today goes well.
Lots of get well and ENDURE vibes going to you who are too unwell/tired to post xxx

[Mungos_mum]

Lots of us in the chair tomorrow... Angela, Mrs B, Karen, Roadshow, Chocci and me, assuming all bloods OK (fingers crossed Karen!). May all our SEs (and allergic reactions!) be small. xx
Roadshow - hope you get the answers you need tomorrow at your onc appointment. xx
Janey - Glad you are feeling better again, trust energy levels keep going up.
Angela - How is your dental situaion? did you get treated OK, and has this delayed your next cycle. Hope all is now recovered and all pains have resolved. You've had a rough ride this cycle, sending a big cyber hug. x
Karen - it seems as if your steriod fever reaped great rewards! I didn't quite get everything done for parents' arrival, but got it all done before bed. I blame my neighbour for inviting me round for coffee - two hours later, we were still gossiping!
I had my final pink pilates session today, and measurements indicate that I have full mobility back in my arm following Mx and ANC, 5 months ago. ( I already had about 75 - 80 % mobility before I started). I recommend anyone to do it following an op, whether WLE and SNB or the full shebang. It helped getting out of the house too and doiing something different.
Take care everyone, xx

[Daffodil66]

Hi Ladies, just starting to flag now, the dexys are struggling to keep that tax at bay! Seems to be a day earlier this time round?

Jlr-Good to hear you are out the other side, was it as bad this time?

Scottydog-Sounds like you are making the most of this beautiful weather & the day before your next blast.I felt good just before no 5 & seemed to have my energy back again. Counting down the days now 🙂

Mungosmum-I hope the dexys kicked in, in time for your guests arriving!

I hope no 5 goes well tomorrow for everyone xxx