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Starting Chemo November 2012

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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

mummybear - would love to meet up if yoh're my way! I live near Bicester - where do you travel through? I dont think we're here this Sunday but no major plans otherwise. Well done on biting the bullet with your hair. I'm taking my wig to get the fringe cut on thurs and if it carries on coming out in handfulls like now, I might try to be brave and just shave it off. eek. Happy birthday to your husband!

I was in a bit of a rush before but thought Id post my ditty. I did actually go to ssee my onc today and I had a 2cm swollen lymph gland under my arm before chemo (that gland is actually how they found out I had cancer as my scans were clear - its a long story!!!) bht when he felt it today he couldnt detect any swelling at all!!! He said that was a sivn that the chemo was doing it's job. Makes all the sickness and other SE's worth it in my book. Just thought I'd share that with you all.

Ha ve a bit of a cough so am going to bed as bit knackered. Good luck to everyone especially if you're doing chemo tomorrow.

love, Col xxx

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi all
Had a good day today, post op check at the hospital went well. go back in 10months.
Two walks with the dogs and needed clothes so the ironing got attacked.
Visit to glasgow tomoz for wig fitting so will see if i can do a wee bit of retail therapy with my daughter. Mite even see if we can do a liquid lunch now that she over 18!
Hugs to all xxxx

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi all,
Havent posted for a few weeks since posting a very miserable post feeling very sorry or myself.
I am feeling much more positive now, have had minimal side effects and have come to terms with cancelling my wedding. we'll have an extra special day with double celebrations once I've kicked this buggers butt.
i am due for second fec tomorrow, used the cold cap on round one and in the last 2 days it has started to thin a fair bit and I do have small almost bald patch just above one ear but is easily covered and to the unknowinwool oaks pretty normal ( albeit messy as cant style it) am thinking I will give it one more go by his session and if it stays like this will continue but if sings tart to loose in chunks will not bother not chemo three and will go with my lovely wig which in fairness is better than my own hair has ever looked lol.

Although I don't often post I read all you ladies posts daily and you are all amazing and doing so well!

Love and hugs to all

sj xx

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Also I've been worrying as I was weighed for my chemo 3 weeks befor my first go and I'm sure with four weeks of comfort eating and being taken for lunch and cakes/biscuits and sweets brought to me not to mention the fact that i have had the worst diet ever since my first chemo that I am now a lot Heavier than was originally taken into account for my dosage! Does any one know whether I will be weighed again tomorrow before round 2 or should I ask them to check my dosage with my new weight?
i thought one tiny plus from this whole palaver would be dropping a few extra pounds but alas another pain in the bum to add too the list of cancer c**p xxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Col123 thank you for sharing your very funny poems. Love I love them all x
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Col123 I love these you are so clever , you should put all these in a book and get it on amazon lol , xx

keep sparkling xxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Welcome Faith.

I went to see my onc today and for once he wasn't late,
It's usually about 90 minutes that he likes to make me wait,
He's very touchy feely and he had a good old grope,
But he said the lump is going so that gives me eternal hope.

He also gave me new pills that should stop me being sick,
And if he's wrong again I'll be giving him a big kick,
It's round 2 for me on Monday and 'bring it on' I say,
And then there's Xmas shopping - oh thank god for e-bay!!!
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Good afternoon sparklers,
Day 18
I went to the oncology wig lady today, I was very lucky as my hair fell out in big clumps this morning and I had a really big bald patch on the top of my head, I pinned it up to cover it up, I went to look at wigs, however after trying on a couple of wigs and discussing the cold cap etc & the dread of more hair falling out in clumps again, I was brave & had all my hair shaved off there was bald patches all over my head.

I am now the owner of a fabulous long brunette wig I have been wearing it for six hour, it looks amazing & is very comfortable. I love it!!!! I also ordered a short blonde bob wig to arrive in three weeks. Debbie was so helpful, when my eyebrows/eyelashes fall out she will help me with my make up. (Angel)
A big thank you to my fellow sparklers, I have been sad & a little down you offered me support & encouragement, I am now ready to face my second FEC on Thursday. You are all so brave keep on shining brightly 🙂
I hope you are all feeling the best you can today and not suffering too many SEs
SLM272 I asked about the strange feeling from my head today, the wig lady explained was was the chemo drugs, that made you feel that way. Ask your nurse for advice. X x
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

hi you sparkley people
to all of you who's hair is falling out , does yoru head hurt? as mine is killing me , even though i shaved down to a grade 1 before it statred my head is soo sensative , i even hurts to lie on it

stay strong and shine sparkley
http://sarahmartin1970.blogspot.com

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Thank you. I have posted in the recurrence forum but briefly I have a recurrence in the inter mammary lymph nodes (behind breast bone) found during reconstruction surgery last month. Mastectomy and radiotherapy in 2009. Been on hormone therapy since then so it is a shock to say the least especially when my axillary nodes were clear. Anyway this chemo lark is scaring me so I am so happy to belong to this group. Thanks for the welcome and Shazza, I'm off on ebay tomorrow. Haven't had my wig fitting yet but got the hats etc.

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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

welcome faith, you will get great support on this group and we are all doing the journey with you. hugs xxxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Welcome faith4 you are a sparkler we are all here for you, any questions pls ask. We can listen and advice if we can !!
Shazza wig stand I am impressed! So organised!!
Keep sparkling! Nite nite to you all x x:)

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi Faith4 and welcome, sorry you have to join us but hope you gets lots of support from reading previous messages and sharing your experiences too. I find it helps to know I'm not the only one feeling like I do.

I've been on a bit of a spree on Amazon. Managed to to get eyebrow stencil [£1], semi permanent eyebrow pencil [£3.75] and a wig stand [£4] bit cheaper than some of the places I've seen and all seem ok. Arrived really quickly too, withn a couple of days. Not my usual xmas purchases of choice, but couldn't see them in Boots 3 for 2 offers. Thought someone might find them helpful at some point in the future. The eyebrow pencil is supposed to last a couple of days so hopefully I wont be rubbing it off everytime I touch by eyes/forehead.

Been to the pub for my tea tonight. Had fish and chips, which is the first real meal I've had in a couple of weeks. Seem to be coping with it ok and it was lovely!

Keep strong and carry on sparkling!
Shazza xx

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Can i be a sparkler please? I start my chemo in Thursday.

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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi all
thanks Shazza and mummy bear and Col for your comments. It's sooooooo nice to feel supported! I have a sneaky feeling you lot might just get me through this in one piece! lol
Will let you all know how Wed goes ............ gonna enjoy my final two 'sleeps' chilling away from the horrendous rain in from of the fire. (with several bottles of water to keep guzzling as advised! lol)

TTFN
You're all brill thanks
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Thx Col. Great idea about the cheap wig, I might get some for my 3 littlest, apprently Primarni ! doing em for £1. 🙂
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Thx Col. Great idea about the cheap wig, I might get some for my 3 littlest, apprently Primarni ! doing em for £1. 🙂
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi sparlers keep shining and and be brave has always!!!

I have my wig fitting tomorrow at 9am via Mcmillan Northampton hospital red or blonde???

Thank you Col where do you live in oxfordxhire I pass there every couple of weeks, on a Sunday, fancy a coffee?

mummybear x x
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hello all!

Just sat waiting for nurse to come and change my picc dressing. She's 2 hours late! #tuts#

Shazza - hope it goes well at hospital today and you enjoy your coffee and cake! I went off chocolate for 1st 2 weeks which was realy odd for me as I'm a right sweet tooth but its come back this week and I'm munching on a kitkat as we speak!

Lucy - i know what you mean about pressure on oh's. Mine has been brilliant looking after our little boy when I went into hospital post first fec. It must be really hard on them too. Mine's not the sort of bloke to talk about how he feels though. Hope you had a lovely weekend with him.

Mags - I think making it to the pub ranks pretty high on an achievements list in the middle of chemo!

Mummybear - I didnt know about the peer support. Sounds interesting. Crazy hats sounds good too. Have ounds like you've got a busy week! Hope the hubby enjoys his birthday, Happy Anniversary, and good luck with round 2!

curlytop - welldone on little SE's although I'm with you on the waterworks front. I've had a few tears about my hair this week. Its getting to me a bit. Does you good to have a blub now and then - better than keeping it in.

dealbeach - hope you sort your eyes out and good luck for wed.

hello to Suzisuz - poor you with bloody tonsilitus! You must think give me a break. 5 kids in the house!! blimey! I've only got one and he's also 5. He's been brilliant up to now, really taking it all in his stride. He was upset when I went into hospital as ive never been away before but we're trying to play things down and trying to keep things for him as nornal as posdible. I got the mummys lump book too and I used some ideas from it as its good but I didnt like some bits like 'mummy's sad, daddy's worried, they worry it might come back,etc'. Everybody finds different things useful though so its worth a look. Mine knows I've got a poorly boobie and the doctors are giving me strong medicine which can make me sick and my hsir's going to fall out. He's quite excited about ghe hair loss thing. I bought him a cheap wig so he can play at being a rock star in it! I think little kids help you to take your mind off the whole bc business which can only be a good thing. I think there's a danger sometimes that it can consume your whole life. Good luck with the chemo.

Peppers mum - Little anc often for sickness. I was so ill i couldnt even kerp water down. Once it settled, I found milk was better for me and ribena rather than plain water, sucking mints, nibbling on arrowroot biscuits, I actually craved salty things once i was esting again so crisps for me!!! Also having something to hand in the middle of the night too just to try and settle a gurgling tummy.

Good luck and love to all other sparklers this week.

Love, Col xxx

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Morning all,
Off for a wound check today but have to say it looks the best it ever has, so fingers crossed!
Hi Suzi, glad to see you made it. Its only natural to be scared and teary. I was terrified before my first treatment [I'm having EC, rather than FEC, as I have stomach problems already] What works for me is being is as informed as possible not sure the doctors and nurses agree when I start firing questions but hey, its my body and my life! I've got a lot of leaflets/information off this site which have been invaluable. The support from from fellow Sparklers helps too as it helps me feel 'normal' in this parallel universe I find myself in. If you want to chat you have my number and I'll be in tonight after 8 [I'm going out for my tea early evening]. Feel free to ring if it helps. My advice for Wednesday is drink plenty of water starting on Tuesday. The side effects I had were thrush, bit of nausea and a dull head ache for a day or two after treatment. As others have said, take the tablets religiously and eat little and often, rather than big meals.
Welcome to all other new sparklers too. Just remember there is no such thing as a daft question. Ask away, someone on here will have gone through similar things and may have some good advice for you. Also look back at the threads for previous months so you can get some idea of how others have managed.
Glad you are feeling more positive Mummybear, the emotional ups and downs are tough. I watched a couple of christmassy films at the weekend and found myself sobbing my heart out even though they weren't the best films! I've turned into a big softy lol
Peppersmum, I'm using Lanzaprosol for heartburn. Been on it a while due to Crohns and it seems to be working for chemo too in relation to heartburn.
Mags, don't beat yourself up, just do what you can when you can. Thats what I'm trying to do. The weather doesn't help though when its cold wet and miserable.
Dealbeach, I'd been told about someone who went off chocolate when they had chemo. Was really looking forward to that as I'm a bit of a chocoholic. I've not gone off anything foodwise yet! And I'm getting the same coffee and cake trips. Think my friends are trying to feed me up. By the time I'm finished I'll look like a big bald buddha Going for coffee and cake after hospital today too!

Keep strong and carry on sparkling!

Shazza xx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Suz, 🙂
most of us were so scared too, & not sure what was going to happen, when you have your bloods done tomorrow, the chemo nurse should/will explain your treatment/side effects etc, the fear is the worst feeling, we are all here for you each of us are waiting for or have had our first treatment and ready or have had our second cycle. I am on Fec treatment I have my second cyle on Thursday , I have three drugs administered via a portacath, that was fine the cold cap was a strange feeling though. We have to remember that chemo is the medicine to whack the cancer, it is bearable & we are here for you.
Breast cancer care have a helpline, look on the home page for the number, they were/are fantastic, the lady I spoke with was so calm and had been through what we are going through now, she saved my saninty, she also offered me a peer counsellor, who rings me on an evening every couple of weeks you decide the time etc together, she spoke with me before my treatment and now calls me after my fec, she listens & offers valuable support. All the peer support people have been through a similar experience to us & are at least five years on. They are so inspirational give them a call if you think it will help you.
Love to you all sparklers my thoughts are with the people who are having their treatment this week.
Be brave & keep sparkling x 🙂 x
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

hi all. You all seem so positive, it's great. And you all seem to know so much about your treatments! I don't really know what I'm having. Three cycles of three syringes and then three cycles of an iv. Anyone know ??? am having my bloods done tomor, then first chemo on Wed. am so nervous and have no real idea of what to expect, but will waltz in there, head high, and crack jokes and make everyone laugh in my usual style. Just privately getting a bit teary and shaky as it all seem to be so real now! Am hoping when I get there on Wed, things will become much clearer and be explained more etc. re; side effects, handling things, what the drugs are etc. And tbh I haven't read my pack properly, cos my sister in law stole it to be informed and keeps forgetting to bring it. Am grabbing it in the morning so should read through it all properly tomor and hopefully know more. Doh! I need a rocket up my arse! lol.
Hope you all doing ok. re: sickness Peppers Mum, from pregnancy experience, constantly nibbing digestive or ginger biccies has been a big help in the past for me. Maybe it's worth a try if you haven't already?
Suz

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Thanks Col, will try my GP re my eyes as stuff from supermarket hasn't helped. I've heard black / dark nailvarnish can help preserve nails when we start the T part of FEC-T, so its got to be worth a try. My nails at the moment are the best they've been for years - less work and more time spent on caring for them, it would be such a shame to lose them now! Keep the poems coming, they're just great!
My hair just seems to be thinning still, I keep thinking there will be clumps on the pillow, but still just moulting like my dog in Spring! The hoover is working over time.
Had a good few days, lots of friends taking me out for coffee and cakes, I never thought I'd be worrying about putting weight on when I heard I had cancer.
Off for blood tests tomorrow before 2nd FEC on Wed, just trying to make the most of this week in case the next cycle hits my energy levels or makes me sick. I was so lucky last time, just trying to remember what I did and do the same again! Drink plenty of water eat little and often and take the tablets religiously - can't think of anything else I did.
Good luck to everyone having chemo this week.

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi all.
was not superwoman yesterday only managed 20min walk with the dogs cold weather and black ice got me. Managed the pub at night for hour. But not done much today been a bit tired. Not had any antiemetics today so pleased about that.
Keep strong sparklers xxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Happy sunday sparklers,
Day 17 I am feeling a lot more positive today, I am still losing my hair but getting used to loosing clumps, I think I will have it cut into a short bob tomorrow, I bought a hat yesterday and went christmas shopping. I have been outdoors for a walk today!no SE at the mo. I made contact with a local breast cancer charity called Crazy Hats, they called me back and invited me to coffee and to meet some of the volunteers.
Col123 and Lucypenney thank you for your kind words I can do this it is only hair! I hope you are both well, I am sending you both a virtual hug. x
Welcome Peppers mum, SuziSuz and other new members we are here to listen and help were we can. x
Fantastic advice from you all as usual you are all very supportive to each other and we are all very brave, a big hug I hope you are bearing up well today and the SE are managable.
Jellymould you have done so much this weekend be proud!
Busy week this week, it is husbands birthday Tuesday I will cook a surprise meal and have a couple glasses of fizz, bloods Wednesday, wedding anniversary and 2nd FEC Thursday.
Keep sparkling my beautiful brave sparklers x x

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi Peppers mum omaprazole is good for heartburn. Phone your gp up and explain to the receptionist and they should give you a precription for it, I did and didn't have to see my doctor. Hope this helps. Can't help much with the sickness except to say keep taking the anti sickness pills they give you. You could always ask if there are any different ones as the others aren't helping much.
Hope this helps
xxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi there Sparklers. I'm a bit late joining, diagnosed 18th Oct and started pre-op FEC-T on 1st November. Oncologist says is shrinking my 4cm lump after first cycle (he seemed amazed so I guess that's good) also is hormone receptive so will have HERC2 from January. Had 2nd chemo Thursday 22nd. Can anyone help with the nausea please? had it really bad first cycle, heartburn (which I'd never had in my life!) and a feeling like I hadn't swallowed something properly(?) Onc gave me masses of pills this time but not really a lot different.

Determined to beat this and keep smiling but the sicky feeling is getting me down, sorry

Thanks

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Morning all fellow sparklers. Now at day 3 of Fec1 with no adverse side effects. Pleased to say. Felt very emotional yesterday all that water I have drunk seems to be coming out the eyes. my bladder is obviously to close to my eyes.

mags 2710 like you had discomfort around my mx op area. It is reassuring to know others have similar symptoms. This forum really helps for this sort of thing. It seems to have settled now.

Heres hoping the next few days continue as the last.

Good luck to Sparklers having treatment next week. Stay strong we can do this xxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

morning all, had a fab weekend, retirement meal, zumba christmas party, my nephews wedding and now im baking a cake for my 12 year old niece. hair is really patchy now, got lots of bald patches and very thin will soon have a boiled egg head, cant wait. it really doesn;t bother me, can just get up and go no messing about with hair. how is everyone gettin really nervous about chemo 2, just the thought of it now makes me feel queezy anyway keep positive we are sparklers and we ooze brightness. have a good day all. xxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi suzisuz,
I have a 6 year old daughter , and she does pick up on vibes , but we have been very open with her and told her everything , so she can understasatay her level, , mummy's lump book I's brill , I got it free from my macmillian nurse,. But you can down load it on to iPad for free as well .

on my down days After chemo which I must say are very few and do not last all day , I let my daughter make me breakfast and help out , but I know boys are different .

i have found being open and trying to answer the questions she has asked has helped her loads , and lots and lots of hugs and cuddles

, I also have a bad cough and have been on extra antibiotics , spoke to the hospital and they do not seam to be worried and they say it will not affect the chemo ,

i also go and have hypnotherapy at my holistic centre and I find it helps me keep the positive side of things , but its not for everyone , reflexology if brill if you can stand your feet being felt.

it's a long road to travel but highly doable ,
stay strong xxxx
i do a blog as well about my journey , it's helped me loads .

click on my name and the link to it is in my profile if you are interested xxxxxxxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi all. Can I please be a sparkler?! lol
Met Shazzaboro on post surgery physio and she pointed me to this chat room. I start chemo on Wed 28th so just slipping in the back end of sparkling! Nervous. Even more so since I've now got tonsillitis and am thinking if I'm already run down, on anti-biotics and fighting this, how am I gonna cope with the chemo thrown in for good measure???!!! Am just worried I won't be able to function at home. We have 5 kids in this house, that need mummying! i think they will keep me going, be my motivation but know I will have a problem letting myself rest when I need to. So just no idea what to expect or how my body will cope.
Going to holistic centre on Monday to find out what lovely things I can enjoy.
So far, I can honestly say, it's not been too bad really, two ops very close together, and recovering fine, very positive in my mind, but think the whole "oh my gawd I've really got cancer" thing will kick in once chemo starts.
So glad to find a forum, where I can read your stories, pinch your hints and tricks, get advice and support and offer any if required.
Would love to hear from anyone with younger kids, about how they're being affected? My littlest is 5 and I'm not sure if he's just going through a difficult phase, or picking up on vibes???
TTFN
Suzi 🙂
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Ck1 glad 2nd treatment is out of the way for you- hope you continue to feel ok. My next one is Wednesday and dreading the side effects again! Past few days have felt tired and generally run down, really want to get strong for Wednesday. Would you say your s/e are similar to that of your 1st treatment?
im not sure if anytime else's partners look burnt out but my poor husband is exhausted. the worry of me with his job is causing his stress levels to go through the roof- I'm finding it hard to comfort him. Planning on a relaxing day today and to look after my man.

oh yesterday I went out in my wig, I found it really difficult and uncomfortable after a few hours. I will keep trying it.

hope everyone has a lovely Sunday and I hear the rain will ease today.. For us in the south (I forget we are all across the uk!)

xxxxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

hi all

lucy - the coffee thing is really strange. Before I drank it all day long but I just cant drink it now. I crave milk all the time which is just odd for me. I've never drunk tea but might try it as I'll probably like it!

ck1 - well done on your 2 nd fec!!! are you a third way through now? glad you're coping ok - take it easy. Also that work liked your hair - mines coming out in small clumps if i run my fingers through it today. Still cant decide what to do with it. They dont run a headstrong course near me either but the lady at the Maggies centre told me about a course they run at the hospital which is similar so hope to get on that. Might be worth checking at your hospital direct. Nobody would have told me about it.

shazza - i'm day 13 and have felt better today than any other. I went shopping wigh my little lad and then went to watch Madagascar with him. I've been a bit paranoid about the infection thing this week and have had my eyes peeled everywhere for snotty noses and coughs! I pull my scarve over my mouth if somebody looks suspect - I probably look like a nutter but having spent 2 days in hospital last week, I just want to be as careful as possible without cutting myself off from the world. Hope your tummy improves.

jelly - hope it didnt blow off!

Nighty night sparklers. Love, Col xxx

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi Sparklers
Think I must have chemo brain, or I'm just plain mad! In the middle of 'spring' cleaning my living room in preparation for decorations going up next weekend [next chemo is 6th so thought I'd get it done before then] Its taking ages as I'm doing it bit by bit and resting in between if I feel like it. Not usually that houseproud but I've neglected things over the last couple of months and though I hate to admit it, I'm rather enjoying it. Probably just the novelty factor

Hope everyone is doing as well as they can. Had a few problems with tummy over the last few days but nothing I can't handle. I'm currently day 10. Just wondering what the next few days has in store as I believe my immune system is going to be at its lowest and hair loss seems to be starting with others about about day 14/15. Yikes!

Keep strong and carry on sparkling!

Shazza xx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi Lovely Sparklers,
Sorry I haven’t been around for a few days tonsils have been playing up all week nearly didn’t have chemo. Hope you are all as well as expected. Had FEC-T #2 yesterday, sick last night but feeling OK so far today, fingers crossed.
Good to see that everyone is ‘coping’ OK. Hair is really thinned out, will go ‘scotch egg’ (ref: Jellymould) tonight. Looked into the Headstrong course but nothing local to me, sounded like fun though. Can’t complain ‘cos managed to get onto the Look Good Feel Better course which was well worth it. x
Loving the latest poems Col123 keep ‘em comin’ x
Managed one full day at work (10 hours) even with bad throat, felt good to get on top on things a bit and to catch up with the bricks holding it together without me. They loved the short hair which was a boost. A change of scenery was refreshing. Am working from home when I can but it’s been difficult to maintain concentration.
I see some of you are talking about meeting up next year, sounds great. For the record I’m in Southampton, Hampshire.
Hope those who have just had your first chemo are doing OK.
Love & big hugs to you all CK
Keep Calm & Sparkle on xxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

morning sparklers taking my new wig for a test drive. hope you all have a good day. xxxx keep sparkling
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Mags- my breast was sore and area from operation after first treatment. I am on day 17 of first treatment and its ok now. Sounds like you are doing well, keep up the water and tablets as it can catch up with you- hopefully not though. I had my first coffee a couple of days ago and it tasted odd! I have become a breakfast tea lover these days and have about 6 cups a day! Never drank tea before!

mummybear - how are u feeling today?
hi to all sparklers. I have lots on sparklers at home so will light one this weekend for us all. For courage and strength on our journey.

xxxxxxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

slm - top tip! personally, id take the tablets if u feel sick. I'm still on prescribed steroids 12 days after first fec cos of bad sickness.

curlytop - like the pinky/perky theme!

mummybear - what a bloody roaller coaster ride you've been on. You're doing brilliantly. Hang on in there!

mags - doing the ironing and walking the dog!! you're superwoman to me! hope you continue to feel ok.

Hope everybody else is ok. Have a sparkly weekend!

Love, Col xxx

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Evening all,
Day 2 after fec x1, awake at 5am gave up and got up at 6 had some porriage ( thinking of my bowls)lol.
Did the ironing before son and oh got up. Even managed to walk my dogs x2 today, not as far as normal but pleased to get out with them. Needed a lie down after second walk in the afternoon.
Haven't drunk as much as i should have but i am trying. Love coffee but just doesn't taste the same.
Found the area were i had my lumpectomy as been a bit sore nothing drastic, just wandered if anyone else had any problems like this.
Good nite all xxxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi sparklers
love to you all, day 15 it was a little tough today I lost more hair & it has hit me that I love my hair, I thought after every thing having an hysterectomy because of an ovarian cancer scare then finding a lump in my breast six weeks after major surgey & the week before my daughters wedding and not speaking out loud about cancer until after her honeymoon, did I think losing my hair would I feel so upset, it is only HAIR!!! my sister sent scarfs & a Banda as a surprise, a lovely gesture that made me cry.
I am strong & brave I am a sparkler !!! x x

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Like you Yvonne first session was not as bad as I thought it would be. Think it is fear of the unknown. Felt okay to-day but it seems day 3 or 4 is when you can feel yucky! Idrank loads of water and did begin wherein was going. Loads goin in but nothin coming til later today! I have decided not to go for cold cap got enough going on resigned myself hair coming out so organised wig and headgear. Just wondering when it will start disappearing although Ihave had it cropped ready.
Col love the ditties keep em coming. I have yet to decide on name for boobie thinking of either pinky cos it is lovely and pink or perky as it is certainly perkier than the other which is rapidly going south.

Take care all and keep smiling xx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

hey sparkly people
has any of you have a sicky feeling around day 14 , and did you take the tablets they give you so long after chemo ????


not sure that really makes sence but my head will not put it in the right explination today lol
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

col123 my wig nearly went off like a kite yesterday , i have a quick tip now , always have a hat in your bag so you can put it on your wig if it gets windy to hold the bugger down , i just had a picture of peoples faces of me running down the road chasing my wig hahahahaha.
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Well done Lucy. I do feel for you. I've had a bit of a hair-related day today too. So............

I'm rather sad today because I quite liked my natural locks,
But I know I need a plan B for when my baldy head knocks,
So I went and bought a very nice wig and stuck it on my head,
I rather like the look of it and might even wear it in bed.

It's all long and shiny with not a grey hair in sight,
But on such a windy day let's hope it doesn't take off like a kite.
I'm sure it'll all work out and I'll get used to my new crown,
I might even pop it on tomorrow and go galavanting about town!

Hope you're all ok.

Love, Col xxxx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Forgot to say that I take daily antibiotic s for my kidney condition and my onc has no issue with this. Xx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

day 16 - felt a little icky and less energetic the past two day. had my hair cropped on Wednesday which was a drastic Shock, woke up Thursday with hair all over the bed, in my face and mouth. Went and ha my head shaved and wig fitted. its not easy when the hair goes but at least this morning I have no trauma of hair everywhere. My wig is a bob and very nice, but I have found that I don't wear it much. I have a really soft cotton hat which the wig lady suggested to wear In bed and round the house- it's soo comfortable. Otherwise I have gone bare or hats. I will put my wig on to meet friends for drinks tonight- yesterday I took it off in the coffee shop as I just felt like I needed to! I then saw myself as I left the cafe in the widow and just ran home to hide!
Dreading Tuesday when I have an appointment with onc re kidney v's cancer treatment discussions. It's the weekend soon so will enjoy this weekend before next week - round 2 Wednesday!
xxxxxx

Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi Col

I love your rhymes and sneak in regularly from the October thread to make sure I don't miss any 🙂

Jayne x
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

dealbeach - my eyes have started feeling itchy and bit stingy and my gp gave me hypromellose eye drops yesterday. They dont sting and are quite soothng as they act like replacement tears. I'm on fec-t regime and I read that the T can make them even eorse - great! I thought I'd also offer a word of warning about nails. I'm sure you'll have read about the drugs possibly affecting your nails. There was a girl on my look good session who had just finished chemo and she'd lost her nails. It wadn't very nice but they grow back. One thing that might help is to paint your nails with dark polish and regularly moitsurise them. Again, I think its ghe Taxotere that affects them more. Just a thought.

stella - I'm not given antibiotics as a general part of the treatment so I dont know when you need to start them. Best to call your bcn kr onc helpline. I still wonder at the diverse approach there is to our various treatments. You'd think certain issues would be standard across the board.

jelly - am going to look up hradstrong as am struggling with hair loss thing. Had a liitle cry this morning and just about to go and wash it. My other half has been so good telling me I'll still be pretty, etc but I certainly dont think I'll feel like that. enjoy your fun day!

love to everyone else - glad my daft rhyms make some of you smile. It's just a bit of fun and I think it helps to try and see the funny side of all this cr@p we're havingto put up with. hello to those from earlier chemo threads too!

Take care all.colxxcc
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

hi girls off christmas shopping today, then post op assessment then out to a retirement meal. busy, busy, busy. ive heard a few mention antibiotics i was not even offered any, wonder if i should ask on wed, 2nd chemo session. any way have a great day girls, keep sparkling xx
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Re: Starting Chemo November 2012

Hi fellow sparklers
Col123 you make me laugh so much !
Mags2710 I used the cold cap I just shoved my head under the tap and put loads of conditioner in it then left it for 24 hours before washing it

I have a question when are we supposed to take the antibiotics ? Ive completely forgotten what they said !!!! I think so much is said that when your on your own its impossible to take it all in !!!!
Keep sparkling
Stella xx