Starting Chemo November 2012

[Guest user]

i start tamoxifen next week for 5 years. Decided to set up a 'diamond fund' so that when I finish the 5 years I will treat myself to a little sparkler! It was the closest thing to sparklers I could think of other than an actual sparkler;-) I thought that it would well truly mark the end of this journey for me then. Is anyone else planning on any little or big treats?! sp only primary/1year hetceptin for me. I still have some sparklers left actually and thinking I might light one after my last rads on Wednesday after I have drunk a bottle of champagne to celebrate (Have only had a couple of beers since chemo ended!). Xx

[SuperSusan]

Lucypenny - poor you, you really seem to be having a rough ride with this. I know how soul destroying things are when each milestone is marred with horrid side effects, but keep your chin up as I'm sure you will get there! I never thought I would get here but I am now finished - done with Radiotherapy and on the Tamoxifen (I started this the day I started my RADS). So far, I have not noticed any side effects from this, as the menopause/flushes started during chemo. Hope this helps. Keep going.... we are all rooting for you!! xxx

[SP0]

Just popping in from the December group.
Lucypenney30 - it sounds like you've been really unlucky with herceptin. Hoping you had primary bc and hence only have to get through a year. I've secondaries, so ongoing herceptin & no rads. Started tamoxifen a couple of weeks ago, main SE menopausal - which started during chemo for me. Night sweats not as bad as during chemo, hot flushes frequently.

[Guest user]

Hi sparklers- long time no speak! I too have been using the fb page for young women. i have finished chemo and have 2 weeks of rads left to go. I'm generally doing well but herceptin wipes me out for 5 days every 3 weeks with hip pelvis and leg pain like on tax!!! Also with a fever... I am in the process of moving all my care privately and hope to have my herceptin dose reduced... Obviously need to weigh up pros and cons. I haven't started tamoxifin yet, will start that next week... Anyone else started that Yet? Any side effects? I will never forget the desperation I felt at times during chemo and support from this forum in the early days of my chemo. It's nice to see everyone starting to move on from our hellish journey. I fear it's not all over and back to normal too quickly, I am learning to be kinder to myself, I hope you all are too. My thoughts and prays are with you all for continued recovery, heathy and happy times ahead xxxxx

[Guest user]

hey all, still sore from radiation burns but on the plus side back at the gym 4 times a week and zumba twice a week and my 1st weigh in lost 5lbs. im on my way. good luck with everything all you guys who have still not finished the journey yet x

[PhilBM]

Well, that's me done - just had my last radiotherapy session!

Just another 9 x Herceptin, a few scans and five years of tamoxifen to go but otherwise I'm done, didn't believe I'd ever see this day. Thank you to everyone on here for your support over the last seven months.
xxx
Phil.

[Border_Collies]

I was told that I could have a bath and have used Raddox Zero which is free of all nasties, and have washed with simple body wash. Was also told I could use deodorant but it must be roll on type and contain no parabens, perfume etc. Got mine in Holland and Barrett. I have just two rads to go and my skin is not even pink - no soreness at all. All I have used on it is pure Aloe Vera gel (not cream) three times a day. My skin looks so normal I'm beginning to wonder if the radiation is working on me!!
The hospital I attend for radiation have a list of products on the wall in each of the changing cubicles. They mention Aloe Vera Gel, E45 cream, Aqueous cream, Radox Zero, Simple products, etc. Good luck with the Rads Susan and Pascal.

[Guest user]

I was told only wash with water, nothing else plus no going in the bath or using any smellys of any kind on my left side. I use th ecream they gave me twice aday and the only thing I found was it was redder and a bit warmer than my right breast but other than that no problems so far.

[Guest user]

hi all sorry not been on for a long while, ive finished my rads on monday, very sore under my breast all broken and weeepy. im so glad it is all over though, now its time to look forward and start to get back to normal. been told not to go back to work till june so nice few weeks of chilling, back to the gym and zumba and get fitter ready to go back to the slog. hugs to all. xx

[Pascal_48]

Hi Susan
I had my first rads today. I was told no deoderant on treated side, use only Simple shower gel/soap and be care ful with perfumes. Also no topless sunbathing

[SuperSusan]

Thanks Yvonne. A question - have you or anybody else been told that they can't wear deoderant for the duration of the RADS??

[Guest user]

Good luck with the rads Susan don't forget to use the cream they give you

[SuperSusan]

Thanks Yvonne - that's good to know as I only start my RADS next Thursday!! I am dying to get this behind me, and then we can focus on arranging that meet-up in Birmingham. Good luck to everyone on the last leg of this journey!! xxxx

[Guest user]

Not been on in a while but just to let everyone know the rads are nothing like chemo it is the waiting around for transport that makes you feel tired I have 8 more days to go.
Hope everyone is well or getting better:)
Stay strong we are almost there now
love yvonne xxx

[PhilBM]

A mate of mine is really into running marathon's/iron-man's challenges etc. Well he asked me who I'd like him to run one for, I suggested BCC and he's contacted them and is running on their behalf - cool eh!

[SuperSusan]

Good luck BorderCollies (and everyone else) with your RADS and other treatments. I couldn't have phrased it better - chemo prison - it's absolutely how I felt...all these months being locked away whilst dealing with this horrible disease. Having said that, this forum has been my tower of strength. The journey would have been a lot tougher without you, so thank you all for your kind words and help!!

Now that we are all moving onto other stages and the sun has come out to play I truly hope that we will all have a nice summer to look forward to, and even be able to do some holiday planning at some point. I certainly intend to catch up on the joys I have missed out on over the past 6-7 months. Don't forget - we still need to plug in some date for hooking up in Birmingham (maybe when the kids are back to school - October time!?).

Keep smiling Sparklers.

xxx

[Guest user]

Hiya Everyone....
Hope you're all having a good Easter.... I had my last chemo 3 weeks ago and I've had all diffarent se with each but 4 days ago I started with a pain like a groin strain but further underneath towards my bottom which has gradually got worst. Has anyone else suffered this? Any advice appreciated, thanks

[Mags2710]

Thanks all,for posting re pain. Never had any pain under my arm untill tonite, bit achie. Well on a plus side managed a 1 1/2 hour walk with my friends and our dogs, longest walk so far was well chuffed with myself. Getting a bit normality back in my life.
Hugs all round xxxx

[Border_Collies]

Supersusan - congratulations on the final FEC and for being released from the chemo prison.! I'm now three weeks post final FEC and beginning to feel normal again. Just still have sore eyes and a very dry mouth but the nurses said that it takes 4 - 6 weeks for the drugs to finally leave your system. I sgtart the first of 15 Rads on Wednesday, 3rd April, but from what I read these will be a breeze compared to chemo.
Well done on getting your life back and good luck for the rads.

[SuperSusan]

Hi Sparklers,
I just had my last FEC on Thursday so am looking to move beyond chemo to the next stage - RADS and Tamoxifen.

There have been a few questions about pains so I thought I would share my experience. Since my 5th FEC I have had bad aches and pains at the back of both arms. Also had sore armpit scar and stiff movement with it, along with sore breast where the op was done. Finally I had a lot of lower back and sternum pain which seemed to be caused by the Neulasta injection I had to have the day after each chemo session. The nurses reassured me that this is all normal, and nothing to worry as long as I don't have any red or hot patches (as that can indicate pain as a result to clotting). Hope this helps. xxx

[Guest user]

Hi sparklers

Not posted for ages but think of you all. had a bilat mx on Monday so am shuffling about llike an old lady at the moment. Hopefully all going well.

Happy Easter to you all.

Love, Col xxx

Can I have a bmx?' I used to ask my mum
'No love, ride your chopper, I'm not made of money hun'
Isn't it ironic if you fast forward 30 years
That bmx's and choppers would be causing me some tears
The surgeon with her chopper has taken away my boobs
Well what an op that was and boy did it feature tubes
With seven sticking out of me, I didn't feel too great
Nor sharing with a woman whose snoring made the ward vibrate
So my old, bad boobs have gone and there are new ones in their place
And looking at the scars was something I wasn't sure I could face
But I've had a good nosey round and they look alright to me
They're quite a perky pair even if they wouldn't make page three
Kids are so amazing and will tell you as it is
'Can I see your new boobs Mummy?', my 6 year old did quiz
So I braced myself and showed him - 'what do you think?, I said
'They're so much better Mummy, cos your others were bigger than your head'.

[PhilBM]

Yvonne, I had very bad pain in my sternum at one point, I didn't know what it was but it turned out to be simple (but quite severe) heartburn - I'd never had it before so didn't know it was just that. Not sure if that's any help to you but you never know.

[Mags2710]

Hi sparklers, had my last chemo on the 12 march, been tattooed ready for rads on 8 april for 4wks. Will be 75miles round trip to get to hospital. Finally felt better by the end of week 2 post chemo. Has anyone had ache/pain in there left breast after treatment. Did asy to onc but he didn't seem worried about it as it was only a few tmes when I saw hime, but it has continued since.
Take Care All xxxx

[Guest user]

here is a daft question to my fellow sparklers anyone else having really bad rib pains after their last chemo treatment or is it just me?
I have 4 weeks of rads starting tuesday not looking forward to it seems like a neverending story please tell me I am not the only one plus the 12 months of herceptin plus the 5 years of hormone treatment .
Good luck and stay strong sparklers
love yvonne xxxx

[Guest user]

hi guys not posted on here for ages as i have been using fb site but i have been keeping up to date on you all ,
wanted to know any one out there finished 6 fec and not having any other treatment getting a lot of muscle ache,
i ache in my neck shoulders leggs,all over on and off trough the day and under my arms on both side , having my mx on wednesday, not sleepling that well unless i have pills as achy/pain in my legs and hot sweats from menopause waking me up

xxxxx hope every one is well xxxxxxx

[Curlytop]

Hi there fellow sparklers. Not made any comments for sometime but reading everyone elses comments have kept me going through this journey
The first three FEC were not the best for SE especially when coupled with shingles. That is all in the past now. FEC 4 and 5 were not too bad just suffered mouth ulcers extremely dry mouth and lips But the fatigue is the worse thing everything is such an effort. Veins have also suffered with the red stuff So will seeing physio at some point.

Last Fec tomorrow. Yippee Had my mx in October. Can't have rads as had them 17 years ago. So after tomorrow hope to start getting my life back. It has been a long haul since May but light at end of tunnel

So my comment to chemo nurse tomorrow will be - hit me baby just one more time!!!

Good luck to all those starting their journey - keep strong you can do it!
Best wishes to all of you xx

[Guest user]

hi phil all the best with the rads, lol ive got 6 tattoos so not that concerned about the tats. you have a great holiday and chill out with your family. xxx

[PhilBM]

Hi Jelly, 3 weeks since my last chemo, just got over it, had a nasty tummy thing but that seems like history - can't believe I've got through it to be honest, just had kind of resigned myself to not coming out the other side. Had my radiation prep on Monday, god tattoos hurt don't they! start it on the 25th, was going to be this coming Monday but they weren't sure about my tummy so that's fine. Going to give myself a fortnight after the radition to recover then we're getting away somewhere nice for a week, the kids can look after themselves, I genuinely can't wait 🙂

[Guest user]

hi sparklers got my planning meeting on 19th for my rads. im involved in a new trial will only have a week with the dosage of 3 weeks worth. oh and the tattoos for the rads are permanant, more ink to add to my collection lol. hope your all doing ok and i hope my week of rads dont completely wipe me out. hugs all xxxx

[Mags2710]

Hi Sparklers, I have my last Tax today and start RADs on 8th april for 4wks. SE have been doable even manage to go see CATS musical last weekend which was great. Night sweats and the start of steriods keeping me awake, hence I visited the site. The light at the end of tunnel is getting nearer. I had my stubble that is left took down again so it was nearly all the same lenght, hoping it will grow back in the same length, not sure if i'm wasting my time but you can only try.
Take care all, Hugs to everyone.xx

[SuperSusan]

Well done Yvonne. Keep us posted on your rads as you will be ahead of us in the process.

[Guest user]

Had my last chemo friday and start my rads on april 2nd for 4 weeks I am also worried as it on my left breast but my onc said they werent to worried hope they are right.
Good luck to us all and stay strong nearly over now.
love yvonne xxx

[SuperSusan]

Hi Sunshine Lilly - You are only 2 days behind me in your treatment. I haven't had the radiotherapy YET on my left breast, but it is coming. I did ask my onc about how to reduce the risk because I had read that there is some level or risk or damage to the heart. He confirmed this potential risk but said it is very small and reassured me that they are very good at giving rads and they do everything to minimise the risk. It frightens me too but then the chance of this cancer coming back scares me even more!! So my approach is that I will take that risk and go for it.

[Guest user]

Hi everyone,
had my 5th chemo yest, was dreading it, as have blood clots and more and more trouble, holding on for last one, strangley enough not feeling too bad this morn but we will see in next hour or so, lots of imformation on here to day, onc said he was going to talk to me next time about radio and tamox, and iv just been trying to shut it out till i finish chemo but geting really scared for rado and tabs, heard so much about them.
well done to all the ladies just had their last chemo, feeling excited for you all
can i just ask has any ladies had radio on there left breast, been reading stuff about it effecting the heart!
big hugs to all xx

[SuperSusan]

Hi All,

Nothing in this process seems straightforward does it? However, it does sound like we are all getting there (even if it seems a bit slow at times).I have now eventually managed to have my 5th chemo and it has totally wiped me out. The thought of 1 more (end March) is keeping me going though...

Lynsey-lu - Good lick with your braca1/2 results.
Pascal - I hope your MRI scan results were good.
Jenny - I will then be going onto RADS and Tamoxifen. My onc told me it doesn't matter when to take it as long as it is taken around the same time each day. I also know 2 people who have been on it for years and both have said that they didn't really have any issues with it. My onc also told me that a new trial has finished and it has shown very positive results for keeping people on it for 10 years instead of 5 years. She said that for pre-menopausal people like myself they may well decide to move me onto some other medication half-way through...but that is not a decision that needs to be made until much further down the road!

Keep well all you sparklers, and good luck to anyone facing an op after their chemo!

Susan x

[Guest user]

Spurschick,
I totally feel for you it's not good when they move the goalpost, but we need to believe its for our benefit.
Had my chemo yesterday feeling ok just the usual washing machine tummy but not been sick so that's a brucey!
So is anyone now moving onto surgery? And if so how are you feeling regarding this? What procedure are you having?
I am having mx 5 weeks post chemo with immediate reconstruction ld flap! Unsure how to feel about it to be honest as have saw some picture which didn't look to good. I am still waiting on genetics getting my results as I am opting for a double if I have braca1/2!

Hope everyone is well and stay positive xx

[Guest user]

Hope evry one is happy after their last chemo I can't wait.
I have my planning meeting for rads tomoz at st james and my last chemo friday morning not looking forward to any of it I just found out that the hormone tablets they have given me may not be good with some other medicine I am on so will ask see if they will change them.
Good luck to us all and I hope we all keep strong
love yvonne xxx

[jenny12m]

Hello ladies
Sorry I have not written for a while. As already mentioned, you ladies have been fantastic with your support through this chemo. I too had my last TAX on Thursday last week. Felt OK for 2 days and even managed to go to a party on Saturday, it was only a neighbour and I only went for 2 hours, but it was nice to feel normal for a change. Have been poorly with se since Sunday though. Sore feet and sore mouth being the worse se as per normal. Have been staying in bed and watching loads of TV. Soooo glad the chemo is over!! Fingers crossed that those of you not yet finished have a smooth downward ride from here on in.
I have my planning for rads next Friday but do not want to start treatments until after the Easter holidays because of the two hour round trip to the hospital for the 15 mins of treatment. Do we need to start a new thread 'undergoing treatement - radiotherapy'?
Anyone started on their taxoifen yet? I have to start in 3 weeks. Is it best to take them in the morning or evening? Any tips gratefully received.
Wishing everyone a straitghtforward end to their chemo.
Love form Jen

[Guest user]

Lynsey-Lu
Know exactly how you feel, went to docs on mon, hoping this was going to be last FECT, knowing possibility of one more as they reduced the dose, so I could get surgery dates. To be told another scan to be arranged and possibility of three - yes three more TAX.
Drove home in tears and could not talk to anybody, think that was my lowest moment, unsure if my arm can hold out for much more took them three goes to get blood out.

[Guest user]

Hi everyone,
Very happy for everyone who is finished chemo, I have 2 to go! Took bad reaction to 2nd TAX (5th chemo)last Thursday so going back on FEC ...... Was very upset by this as had geared myself up for only 1 to go but onc has decided I will be having 2 more.
My hair has started to grow back(very slightly) will this go again?
Thanks

[Shazzaboro]

Hi all, Had my last chemo yesterday, thank goodness! Just got to work through the side effects now before I go back to work on 18th March [had my mastectomy last August and no rads]. Just wanted to say a big thank you to you all for your support and for sharing your experiences during the last few months. Its made a big difference to how I've got through it knowing that what I've been feeling is normal, and will pass. Your positive comments during my down days and rants have helped too. Its been great not having to do this journey on my own. I feel I've got to the end of the tunnel and thankfully it wasn't a train

Good luck to everyone as you approach the end of your treatment, keep strong and carry on sparkling!

Shazza x

[SuperSusan]

BorderCollies - I couldn't have put it better. We dread having it but also dread any delays. I am still coughing like mad and sounding more like a dog each day. I am going back into hospital next Wednesday where they will make an assessment and then do my bloods. If my bloods are ok then I will get my chemo the same day. Fingers crossed I will make it next week which will leave 1 left - hence seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!!!! Good luck with your last chemo, and to all you other sparklers. x

[Border_Collies]

Supersusan - Hope that you are getting over your infection and so sorry that you've had your chemo postponed. It's silly isn't it - we dread the next chemo but also dread it being cancelled as it makes this awful journey to rads even longer. Thanks for the bladder information. My problems are definitely worse in the first 10 days after chemo and then it seems to get a bit better. Seems to be connected to chemo to me.
I have 11 days until FEC6. S/e's have definitely been more prolonged this time but getting to FEC6 means that the light at thee end of the tunnel is beaming brighter!
Do hope you feel better soon and can get on with your treatment.

[Pascal_48]

Hi Everyone
I can only repeat everything Col has said. The support and advice has been amazing and rreally helped me get through chemo. I too am having surgery, 26th March for me and then rads but I honestly feel that the worst is over. My last chemo was yesterday and so relieved it's over. I am having Herceptin for a year so will still be going to hospital for that every 3 weeks but it's only for an hour every 3 weeks so not too bad.
My MRI is next week which I am really nervous about about it will give a an exact size of the tumour - not "my tumour" as it has never been mine!
Anyway, good luck to everyone and lots of hugs
xxx

[Guest user]

Hi sparklers

Been a while since ive been on here but just wanted to pop on and say huge congratulations to all of those who have got to the end of chemo and to wish all those still at it the best of luck. I had my last tax on monday and although im aching like murder, it bloody well helps knowing its the last sodding time (hopefully)!!

Ive still got a long way to go with surgery on 25th march (eek!!!) then 5 weeks of rads. What fun!

All the best to you all for your next stage - whatever it may be - and a massive big thank youyou to you all for all the help and support you have given to me over these past few months. Its really helped me so much and I'm so grateful to you all :))

Much love to all you lovely sparklers!!

Col

[Shazzaboro]

Number 6 all done and dusted! Feels a bit weird getting off this conveyor belt of treatment. Mentioned it to the nurse and apparently it affects a lot of people this way. Ending chemo is a bit of an anti climax, no pleasing me is there Am feeling a bit better today than yesterday though.
Sorry your treatment has been cancelled again Susan, you will get there, keep strong
Good luck today Jellymould, hope your last treatment has been ok
Big hugs to everyone for their next treatment, keep strong and carry one sparkling!

Shazza xx

[Guest user]

morning sparklers last chemo today. its been a long 4 months. but it is finally coming to an end. just rads to go then need to do healthy and exercise again. put on so much weight what with steroids and not being active.

shazza and susan hugs to you, hope you feel better soon. ive had a few days like this along the way.

good luck today shazza


and hugs to all xx

[SuperSusan]

Just been told that tomorrow's chemo (my second last) has been cancelled as I am not well enough to do it (between my chest infection and my low red blood count). What a birthday present I got!!!! This is the second delay I have had so far. For the first time since I started this process I have felt really down today and kept bursting into tears at every little thing. I am just so fed up with this whole thing....is it ever going to be over??????

[Shazzaboro]

Last chemo tomorrow. Thought I would be happy but on a bit of downer at moment. Doesn't help that I will be back at work two weeks on Monday either. No rads for me and thankfully been lucky with chemo side effects so far, all manageable.

Keep strong and carry on sparkling

Shazza xx

[Guest user]

I have the bloated feeling and the bad wind most of the time not nice along with all the other annoying side effects.
I have an early start tomoz have to find out when my radio thearpy appointments will be plus my last chemo a week friday will be glad when that is done and dusted might get back to my old self then .
really wish it was this time tomoz !!!!
Keep strong and good luck
love yvonne xxx