Starting Chemo in February 2014?

[Bigpumpkin]

Very Best of luck today Alice x x Im with you on the constipation, (however I do get the Ondansetron). I get constipated for a couple of days but try to use diet to improve matters.

Hayley I hope you get some good news today x x thinking about you and your littles one xx

Thinking of everyone who is feeling down, we all have our days dont we ? I missed my little pumpkins first official party invitation yesterday. He had an absolute ball there with his Daddy but it broke my heart I wasnt there too. Then we spent some time looking at last year's Holiday photos (this years May Holiday cancelled) Looking at a happy smiling me- all I could think was, how big was the lump then ? If only I'd know, pity Women arnt offered Mammograms earlier, Feels like its put a big black cloud over all my happy memories, hopefully this will change as time goes by xxxx

[Jaffacakes]

Good luck, Alice! Half way there...

[Jorge1]

You are not alone - I too have been caught short as a result of too many laxatives to cure constipation.  As my 29 year old son said "Dont be upset Mum, its just a symptom".  Bless  him.

I really feel for you all with family dependents on this site.  Sending love and support.

Jilly x

[alice45]

They are obsessed with bowel movements aren't they?! That was the excuse for not giving me ondansetron, that it would make me constipated... The chemo causes things to shut down for a while for me, but I just leave well along and it sorts itself out after a few days without any intervention. Quite enough chemicals sloshing around in my body as it is!

I'm off for FEC3 today...

Hayley, thinking of you and hoping things improve soon. xx

[Jaffacakes]

Oh Sue, you must so want to see your grandson and it must be hard not being able to support them in the way you would like. And very tough going through all this while still grieving your partner. Your rather too well resolved problems with constipation made me smile wryly. When I was post operative in hospital the nurses gave me laxatives as they were confident I would be constipated. It was a disaster! I wasn't very mobile, so the challenge of racing across the ward to get to the loo definitely led to accidents. And it took days to resolve.. Really, the indignities we go through!

[Kess]

Hi Sue sorry you have had a rubbish time.   Hopefully you will get over it soon and they can give you some different laxatives next time to help you better without tipping you the other way...

Hayley I am really sorry to hear about your baby. It's bad enough we are going through all this, but when your children are sick too that must make it so much harder. 

[Jaffacakes]

So sorry, Hayley. I hope the care and support the hospital is giving you both is the best possible and all you need.

[lowfatlovatt]

One step forward two steps back 😭 xxx

[Sue123]

thanks Hazel means a lot x

[Hazelb27]

After the severe nausea I had with FEC1, I was given Nozinan from the hospital. The BCC told me these were the strongest anti sickness meds I could get and are usually only given to terminally ill patients and to treat schizophrenia so heavy duty stuff. Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know that apart from the first couple of days after FEC2, I have had NO nausea at all. The tablets have worked wonders and I feel almost like my old self. The tablets can make you a bit sleepy but the steroids seemed to offset that. For any off you struggling with nausea, I would recommend speaking to your oncologist about Nozinan because I honestly feel like FEC2 has been a walk in the park compared to FEC1.

Hazel x

[Hazelb27]

Hi all

Sorry you're having such a tough time of it Sue. I had gastric flu once and also had an 'accident' so I totally sympathise with how you feel. I had 5 days of diarrhoea with FEC1 and the doctor gave me loperamide tablets. They sorted me out in a day so maybe ask for those. Really sorry you're missing your partner too on top of all of this. It must be very difficult for you and I hope the pain lessens for you over time.

Thinking of you.

Hazel x

[Sue123]

Hi girls and sorry some of you are having such a hard time, hugs to you Caz and I can so empathise with wanting my old normal back! My little grandson was born last week and they live quite far away and I am under the weather what with my chemo and other health problems. I haven't seen him yet and feel so guilty I cannot support them more as my daughter in law is unwell after the epidural.

Have had horrendous probs with constipation  which resolved itself (!) today so darent leave a nearby loo for any length of time! In fact I felt so low because I had an accident this morning, ( yes pooed myself after strong laxatives!) never happened in my adult life and made me feel such a cancer patient!! At least I was at home.

I took my daughter out for lunch today and she started crying in the middle of it all saying  that I was so unwell and its all becoming a bit much for me. Had a little cry this afternoon as its 9 months since my partner died of a brain haemmorrage and so feel quite sorry for myself.

Sorry to unload girls but sometimes you are all I have to be myself with,Sue x

[Jaffacakes]

Did you get your cuddle, Hayley? Xxx

[Jaffacakes]

Caz, I'm so sorry to hear you had to go into hospital, but I'm glad you're being checked out and glad you are home. The long drawn out days of illness and nausea are so hard to cope with and I agree that when you're in the thick of them it feels as though you won't get back to normality. I'm not sure that I believe in that normality at the moment, but I do believe others when they say it comes back. Anyway, I really hope that you feel better soon.

[Caz13]

Hi everyone. So glad little Ellis is on the mend, Hayley. Sorry I haven't posted sooner. I had my EC on wed and back in hospital yesterday. Home today. I was numb on my hip and my right arm and leg were weak. As I had a clear head ct 4 weeks ago they don't seem worried but bunged me on the stroke ward for a day. I have to go back for an mri just to check. Some consultants say its due to chemo, another said its not so who knows? Sick of feeling sick even 5 days on! Really hope you are all coping. I've been really flat with feeling so unwell. I just can't see out the other end of this. I agree this all messes with your head! Just want my little ones to have their mum back and me get my life back. Was just watching people go about normal stuff on way home from hospital today - walking about, going to pub for lunch, buying papers. I'd give anything to get that normality back. It just seems such a long time away 😞 xxx

[Bigpumpkin]

Hayley I am so pleased to hear about Ellis xx Roll on tomorrow when you can give him all the cuddles he needs. Big kiss and hugs to you both xxx

Welcome also to Jilly, I am sure you will find lots of helpful information here, I know I have. Im desperately trying to shake off a cold I seem to have caught off my hubby. Not that Im looking forward to it but its Fec 3 Friday and I dont really want it deylayed !! Eating lots of garlic and drinking lots of oranje juice xxxx

[Jaffacakes]

Im so glad to hear that Ellis is awake. You must need to cuddle him so much (and he will need you). So he's still 'Woody' to Noah, then?

[lowfatlovatt]

Thank you all for your kind words and hugs, they mean alot!!! Eliis has been woken up today and had his breathing tube out but is still very sleepy and still being fed by tube, hopefully if he has a good night I get to cuddle him tomorrow. I just want all my babies at home where they should be cuz noah keeps asking when 'his woody' is coming home
Xxx

[Jaffacakes]

Jorge, I've just heard from Rowan that she has patchy Internet until Sunday evening but she will sort things out for anyone who wants join to the Facebook site as soon as possible after that.

[Jaffacakes]

Jorge, sorry - technology is not my strong point. Rowan44 is her breast cancer care forum name rather than her Facebook name, and her posts can be found on this site. The FB group is set to secret, so can't be found on a search, but I've asked Rowan to drop by this forum, so I'm sure she'll be along shortly.

[Jaffacakes]

Oh Hayley, I'm so sorry things are so tough. Sending big ((((hugs)))) and caring thoughts your way.

[Hazelb27]

Hope you're ok Hayley. Thinking about you.

Hxx

[lowfatlovatt]

😣😥😢 xxx

[Jorge1]

How do I get on the facebook site? Have searched on FB for Rowan44 without success.

[Jaffacakes]

And I should just add, for any new people, that there is also a Facebook group for the February starters. Facebook isn't for everyone - and I like to use both - but if you're interested Rowan44 is the person to contact.

[Jaffacakes]

Hi there, Jilly. Welcome, although sorry that you find yourself here. I have a rather sad and thin bit of hair left. Can't quite be bothered to shave it, so I wear scarves and expect it to fall out more now I've had my third FEC.
Is AC-T the same as TAC? In which case MarieCay is on it as well, but having a rough time.

[Jorge1]

Just found this site and thought I would join.  I have a grade 3, 4mm HER2+ lump diagnosed on 9th Jan and had a SNB on 28th Jan.  The 5 nodes were all clear.   I started chemo - AC-T on 4th Feb - am having them 3 weeks apart for 4 weeks and then go on to Taxol for the next four.  I have had 3 lots now and so far I am being lucky.  I had horrid headaches for round 1 - but then they changed something and I haven't had headaches any since.  I take Onasatron (sp?) for 3 days post chemo and this has prevented sickness, but given me hellish constipation.  Balancing my bowels is tricky and Laxido (from my GP) is my faithful friend.  It can work a bit too well - if you get my meaning.  

2 weeks after my first chemo about 90% of my hair came out and I found it so tickly and unpleasant that my lovely partner Jane clippered it off.  Two days later my sister carefully and calmly shaved my head using ordinary Bic disposable razors.  This worked well and she has done it once since then.  The bristles that work like velcro on the pillow and stop me turning over in bed need to be kept away.  I guess it must still be growing back a bit or I wouldn't have these bristles.  

Keep positive everyone - Jilly

[Jaffacakes]

Thanks for the good wishes, Marie. I had a bit of a cry in the chemo unit when I got there yesterday, but they were lovely and it went ahead as it had to. I was relieved my bloods were ok to be honest, as they were touch and go last time. Feeling not so great today, but it's survivable. I've asked my lovely sister to come and help out on Monday as DH is away and it was a tough day last time round.
Really hoping that it can be better this time round, Marie. I'll have my fingers crossed for you.

[Hazelb27]

Marie I wish I could make you feel better. I think the mental toll is just as bad as the physical toll. When you're low it's really hard to feel positive but it will pass I promise. I don't know whether your oncologist would consider it (it depends in individual circumstances) but maybe you could discuss making this cycle 4 weeks instead of 3? My first round side effects were really bad so I was delayed a week for round 2. The onc said it wouldn't make any difference in the effectiveness of the chemo but would make me stronger. That extra week to recover was undoubtedly a success. I felt stronger in my body and mind and it done me the absolute world of good. I was ready to face round 2 and it's been a much easier time for me.

It's not for everyone but maybe worth having a discussion about.

Hazel x

Ps welcome Kess! I should have said that sooner sorry! 😊

[Bigpumpkin]

Good luck today Marie, I will be thinking of you, sending you positive thoughts x x try not to overthink things (tricky not to I know xx), take it one day ar a time. Remember halfway through may only be a small comfort but it will benefit you in the long run xxxx

[Kess]

Hi Marie. Sorry you are struggling today. I know it's hard not to focus on the bad days, but at least you know that it's not the whole cycle. Hang in there! Have you tried asking if there is anything else they can give you to get through it? Or have you tried any complimenary therapies? They dont help for everyone but I did try reflexology, and if nothing else found it relaxing and it helped to calm me.

[Mariecay]

Hi all
My next chemo this morning 😞 TAC number 3. I know it's half way but it just isn't making it feel better. I'm dreading it! I just don't feel like I've fully got over the last lot. For 2 days of the last cycle I really thought I was going to die, in fact if I'm honest I wanted to die! I just can't get those 2 days out of my head. I keep telling myself it's only 2 days but the oncologist keeps stressing that each cycle will get worse, it's the nature of TAC! He has said I can reduce it to FEC if I am finding it too much, but then says if I do how would I feel if they don't get rid of it or it comes back in the future and I didn't take the extra 2% the TAC offers! I couldn't bare for my children to think I didn't give it my best shot if anything did happen. 😞 this chemo rubbish doesn't half mess with your brain and emotions. My head is a complete mess! Oh well, I shall go along as scheduled, do what I have to do and face what I have to face...what is it they say? What doesn't kill you makes you stronger...here's hoping.
Love to you all, hope you are feeling ok as can be jaffacakes.
Marie x

[Mariecay]

Hi kess
I hope you find the forum as invaluable as the rest of us do.
Marie x

[Mariecay]

Oh hailey how stressed and awful must you feel right now, I just can't imagine 😞 I have been thinking about you and hoping your little one will be well very soon. It's good for you to come here and off load, and it's good for us to be able to feel able to help even if it is just to read and send positive and caring messages. My thoughts are with you and your family, I hope you continue to find the inner strength that you quite obviously posses to help you get through this difficult time.
Marie x

[Sue123]

Thyanks for your caring words Jaffacakes, it really is good to hear from you. Hope you are coping OK, Sue x

[Sue123]

Hi Hayley, of course you must offload here, and you are far from useless girl! I still think you are a star caring so well for your kids and having such a hard time in hopital following your chemo. You try and take care of you as much as you can and perhaps consider letting Andy's parents come home to help?? Hope all goes well for your baby boy, Sue x

[Kess]

I am really glad I had the wig (wore it to a supplier meeting with someone I didn't feel needed to know about my cancer as I only see them once every 2 years or so) even if I never wear it again, but I have been totally happy in my lovely hats seeing freinds, going shopping etc.  I haven't been in to the office this week (been working at home) and not sure yet if I will wear the wig or not next week.  Going to see how I feel on the day! I wasn't a hat person before but they have really grown on me.  I think it's just go with whatever makes you feel most comfortable. It might be more obvious I have cancer if I wear the hat, but most people know anyway and at least the hair will grow back. 

[Bigpumpkin]

Oh hello Kess, , your post has just popped up as I was replying to the others lol. I too started FEC on Feb 14th (Happy Valentine Day eh?), next one a week tomorrow then? I decided to give the cold cap a go and am struggling !! Sunday my husband blurted out all in one breath " I have to tell you,! Because if it was me, I would want to know ! But you are going thin on top !, but dont worry you have your wig to fall back on havnt you ?!"

? Really ! Your kidding right ? Lol Did he really think I add an extra 2.5 hrs to Chemo time,and not bother to check how my hair is ?? Lol men eh ?
Anyway welcome, Im sure you will find lots of really good information on here, I know I certainly have xxx

[Jaffacakes]

Hi Kess, great to have you here. I also skipped the cold cap and haven't got my wig out the box. Just off to the hospital. Will post later!

[Bigpumpkin]

Good luck today Jaffacakes, I will be sending you good vibes !!!My 3rd Fec is a week tomorrow abd my knees are already knocking lol xx

Lowfattlovatt, we are here for you whatever and whenever, especially when a little one is poorly. I am thinking of you and sending all my love. I know from experience that this is a terrible time for you, he is in the best hands, stay strong, I hope you will have good news soon x
C x

[Kess]

hi new to the forums today and thought I would post here.

I started my chemo on Fri 14th (joy!).  8 cycles of chemo and then surgery to follow later in the year (which I am trying not to think about yet).  It's all been a bit of a haze since Januray when I first found something wrong, but I am doing ok. Supportive family, friends and work help a lot.  Just trying to keep doing what I can. 

Side effects so far (I am on EC for first 4 cycles - 2 done) have been bearable.  Had a port fitted now as they were unahppy with my veins.  It's still a bit uncomfortable but hoping it will be worth it in the long run.

I decided against the cold cap although they really pushed it - it was freaking me out.  I think it was one thing too many.  I was really upset at the thought of losing my hair, but when I actually gave in and got my poor husband to shave it off last week I didnt feel too bad.  I have a wig and have worn it to work, but not sure I will keep doing so - I quite like how I look with a hat now and it's a lot cooler!

[Jaffacakes]

Thanks, Hazel
Xxx

[Hazelb27]

Good luck today Jaffacakes.

Hx

[Hazelb27]

Hayley sending you big hugs. It doesn't have to be bc related, we're here to give you support no matter what. You must be so worried about your little one but he's in good hands. If the docs are keeping him asleep its so his wee body gets a chance to recover. You're trying to cope with so much at the minute, it's no wonder it's getting too much.

I hope your boy gets better soon. Sending you lots of love.
Hazel x

[Jaffacakes]

Hayley, I'm so sorry. I've been thinking of you and hoping that your baby is recovering. And you need looking after too; this is a really hard time. Go ahead and rant away - I don't see why what gets says on here has to be cancer related. You are dealing with tough stuff and if you need to talk/ shout/ cry about it, then go right ahead. Big big hugs from me.

[lowfatlovatt]

I know its not bc or chemo related but dont know where else to rant or cry, feel so alone and useless, andy cant be with me in birmingham cuz he needs look after the other kids (his mum and dad have said theyll come home from their hol in spain but its not fair on them, I just want to take my baby boy home but they still keeping him asleep 😭 xxx

[Hazelb27]

It's totally understandable to be dreading tomorrow Jaffacakes but that will be 3 done so you're doing really well. One more chemo bites the dust!

You're right to save your soup until your taste buds are back. There's a few things I'll probably never eat again after this is over so I'm trying to avoid my favourite things (mostly Cadburys chocolate if I'm honest😊) I'm a terrible cook so my husband has been left to fend for himself. My sis and bro-in-law only live 100 yards away so they've been feeding him a lot and bringing me food when I've been able to eat. More meals on legs than meals on wheels!!

Good luck tomorrow. I'll be thinking about you.

Hazel x

[Jaffacakes]

I'm glad that the nausea is staying away, Hazel, the food thing is so unfair, isn't it? I've just made some really nice soup, but I'm going to freeze it as it's my next chemo tomorrow and the last two soups I made before chemo I couldn't face and don't think I will ever want to make them again! I'm feeling very wobbly about tomorrow. I know it's good to get on with it but I am dreading it.

[Jaffacakes]

I'm glad you were able to go ahead with your chemo today, Sue. Miserable to have to deal with all that pain, but it's good that they can rule out some scary things. If your mum is anything like my mum she will be happy to be able to help and to care for you a bit. My mum finds it much worse not to be able to do anything.

Caz, I'm glad that the doctors are in accordance with each other; I hope it means that you can relax a bit more.

[Hazelb27]

Hi all

Glad you got through today ok Caz and hope you feel a bit more reassured after seeing the oncologist. Every ache and pain that we would normally think innocent suddenly becomes sinister doesn't it? I am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that it's all ok for you and that the emend does the trick. I've had a really sore back for a week and in my head I've thought it was bone mets even though I had a clear bone scan only 7 weeks ago. Probably just the lack of activity has caused it to seize up.
Sue I hope you feel better soon. It's probably better to have delayed the chemo to try and sort the other problems. My week delay did me the world of good.
Jaffacakes hope the clot goes away soon and your tummy feels better. Just think of all the lovely cake you can have at the end of this as a reward. 😊

I'm doing ok and the nausea has stayed away so far. I am eating loads more than last time though not really enjoying it because of the yucky metallic taste. My brother in law is a great cook and he makes the most amazing pasta sauce. I've just tucked into a big bowl of it and couldn't really taste it. I just kept closing my eyes and imagining what it should've tasted like!! I should have frozen it to eat when my taste buds are back and stuck with the rice crispies that have pretty much become my main source of food!! Good job I love them though I'll probably never eat them again at the end of this!

Love and hugs to you all 😘

Hazel x