Starting Chemo in October

[Guest user]

Hi teresa

Yep first tax out of the way and although I think it was horrendous im ready to do it again, I find myself waiting for next week to come around so I can get another one out the way, I just want it over, I so cant wait to start getting back to me and I rwalllllyyyyy want my hair back!!

Glad u finding fec a bit easier I know uve had a tough time of it bless u.

No we didnt get away for crimbo as had to have further injections and felt so rubbish at first wanted to stay close to home but hubbys parents came to us 27th and we have had nice time with them, my temp was playin silly buggers xmas eve and thought I was goin to end up in hosp it spiked few times but then came down, my body must have been fightin something but luckily I got away with it.

Hope u managed to enjoy christmas too, we will def make up for it next year hey? Im goin all out next year hehe

Clare x

[keepthefaith]

Hiya Clare

Yes, been VERY quiet, hasn't it? In the meantime it's all been going on on some of the other threads! Goodness me, take a day or 2 off and you've about 10 pages to catch up on!

You have had your first Tax, yes?? I found the TAC combination a bit of a nightmare, as you know, and the FEC has been easier in that I have felt a bit more "normal" (whatever that is!), although the queasiness was worse and I have beena bit constipated on it. I think you are wise not to drink too soon after the treatment, I have found many things that I used to like to eat make me feel quite nauseous now! Also, having lost 7lb on the TAC, I have now put on at least half of that in the last week! My appetite is immense, now I'm past the sicky phase. How many more Tax have you to go? I've got my 5th cycle (FEC again) on Wednesday. Then it will only be one more! And then of course, all the surgery and radiotherapy and years of tamoxifen to look forward to (NOT!) but at least this part of the process will be over with.

I'm with you on New Year - kids want to stay up, but I've told them I won't be, so it will just be them and dh! Not sure what they'll do but certainly it's going to be quiet! You're not being negative I don't think! DVDs and a cuddle with dh sounds far preferable to a night partying! Did you manage to get away for Christmas in the end?

My Christmas was better than expected, so feeling quite up-beat at the moment as I can leave the house for a while now I'm feeling a bit better!

How is everyone else doing?

Teresa xx

[Guest user]

Hello october posse

We are very quiet, everyone must be still enjoying all the festivities!!

I felt great today apart from a little tiredness as not sleeping great at night. My taste is still not 100% but im still managing to eat lots of nice things hahaha

Not had an alcoholic drink at all over christmas as didnt want to risk my beautiful wine tasting like acid.

Is anyone doing anything at new year? Im not going out and not really intending to stay up till midnight, will wish everyone happy new year before i go to bed. Im glad to be seeing the back of this truly awful year and hope 2012 brings less misery but i think seeing the new year in is a load of hyped up crap at the moment, i saw it in with full spirits and positivity last year and look what happened! so i shant bother this year, will snuggle up with hubby in bed with a couple of good dvds and maybe a glass of wine if it tastes ok 🐵

Sorry for negativity, hope everyone is ok
Hugs to all
Clare x

[impatiens]

Hi everyone,

Happy Christmas to you all! Hope you all managed to enjoy it at least a little bit.

Managed to stay up VERY late and drink too much, I didn't mean to! The night before FEC 4 on Friday. Got off quite lightly I think. Felt okish over the weekend, even managed to make a version ofndinner yesterday, but today am in bed , and bored but unable to do anything !

Pins and needles got better towards end of week 3 and are only mild now which is great. The end feels in sight now for us all, with only2 to go for me and less for those others. Think I can face another two goes on the dreaded cold cap. For those still waiting to start, then it's doable, you do get through it and time goes quite quickly?

Love to all

Xxxxx

[Guest user]

Merry Christmas to you all. Hope SE are tiny so that you all have a good time.

Just had 2nd TAX yesterday reduced by 20% due to SE's. Only one more to go 13th Jan! There is light at the end of the tunnel!

All the best for 2012!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Guest user]

Hello pj posse

I am coming out the other side from my first TAX, fell almost normal today, tongue is almost back to pink and taste is improving.

Big hugs to everyone of you and i hope we can all enjoy christmas with minimum se's and noone has to visit the hosp.

Merry Christmas to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Lulu34]

Hope all the pj posse have a great Christmas. Love and hugs

Apple street sorry you have an infection, I'm on antibiotics at the mo for a skin infection near my Hickman line, but it's not too bad really.... Hope your feeling better very soon and it doesn't spoil your Christmas xxxxx

[Harrietxxx]

Hi pj posse,

I should have been having FEC5 today but persuaded my onc to delay a week so I can have a nice Christmas 🙂

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year to everyone.

Jules
Xx

[applestreet]

Hi Ladies

just popping in to wish you all season's gretings. still haven't started chemo yet due to another infection....and that's before I start... hoping for beg of jan now..

Have a good one and may any se's be tiny. M

[Patlufc]

A Happy and Peaceful Christmas to everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful time and your se's are tiny, and best wishes for a better 2012.

Lots of love to all

Pat xx

[TeeCass]

Simone
FEC 5 on the 28th, like you giddy but dreading it too!!
Have a good xmas everyone xx

[keepthefaith]

Hello all of you. Just coming out from under the FEC bus which knocked me over last week! No Gcsf given with fec at our unit so in recluse mode at moment hoping to get thru christmas with no hospital visits! Fec has veen easier than tac although still not pleasant as most of u know.

Good luck simone for today, hope u manage to keep your plans clare and lizzy that ur infection is responding to abs. Welcome judy too! Hope noone else ive forgotten, so thinking of you all .

Heres to a happy christmas and moving onwards and through all this rubbish in 2012.

Teresa xx

[Guest user]

Hey Ladies, just a quick one tonight from me, having my 5th lot of swamp juice tomorrow. Strange that I'm kind of giddy and dreading it at the same time!!!

Alison, hope the pins and needles go soon, they're horrid!

Pat, nice one on the bargain prices glasses and hope you've enjoyed all your do's.

Judy, great big welcome, be careful with the chocolate, as I believe not liking it is some kind of criminal offence!!!

Clare, nice one with the wig, I promise not to tell your poor stepdad!! hope you start to feel better soon and manage to at least stay at home for Crimbo xx

Lizzy, hope the chest infection is on the mend xx

Hope you all have a lovely crimbo and the tinciest of se's, no doubt I will be out for the count for a few days with my washing machine tummy!!! Delicate little flower that I am (aka Big Wuss!!!)
Simone xxx

[Guest user]

Clare and October Crew,

I really feel for you and after getting caught with a sickness bug and ending up in hospital on a drip for 48 hours I have become a little nervous about catching a nasty. Just want to get through Xmas feeling as well as possible.

All you ladies please enjoy Xmas and New Year and be well and at least everybody has their treatment well underway and 2012 brings FREEDOM

Judy
xxxxxx

[Lizzy1977]

Hi ladies

Clare, that's pants...hope you're ok and the TAX SEs are now easing up.

I've not been on for a few days as I have been struggling with a chest infection but have got anti biotics today so fingers crossed I will be ok for Christmas. The chemo suite checked my bloods today though and they are ok.

I am not going to log on for a few days as I want to try and enjoy Christmas so I wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year

Love Lizzyxx

[Guest user]

Hi Clare,

Just butting in from the September girls, I'm a nurse working in the community and your District Nurses should just be able to contact the DN's who work in your Mum in Law's area who will come out and give injection for you. We do it a lot.

I have done my own injections and found giving them to yourself hurts less but it is a big thing doing that first one.

Hope you feel better soon.

Julia

[Lulu34]

Clare sorry to hear that but glad you didn't get kept in and your temp is back to normal again..... Do you do the injections yourself? If not can you do them yourself so you can get away?

Hope your feeling better soon hunny xxxx

[Guest user]

Hello october girls

So the TAX truck hit me! Monday night started to get weird pains and aches and has gradually got worse. Feel like ive got a thousand mini pirates in my body stabbing me with their knives. Not nice!

Went to unit today for routine line flush and blood check and was kept in for a while under obs as my temp was spiking, blood pressure high and bloods was really low, luckily temp came down so didnt get admitted. I have now got to have a further 5days of filgrastim injections now though cos of the low bloods. Not happy bunny as this means we wont get away to hubbys parents for christmas. Im just praying that i wont spend it in hospital now....what a croc of s**t this all is!

Its very quiet on here, are we all struggling? hoping its because you are all feeling good and out and about

Hugs to all x

[Lulu34]

Hi alison.... pins and needs isnt a sign of a clot normally and it doesnt usually only happen at night it would be a gradual pain increasing in intensity and swelling and if you got that you would need to get seen urgently so it would be an nhs direct or a and e job if it was out of hours.

pins and needles can be a side effect of tax but not sure about fec.... but it can cause neuropathy which is nerve damage.... if this is the case then your onc may want to reduce your dose as although its a known side effect its not one they are usually happy for you to struggle on with.

Pat glad you were able to get you glasses fixed.... enjoy pizza hut and hope you enjoyed it too clare... thats my fave food pepperoni pizza... had one the day before i started chemo and plan to have another when its all over didnt want to have it during chemo incase it didnt taste right and i get put off it for life LOL

hiya Judy hope your tummy settles soon.... have you had surgery for the LBS (love it) or are you having that after chemo? iv gone off choc a bit too cos it tastes kinda slimy although its not too bad if its minty.

clare not everybody gets floored by tax you are maybe having lesser side effects which is fab.

lizzy think you need a funky party wig you should wear it on chemo day... the pj posse can all have funky wig profile pics lol.

a tad insomniac ish tonight.... too much stuff buzzing around in my head.... but not got any thing on tomorrow so i can catch up with my sleep then... i hope.

love to all

lulu xx

[Patlufc]

Morning all, hope you are all ok.

Well , my glasses broke on Saturday afternoon so I had to wear my sunglasses, it was like someone had switched all the lights off lol. Yesterday I went to the optitions and bought a new frame for a nice price of £12:50 and they put my lens in so now I can see again. Today I am meeting my cousins for lunch and tomorrow my son is taking me to pizza hut.

Simone Hope all goes well for you on Thursday and your feeling better by Christmas.

Alison Hope it's not a blood clot and just inflamation and that it's better soon and good luck for Friday.

Lizzy I am a twilight fan too, not been watching the films at home though yet. Might get my daughter to bring them though for when I next have my swamp juice.

Judy, Welcome to the Oct posse

Take care all

Pat xx

[impatiens]

HI everyone,

I"m doing Ok although I've developed quite severe pins and needles in my right hand which really kicks in at nigh - wakes me up every night and is getting worse. Hand goes completely numb then really hurts with pins and needles and shooting pains down my hand and up my arm. I thought it was the way I was sleeping then realised that it's not to do with that - i have pins and needles pretty much constantly but very low level. Rang the chemo unit yesterday and they said it was a normal se, but to try to see my doctor to check for a blood clot - my suggestion as my sister in law had one during chemo. But doctor can't see me til Thursday and I have chemo on Friday anyway so will see doctor then. Looks like it's peripheral neuropathy, although it looks like that affects people on Tax and I'm on Fec..so who knows. Will ring this helpline when it opens - it would be nice to know a bit more. You do worry don't you? That something is happening that won't stop when the chemo stops!

Anyone else had it?

Apart from that I"m fine, still have my hair although just the thought of putting that cap on on Friday fills me with dread. But just about worth it! Although a bit badger like - will have to find a way of dying the roots or wear a scarf!

We must be all about half way or two thirds of the way through ? Yaaaay....sooo looking forward to the chemo stopping.

Love to you all

Alison

xx

[Guest user]

Hi October Posse

All is still well with me, still waiting for nastys to kick in but apart from sleepyness and few slight aches nothing, hope the tax truck not going to strike just before christmas!

Ive got a lunch date at pizza hut tomorrow and a chinese dinner date with friends tomorrow evening if im well enough, hope so will be nice to catch up with friends.

Lizzy - ive also been watching the twilight films, always make me smile. Hope your arm is ok, mine is a bit sore when i over stretch from having two chemos through it, so glad i have my hickman line now wish i had it from the start instead of the picc i hardly know its there.

Judy - welcome to october thread, hope you managing a bit better now

Hope everyone else is ok and just resting up
Big hugs
Clare x

[Guest user]

Hi October Ladies to one and all,

I'm a bit of a later starter on here and started my 6 x TAC on the 27th October 2011. The first one completely wiped me out and they reduced the next two by 5% to make it more manageable. The SE I have suffered have been chronic stomach cramps and now I don't like chocolate!!!!!

I have 3 teenage daughters who do not refer to it as Cancer but as Lumpy Boob Syndrome!!!!!

[Lizzy1977]

Hi October Ladies

simone, hope you have a fab time in the Dales. Despite not feeling brill I dragged myself out of bed today and have walked up Frodsham Hill (well part of it) with a friend from my running club. I only did about 3 miles and everyone else was running but it was lovely to get some fresh air. I did gorge myself of chips in the pub afterwards!

Clare, that's great getting a wig for £12.99. Think I will have to go and get a fun one for Christmas as it will make my neices laugh.

Think another episode of Twlight is coming on. I am in the Edward camp but do find Jake sexy too!! My husband hates me watching it though.

I've had to phone the hospital today as my chemo arm is really sore and I can see the vein is red and tracking back. As I haven't got a temperature they are not too concerned but told me to go in if it gets any worse. Great.

I hope everyone else is ok and managing to have some festive fun despite the poo we are going through

Lizzy xx

[Guest user]

Hey you october girlies

Lulu - i think i may be following your pattern, sleepy yesterday but feel great today and even ventured out into town today. Feels like the calm before the storm waiting for nasty SE to kick in, but will make the most of my feeling good time

Pat - glad you feeling better, great that youve got lots of fab social events planned for next week, enjoy enjoy enjoy

Pink rose - welcome, ive just started TAX yestdy

Simone - i hope you have a fab time in the dales with your friends

I bought myself a new wig today in town it was only £12.99 and i love it, feels more like me and is more comfortable than my other one (sssshh dont tell my stepdad who paid £200 for my other one bless him)

Feeling good today, just waiting for nursy to come and stab me in the tummy...oh speak of the devil theres the door!

[Patlufc]

Morning all.

Hope you are all doing ok. I'm feeling more myself now and looking forward to all the lunches, works party and stuff next week.

Simone, I'm looking forward to meeting for a coffee. Have a great Christmas weekend in the Dales.

Clare, red wig looks fab.

Pink Rose, welcome to our little posse.

Have a great weekend everyone

Pat xx

[Guest user]

Good Morning Octoberoonies and fabulous dropper inners. I'm very excited as I'm just waiting for my friend to come and pick me up as we're going to meet other friends at their lodge in the Dales. Apologies to anybody who is particularly religious, but we've decided to move Jesus' birthday and we're having our Christmas fuddle today, woohoo!

Clare, cheers for the high five, always good to not have your colleagues arrest you!!! Big fat hugs and a kleenex thrown in for good measure and enjoy the break and btw loving the red wig xx

Lizzy, hope you enjoyed your dvd day, nowt like a good cry, go team Edward!!!! haha! xx

Sue, hope you have a fantastic party weekend xx

Pink Rose, big fat welcome hugs to you. In the first week after getting the swamp juice I have to take a bottle of water to bed and generally wake up a couple of times through the night thinking I've moved my bedroom to the gobi desert!!! xx

Hope you all have a fab weekend, Simone xxx

[Lulu34]

Hi pink rose.... Welcome to the PJ Posse!

Im on 6x carbo and tax.... Haven't ad excessive thirst that I have noticed but probably am drinking more because my mouth is so naff..... I do take a big glass of fizzy juice/water to bed too and never used i do that.... But I feel I take it to make my mouth feel refreshed more than I'm thirsty.

Are you checking your temp too? If you have a temp that maybe make you thirsty too.... Also if you ave the salt craving that would prob make you feel dehydrated and therefore want to drink more.

Good luck on the 23rd

Clare loving the new pic.... Absolutely fab! I'm thinking of going for flatties tomorrow as heels and alcohol would def have me in the floor too lol.... I am very tired on Chemo day too but then feel good for next 1-2 days and then rubbish for the next 5-7 days and then not too bad till the next one! Hope you don't suffer too much x

Sue glad the naughty neuts are behaving themselves.

Love lulu xx

[Guest user]

Hi everyone, wish I had discovered your forum earlier in my treatment. I've had 3 lots of FEC and had my first Tax 2 weeks ago. I found the Tax tougher and didn't get much sleep but at last I've turned the corner and feeling much better. Does anyone suffer with a terrible thirst? Seems worse at night and I take a jug of water to bed. My next Tax 23rd Dec.

[Guest user]

Hey october pj posse

Well im home from first TAX in one piece, no allergic reactions while going in so thats good, i know of someone that had skin reactions couple of days after though so fingers crossed that doesnt happen to me. Feel bit sleepy at the moment but thats all so far.

Ive changed my profile pic to show my red wig, its a long wig but ive got it tied back with a scunchie as had to pop to tescos first hehe took it all down at the chemo ward and gave everyone a giggle.

Lulu - hope you enjoy your christmas do tomorrow, i ended up on my ass several times at mine but that was on the dancefloor due to a combination of stillettos and wine haha

Lizzy - ((hugs)) hope you feel better soon, enjoy twilight, them films always make me feel much better....mmmmm jake!

Alice - yay for high neuts, those injections really do help dont they, i hate injections but they are worth it. Have a fab weekend away

Hope everyone else is ok
Clare x

[Guest user]

Can't stay long - must pack suitcase - neuts back at 29.9 wow! were 0.2 this time last cycle - so the Neulasta injection definitely worked.

Have sneaked a look at my ding-dong string - and decided biting my tongue is the best option from now on in - wise words Lulu!

Now where is my party dress and prothesis....?

[Lulu34]

Thankfully no snow here..., yet!

Hope it stays away until sunday as I'm going make the effort to go to my works Christmas night out tomorrow and don want to end up on my backside!

Clare you def need to get a pic of you in your red wig... We can start a trend... LOL

Iv managed not to have any cooking disasters but that's probably os I'm not doing the cooking... I am getin my words more muddled than usually.... Really have to wrack my brain for words sometimes.

Keep cosy girlies

Love Lulu xxx

[Lizzy1977]

I know what you mean ladies about chemo brain and cooking disasters. Yesterday I was making bread in my bread maker something I've done 100s of times before but forgot to put the mixing blade in so ended up with a congealed mess. Had to start all over again 😞

I too have enjoyed waking up to snow. I'm feeling like poo today. A mix of nausea and a cold to boot. At least the Emend has worked and I'm not actually being sick.

Time for me to be sad and watch a Twilight DVD...I too am off until sometime in the new year. Well strictly speaking I have to go back for one day before my next chemo!

Lizzyxx

[Guest user]

Wow have woke up to snow outside, love it! Well I dont like driving in it but im off work till next year now so perfect timing!

Lulu - ive decided im goin to take a leaf out of ur book and wear my red wig for chemo 4 today and give the unit a giggle with my new red shoes too. Ive had the wig ages from a play I was in but forgot all about it knew it would come in hany again.

Enjoy the snow if u have it but be careful and wrap up warm if venturing out
Hugs to all x

[Lulu34]

Sue don't worry about your ding dong I had it but didnt wantbgo take sides but I know where you are coming from..... Sometimes you just have to choose your battles so if it's making you upset don't reply any more.... You were only trying to be helpful but things can often be taken out of contact or in the wrong tone..... I have even read back some of my posts thinking I'd made a joke about something and may have come across as rude or indifference etc.... So dont worry about.... Things like that frequently happen where we all have to agree to disagree.... There are a few issues on here that I avoid simply for that reason that no matter what the evidenc says some people will always just believ what they want to believe anyway. Can't beleive how industrious you have been even if hasn't quite turned out as planned thanks to your Chemo brain lol.

Simone I love your new pic. Ad wel done with the shopping... I'm going into twin with my next week and will try and get mine all finished by then.

Awww Clare sorry you have had an emotional day.... I think if your on your period that may have a lot more to do with your emotions especially going through treatment... Glad you enjoyed your chili bolognaise.

Lulu xxxx

[Guest user]

Ah so i think i know how i reacted to the steroids....thinking thinking thinking thinking and not good thoughts so was bit emotional today, also got my P so hormones all over place anyway but least they havent stopped yet. Anyways im ok now (i think) had last day at work till next year at least!

Alice - that made me chuckle on the christmas pudding 'mix up' hope it still tastes ok. I had a similar mix up tonight making dinner, chopped onions, mushrooms, heated mince and added all my spices thinking i was making chilli then spotted the dolmio jar i had got out for spag bol hehe so ended up with chilli bol but it still tasted nice!

Simone - thanks chick, well done on avoiding murder amongst the christmas shoppers that is some triumph haha *high five*

Big hugs to all x

[Guest user]

Hey Ladies, get me I've only gone and shopped and bought presents and managed not to commit murder!!!! Yay!! V Proud of my little self!

Tazzie, good to hear you're cracking on. It's hard not to wish your time away when you get fed up of treatment, I know I can't wait for 12th Jan when my last session is! Hope you get rid of your cold soon xx

Lizzy, go mad and alternate pics, we need to see em all. Kinda made me giggle when you said "can't be bothered wearing the fake boob round the house", I often wander round the house looking like hell, praying nobody calls round!!! lol!

Pat, hope you're not suffering too much, we've got to do a new year coffee at White Rose xx

Clare, sooooo proud, another night out, go you, will be thinking of you tomorrow xx

Sue, oops on the egg, did the same myself the other week when I made my cake, it's just too irresistable!! Sad to hear you're having a ding dong on another thread, sometimes you just can't help everyone, but at least you tried to be helpful, best probably to step away and agree to disagree. I'm hoping to go to Richmond this weekend, can't beat a bit of time out on the Dales and blow some chemo cobwebs away!! Hope you get away for the weekend, if not make sure you have a plan b xx

Big Hugs, Simone xxx

[Guest user]

Hi all
I can hear Kylie on the radio in the next room - she sounds so cheerful and upbeat - good for her! I actually don't know much about her cancer story but its good to be reminded of BC ladies who are getting on with their lives.

I made my Christmas Cake yesterday - only after I'd stuck a fingerful of cake mix in my mouth and thought that tastes rubbish - and then remembered my chemo tastebuds did I also remember I'm not supposed to be eating raw egg... luckily no signs of salmonella yet!

Then made Christmas pud this morning (I know - sooo late)and not only put in vanilla essence instead of almond essence, but kept thinking that seems an awful lot of suet in the mix...and then when I checked through the recipe again I realised I put in the amount for a large pudding and I was making a small one - could be the fattiest pudding ever, with a hint of vanilla - will pour lots of brandy over it and hope that covers up my mistakes. Chemo fog!!!

Am also having a ding-dong with someone on another string - not intentional, I was just trying to be helpful - but its getting me down - might have to log in as a new me and start again! It would be good if we could do that in real life.

Blood test tomorrow and - fingers crossed - away for the weekend if OK - Hurrah! Be prepared for miserable me if I'm at home on Saturday.

Thats enough of me - hope you all get some enjoyment over the next few weeks if not this weekend

Sue

[Guest user]

Hi y'all

I went out on another christmas do last night (no wine this time hehe) had a very nice italian meal and good giggle.

Teresa - hope all went well yesterday and your feeling ok

Lulu - good to see you spreading cheer round your chemo ward, great pic

Simone - love the piccie, glad you feeling better and christmassy, cant beat a bit of the boobster to cheer oneself up

Tazzie - know what you mean about wishing time away, i do the same, im really looking forward to treatment being over and getting back to some kind of me. I reaaaalllllllyyyyy want my hair back dont even care if it comes back grey i just want some.....can you hear me SANTA??? Hope you get rid of the cold

Lizzy - hope sickness stays away for you, will let you know how i get on with TAX

I took my 4 steroids this morning like a good little girl in prep for first TAX tomorrow, not sure how the steroids will affect me, dont feel any different at the moment should i? Im was really worried about first TAX but i think ive finally got my head round it, im ready for it, what will be will be, just want to get another one down and hopefully enjoy christmas

[Patlufc]

I want putting in a bag and shaking up!!!!!!!

[Lizzy1977]

Clare, glad your Hickman line fitting was ok. Although my arm is painful they have said that my veins are still ok so aren't giving me a line.

Simone, I like your picture. I really need to update mine but am not sure whether to go for the wig shot or the beannie shot. I only wear the wig to work and when I'm going out with friends but most of the time I just wear a beannie or a bandanna. I can't even be bothered to wear my fake boob around the house! Glad you've got the crimbo tree up.

Tazzie, glad you are getting through it. Hope your cold goes.

I've had FEC no 3 today so am now halfway through. Fortunately I got Emend this time so I'm hoping I won't be sick tonight. I start TAX on 4 Jan. How are people finding TAX?

Lizzyx

[tazzie]

hi there ladies not be on for a while, just really getting on with treatment. had my first 3 tax now on fec x3 4treatments down and 2 to go roll on 20th jan when the last one is - i know i shouldn't wish the time away but will be glad to get it over with. also now got a stinking cold and it just won't shift. anyway i just wanted to wish all of you a very very merry christmas and all the best for 2012. i hope it is a good one for you all tazxx

[Guest user]

Hey Ladies, thought I'd put my make up piccie on, took a few goes but at least I don't look quite like the pantomime dame!!! Although, I'm in the right season!! lol!

Starting to feel human again, and even put my crimbo tree and decs up last night enjoying a home made mince pie and glass of red grape shloer whilst singing along to a bit of michael buble, you can't whack it!

Anyhoo, off to work to arrange my appointment to discuss going back to work, I know a meeting about a meeting it's mad but unfortunately it's how we roll!!!

Tincy se's everyone, Simone xxx

[Lulu34]

TAC 3 and FEC 3 seems a really strange mixture... The C is the same fir both the A and the E are from the same family but have never heard of them being used in the same combination..... If they don't want you have three more tax why don't they give you 3 x AC as that would be the regime your on and is often given as AC-T... I know that lots of folk have their last three cycles changed when they have a good response but this is often things like were due fec3 tax3 and end up with fec6.... But I'm sure he knows what he's talking about..... It's maybe something from the US as they often have different regimes than we use regularly here.

And thanks Theresa... Gotta cheer the chemo ward up somehow lol xxxxx

[keepthefaith]

Thanks for the info Lulu. The onc said even though I'd lost 7lb it wouldn't make any difference to the dosage.

Poor you Clare my veins are not looking brill either - hope the Hickman settles in quickly and you don't get any problems.

The onc said that as I had reacted so badly to the TAC for the first 3 cycles, he wants to put me on FEC for the last 3, but now I'm worrying is that going to be as effective? I'm sure it must be as most of you ladies are on 3 FEC, 3 Tax so it must be OK. But of course there's always a moment of doubt as otherwise why give me TAC in the first place. Ah well, just going to go with it as he seemed to think it's best. The other option was that as everything has responded well so far (i.e. tumour and nodes shrunk) then I could go for surgery now!!! Ooh-err I don't think so! Best to do the next 3 cycles I think and hope for the best.

Good to have you back Simone, and rockin'!! Well done, and having your chemo just before Christmas and still staying up-beat

So getting the swamp juice tomorrow, 1:45pm - be in touch after that at some point.

Keep going ladies - you are all an inspiration!

Love
Teresa xxxx

PS I SO love your photo, Lulu!

[Guest user]

Afternoon peeps

I had my hickman line put in and it wasnt too bad, the worst part was the canula in the hand for the sedation, wasnt aware of that and got a bit antsy as my hand already looks like a map and veins are so crap, they got it in but it bloody hurt! Its not bruised and the vein is raised and lumpy....so attractive think i am going to invest in a sparkly michael jackson glove to hide it.

My shoulder feels little achy at times but apart from that it feels ok, lets hope this one doesnt get infected and can stay in for duration of last chemos.

Hope hosp visit went ok for you teresa.

Thats interesting about the weight thing, i know ive put on about half a stone since starting chemo but was only weighed before the first one. Should i mention this to the doc tomorrow?

Hope everyone else is ok x

[Lulu34]

Hi Theresa

All Chemo doses are worked out differently... Some are on body weight and some are on body surface and some are stat doses.... Many drugs given depending on weight have a variable dose Eg 10-20 mg per kilo so your weight could vary a bit before it would need recalculated.... The Chemo is normally made up before you arrive so unless there was a huge difference in weight from one cycle to the next they would be pro sly happy to give it and then take your current weight for your next Chemo..... If your worried do ask your Chemo nurse or ask to discuss it with the pharmacist.

Hope it has gone ok today hunny xxxx

[keepthefaith]

You can't talk about me because my ears are already burning! lol.

Question for you Lulu - I've lost about 6 lb since starting chemo - haven't weighed this little for about 20 years!! Frankly I needed to lose some weight but although the body looks slimmer, the face looks about 10 years older as a load of wrinkles have appeared! How much does your weight have to change before they adjust the dose?

My veins where they did the last 3 chemos are looking awful too - really red and bruised-looking 😞

Off to hospital better get in shower quickly!

love
Teresa xx

[Lulu34]

Clare good luck with your Hickman line. Didn't like mine going in but Chemo so much easier but has reaction to one of the dressings so it's a bit red and itchy but slapping aqueous cream over the top to cool it down. Was sore the first few days but it's been a wee now and apart from the itch i forget its there.

Theresa sorry your still feeling pants hoping you will be better by Christmas. And don't worry we won't talk about you when your not here..... See that Theresa.... LOL.

Simone glad your back again.

Alice it is good to know when something positive comes out of something naff. Hope your friends friends treatment goes well.

Had a duvet day today. Tongue sore, swollen and mingng but not feeling too bad otherwise. Have christmas lunch at Maggies on wed and hope my mouth doesn't get worse so I can kinda enjoy it.

Love and hugs
Lulu xx

[Guest user]

Simone - glad you back up again fighting yay! and thanks, i must admit it did me the world of good, i almost felt like a normal girl out partying and getting drunk, not one part of the night was about the cancer...it felt really good which is prob why i overdid it but hey ho 🐵

Teresa - im so sorry to hear you still poorly with the ear, i truly hope you shake it off soon and have a fab christmas x

Alice - that is good if ur friend of a friend found it early, i guess people dont realise it can strike a healthy person but awareness is good x

Im getting my hickman line put in tomorrow, cant say im looking forward to it but its got to be worth it, cant take no more chemo through my arm/hand, my veins are now crap crap crap!

Starting TAX on friday, was absolutely dreading it but i just want to get on with it now, what will be will be and i will deal with it!

Hugs to all
Clare x