Starting chemo October 14

[bettypoppit]

Hi Zelda, really sorry to hear of your troubles and delay, frustrating for you no doubt but fingers crossed your next treatment goes ahead as rescheduled. I see you are local to me as I'm also at UHNS ... maybe our paths will cross sometime soon. Have you been into 'fresh hair' and met Gaynor? Such a genuine lovely lady...she made me feel so much better about my new bald look!

I'm truely sorry that you have also lost your doggie companion. ..heartbreaking...if you have seen the last few pages of posts, you will see that many of us have dogs and i guess will understand your loss. I hope you had lots of cuddles in these last few weeks and that you have lots of wonderful memories too. Xxx

Finally, if you need to rant, moan, have a touch of the moody blues, feel sad, anxious, worried and scared...and need to share, that is what we are all here for...so please go ahead...I'm sure we've all been there, done that and got the t-shirt. ..i know i certainly have!

Big 《《hug》》xxx

[Murphy1963]

Hi debtex, yes we ARE getting through this. We are halfway there now, we're getting there. I'm day 4 today and I've had the best round yet re nausea (ie I haven't had anything much) so I'm hoping they've got my meds sorted now and I honestly think my acupuncture and sea bands have all helped too. Don't want to get too complacent, things could still change!!!!

Sorry your arm is so sore, there's a girl in the September thread who has suffered with sore veins, her name is paulS, maybe ask her for some tips.

Take care, we'll get through this horribleness xxxxxx

[Murphy1963]

Lainie, I have that card and live in scotland. They need to get you sorted ASAP so I don't imagine you will wait too long. Fingers crossed you get sorted soon. Let us know how you go. Hugs xx

[AMDriver]

LainieG, are you in Scotland or Wales then? I was told all cancer patients get the card I have in England and I could give it to any A&E in England and get rapid treatment. It states that I am on Chemo and at  "high risk of developing neutropenic sepsis" - which was in fact what I had. (raging sore throat and temp of 38.6 - blood test showed my neutorphils at 0.5). You should tell them about the risk and they should respond. I was also given a seat not in the main waiting room so i wouldn't pick up anything else had.

Good luck... rooting for you! xxxx

[LainieG]

I don't have that card but they have phoned ahead to let a&e know I'm coming. The nurse said they might take me right away but it depends how busy they are. I'm just worried because it's Saturday night and a city centre hospital. Maybe they will see me right away. I really hope so. Thanks AMDriver you've given me some hope xx

[AMDriver]

You shouldn't have to wait LainieG - do you have your card "information for A&E" that should get you straight into Triage and straight into a bed in A&E - it did for me. I went to A&E at 7.20 am and was on antibiotics by 8am. It works really well. Let me know how you get on.

[LainieG]

Well just phoned cancer treatment helpline because I have a temp of 37.8 and a sore throat. They told me I can't be admitted overnight because there is no space fir me so have to go to an a&e in the city centre on Saturday night to have a blood test!!! I'm feeling absolutely awful and I'll have to sit in a busy waiting room for God knows how long. I honestly could cry!! Just waiting for my OH to come home to take me. He's a taxi driver and is out working so he's losing a shift now too. Sorry for the rant xxxxx

[Pammyx]

Massage sore arm helps also ibrufen but ask chem nurse before taking. It does go after finishing chemo but takes a while

[Debtex]

Nicnac I have cold capped too - hate it - and just as I had my 2nd fec it came out in huge handfuls I was upset like you . But I still have some left and when I wear a beanie it softens my face slightly and I'm glad of it . I hope you find that you keep enough of urs to make it worthwhile xx

[Debtex]

Had 3rd chemo yesterday . Ok but did get a bit upset I think my resilience is waning . My chemo arm v sore ... Anyone got any tips to ease it please ? Have worn seabands and feel less sick than last time . Zelda so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved dog - how sad x
Murphy PETA lainie robinv bettypoppit and all the other lovely ladies keep on keeping on . We are getting through this aren't we ? X

[LainieG]

Nicnac I haven't been told not to drink but it's not often anyway. That was the first in about 3 weeks. Don't usually have more than a glass or 2 of wine but spoiled myself last night lol. Regretting it now tho lol. Xx

[LainieG]

Glad things are better this time geeG. Hope it continues. It's great that you're managing to work. Xxx

[geeG]

ps. Real name gail - but spent lots of my younger life with horses … and really miss them… x

[geeG]

Hi Ladies - good to find y'all again - been missing you. Was working 3 full days this week (Mon-Tues-Wedn) with 2nd chemo Thursday and working last night (ushering at firm's BIG flagship event - my first, so just couldn't miss it! Went back to bed for an hour after breakfast with OH - and woke up 4 hrs later! Lucky dog was out with Dogwalker so she had a better day than Thursday - she is a 'blue' Standard Poodle, 4 yrs old, and a real sweetie - if a bit strong minded! - called 'Bramble' - and also does the draping across the lap cuddles which is fabulous for me but stops the cat getting a look-in, much to cat Bart's annoyance!)
Anyway…
Emend x2 days and Ondansetron for 10 days is so far working better than last regime, tho not nausea free I think I am functioning better than last cycle… so all looking good… out to lunch (when I eventually persuaded the makeup to cover the green camouflage for the red face! LoL!) - then to Morrisons - and now home… thankfully… hoping I get myself off for an early night tonight… hugs to all - and hoping that all our SEs are minimal and all pamperings from pets maximal! x x x

[nicnac15]

Thanks lainieG keeping fingers crossed SE are minimal did quite well after the first. Ive not dare drink have they said its ok. They told me the odd glass of wine if i felt like it. Xx

[LainieG]

Robynv and nicnac good luck for Monday. Hope SEs are minimal. I'm starting to feeL more human now. Energy is starting to come back tho I was out last night drinking cocktails and feeling a bit rough today lol xxx

[nicnac15]

Hi all not been on for a few days, well its been an emotional day today washed my hair and fair few strands have started to come out, thought i was doing well to keep hold of it for this long, i did use the cold cap on first fec and will use again. so with the hair issue and an extra period thrown in this week and my normal monthly due next week i am feeling a little down with it all.

Yesterday my bloods were ok so monday is round 2 !! eek not looking forward to it at all but i think 3 weeks has gone quick.

Robynv i take it your bloods were ok so your next one is monday same as me, sorry to hear about your hair i dont know what to do with my hair either  its thick and just past shoulder length friends are saying cut it into a bob ! but i dont want to cut it off if there is some hope with the cold cap.

I hope everyone else is feeling ok as can be, theres lots of us on here now i lose track whose who but its lovely to keep in touch and read your comments as they do help us all out. xxxxx

[Peta]

Hi anx56

I'm having my third FEC on Friday too.

Robynv I'm sorry about your hair. Mine was long too, although I have has short hair in the past. I really did feel better when it was gone, watching it fall out in clumps was soul destroying and now I can put cream on my head to make it more comfortable, which is good. Hugs though, this is hard in all sorts of ways.

Xxx

[Murphy1963]

Good morning, nearly afternoon ladies,

Robynv - good luck for Monday for your second lot. Another one to tick off xx

Anx56 - glad your feeling better. I've not used mascara since I started chemo so wondering if that's why they've lasted so long. I dread the though of my brows going but they are hanging in there!!

Zelda - I have been thinking about you because I know our treatment is around the same time. Listen, this is what this site is for, if you have problems you want to share we are all here for you. I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. I know exactly how you will be feeling, I lost my beloved 16 year old pooch on 15 February this year, and we were all distraught. That and to be going through all this horribleness is just pants. So sorry to hear your treatment has been delayed. You've certainly not had it easy, huge hugs to you xxxx

Love and hugs to all xxxx

[LainieG]

Anx56 I have my third treatment next Friday so same day.
Zelda what a shame. You're having a horrible time, and to.lose your dog too. I know how that feels and I'm so sorry for you. Hopefully your test will be ok and you can get on with your treatment.
Hope everyone has a good weekend with few SEs. Hugs to all 💖💖

[Zelda]

Hi Ladies not posted for a while not sure if everyone wants to hear problems and I've had a few of those.my 3rd FEC at the UHNS has been delayed for a week as I had palpitations and pain in my left arm . This was after a reduced dose although the treatment has been given in my left arm and it is very sore and painful I think the veins are not too good . I had an echocardiogram and go back next Tues so if it's ok I'll carry on with the treatment just disappointed for the delay. I also lost my loyal dog of 11 years 3 weeks ago and sometimes you feel at a low ebb I know a lot of other ladies have felt like that too but we just have to pick ourselves up and carry on.i wish everyone the best and hope you all get through this horrible treatment without feeling too poorly Hugs th everyone xxx

[anx56]

Hi my lovely ladies feeling little better today thank you for all your commenrs and advice once again helps so so much x

Back from the hairdresser she has shaved it really close to my head feels much more comfortable and have been putting e45 on it which is quite soothing.  Was bit upset can't put any makeup on eyes are so sore eyebrows still intact no bottom lashes top once bit patchy.

Robynv - good luck for Monday.  I feel for you having long hair, I feel bad enough and I have worn mine short for a while now.  I don't know but I feel its like you loose another bit of your identity with all the other stuff we have to contend with.  

Peta as you say can always go all the way next time, because I couldn't colour it anymore the back is dark and top is grey but looks so much better than yesterday.

Murphy 1963 good to hear about the body hair mine seems to be thinning same as the lashes but at least its under cover!

Having second FEC next Friday anyone same day?  Had Onco app yesterday sked about alternative to one a day for 5 day injection was told there is a one slow release one but cant have it because its £1600. I don't know if I can face the pain in the back again but was told benefits outweigh the side effects.  I know it wont be until Tuesday week but thinking about it already!

Good wishes to everyone having teatments this week be kind to yourselves and have peaceful and pain free weekend.

Xxx

[Robynv]

Wishing everyone a pain free and contented weekend! My second treatment is Monday dreading it needless to say!

[Robynv]

Deb tex good luck,

[Robynv]

Anx 56 I am on day 18 and my hair is comin out in handfuls! Didn't cut it short or anything and it is long past my shoulders! I really don't know what is best to do. Dreading even getting out of bed this morning because I don't want to brush my hair! Not ready to shave it either! So upsetting. My second treatment is Monday . Maybe I will hang on to it till then but it is falling fast! Good luck! My first treatment was bad, I ended up in hospital dehydrated so don't forget to drink water!

[Robynv]

Debtex my eyes too are driving me crazy!got a night cream the pharmacist suggested and tried for the first time! Will let u know! Just put some in corner of my eye and go to bed! Hope it helps! Can't put on my contacts. Day 18

[Robynv]

Gee g my last treatment is on december22! Merry Xmas to me!

[Robynv]

My dr prescribes adavan for nausea! I take one at night and it works like a charm and really helps me sleep. I just take one at night.

[bettypoppit]

Hi ladies, loving the furbaby stories....murphy or should i say Karen...snap 😉 i had many years between dogs because of both of us being on ft day jobs, but hubster changed jobs to a 3 shift system and i got Betty within 2 weeks of him starting! Lolol that's how much i wanted... no NEEDED a dog 🙂

Hope you are all doing well today xxxxx. Jane 😉

[LainieG]

Oh someone mentioned losing eyelashes. Yikes! I've been dreading that. Thought it would take a bit longer than that.
Peta meant to say so sorry you're suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. Dealing with pain on top of SEs adds a whole new dimension of suffering doesn't it. We can have a good moan to each other if the tax makes it all worse. 💖

[Murphy1963]

Lainie my puppy done exactly the same with my bald head at first. He was confused cause he knew the voice but I looked different. Thankfully he is ok now but so funny at the time. Xxx

[LainieG]

Debtex good luck for today. Hope it goes well and the SEs are minimal.
GeeG Hope you slept well and the anti sick meds help this time. If they don't call the helpline or your GP and get something different. It's trial and error isn't it.
Betty my dog is a Herman shepherd /staffie cross and she seems to be coping well. When I shaved my hair she had a strange reaction tho. She was barking at me then coming slowly towards me then jumping away. It was very funny. She's used to me now. Her walks haven't changed too much as my hubby and sons take her out regularly anyway. I love her to pieces and my gorgeous ragdoll cat too. They're my babies now my boys have grown up.
I know what you mean about the spiky head. It's so uncomfortable in bed isn't it, especially if you move position. I've also found its like velcro lol. It sticks to my scarves and hats when I'm trying to take them off. My OH thinks this is hysterical.
Love to everyone. Hope I haven't missed anyone out with good wishes for this week's treatments 💞

[Murphy1963]

Morning lovely ladies, hope we are all as good as can be expected. Day 3 after third fec and feeling ok. No nausea, no anxiety, but not being complacent I know things could change in a nano second. No wonder drug emend tomorrow but not worrying too much, I have my other excellent drugs to help me through. Been prescribed for 10 days this time.

Anx56 - I've never shaved. Got my hair cut really really short on day 17 because it was falling out in clumps. I still have tint tufts but I'm not shaving them off, and I've just had my 3rd fec. All other body hair is still intact!!!

Debtex, hope all goes well for you today. We are halfway there YAY!!!!!!! Let us know how you're doing xxxx

GeeG, my neutrophils are always 1.9 and I always thot that must be really good. I had no idea 2.5 was the normal. What anti sickness did you get this time? I think you need to be assertive else you just get fobbed off. I was told after being in hospital after my first treatment with nausea and not being able to eat and drink I would possibly be fitted with a syringe driver for mr 2nd fec. My pre chemo appointment for my 2nd fec was with one of the nurses and she said the syringe driver wouldn't be any good cause they can't put as good drugs in it as I'm getting just now. My 3rd pre chemo appointment was with the pharmacist who changed one of my sickness drugs, said this one should hopefully sort me out but if not next step would be a syringe driver. I said about previous conversation with nurse and she said that's wrong, I would still get all my good meds to be taken tablet form but the syringe driver with just be giving me an additional steadily for 24 hours a day. I think it was just too much trouble for nurse to set it all up if you ask me, then dn needs to come in daily!!

Naughty geeG re Xmas, you want to get it over with with no delays so don't you be writing to Santa asking for low bloods!!! You'll defo go on the naughty list. You'll have loads more xmas's to celebrate in style. You don't want to have delays, I'm due 17 dec so we'll go through a not so good Xmas together xxxxx

[Murphy1963]

Hi bettypoppit, now here is something I love talking about is my pooches. I have two dogs, Jack is 15 and a half and is a black and white x collie/lab. He is keeping not too bad but his back end is starting to go really bad so we're keeping an eye on that. Not good 😞 We also have a 10 month old black lab called Murphy (hence my name, real name Karen). He is a star in the making, such a good dog. I must put some photos of them up for you to see, see how I feel this afternoon.

I don't know about you but I couldn't imagine a house without dogs. We lost our beloved broxi on 15 February this year. He was 16 and I honestly have never cried so much in my whole life. I decided to get another dog straight away and we get Murphy 2 weeks later (he was 8 weeks) and my god did that help.

It's been amazing how they just adapt. I normally work from 9 to 2.30 but have been off since august so they've had me in the house since then. My neighbour has been taking Murphy out on my 1 and 2 weeks cause I just couldn't handle him, but I can take jack out from my 2nd week. My 3rd week it's all guns blazing again, walks galore!!

Sorry I could talk forever about my doggies. Love them to pieces xxxxx

[bettypoppit]

Debtex, hope it goes really well for you today....just think, #3 already....well on the way 🙂

geeG, hope you have had a good night and doing ok this morning....just keep taking those meds 🙂

Peta, lovely...i look forward to it 🙂

Anx56, i had my short hair shaved to prob #1, early at around day #1/10 and I'm now nearly bald #2/12. It's been a little uncomfortable this last week, putting my head on my pillow to sleep as it feels spiky and my sleeping beanie is covered in stubble in the morning! If it is of any comfort, even though i feel dead ugly, my husband says genuinely I'm not and that i still look like me, and my hubster, NEVER EVER offers compliments...so I'm coming to terms with the new - temporary - me 🙂 i also found shaving my head was sheer relief from all the angst and truely empowering! It's a really difficult one..so don't be hard on yourself xxxx

It seems quite a few of us have dogs...mine is everything to me...I'm a little obsessed with her to be honest 😉 I'd be really interested to hear what pooches others have and how they are coping with 'mum' being poorly? I've got a lurcher girl, she is a Whippet x Saluki, so a hunting dog...mostly balls and the occasional squirrel if i don't get her leashed up in time!!! 😉 lol. She is coping remarkably well with the upheaval and change to her routine, but, she is definitely picking up that I'm not 'right' in week1's and draping herself over my lap for a gentle cuddle...not like her at all as she would normally trample all over me and lounge on my head if given the chance ;). It is amazing how she is adapting to the change in exercise routine..and I'm thankful for that. One last thing...a confession i suppose...her name is Betty ... hence 'Bettypoppit' and my name is Jane 🙂

Here's to a good day today for us all and a gentle, kind weekend. Xxxx

[geeG]

Thanks for all your encouragement - neutrophils had risen from 1.1 to 'Good Enough' 1.7 (bit of a shock to realize 'normal' is 2.5 and above!!) - so got the poison planned even tho nearly 3 hrs late (kerumbs - what a nightmare my brain put me thru for those 3 hrs … poor dog had to just wait till I got home for a Real Walk & off lead rather than Quick Comfort Walk).
Fingers crossed re different anti-sickness meds from tomorrow - really weird that what works well for one person cannot be guaranteed for another - nausea somewhat wiped me out last time so I was a bit assertive about it … or was it pushy? - LoL - anyway have taken sleeping tabs with inclusive anti-sickness tonight as all this fluid is tipping the nausea balance the wrong way already…
I am 3 FEC and 3 T too… not looking forward to starting T the 18 December - sounds like a very happy Christmas … maybe I'll ask Santa for more low bloods so it has to be delayed till January - what'd 'you think?
Hope SEs are better for us all than we maybe expect tonight …luv v hugs to all … x x x

[Debtex]

All set for the big 3 tomo . Can't believe it has come round so quick . Feel quite knackered and bunked off riding this morning . But did muck out with surgical gloves on . My right arm is sore after 2 chemo sessions so not sure how that's goin to work as op was on left side . Also eyelashes are beginning to come out and eyes feel sore . I asked my onc about skipping the last chemo and his words were ' if your doing it then your doing it !' So that's me told ! Good night to everyone sweet dreams I hope x

[Peta]

Anx, I shaved mine down to bald, but I've since heard that a very short skinhead cut is often more comfortable, so wish I had gone for that. You can always go shorter later.

Lainie - I'm on the same regime as you, fect - and I have Rhematoid arthritis so we can compare leg and joint pains later!

I'm sorry to hear people have been feeling blue. I know exactly what you mean, I've been exactly the same some days. Group hug! We are all amazing! You all inspire me to keep going, I'm so impressed with the things you all say. Xxx.

[Peta]

Bettypoppit - yes Granvilles - I've been there! I'll let you know next time I'm up in Staffordshire. 👍

[anx56]

Hi lovely ladies hoping your all hanging on in there and getting through the best way you can!  Reading your comments regarding weight I weighed exacly the same today as the first time.  They were happy with that when I said wish I could loose some they said no you are better to be carrying a bit extra its better for you. Didn't think to ask why!  I thought I might have lost a bit because I have not been eating as much, but they said the steroids make you put it on?  Anyone have any thoughts about that?

Hoping I can enjoy this week second cycle next Friday.  Eyes are so very sore any tips, onco said all drops are much the same.  Not much I can do.

Had a cry this morning day 14 and as told, hair coming out in handfuls.  Had it cut very short at the start but still a shock and felt much worse about it than I thought I would, hate the tufts and bald patches seeing hairdresser tomorrow to have it all taken off.  Any advice a number 1 or shaved? Can you please share your experiences think I might feel better once its all gone.

Probably lowest day so far 

[bettypoppit]

Ok, 'weight' to add to my growing list for review meeting next week. Thanks for input x

[Murphy1963]

Like driver I get weighed every pre chemo day when I have an appointment with either the nurse, pharmacist to oncologist (they have time about). And it've been told it's so important for the same reasons ie your chemo is made up for your body weight.

Lainie, I feel so much for you, I know you must be in agony already from the fibroialgesia (sorry for spelling). My friend from work has this so I know what she goes through with it, so to have this rotten chemo malarkey on top of that is just double horribleness. Xxx

[LainieG]

I'm on 3 fec then 3 tax. I've heard about the joint pain se with tax and met someone who's been suffering this. She said it hit her knees particularly badly. She had some pain in her knees before chemo and the tax made it much worse. As a fibromyalgia sufferer I'm worried about this se. I already suffer chronic pain in my muscles and nerves so the joints joining in will be great?? I just keep telling myself that it'll all be worth it in the end. Hope everyone is coping with SEs and that they don't last too long 😙😙

[AMDriver]

Hi Bettypoppit,

I am being weighed every time I have my bloods taken. I'm told that this is because they calculate the chemo based on your weight. If you lose weight then you get less chemo and they are worried that it will not be enough to kill the tumour, or they keep the chemo the same and it flattens you more.......neither of which is good. My team have always stressed to me that I need to keep my weight the same or up so I'm a bit worried about not putting at least some of it back on in the next 10 days!

Well done on a good night's sleep - I can't remember the last one I had!!

[bettypoppit]

Hi ladies, to put my treatment regime into the melting pot, I'm on 3 x fec & then 3 x t (docetaxal). I've lost around 4/6 lbs...which is a drop in the ocean for me as i could probably do with loosing nearer 4 st!!! Oh well. I haven't been weighed since the pre chemo assessment, so I'm now wondering if i should be? Anybody know why it is so critical?

I'm personally not trying to think about the change to 't' ... but if you don't have the nausea and sickness, that's a huge plus.

Feeling heaps better today and even had my first nights sleep of around 6 hours last time, since #2, but i feel more head tired than yesterday. Weird. Xxx

[Murphy1963]

Jingo, I just can't eat, especially for the first week, so good on you being able to get through all that good stuff, says me sitting here munching on a piece on jam (jam sandwich to my southern friends!!). And yes having lost so much in as many days is not good!!!

Driver, I have heard the other part of your regime is painful, keep up with analgesia, hot pads/ bottles, it'll be for 3 times then all this will be over. You've got time to prepare though, get this first hurdle out of the way. And yes having lost so much in as many days is not good!!!

[AMDriver]

HI Murphy1963, yes rather too drastic. Dont' get me wrong I could stand to lose 1/2 stone but had planned to wait until treatment was over not do it all in 4 days!

I'm going to attempt a hot meal today - I've only managed fruit and few ginger biscuits so far this week.

I'm on 3 x FEC and 3XT - I've heard that too about the T-phase but i hear the se are worse with aching bones as it hits the immune system harder - swings and roundabouts I guess 🙂

[jingo_x]

LainieG re the leg vein, I have a prominent vein in my leg - not fully varicose but not great and since I started chemo I have a 'flickering' feeling up and down my leg all the time.  Was worried it might be a clot but because it doesnt actually hurt I have been ignoring it.  I have more of a problem with the vein they last used for my chemo in my hand which reacted badly and is still swollen and sore, just went to the chemist who didnt have any suggestions for it. 

[jingo_x]

I have lost zero weight during chemo - have to say I am a little bit disappointed! My onc said protein was v. important and I have protenin every meal.  Breakfast is muesli with loads of nuts and seeds plus I have Nutribullet and make a nut/fruit/spinach smoothie.  More breakfast than I ever used to eat.  

Lunch I eat loads of raw stuff plus hummous, cheese etc for protein, then a meat based meal in the evening with veg.  I did lose weight before chemo as I was following a vegan diet for a few months after reading some Cancer books, but I abandoned it for chemo as it seemed impossible to follow and get my bloods back up.

I think smoothies can really help and the Nutribullet has been a really good piece of kit as you can chuck nts and seeds in.

[Murphy1963]

I've never had that side effect lainie, there are so many that mr chemo can throw at us, so we never know what's in store on a daily basis. I keep a diary and there is certainly a pattern to my se. Hopefully the anti infams will do their job and you'll be pain free soon.

Hugs xx