Starting chemo October 14

[Peta]

How are you doing Linzz?

Hilda the hairpiece made me smile! I picked up one yesterday too. Mine is called Connie Frosti blonde. That sounds a bit like a porn star name to me, I might have to rename it Frank or Sandra or something. 🙂

I hope it's all going well for you - and everyone else today.

Hold those wigs on, it's windy out there today!!

[Peta]

Oh and of course Junash, good luck with number 2, you were an inspiration last time, so hope it goes as well this time too!

[Peta]

I'm being treated at Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith Junash. I moved out of Ealing a few months ago. I used to work at St George's hospital years ago, and both my children were born there, so know it really well though.

We could probably meet in London sometime, I stopped working last year to go travelling, but I'm in and out of London pretty regularly still though.

[Peta]

Good luck today Sue456,

I'll be thinking of you. I know you just want to get this show on the road now, waiting and waiting is so hard. Fingers crossed and good luck, I hope it all goes well today for you. X

[LainieG]

Sue and Junash good luck tomorrow and anyone else who has an appointment tomorrow. There are so many ladies in our group now that my rubbish memory is struggling to keep up xxx

[bettypoppit]

Hi Junash, hope it all goes well tomorrow. ..a bit like you I'm now thinking about #2 which is due next monday and whether i will do so well next time! I'm sure we will be fine 🙂 hugs & will be thinking of you x

Picking up on the thread about where we all live ...I'm in Staffordshire moorlands and am being treated at UHNS City General...sorry I've lost track of which other lovely lady is too?

Take care everyone xxxxx

[Junash]

Hello all,

Welcome new ladies - looking forward to getting to know you

Hope all doing well - Zelda, hope you're feeling better soon xx

I'm in sevenoaks, was born & bred sarf London and also work in London, Peta - always happy to meet up! I used to live in streatham many moons ago with an ex love - so not far from you if you're at St. George's.

I'm off for my2nd FEC tomorrow morning, feeling nervous as I've been so well that my concern is that it's going to bite me on the arse - but I'm drinking my water and have a new supply of ginger tea, ginger biscuits and anything else ginger that I come across :-).

Am laying in bed at mo - reading forum, winding down but also have my night beanie on as head and neck are bloody freezing - missing my scraggy locks just for warmth.

Lainie and GeeG how great you've met up - I've got my LGFB session in two weeks.

Sue hope appointments go well tomorrow, keep us all posted.

Catch up tomorrow ladies - xx from me

[Zelda]

Hello Morag Nice to know someone lives in the same as me.I am being treated at The Cancer Centre at City General Hospital. I have had 2 Fecs now but my tolerance of this treatment hasn't been so good.At the moment it seems if I'm not at home im at the Hospital I'm so tired I can barely do anything I guess this is just how my body is dealing with it Nice to hear from you I too are HER Pos Hope you are ok xx

[Peta]

Thanks Lainie.

I went into London to get my wig today I'm pretty sure I'll shave it off tomorrow, I did have it cut short a few weeks ago, and like you all, think that was a good transition stage.

I live in Taplow which is near Windsor and Maidenhead. I go into London pretty often though, as I've only just moved into the countryside.

[sue456]

hi lainie
i been going on to much about getting all clear that I've confused u. lol. its tomorrow i see the surgeon in the morning and then oncoligist in the afternoon. thanks for asking though. sue.xxx

[LainieG]

Peta I'm so glad now that I shaved my head. I feel so much more relaxed now that it's done. I've been dreading it and letting it stress me. I wore my wig today and felt better than I thought I would. Good luck with yours xxx

[LainieG]

Hi Sue. How did you get on when you saw the surgeon today? Did you get the go ahead to start your chemo? Xxx

[LainieG]

I had my hair cut short before the chemo kf79. Like you I thought it would be less traumatic to see short hair falling out. It definitely did help. Good luck with it xxx

[Kf791]

Thanks Peta, that's definitely reassuring. Fingers crossed my body takes it as well as yours!

And well done all you ladies shaving your hair! One of my close friends is a hairdresser and is going to cut my hair really short on Thursday (pixie hair style). Even If the cold cap works I'm still going to lose some hair so would hate to see it all around the house. If I don't get on with the cap then I'll be following you and having it shaved off! Xx

[jingo_x]

good idea sue456, I am in SW London having treatment at St Georges

[sue456]

hi lainie geeG
how lovely for u two to meet up today hope u enjoyed each other company. would b nice if other people in our group could do that if we lived close enough. how about if i start of saying i live in southampton and others could follow if wish to by saying were they live. see what happens. sue.xxx

[LainieG]

Hi geeG. It was lovely to meet you today. Can't believe we live so close. I enjoyed our chat and didn't we look glamorous after the look good feel better session lol. The gift bag they gave us is amazing isn't it. We should definitely meet up again. Xxx

[Peta]

Hi Kf791 and the other new ladies who have just joined us, welcome to the group.

I'm having FEC-T too, Kim - I had my first nearly 3 weeks ago, so my second is just coming up. I really have felt much better than I'd have hoped or thought I would. I really don't think it would have been obvious to small children that I was ill at all, I felt tired and would have been less energetic but I don't think my children would have twigged it at all. I was only a bit poorly for the first week, and have been feeling fine and normal during weeks two and three. I hope it goes well for you on Wed. Xx. Let us know how you get on, I just felt a bit hazy the first night.

Lainie, I'm going to shave mine tomorrow - I've got a bit fed up with the itching and shedding. It sounds like we're at the same point! Good luck with yours and enjoy the wine. Xxx

[mogs33]

Hello Celia,
I too live in the staffs moorlands area and was diagnosed with her 2 + cancer. I have been on the same treatment you are on and I started in July.
Just to say I hope all goes well and you have min SEs . If you want to meet up anytime for a coffee let me know.

Take care
Morag

[LainieG]

Hi geeG I'm here already. Black trousers and jumper. I'm also with my mum. I'll watch out for you xx

[geeG]

Hi LainieG - I am looking forward to meeting you at the Glasgow Maggie Centre's LGFB session this afternoon - I shall be in the black leggings, striped shirt and scarf (to hide my Hickmann Line - LoL!) … and a box of tissues cos without the steroids I'm a Real Wreck! … I hope they can wield some Seriously Strong Magic for me!!! (LoL!!!!). x

[LainieG]

Oh Zelda I really feel for you. We just don't know how our bodies are going to react to these drugs do we? I have my 2nd dunking on Friday. Good luck to you Zelda xxx😘

[LainieG]

Sue good luck. I hope tomorrow goes as well as you hope. Xxx

Well I did it. I'm now a baldy. My pal Jan shaved my head and there was a lot of crying and laughing. We got a bit tipsy afterwards although I'd already had a couple beforehand. Jan was definitely not allowed to do that! No shaky hands allowed near the clippers or my head lol. I feel better now that it's done tho I don't think I'm one of those women who looks beautiful bald. I scare myself every time I look in the mirror.
Good luck to everyone starting this week. I'm losing track. I'll have to start writing it down. Loads of hugs to all you lovely ladies 💖💖💖

[sue456]

hi everyone, welcome to the new ones that have joined us. good luck to ladies starting today. im seeing surgeon tomorrow fingers crossed he gives keep goahead for chemotherapy. hope no one is suffering to much. suexxx

[geeG]

Hi All - I hope to get wiggie in this week - and visit wigbank for a 'fun' second hander if a wig feels ok - call it 'playtime'! Hugs to all - and now to bed x x x x x x

[Kf791]

Tbh there are certain places that I really don't mind the hair falling out!! 🙂

NHS wigs sound good then, I'll have to get on a get one! X

[Zelda]

Need to go into Hospital tomorrow because of the reaction I have had to GCSF very hot flushed face,heart flutters pain in veins of left arm. I am going to have piriton and then the GCSF while monitored at the hospital. Could be in there a while the only trip out these days seems to be hospital visits.On the subject of constipation its best to take a prescribed laxative from the district nurse as the pain from constipation is like no other. Hope everyone else is ok xx

[bettypoppit]

Hi Kf791, i took advantage of the NHS Prescription wig and it is extremely good...it really could be my own hair - except it does look in better condition than my own - as others have said. It is a very good, fairly comfy fit - feels like a hairy hat - but i suspect i will get rather hot in it, especially as hot flushes seem to be part of the treatment se package 😞 hope you find one to suit.

Day 14 for me today and scalp itchy and 'lady garden' has started shedding! Sorry, far too much information i know 😉 lol

Good luck and big big hugs to all those with treatments this coming week...let us know how you're doing xxxx

[Kf791]

I got given a prescription for a free NHS wig and a list of places that stock them so think I need to have a look at them sometime soon. I definitely don't want to spend a fortune on one and find I don't actually like wearing one!

It's great you found the cold cap ok, I've heard so many different stories about it that I thought it was worth giving it a bash! So fingers crossed I find it ok too 🙂 I'll let you know!

Xx

[jingo_x]

Welcome nicnac15, I hope you will find this forum useful especially as You haven't had much time to prepare.

Kf791 I did the cold cap on 6th Oct and found it ok - took paracetomol one hour before starting which apparently helps, the first 45 mins was the most uncomfortable.  I had it on for 4.5 hours in the end and kept asking them to check it as it didnt feel cold enough!  I know lots of people get ice on their heads but I didn't so I am still not sure it really was cold.  Based on my dates I expect to find out by Wednesday if it worked or not

I have a wig which was free from my hospital - it is really lovely and from a company called Hot Hair, if you google them you will find the range.  Mine retails for something like £120 so I was a bit staggered to be given it for free - I think it varies by hospital if you need to pay or not.

re the constipation issue, I think a lot of the drugs we get cause this.  I couldnt take laxatives alst week as my stomach was too gurgly and they made me feel worse, but if anyone needs another tip then can I point you in the direction of glycerol suppositries which work via 'the other route' without having to take yet another tablet!

good luck to all those having treatment this week, will be thinking of you and cheering you on xx

[Linzz]

Hilda is NHS, which in Scotland comes free. She seems very good quality to me (though what do I know she's the first wig I've ever seen). My oncologist told me she used to work in London and the wigs there were a lot worse than here, so I guess what comes on the NHS may vary across the country. If the NHS ones don't seem up to much in your area perhaps looking online might be the way to go if you're planning on using as a backup only. I have spotted one (in a different style to Hilda) that I'm going to order for a bit of variety. I think as long as what you order has the net-type parting (for realistic parting colour) and the bra-type fastenings on the insides then it stands a good chance of being half decent. The one I'm ordering is under £30 and has those things. It's for a masquerade ball next month, mind, so if it's awful I'll wear it once and get rid! Also, someone earlier has mentioned that nationally there are centres where you can get re-used and re-vamped wigs for decent prices, so perhaps there is one of those in your area you can check out. Your Maggies will be able to tell you.

[snapper58]

I thought It was too good to be true, I lost a bag full of hair yesterday afternoon and now my hair is so fine. I just run my fingers through and it came out in clumps, reckon by Friday there won't be any left. Still to get some hats for the cooler days and wig on stand at the ready. Best wishes Snapper

[Kf791]

Thanks Linzz, laxatives now added to my Boots order!

I'm thinking I probably need to get a wig sorted soon, so I gave it ready incase the cold cap doesn't work or I decide not to continue with it. Those of you that have wigs, do you have NHS ones or have you splashed some cash on other ones??

Having pre-chemo Chinese takeaway tonight and pre-Chemo dinners out tomorrow and Tuesday.....got to try and find some positives in this!! 🙂 x

[Linzz]

Welcome to all the new people, and hello to everyone else! So sad that so many of us have to be here  but this is a great group and we are all keeping each other’s spirits up. I am amazed at everyone’s resilience. Because I had to have my surgery first I knew when chemo would start for about 2 months, I can’t imagine only having two weeks to get my head round it. And I am totally in agreement about all the ladies going through this with little (or big) kids to look after – wow, you are really, really strong.

My top tip to new people (based on this weekend’s experience after first treatment last Monday) is if a nurse says in a seemingly throw away comment “this tablet might cause constipation” BELIEVE HER WHOLLY AND UTTERLY and make sure you get a gentle laxative on board early days. The chemo didn’t make me feel bad hardly at all but being bunged up over this weekend – well, probably enough said. Needless to say I will be making sure I get an alternative antiemetic in future (it was the granisetron that did it to me I think).

Apart from that – hope everyone who is onto hats and scarves and wigs already are holding onto them tightly this windy weekend! I can’t remember who has called her wig Wendy (sorry), but in the same vain I picked up Hilda the Hairpiece yesterday in readiness. She’s glossier and healthier looking than my real mop, and although she did look for all the world like a guinea pig lurking in the box  I am sure she's going to do me proud.

[LainieG]

Hi nicnac 15. Welcome and good luck for your first session. You'll find lots of support on here. We're all going through the same treatment and having each other to talk to is so helpful. Family and friends are fantastic but talking to somebody in the same boat is so valuable. Knowing that a lot of us have had the first dunk and we're all ok will hopefully calm your nerves. Read back through previous posts and you'll have an idea of what it'll be like xxx

[bettypoppit]

Hi LainieG - sounds like you've got a terrific lot of support from your boys 🙂 and enjoy your 'get gone party' tonight xx
welcome nicnac15 - i hope you will fond the tips and support of help on your journey and remember we are here to support you and each other. Good luck for tomorrow and my best bit of advice would be to keep your fluids up AND take all the meds as instructed by your care team AND take it easy and I'm sure you will do fine. When you get told about the emergency numbers - it is proper scary - just know that the full backup is there ready, IF - and it is a big if, you need it. Let us all know how you're going on xxx

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi all
Posting a link to a long running thread called 'Top tips for chemo' which has been a big help to many users throughout their treatments:

http://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Chemotherapy/Top-tips-to-help-get-you-through-Chemotherapy/t...

Take care
Lucy BCC

[nicnac15]

Morning ladies could i join you all, i have my first chemo tomorrow and to say im nervous is an understatement im 38 with 2 children aged 10 and 6 im so scared about all these side effects and emergency contact numbers ive been given. Trying the cold cap to as im struggling with the thought of losing my hair i have got a wig in place just im case it doesnt work or i cant cope.
Reading your posts is such an inspiration to me and a big help. hopefully by tomorrow evening i will be back at home and thinking 1 down and 5 left to do. Xxx

[LainieG]

Hi everyone and welcome to the newbies. So lovely to meet you even in horrible circumstances. I want to echo Betty in saying I too am really impressed with you ladies with young children. This is a difficult journey and trying to make it easier for your wee ones must add so much extra effort. I also agree with geeG. It might be nice for them to remember how brave their mummies have been and how much love has been shown for them in that extra effort. My own boys are grown up, 23, 20 and 17 and I'm so proud of the way they're handling this. They're looking after me and helping me laugh at difficult times, particularly the hair issue. They've made it so much easier. I'm fully expecting them to have a laugh and give me cuddles after my friend shaves my head tonight. Not looking forward to the shaving but will be relieved to have it over and then grab some lovely vino. I have a bottle of prosecco chilling lol. Love and hugs to all and good luck to all you new ladies xxx😊😊

[Kf791]

Thanks for the lovely messages. Feeling better about starting on Wednesday, hopefully my body will cope with it as well as you guys. Jingo, how are you finding the cold cap? I'm going to give it a try, mainly for the kids benefit so it's not too much of a change for them. If it's too uncomfortable or it doesn't work I think I might get the oldest one to shave my head, so at least he can see how I've got no hair and make it a bit of fun for him xx

[bettypoppit]

Hi lovely ladies...that's one hell of a post geeG ....bl***y brillient 🙂 🙂 lolol

I just wanted - in fact needed - to say how utterly in awe i am of all you lovely ladies going through this horror that is bc - with young children....I'm totally humbled by your brave, selfless, determination to do whatever it takes to help your little ones to deal with your journey...TOTAL and COMPLETE RESPECT xxxxxx

[geeG]

Me oh my! I bin away for 24 hrs an' I got nearly TWO PAGES to catch up on!! AND new ladies to meet AND a few from BEFORE ME! Wow! How I do love these opportunities to catch up with y'all! … forgive me if I don't manage to comment to Everyone - Fuzzy Brain Syndrome…

First of all - Jingo_X - sadly hubby n me never managed to become parents having married late and then not exactly either supported nor assisted by the medics we met ( but oh - what a FANTASTIC difference with the BC docs! We have been so lucky with our Team - of 2 surgeons + 3 trainees for my Mastectomy & immediate reconstructn DIEP - which we have just been told will be perfect just before I get RXT and then spoiled by RXT - would have liked to know that BEFORE -even if I didn't think to ASK THAT QUESTION - LoL! - & advisory Radiologist when I was panicking about ANC for my SNB macromet - & currently Oncologist - not sure how much I get to see him now but reassuring to have him in the background with his finger on the pulse and on the 'change if necessary' button!)

… sorry Jingo_X - I got lost there - thought you might be interested to hear I remember three 'under aged 2' memories - being bathed in the kitchen sink and being anxious our next door neighbour would see me (!); having my nappy changed on the kitchen table and being worried I might fall off(!); and having my nappy changed with my bum facing the lounge window when I knew the postman was due to pass by(!) - HOW WIERD IS THAT! … but … I DON'T remember sitting with my Gran watching my Mum vomiting blood after she'd had her teeth cleared (and a Near Death Experience - which my Dad told me about years and years later, after my Mum had gone).
I kinda hope your wee son remembers all about his brave Mummy and how she shared this experience and taught him you how you can share such hard things in life and so get to love each other so very much deeper…

Junash - I am so proud of you and The Inspirers who have shaved … especially with a party! - I really like the Vino Tip! - I think I shall get OH's barber to do mine the day we go away for 3 nights to a hotel we found at Loch Earn recently - OH, me and BrambleDog - then we can get used to it amongst strangers before we are back with our Fabulous Friends … only downside I can see is there's no WIFI connection! (LoL!)

Just goes to show we can all handle This Thing in so many different ways - BUT ABSOLUTELY RIGHT FOR EACH OF US - I think that is sooooo important to remember…

Kf791 and Sarahjane71 this is a Great Therapy Team here (I love y'all - Everyone - Thanks For Being YOU - even tho you didn't exactly choose to join this club) … and Mysterymouse (I don't think I have met you before - good to have you here with us!)

We wiz out at a Flat-Warming tonight … is my half a glass of bubbly catching up with me?

… kerumbs … I'm hoping to be singing in church all day tomorrow - and tomorrow starts in less than 10 mins! Feeling about the VERY bbest I've felt all day (p'raps I took last steroid too late, eh? Oooops…) - bright red face still with me, I think temp ok (bought new digital thermometer cos we didn't have one - never ill! LoL! - bought a baby&child one without noticing until I read the box today !! - new one ordered from Internet…) … think I have mostly managed my anti sickness meds and steroids better re timings today AND have not needed the gastric stuff I got from the GP yesterday for recurrent reflux happening yesterday - BUT NOT TODAY! - Yay!

… better go to bed, now … nite nite Ladies - sleep tight Ladies… luv n hugz x x x x x x x x x x

[jingo_x]

Welcome to the group kf791. As bettypoppit says if you look at our earlier posts you should find some reassurance that we re getting used to our 'New Normal' and not so scared after the first cycle!
I have a 5yr old and found the book 'Mummys Lump' helped him understand a bit - my Breast Care Nurse gave it to me so worth asking about. I am doing cold cap to at least slow down my hair loss and make it easier for him, but we have been laughing about what it will be like if my hair falls out and talking about what we will do with it all! We also had a play with all my scarves and hats and he helped e choose the prettiest one, plus he likes my wig!
I am reassured that I can't remember anything about being 5, so when I come out if this I hope he will not even remember what he has seen, and I'm sure your little ones will be the same.
I hope you can get help with the kids for a few days after the chemo as you may need it then, but after that you will be able to be Mummy again and it will feel pretty normal for them.
Good luck! Xx

[bettypoppit]

Hi kf791 and welcome to the group. Lots of tips and support here to help you thro this journey....have a good snoop through the previous posts and I'm sure you can be a little reassured....this journey is doable and many of us seem to be getting 'super strength' from somewhere to deal with what comes our way 🙂 welcome & hugs xxxx

[bettypoppit]

Junash, thanks for the tip ref Iron...guinness isn't my thing but i love spinach so I'll get chomping on that. I agree, shame it's not cake but i confess to a big cream tea scone from the bakers. ...bl***y georgeous it was too....
Isn't it weird and amazing how we are becoming empowered with our bald heads and beanies lolol i had my first trip into town for a spot of grocery shopping this morning - and wasn't bothered ...in fact a little amused, by the subtle 'penny dropping faces' of fellow shoppers...how weird am I 🙂
'Bottoms up' Barb23 and i hope you enjoyed your tipple as much as i did 🙂
Hugs to all xxxx

[Kf791]

Hi ladies, can I join you?! I start chemotherapy on Wednesday and am feeling very nervous! I was diagnosed two weeks ago and am having FEC-T before I have surgery. How are you all finding it? I have two small sons (one is nearly 3 and the other 7 months) and I'm so scared of them getting upset seeing me being really ill 😞 Kim x

[Junash]

Evening lovelies

I'm sitting here with a Guinness - not usually my tipple but oncologist said that it'll be good for pre chemo blood tests on monday - iron! He said no scientific fact but some of his patients believe it - Guinness and spinich recommended. Just wish it was vodka and cake!

Hair shaving really was the best thing - I'm loving my beanies now, though did sit in traffic today with my big bald head on show as it was warm - and i just thought sod it i don't care - hiw my attitude has changed since I shaved on Wednesday

Welcome to our new gang members - sending everyone hugs and enjoy your vino girls xx

[Barb23]

Ooh ladies how spooky, great minds do think a like.......I haven't had a glass of vino for a good few weeks and just said to the OH that i fancy glass tonight, as am feelin "normal"!

Have a great shave off party lainie g ....... Just want to be at your stage Betty, comfy in then beanies, have bought a couple today 😃
Welcome mystery mouse and sarah jane, there is loads of tips and advice on here and positive vibes from all the lovely ladies that is great and a real tonic. I too had achy joints/bones for a few days after my dose,days 3-5 were the worst and then I felt ok!

Sue-if the party idea works for you just do it! I'm just not brave enough!
Betty, pleased to hear the hypnotherapy session has helped you.
Enjoy the glass or two of vino😉

Barb xx

[bettypoppit]

Hahaha LainieG...great minds think alike re vino. ..have a great shave party - i have to say I'm now really comfortable with my jersey beanie hats 🙂 xx

[LainieG]

I've had a glass of wine a couple of times and been fine. Xx