Starting chemo in April 2012

[libby12]

Hi everyone hope all those starting today were ok. I have just read your post pixie, I am now worried as I hadnt thought of being HER+ in that way, I was just told that it would be available to me as another defence of it recurring, I have washing machine head again, and I am thinking do I have a higher percentage of it coming back. Oh God another worry, I will have a word with the ONC in a couple of weeks. Anyway had a long drive to the wig shop called Hair Fair in Liverpool, fantastic place and a lovely lady called Tracy and her daughter run it, so much choice and she seems to know what suited me best, I came out of there with at long last hope of getting new Hair!! and she new her colours, so quite a good day. Anyone know how to book on the LGFG day. Post later Elainexxx

[margietee]

Loving the bunny pic idea. My hubby says I should opt for a rabbit stew pic (apologies to any veggies). He always has had an off the wall approach. I won't do what he suggests but will hop to it tmrw and find a suitable pic.

I definitely think all who aimed to start in April MUST stay with us. We are all bonded to one another now.

Sara I'm so sorry about your delay.

Been thinking all day about everyone going through it today. I can't believe it is a week since I started. I actually made it to zumba this morning. I was a bit of a tame bunny doing it but at least I was there and what a tonic it was. BCN saying no to exercise? She's MAD.

Margieteex

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi angelawade

Welcome to the BCC forums, in addition to the peer support here you may find it helpful to call our helpline if you wish to talk things through or have any queries, the lines are open 9-5 weekdays and 9-2 Sat on 0808 800 6000

I am posting the following link to the 'Treatments' area of the BCC website where you will find further support ideas and information which I hope you will find useful:

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/treatment

Take care
Lucy

[Sameelee3]

Hi Bunnies,
Only half an hour or so till my first shot, so came online to see any news and be distracted. Loving the "mixi bunnie' , 'infected in April' ( worthy members of course) and 'chemo ears'. Am imagining a planet chemo where all of us roam free and wild in the hedgerows and fields in various stages of SE's. Some with tiny bunnie wigs with ears poking through, and ....
So sorry, am losing the plot here and I never had a pet rabbit, so am a bit uncertain about the technical details!
Won't be able to source bunny ears today, methinks, but will be on the case soon.
Really looking forward to all the photos. Good idea Pixie, but what have you started?
Take care,
Lee
x

[Guest user]

Sameelee3, yes that's me in the pic. I had it taken at a headwrap tutorial session.. Thanks for the compliment, this is my daily look until chemo is over.

I'm sitting typing this at the chemo unit as I seem to have a touch of cystitis. This is despite my sipping cranberry juice every day, ah well.Theve just taken bloods and I'll supposed to give them a pee sample any. minute. now!

[Guest user]

LOVE iT !!!!!

I'm a mixi bunnie !!!! Hurrah

Now that has made me laugh

Soph x

[pesteringpixie]

Hey bunnies

Sara - I LOVE the new pic - well done being the first - this definitely gets you to stay in the bunny girl gang! Love the idea of 'infected and waiting' sort of our sub group of myximatosis bunnies (sorry lousy joke)

Sophie, I have just bought an ipad so will see if i can work it out - mu current pic is uploaded from my mac, I just clicked to take a picture of me and it uploaded it - perhaps the ipad can do the same as it has a camera too?

I think our rule should be if you were supposed to be starting chemo in April and even if it gets delayed, you certainly should stay in the gang as you have been part of us in spirit all the way through and are just as hopping as the rest of us.

Much Love

PPixie xx

[Guest user]

Hi Sara, welcome to the infected in April waiting list !!!
I'm right here with you but as our original chemo start dates are in April i am hoping we will be allowed to stay. Fingers crossed!
I'm finding PPixies challenge difficult as I don't seem to be able to upload a pic from an iPad. Any suggestions anyone ?

Sophie x

[sarabee2012]

Morning bunnies!

Well disappointing news is that after a lot of faffing about between my surgeon and my onc and her registrar they have come to an agreement that my wounds aren't healed quite enough and they'd like to delay my chemo by another two weeks.

Didn't discover this until I was in the chair about to have my bloods taken - despite my OH telling them that I needed to be checked by the surgeon first (who specifically wanted to see my wounds) before a decision to delay was taken. Confused looks all round and a lot of conversation followed by me being taken back to a consulting room, being told no to chemo, having the dressings changed and then the surgeon arriving and saying she needed to make the decision. Just like the programme "Surgical Spirit"... I love a good consultant surgeon!

However all sorted now and I'll be checked again next week with a start date of 1st May for bloods and 3rd May for chemo. Sitting in the consult room my first thought was... "I can't be a bunny now... I'm a Mayfly!"... lol!!! Talk about getting my priorities wrong... being told of the delay and I'm working out whether I need to change threads or if you lot are going to let me stay with you!!!

So Lee, Tracy, Sharon, Natalie, Angela and everyone who's wobbling... I'm there with you today!

The good thing was I met the Matron (really lovely lady) of the Chemo suite who let me have a sit in one of the big chairs and we talked about what I need to bring with me and what will happen. Am a lot happier now especially as I really don't need to take much with me apart from my kindle and my paperwork. Everything else is provided on site, snacks, drinks, ice cubes which is really nice to know. So I'm not going to bother getting a new chemo bag but will use my current Radley (yes, I'm a big fan too) and save my pennies towards getting a new one when this is all finished!

I'm also going to hold off on getting a wig until things get much more "sparce". Still fancy the blond one but you never know... I may change my mind. There were some lovely pictures of tea-cosy type hats in the chemo ward... my OH says I could knit my own...!! Lacuna - am sure you look lovely! PPixie - only you could change your wii person to a baldie with a hat... and your OH's as well... what a girl you are!!!

Denise: sounds like your granddaughter is a little tonic! Have had my daughter home from uni and she's going back at the end of the week. It's been great to have her here just to chat all those sorts of girlie things but I know that I can always skype her or call her to chat when she's gone.

Am working a little at home just a few hours a day and planning to pop in to the office and work out about phased return dates before my chemo starts up. OH isn't happy but at least it gives me something to do with my brain! And I'm resting plenty in between!

So there you go, wobble over... and just need the okay from you lot before I go and get some bunny ears. Laughed that the auto correct gave out chemo-ers as chemo-ears... it might just catch on!

Keep on hopping,
Sara xx

[pesteringpixie]

Good Morning Bunnies 🙂

Okay challenge for us all to keep us smiling...

I have noticed that few of us have pictures of ourselves posted on the forum or some people have pics of flowers and animals.

Now I know not everyone feels comfortable with putting their own pic up and thats okay, BUT I challenge all of you to put up a pic that relates to the 'bunny theme!' If we are the chemo bunny gang, let's celebrate that.

I am off to buy my first pair of ears (expecting same performance that I had with wigs) and shall post new pic of me with ears. Come on.. off you all hop...

Sophie, bless you for what you said. I can sometimes feel a bit sorry for myself when i realise how long my treatment path is - damn HER2+ - but am also very very grateful to those courageous women who fought and campaigned to make herceptin available for all, as we HER2+ ladies really are the high risk category for recurrence in the first couple of year regardless of our other presenting factors (I had a stage 1, grade 2 tumour). Idea is they get you past that milestone whilst still on treatment. But it is heartening toknow the bunny gang will sit it out with me.

Julie - you can be our baby bunny - cos you will be the youngest (in terms of start date) - am sure you don't want to be a mayfly and wear antennae instead of cutesy ears 🙂

Natalie - you and I are starting within days of each other.Me the 25th and you the 27th - shall be sending all my positive vibes down the A12 to you and really look forward to getting together soon - perhaps a bit of Freeport indulgence!

For those starting this week, and those starting today, my love and every good wish is with you.

Right, off to find some bunny ears, shall wear them at my chemo and post a piccie to prove it. BC may have my health for a bit but I am bu**ered if its going to have my spirit!!

Love to every single one of you, the bunny girls rock (or should that be hop?)

PPixie xxx

[sara12]

There seem to be a lot of people starting chemo today - so good luck to you all. I started last week and my SEs are subsiding a bit now. I felt apprehensive before my first one but feel much better now I know what to expect next time.

Sameelee - about the wigs.... The monofilament ones give you a more natural looking parting because the hairs are individually attached to a beige-coloured piece of fabric. This fabric is either just at one place for a fixed parting (monofilament parting), or sometimes is across the front part of the wig (monofilament top)so that you can change the parting to suit your style.

If you don't want a parting, then probably the extra expense isn't worth it. If you do want a parting then you can't get a natural-looking one with the wefted-top wigs, so it makes it more obvious that it's a wig.

The brands are all different though. I had a wig before as I have partial alopecia and its monofilament top gives me a really natural parting. However, I've just ordered my NHS wig and although it is also monofilament the effect isn't as good.

We're really lucky here because there's a hairdresser locally who will cut and restyle wigs free for cancer patients - apparently he does a brilliant job so I'll be taking mine to him when it arrives.

[Guest user]

Hi bunnies,
Just wanted to say good luck to all those starting today or this week. This is my virtual start date but I'm sure it will come soon enough.
My new BCN phoned yesterday reassuringly to tell me that thankfully I don't have MRSA. Yey thanks for that. She could not tell me anything else until she has the rest of the results. My BCN has changed because the original has had to go off for an op herself. Not BC thank goodness. I really gelled with her and found her to be extremely assertive but at the same time reassuring and sensitive. I'm not sure about this new one. She has just told me things not to do? I am a p.e. teacher and the original BCN told me to keep up the exercise even early post op because it's good for me mentally as well as physically. New BCN told me no exercise except gentle walking. She has also told me not to have a buzz cut. She said my hair will definitely fall out so to wait until it does. I explained that I wanted to be in control of that and some time to get used to it but she said it would be uncomfortable and sore and to leave it. I feel a little as if this BCN has taken away my controls! Anyway winge over, going to indulge in some cancer shopping. I feel the need to purchase the all important bag and wig combo that everyone is going on about. Do you think you can get matching ones ?
Pixie - if it's 69 weeks then we will be here for 69 weeks or however many it takes to get you to the end. As the founder ( obi one/yoda or whatever) it's our honour to be with you all the way
Sophie x

[Sameelee3]

Last post today just to say thanks gadget gal and tea belly, Natalie and Margietee for reassuring words. I think my wobbles are partly because I seem to have been waiting so long for the chemo to start! It's not really that long considering I had my MX on the 9th Feb, but it feels like forever.

Have had lovely texts from friends and family that have made me a bit tearful and said goodbye to my son, who had to go back to uni today. It is probably best to be more matter of fact about it, but I find that other people are just as worried for me and it starts me off!

I think you are all right, you wise, experienced chemo-ers ( the text edit corrected that to chemo-ears!) and I just need to get the first one done and dusted.
Gadget gal, is that you in the picture?- its a fab look!
Love to all, and here's to a positive day tomorrow. We can do this.
Sharon, hope you feel better.
Lee
X

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies

Well I went for my appointment with the oncologist today - I have a date to start chemo - 2nd May so what I want to know is will you still let me be an April Bunny please?

I have to have 6 cycles of EC. I went for my bloods to today which was fun - before I had my surgery I was never the easiest person to extract blood from even with two arms to go at! Now I'm down to one arm it's proving even harder - finally got some out of my hand!

I went back to work this morning after 6 weeks off - just working tomorrow till 4pm then I'm not back in till next wednesday - I've got some holidays to use up by the end of April or I lose them.

Julie

[Guest user]

Hi ladies
I am too starting chemo tomorrow 6 sessions of 3 week weekly cycles. Took my mind of things by going for a nice walk today. Now though its all beginning to hit me and getting "wobbly"as well. Can I wish all of you starting tomoorow good luck
angelaxx

[Guest user]

Hi all

Lots of luck to everyone who is starting chemo this week, really hope that the first one goes okay.

I had a portacath put in yesterday. I was a little bit sore afterwards and I wasn't able to sleep on my side last night, but it went well and it is such a relief to think there will be no more cannulas for a while. The dressings are still on so I don't know what the scars will look like, but hopefully not too bad.

My hair is really starting to come out. Quite a lot of strands were coming out at the weekend but now it is really starting to come out in handfuls. I have very thick hair so at the moment it just looks thinner with no obvious bald patches, but I am pretty sure I will have to shave it before the weekend. I am terrified large clumps will just fall out on the train or at work. I have some nice scarves and a wig ready though. Other than the hair I feel pretty much normal now, and am going to enjoy a week of feeling okay before the next treatment.

[libby12]

Good luck Tracy and everyone starting tomorrow, I am thinking of you all. Well I am on day six, carnt believe I have had no side effects except for a bit of tiredness, and hair still in place (early days) next chemo on the 3rd May so not too worried yet, but I know the nerves will start again, I just hope I can stay SE free.I am trying to find one of these LGFB , I found an email address to enquire, but as yet no one has got back to me, does anyone know the best way to go about it. Carnt believe that the onc had not heard of milk thistle, it really does help your liver, my doctor told me to go ahead and give it a go, see if it helps, I really do think it has. I will think of you all in the morning, and send all my love and hugs, we will all come through this together. Love Elainexxxx

[Guest user]

Hi Everyone

sarabee2012 and Vanns - After my mastectomy and ANC I took a while to heal and had to have a large seroma drained. It seemed to take forever and I couldn't start my chemo till it had healed up. I know you'll be feeling that you're never getting started your chemo, but it will happen. Although chemo can be unpleasant for all of us, somehow you feel better in yourself once you've got one over and done with.

sarabee2012 - wait and see how you feel before going back to work. If you can get back that soon - great! Your body will tell you if you'll be able to cope with it.

angel18 - I was on E-CMF the first time and I felt it was never-ending. It is a long time but you'll get there. I'm on Taxotere this time and spent a week trotting to the toilet but on E-CMF I was so constipated.

Hope everyone who's had chemo yesterday or today is OK.

Christine

PS Who's going to be Miss April in the calendar cos we're all April bunnies. Bunny ears at the ready!

[Guest user]

Hi sarah12 & april bunnies

Sarah i'm post surgery and have Lbc her2+ so not they same as u, but i think alot of us are on the same or similar chemo drugs here.

Don't feel as good today must be the come down from the steriods no sickness just generally feel yack if you know want i mean.

Hope everybody se's are very little that have started & good luck to all the bunnies that are starting this week

lots of hugs

tash xxx

[Guest user]

Hello ladies
Hope you all had a good weekend. Great to hear the SE's are still not causing too many problems and good luck to all who are starting treatment this week.
Had a really nice few days back in the capital, was a bit naughtier than I should've been but  hey ho, enough said,  it was just good to spend time doing something that didn't revolve around BC!!
Best of all I got to spend a couple days with my beautiful granddaughter, she's nearly six and a real tonic, like a female version of my son at that age. 
If I could harness the pleasure she gives I could make a fortune. We all went to Hamleys yesterday and have to say I  think my son and daughter actually enjoyed it more, spent most of the time telling them to behave themselves and stop touching things. Took her to see Thriller live and she didn't stop dancing throughout, more entertaining than the actual show....priceless!!
Decided to take her away for Christmas so got something to keep me going over the next 6 months!
Back down to earth, off to chemo unit tomorrow for the obligatory tour - cant wait.
Good luck and love to all
Denise xx

[margietee]

Huge welcome to recent joiners and good luck, hugs, everything to those starting this week. Once you have one under your belt It honestly doesn't feel so scary. So pleased pixie now has an April start date - as our founder member our thread wouldn't be the same without you and you def don't strike me as a mayfly!! Thinking of everyone. Margieteex

[Guest user]

Hi Bunnies

Well I have been to see the oncologist this afternoon and although he thinks that my infection has cleared up, he wants to give me another 7 days worth of antibiotics to be on the safe side. However, I did get a start date for chemo.....Friday 27th April....yay!!! I am quite please about this as I get to start after my birthday now.

Good luck tomorrow Tracy, Lee and Elaine. I will be thinking of you all day and I really do hope that the SE's stay minimal. Sara, let us know if you will be starting tomorrow as well.

Sophie, I am so sorry that chemo has been delayed for you. I do know how you feel, it is not nice, especially when all you want to do is start and get it over with.

Pixie, I am going to call LGFB and see if I can get my session moved, will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Anyway, shall chat to you all later.

Love and Hugs

Natalie xxx

[Guest user]

H Bunnies,
just popped in to wish everyone luck for tomorrow.

I feel really low today after the bad news we received last night. Just want tomorrow over with.
love sharon xx

[teabelly]

Hi Everyone

Lee i also start tomorrow im feeling very wobbly ive been to supermarket brough ginger prune juice lots of fruit and veg im now sat down and feel very wobbly but im sure we will be fine we have to do this to get rid of this horrible diseases sending you a virtual hug and will be thinking about you what time are you starting im 9 in morning

Elaine good luck to you tomorrow i will be thinking about you and will try and speak to you tomorrow

Update on the wig i have cancelled it temporary im not sure if its the right one i like it but not sure so booked myself another appointment to see if theres anymore choice now ive got it in my mind that my hair is all going to drop out tomorrow after my first treatment

Sara hope all goes well today and they let you go ahead with your chemo waiting is horrible

Sophie im so sorry you chemo has been delayed hope you can start soon

Good luck to anyone else starting this week
Tracy xx

[Guest user]

wow, never heard of milk thistle; reminds me of the Holland and Barret manager who'd never heard of potassium!

Sameelee3, I didn't feel wobbly about the chemo part, but I have been wobbly about other parts of this illness e.g before meeting the Oncologists to discuss chemo and before my CT and bone scans to check for secondaries.

Have you met your chemo nurse(s)? From my own experience and others on the board, they seem the most practical and helpful contacts during the chemo aspect of treatment. I thought I was ok about chemo but after meeting the lead chemo nurse, I realized she had put my mind at ease about some things. Remember, the S/E are just possibilities, you might not have all of them and there are remedies for each one.

Hugs.

[Sameelee3]

Hello to everyone,
just want to touch base with anyone who has chemo scheduled for tomorrow... I am getting a bit nervous about it all now despite having been quite positive so far. It's all a bit too real and there is no going back is there? Finding it a bit hard to laugh just at the minute, but this is hopefully just a wobbly moment.

Tried some wigs on yesterday and realised that I will never ever be able to go blonde- I looked ridiculous as have olive skin and dark eyes. Does anyone know about the benefits of a monofilament wig? They seem to be more expensive, but I'm not sure whether there is a big difference or not. Any advice would be appreciated before I say yes to the one in the shop.
Just going to the supermarket to stock up on yoghurt, prunes, broccoli and ginger, based on posts. Have bought some milk thistle and asked my Onc today if it's okay to take it, and she said she had never heard of it! Planet Chemo!
Let me know if anybody else is feeling wobbly, please!!!

Lee
x

[pesteringpixie]

Good Afternoon Bunny Ladies

Tracy - the long red curly wigs sounds terrific. I have never had long hair so when i went for the wig shopping trips, tried several on. On my goodness, I looked more like Ozzy Osbourne than Cher! So opted for my usual shorter style - but one of them is red 🙂

Sophie - Oh thats absolute pants about the infection, it must be very frustrating. just try and accept that this is how its meant to be for today and your tunr too shall come to be poisoned. Know what you mean about wanting it to be your turn... my first chemo doesn't start until 25th and feel like I have been in the queue for ever.

Natalie - I love Radley bags and always go into the store when at Freeport. Am sure you will get something absolutely gorgeous. Be great if you could do the LGFB on 19th June - we can sport gorgeous bags and ears! Glad to hear Brighton was fun, I love pottering around all the shops in the Lanes, finding nice places to have coffee and people watch.

Every morning I get on the Wii Fit - only way I can keep a handle on my weight. Well this morning, I changed my little Mii character. Gone is her floppy brown fringe and pigtails to be replaced by a purple beanie hat. I did make her bald but she looked awful, like she was poorly, so added the hat onto her. Also changed OHs to a bald one with a green beanie. be a surprise for him when he next gets on LOL

Have been teaching all morning and it's good for me as when i am working i forget all about the BC and the treatment to come. Important that I stay in my day as my adjuvant will be continuing long after my fellow bunny girls have finished. Hope some of you will stick around after chemo has finished so i don't become jessica rabbit no-mates:( My chemo and herceptin is scheduled for 69 weeks duration - providing I don't have any delays because of white cell counts or the herceptin is causing my heart to fail.

Postman brought me a letter today - results of recent smear test. All normal. Phew! At least that is something I don't have to worry about.

Tomorrow i am off for blood letting again. This time its to check my clotting (ugh) and red cell count for the portacath performance due on Tuesday. Hope this is the last time we will have to play hunt the vein. I am amazed I am upright and alive as I don't seem to have any veins or blood! Dracula would be pretty ticked off if he came through my french windows i can tell you. Last week i had the first of my MUGA scans and had to sit for 10 minutes with hands in bowl of hot water to try and coax a vein to the surface. We eventually sweated one of the little blighters out. I would be a rubbish drug addict as would end up like a collander.

Anyway, hope those of you have started continue to out-run the SEs, and that you all are having a wonderful bunny day.

Don't forget, laughter is the medicine of the soul - make sure you all keep over-dosing.

Much love

PPixie xx

[sarabee2012]

Hello Bunnies!

Off to hospital shortly to find out if I'm going to start treatment tomorrow. Sophie, I feel for you as I'm also waiting to find out if I've healed enough to start the chemo - it's nerve wracking enough without having the uncertainty.

Thanks everyone for the tips about the bag - I'll definitely wait until I've got my "official list" and then I'll whittle it down a bit from there. Not going to take a big bag with me, just a nice lady-like handbag thingy with lots of pockets. As long as I can get my kindle in there I'll be happy...!

Toodles for now,
Sara xx

PS. Thanks too for the support about work, it's not that I don't want to go back I just feel sort of nervous, a bit like being off for a long holiday... lol!! My colleagues are great, they all know and have been wonderful!

[sara12]

Thanks for the welcome Lucy. I've already found various areas of the site really useful.

DJ - thanks for the tip about cold cap storage. Where I am though they only deliver them the previous day and then take them away again straight after the chemo session to be 'disinfected' and reused elsewhere. I guess they don't have enough to go round to leave them with people for the whole 6 cycles.

I'm off to the hospital to get my NHS wig today though as am assuming I will still lose some hair and am prepared for losing all of it anyway.

[Guest user]

I thought it was high time I made a post in this thread!

I started my FEC-T last Thursday. I elected for the cold cap and because I have thick afro hair I needed an extra 30 mins before FEC and 2 hours after! Thanks to the chemo nurse's good advice I took 2 ibuprofen beforehand so I had no brain-freeze effects. Truth be told, the worst bit was the tight chin strap.

I was a bit nauseous that evening and was a little bit sick. I took the anti-emetics for a couple of days and I'm pretty sure they made my face balloon(!) they next day I had to get out of the house because of the noisy building work. so I took myself to bond Street where I ended up in Louis Vuitton and um, yeah! I was fatigued over the weekend though and I got back into bed after every little exertion. Thankfully I was fine by Monday and Ive been at work since then.

I'm coping with the queasies by rotating glasses of ginger ale, pineapple juice and cranberry juice. I have a funny feeling I could be prone to a UTI so I'm taking the cranberry for good measure.

edited to add:

although I'm hoping to keep my hair with the cooling cap, I'm keeping it in neat cornrows and covered up like in my avatar so that I don't cause any undue damage.

[Guest user]

Hi bunnies,
Am feeling really flat. Went back to chemo unit today and my new BCN took one look at my infected wound and said chemo on Wednesday was a definite no. She also said they were going to drain the infected fluid off which was particularly unpleasant although not painful. They are sending swabs off for analysis and are keeping an eye on th e wound as its starting to breakdown inside. Damn! The results will be back on Thursday and BCN said there would be new more specific antibiotics depending on what comes back from the labs. This will probably put me back two weeks or more.
I'm gutted. I never thought I would be Saying that I really wanted intravenous poison which makes you feel like crap and want to puke but I do. Sorry to be so low but I'm really angry and frustrated.
Could do with a funny pixie pick-me-up story.
Sophie x

[Guest user]

Hi April Bunnies

Well a new week has begun and I wish all of those starting chemo this week the best of luck.

Welcome to all the new thread members, good to see some more of the March Surgery Chicks have joined as well.

I had a fantastic weekend in Brighton, although it made me realise that even though I am 6 weeks post op, I clearly am not back to the normal self that I feel. We did a lot of walking and I got very tired, just the excuse that I needed to lie on the super king four poster that we had in our room.....lush, must get one of those. Pixie, there was no bubbles spilling out of the bathroom but boy, you had me in stitches when I read about your Brighton experience. I have to say that despite all the shopping, I did not find that all important Chemo bag but had a quick walk around Freeport today and may have found a lovely Radley one that will fit the purpose. It is my 30th bday in a weeks time so I may wait to see what goodies it will bring before I purchase it 😉

I am off to see the onc tomorrow, will have finished my antibiotics and hopefully will get the all important start date. I really just want to get started now.

I would love to have a meet up with all the April bunnies in the future, it gives us something to look forward to after this is all over. I also look forward to meeting for coffee and lunch in the next coming weeks, we will have to put a date in the diary. Have also been thinking that I may change my LGFB workshop to June so that we can have a giggle together.

Well I shall bid you all good night.

Love and Hugs

Natalie xxx

[DJ007]

Hi Sara12

I had chemo at home last year and used the home cold cap too.

It's not as effective as the hosp ones, but it still gave me an extra month - 6 weeks when I could go out without a hat or wig.

One tip - make sure that they are not stored near anything strong smelling. My third FEC was going in when I realised that I had the smell of home-made pesto wafting about me. It was the only time I felt really queasy - I couldn't wait to get it off and had to dump them all outside the back door for 3 days before I could face wiping them down. And it was months before I could cope with the smell or thought of pesto!

Dx

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi sara12 and welcome to the BCC forums

In addition to the support and shared experiences here from your fellow users, BCC can offer you further support ideas and our helpliners would be happy to talk to you about these or you can read about them here along with links to information about treatments. The lines are open 9-5 weekdays and 9-2 Saturdays on 0808 800 6000:

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/treatment

Bese wishes
Lucy

[Guest user]

Hiya i am just jumping over from the January thread,just wanted to say good luck Tracy for Wednesday xx

Also Sarah i dont know if anyone else on this thread is on the E-CMF like you but i am!!I have had my 4 x E and i am due to start my CMF next Tuesday,and my rads starts next Thursday.I am quite glad i am having the rads with chemo otherwise instead of my treatment finishing end of July it would be more like end of September.I am having 8 cycles of chemo in total,most of the women on the January thread are only having 6 with a lot of them coming up to their final chemo,which i am getting such envy of as i am only half way!I am also due to have Tamoxifen too,not sure if you are??Anyway if you have any questions feel free to ask me.

And good luck to the rest of you April bunnies!!

Emma xx

[teabelly]

Hi Everyone

Im loving the idea of meeting up in bunny ears i have some already we will definely know who we are meeting when lots of walk in with ears on
I have been for my pre chemo chat and feel alot better about starting so bring on wed i ready well i think i am

I have also been wig hunting today and found a lovely one i feel quite nice in so i ordered it its long red and curly will take a photo and post it on line when i get it

Well off food shopping tomorrow get all my goodies in and more ginger, lemon and fruit juices in i have got a cupboard full but it makes me feel better everytime i buy something else

Hope everyone ok good luck to everyone starting this week and will keep you informed how i go on wed

Lots of love tracy xx

[Guest user]

Hi to all the April bunnies. Hope you are all doing well.

I had a phone call this afternoon from the hospital to ask if I'd change my appointment with the oncologist to tomorrow afternoon instead of Wednesday - I said yes of course I'd change and now I'm starting to panic! I'm sure it'll be fine tomorrow but I'm not sure how much sleep I'll get tonight.

So busy day tomorrow - back to work (after 6 weeks off following WLE, SNB and ANC) in the morning for half a day with an appointment with the Occ Health lady at work and then hospital in the afternoon.

Julie

[pesteringpixie]

Afternoon bunny girls

(Do hope Hugh Heffner doen't get to hear about us - we could end up being chemo bunny playmates of the month!!) How about that for a calendar idea to raise money... our bald heads but lovely bunny ears and make up... and flopsy tails... got to be some positives in this and there is becasue i am getting to meet all of you and just know that many of us will become real friends as well as cyber ones.

Paragayan I am doing LGFB at Colchester on 19th June - be great if you could come too. Thank you for kind comments about my positivity post. I do a lot of coaching with 'damaged women' and my starting point is always about unpicking the negative messages they have been given and hold as beliefs.

I am feeling virtuous, had huge pile of marking to get done and i have done it -- amazing thing is, whilst I am absorbed in work, i forget all about BC, chemo, herceptin and all the other horrid stuff. So those of you who are still working and DJ who has continued to work, you are my inspiration. I too can't afford not to work, took too many years building up a business to let it all fall away.

My chemo bag is still almost empty.... want to fill it with exciting things, you know like we did as kids when we went on holiday and got the summer special comics. So far I have a packet of tissues in there. May get one of those colourful face masks and slap that on. have already made a turban adorned with plastic fruit a la Carmen Miranda. May even wear a purple dress with a red hat!! LOL

Have a wonderful evening bunnies,

Much love

PPixie xx

[Guest user]

Hi Bunnies.
Well what can I say ... I was up at 2.30am reading posts on here and playing cards, I had yet again got my washing machine head on about going for my chemo "education".
Now i've been, I can honestly say i feel so much more reassured and feel like saying "bring it on".

Sara as for the chemo bag, I would say wait until you've had your "chat" and see what they recommend. I read all the tips and went shopping, if i filled my bag now i would need a suitcase lol. I needn't have bought half the stuff i did.

Obviously every unit is different, but i will run through what i have been told today as other people might find it helpfull.

Gums and mouth ulcers ....
was told not to bother getting bonjella as it might sting too much. Instead buy some manouka honey, if you have sores or ulcers dab some onto the sore, if you get sore throat from chemo, add some to hot water, let it cool and drink it. Apparently if you have sore spots on skin, it can also be applied to those and is beneficial and all natural. ( 3 in 1 treatment, sounds very cost effective to me.)
Drinks and ice cubes ...
was told not to worry as they will supply me with as much fluid as i can tolerate. They also have an ice machine so if i want to try it all i need to do is ask. Did say if i prefered ice lolly they would be happy to store it for me until i required it.
Nails and nail beds ....
was told that the Tax is sun sensitive and that it can make nail beds sore and actually lift your nails. However, they advise to apply a very dark nail varnish and this has shown to reduce this symptom for some people.

The rest of it was pretty much what i had already heard or read about, re constipation etc.
So basically i was told to take myself, a hand to hold (especially the first visit), something to nibble on and tissues if i felt i needed them but they do have a supply.

Regarding the injection i will need the day after ... they will send me home with that and a sharps box and i can give it myself. Its a subcutaneous inj like ppl use to give their own insulin.

So all in all i feel very much more positive and hope this information may help some of you too.

Good look everyone and keep those SE's at bay.
love sharon xxx

[pargayan]

Hi PPixie
Popping in from the March group, looks like we are not that far apart geographically as I live Ipswich way. I am thinking of booking a LGFB session at Colchester hosp as that is the nearest one to me.
Good to read your comments especially the 'positive' one on another thread. You made so much sense - I am not good with words but you explained it perfectly - thasnk you x

[sara12]

Hi All

This is my first post on the forum. Tash1968 - saw that you started the same chemo as me (FEC-T) two days after my first session. I guess maybe you are triple negative as well then, as you're having the taxane? Like you I'm having chemo pre-op.

I'm determined to carry on as normal as much as possible and have been trying to convince myself that any SEs are in my imagination. But I must admit that I've been a bit spaced out and get tired easily even at this early stage - I had other health issues prior to diagnosis though, so wasn't exactly starting from full fitness. Also, despite being a regular Corsodyl user anyway, have got mouth ulcers - and then of course there's the constipation! Thank heavens for the anti-nausea drugs though - have only felt slightly queasy, with not much appetite.

Then had a jab to improve white cell count the day after chemo, and wasn't told until the day after that, that it might cause lower back/joint pain as it was activating the bone marrow. I had been wondering why my back was aching more than usual the previous day... so perhaps it's not all in my head.

I'm having my sessions at home, with cold caps. I read a cold cap thread but everyone on it seemed to be having treatment at an oncology centre. Anyone else having to clear out two drawers of their freezer to make room for the caps? I had to park some food with a neighbour for 24hrs as I hadn't realised how much space I'd need. I'll be more prepared next time... am forcing myself to get stuff out of the freezer and cook it, even though appetite isn't great, just so I have room.

Anyway, I'm lucky I don't have to work and can pace things as I want - but I have still been going out to all my usual activities, and just rest a bit more when I get home.

Good luck to everyone else who is starting this month.

[DJ007]

Hi Sara

It might be realistic - but until you've had the chemo and have seen how you react to it you won't know.

My first FEC, I took the chemo day and day after off. Worked 3/4 days on the 3rd and 4th days - then it was the weekend, then I was full time until my next chemo. I did find it got progressively harder and by the time my 6th chemo came round, I too the chemo week off, worked part days the second week, almost normally the third week, then it was rads - which was 3hrs every day with the travelling.

Good luck
Dx

[sarabee2012]

Blimey, it's all getting a bit real now! Due back to hospital tomorrow to have my "chat" and bloods taken plus I've got to have my wound checked to make sure that it's healed enough to go ahead. Am hoping that it is because am not sure I could stand another week of waiting lol!!!!

Am loving being a Bunny Girl - definitely up for a big get together and the ears are a given!

Still not sure what to put in my Chemo bag... the tips on one of the threads lists enough to fill a suitcase and I'm not sure what each bit is supposed to do... yes, I am a real newbie at all this stuff...! Any suggestions?

Finally, am planning to go back to work next Monday all being well with the first chemo session. Is this being wildly optimistic? I want to be positive especially as I'm the main breadwinner so need to get back to make sure that I get paid more than statutory sick but am aware that I may be pushing it a bit. Have been working from home but even so knackered myself out last week. Done nearly a full day's work today from the sofa and okay but just aching. And the washing machine head came back last night... so having a bit of a wobble mentally although not letting on to the family!

Okay, that's enough with this poor me stuff... thanks for listening! LOL!!!

Hugs to everyone and hopping off now for a nap!
Sara xx

[DJ007]

Oh - tesco own laxatives have the same active ingredient as Dulcolax and not as expensive.

But you should be able to get them on prescription - and I hope you've all got your free prescription cards.

If not, get your GP to give you/sign the relevant form and get it sent off - anyone with a cancer diagnosis is entitled to a min of 5 years free prescriptions.

Dx

[DJ007]

Hi Everyone

Re the Milk Thistle - if you are planning to take it, best to check with your own team before you go ahead. Some don't like you taking any sort of supplements/complementary therapies while you are having chemo.

Better safe than sorry!

Good luck to everyone being poisoned this week. I found lime and soda quite good for cutting through the cacky mouth. Toast and marmite also worked! I did get sore throats and found that good old strepsils helped. For the few days after each chemo, I used cordysol mouth wash (alcohol free) and didn't get any mouth ulcers.

HTH

Dx

[Guest user]

Hi Just popping on from the Fab Febs
Re - constipation
I suffered badly with this at the beginning and was prescribed lactolose, when this didnt work I move on to movicol. I take this with a combination of senna and prune juice,seems to do the trick. Either go to your dr or tell them at your next clinic and they will sort out a prescription, no need to pay for it.
Ive just had FEC 4 (2 more to go) and its not been as bad as a thought. Not easy all of the time, but ive been lucky with SE's.Good Luck to you all
Gill x

[pesteringpixie]

It's me again..

Sarah, I identify with the long haul. Although I am only having 4 x FEC this is followed by 18 cycles of herceptin, then the rads and then letrozole.

So in terms of the intravenous stuff, many of the bunny girls will be hopping off into the meadows after their 6 cycles and i am stuck with this for 69 weeks before i even get to the rads. Hence they are fitting me with a portacath.

Herceptin is a bit of an unknown quantity in terms of early stage BC - even my onc said he found it difficult to weigh up the odds for me, the risk of not having it as opposed to the risk of undergoing such prolonged treatment on a stage 1 cancer and the effects the treatment could have on my health.

A girlfriend of mine was diagnosed last February, had the surgery, chemo and rads and now she is back at work full time, free of the hospital regime and just had a fantastic holiday. I just tell myself, i can get there too, just going to take a bit longer. A lot longer actually.

Sarah, if the constipation is getting bad, try dulcolax. very effective and doesn't give any of the griping pains you get with sennakot.

Much love

PPixie xx

[Guest user]

Good Morning fellow Bunnies

PPixie ha ha I also prefer being bunny over mayfly - I quite like the idea of being cute and cuddly. I cant wait to meet up with my bunny ears and hopefully be able to think of lunch without my stomach turning at the thought of food.

I seem to be reading that a lot of the chemos finish much earlier than me since mine doesnt end till the end of October I got a total of 12 cylces- as long as nothing is delayed. Which seems ages away! Also they will sandwich the radiotherapy in with the chemo in July. I read that the radiotherapy alongside he chemo can really make you feel tierd. So I'm a bit worried how long its taking. My son's birthday is on 31st October and I really want this to be all over by than so I can plan a big Halloween party for my baby.

My next cycle is 3rd May need to go and see Onc on the 1st of May so he can make sure everythign is going to plan and also need to get bloods so will ask him than what are the chances of my being finished for October

I am sipping a hot lemon and water at the moment and must admit it tastes tingling refreshing on my taste buds. but really need to sort this constipation out- got some bran flakes in a bowl gonna try and get those down me in a bit.

Other than that I feel really good slept through the night without getting up-was actually feeling really normal when I woke up and forgot I was on chemo for a few minutes and actually thought about going for a run. I dont even notice my PICC line anymore- how wierd is that last week its all I could focus on.

Really miss my running but feeling really positive and full of energy went out in the garden first thing and the sun is out. OH gone to work and schools dont start till tomorrow so got a day with my little boy.

I really drank lots of water yesterday and wonder if thats done the trick. Really want to get this milk thistle but not sure what it is and if I might be able to stomach it feeling nauseaus as I do and where to get it? is it a liquid?

Good luck to all you lovely ladies starting this week I promise you will be so glad the first one is under your belt, it kind of gives you strength knowing you did it and your going to get this through ths.

Lots of Love Sarah XX

[pesteringpixie]

Good Morning Bunny Girls

Sophie - I love Cawstons apple and ginger. I live in the next village to the Coppella fruit farms and they also do a realy nice apple and ginger too - this diluted with soda water is very refreshing. Do hope your wound infection clears pronto, would be awful to have got geared up for chemo and then to be called off.

Sharon - good luck with the wig hunt. Try this website http://www.mynewhair.org it lists all the places that are signed up to the LGFB programme and do the wig fitting and styling and supply.

Elaine - good advice re the milk thistle - shall certainly stock up on some. Hope all the spring blooms at the garden centre lifted your spirits.

Tash - good to hear the big SEs still haven't found where you live 🙂

Christine - encouraging to hear that on day 11 you are almost back to normal - this is what I am hoping as have scheduled to work the third week of each cycle.

As for me - well its Monday morning and I am sitting at my computer with a pile of management assignments to mark and doing just about anything to delay starting! I bought an ipad yesterday and want to sit and play with that, but telling myself, playtime comes after the work time. Little girl in me is pouting. Posting on here is a half way stage!

So many starting chemo this week, sort of wish i was too. I started this thread back in March - but my chemo ended up being last week of April, Shall have to get going otherwise instead of being a chemo bunny I shall be a chemo mayfly. And much prefer to be hopping around as a soft and fluffy bunny than a mayfly, hovering above the water waiting for a trout to snap me up!

Intend to arrange a mega-meet up when we are all done with the chemo and shall insist everyone wears a pair of bunny ears!! perhaps thats something we can all have as a goal - getting through this together then going for a fantastic lunch somewhere. Gosh knowing me and the palaver I have made with the wigs, i had better start sourcing me ears right now!!

Have a wonderful day, tell the SEs you have moved with no forwarding address.

Much love

PPixie xx

[Guest user]

Hi Vanns
Hope u dont mind i was just reading some of the posts, yours reminded me of my first chemo, my wound would not heal and thought i would not have my first chemo, but the dr said we will start it, as it would heal it, by the time my 2nd chemo came round my wound healed.(finished chemo in oct 11).Also anything made with lemon, i found was a great way to get tast buds a kick start.

Good luck to everyone xxxxxxxxx