Starting chemo in April 2012

[libby12]

Morning all, and I hope everyone has a good weekend. I am starting back to the gymn today, one of the chaps in there is working out a little schedule for me, I feel I need it. I had a very nice aromatherapy session at the hospital yesterday, they do this once a month for those being treated, it was soooo good and I really felt , relaxed on the way home, didnt even stop the car to stock up on fish!!. Sorry for all those that are still suffering, Tracy I hope you are feeling better, I have been thinking of you. My next one is one the 3rd May, I just hope that I can continue as I am, I have been so very lucky with the SE.
I have been following the Rainbow diet By Chris Woollams, it as been so helpful and really opened my eyes to what I am eating, if anyone wants to look at the website its called cancer active, I am sure this has helped with the side effects, ande after all this horrible treatment has finished, I am really going to help myself by eating the right foods. Anyway I hope everyone has a peaceful couple of days. Love to all Elaine.

Pixie your hair sounds great by the way.x

[sara12]

gadget-gal - hope the Corsodyl helps. I use that anyway as had pre-existing gum problems, and it is good. However, it doesn't have any pain-killer in it, whereas Difflam does. So my routine now is to brush with Corsodyl toothpaste (tastes foul but is good for gums etc), then use Corsodyl mouthwash, then use the Difflam.

And to everyone suffering SEs - sorry you're having a hard time -hope they're starting to fade away now.

[Guest user]

Gadget-Gal - that is a really good idea and I planned on doing that this week, but never got round to it. Too late now - I washed my hair tonight and it all came out. I combed it first and tons came out and it was thin but there was still hair all over but when I washed it, it just came out in clumps. I hadn't washed it in nearly a week so that is probably why there was so much left. Now there is nothing but some stubble. I had to shave the remaining strands so it is prickly to touch. I actually feel okay about it - I knew it was going to happen soon, and I have the weekend to get used to it before I go into work.

Pixie - hope the portacath op goes okay. I found it was fine, but I did ache afterwards. I am used to getting lots of painkillers after more serious surgery so I really noticed not having any of the good stuff. But aspirin took care of the pain.

[DJ007]

Tash

Wiiiiinnnnnnd! There's a whole (hilarious) thread about it somewhere.

I'll try and find it and bump it up.

At one point mine was so bad that I didn't go into work even though I felt OK! I walked around the house and every room smelt like something had died in it - and it was all my fault.

Dx

[Guest user]

Good evening april bunnies,

Thanks DJ, Pixie and Vanns for the nice comments.

Day 8 and atarting to feel better after the little hiccup over the last few days. The omeprazole has now got the heartburn under control and the imodium sorted out my trots. Only have now got a sore belly and I think its from being sick. Also I have got my period as well to contend with as well as the chemo SE's.

Eating a bit now but taste is a bit strange. Gums are getting quite sore and starting to brush teeth with a baby toothbrush. Also got difflam that eases the sore mouth.

Sense of smell seems more acute with a few cooking smells that make me feel a bit queasy.

Got a call from the hospital today with a date for fitting me with a PICC line (monday 23rd).

Pix - I am definately going to tell the SE's I have moved home with no forwarding address.

A question for any ladies that have already started chemo - Has the chemo given you wind?

Is it best to cut your hair before it starts to fall out or when it starts to fall out?

Sorry to hear you had a bit of a bad time Teabelly and Sharon10w - hugs out to you, hope you both from now on get minimal and small SE's.

Great news Vanns that you chemo is about to start.

Hope all the april bunnies have a nice weekend and minimal SE's to all.

Hugs
Tash xxxx

[pesteringpixie]

DJ

That's a definite date for the bunny ears. I live 5 miles from Cornard - village called Nayland.

If our SEs are bad I can provide buckets.

Much Love

Pixie xxxx

[DJ007]

Pixie

I Had my mx and recon in Bury and my sis lives near Little Cornard! I'm over there in June for a check up with my PS - maybe a coffee if the SEs allow it?

Dx

[Guest user]

Hi pixie
thanks for your kind words.
They have said they will give the iv med at same time as next chemo.
I cant have emend as it has contraindications with rifampicilin which i take for pre exixting condition and onc wants me to continue taking it.
It is the bloody red stuff, its even stained the loo seat lol

just had some poached fish which i enjoyed so hopefully on the mend.

i bet the pixie cut suits you hun 🙂

love to everyone xxx

[pesteringpixie]

Hi Bunnies

Oh Sharon, how horrid for you, I am so sorry you had to go through that. Let's hope you will get the anti-emetics by IV before your next chemo. I am assuming they gave you Emend? I was looking up the chemo drugs on the cancer research site, and its the epirubicin that is the real baddy - thats probably why its bright red, its cross! This is the one that causes the bad sickness and also complete hair loss.

Sophie - hope you got a smashing wig and delighted the myxi has cleared up 🙂

Lacuna - I am having a portacath put in on Tuesday so shall see how mine goes. Like you, I will be on the herceptin road, there are 4 of us on ths thread that i am aware of, you, me, Elaine and Tash so at least we won't be alone.

Repunzel - sorry its been rough - try and just stay in the day you are in, I hope you feel stronger soon and able to continue.

Makes me so sad that the treatment is so blooming aggressive. here we are trying to heal our bodies yet we slash them, poison them and burn them to a crisp. Please God, let us be the last generation that has to endure this.

DJ - I am right on the Essex/Suffolk border between Colchester and Sudbury. Our address is Suffolk but my medical care comes under Essex - otherwise I would be travelling to Bury St Edmunds over 20 miles away. (Colchester is 7 miles away) I don't know Epping at all.

Well I got my 'nit cut'. Hair is now about 1.5" all over - couldn't bear to go any shorter. Rather like it actually. OH says I look like a Pixie! How apt.

Much love to all

Pixie xx

[Guest user]

Lacuna, I was feeling a tiny bit apprehensive about wearing my headwrap at work, (like my avatar) so I wore it on on and off a couple of times before chemo so that it wouldn't look like a complete image-change. Plus, if you wear a scarf a few times out of choice, it might feel less about the cancer and hair loss, if that makes any sense.

[Guest user]

Sara12, honestly I need a smack. The chemo nurse gave me a bottle of Corsodyl but I haven't even cracked it open! I started using Gengigel mouthwash before chemo but the builders are plastering the bathroom and everything is all over the place. (I have had words with my mum) I must try that Corsodyl and see f it helps though.

[Guest user]

It has been four days since my portacath was put in and I'm a bit alarmed at how huge the lump is. Someone else on here (sorry, I cannot keep up with all the names) said that theirs is not really visible but it can be felt. Well, mine is a big visible lump and I am really hoping that it goes down soon once the swelling has subsided. I am also having herceptin, hence the portacath. I have been told the side-effects of that are not too bad though, nothing like chemo, so I am not worrying too much about it. I have heard far worse things about tamoxifen, something else I have to have so I am not looking forward to that.

My hair has been coming out in huge clumps since Tuesday and I have lost over half of it, but it is so thick that I still have a head of hair and I haven't had to shave it or even wear a hat yet. I expect this will change in the next few days though. One of the things I am dreading most is walking into work with a hat or scarf on. It sounds silly, but it's just like advertising the cancer to everyone. After I have done it once it will be okay, it's just that first time. I am also losing hair in, ahem, other areas although obviously this is not being advertised to everyone, so it's easier to deal with.

And to whoever mentioned acne, this has been blighting me for the last two weeks. I assume it is maybe the steroids or something, but I had only just grown out of getting large spots and now they're back. They're calming down now, but will probably flare up again after my next treatment (next Wed). There was an article recently in the Guardian critiquing how the industry around breast cancer has portrayed it as 'glamorous'. It makes me kind of mad, because there is nothing glamorous about this disease, the reality is anything but.

[Guest user]

Hi Bunnies,
Teabelly sorry to hear you had a bad time hun, you werent on your own tho hun.
I think i tempted fate by writing on here only a few hours after chemo saying how well it was going.
At 8pm on wed i began to vomit uncontrollably, GP came out at 2am and gave me an injection but it didnt help. Called chemo unit thurs am and they sent an ambulance for me as i had been vomitting all night (30 times). On arrival to hospital they gave me iv anti sickness and iv fluids as i was dehydrated.
Glad to say the IV anti sickness worked and they gave me tablets of the same med to take at home.
Still feeling a little icky today and had awfull diarhoea earlier, didnt make the bathroom so not gonna embaras myself any further on that subject (hubby was a diamond).
Starting to feel a bit brighter this eve, keepping down toast and water with occasional cup of tea.
wish you all better luck
sharon xxx

[sara12]

Gadget-Gal - were you prescribed Difflam mouthwash for your sore mouth? I was given it as standard in my 'drug pack' which included omeprazole for indigestion, various anti-sickness drugs etc. The mouthwash has a pain-killer in it and I found it very effective - it took the edge off the soreness - and you can use it several times a day, if needed. Perhaps you could ask for it next time if you weren't given it originally.

Sara

[DJ007]

PP - I'm just living proof that hair does grow back after chemo! lol!

Whereabouts in Essex are you? I'm originally from Epping, parents still live there and my sis is just over the border in Suffolk.

I'm now the other side of the country though!

Dx

[margietee]

Gosh we bunnies jump around so much and are so active in our thread that sometimes its hard to keep up!

Repunzel somehow I missed your recent posting about sickness etc. Just read it and am weeping FOR you. You poor, poor bunny. I SO hope its getting better and that you have spoken to your chemo team about it. Don't give up. You must beat this b****r along with the rest of us. Let us know how its going.

Battery running flat - reminds me of those ads a decade or so ago of bunnies hopping around and their batteries going flat! Anyway means I must go now.

Love to everyone - Vanns, great news.

Margieteex

[Guest user]

Vanns, great news that your treatment is about to start.

[Guest user]

Hi everyone

I think my body is slowlyng working through all the possible side effects, naausea over and don with, tiredness every so often; then cystitis started to threaten; now my blood count is low at 8.7. But IMNSHO the most annoying one is acne! Like I'm back to my 8 year old self (precocious puberty). What's next, a crush on my consultant?!

The other thing that crept up is an itchy and slightly sore scalp. Yesterday I broke down and undid the cornrows so I could massage the scalp. Today I've washed it gently with ph-balanced shampoo and tepid water and let air-dry. I think I'll dab the sore spots with tea tree oil later and cornrow it again. My hair seems to be shedding a little more than it should with a wide-tooth comb, so I think I need to be extra careful if I can make this scalp-cooling business work.

Edited to add:
Oh gosh, i forgot about the sore mouth since day 5. Funnily enough, the most effective remedies have been homemade chilli sauce (whiz tomato and scotch bonnet chilli in a blender) or frozen yogurt. I'm trying to stick to the plain frozem yogurt so that I get fewr calories if I need lots of it. I tried homemade lollies but they weren't as effective

[Guest user]

Hi bunnies,
Hurrah we might be back in business and good to go for chemo on Tuesday. Turned out that they haven't cultured anything in the lab so ther is no longer an infection. My BCN has told me I can now go back to exercise. It was just in case the wound started to breakdown further that I was "off practical". I'm currently sitting in the wig shop having had a vast array of stupid hair put on my very small head. Apparently the combination of small head, short hair and roots are a difficult combination for replacement hair. Anyway the girls are doing a fab job. Just hope they have a matching chemo bag otherwise I will be very disapointed. You will all be pleased to know that I feel a lot better today thanks to all your lovely support.
Tash I do hope you start to feel a bit better today. You and margietee are the trailblazers who are leading the rest of us through it.
Hope everyone who has had their first hit this week doesn't feel too bad.
Soph x

P.s no more myxi bunnie!!!

[pesteringpixie]

Good morning Bunnies

Tash - I am sorry the SEs found your letter box and crept in. Seems that a lot of ladies have their toughest days around 5/6 - suppose thats when the steroids leave us. Really hope you start to feel better very quickly. Our bodies must wonder what on earth we are doing to them - I have started apologising to my liver (which is going to have to work the hardest) in advance. As DJ says, more fluids the better, flush the nasties out and dilute them for the liver to detoxify. So far, I know of 3 of us on the herceptin trail, you, me and Elaine (Libby) please any other ladies, reveal yourselves now!

DJ - I really liked Jessica Rabbit, but your new pic is funny, like the crazy white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland.

I love all the bunny pics starting to appear - would be great if everyone got a bunny pic up there.

Well, today I am off to the hairdressers for a short haircut. I usually get my hair done at Toni and Guy but at £60 a cut it seems excessive for it all to fall out in a couple of weeks. So am going to the hairdresser in the village, not sure they will know what a pixie cut is, so shall just ask for a nit cut. You heard of those? When I was a kid, the nit nurse used to come to school and anyone who had nits had to go into the cloakroom and they came out with a 'nit cut' and smelling of formaldahyde. If that wasn't bad enough, none of the kids would sit next to them and they got taunted in the playground as 'nit heads'. Ah, the 'swinging sixties'...

Told OH that when my hair falls, it will shed rather than just all fall out in a big clump. He suggested I keep the hand held Dyson close by as we don't want short hairs sticking into the 3 piece. (Humpf! wait till he gets on the Wii again - if he thinks a little bald man in a green beanie is effrontery wait till I have done. Shall add a mullett and a trout pout!!)

Have a wonderful days bunnies, if you haven't uploaded a bunny pic, please do so. Tell the SEs you have moved and have no forwarding address.

Much love

Pixie xx

[DJ007]

I decided that Jessica Rabbit wasn't really me!

Tash, you've got the right idea. At the first sign of things being unpleasant - get help. They can usually do/give something.

Unfortunately, the generally feeling tired, fuzzy, a bit yucky, can't be avoided.

Just be good to yourselves, take a duvet day (or 3) if needed and get your support networks to rally round and do the jobs that you don't feel like struggling with. Pounce on the friends who have said, rather vaguely 'if there's anything I can do to help?' - shopping, trips to the chemist for you, changing the duvet (so you can get back under it!, hanging the washing out, whatever - 99% of them will be happy to think that they are doing something concrete. Blokes in particular tend to be better at doing the practical stuff rather than the tea and sympathy.

Do remember to keep drinking lots and, if you can face, a short walk everyday (even if it's only round the garden) does seem to help.

Hope everyone has as good a weekend as poss.
Dx

[Guest user]

Pixie
I will also be on Herceptin too and we can be three bunnies together lol.

[Guest user]

Hi ladies,
The SE's have found where I live - pixie.
Had chronic heartburn followed by sickness yesterday. Called docs and was prescribed Omeparazole to cure the heartburn it certainly helped.
Also my slight constipation changed today to trots and I have taken Imodium to cure it. Was told by chemo nurse that imodium is ok to treat trots.
The last couple of days have been my lowest and its been 6 days since chemo.
Hopefully now got the right meds should get better and will make sure all is ok ready for 2nd chemo on the 4th May.
Must be delusional as I think that hair has started to come out been losing a few hairs from my lady garden over the last day is this the place where hair goes first?

Going to try and have some sleep now.

Night bunnies hope all that have had chemo have the smallest SE's possible and any starting soon good luck.

Best wishes and hugs to all
Tash xxxxxx

[pesteringpixie]

hey Elaine

I am doing herceptin too.. we can been two little fat bald buddahs together - with bunny ears!

[southpool]

Hi

Thanks for the welcome. Worked this morning for the 1st time post surgery & felt normal for a couple of hours. Have booked to get my very thick hair cut short tomorrow & then going wig shopping. Am much more upset about losing my hair than I was losing my boob, so expect a twitchy lip at the hairdressers tomorrow, but is a necessary evil x

[libby12]

Pixie you have made me laugh out loud re the stick on the fringe, I had a look at the site, it does have some nice things, but I just carnt see myself in the "pretty in pink" Alma range.Oh and by the way, ate the fish in the car, slid down the seat so no one could see.I would have been mortified if any of my friends had caught me snacking on mackeral.
Now to a more serious note, I have been reading that Herceptin causes weight gain, this is all I need,no hair and weight gain. I know I am moaning and I should be grateful that I have this drug to take, but its just another side effect to deal with. Hope everyone is ok off to feed this fish in my pondxx

[sara12]

Hi all - sorry to hear some of you are having a tough time with SEs. I guess, as others have said, it's best to tackle them straight away with whatever is available before they 'set in' so to speak. Now I know I'll probably get mouth ulcers and chronic stomach ache/constipation I will start taking remedies on day 1 of the cycle next time.

I'm on day 7 now and am feeling positively perky now compared to how I felt for the first few days. Was such a relief to wake up this morning and be 'normal'. Friends are being very kind and sympathetic and now I feel a bit of a fraud because I feel OK!

Funny isn't it though how you can be feeling OK emotionally and then suddenly get down, like a bolt out of the blue. From what I've read that happens to a lot of us - so I suppose we just need to be kind to ourselves.

[pesteringpixie]

Hi Bunnies

Oh Elaine - have never heard of that as a SE - growing a pair of gills. can just imagine you in the supermarket car park, devouring the mackrel like some ravenous alley cat hahaha 🙂

Update on the wig front. Thanks to one of the bunnies recommending a site (surburban turban) I have now purchased a stick on fringe! £38 as well. Suppose if I don't like it i can stick it on me lady bits as am really not fancying the hollywood look.

had a practice with the false eyelashes today as have a day working at home. So here I sit with the lashes on, I look like a couple of caterpillars have landed on me - also if you drink a very hot cup of tea, they go frizzy!!

PPixieXXX

PS - for those who have bought mono-filament wigs, DO NOT wear them when cooking because
1) they absorb cooking smells
2) I f you open the oven door, they will melt

[libby12]

Hi all sorry to hear some having been struggling, Vanns I had a bad day on Tuesday, cried all day on and off, hated everything and life was not fair. I hate it when i wake up in the middle of the night, I sometimes feel so desperately unhappy.Today is not a bad day, and I have been very lucky this time around not having any SE. Tracy I have sent you a message, and I am thinking of you.
Pixie I cannot get a picture as yet, did try, but need daughters to show how its done, I can do most other things but this has got me.
Julie I am with you on the hair, I must check mine throughout the day, as yet no great loss, but it is early days and I am using the cold cap so we will see. It really gets me down though.My BC nurse has booked me in for a complimentary session tomorrow at the hospital, not sure which one, but thought I would go along and relax a little. Its funny one of the messages was talking about food, I canot stop eating fish, so much so that I had to buy some mackeral fillets in sainsburys when I was shopping the other day , and eat them all on the way home. The car stinks, no one will go in it now!!!
Anyway hugs to all, love Elainexxx

[Guest user]

Thanks Lydia - you have helped alot - I'd looked at the Suburban Turban website and felt abit overwhelmed at the choice. I really like the Gemma one - so think I may be ordering one of those! Will have to get my 10 year old daughters approval first though.

Sophie - Hope you're feeling a bit more positive. I had my crying session this morning and feel a bit better now. Hubby has a temporary part time job at the moment and yesterday he told me it looks like it might end soon so he's a bit down and I think that rubbed off onto me this morning. Anyway on a positive note a recruitment agent rang for him at lunch time about a job so I've got everything crossed he gets an interview.

Julie

[DJ007]

Oh Sarah

More big hugs coming your way too. The same advice applies DO NOT SUFFER IN SILENCE!!!!!

Call your BCN or chemo unit and tell them how rubbish you feel. There may be something they can prescribe now to make you feel better. - And there are certainly things they can try to make sure you never feel as rough again.

Please don't give up just yet - remember, you are having chemo for very good reason.
Dx

[Guest user]

Hi bunnies
I too am feeling a bit low at the moment but am trying hard to get a grip of myself. I sat in bed at 12am sobbing my heart out for no apparent reason last night which has left me feeling worn out.
Margie your right that exercise is a tonic for me and some level of control is essential. I actually think I'm a bit low since my new BCN got involved but I'm trying not to fixate on her!
Tracy sorry you have been unwell and you must contact your unit as they said to me that you should phone if you are sick as thats not right. Nausea is usual but sickness means you have to let them know.
Anyway I'm of to give myself a bloody good talking to. Come in girls we can do this.
Sophie ( AKA myxi bunny) xxx

[margietee]

Morning bunnies. Hope you like my bunny pic! Shame I couldn't find a Zumba bunny pic!!!!

Sharon - never, ever feel you have to apologise for any down moments. We all have them and when it helps to put it down on the thread then that's the way to go. Sames goes for us all. Well done to you, and to Tracy and Lee, for getting the first one out of he way - Tracy I was so sorry to hear you had so much sickness. Hope it's getting better.

I had my Headstart session yesterday which was interesting. I think I could do a passable scarf tie now and also found it useful to try on different styles of headgear. I'm not very good at being the centre of attention in a beauty/style type session but I'm pleased I did it. Just wish I could do a headdress like you gadget-gal. Fantastic. Stunning in fact.

Vanns - I am staggered your new BCN said no exercise, no hair cutting etc etc - what is she on? Doesn't she realise taking control of ourselves is all part of getting through this and also how exercise makes for more positive thinking? My zumba session yesterday was so much more tame than I usually am and I had to stand a few dances out, but the benefit it gave me in terms of how I felt about myself was amazing, not to mention that fact that if we do things that we would normally do it helps to make us feel a bit more - well - normal! Also the support from all my friends in the class and at the gym generally is a wonderful tonic.

Keep at it everyone. Lots of love, hugs etc etc etc etc.

margieteexxxx

[chascat]

Hi Julie

Just popped in from the March thread to tell you my experience, for what it's worth. It's inevitable you'll feel emotional about losing your hair, my husband shaved mine off on day 18 after FEC1 and I cried like a baby for hours, took me a day or two to accept it but that was it really, i'm pretty much ok with it now, still not brave enough to go commando and don't think I ever will be but as long as I have my lovely hats i'm fine. In terms of buying hats and scarves, I went mad buying loads prior to losing my hair and now only wear one or two and the rest really were a waste of money. I can't recommend Surburban Turban enough http://www.suburbanturban.co.uk/, they're quite pricey but really lovely hats, i've got one called Gemma and have had so many compliments, i've just ordered another two slightly different ones, they also do clip in fringes which i've also just ordered. As far as i'm concerned i'm not spending money on my hair and I deserve to look nice and feel good (despite my husband complaining about how much money i'm spending!)

Hope this helps in some small way.

Take care

Love Lydia x

[Guest user]

Hello Bunnies

For the last few days I've read everyones posts but felt a bit too down to write.

I hope everyone is good, so sorry Tracy for your sickness but as ppixie said they will now change your medication so that it doesnt happen next time. The ONC nurses told me that they dont always get it right first time and have to fiddle around with the drug combinations for individiauls.

Hope my contribution to the photo challenge is ok racing my little son down to the Beach taken a week before I started chemo- seems so far away feeling so full of energy and life and having long hair.

I spent ages trying to attach ears to the photo and couldnt started getting really frustrated and then my daughter walked in and did it within 3 minutes and even uploaded the photo- i told her rather meekly it was chemo brain i was suffering from! Ha ha

My son woke up this morning to find himself covered in blister type spots on his hands and lower left arm-he doesnt have a fever or anything and seems fine. I phoned the school who said that they had an outbreak of chicken pox going round. But my son has had chicken pox two years ago so now I am really confused as what this rash might be and to be honest I'm trying hard to control panic from taking over. Anyway my daughter has taken him to the doctors now and I am really praying its nothing infectious.

Day 7 today but have to admit day 5 and 6 i have struggled a lot feel yuk and nauseaus and my stomach really really cramping and hurting even if I touch it. Still cant stand food just managed to drink prune juice and eat all bran this morning and now feel like i'm going to throw up constantly.

To be honest i dont think I'm going to eat anything more for the rest of the day feel so sick. I purposefully put some weight on before the chemo started but weighed myself this mornign and it seems I might be losing it again. I wish i could just have food and liquid substances passed intravenously into me because I really cant stand the thought of eating anything for the forseeable future. I wonder if this is normal?

I am actually having doubts as to whether i can carry on with the treatments or if I should call it a day, maybe its not for me and what will be will be? I thought the first treatment was supposed to be the easiest of the lot I certainly dont think I can cope if subesquent treatments make me feel worse than this.

I am having 4x E followed by 8 x CMF and radiotherapy sandwiched in between and tamoxifen after that. I feel so utterly out of my depth I'm standing at the bottom of mount everest wearing flip flops and have to climb to the top. I dont think I am as brave as all of you lovely ladies.

I found a hair on my pillow this morning and am wondering has it started. Will this black cloud lift ever?

Sarah xx

[Guest user]

Hi to my fellow Easter bunnies.

Reality seems to have hit me today and I'm having a bit of a wobbly day. Just rung my BCN having thought of a couple of questions about the chemo.

I'd thought that losing my hair wouldn't bother me but now I'm looking at hats and scarves online I'm thinking that I'm going to look awful and I don't know what will suit me.

Sorry for the moan. I'd better go and do something constructive with my day holiday off work - I have a dance costume to finish sewing for my daughter so think that better be my priority for today!

Julie

[chascat]

Morning ladies

Just wanted to pop in from the March thread to wish all of you starting chemo well, I regularly read you posts and they make me giggle - PPixie, you're a fab group leader!

Tracy - sorry you had such a tough time after FEC1, I was the same as you, had 10 hours of throwing up and my oncologist prescibed aprepitant (Emend) which stopped the sickness in it's tracks for number 2, although will not necessarily stop nausea as I found out a week later as had that quite bad but definately no sickness and that's what they aim to achieve. Rae from our March thread was refused it by her oncologist but I think this is quite unusual and she's been unlucky, I think most onc's will do what they can to make things as bearable as possible for you. As long as you've stopped being sick now you'll probably be ok but might be worth ringing the chemo unit and let them know.

Love and luck to the rest of the ladies starting today or waiting to start.

Take care

Love Lydia x

[pesteringpixie]

Giggles - love the pic natalie:) have a wonderful day my fellow Essex Bunny 🙂 xx

[pesteringpixie]

Good morning bunnies

DJ - I love the pic, from now on I shall see you as Jessica Rabbit!

Sharon and Lee - well done on achieving numero uno:) and Tracy, I am so sorry you have been that sick, perhaps you could ask for Emend (also called Araptacin) its supposed to be the best available. I am having it so really hoping its as effective as the hype.

Southpool - welcome. You and I are starting on the same day so a bit of cyber hand holding for us. I am also self-employed and intend to continue working through all of this - I am HER2+ so a very long haul for me and not working for 2 years just isn't an option.

Raechi - so encouraged by your portacath experience. yesterday, I went to my GP for blood tests before the portacath and we had usual performance of hunt the vein so really am hoping the portacath makes life easier as not sure they would ever find a good enough vein never mind getting one to collapse!

Yesterday, my GP gave me some diazepam - just a few and suggested they may help me relax and sleep as I am going loopy with the HRT withdrawal and haven't had a decent nights sleep in over 2 months. Last night I took one diazepam, went to bed at 11pm, read for 15 minutes turned light off and next thing I know, bedroom is flooded with sun and clock says 7.45am!!! Realise, I can't use diazepam for more than a few days as it's highly addictive, but the release of having a full nights sleep is truly wonderful and may get me some quality rest before Tuesday (portacath) and Wednesday (chemo) all kicks off.

Now a reminder......

I set a challenge yesterday that every lady on this thread had to upload a pic that reflected that they were an easter chemo bunny. Sarabee, was the first, mine as you can see is a rabbit with its feet up in front of a computer terminal, DJ has gone for the glamour angle... so come on everyone, get those bunny pics up there - lets make this the bounciest thread on the forums because together, we are going to get well, joyous and make the best friends we have ever had.

Much love to you all

PPixie xx

[Guest user]

Tracy

So sorry to hear that your first session hasn't been particularly pleasant for you hun.

DJ007 has pipped me to the post and suggested exactly the same as what I was going to.....call the chemo unit, I'm sure they don't expect you to be sick so many times after.

I hope you feel better soon.

Love & hugs

Natalie xxx

[DJ007]

Teabelly

Poor you! Call your chemo unit today and tell them - see if they can give you anything now to ease it and insist on different/better anti-sickness meds next time.

I have heard of people being really ill on their first one, but with an adjustment of meds they were fine for all the rest.

If you can, keep sipping water and try and eat a little. Dry toast is normally fairly OK - strange as it seems, it's meant to help if you have a little in your stomach.

Hope it passes soon - big hugs.
Dx

[teabelly]

Hi everyone
well first one down i found the chemo ok i didnt really feel bad and i was out after 4 hours but it all went wrong when arrived home was sick 8 times it came every hour still feel queasey taking steroids and anti sickness but not feeling good
Sharon and lee glad you both did well yesterday
Lots of love
Tracy xx

[raechi]

Hello lovely bunnies,
Popping in from march and it's fab to see all the support here too.

Pestering pixie, this post is really for you re my portacath insertion. I had it on tuesday and then had my chemo using it yesterday.

I have to say the insertion itself was fine. I was in having the op for about 45 mins, I was sedated and to be honest I don't remember much else! I didn't feel a thing. I am a bit bruised and sore but it's not uncomfortable. It was fine for my chemo yesterday and I managed to get my bra on today. It's bruised but I can honestly say I think it will make life a whole lot easier.
I have 2 incisions but they are not rally big. The longest is about 2cm max. You can feel the cath under the skin but can't really see it.

They did tell me the risks of having it done. But as my veins were in such a state I think it was the best option.

Any questions feel free to ask,

Rae
X

Best of luck with yours.

[DJ007]

As (I hope) an honorary bunny, I have changed my pic.

Does Jessica Rabbit count? I hasten to add that I don't look anything like this!

For anyone not sure how to book a LGFB session, here's a link to their website. All the info is on there.
http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/site/index.cfm

Stay well everyone, may all your SEs be little ones.
Dx

[Sameelee3]

Hi Bunnies,

Good news for you about the bone scan, Sharon, and am so sorry for the awful time you have had this week.

One down and five to go. I took a whole load of stuff and didn't use any of it! Had a nurse and a trainee who did the injections by hand, so couldn't really start rummaging around for ice cubes and mints and water etc. It was okay really - took about and hour and three quarters in all. Pinky orange wee, like you Sharon, and just a little light headed, but that's all so far. Fingers crossed, and must remember to take all the anti-sickness pills. My eyes glazed over as she was explaining the doses to me; I was watching her lips moving but not registering anything she said!
Take care everyone,
Lee
x

[southpool]

Hi all

Please can I join your gang, I've been lurking since my surgery 3 weeks ago & now have a chemo start date of next Wed. Am slightly unusual as I felt a lump under my arm which was a cancerous lymph node, but despite mammogram, MRI, ultrasound, bone scan, CT and mastectomy there is no evidence on a primary cancer. Because the cancer is in 2 of my lymph nodes and is fast growing I am having FEC-T starting next Wednesday followed by tamaxofin (I am 48) and maybe radiotherapy. Been a roller coaster ride particularly with all the test but have recovered from surgery well & now just want to get started. Have been following the bag & wig buying with interest and shall be following suit in the next couple of days. I am a self employed consultant so am hoping to work at least some of the time. Am also fortunate to have travelled the world for 7months last year, my treatment schedule is almost exactly a year after the 'west' leg of our trip so that helps me rationalise the treatment period. This thread seems like a jolly friendly & helpful place x

[libby12]

Hi Pixie, thanks for your lovely comments it has made me feel much better, sorry, I am so sensitive at the moment, a complete blubbering mess, and anything negative just sends me off on one. Never used to be like this, I have always been so positive. Anyhow I have bought a new chemo bag from john lewis as the other one did not have a pocket for tissues!!!! so will go and repack in case of emergency. Love to allxxx

[Guest user]

Hi all Bunnie Girls.

Firstly I want to apologise for my down mood yesterday, anyone who read the "grief stricken" thread will understand, it just hit home very hard.

I was very apprehensive and tearfull this morning before going for my first poisoning, i suppose thats natural, just a fear of the unknown.

However, chemo was at 1pm, I am now back home, comfy in my PJs and drinking loads.
During the chemo all i experienced was a strange taste in my mouth and at that point i had my calypso lolly which did help. Then towards the end of the session my eyes just felt heavy and i wanted to go to sleep but it was almost over so i didnt.
Pee was bright red the first time i went but is now more diluted 🙂

I received my results whilst there and my bone scan was clear .... yipeeeeeee.
Have appt tomorrow with the wig lady so hope the side effect stay away.

Hope everyone else who starts today is feeling good too.

Pixie i will try and sort out a pic by i'm like you OH and need to learn how lol

I hope everyone is doing well, My memory seems to have gone so finding it hard to remember names and put them to posts. So .....
Love to Everyone of the Bunnie girls !!!!
Sharon xxxxxx

[pesteringpixie]

Elaine - I am so sorry if I have caused you any worry. Herceptin is really good news for us as it reduces our chances of recurrence dramatically. I follow the American forums about HER2+ as there is a huge amount on there, and the news is so positive. We are seen as the lucky ones as we have a proven antidote to the HER2+. Herceptin switches off the + bit.

http://www.breastcancer.org is the site for the American forum - reading everything on there about herceptin really did make me feel very buoyed up.

Much love

PPixie xxx

[pesteringpixie]

Hi Bunnies

Way to go margie - doing Zumba just a week on from your first chemo - I really do believe that exercise is going to be a big part of my recovery process. Need to get the lymph flowing rather than stagnating.

2 weeks after surgery, i bought a rebounder as had read that it is the best form of activity for moving the lymph. So off I went, bouncing away... after 3 days got a huge swelling in my left ribs.

Phoned BCN and told her a new great big walloping tumour had appeared. She told me this is unlikely and that it would be a seratoma, but unusual to have one appear 2 weeks after surgery. Had I been doing my physio? Well yes i had. Had I been lifting, well no I hadn't. Had I being doing anything else. Well, does trampolining count? Pause. What, she says? Well its only a little trampoline and have you ever seen a kangaroo with breast cancer? She strongly suggested I refrain from trampolining until 8 weeks post surgery, she also suggested I should hold fire on the bungee jumping and absailing too. Sarcasam should not be included in BCN inter-personal skills training.

Told OH and he unscrewed legs off said trampoline and he has hidden them!

Humpf!! Had a laugh this morning though... those of you have read my earlier posts will know that i get on my Wii fit every day and that at the weekend changed my little Mii character to one with a bald head and a purple beanie. To keep her company, I also switched OH Mii character to a baldie with grren beanie. Also gave him a fat tummy and a grumpy smile too! This morning, i was in the shower when i heard a loud " I didn't realise one of the side effects of BC was infantile behaviour!" I had to shove the flannel in my mouth so he couldn't hear me laughing. best thing is, he isn't very electronic savvy so doesn't know how to change his Mii back. Giggles....

Been to Doctor today who has prescribed me some diazepam - only 7 tablets - says it will reduce my increasing anxiety over portacath procedure which is now keeping me awake at night with the thought of the cutting, pushing and pulling and me wide awake throughout. At least now I shall be so zonked out, I won't care! Never had any form of mood altering drugs before - could be a whole new yellow submarine experience!!

Love to all

PPixie xx