Starting chemo in April 2012

[Guest user]

Gadget-gal he's one in a million.

[Guest user]

LittleChick, you have such a thoughtful husband 🙂

[Guest user]

Hi Bunnies

Glad you are home LittleChick, nothing quite like your own bed to sleep in, is there.

Margietee, you took the words out of my mouth.....Pixie, how are you? Hope the SE'd haven't found you too badly.

I am sorry I haven't posted since Friday night. Well I am on day 2 now, district nurse has been in this morning to give me my white cell booster injection, 1 down, 9 to go, lol. I haven't really been suffering with any SE's so far, just feel tired and a little sicky in the morning. I still have my appetite at the moment and looking forward to my roast dinner today providing nothing changes between now and then.

Hope you all enjoy your day.

Love to all in the warren

Natalie xxx

[margietee]

Pixie how's it going. I'm worrying for you cos you've not posted for a wee while. Margieteex

[Guest user]

Just to let you know that I got out of hospital yesterday and I am SO glad to be home in my own bed! They nearly changed their minds at the last minute and I think I would have just cried if I'd had to stay any longer. I finally got some sleep in my own bed last night. Very weak and wobbly but just glad to be home. Hubby bought a small patio chair on the way home, disinfected it and put it in the shower for me so I was able to get my hair washed. When I got out the shower there was a set of brand new pjs and a dressing gown lying out on the bed for me. Apparently the manager in M & S helped him pick 🙂

I am trying very hard not to think past a day ahead. Just gonna enjoy being at home today.

Sorry for not responding to all the other posts. I'm so glad some of you don't have many SEs. Don't feel guilty, it gives the rest if us some hope!! Good luck to everyone and even though I haven't posted much it is good to know you are going through this with others and we're all supporting each other in that way. Xx

[Guest user]

Good morning everyone

I think I've got piles! Not sure cause never had them before! It was very painful this morning! Its Sunday so GP not available till tomorrow! Ii dont think
Its serious enough to call emergency help line! Im guessing this is normal Is there anything I can get over the counter?

Sarah xx

[Guest user]

Hi Sara,

Take some inbruprofen (and paracetamol too if it helps) before your chemo. It might stop headaches from the cold

[sarabee2012]

Hello Bunnies!!

Just seen that a couple of you are trying the cold cap. Went to the chemo unit last week and was chatting to the matron who said that as I suffer from migraines I may find it more painful. I had already made up my mind not to bother as it only seems to prolong the inevitable and the extra time in the unit seemed to be more of a chore. However my OH is keen for me to try it. I know he's being great and very supportive but I am getting so stressed about the whole thing and this is just one more thing to worry about. Thursday can't come quick enough as I'm desperate to get the sparkly stuff in so I can be lovely and glittery inside but am also so anxious. Sorry to moan as I know all of you are already going through it all.

Night night all,
Sara B.

[Guest user]

Evening Bunnies,
Thought the other day that I had got over my tummy problem but on friday morning it camne back with a vengence and the pain wouldn't go away. Went to my chemo unit and a doc had a look. It looks like I had got some sort of pelvic inflammtion (infection) and was put on two sorts of antibiotics to help clear it up ( that puts a stop to me drinking my fav tipple a glass of wine).
Feeling alot better today now on antibiotics and painkillers.

Also my hair was getting thin and startingn to come out so decided to clipper it off down to a grade 3. Now I am wearing a scarf that I got from wigs4u.co.uk and its very nice, will be getting some more. Still waiting for my ordered wig to arrive.

Hope all the bunnies are having minimal SE's and are having a nice weekend.

Love and hugs
Tash xxxxxx

[Guest user]

Sara, I had terrible itching in the first week, but I dabbed some olive oil on the scalp massaged it gently. It subsided after a while.

[sara12]

Libby - I'm using the cold cap, but at home and I don't think they work as well as the onc centre ones.

I was doing quite well on the hair front, but noticed yesterday evening that my head is getting a bit itchy and a few odd hairs are shedding - that was day 16 for me. It will be interesting to see what happens when I wash it tomorrow. Still plan to use cold cap on Weds for FEC 2, but have low expectations. I will just be pleased if it slows down the loss for a while - am hoping it thins rather than falls out altogether. If it does start falling out in clumps then I will abandon use of cold cap I think. Only worth the discomfort if it prevents bald patches!

[Guest user]

Sounds like some people are really suffering with the side effects and others not so much. Big hugs to all those who are struggling, and really hope it continues to go okay for those who are getting through it so far so good.

I have been shattered today, unable to do much of anything but lie on the couch. I haven't even slept much, can't read much or watch much, the internet is an effort. Hope this passes soon as I'm due back at work on Monday. BUT I am not feeling as sick and actually felt a little hungry tonight, so that is good news. The thing I keep trying to remember is that all of it will pass, all the side effects and it will all be worth it in time.

[libby12]

Hi Gadget Gal, yes I have read all the info,and I have tried not to mess with it at all, I have only washed it a couple of times and try not to comb it often. Maybe I am expecting too much, as I know it will thin out. Just having a panic. Glad to know you are having the cc, I really hope that its works for us.xxxx

[Guest user]

Libby, some people have some hair loss with the cold cap but not enough that other people notice.

I reckon I haven't lost any because I keep it plaited, and therefore only comb it every 2weeks or so. I wash it gently in plaits. Then again, I have Afro hair, so it might not be feasible for everyone. The Paxman website has some hair are advice, suavh as using a ph-balanced shampoo. Have you seen it?

[Guest user]

Lee,
Any sign of second week dip? I am feeling tired, but not sure any more than normal with a toddler to play with all day! Also woke up for manuka honey at 4am, that's going to make anyone tired. Got back to sleep really quickly though.

Day 12 today. Still waiting for my hair to fall out........

Rachel xx

[libby12]

Hi all, and hello to all the lovely new April Bunnies. Had a really bad week as my cat had to go to the vets as she was having mini fits, the vet gave her some tablets to help her, but she went out in the night and hasnt come back, that was three days ago, and we are all so upset as she was a lovely cat and was so close to me and the girls. Its seems its just one thing after the other. Well Fec no 2 next Thursday and I am starting to feel a bit apprehensive. I hope that I can continue to avoid the SE, i feel really bad when i read that some of you are really suffering that I hate saying that I havent had any. Mind you I had a good cry before,(again) I know most of you know I am using the cold cap , and I thought I was doing ok on the hair front, but I noticed today quite a bit of hair is coming out, now I dont know if this is normal with the cold cap, but it has really upset me. I think my emotions are running high, and I carnt seem to think clearly. Sorry its such a depressing post, but its the way I feel right now. Love to all Elaine.xxxx

[Guest user]

pesteringpixie, that's almost like a goody bag! they take care of you in your hospital!

[Guest user]

what with a couple of late nightd and early mornings, I slept for 12 hours last night. Perhaps I need more sleep even though the fatigue has passed.

Yay, I made it to the gym today! I only made it thought half my normal free weights routine, so I migth have lost some strenghth 😞 must try and get more protein into my system.

one of the personal trainers came to say 'Hi' and that he'd noticed I hadn't been around. some info came out and he offered me a free session! We've made arrangements for Tuesday pm and I, going to use it to get some ideas on using a swiss ball at home and some good upper body exercises between now and my post-chemo surgery.

On the hair loss front: my body hair comes out if I pinch it but my scalp hair doesn't, at all. Perhaps that's the cooling cap working(?). for those that have lost hair in clumps: was that after the second FEC?

[Guest user]

Hi bunnies,
Day 4 and am feeling a bit brighter. Still haven't moved anywhere and I'm being waited on by OH and a friend. However, I am feeling a tiny bit more like myself. Appetite is coming back and I'm not feeling as sick. Hope everyone else is feeling ok too. Has anyone heard from dstace? She was meant to start at the same time as us but hasn't posted for a while . I hope she is ok and not suffering on her own.
Love to the warren
Vanns x

[teabelly]

Hi Everyone

Finally feel back to myself feel really well I have to say my fish and chips were wonderfully i really enjoyed them and today i cant stop eating just had asda delivery i was rooting through bags looking at all the food had a donut whilst un packing yummy

Sharon great to hear from i was starting to worry about you i have been using manuka honey for my sore mouth i brought some manuka honey lonzenges they are really good and made my mouth feel better overnight

Vanns recommend fish and chips they were lovely !!!

GMT im sure my eyelashes are falling out after 1st FEC i hardly have any

Hope everyone else is well and not suffering
Lots of love
Tracyxxxx

[GMT]

False alarm with eyelashes, bad light, gunk and tears making my lashes stick together and thinking I'd got clumps missing. What a drama queen! Blaming it on my spaced out head.
Hope everyone is having a relaxing weekend, still in bed, moving makes me feel sick still, so will stay here a bit longer.

Love to you all

GMT xx

[Guest user]

Hi Bunnies

I've not posted for over a week due to the nasty SE's, mostly vomitting, but have just spent 2 hrs reading all the posts and catching up.
Sorry for all those of you who have also endured the SE's and happy for those of you who have managed to avoid them.

Pixie i managed to overcome my technophobia and found a bunny pic lol.

I am now day 9 and today have felt more like myself. Went to meet the wig lady today. I expected to struggle finding something i liked and thought i would have to order and wait. I was worrying about this as i am noticing a few strands falling and hair looks to be thinner. Had my hair cut very short 2 weeks ago in preparation, dont like it but am getting used to it. However went in, found one i liked the look of, they had my preferred colour and style in stock so i tried it on. I looked in the mirror and almost cried, it was like seeing the old me looking back. my friend who had come for support just said WOW and said how right it looked. The lady asked me if i wanted to leave it on to go home in, so i did. It looks and feels so right, I am so happy with it (so suprised as its an NHS one too)I feel more prepared now for the inevitable hair loss.

Tracy, glad you managed and hopefully enjoyed your fish n chips, i went for it tonight too and had a chinky, lemon chicken n mixed veg, thoroughly enjoyed it as its the first proper meal ive had.
I am using the manuka honey and dont like it but am finding it helps the throat and sore mouth.

Sorry i cant remember everyones names and progress but wishing you all the best on this journey. Ive decided that although this past week has been an awful experience, one bad week in every 3 is a small price to pay to try and ensure the rest of my life is BC free.

OH bought me a kindle this week so been losing myself in book but not picked my knitting up, maybe next week.

Love to you all
Sharon xxx

[Guest user]

Hi bunnies,
Feeling flat and tired today. I now have suppository SE's aswell. Can't go into detail. However I have eaten real food today which although I only managed a bit was nice. My bones are aching like mad from the immune boost injection, not sure how long that will last but I'm told it will pass. I have promised myself fish and chips next Friday if tracy has managed it today - well done. I must say I think I have been lucky with the drugs as they have given me stuff for constipation and thrush and sore mouth as well as loafs of anti sickness and even some sedatives! They have written it on a chart saying when all the different stuff starts and stops which is good.

Anyway good luck with all those thinking about number 2 and positive sparkly vibes to those just getting to grips with number 1

Especially well done to little chick who seems to have spent the longest time in hospital. Keep going. We are all with you.
Vanns

[GMT]

Hi everyone,

Only day 1 after FEC and just noticed I've already lost some eyelashes. Onc said eyebrows and eyelashes might not go, so I'm waiting for the big fall out in the head department shortly. My eyes and head hurt so much last night perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. Not a happy bunny!

Hope everyone gets some sleep,

GMT xx

[Guest user]

Mary,
I was really worried about constipation. I started on a glass of prune juice and all bran for breakfast a couple of days before my fec. The hospital gave me senna in my goody bag, but I overdid it on these and went the other way!!

I've had phone appts with my gp too, so hopefully you won't have to go in?

Still waiting for my hair to fall out........day 11..........

[Guest user]

Hi everyone,

I've ben to the oncology unit today and been TAXd for the second time. So here goes for another week of the tax trots, aching bones and muscles especially after my Neulasta injection tomorrow.

Lacuna - I've been given steroids for 3 days and Domperidone for 5 days to prevent nausea and vomiting. I haven't experienced an yn/v except after Neulasta but it only lasts for a day or two. I don't have any constipation - I run to the loo for about a week and then SEs wear off leaving me tired.

I clipped my hair last Sunday as chemo had upset my hair follicles a bit. I still have some stubble but chemo nurse that will fall out with this TAX cycle. I find I'm wearing scarves most of the time as they are more comfortable than the wig.

Hope none of you suffer too much and are able to enjoy the weekend.

Christine xxx

[pesteringpixie]

Good evening bunnies

Well honestly, I am like sleeping beauty (or should it be sleeping baldy?) because all I am doing is sleeping! Get up for an hour, eat, drink, have a wee then go back to bed. Think all the meds are just doping me up.

My chemo drug bag contains stuff for constipation and also stuff for diarrhoea should that start, 10 days of anti emetics, difflam, giant e45, steroids and a special spray for my portacath. House is like Boots. Bc care seems to be very well funded here.

I have to go to GP on Wednesday for stitches out in portacath op site and bit worried about germs so will not go in waiting room. Wondering whether to see if district nurse could come here or am I being precious?

Gadget gal - Lindt rabbits are my favourite, you have given me a choccy craving!

Margie - I think the hair loss is a big thing for all of us yet everyone seems to say once it is clipped we just accept and get on with it. Our baldness is a symbol of our courage and inner beauty.

Visualisation - whenever there is something in my life that gives me fear, I visualise it as something positive. Hence the chemo is a bright radiant liquid, filled with sparkly stars that wrap themselves round our poorly cells and make them shiny and happy again. I meditate on that and it helps me enormously.

Will do something similar with the hair loss, only thing I can ever change is my thoughts.

Natalie - pleased you got through number 1. You will love the portacath, very, very pleased I had it done.

Lacuna, sorry you had a rough time again, do hope they sort the meds for you.

Much love

Pixie xxxx

[Guest user]

Evening all.

I had my second FEC on Wed. I was given Emend this time due to all the sickness last time. This time I didn't throw up, but the nausea was awful, I was heaving and could taste sick in my mouth. Phoned the out of hours chemo number and was able to take some of my anti-sickness meds a bit early. All in all not a nice experience, and if Emend is the best they can do then I am really not looking forward to the next one. Does anyone know if nausea is as bad on Taxotere? I am really hoping that the sickness will not be as bad as on FEC.

Really glad that others have had an okay time of it on the whole.

Little chick - so sorry to hear of your sickness and I really do sympathize. I hope the next is better.

I am not feeling as bad now though I still can't really eat anything, but hopefully things are on the up till next time.

[Guest user]

Good evening bunnies

Well I am back home after a long day in the hospital. I am all TAC'd out for now, no SE's so far other than feeling a bit spaced out and I have just been able to eat my dinner. I have to go in to have a portacath fitted in the next 2 weeks before I start again on the 18th May....veins aren't as good in my hands so they think it will be easier. They don't fit PICC lines apparently.

Margietee, sorry about your hair, hope you are ok?

LittleChick, hope you get out of hospital soon.

Pixie, hope you are getting on ok still.

Sorry if I have missed anybody but can't really concentrate to be honest.

Try and check in again tomorrow.

Love and hugs to you all.

Natalie xxx

[teabelly]

Evening Ladies

hope everyone well i feel alot more like myself today even had fish and chips for tea tonight

Pixie i love the idea of the poison being sparkly stars that is what im going to think when poison going in next time glad your not suffering to much try to sleep as much as you can that made feel better take care

Mary i have had to have 3 prescription this week and my doctor did phone surgury and got my prescription ready for me as for constipation i been drinking prune juice havent needed anything more

Sarah im making most of this next week who knows what SE the next juice will bring

Sara i feel for you ive not been suffering to much with constipation thank goodness hope it get better for you soon

LittleChick hope you get out of hospital soon it sounds like you have suffered bless you

GMT stay in bed i didnt feel to sick whilst in bed soon as you move
get a good rest

Margietee i feel for you with your hair every morning i check my pillow

Hope everyone is ok
Lots of love tracy xxx

[margietee]

Hi bunnies.

Well, I'm sitting here getting used to the feeling of being bald. My hair started coming out, just a few at a time, on Sunday and by last night it was coming out in handfulls. I woke up to find what looked like a small animal bunched up on my pillow this morning. Couldn't stand another night of trying to sleep in a cloud of hair and thinking I was breathing it all into my lungs as I tried to sleep, so I finally took the plunge and got my hubby to get the clippers out. I sobbed my way through it - cried more than at any other time since I first felt my bc at Christmas, but it's done now and doesn't feel as bad as I thought it would.

I had my onc checkup this week prior to next wednesday's FEC2 .... all fine, except when I mentioned I had some pain in my mid upper back, right hand side, and also some soreness still around the left underarm (site of sentinel node removal) she decided to refer me back to the surgeon regarding the underarm and for a full body CT scan regarding the back pain. On both she said she is certain there's nothing nasty lurking but that it would be wise to check things out. Both appts should be in the next couple of weeks.

The other main thing in my onc appt was that I asked her about milk thistle. She definitely knew what I was talking about and said categorically NO NO NO to it. The main reason being that it can disguise things in the pre chemo blood test so they wouldn't have a clear picture of what's going on in my body.

Pixie, I love the analogy of sparkly stuff. Better than my 'good medicine' idea, so now I am preparing myself to being sparkled on wednesday. So pleased things have been OK for you.

Hope everyone else is doing OK. I know there are lots of other things I'd planned to respond to but my chemo brain doesn't hold information any more .... especially now the cold can get to it via my bald head!

Have a great weekend everyone.

love, margieteexx

[sara12]

GMT and LittleChick - sorry you've been feeling so sick - hope that passes soon.

GMT - was warned by chemo nurse about sinuses and, as she put it, 'tingling down below' - but didn't get either effect during treatment.

Rae - good to hear they gave you preventative stuff for thrush etc - I definitely want something next time. Also getting cystitis symptoms - so maybe like your UTI. Intend to get dosed up with anything they can give me!

Sara

[GMT]

Hi all,
Ive not posted for a while. I have been reading but as I felt calmer about things and didn't have much to say as was waiting for first FEC yesterday. It went ok except for a few mix ups , then my OH got a bit cross so I sent him home. He has been an absolute star and I think he just feels fairly helpless.
Talked the poor nurse to death while giving me the sparkly stuff but it helped the time go. She finished,checked I had my appt card and went for her break and I just got up and went. Should I have stayed for a bit longer? No one stopped me, I think my head was a bit spaced out so didn't check. By time I got home, I thought my head was going to explode and I felt very sick. Had Emend and steriod in infusion. I was getting that sinus pain as well so will ask next time for more saline, prob caused the horrendous headache
Did anyone have the med during that made your back passage tingle? I'm sure some people would pay good money for that. Fortunately, nurse did forewarn. Started in my head then went straight to my nether regions. Glad she told me otherwise it could have been a bit disconcerting.
SE's feel a bit better today, sick meds are working if I don't move about too much. I'm not one for staying in bed but can't seem to or want to get out today.
Regards going to docs for notes etc , my doc has said will happily do phone consultation . I still phoned to book one just to be on the safe side,rather than wait for the day I needed a new note.

Hope everyone is doing ok today, those still waiting or being FEC ' d or whatever today have few, if any SE, and
anyone feeling yucky ,hope it passes soon.

Love to you all,
GMT xxx

[Guest user]

Just to let you all know I've had a rough couple of days but am still here! Hopefully I'll get home tomorrow. Sickness is under control just some nausea. The headache sinuses trembling hands etc are quite bearable compared to throwing your guts up every 40 mins! They don't have Emend anywhere here and not sure it would have been much use to me anyway, they had already given me loads of antiemetics with the chemo, took a lot of drugs to stop the vomiting. They said not to worry and they'll adjust things next time. The good thing was the emergency admission system worked really well at the hospital and they took me straight in to a ward. Just felt sorry for the other poor sods on the ward listening to all the sound effects!

Anyway a nurse made me eat a couple of bites of toast and it really helped. I've been forcing myself to eat a little bit every mealtime and it defo helps with the nausea just avoiding dairy and anything that might aggravate. Other than that my sense of smell is incredible. I can smell every little perfume and the visitors stink lol! Mind you not as bad as me 🙂 so hopefully will be back home tomorrow if my bloods come back ok.

Glad to be reading everyone else's posts. Sorry to hear you've been having a bad time too vann . X

[raechi]

Sara,
Sorry to butt in from the March thread again.
I have also had thrush (not oral) both cycles and this time what has felt like a UTI. (I have had 2 cycles of FEC).
I am now on antibiotics and fluconazole.
Next time they are going to put me on a preventative dose of fluconazole.
All good fun this chemo malarkey huh!
Rae
x

[sara12]

Repunzal - I'm sure it's worth you getting all the facts about Tamoxifen from your professional team to help put your mind at rest. If it's any help though, my ex mother-in-law had a mx followed by 5 years of Tamoxifen and that was 20 years ago - she's had no recurrences of any kind of cancer, and didn't put on weight either.

Sara

[sara12]

Hope everyone's SEs are subsiding a bit now.

Big M - I've had horrendous constipation with stomach pains, bloating etc. I'm on day 16 after FEC 1 and haven't been able to 'go' without constant doses of dulcolax and dulcoease. They do work eventually, but I intend to ask at onc check up for something better. I think it depends on local onc departments what they are prepared to prescribe or not.

To add insult to injury, I got piles as well - never had those before in my entire life! And, since I'm mentioning unmentionables, also got thrush - which makes me wonder whether my mouth problems were oral thrush rather than ulcers, since I have the other kind. As far as I know, no-one else has mentioned these SEs on this thread, but I was comforted to find that they have been mentioned quite a bit on other threads. Under the circs, not looking forward to peeing out strong chemicals after FEC 2 next week....

Just not possible to remain dignified with all these SEs, is it?!

My onc check up is on Monday - hope they're not expecting me to go to GP separately for remedies.

Sara

[Guest user]

Hi Everyone

Natalie -hope all is well after today love and luck all the way.

Pixie I'm so glad your getting through this with your ususal upbeat determined approach . I was quite worried that you might decide not to post if the SEs were really bad and than where would we be without our mentor. Only a few days and the taste and quesy goes away but dont do what I did when your better and eat half a pack of chocolate biscutis- felt so ill after that.

Tracy finally day 9 from my experience its all good now until the next time eeeek (dont think about it dont think about).

Big M -I had extremely bad constipation too started having 3-4 prunes (yuk)a glass of prune juice (even more yukky), and all bran (eeeyuk cardboard) for breakfast and ended up with a runny tummy. I just thought I've already got so much chemicals and unnatural stuff in my body if I can keep it natural for some of the SEs than I will. I'm going to ask the ONC next week about milk thistle because I went to the chemist and the pharmacist actually said its supposed to help with the nausea and bloating feeling you get from Chemo. His mother went through it last year so he knew what I was going on about. However he recommended I speak to the ONC before I actually take it cause it might be contra some of the chemo drugs. I hope I can take it because once my course of antisickness tablets finishes I can take milk thistle to help me the remaining days, because actually I agree with gadget girl and dont want to take anti-sickness any longer than i have to. I dont think its vain on top of hair loss, acne, and disgusting skin not to want to have a moon face as well. Also milk thistle is 3 for 2 in Tescos at the moment so I will stock up next week.

However I think your GP will be 100% understanding about you not going into the surgery. My GP has actually been fantstic through all this. I have 2 doctors at the surgery and both have also has given me over the phone advise and left prescriptions for someone to pick up. Before I started the chemo I had a long chat with each of them separtely because chemo was such a traumatic thought for me and I just wanted an independent proffesional opinion rather than from the ONC. Who sees people like me day in day out.

My doctors actually explained to me in human terms why it was a good idea to have the chemo -and even went through the side effects that I was concerned about rather than facts and figures and 10 years survival blah blah.
I have to say my GP has been so good and they specifically told me not to come into the surgery. When I phoned the surgery asking for a sick note for my return to work. He phoned me back to ask how things had been and if it had been as I expected. He was so supportive.

Is anybody going to be taking tamoxifen? I have been told I will get this at the end. But I have only just read on another post the horrific side effects womb cancer and weight gain - oh my goodness I feel sick already and Im scared. I am wondering if I Should ask to have my womb removed before I start this horrendous tablet? I cant bear the thought.

Lots of love and minimal SE to all
Sarah xx

[raechi]

Hi,
Just having a read and popping in from the March thread. I was told over the counter remedies for constipation are fine (the ondansetron anti sickness is renound for giving you constipation).
My GP understood my concern re; germs at the surgery and gave me a consultation over the phone and then left a prescription for me (or someone else to collect).
I ate prunes...worked for me - mine was only mild..
Hope that helps...
Rae
x

[Guest user]

Morning

Thanks to all established bunnies for the supportive comments. They do help. I live in Egham Surrey and have found a wig shop in Shepperton that has been recommended by someone on another forum thread, so I will grab some friends and take the plunge one day next week.

Spoke to the oncology people today and said I am concerned about constipation - I had it for the first time in my life when I got home from hospital after mx and it was a nightmare. I am pretty sure I will get it, but apparently you have to go to your GP for a prescription, they won't give it to you at the hospital. It does not seem right to have to drag yourself from your sick bed after chemo and get a GP appointment, then sit in the waiting room amid all the germs.

Anyone got experience of a better route for getting constipation meds?

Mary xxxxxxx

[pesteringpixie]

Good morning bunnies

Let me apologise in advance if I miss anyone, just had a long catch up on posts and very woozy so may miss some.

Vans, sorry to hear that even with Emend you had such a bad reaction. I was given Emend, metro loperamide and ondanestron. Have 10 days supply. I am a bit queasy but no sickness. So very grateful.

Tash, pleased all the digestive stuff is settling.

Repunzel, great to hear you are having a good week.

Little chick, hope you are feeling better now and back home.

Sara b it's amazing how our OHs step up to the nurses mark isn't it? Mine is absolutely wonderful, don't know what I would do without him.

As for me, day 3post FEC1 and feel woolly headed and very washed out. Bit queasy and metallic taste in mouth but apart from that, not too bad. Last day of steroids and Emend so shall see what tomorrow brings. Those of you with the headaches and sinus pain, it's the cyclosphamide. I got it during chemo very bad. The nurse stopped it and ran it in with 500mls of saline and that stopped the pain. Apparently this is a common SE from cyclosphamide. It hits the sinuses.

Well that's me for now, hope everyone in the warren is okay. Remember, chemo is not poison, it's sparkly stars that make us well and any SEs are the nasty cells fighting back, but the sparkly stars will win 🙂

Much love

Pixie xx

[Guest user]

All the best Natalie,
Hope it all goes well today,

Hugs
Tash xxxx

[teabelly]

Good luck Natalie thinking about you
love tracy xxx

[Guest user]

Morning bunnies

Well the morning has arrived and I am so tired, managed to get about 3-4 hours sleep last night. I am not amused as I was tired enough to sleep, just couldn't 😞

Sara B, I hope you have a better day today, no one likes a down day 🙂

Shall check in later bunnies and let you know how it is all going.

Love to all

Natalie xxx

[sarabee2012]

Hi bunnies

Just a quick post as I'm in bed and unable to sleep. Hugs to all those who've taken the plunge this week and good luck to those starting tomorrow. Am feeling a bit down today and tired. Can't seem to shake off the odd panicky moment as I'm getting towards next week. Can't come quick enough lol!

Wounds healing well but my poor OH has been in charge of changing my dressings. He's done fantastically well but tonight all the nerves in my boob came back and it feels like I've been scraped with sandpaper. Not nice at all. However he did get me some new bras which are the most comfy ones I've ever worn. So something nice to focus on.

Have a good Friday all. It's my mother in law's 73rd birthday and she survived bc in her 30s before all the treatments we have were invented. She's been a great inspiration.

Hopping off now for a snooze
Sara B xx

[Guest user]

Repunzal, when i had my chat with chemo nurse i got the impression that they only expected the nausea to last a few days. Maybe that's why they only give a small supply(?). I imagine your doctor might adjust your meds on your next appointment.

As for me, the anti-emetics gave me such a moon face that I stopped taking them as soon as the queasiness went away. Maybe I'm too vain!

[Guest user]

Hi bunnies

Well I have just over 12 hours before I am due in hospital for first juicing....NERVOUS!!! Going to go to bed in a minute as I am shattered. I moved all my stuff back home today as I have been staying with my mum after my op. She is off to Menorca on Sunday for a much deserved holiday so hubby no longer has house to himself. Just as well really, men living unsupervised just don't go well at all. I spent all afternoon sorting our bedroom, clothes and junk everywhere.

Vanns, sorry to hear you have been feeling poorly, hope it gets better soon.

Tash, glad your tummy pains are feeling better and I hope the infection is subsiding.

Carol, will you be having your chemo tomorrow, if so, we can virtually hold hands.

Love to you all, keep going bunnies

Hugs

Natalie xxx

[teabelly]

Forgot to Say welcome to new bunnies RachelP and BigM
Tash glad you sorted out your arm and trapped wind mine is opposited very loud and proud and it just happens the joys of chemo hope you feel better soon Lots of love
Tracyxxxx

[teabelly]

Hi Everyone

Day 9 Finally felt better bit of acid still but feel alot brighter. my friend came round brought dinner with her and finally felt hungary so eat quite alot today got to tea time and got mouth ulsers and feels like my throat is sore any one know whats best for mouth ulser cant bear manuka honey makes me feel sick again when will these side effects stop

Sarah i only got 3 days of anti sickness tablets but doctor gave me more to last me for a week

Vanns sorry you have been so sick its horrible i was left with bad acid after being sick ive been having sherbert lemon sweets to take metallic taste away and fresh pineapple brings your taste buds back to life

Pixie you have done so well hope it last for you

Carol so sorry your chemo was delayed bet you got yourself all ready for it then to be let down hope you get it soon

Little chick hope your feeling better soon i didnt have emend i asked for it but then wanted to see how i was on first one well i better get in on no 2

Hope everyone well good luck to everyone starting tomorrow

Lots of love Tracy xxxxx

[Guest user]

Good evening April bunnies,

Pixie - Glad your portacath fitting and first juicing went ok and had no SE's.

Hyzlenthlay glad your first chemo went ok and SE's are minimal,

Vanns & Littlechick - sorry to hear that the naughty SE's crept in and found you. Hope you both recover and have minimal SE's from now on.

Gadget-Gal glad to hear that the chemo is working and your tumour has shrunk.

Teabelly - glad you are nearly feeling human again now.

CarolR - Glad you don't need anymore surgery - thats a bit of a bumma turning up for your first FEC and having it delayed by a road accident, hope it gets done soon.

RachelP - Welcome to the Warren and hope Se's are small.

BigM - Welcome to the warren.

I have had a few up and down days. Monday I had a PICC line fitted this went well with no probs. Tuesday had the gut pains return. Wednesday area on my arm above where PICC weas inserted started to swell up a bit. Today - gut pains got really bad and went to see my GP to see if anything could be prescribed, I had to laugh after as I was prescribed Infacol (used to treating wind/colic in babies), doc thought it was either trapped wind or constipation so got some Dulcolax from the chemist.
I also went to my chemo unit to have my arm and PICC line checked as my arm was now warm and red. Doc at chemo unit had a look and thought that there was an infection and I had IV antibiotics through the PICC and had amoxycilin to take at home.
Started taking the Dulcolax this morning and I think it is working as I have had to go the toilet several times this afternoon and evening. The main thing thou is that the pains have now subsided so will wait and see if the constipation / wind problem has been sorted.
We be seeing chemo nurse / doc again tomorrow to make sure all is ok with the infection and the PICC as I do not want it removed as my veins are crap and if I don't have the PICC I don't know what will happen as there are 5 cycles of chemo and a year of Herceptin to get through.

Hope all the Bunnies who have had chemo have minimal SE's and any bunnies that are about to start good luck.

Virtual hugs all round.

Tash
xxxxxx