Starting chemo in April 2012

[Guest user]

Hi Linda,

My understanding is Herceptin does not cause hair loss, stomach upsets or increased risk of infection. I think because it doesnt target normal cells only those fast growing cells that make a particular protein HER2/neu. so it is more specific to the cancer cells leaving normal cells alone.

I read on another post about ladies on Herceptin who were talking about there hair growing back and were going to get it coloured.

Difficult decision re herceptin 6 months vs 12 months - I really wouldnt know which one, you kinda want the ordeal to end ASAP but definitely dont want to risk not killing the cancer cells properly. but ONC will be able to explain advantages vs disadvantages on how it works presumably they give you increased dose for 6 months, so side effects are a little bit more??

Definitely get as much information as you can

Love Sarah x

[Guest user]

Hi everyone and thank you for being out there...I already feel like I am in a room full of like-minded people.

I was diagnosed on 23rd December and had a mastectomy on 2nd February. The delay was due to the fact that my surgeon believed the cancer was in both breasts. An MRI scan was worrying him but thankfully after 3 biopsies it turned out all clear. The tumour on the left side was lobular and 10.5cm across (how come I didn't notice it sooner!!) and it was on the move so 17 lymph nodes were removed too.

I had my first chemo of Friday 13th (!!) April and going for the next this Friday. I was absolutely dreading chemo, sickness and hair loss and I have to say none of it has been anywhere near as bad as I was imagining. In actual fact, the only thing so far that has knocked me for 6 has been the diagnosis - I was absolutely NOT prepared to be told I had cancer - I am never ill.

I felt pretty grotty after the chemo but thought I had got off lightly until day 4 when I hit the wall but it was only really tiredness and a general feeling of lethargy which presented itself.

Apart from the shock of being diagnosed with breast cancer the next biggest shock was how quickly my hair fell out - last Thursday I had a full head of hair and today I hardly have any. I knew it was coming so thankfully I was prepared and had a wig thanks to Suzi Wigs in Thurrock - lovely, lovely undestanding ladies.

I feel great and my friends all say I look great so it's such a shame that come Friday evening I will feel anything but great.

Hey, we have to go through this...I don't like the alternative so I will do whatever it takes to become an old lady who wears purple!!

Good luck everyone who is sharing the chemo journey with me - 1 down, just 5 to go - we can do this xx

[Guest user]

Does anyone if your hair grows back after chemo has finished,But while on Herceptin?

Linda x

[Guest user]

Hi everyone, went to see oncologist today,was offered to go on trial for herceptin 6 months instead of 12 months,not sure what to do.

Has anyone else been offered to do this?

Love to all Linda x

[sarabee2012]

Thanks for all the info and stuff on cold caps. I now have a long list of questions to ask tomorrow lol!

Dogs are very sensitive to changes especially when there are smells involved. They have over 220 million scent receptors - ten times as many as humans. There is a wonderful charity called Medical Detection Dogs who are training dogs to sniff out cancers. So don't be surprised if your pooches hang around you giving you their support. I wouldn't be without my two.

Finally the IOW is one of my fav places in the world. I love Seaview particularly and am hoping to get over to the island for a break when this is all over. My special treat!! L

Hope all our myxi bunnies have a better night.
Sara B xxx

[Guest user]

Good Evening Bunnies

Well its all gone.

I cried all the way through it but the hair dresser was wonderful he was really supportive and encouraging. when he put his hand through it and saw the clumps come out he said I was absolutely doing the right thing because I was taking control and not letting it rule me. You are right gadget girl it is at times like this that real goodness in some people shines out and makes you want to go on.
When my 5 year old son came home from school his eyes opened up so wide and he visibly gasped. I could see his lips quiver as he tried not to cry and of course that set me off. I asked him why he was crying and he said he doesnt lilke it, it doesnt look nice. Then I put my wig on and said now I look much better.
Your right Margietee I am getting used to it but for the time being I cant bear to look in the mirror. Ive wrapped a scarf round it and dont feel comfortable to take it off- i'm hoping at some point I will.
I have to go for my blood test for tomorrow but Ive cried so much today I now have a runny nose and am wondering if its due to the crying or I'm coming down with a cold! I really dont want to delay my next chemo the sooner its all over with the better.

Tracy I think your only a few days behind me - Im on day 18 and dont think I have lost any eyelashes yet. My eyebrows are still there infact I had to pluck them yesterday cause they were looking a bit unruly. I thought eyelashes and eyebrows were the last to go I am hoping by the time they start going I'm finished with epirubicin which is the culprit that makes them fall. Gadget girl the Nair story made me smile we are indeed creatures of habit.

I have actually been told by two independent people now that underarm hair doesnt actually come back, has anyone else heard this?
I am hoping no more underarm waxing ever.

Pixie so sorry you had to end up in hospital -hopefully next time theyll get the drug combination right.

I'm praying for all of us are able to get through this ordeal.
Thank you to everyone for all the support I really do feel so lucky to have you all.

Lots of Love Sarah xx

[teabelly]

Hi Everyone

Well there has been lots of post since i last come on why does chemo have such bad SE effects ??????

I had the cold cap and havent lost alot of hair yet i think it has defo helped i have lost quite a few eyelashes i found it quite easy to wear and it wasnt to cold once you got used to it i have washed my hair with baby shampoo which they adviced me at hospital i comb it only a small amount came out

Pixie you have had it bad hope you are feeling better now your home im sure i have heard the first is always the worse well we can only hope

Hope everyone else is feeling ok
Lots of love
Tracy xxxxx

[Guest user]

Oh poor PPixie,
What a nightmare for you. I have been feeling sorry for myself but had nothing on the score of you and littlechick. My chemo nurse specifically told me to look out for the effect it has on your dogs. Apparently they are very sensitive to the smell of the chemicals and they become quite clingy. I genuinely believe they have a sixth sense. Hope everybody due for treatment this week stays strong. Together we can overcome.
Vanns

[libby12]

Hi all greetings from a sunny Southport. Sara B having the cold cap is really not complicated, I have washed my hair once a week with a 5.5 ph shampoo and have just left it to dry , and no styling. I am on day 20, I have lost quite a few strands of hair but nothing major as yet so I live in hope. I have got a wig after long last and I am just waiting for this to be styled for me. A lovely lady called steph is going to cut it for me , so that it is like my own hair. sorry to hear about all the other bunnies having awful side effects, makes me feel guilty, just hope 2nd fec on thursday will be ok.
Just been reading some of the other posts, and Rapunzel said that it was just hurdle after hurdle, and she is so right, even though I have had hardly any SE, its my emotions that have been really bad, I bust out crying at least twice a day, and carnt help it, its like a big black cloud comes over me and I carnt shake it off.
Pixie so sorry you had to go to hosptal lets hope they can change your meds, you shouldnt have to suffer like this, none of us should. anyway check in later love to all Elaine.xxx

[sara12]

margietee - I'm having FEC 2 on Wednesday as well - always assuming blood tests come out OK. Had check up today and they think there's been some small changes... tumour not so hard and possibly slightly smaller, so that's good.

My drug pack this month will now include anti-constipation and anti-thrush meds as well as all the other stuff - so hopefully won't be quite so uncomfortable next time.

Advice re supplements was that cod liver oil, glucosamine and magnesium OK, but not to take multi-vitamins as apparently high amounts of vit C can interfere with chemo.

Sarah B - I'm washing my hair 2 or 3 times a week with baby shampoo (chemo nurse said to use this) and still brushing it - I just make sure I'm not tugging on the roots when de-tangling. Also using hairdryer as normal as I have longish hair - but again, not directing heat at the roots.

Repunzal - really felt for you about hair clipping - but I guess we'll all get used to it eventually.

[Guest user]

Pixie, sorry to hear you've had a bad time.
We love the island, moved here 18 yrs ago from the midlands, son was only 2 then, couldnt think of anywhere nicer for him to grow up.
We have a caravan and get out as often as we can as there are still so many beautiful sights here that we've not seen yet.
Shame you've had to cancel but next time you're over its godshill for a cream tea 🙂
hope you feel better real soon
love sharon xx

[Guest user]

Pesteringpixie, sorry to read your SEs have been so bad. You do have another 16 days before the next FEC, am I right? there's still time to rally before the next.

[Guest user]

sarabee2012, the paxman website has some info on maintaining your hair with the cold cap, if you haven't got any specific advice.

I think you can narrow it down to this,

Wash your hair as infrequently as you can manage, with tepid water and a ph-balanced shampoo - but not baby shampoo as, apparently, it's too alkaline

comb it as gently as you can e.g. with a wide tooth comb

avoid tangles at night with a a sleep cap or satin pillowcase

avoid adding stress or tension on the hair such as from with tight bands, tight pony tails or plaiting*

(*having afro hair, I disregarded the plaiting rule as a means to avoid other forms of tension)

[pesteringpixie]

Hi Bunnies

Sorry been lax in posting but have enjoyed reading all the catch ups. I have been a real myxi bunny:(

Was admitted to hospital early this morning but am now back home. Had awful SEs, no vomiting but nausea and dyspepsia that were out of the ball park. I couldn't even move my head from side to side without feeling like I was about to throw up the English Channel. Anyway, had all day on a drip, an enema (pleasanter than expected) complete change of meds, so we shall see what happens now. I am Day 5 post FEC 1 and if it doesn't get better, they will have to get a warrant out for me to get me to have FEC 2!

SharonIofW - The Isle of Wight is our favourite place. We have 2 weeks there every June and stay at Freshwater. Unfortunately, even though we have booked crossings, we are going to have to cancel this year as it clashes with my being Fecc'd. We love walking the coastal paths with our 2 little dogs and had always planned retiring over there.

As for dogs, you know my 2 just know I am not well, they are so tactile of late. Always want to be up against me, they say animals are intuitive.

OH is a hero. Sat for 7 hours in hospital with me today and has just gone out because I think I may be able to tolerate Lucozade. I have lost 6 pounds since Wednesday as I have been so badly nauseous and cannot face food. Since the enema I have probably lost another 6!!!

Right, tone of warren suitable lowered

Much love

Pixie xxxxx

[Guest user]

Hi all,
I have absolutely no leg strength what's so ever! Just standing up is a challenge. Add to this a really sore throat and ears together with a massive appetitie I could be 20 stone by the end of this. No good for a p.e. Teacher. Anyway hope everyone in the warren is plugging along. It will soon be summer xxx
Vanns x

[sarabee2012]

BTW, just a thought for those of us with dogs... if you can't take them out for a walk because you're not well or simply don't feel up to it, don't worry too much. Play games with them indoors or do some clicker training to wear them out. If anyone needs any hints - send me a message and I'll send some info over. My two are very low maintenance. They tend to sleep a lot of the day (being quite mature) but I play with them and they get a lot of little treats and games and trips out in the car too as well as the odd walk when I'm poorly.

Sara B.

[sarabee2012]

Oh Rep... really feeling for you and you are so brave! I'm sure you'll be fabulous even without your hair. People are, indeed, so kind. Big hugs coming your way.

Sara12, I'm still thinking about trying the cap, but really it all sounds so complicated - no hair washing, no brushing etc. I've not had any info from the chemo unit on any of this at all, so am arming myself with a long list of questions tomorrow during my bloods and doctor appointment and I will hopefully make the decision then. I'm not really bothered about the hair loss because, like you I'd rather not have cancer, but if it's not worth it then there's no point putting myself under more stress. My GP said her sister had bc and was okay about losing the hair, it was just annoying when all her "other" hair started coming back and she had to shave and wax etc. The Nair story made me smile though, we are such creatures of habit lol!!

Thanks, Margietee for this week's funny story in Pixie's absence. Loved the idea of a pirate granny... there's a film and a book in there somewhere. Just keep your sword nearby at all times - your grandsons will be expecting lots of treasure stories too!

Finally, Gadgetgirl, I LOVE LUSH stuff so will treat myself to some lemony flutter cuticle butter. That's if I have any nails left lol!!

Hopping off for a cuppa now so catch up with you all later,
Sara B 🙂

[margietee]

Gadget-gal, the lemony flutter cuticle butter sounds gorgeous. Note to self to look out for it next time I'm passing a lush store. mteex

[Guest user]

margietee, thanks for sharing the buffing no-no. I think I buffed mine the weekend before chemo in case they went nasty but haven't done so since. Now, I know I should leave them alone.

My cuticle savers have been Lush's "lemony flutter, cuticle butter", OPI nail oil and sometimes solar oil. whichever I lay hands on at the time. I might even keep one in my stationery box at work.

[margietee]

Hi bunnies everywhere in the warren and jumping around outside the warren in today's sunshine ...

First, Repunzal - we all feel for you. It's not so bad once it's all gone though, honest, .... even tho I felt strong and ready to have my hair off, I still sobbed all through my hubby clipping mine off. He said afterwards he didn't know whether to stop for a while or just carry on regardless. He carried on which was the best thing.

This weekend we went to see one of our sons, his wife and two grandsons. Our 3 year old grandson was waiting for us at the window. He was beside himself with excitement as we walked up the path because "Granny's wearing a pirate's hat". He thought my scarf was fantastic and insisted I wear a pirate's eye patch for the rest of the day and carried his sword (made of foam). Then when I took the scarf off he said I looked like Grandad! Then I demonstrated my wig .... both grandsons thought that was hilarious, especially when I took it off - the younger one (15 months) was trying to take his own hair off. Honest Repunzal pal (and everyone else), you'll be OK and it WILL grow back (and good for you Rep for the running). Sarah12 - really sorry to hear you have the additional prob of alopecia.

More about hair loss - Someone asked when hair started to come out - mine started day 11 after FEC1, just a few hairs at a time then by day 15 it was handfulls. The big clip was on day 16. Underarm hairs, leg hairs, eyelashes and you know where hairs all thinning and I think the little hairs up the nose have gone too cos my nose is running a lot even tho I haven't got a cold.

Appetite - mine has been huge right from day 1. At this rate I'll have ballooned by the time this is over. Fish and chips - don't normally have them very often but bring 'em on right now!!!!

Nails and cuticles - very weak, dry, flaky. I'm using E45 handcream and my Leighton Denny bio serum. Advice from LGFB - don't buff your nails during chemo. They'll be thinned already and you don't want to make them any thinner.

Red lump on boob - this developed over the weekend (day 17) right next to my lumpectomy scar. Popped in to hosp this morning and the surgeon took a look at it. He says it is 'fat necrosis'. Sounds delightful. Apparently it's a bit of damage to the fatty tissue in the boob at time of surgery and the fatty tissue is now dying off and causing an irritation on the surface.

Pain in chest - yes, I've got this all round my chest. Was in the back only when I saw the onc last week and she's referred me for a CT scan but thinks it's muscular in my case.

So, I'm all set for FEC 2 on Wednesday. Anyone else having it Wednesday?????

Pixie - how's it going? And everyone else - thinking of you all. We're in it to win it (shame it's not a lottery win!!!!).

Love, margieteexx

[Guest user]

Repunzal, at times like this we learn just how compassionate people can be. This weekend one of the trainers at the gym asked how I was and where'd Id been lately. when it tumbled out, he offered me a free training session.

Sending hugs.

[Guest user]

Hi
I'm waiting in hairdressers - I said I wanted it all off - he looked at me and said you undergoing treatment I said yes. He said no worries with or without mirrors i said no mirror and eyes firmly shut then he said no problem and no charge
I'm already nearly crying. It will come back

[sara12]

Re hair loss. I'm cold-capping and noticed the start of shedding from head on day 16 - but only slight so far, so no-one but me would notice. Just as well I live alone though as I am finding the odd hair in my food after I've prepared it!

Have definitely lost hair from LG area and underarms - don't mind that really.

I'm not cutting my hair off until it's absolutely necessary. It has to be all or nothing for me as I can't wear short hair due to alopecia - I need my long bob and fringe to cover up pre-existing hair loss, which is permanent. It does mean that if I lose the rest of my hair to chemo, I'm going to have to wear wigs for a very long time afterwards as my hair needs to be an absolute minimum of 6" long to cover the bald areas - and, at an average growth rate, that will take a year or so I suppose. Not a pleasant thought - but I'd rather beat the BC than preserve my hair.

Re appetite. Lost it for first week or so, then had a day where I was absolutely ravenous - then it settled back to normal. Basically I eat whatever I fancy - but my core diet is pretty healthy anway.

[Guest user]

Gadget
thanks for your reply, glad its not just me lol
had to laugh about the Nair 🙂
OH has named my wig ...... Wilma !!!
this is in responce to all my questions like ....
will ma hair grow back?
Will ma wig blow off?
etc etc, he's a classic lol
sharon xx

[Guest user]

Sharon, I noticed a teeny bit of shedding on day day 14 on my underarms and pubic hair. (I could pull some out in a pinch, yes I'm weird) I'm cold-capping too, and my scalp hair doesn't come out when I pinch it. Although yesterday, I absently pinched a little bit of hair in front of my ear and it came out. That brought me up short! I suspect that cold cap didn't cover that bit.

funny thing was, I was in the 99p shop yesterday and, on auto-pilot, went to grab some Nair! It took me a second to remember that I won't be needing any for a while.

[Guest user]

Morning all!
I am also one of those feeling guilty bunnies in the south west corner of the Warren! So far day 13 minimal SEs and no visible hair loss(am a cold capper).No doubt I will make up for this next time around! I too also seem to have the urge to make things- bread, homemade soup.
Sameelee I am in Swindon, not so sure anyone else is in this corner at all.
Thinking of all today and hope everyone has a good day
Love Angela

[Guest user]

Good Morning everyone

Thank you so much everyone for your supportive comments- well hairdresser booked for today so hopefully once it comes off I'll be able to move onto the next stage. I'm just praying i can be strong and not cry- I'll be so embarrassed.

Luckily my boss phoned me up and said he'd come down with a stinking cold and therefoe told me to work from home -so good news I dont have to face anyone.

Linda not sure if its the same thing as yours but I also Had an ache under the breast a week post surgery but this ache became really painful because i started running and ran the half marathon even though I wore extra sports support. And when I felt under there I could feel big painful swollen lump. So I rushed to the doctor and they said the breast tissue is one big tissue and therefore the whole lot gets inflammed if theres inflammation at the surery site. Basically lump was my blood and lymph vessels in the breast which were inflammed up. She referred me to the breast surgeon who on checking also agreed with her- they simply told me to take anitinflammatory pain killers ibuprofen and I cut my running down to 6 miles max at a time. Its fine now.

Regarding appetite mine is back now too- unfortunately I find myself craving sweet things- instead of branflakes and fruit juice just had a custard danish pastry for breakfast- feel so naughty. but i keep thinking in 3 days I'll hate everything again.

Hope everyone has a good day
love Sarah
x

[Guest user]

Morning Bunnies,

Cant believe the difference in the weather today, the sun is shinning at the min although they have forecast more rain and possible thunder for later. Its still windy and some of the ferries have been cancelled. Think I'll make the most of this morning and walk the dog. Cant go out in the car as OH has taken my car to get some of his workmates to fix the bloody electric window thats got stuck in the down position .... just what i needed in all this rain.

Pixie, hope you are starting to feel better as i'm sur i'm not the only one missing your upbeat posts and funny stories.

Littlechick, your OH sounds like a good one, and i'm sure you are worrying more about how much he's doing more than he is. I know mine has been my rock and cant do enough to help despite being at work too. When we are feeling better i'm sure we will be able to make it up to them.

sarabee aka Nicky clarke, good luck with the glittery t-shirt hunt.

chrisp1e, i am lucky that my Dougie is only small, we get half way around the block and he's asking if its time to go home yet lol. Think i'm missing the walks more than he is 🙂 I am also finding that my hands and cuticles are very very dry and cracking, bought some Johnsons baby soothing naturals intense moisture cream (its in a pale green tube) finding it is as it says ... very soothing, applying it several times throughout the day.

sameelee, i'm also day 12 after FEC1, it was the first week for me that was bad, very very sick, nausea and still wking each morning with headaches. My appetite is still very minimal but did have a sudden urge to make a trifle yesterday which i normally only do at christmas, did enjoy it tho. I'm also on full time sick leave, missing all my colleagues and the mundane day to day things. Said to OH yesterday, 6 months ago all i had to moan about was shitty hours n long days, that all seems so petty now and know i wont moan again once i get back to it.

A question for all of you that are ahead of me (no pun intended) in treatment, how lng was it before you started to notice hair loss? I am not using the coldcap and have noticed just a few head hairs starting to drop but my pubic hair as begun to disappear quite rapidly since yesterday, has anyone else noticed this?

Love to everyone i have not mentioned personally, trying to remember names etc but there's quite a few of us now.
Wishing minimal SE's for everyone at whatever stage you're at.

Love Sharon xxx

[Guest user]

Sameelee3, I can really empathise on the food thing! I'm craving really simple but healthy foods; or if it's a treat it has to be something really good like a gu pudding!

[Sameelee3]

Hello Bunnies,
I haven't been posting for a while, but just read through all your posts and nearly cried when read bout Little Chicks pj's!
It's day 12 for me, and it would seem that after the first 4 days of hell, I've been quite lucky this time. No sign of the dip at all Rachel, but I have been taking things very easy -am on full time sick leave from work, and no toddlers to look after. I just seem to be completely obsessed with food, though, which is weird. Have to eat every couple of hours, and cravings for really healthy food. OH says he has never felt so virtuous. Loads of broccoli, and at one point I just had to make a Coq au vin! What's that all about? I've never made Coq au Vin before!
I feel like my body has been invaded by a chef.
Tea belly, I think you posted that your appetite had returned with a vengeance too. Is it still going strong? Not doing much exercise, and have been a bit housebound by the truly dreadful weather here in Cheltenham ( anyone else down my way?)
I do feel puzzled by the differences In all our ractions, and it does make me feel guilty that some of you us are having such a rought time, but I also know that no one can predict how we might respond next time. It could all change round, as this stuff seems so unpredictable!
Too many of us to mention by name now, but am thinking of everyone and really really hope that today brings fewer SEs for all. Trying very hard to keep away negative thoughts about next FEC.
Love to all,
Lee

[Guest user]

sara10w - I too have a dog. She's an 8 month old Golden Retriever called Skye and it bugs me just now that I don't have the energy to walk her the first week after my chemo. The 2nd and 3rd weeks are not just as bad. My next door neighbour is very good and she often takes her out for me.

libby12 - sorry to hear about your cat. Hope she turns up soon despite all the rain you're having . I have a cat too. She's really my daughter's cat but when my daughter had her 1st baby her OH felt they wouldn't be able to look after her and to cut a long story short Lola is now mine. She's about 3 years old.

Repunzal - It's very upsetting when your hair starts to come out. I had to have mine cut short and then my head was so painful while it was starting to thin that I had to shave it off. It's not your fault so don't blame yourself for not using the cold cap. It may not have worked for you. It's a shame that you have to go to work today. Thinking about you.

I've slept well since last night with minimal SEs. Bit of nausea this morning when I got up and sore throat. Legs are still aching and could still sleep. Sorry some of you are having such a hard time, especially with the piles!!! Only other problem I have just now is the skin on my hands has become very dry and they are covered in hacks which don't seem to be healing up.

Take care all of you and good luck to everyone for chemo this week.

Christine xxxx

[sarabee2012]

Sarah - don't worry too much about not using the cap I think it comes down to personal choice and only puts off the inevitable. Am still having the debate in my head about whether to or not - and not sure which side's winning lol! One good thought, have always wanted to be able to cut hair (I can't cut paper safely) and one of you mentioned cutting it yourself before shaving it. Suddenly I'm thinking I might be Nicky Clarke just for a short while.

Hope all you bunnies are tucked up well and good luck to everyone having your treatment this week. I'm off to find a glittery tee shirt to wear for Thursday.

Hugs
Sara B.

[Guest user]

Lin I've had some pain there and also in the equivalent place in my back. I wonder if it's a nerve being pressed on, mine is like a dull toothache. If youre worried, check with your team. Thanks everyone for all the good wishes and sorry to hear of those suffering. We will all get through this with eachyour others help. I wanted to say how much I appreciate you all. Forcing myself to eat and it is hard but it does help the nausea. Other than that all I can do is sleep and get to the bathroom. I'm worried about how much my hubby is having to do, he's been wonderful. Don't know what I'd do without him. We work together running a business and the poor sod is in the office trying to do the quarterly vat return after the week we've just had and waiting on me hand and foot all day.

[Guest user]

Sarah,
Don't beat yourself up about not using a cold cap. It isn't that successful anyway. Easy for me to say when I am only losing a few hairs, but i am sure i will be saying the same when I get shaved.

Hope you feel better soon xx

[Hyzenthlay]

I hope the bunnies coping with SEs feel better soon. I've been lucky so far, I've just been sleeping a lot this weekend.

I have a wig appointment on Monday and a breast prosthesis appointment on Thursday - keep thinking about drag queens!

We actually had some sun here in Scotland yesterday. I went for a walk in the afternoon and my face felt quite tingly. No sun without sunscreen/big hat I guess.

Take care all,

Hyz
xx

[Guest user]

I know i go on sometimes everyone, sorry.

Has any one had ache ribs under their breast that has the lump in?

Linda x

[Guest user]

Hi Sarah,

I do know how you feel honest i do,I just got fed up with hair all over the place,Then had shower it blocked the plug hole lol.

So just made my mind up, first cut it all off with scissors then shaved it, wig scarves ect look good, dont know what to wear to go hospital tomorrow, that will be scary going out.

Its all bristly though dont know if this will fall out so its smooth?

Let me know how you get on, thinking of you.

Love Linda x

[Guest user]

PS Libby just read about your cat so sorry - I do know what your going through last thing you need at this time.

Linda you did the sensible thing I guess Ill get my head shaved tomorrow than thats done.

[Guest user]

Good evening bunnies

Day 17 in addition to the piles - my hair is now really shedding but rather than single strands falling out here and there, I now have massive big chunks coming out in my hand, on my shoulders in the shower. By tomorrow mornign I will have great big patches I reckon. I feel so so stupid because I know exactly that this was how it would happen. but its breaking my heart and I just cant stop crying. I feel I made a mistake, Now I keep regretting I really should have gone for the cold cap. I had only just got used to short hair I thought I might be okay until after the second dose.
I read in one of the posts that in the morning it will be like a furry animal on my pillow - I cant bear its just one thing after another.This is just so hard, just hurdle after hurdle after hurdle.
I've got to go to work tomorrow and really dont want to face people!
So sorry everyone I hope I dont distress you. Today I feel so angry but theres no-one to blame just me - I just wish I could have thought this through properly.

Love Sarah xxx

[Guest user]

Hi everyone,
Sorry not been on here lately,Had first FEC-T on 11th. bad side effects.

So your not on your own pixie,I was vomiting for 2 days feeling sick alot of the time. Went to see my mum last thur. felt awful and was sick when i got home and just slept.

Ok yesterday and today, I cooked a roast and ate it yippee!

As i have had no appetite.

Seeing oncologist tomorrow,Hope he can recommend different anti sickness drugs.

Oh well 2nd FEC on Wed. i really hope i wont be as bad this time and have to stay in bed.

All the best everyone.

Hope you feel better soon pixie.

Love to all Linda xxx

PS. shaved all my hair off today my daughter helped me, Bless her.

[libby12]

Hi all, my second fec is on thursday so Gadget girl I will be thinking of you. Tracy so glad you are feeling better, how is the hair. I am loosing some hair, and my head feels a bit itchy, but I am trying not to mess with it, and hope that it just thins.
Pixie so sorry you are not feeling good, my thoughts are with you and hope you will soon be bouncing back. Is any one else having chemo Thursday! Rain is really bad here, so we have been in all day, our cat still has not come back so we are loosing hope now, it has been really sad. Anyway love to all Elainexxx

[teabelly]

Hi everyone
Im so hunger i cant stop eating is anyone else like this all i can think about is food today i feel back to my normal self

Piles im sure i have got them as well the things we have to put up with ive been to chemist and brought some cream and feels loads better

Pixie you will start to feel better i thought it would never come how bad i felt but it does and your Bunny ears will be perky soon

I wore cold cap and i suffer with headaches but took Paracetomol before i went and didnt get a headache and it didnt feel to uncomfortable well worth a try

Gmt im sat infront of open fire its lovely Here in Mansfield East Midlands its raining and windy

Little chick so glad your hom

Natalie you are doing so well i totally lost my appetite for 8 days

All you ladies are so brave and i cant wait till we can all meet up and celebrate getting through this with a glass of wine or two

Lots of love
Tracy xxxx

[GMT]

Hi,
Just a note for Sarabee, please don't let this put you off, but I too suffer with severe headaches . I just decided not to use the cold cap as I thought it might cause a bad head although I wasnt actually told that. However FEC 1, I had a most horrendous headache which started about an hour after I got home. It lasted all night and continued the next day. FEC plus 3 today and it has gone now. Pixie did say that they did give her more saline when she started to get a sinus pain, which I am wondering is that where my headache came from. I've had sinusitis in the past.
Thought I'd mention it so you can perhaps ask about other headache preventions. Hope that this doesn't sound negative, sorry if it does.

Weather watch in Stourbridge west midlands, pouring with rain. Lying on sofa with a blanket and an open fire going, starting to feel more human.

Lots of love GMT xxx

[Guest user]

Sorry some of you are having such horrible SEs Hope they pass soon.

I had Tax no 2 on Friday last week and Neulasta injection on Sat. Had no side effects but now that steroids have stopped SEs are beginning to catch up again. Legs are aching and am ready to keel over and fall asleep. No nausea however. Regular Domperidone doing the job.

Take care of yourselves all of you.

Christine xx

[Guest user]

Gadget

its absolutely tipping it down here, isle of wight, it hasnt stopped since yesterday morning, very windy too. Its put paid to me walking the dog :), for all those with dogs, mine is a 6yr old scottie, he's my baby 🙂
xxx

[Guest user]

Hi ladies, how wet is it inyour area? We have a few minutes' reprieve in London right now.

It was a quiet morning, mum at church, builders not working so I was able to cook a couple of things for the week. I have couscous and bean salad and some brown rice to go with fish. Nice bland, wholesome food! 🙂

I'm due for FEC2 on Thursday so I've been chucking things in my chemo bag whenever I have a thought. Which is a mean feat given that my entire bedroom has been packed into the box room.

You see, my mother hired builders the week before FEC1 and one job was to strip and re-plaster my bedroom!

But I digress. So, I have a very simple knitting project to take. (I knit 'contienental' style so I can keep one hand still if need be.) I have tissues, Ibruprofen for the cold cap and and I found my old those towelling headband for cosmetics. I also need to add a spray bottle when I can lay hands on one.

[Guest user]

Hi bunnies

Littlechick so glad you are home, the best place to recover.

Pixie, sorry to hear you're having a rough time but it will pass, when i think back a week ago and how i felt, now i'm feeling myself again and looking forward to my roast dinner and just made a trifle for tea.

Gadget keep the good ideas n advice comming 🙂

Everyone else, hope you all feel ok with minimal SE's, let the sparkly stuff do its job and we can all get thru this with each others support.

Talking of sparkly stuff, went out to buy nail varnish yesterday as chemo unit recommended a dark colour to try and protect nails. I was thinking of you all as i made my purchase. Bought a black base varnish with a glitter topcoat, so now my nails are all sparkly and actually look quite cool lol

Keep well everyone in this miserable weather.
Love to all
Sharon xxx

[sara12]

Gadget-gal - thanks for tip re olive oil. Washed hair today, definitely more shedding going on, but not too bad so far.

LittleChick - I'm glad you're home - and what a lovely husband you have!

Repunzal - yes it is a normal' SE to get piles if you've been constipated - I have them too and it's been mentioned a lot on other threads. You can get various ointments from the chemist - and/or suppositories if they are internal ones. They are a nuisance but not serious, I think.

Pixie - sorry you're feeling so yukky. I didn't feel great for the first week but then woke up on day 7 suddenly feeling more 'normal', so I do hope that happens for you too.

[sarabee2012]

Am such a whiner lol! You are all brilliant and doing so well that I'm inspired by you all. Gadget girl thanks for the heads up lol! Will try the paracetamol first. And totally agree little chick you're OH is fab!! It's at times like this they are really stepping up.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend bunnies!
Sara B.

[pesteringpixie]

Hi bunnies

Well, it's official, my perky bunny ears are officially drooping, pulled down with ukky SEs. No vomiting but constant nausea and have spent most of last 5 days in bed just wiped out. Face all puffed up I assume with anti-emetics, mouth full of ulcers and constipated since last Tuesday so enema awaits. Just drawing hope from those lovely bunnies who are on the up and praying I may soon turn the corner. (no doubt that's what the enema will do!)

Have loved reading all your posts but too ukky to respond individually just now. But will send huge hug to little chick who is now home and in her new pjs.

Moch love

Pixie xxx