HI I’m starting chemo FEC T for 6 sessions on 2nd August. A problem with my veins has already been identified during surgery for mastectomy (3 weeks ago) so I am likely to require line or picc. Anyone starting chemo around this time? Dreading losing my shoulder length thick hair! X
Hello Sib,
I was where you are now this time last year! I cannot believe that a year has gone by already.
I want to tell you a few things that I wish I had known. The first thing being that the fear of chemo is far, far worse that actually having it. It is a bit rough but loads of us have had to go through it and we are still here.
I used a cold cap and kept most of my hair. It did thin but I did not need a wig.
If you think you could manage it don’t eat the day before and the day of chemo. Look up Valter Longo and his tips on fasting before chemo. I followed his advice and while I did not sail through I had far less symtoms than other people either on here or in my unit. I did not feel sick, did not get thrush or mouth ulcers/cold sores or have any tummy issues. I did still get the fatigue and my blood counts went low.
I had a PICC line and would recommended that you get one. They go in just above the elbow and a specialist nurse can do it using a local anaesthetic - you won’t feel a thing. After it is placed you have an xray to make sure it is in the right place. All of your drugs go via it and they take your blood for testing from it too.
It does have to be flushed every week/10 days and some units want you to go to them and other places send a district nurse out to you. It is painless but it takes a couple of days to get used to it being there. You should get your own covers from Live better with cancer, they cost about £20 but are better than the hospital stockingette. You can get the shower proof one on prescription from your GP so don’t buy it.
Please ask me if you want to know anything and if I can ease your journey I would be glad to xxx
Hi Sib, I really do sympathise. Fear is just the worst thing, isn’t it? I have awful veins so my Onco suggested a Hickman line which has a life of approx six months, so would see me through my treatment. It needed theatre time to be inserted, and goes high on the chest. The line dangles, and is a bit unnatural, but it does a great job. I found the whole chemo process painless, but it was the fuzzy chemical side effects that were uncomfortable. Top tips - I read the Longo research on fasting and did liquids only for three days. Soups, smoothies and 2 litres water. I like my food too much I’m afraid! I would advise staying on top of the sickness, use whatever the hospital gives you. Take a paracetamol beforehand , I had crashing headaches after each session, but I am a headachy person. Fresh air was so good in combating the chemical hang over feeling - so a little walk when I could manage it. Food - little and often, instead of three big meals . Stock up on ginger nuts, ginger tea, mints- all good when feeling sickly. One teaspoon Manuka honey each day to prevent mouth ulcers. Baby washcloths as they are much smoother and softer than towelling ones and my skin became really sensitive, and I still can’t put lace or wool onto my skin! Get your wig sorted early. Yes, the bald look is not that attractive, but neither is the alternative ! Take the hair shorter as it hurts when the follicles die and long hair pulls. Stock up on loads of moisturiser. Paint nails a dark colour and moisturise cuticles over and over. Phew, pause for breath! Come back if you have more questions. We’ve been where you are, and we’ll help you over the finishing line. Good luck.x
Hi sib
i’m starting my chemo on 27/7 so I know exactly how you’re feeling. I feel scared and unprepared! I’m having 3x Fec-t then I’m changing to 3x pertuzumab, trastuzumab, docetaxel. I’m having chemo first before I have op and rads. Has anyone else had similar treatment?
i’ve got a wig fitting appointment on Tuesday and I’m dreading it. Thought I’d be prepared and do it now but think it will make me realise that this is actually happening. I thought I would start the wig search with the NHS, are they ok? I’ve been told that a lady will arrive at my appointment with a suitcase full of wigs for me to try. I’ve been making friends laugh saying they’ll probably have the Aimee Whinehouse beehive, the Elvis quiff and the mullet to choose from but that’s my sense of humour.
It’s definitely an emotional rollercoaster. I swing from positive days of ‘I can do this this, take each day as it comes and before I know it I’ll be out the other side’ to breaking down at any mention of the C word! I was in tears when I went for a check up at the dentist!!! Is this normal???
Best wishes Louise xx
Hi Sib. I am due to start chemo around 3 August also. I was only diagnosed last week so everything is happening really fast. I will be having chemo then lumpectomy then rads. I’m having a sentinel lobe biopsy tomorrow but still have to have an MRI and a guide wire fitted. Should have my chemo induction session early next week so should find out more.
Hi Sib,
I’d been wondering how you are and managed to track you down on this thread. Just wanted to let you know I’ve been thinking about you and hope the chemo goes ok on Wednesday. It doesn’t seem long since your op.
I’m hopefully having mine this Thursday, it should have been last week but I wasn’t well!
Love, Jencat xx
Hi Everyone
I have already posted this in error on the June starters - when it should have been in August! - Foggy brain or what ? Must be due to my first round of EC on Thursday. Starting to feel better now after 24 hours of bad nausea. I had taken all the pills and eventually found inhaling 3 times: 3 drops of lavender and 3 of peppermint oils on a tissue calmed the queasiness down and gave me some sleep the first night.
I am looking forward to my Looking Good Feeling Better session next Tues - sounds really uplifting thanks Velvet.
Doesn’t it help just seeing nice weather outside even if I don’t feel up to going out right now - so hope everyone can make the most of the Bank holiday weekend x