Welcome to everyone starting chemo in January.. we are now the "" January Jems""

[Morwenna]

Before I go .... I just wanted to try and post a link to this lovely girl's blogspot I found yesterday. She is so gorgeous, and has some great tips for eyebrows etc ....

http://eyelineher.blogspot.ca/?m=1

Yey! It worked!! That's another thing I couldn't do with my old browser!!

[Morwenna]

Hah!

I am feeling TRIUMPHANT today! Finally managed to put a profile photo up from my phone, using Google Chrome instead of Internet Explorer. It is also WAY easier to make posts, and also to edit them .... not that it is so necessary now, as the typing works far better, and word predict/autocorrect also working properly!!

This is me when I had just started chemo, and just got my #1 buzz cut I think....... I have far fewer eyebrows now, and a little fuzzy dome. I'll maybe post that in a while 🙂


I am so happy to be feeling well and happy, I almost feel guilty!! I hope any and all of you who are struggling with Taxotere will feel better soon! At least I suppose most have only one or two treatments to go? My weekly's aren't done until mid June, so I hope I continue to do well ..... I guess we shall find out, and meanwhile I must enjoy feeling good!

I have given up on trying to get to the look good feel better workshop. I've twice had to cancel due to hospital appointments now! BUT I did remember that one of the exercise studies I enrolled on had rewarded me with a makeover session for me and a friend, so I booked that today for the end of next week (fingers crossed!).

I also had a constructive telephone conversation with my insurers, and sorted out why they had declined my claim.

Now, even the snow has stopped, so I'm-a gonna put on my snow boots and go out for some fresh air. Gotta love Canadian springtime! 😄

[Janan8]

Hi Jems
It's been ages since I've posted but have just caught up with all your posts and you have been on my mind. I think it's true to say that the SE's just build up. Will be be glad when this is over!
I was really low after 4th FEC, ended up in Hosp getting pumped with antibiotics and that seemed to help, seems alot ofus have had chest infections. Then had 1st Taxotere, was completely high on steroids for 4 days, running around hyper doing stuff with the kids and we went to Somerset on hols, getting back on Mon. Of course I then crashed and SE's kicking in big time. Tingling fingers were so bad I couldn't even text, nightmare! but that seems to have lifted now but hey - NO SICKNESS !!!! I can't believe it, I can take anything else you throw at me as long as I'm not being sick. Chemo brain however has kicked in big time and now the fatigue is unbelievable, has anyone else found it's got much worse on Tax?? Plus eyes weeping all the time - I know lots of you have had this - what are you doing with the skin around eyes as I haven't found a solution yet?? Under my eye is so sore. Also my voice has gone again - is anyone else struggling with this?? It's a real problem for me cos it means I can't work and I need to work next week so I'm getting quite stressed.
I'm glad I'm not the only one effing and blinding - not so bad on the Tax but FEC - OMG!!
Re where we all live - I'm in REading - anyone else nearby??
Anyway today I had my genetics consultation and have decided to go for it so will have a blood test next week and should know in around a month whether or not I carry a BRCA gene, although it's not as straightforward as I thought. Lots to think about. Has anyone else had their test yet?
Hope you are all feeling better this evening? When is everyone due to finish chemo? My last one should be on MAy 29th all being well
Lots of love and hugs to you all
Janxxxxx
PS I really love all the photos that have now been posted - Rhonda your granddaughter looks gorgeous. I haven't been brave enough yet, but might get round to it soon!

[Windysarah]

Feel better soon then Jenny x

[Leelaloo]

Caroline, hope you are feeling better now and the other chemo is a bit kinder with less SE's. Enjoy your day tomorrow Gay, you deserve it. Not glad you felt so crap with Tax but at least I know not alone.
Lee XX

[jenny5931]

Hi
Sarah i have had reduced dose pain easier but still bad
jenny x

[GBC]

Hi girls and hi Lee - I had an appointment with Oncologist (absolutely delightful and very helpful) on Tuesday to see how 1st Taxotere of FEC-T went. I had assumed the reason I had felt so ill for days 3 - 11 was because I had picked up a bug or an infection leading to me spending 5 hours in hospital for anti-bios on Easter Saturday. However she said although that would have made me feel a bit rough it was the chemo drug making me feel so bad. She is not keen to reduce dose though so says I must stick with it as only 2 more to go and try to feel positive about it doing its job. It did actually make me feel slightly less apprehensive about Tax 2/chemo 5 on 17 April.
Lee re the gap between chemo and rads, she said it is 3 - 4 wks (national guidelines say max of 31 days) and I had the surprising news that I am having 5 weeks of radiotherapy (every day Mon to Frid) rather than the 3 wks I had been told. Apparently in order to get a big enough dose to do the job it needs to be spread out a bit longer so that it does less damage. Apparently skin breakdown and damage to heart and lung on left side will be reduced so less risk of long-term problems. It puts the completion date for the new house we are buying a bit up in the air but I now feel in the whole scheme of things it is the best thing to do, not least because I want a reconstruction and Onc said the less damage to the skin the better for a succesful reconstruction. I signed the permission forms anyway even after having all the risks and SEs explained anyway!
Loving days 12 - 21 and going for a spa day with daughters and mum tomorrow with full approval of Onc for aromatherapy body and facial and swimming. Yippee!
Love to all
Gay x

[Caroline60]

Hi Leelaloo, Im also HER2 positive but er and pr negative. I asked for the mastectomy. Taxatare just made me feel so ill - had UTI as a result of thrush and could not drink or eat. Also had chest infection. So oncol advised the other chemo - which is from the same group of chemo and does the exact same job - but is given in smaller doses on a weekly basis. I am told by the BC nurses and oncol - everyone is different and has different needs. I am assertive so looked at research and then weighed up my options then opted for a mastectomy. It was a personal cholce.
Hope this clears up any worries or questions I have raised.

Regards

Caroline xxx

[Leelaloo]

Morning jems,
Caroline I have also got lobular cancer grade 3 and was told it was more likely to come back, but have not been offered a mastectomy. I wonder why we all have different treatment etc. I have not posted for a while but have been lurking on here. I had my first taxotere on 27 March and have never felt so bad with all of the FEC. The stomach and body pains were terrible and I never slept for 5 nights. I thought I couldnt take another two of these tax but I feel okay this week so guess will just have to carry on. Does anyone know how long between last chemo and the first rads?
Take care all Jems.
Lee X

[Windysarah]

My consultant calls it ta others but the nurses in clinic call it docetaxel so they must be one in the same.
Very rosy cheeks Tax 2 day 2!!
hope you're ok Jenny? did you have the reduced dose?

[Morwenna]

duplicate post.
I have not found a delete button yet!!!

[Morwenna]

Fyi Taxotere is the trade name for Docetaxel.
Taxol is the trade name for Paclitaxel.

Both are in the same family or group of drugs known as taxanes, targetting and destroying rapidly dividing cancer cells. There are some differences I think, but they are also very similar in nature. I am not sure what the criteria for selecting one over the other, but I think paclitaxel is usually used in triple negative, and also to treat metastatic cancers.

disclaimer: I am no expert, but this is what I have gathered from my reading.

[rhondacat]

Hi Morwenna, Caroline, Sarah, Yvonne, Irenee Gay Joyce and all that ive missed, sounds like most of you had a bad time with Taxatare, my Chemo is Docetaxol not sure what the diff is ? My masectomy boob had a skin tissue expander put in at same time as surgery, it is now 34D size, I am very pleased with it, my good boob is 34DD my surgery is booked for end May with a gel implant, and a reduction / lift in the good one, new perky boobs for this Gran 🙂 then Femara drug for 5 years, pray that none of us ever have to go through this ever again! Hard decisions on having a Masectomy on the good breast , I!m taking my chance it will not return in that breast! In my Masectomy I was told the tumours were confined in the tissue & they got it all. I've also had Non Hodgkin's for 8 yrs & they say this Chemo now should get rid of both cancers! 2 for 1... I have no eyelashes left at all now, my eyes are sore & Blurry. I totally shaved my head last week to see if any would grow, & I can feel some tiny prickles coming through, so can't wait to have hair again. Feel quite weak in the legs no stamina, but still working full time. Lost 10lb on FEC put it all back on again with all these steroids, cant stop eating! crave feel good food:-) Smiles & hugs hope you are all coping as best we can! Rhonda. Xox

[Caroline60]

Hi Morwenna, Iv already had 1 Taxatare so having 6 Paclitaxel instead of the remaining 2 Taxatare. Funny you should mention your hair. Today I asked my oncologist about why I am loosing my eyebrows but the hair on my head is starting to grow. He advised me my hair will grow but very slowly and the eyebrows might disappear. I will take your advice about heartburn and reflux,


Regards


Caroline xx

[Morwenna]

Hi Caroline.

Paclitaxel weekly for six weeks? I had my second one yesterday, and feel fine! Hope its the same for you.

my only issue is they keep giving me later and later appointments, which stuffs up my day as I am too sleepy from the benadryl to cope with chorus, and then the dexamethasone kicks in and makes me wideawake at bedtime!!

Also bit of gastric reflux and heartburn the first couple of nights, despite Ranitidine and Omeprazole. but bearable. Feet just a little tender. Nails hanging on in there. Eyebrows and lashes on the retreat, but head hair growing!!! 🙂

[Caroline60]

Dear all I was told today that I am not tolerating Taxatare and am now being put on Paclitaxel for 6 weeks. I know some of you mentioned you are on this as well. It is part of the taxanes and is given through Intravenous in smaller doses - steriods to be given before chemo and no white blood injections. I am less stressed on how I was going to cope. Phew!!

Iv kept my chin up and am happier with my treatment plan and meds.

Big smile from me

[Windysarah]

I see, thanks Caroline.
Im sitting here in the dreaded cold cap about half way through my infusion. Cold cap stays on for an hour after that has finished. Then I have to wait till 4 for an echo. Long day today. Then I need to paint my dark nail varnish on tonight to ward off the nasties on my nails. Every little helps!

[Caroline60]

Hi sarahnippress I asked my consultant about the mastectomy - he told me that the cancer I had would allow me to have a double mastectomy. He did not go into specifics - however doing my research - the cancer is likely to come back on my good breast. I do not want to go through this again. I m also lop sided and my good boob is 36e new boob is 34b. I think prevention is best for me. No genitics as far as i know. This is based on my mothers family only. Not too sure about my fathers side as I do not know his family at all.

Regards

Caroline xx

[Irenee]

Thanks Chicita...I am waiting for the district nurse to arrive to clean my line...and it's looking a little infected..Ah well..just when I thought It was a doctor free week. lol Hope you all have a good day xx

[chicita]

Irenee - I LOVE your poem.
I sometimes go on the February Valentines forum and one of the women there (sorry can't remember her name) is very prolific and writes some really good poems.
Good luck Sarah
X Yvonne

[Windysarah]

I was the same Morwenna, having an excision with not enough clear margin but then the mx showed no more cancer so I am also cancer free. I have to keep reminding myself of that whilst going through this horrible chemo as it makes you feel so ill and like such a patient.

[Morwenna]

LOL its after 2 am here. I slept 6-8pm after benadryl kicked in for my treatment this afternoon, and now the steroids are doing their thing


Goodnight ladies, or rather, good morning!! 🙂

edit: oh no, its just 1:30, so that's ok 😛

[Morwenna]

I've been thinking about surgery when I've finished all my treatments. I am undecided between mastectomy of the rather large remaining breast, vs reduction on that side and eg diep reconstruction on the left.

I know Mx would probably be quicker to get over, physically, and I haven't even met with any kind of surgeon or counsellor to discuss it. I don't regret telling my BS that I was not interested in any kind of tissue expanders/implants at the time of my Mx. My body doesn't take well to foreign materials. I am watching my port rather anxiously at this point, and I'm sure implants would have been doomed to failure, especially 5 weeks of Rad Tx has been mentioned!


Besides, I am not that taken with images I have seen with implants, but on the other hand, reconstruction with own tissue has a long recovery period and is also subject to failure. I don't think going around this lop-sided is going to be tolerable in the long run, but completely flat-chested!!???

Some days I find myself wondering if total mastectomy had in fact been necessary but it was done due to positive margins at the partial mastectomy, and at the time I was very much in favour, as I didn't want tovthink about repeated excisions! It is just that there was no evidence of cancer found in the second surgery....... Then I have to tell myself that what is done is done, and I appear to be "cancer-free", so that is GOOD news.

What are you other mastectomy ladies thinking?

[jenny5931]

Good luck sarah im a bit achey but it was pm when it really kicked in last time steriods prob did whack you out let us know
jenny x

[Irenee]

START OF THE DAY
I put in the squibby booby, my lashless eyes are bleary
The sleeping cap has gone askew, Oh! deary, deary, deary.

The picc line has strayed, the plasters gone astray,
This chemo fog is thick as hell, another chemo day.

The wig it will sit upright upon my balding head.
A smile I'll fix upon my face, As I face the day ahead.

I'll try not to think neg, thoughts, I'll try my old self to be
But my whole world is upside down, whatever happened to me?
---------
Apologies for the poem but just had to get it off my chest,.... lol. Hope you are all doing as best as can be xxx

[Windysarah]

Hi Caroline, what is making you elect for the left sided mastectomy may I ask? I assume its your healthy side? Have you had bad results from a gene test? The reason I ask is I think I would rather have the healthy side taken now just to get rid of any possibility. I haven't had the gene test yet but hope to. What sort of criteria did you have to meet?
im feeling a bit whacked tonight. Would it be the steroids I had to take in preparation for tomorrow's Tax?
best wishes all

[Morwenna]

oh Caroline, your post appeared 4 times! 😉

My big toenails are a little sore and my thumb and index fingernails on my right hand especially look like they are lifting at the tops. I'm wondering if weekly taxol ends up with the same side effects as three-weekly but just takes longer to get there! or whether the overall effects will remain more tolerable ...... guess we shall find out in thed fullness of time.....

[Caroline60]

Hello ladies, I hope you are all coping? I was meant to have chemo today - but having it now on Friday. Have had a really rough time this time. But forever seeing the positives as nearing the end of chemo. 2 more to go then rads and 1 year of Herceptin. I have a constant runny nose - and hot flushes. The worst side effect for me is the fatigue and sore toe nails and hand nails. I am discussing my left sided mastectomy on Thursday afternoon with my surgeon. I have elected this and have been told I meet the criteria.

I am mentally shattered but still upbeat and positive.
Keep the faith and your chin up.

Caroline XXXX

[Windysarah]

I'm the same with the needles Morwenna, just feels like one more thing invading us every time. Fortunately my port is working ok but it's still a nasty stab when the needle goes in. I just don't look!
Hope you're ok Jenny, any pain yet? Thank you for your friend request, I've tried to accept but it won't let me so I'll have to accept in spirit!
sarah

[Morwenna]

Chicita!
You tried to join me on the pulmonary embolism bench did ya! Well I'm happy for you that you did not ..... although I have to admit that it is a little lonely here at times 😞

I' ve been anticoagulating since March 5 now, and feel quite a bit better, despite my ever burgeoning fear of needles.

Is any one else finding this? I used to tolerate blood tests and injections fairly well (not that any normal person enjoys that sort of thing), but now I get increasingly anxious when approached with a pointy object! I expected my needle tolerance to improve, with all the sticks we get, especially as I now self-inject daily heparin! but it's the reverse! Each one feels like one too many!!

Actually, the last two blood tests (weekly now I'm on weekly paclitaxel), I've remarked to the lab techs that my veins are poor and it was a shame they cannot access my port, and each time they have used a butterfly needle, and been successful, with barely any pain at all!
Well I'm off for my paclitaxel#2 today, so we'll see if it goes as well as the first. I am finally feeling like I am counting down to the end of something (albeit distant - 10 more after this week!) 🙂

[chicita]

Hi All,
I went to see the GP yesterday as I was breathless all the time and had a bit of chest pain.....and ended up in the emergency assessment unit at the hospital. They thought I had a pulmonary embolism! Anyway after 4 hours, bloods and a chest xray they said all was normal. Bloods were a bit low but that's to be expected at FEC +10 days and I'm anaemic, so no change there then. One thing they did notice however was that I have a swelling over the site of my lumpectomy so I now have to go back to see the breast surgeon on Thursday. Will I never get away from that bloody hospital!
Gay - if you're planning a massage you need to tell the massause about your cancer as some forms of massage stimulate the the lymph glands which may not be a good idea. Check with your onc first. We're currently on Macclesfield Canal but husband has a job on the Ashton Canal for a couple of weeks in May so that's why we need to move. It's only about 15 miles. I'd love to go further afield but we have to stay within travelling distance of the hospital until treatment has finished. Normally by this time of year we're continuously travelling, moving every day. Last year we spent a lot of time on the Rivers Avon and Severn, even got stuck in floods for 2 weeks which was pretty surreal as we couldn't get off the boat at one point.
Good luck to anyone having treatment this week.
X Yvonne

[Windysarah]

Hi all.
Good luck with the reduced dose Jenny. Mine will be reduced by 10% on Monday which I'm pleased about. This is mainly because I was taken to my bed for a few days so she thought that with children something needed to be done to try and reduce symptoms.
Im also having an echo weds because the Muga scan came back slightly abnormal so that needs to be checked before herceptin starts.
Sorry to hear you've been suffering Gay and that you've been feeling down Morwenna.
Sarah

[Airlinelady]

Thank you for response Morwenna. I have emailed my Oncologist and Breast Consultant. I was originally told 6 x AC, surgery and then radiotherapy. Since then they changed the goal post and to be honest, whilst in my 'real life' I am quite happy to ask questions to get to the finer detail, my meetings with them have been when I'm lost in the chemo fog. I had a vague response in that some people find 6 x AC too much to bear, but I would rather have that and get it over and done with rather than deal with an unknown quantity.
Sometimes, I wonder if I will come out of all this as the same person! Sometimes I wonder if my husband will tolerate me for much longer! I used to be a very patient, sweet, understanding and very forgiving person. Now, I feel like I don't know myself at all.. I have changed too much... I don't look the same, I don't act the same and don't feel the same... I hope I can find myself again... I was very pleased with how I had been dealing with the AC SE's.. but if this Tax is not kind to me.... then I WILL be stamping my foot! Very loudly too...!
My Oncologist is quite hard to talk to at the best of times, I'm lucky to get 5 mins with him when I have chemo...he is always in such a damn hurry!! But, I will wrestle him to the ground if necessary to get an answer and if it's a good one - then fine, but it should not be because "some people" find AC x 6 too much!! Luckily for me, I have not been one of those people and just know I could get through just 2 more, if I were given the choice... I will let you know what he says...
Sleep well lovely ladies and sweet dreams for us all....
Joyce x

[Morwenna]

Hi Joyce (and everyone)

Joyce, I just wanted to point out a possible confusion between meds. Taxol is the brand name for Paclitaxel, which is a taxane, ie the same class as Taxotere, which most people on FEC-T are on, but not the same drug, although Taxotere is often referred to as Tax, hence the confusion.

My understanding anyway is that the Taxane component is used for the more aggressive GRADES of cancer.

I had four cycles of AC also, but my Paclitaxel is being given weekly at a lower dose. I had T#1 last Tuesday, and aside from heartburn the first 2 nights I have felt really well.

I am getting a little stir crazy at home though, and depressed on and off, although today feel almost manic. I think I would be happier if I had somebody on the same regime as me. I find myself mildly resentful, ok sometimes more than mildly! that most people seem to be counting down to their last treatment. I know I am being unreasonable, but this is one reason why I have not been posting so much.

Also, although I have been lucky in many ways with my blood counts, I have had the misfortune of developing thrombo-emboli to my legs and lungs. Some days I feel like stamping my foot like a spoilt child, and crying "not fair!!" ...... but none of this is fair eh???

[Airlinelady]

I haven't written anything for a long time, but do check-in for a read and think about you all every single day and hope that you are all okay. I have had 4 AC and now face 4 x Taxol (first one coming on Monday). I don't know why they have chosen this path instead of 6 x AC and then surgery. I have sort of got used to the AC (the Devil I know) and have got into a routine in dealing with the SE's. Now I feel like I have to start again and have know idea what the SE's of Taxol will mean for me (some sound horrendous) also is it true that you have to increase your Steroid dose with Taxol? Well if so, then that will be a pile of crap cos the limited Steroids that I have had with the AC has given me a bloated face, tummy, increased appetite (I have put on a lot of weight) and on a couple of days, I feel really depressed and can become quite unreasonable. So, based on the following info 1)Dealt well with AC side effects 2)Invasive cancer over half it's orginal size (was 3cm) - why do I have to go on Taxol? If someone has any idea then please let me know. I really wish all you ladies all the best, you are doing so well. Hugs, Joyce

[GBC]

PS - also glad to report an update to previous emails about pain in mastectomy site, I was in huge discomfort and often quite a lot of pain until two days ago but that has all now gone. I can wear a bra again without moaning and groaning which is wonderful.
Gx

[GBC]

I'm back - haven't been far away but didn't have anything very positive to add! Thinking of you all though and would love to come and help move your boat Yvonne if I could. My sister and her partner have a Dutch barge which is now in Belgium for some love and attention and I can't wait to get back on the canals of France later this year with her before winter sets in. Where are you heading for?
After very dodgy chemo 4 - first Taxotere of FEC-T - which has involved an infection and emergency hospital visit for anti-biotics and certainly feeling the most ill so far I am on Day 13 and feeling pretty good again. So it's one week of partying before no. 5 next Wednesday. Yippee! A few nice social things planned and we have booked a family spa day on Friday with aromatherapy facials and massage for me, my pregant eldest daughter Zoe, youngest daughter Ellen and my 80-year-old mum. But a friend told me today that she wasn't allowed to do spa things when she was having chemo so now I'm getting worried it won't all be possible. I'm seeing oncologist tomorrow morning so I will get her thoughts on it but has anyone else heard that it's not a good idea? And if so why? When I asked Onc last time about going swimming she said it would be OK but now I'm worried about the other stuff like massage etc. Your ten penny worths are more than welcome!
Sorry to hear about all the infections, coughs, colds etc. that are around and hope everyone is managing to stay reasonably healthy in spite of. From my point of view I am amazed at how quickly the body bounces back after each chemo as it seems to take quite a battering which is shown in all the side effects. Then just a few days later you're feeling human again.
Gay x

[jenny5931]

Hi all
lap top playing up just had tax 2 reduced dose so fingers crossed good luck sarah for wednesday i think what swung the reduction was 4kgs weight loss
jenny x

[chicita]

Hi Rhonda.
yes I agree, this forum seems to have stalled, no-one's posting much any more.
I hope it's because they are all so well they are off doing other things.
I'm FEC4 + 10 days and feeling more "normal" again although I do still have a really bad chest so am off to see the GP again this afternoon.
We've managed to move the boat a couple of times over the past few days so the change of scenery is nice. We need to move to another area and another canal at the beginning of may but this will mean going down 16 locks just at the wrong part of FEC 6 cycle so we're trying to book friends and family to help us move. Husband can't do them on his own and I'll probably be next to useless. Is it wrong for me to wish my bloods will be low so the FEC will be postponed a week to make things fit in better?
Good luck to everyone still having treatment, keep strong it'll soon be over.
X Yvonne

[rhondacat]

Thanks June, for letting me know, everyone must be just laying low, the last couple of day's. cheers Rhonda 🙂

[June_BCC]

Hello Rhonda

Just to let you know that the last two post are your's and that you are not missing any.

Best wishes

June, moderator

[rhondacat]

Hi, is everyone taken a break! As I can not see any posts on here since my last 3 days ago, can someone tell me if there are posts after my last message 05/04/13. as I think there is something wrong, to why I can't see new posts! Thanks Rhonda 🙂 haha but maybe if you answer me I won't see that either! Grrrr but please try anyway.

[rhondacat]

Hi to all, So sorry to hear some of you are not doing so well, I may not name you, but you are all in my thoughts. Stay strong we are on the homeward stretch now, my last Docetaxol is on the 16th of this month, & I'm finished with this Chemo Crap! Can't wait to get back to normal, if this is possible after being consumed by C for so long! still got breast surgery 6 weeks after chemo ends, but look forward to getting this hard coconut out of my chest! Hang in there Sarah & Caroline hope you feel better soon & don't get delayed to long for treatment! Love Rhonda xoxo

[Caroline60]

Dear all, Have had to go to GP with cough and sore chest and throat. Iv got a chest infection and a boil on my ahemmm. Have been sent to clinic for bloods as GP thinks i am possibly neutropenic. Just awaiting the results. All appointments are now on hold. Feeling pretty rough.

Caroline

[sarah66]

Hi all got my week off from taxol this week only to catch my sons cough and cold great! have slobbed about all week watching dvd with him . Mouth is sore on and offf have mouthwashes and nystatin for thrush. Have scan soon so hopefully taxol is working ? whether i have ti carry on long term as i have small lung secondary, now on half pay from work so would like to know plans for the future, work plans etc not that i am missing it !!

take care all
sarah x

[chicita]

Maggie -the bicarb worked amazingly well and my mouth is now back to normal and I can even taste food again. Thank you so much X
Gay - I'm so glad you mentioned the pains youve been getting. I only had a WE but yesterday I started getting strange feelings and bursts of pain in that boob. I'm glad I'm not the only one and will def mention it at next hospital visit. I'm paranoid it will come back but feel like I'm being a wimp mentioning every ache and pain and SE to the ONC.
On the good side I feel much stronger today and am almost eating normally again. I even managed to do some boaty housework when husband went out. No doubt he'll tell me off when he gets back but I'm sick of being an invalid. I did have to go and have an afternoon nap though.
Jenny - sorry I forgot to reply to your question last week. I'm having 8 FEC as I'm TN and the tumour was quite small with no lymph nodes so the ONC didn't think I needed Tax as well as FEC
X Yvonne

[Caroline60]

Dear all, my chemo has been delayed as have a nasty cold. Iv given it to my husband. What can I say - another day in this breast cancer household.

[Morwenna]

watery eyes. check! Lovely look isn't it!!
I have not worn my wig at all. I've tried it on a few times, and it just looks and feels so false.
I usually go bareheaded at home, unless my head is cold, and a hat or cap to go out, but I suddenly overheat, and then I just take it off. I occasionally see folks looking at me, but it doesn't bother me too much, and if it bothers them, well thatbis their problem. So sad, too bad!! 😄
I have a lot of hair still growing, actually, so have stopped shaving it for a bit to see what will happen now I have started on the weekly Paclitaxel. If it looks terribly patchy or gets uncomfortable again I can always shave it off again! 🙂
I had quite bushy eyebrows, but have lost about 60- 70% of both brows and lashes now. Hey ho. They'll grow back. I have 11 more treatments to get through first though! "_"

[Irenee]

I have watery eyes too...lashes are now very thin...I hate wearing my wig...Hope my hair grows back...going to wash the wig this afternoon. Day 1 of 4th cycle so I know I am in for quite a few crappy days...Best wishes to you all. Irenee xxx