sstarting chemo May 2015

[Darnmetoo]

Good Luck for session 2 Julia; mine's next week. By day 8 I'd decided I was so fed up with horrible s/es I wasn't going to continue. Day 9 was huge improvement so common sense kicked in (apparently I have some!!!) and so have today chosen a wig in readiness. I decided against the 1960's Dusty Springfield one and went with the spiky-Busby-tall one.

In sympathy with s/e sufferers, but it's true, it does improve...

Shirley

x

[sod6162]

Hello Julia, thank you for posting about your SEs. I am day 12 after first treatments and it's up and down each day. Nausea and metal taste are my issues, and your night sweats sound awful. I'm hoping that the second round will be easier, for both of us! Good luck today 🙂 Sheila x

[jackiek55]

I'm like you Julia. I started on the April chemo thread but got delayed cos of infection, so joined these lovely ladies now. They're a lovely bunch and will be happy to have you here. You can be our forerunner and warn us of the things to come. Good luck today with No 2 and I hope the se's are better this time around, Jackie xx

[sentangelo]

Hi ladies,

I'm not really sure to which group I belong as I started my chemo on April 29 and do not quite practically fit to the group there as some of the ladies having their third chemo already and I have just started. Luckily I have my second session today and hope it is much better this time than the last one. I should not complain much though as I did not have nausea (which was my biggest nightmare), but had some big troubles with fever, pain all over, no sleep for 8 days, terrible night sweats (had to change my sheets 6 times a night). Well, in any case, it's all doable, hard but doable. And I'm so happy later today I will be able to say 1/3 is done! Wishing you all luck and health and I'm very grateful you are all here (well, that sound super weird, I know). xxx, Julia

[jackiek55]

Thank you La-La, went to chemist's on Saturday and she recommended Gaviscon in the short term until I go formy next chemo next week. Only had aniseed which is awful, but it's worked. Will ask about omeprazole next week. I already rattle so one more tab won't hurt lol xx

[La-La]

Sorry, Jackie.. Omeprazole comment was for you... works fab for me (and I'm a Gaviscon addict in my former life!!)

[La-La]

Hey Kitty, PM me your email, will see if I can get you added to one I'm on, or set one up.

Had my first Thursday am.
Day 4 and nit si bad (but stop my Big Girl tablets and steroids today!
Just on:
-Metaclopromide (anti nausea x3 per day)
- Omeprazole (optional antacid, one each morning... are you on them Berni? I usually have terrible acid and swig gaciscon like a navvy, but not getting acid at all (yet!)
-Leveomeprozamine (optional anti nausea for bedtime only, knock you out!)
- Co-codemol 2 x 500mg up to 3 times a day, but bunged me up for 2 days so I take just paracetomol in daytime. Codeine does help sleep)

(Nice nurse said quietly that if it was 'optional' then take it!! I'm not being brave!! Working for me. Tried a mirning without pain meds and damn portocath pain was too much. They def take a while to settle in from what I read. 7 days should be good with it)

Night night ladies xxx

[Kittysoftpaw]

Hi, I'm having chemo Tuesday and was hoping to join a FB Group? Can you help please? Thank you KSP

[Mrs_Merc]

I was wondering if you ladies would mind me joining in your thread please ?



I had 6 x FEC-T starting back in May 2012 and this forum was an absolute haven for support. I made some very good friends, and even met a few of them - we are still in touch now.



I had my first Taxol chemo (this time around) on the 30th April, but Im having it weekly, so I had my third yesterday - and it wasn't very nice. I had a bit of a bad reaction and they stopped the infusion and gave me a load of other drugs etc. The Dr came round and said it was ok to continue but they had to slow the infusion right down. I really hope this isn't going to impact the treatment because yesterday's treatment was still only 50% strength and I am worried that I don't have the time left to have to stop, slow or change the treatment plan again (I have agressive secondary mets in my liver).



Sending healing thoughts and love to all those here,

Pen xx

[jackiek55]

How's everyone doing today? I'd be fine if I could just get rid of the heartburn! Going MIL's for a tea party today. It's her 86th birthday tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing her.

Everyone have a good time in the sun while it lasts xx

[Mrs_Merc]

Hey La-La,

Sorry your Portacath was so painful.  Had mine put in on Monday and although they had a bit of a push and a poke to place it, it really wasn't too bad. I was nervous about them using it for bloods and chemo on Thursday but they did and no pain - didnt even feel the needle! I am a bit bruised but small price to pay for avoiding 'hunt the cannula site' twice a week! Chemo every week makes the veins on a one arm bandit hide in fear! (darned lymphoedema!).

Third chemo this week - got a week off next week ! Wonder what mischief I can get upto in a week? Any ideas anyone?

Pen xxx

[La-La]

Thanks ladies.
Heart rate came down to normal in time for bed. Lovely evening on the sofa (what is it about having your bed pillows on the sofa with a big blankie? Reminds me off being off school sick and my mum looking after me (memo to self, stock up on knorr chicken noodle soup!)

Had a lovely night sleep bizarrely!! (Took a couple of 500g co codamols as they always send me to sleep! (Plus the Leveomeprozamin anti sick tab knocks you out too.. only take at bedtime)

Sister stayed over last night but I was OK.
She's at work this am as I am OK this am too.

Hope this lasts!!

Good luck with your stitches today Jackie.

Lucy, don't be put off.. I think mine was tricky as I am a bit chubby around that area (size zero everywhere else... ha ha ha ha!!)
All I will say is
1: Ensure it's inserted a good week before, (24 hours before was ridiculous idea)
2. Don't climb off the theatre trolley on your own! (still convinced that did some damage!)
Feels a lot better today.
Loads of benefits to it. Well worth it xxx

[jackiek55]

Another night of sleep, feel so much better today. Even felt like eating breakfast as opposed to eating cos I should! Hope you had a good night La-La don't leave it too long like I did without asking for meds to sleep. I've got a Hickman line in my chest and it was the best thing I could have asked for. No more needles in my feet thank goodness. Due to have final stitches out today, day 21, I'll be glad when it's done as will be able to have a proper shower without OH taping me up lol. Wishing you all a good day xx

[borbie]

Morning La-La, do hope you managed together some sleep last night , sounds like you had a pretty traumatic day yesterday, was hoping for a PICC line or ports catch myself as I have awful veins on the left side but not so keen after your experience. Do you have a good support network of friends and family, call on everyone who offers, they do like to help and you need to rest :-)) have also sent you private message on here xx Lucy

[La-La]

Portocath was very painful... was a job to get it in apparently so really bruised/inflamed this am... which made chemo nurse job hard... 3 very painful tries to get needle in! 3rd try she put all her weight into it and it worked but I cried like a baby! Ow!

Whose stupid idea was it to insert the cath the day before the chemo???? WAY too tender!

Chemo itself was no problem at all.
Having just E&C in first 4 cycles so had the weird burny itchy a little down below with the 'red' coloured one, then funny tingly nose sensation with second, but not for long.

Ate straight after.
Back home an hour later.

In bed trying to relax now but the steroids making my heart tace (100bpm! Was 117 after portocath sedation and 4 or 5 licals they had to give me!! )
Can't sleep cos of it, but hope it wears off before bedtime and I can sleep tonight.

Portocath site is murder. Worst part so far (massive bruising came up, so so sore! Some ladies who have had their lumpectomies say the pain is worse than that! I think some people it is harder to get it inserted.
It'll wear off in a fee days, and next cycle won't be such an ordeal.)

Not looking forward to the weekend... hope I don't get too run down, have an 11 year old to cope with on my own.

At times like this I wish I had a husband!

[sod6162]

Jackie, good to hear you've managed some sleep. I've had prescription for a month but haven't filled it (yet). I had hypnotherapy years ago to help me with sleep prob, I'm still benefitting from it. I'm only suffering with pain in muscles and joints one week on, and this blasted taste in mouth. Ugh. Sheila x

[daisyj1]

Hi all finally feeling a bit more human today and have managed to eat some toast and yoghurt. Hoorah. Started my lenograstin injections.Has anyone had any problems with these ?I cant bear the thought of any more aggravation at the moment.

[jackiek55]

Good luck today La-La. Hope you don't get too many of the dreaded se's. At least your portacath will mean no more searching for veins, always a bonus.
Well I took my sleeping tab last night and got 5 hours continuous sleep and feel almost human today thank goodness. Hope you're all doing well xxx

[Kate2]

Good luck La-La hope today goes okay for you x

Hope everyone is feeling a little bit better x

One of my friends who went through chemo last year recommended getting your nails painted a darker colour to stop any discolouration - so book your pampering sessions to have something nice to look forward to!  

[jules_66]

Sorry la-la meant to say good luck today, hope all goes well for you xx

[jules_66]

Morning ladies. Haven't posted for a few days as been pretty grotty, not sure if it's a bug, IBS in overdrive or stress or maybe a combination. Desperately trying to get well as don't want first chemo next Thursday being delated.  Had heart scan and wig fitting on Tuesday, heart was ok which was a relief after problems I had last Autumn and wig fitting was a bit surreal! Wish I'd had a camera to capture OH expression when I went blonde (I've only ever been dark brown). They are bringing few different ones next week for me to try but I've also ordered one with some hats online, at this rate I will have a different look every day !

I spent yesterday at the local hospice as they offer day therapy,  it was lovely and I came home feeling much more relaxed. I did arty stuff (which I love) and had complimentary therapies too, am already looking forward to next Wednesday. To be honest it was nice to have some "me" time and I would recommend it to anyone.

So sorry to hear so many of you have been having a tough time, I hope all settles and you all feel better soon. I'm keen to start the chemo next Thursday but admit am terrified by the thought of all the side effects.

Thanks to Lucy for setting up the FB group, such a brill name and picture. Look forward to us helping each other through the chemo stage of the journey.

Take care all, love Jules xx

[cass79]

Good luck for tomorrow La-la! Xx

[borbie]

Im not starting til 28th so getting more nervous by the day! Will be thinking about you tomorrow LaLa

[La-La]

My first session tomorrow.. had port-o-cath fitted (ouch! He had to fiddle about a bit and administered lots of local)

I am a week behing you ladies, think I'll get sleeping tablets now just in case.

Hope it passes soon for you all ladies x

[jackiek55]

Day 8 and still not much sleep. Phoned gp's this morning and I now have sleeping tabs to help me get some sleep. I'm sure once I've had a good night I'll be so much better.
Hope you're feeling much better now Daisy. Hopefully they'll sort your anti sickness out for next cycle. Xxx

[borbie]

Hi daisyj, sorry you've been feeling so rubbish, always better to be back home and hop things will pick up for you a bit now x have sent you a private message too, Lucy x

[daisyj1]

Hi all just surfacing on day 3. Couldn't keep anything down after chemo so was admitted to hospital for IV anti sickness and rehydration. Just starting to feel human although very tired.Sounds like most of us are struggling a bit.Hopefully things will get better.

[loulou40]

Good idea 🐵 x

[borbie]

Hi girls, sounds crass talking about facebook groups when you are feeling lousy but just to make it easier ive made it open to search our Troublesome Tits group so you can all find it and send a friend request to join (noone else can see our posts). once we are all in i'll change it so no-ne else can search it??

[loulou40]

Spoke to them and they said prob just side effects from chemo and as I suffer with sinuses its feeling alot worse :o( Temp went to 37.2 but back down now.  Think an hours retail therapy in Home Bargains helped, lol! x

[loulou40]

Thanks Sheila, Ive just phoned them now, waiting for them to call back, will let you know x

[sod6162]

Hi Daisy, how are you?
And Jules? x Sheila

[sod6162]

Same Loulou....listen to your body chick, don't overdo it. And if you read the literature about side effects, even if you don't have a temp but have other signs of potential infection you should call and get advice...x Sheila

[La-La]

Ladies - I start chemo on Thursday.. and I too late to join the May TT club?

Dreading chemo but it helps to speak to others... I'll PM you my FB name (not a million miles away from this one..) 😉

[loulou40]

OMG, after a brill first few days, a not so good Tuesday! I feel like my head is gonna explode! My sinuses are so pressured and my ear and throat sore :o( Temps okay so not to concerned yet but NOT HAPPY with myself!! Grrrrr!  Hows everyone else feeling? xx

[borbie]

Am sending you all a private message re the Facebook group. There are currently 9 of us in the May starters. Ive sent you all a private message so if you send me a facebook friend request i'll add you to the group. I cant search everyone if your profile is private so you'll need to search me (mine is open to search for now) cant put my full name on here so will message it to you  - long winded but we'll get there - do find fb a bit more user friendly but support and tips on here fantastic! x Lucy

[sod6162]

Hi ladies, wishing you all a bearable Tuesday! 

Jackie, thought you were quiet! Glad you're home and hope you slept alright.  

After a pain free 2 days after treatment, I'm adjusting to having pain.  It's like little cluster bombs popping off in my legs and torso. Starting day 5 meds, and rather worried about infection.  Also constipated, metal taste in mouth and itchy eyes.  Positive bit now....nausea has dissipated.  

Borbie, how do I get into the TT fb club? 

Sheila x

[cass79]

Borbie, I'm hidden on fb (because of my job). Can you pm me your name on fb so I can find you please? 🙂 xx

[borbie]

Morning girls, hope you all had a reasonable night x

I've set up the facebook group Troublesome Tits but as a secret group so you wont find it if you look so i need to add you if you can send me your names and what your profile picture is on facebook, Lou i cant find you?? Is your surname edited by moderator? My fb pic if it doesnt work is a black and white one of me in a wedding hat and says Dudley Road hospital with it.

[borbie]

Welcome back Jackie, always makes you feel better being back in your own bed 🙂 and I'm finding it really helpful to hear about other's side effects so please share 🙂
Sleep well !

[jackiek55]

Hi girls, can't believe it had a temp over 37.7 on Saturday night and spent the last two nights back in hospital with a water infection. On antibiotics again but home and hope I'll stay here this time. Feeling very tired, hospital not good for sleeping! Started my GCSF injections today and hoping the leg pains aren't too bad. I hope I'm not putting any of you off with my stories. Last time I was fairly lucky with se's and hoped for the same this time. I keep forgetting I'm nearly 7 years older now. Anyway onward and upward, so looking forward to a proper sleep in my own bed. Love to everyone Jackie xx

[borbie]

Will do!

[cass79]

Count me in when it's set up 🙂 Kate, no constipation for me so far, long may it last! I've just been out for a long walk and a huge ice cream...I only had chemo on Saturday, can't believe it! Xx

[loulou40]

Troublesome tits had to be it Borbie! Let me know when u have set it up n send me a friend request, Louise  (Doncaster) my profile pic is the same as my T shirt pic on here. Looking forward to some instant chat with fellow fighters! xx

[sazza38]

Need a like,button for some comments love the troublesome tits comment! - the idea of a facebook group is great - we all prob use facebook whilst having appointments and treatment etc... x

[sod6162]

Lol...nutters! Feel like c**p today, that's the first smile I've had since 3.30am...like the TT idea ladies. 🙂 x

[Kate2]

Hi - Daisy, thinking of you today and hope you get on okay with your first session. Rest when you get home and drink plenty of water and peppermint tea and ginger biscuits (if you like them)!

Cass - if it helps, I have also had the same red cheeks but I am hoping it will pass soon! Constipation too - oh the joys!! 

This is day 5 for me and I am glad the nausea feeling has passed - just a lot more tired than normal - it all still feels a little surreal but I guess just having to adjust to this new world! 

[borbie]

I asked my daughter and she said Troublesome Tits and have a blue tit as our logo :-))

[borbie]

No, I'm Emma Lucy, always been known as Lucy since birth but family all call me Borbie !!! (Not Barbie) so I can be a Sheila too!

[loulou40]

Are you a Sheila too?? xx