starting chemo July 2014

[ruby44]

Hi Fiona

A lot of the posts I've read from people who's hair has gone seem to be much more positive once it's actually gone or they've shaved it off and gone the whole hog. I think that's all about being in control. I've made the decision I'm going to stay grey if I lose mine!!! Be brave - it'll be back before you know it 😜 Ruby x

[ruby44]

Hi slyolddog

The chest pain is what hit me the worst. From day 4-10, incredible sternum pains. They told md it was from the Neulasta, the injection I gave myself the day after chemo which makes the bone marrow work really hard to make more white blood cells. It's now gone on day 14 but I've been on Naproxen, strong painkillers, to keep under control. There are alternatives to Neulasta which I'm going to discuss with my Onc before my next session on 15th Aug - some are given over a few days rather than in one injection. I hope your pain lessens quickly - what day are you? Ruby 😀

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi slyolddog and welcome to the BCC forums

Along with the support here please also feel free to call our helpliners for further practical and emotional support, lines are open during the week 9-5 and Sat 10-2 on 0808 800 6000

Here's a link to the treatments area of the site where you will find more support ideas and information which I hope you find helpful:

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/treatment

Take care
Lucy BCC

[Fiona00]

Wend and Angie, for the constipation, I have been taking lazaprazole since my first day and it works so well for me, u can ask the nurse about it.xx

[Fiona00]

Hi ruby, I didn't use cold cap. The shedding just started right on day 14. I had wig and hats ready but I am mentally not ready for it yet.

[Slyolddog]

Hello ladies, I've been glancing through the various comments on here and I'm surprised by the range of side effects from chemo, which is partly down to the fact that not everyone's on the same treatment. I had my second FEC in July 25th and while the effects were similar to the first time the one thing which was worse was the feeling in my throat/gullet. It felt like I'd taken up sword swallowing, the pain was right to my ribs. I'm due to see my GP tomorrow for a new sick note and will mention it but wondered if anyone else had the same problem.

[wend63]

Hi ruby I didn't use the cold cap as my chemo nurse said it was probably not wise as I had had migraine in the past . Have you used it ? You will know when it happens it just sheds in handfuls xx

[wend63]

Hi angie glad you feeling a bit better today . The constipation was awful for me too I just ate fruit , drank plenty and ate all bran worked in the end . I was advised to try movicol if it happens next time .I am feeling better today still tired but a bit more energy just in time for round 2 on Friday .hugs to all x

[ruby44]

Wendy & Fiona,

I am day 14 now and still checking the pillow and hairbrush at every opportunity. Doesn't seem to be going just yet but there's still time - did either of u use the cold cap? I have scarves and hats at the ready but didn't feel a wig was right for me - how are u getting on with yours? Hope you've had a good day Ruby xx

[ruby44]

Angiebun

Sorry to hear you've been struggling, I found days 4-7 my worst days after my first session but then things improved. I took one tablet for constipation and in a day flipped to gave the complete opposite which lasted for days. I think our bodies get so confused with all the meds!! Ruby xxx

[Angiebun]

Hi Ladies!

Well been a rough couple of days, sicky feeling peaked yesterday - discovered smokey bacon crisps, ryvita and cream crackers today and munched like a pig! Actually started to feel a bit normal this afternoon, didn't go into work, boss okayed me to work from home which was very helpful. I AM SO PARANOID about infections!! I dare not even go into a shop, I am staying with my son as I have three dogs and am worried sick I will catch something so it is geting very depressing being away from home :((  Constipation seems to be next battle,, trying to drink plenty, eating fruit, syrup of figs but no go since Thursday and starting to feel it, sorry to be so graphic but I am sure many of us has suffered - any tips? How is everyone? Very quite in here again, I hope nobody is suffering too much Hugs n Xs for all

[wend63]

Hi fiona know how you feel I shaved my head yesterday cause I hated the shedding wasn't as traumatic as I thought hope you are ok xx

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi Fiona
I am sorry you are having a difficult time, I am posting links to the BCC hair loss support and information services which I hope you will find helpful:

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services/talks-courses-local-support/hair-loss-adv...

http://www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/breast-cancer-hair-loss-bcc5...

Take care
Lucy BCC

[Fiona00]

hi ladies, I am on day 14, and hair starts to shed, the worst thing now I have to face

[wend63]

Hi angie good luck with work tomorrow ..well shaved my hair today sick of it dropping out . Will be wearing my wig tomorrow when going out thank god I like it . Hugs everyone. Fiona hope you ok xx

[ruby44]

Hi ladies and particularly Angiebun - I've had terrible side effects with first dose of neulasta following my first chemo - severe bone pains in back and legs but worse in my sternum. On heavy painkillers and sleeping tablets but day 12 and I think it's finally receding. How r your SE's now? Ruby x

[Angiebun]

Due back at work tomorrow...dreading it as can be quite chaotic! Feeling a bit more normal today but everything tastes horrible, only day 4 so a way to go yet! So paranoid about infections my.poor grandson is desperate for a cuddle with his nanny but he is coughing like a good un so being very wary 😞 hugs n X's to all

[wend63]

Hi fiona and angie sorry to hear you both have had rough time . I'm feeling a bit brighter today but am now having to cope with my hair shedding everywhere . Makes me laugh how we all seem to come on here at night . Hugs to both xx

[Fiona00]

Hi Angie, wend,for my experience, the first week was the worst, drinking lots of water and sleep would help. I almost non stop sipping water and slept through the first week. And the second week ur immune system will be the the lowest. Now I am on day 12, seem to start recover and have some normal life. Hope u feel better soon.xx

[Angiebun]

Hi ladies well that was am awful night felt like I was between a truck and a wall not much sleep. Taking codeine all day pain easier now. BCN says it's the steroids wearing off chemo kicking in and the neulasta. How are you girls? I am seeing it is hard to keep up on here on the bad days. Hugs and Xs for all

[wend63]

Hi angie not had neulasta so unsure if it's normal to feel like been beaten up .hope it doesn't last long x

[Angiebun]

*neulasta lol

[wend63]

Hi angie worst day so far day 14 mouth very sore and overwhelming tiredness don't feel the best today .my hair is starting to shed as well . Have noticed it's very quiet on here . Hope you are ok . Finally hope you ok too and feeling better today xx

[Angiebun]

Hi ladies How is everyone today? Very quiet on here hope you ladies are doing okay. Had my neuralgia today now feel like I have been beaten up! Anyone else had similar side effects? Hugs and X's for all

[Angiebun]

Blooming predictive text! I meant to say Fiona! Not finally lol

[Angiebun]

Hi ladies. Wend I opted for Home treatment as my partners company pays for private health care for us both...only difference is having chemo at home everything else the same Torbay hospital and Derriford for everything else. Hope your sore mouth eases soon...Finally how you doing I hope you are keeping a close eye on that temperature. Wishing all a speedy recovery. Hugs n Xs

[Fiona00]

Just came home from a&e, felt very dizzy and tired and out of breath today, went to hospital to have blood test, found out the blood counts were at boarder line , so will still need to keep an eye to see what is going on in next few days. Fingers crossed.

[wend63]

Glad it went ok angie which hospital are you having your treatment . I'm on day 13 today sore mouth and I am tired xx

[Angiebun]

Hi ladies! How is everyone today? Hope your achy bones are improving Fiona, continuing to improve hopefully Laurelle. 1st FEC at 10 this morning no problem so far but starting to feel very sleepy and slightly 'muffled' head. Missed you today Wend hope you are feeling ok...keep hanging on in there everyone! Hugs n Xs

[Fiona00]

Hi wend my next appt with onc is one week after my second round x

[wend63]

Hi fiona I had bone pain not as severe as you have it but mine was in my hands and wrists . I had burning on my palms and on the soles of my feet it did go after about day 8 . I saw my oncologist yesterday and he said what I'd mentioned to him were side effects of the fec. Have you got a follow up appt before your next chemo .x

[Fiona00]

Hi wend I started bad bone pain since yesterday, arms and legs so sore to raise up

[Angiebun]

Hi Fiona Wend and Laurelle glad to hear things are easing a bit for you ladies. Thanks for the good wishes hopefully I will be in touch tomorrow to let you know how it goes...After the false alarm last week I am more scared than ever! You girls are truly an inspiration to me though and keep me positive Hugs n Xs

[wend63]

Good luck angie for your first chemo . How are you fiona xx

[laurelle]

Hi everyone,  Laurelle here back in the land of the living!!  Had my 1 st dose of Kadcyla on the 18th and felt ok  until evening when I started to feel unwell and my temp shot   sky  high so was back in hospital at 11.30 pm and was in for the next 5 days with chest infection.  I've now started on 5 days of intensive r/therapy with the hope of trying to zap some of the deeper cancer cells but feel as if the energy's been sucked out of my body, which I'm sure you can all relate to!!   Have my second Kadcyla next week so just hoping that it'll be ok and I'll feel a bit more 'normal'  (whatever that is!)

Haven't read any posts for over a week as havwn't had the energy but hope to catch up and hope everyones treatment is going well.  I suppose the next hurdle is saying goodbye to my hair yet again but I still have my wig so no problem, it's the least of my worries.

Keep kicking ass girls,  we can.t give in,

Love to all

Laurelle   xx

[Fiona00]

Good luck for Angie first chemo tomorrow xx

[wend63]

Hi fiona and angie I'm feeling a bit better tonight so hopefully I'm through the worst . I'm seeing consultant tomorrow so will see what he says . Glad you haven't got any worse fiona and just remember your temperature ☺glad your funny feeling in your arm has improved angie. Hope you all have good night . Sleep tight xx

[Angiebun]

Hi Wend Hi Fiona how you doing? Feeling any better? Hopefully you are at your peak of worst now (if that makes sense). I didn't speak to the nurse but am seeing her tomorrow for bloods so will report it then...I know what you mean about just asking but...well no buts really I will ask tomorrow and I will keep on doing so if I need to. Not so uncomfortable today so maybe the catheter just moved a bit oddly enough it went off after I had eaten an ice cream..probably just coincidence though. Hugs and hopes for a better day for y'all tomorrow nite ladies xx

[Fiona00]

Hi wend my temp seems fine but got bone aches x

[wend63]

Hi fiona hope you ok x

[Fiona00]

Just tested my temp and it went up to 37, called the chemo unit and they said keep an eye till it reached 37.5 or I am feeling very unwell and shivering.

[wend63]

Hi ladies day 10 today I have to say worse day so far had very upset stomach this morning and feel exhausted . This is probably my midway point on bloods .xx

[Fiona00]

Hi, Angie, why don't u speak to your nurse first. Dun hesitate to ask them any question, it is your own health. I always phone them if I have any doubts and it stops me worrying all the time. Pls phone them, I am sure they won't be annoyed.xx

[Angiebun]

Hi Ladies

Hope everyone is feeling ok??  Cold all gone, chemo rescheduled for Thursday. Just a query about PICCs- I have had not real problems with mine to date but yesterday I started getting a feeling in my chest which I can only liken to having swallowed a sharp ice cube, The area around my sternum feels really cold (inside not out) and I have a niggly,slightly sharp pain, has anyone else experienced this, don't know whether I should speak to oncology dept?

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi Kare28
The following link will take you to the chemotherapy for breast cancer booklet where you can find some of the answers to your queries :

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/BCC_booklet_Chemotherapy.pdf

Hope that helps, if you have any further queries please feel free to call our helpliners, lines are open weekdays 9-5 and Sat 10-2 on 0808 800 6000

Take care
Lucy BCC

[kare28]

Thank you jo. Is it safe to have engage in intercorse without a condom and is intimate kissing safe for my partner?

[Jo_BCC]

Hi Karen28

Here's the link to BCC's publication Your body, intimacy and sex, which I hope you find helpful.

http://www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/your-body-intimacy-sex-bcc11...

also here's the link to the area of this website where this is discussed further:

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/impact-breast-cancer/relationships-fami...

Take care,

Jo, Moderator

[kare28]

Hi im sorry if this question is irrelevant. what are your experience when it comes to sexual activity while having chemo. does anyone have  sex without a condom, is intimate kissing okay and all those other sexual activities.

Dont know what to do and dont want to do anything that puts my partner at risk

[msmcann]

Thanks so much wend63 for asking. I'm real good thanks. I feel for all you ladies going through it - I just hope you can find a routine that is managable. I would be lying if I said you get use to it, at least for me it didn't but knowing what to expect helped a load. All the very best. x

[wend63]

Hi fiona glad you feeling normalish☺I've just felt a bit tired today maybe I think cause I'm 10 days in and think my blood levels may be dropping . Sorted out my wig today and I actually feel happy with it . Hope ria and angie are feeling better and msmcann hope you ok too xx