starting chemo July 2014

[Fiona00]

Good to hear u are doing well xxx

[wend63]

Hi fiona I did have a bit of a wobble yesterday as they started but the treatment itself wasn't that bad. I felt tired had a headache , felt sick my leg were a bit achy but I coped with everything . You Will cope too . The fear of the unknown is worse than the treatment . Let me know how you get on x

[Fiona00]

Hi Wendi how are u getting on with your first round.. I am getting nervous as time approaching

[MissMaize]

Hi.. i joined the gym on a summer 6 week fixed term no contract membership thing after my surgery. I have a very active job & have changed to working from home soooo I had all this energy that I wasnt burning and sitting around when used to running around. I decided that I'd join for 6 weeks just to cover the first 2 cycles of chemo and then see how I felt. I go and do 45 minute sessions every other day (ish) and feel very pleased with myself when i have. Just gentle cardio; bike, cross trainer & tread mill. It also gets me out the house/my time. I did wear a very attractive head band today to absorb the sweat rather than it going in my hair, as to not have to wash my hair after gym like I normally would. I was advised against swimming which is a shame (infection risk) however I am enjoying my little work-outs

Hope that helps xx

[wend63]

Hi miss maize have you joined the gym since having chemo x

[MissMaize]

Thank you Wendy.. Feel more "together" today. Went to the gym for a bit of sanity & feeling much better, thank you for your kind message

xx

[WP23]

Hi MissMaize

Sorry to hear your hair is falling out even though you used the cold cap. Maybe it isn't as bad as you think, with it being long thick and curly it will look like lots is going but it isn't. I have very short hair and when it started falling out this week it was awful (still is) but I still have full head of hair, even though it feels like it is falling out loads. Have you not joined us ladies in the July thread?? lots of us to talk to there, come along and join us for support x

Wendy x

[MissMaize]

Hello ladies. I am just over two weeks into first round of chemo & my hair is falling out!!!!! Big shock & lots of tears this week. I wore the cold cap so did not expect/prepare for hair loss. I am trying to be positive that it all won't fall out (long thick & curly) and all that one day it will return to its former state. It is hard though, I know I don't have to say that to you lot! Has anyone found any ph neutral shampoo? It is recommended and I can't bear the thought of washing my hair again after the amount that came out this morning.
xx

[wend63]

I saw the wig lady today she was very helpful . Will hopefully get my wig before my hair loss starts think it may take a bit of getting used too . Start my chemo tomorrow x

[Fiona00]

Thanks Wendi, I asked my bcn about the voucher she said I will be provided next Monday xx

[wend63]

Hi fiona when I had my chemo assessment appointment I was given a voucher for a nhs wig . Hope they do this at your hospital too x

[CathC]

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@msmcann wrote:

Check out www.heathershair.co.uk a charity providing human hair weaves on sweatbands or alice bands - saved my sanity!! All the best.

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What a great link, thank you, msmccann. Have just ordered one.

Cath

[Fiona00]

Hi I have just order the weave few mins ago, thanks for the link, hope getting it on time

[msmcann]

Check out www.heathershair.co.uk a charity providing human hair weaves on sweatbands or alice bands - saved my sanity!! All the best.

[msmcann]

Hi Laurelle, I too had FEC & Taxoterre and lost my hair but came across a charity www.heathershair.co.uk who provide free weaves on hairbands to wear under a hat or scarf. Made a huge difference to me. All the best on your treatment. Marie x

[wend63]

Will do and you x

[Fiona00]

Good luck,pls keep me updated x

[wend63]

I have had to have the bottom part of my implant cut away so have a much smaller implant on that side now with lots of scarring . I am having fec 6 rounds pre assessment is 15th July and chemo to start 3 days later . I am in Wolverhampton hospital

[Fiona00]

What is deformed implant? My chemo is supposed to be a precaution as well, what infusion are u having? Mine is fec 6 rounds. And my pre chemo app is on 21 July and first chemo on 22 July. I am in Brighton but was referred to a private hospital called spire in hove for my chemo

[wend63]

Fiona I'm sorry to hear that I had a reconstruction with implant had a nasty infection and have a deformed implant now .I am lucky in my tumour was grade 1 a though it had gone to 3 out of 12 lymph nodes . They are giving me chemotherapy as a precaution . I'm due to start on Friday I will let you know how I get on with it hopefully to put your mind at rest . What hospital are you under

[Fiona00]

I feel what u feel

[Fiona00]

We'll I had mastectomy and reconstruction in one surgery but the wound didn't close so my surgeon had to take the implant out and my case is quite frustrating as my invasive cancer tumor is only 4.5mm right in the middle of 6cm dcis however was grade 3, at the first point my oncologist said I dun need chemo but later they said because I am so young 33 so they wanted to do sth aggresively so I end up with chemo with possibile radio following up then surgery to sort out my breast

[wend63]

Thank you laurelle I'm am pretty scared if I'm honest I know lots of people go through this but it does feel it's just you doesn't it . Hope you go on ok

[laurelle]

Hi Wend63  You must be feeling really confused and apprehensive but it's quite normal to feel like that.  I have been on 2 different types of chemo ( FEC & taxoterre) and lost my hair both times.   I tried the cold cap at the first time but my hair started to come out during the second treatment.  I think the anticipation is the worst thing and I cried buckets over the fact that is was coming out on my pillow and comb etc.  Once I decided it had to be shaved off a friend did it for me and after one last cry it felt better!  I've had a wig both times from the NHS and they are marvellous, people just don't believe they are wigs.  I,m now about to start a new chemo (Kadcyla) and probably will lose it again, not looking forward to that, it's a 'woman thing' isn,t it?

Try to keep thinking positive thoughts (not easy sometimes) but you can always share them with therest of us who know what you're going through.

Sendin love

Laurelle   x

[wend63]

Thank you poems galore

[poemsgalore]

Hi Wend,

At my hospital when you are due to start chemo, the chemo nurse gives you a voucher and a list of local hairdressers/wig suppliers so you can organise a wig to wear. I don't know if this is the same in other hospitals. I never used my voucher as I didn't fancy a wig, just wore hats or went native. 

[wend63]

Hi fiona did you have problems with healing after surgery

[Fiona00]

I am due for my first fec in 22 July quite scared as my surgeries diet go well so not sure if I will be lucky enough for my chemo

[wend63]

I'm due to start chemo in new cross hospital Wolverhampton does any one know what happens re obtaining a wig

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi Wend63

Welcome to the BCC forums where you will continue to find the support and shared experiences you are looking for

It may help to join the current July chemo thread here as users are already chatting about concerns they have and they are at the same stage as you:

https://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Chemotherapy-monthly-threads/Anyone-due-to-start-their-chem...

Our helpliners are also on hand with further practical and emotional support on 0808 800 6000, lines are open weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2

Here's a link to the BCC hair loss information including the use of cold caps which you may find helpful:

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

Take care
Lucy BCC

[wend63]

Thanks they have mentioned this cold cap but everything seems really scary at the moment . I'm not sure what to expect or how to cope .

[Jane27]

I was offered the cold cap during my 6 session of FecT.  I found the following information helpful: Firstly I had my past my shoulder length hair cut very short.  I only washed my hair when it really needed it, once a week with 'simple' shampoo.  I didnt really know what I was looking for in the ph balance of shampoo's and so simple was the only one with 0% fragrance free on it so I chose that one!  I didnt use cold water to wash my hair but I did have it much cooler than I would usually use. The first time I put the cold cap on I found it really uncomfortable, it made me feel sick and I couldnt talk and had to really zone out, I never thought I would be able to cope.  I did not wet my hair before the cold cap, and it is really important that it is of a very tight fit.  I had to wear it for half an hour before my chemo started and for half an hour after my last bag of chemo.  It was changed every 30 minutes and don't be afraid to shout out if the nurses don't come to change it, they are so busy you may need to remind them! My hair started to fall out after my second chemo.  I found it would shed about the 5th to 7th day after every chemo session.  Don't be too alarmed!!  It's a bit scary when you wake up and your pillow is covered (oh I used silk pillows as my hair didnt seem to fall out as much with them).  I only combed my hair if it really needed it, having short hair meant I could get away with not having to 'style' it!!  I used a very wide toothed hair brush and only used my hair drier on the lowest cool setting.  I must admit sessions 4 and 5 were a real struggle, and I really thought of giving up BUT I knew it was helping my young children cope so i persevered and I'm so glad I did!  People who did not know I was having treatment had no idea that I was. I could have even got away with not telling the children I was receiving chemo as they would not have realised the difference. The bald patches were about the size of a fifty pence on the side and back of my head where I laid and were only really visible when it was windy.  If you are offered the cold cap I would give it a go!!  IT WORKED FOR ME. 

[wend63]

I am due to start chemo on 18th July 2014 . I am having 6 sessions of fec . Has anyone else had experience of chemotherapy in new cross hospital . Also has anyone had experience of using cold cap