starting chemo in July

[jenben]

Hi
Glad to join you all. Have been around on here since April but I guess reality set in today . Spent an hour with onc half of it on the side effects which was a bit depressing. She mentioned the herceptin trial to me, 6 months rather than 12. She said research nurses would ring me. To be honest I feel like you, I don't want to do 6 months and then have a recurrence or 12 and maybe not. So I will be declining the offer. I want to help but really not at own expense.

Whatever the f is, don't think I am having that, just the ec, but yes will be good to see how we are all doing. My estimate is early November for chemo to end, all being well and then fingers crossed, radiotherapy for 3 weeks, and a hearty Xmas dinner with hair? Or the beginnings of at least!

Have been told am anaemic so will need neutrophil boosting injections daily. Said would do these myself as waiting for the district nurse every day will be a bind, equally she said my OH could do them if he was shown and I trusted him!

Good luck with the wound such a setback, mine in breast leaks every now and then but she seemed to think it would be ok

[rubythursday]

I will also be having 3 FEC then 3 tax but no Herception as negative for that one.

Am now wound packed to the hilt with some form of seaweed derivative to speed up the wound healing and am back to daily district nurse visits and no showers, just strip washes - which is really not the same at all! Never mind - if it sorts it out and I can get cracking then it will be worth it 🙂

Welcome Jenben - you are also on the FEC T combo so I see, lots of us seem to get that one. I am sure we will all be fine and will ride whatever waves are chucked at us, big or small trying always to bear in mind that at the end of it we should be cancer free and be able to get back to a normal life. This is my second time round with BC but first time with chemo, and life does get normal again!

Hocuspocus - your post has given me hope that maybe it wont be that bad after all!

Ruby.x

[Guest user]

Hi Rubythursday. I will be having 3 x FEC then 3 x TAX with Herceptin added.

I was asked whether I would consider a test group that they were running where the Herceptin is reduced to 6 months, but, I felt that if a year is needed then why cut down to a half?

I start next week (20th) hope you are coming with me. (fingers crossed for you)

Hi Jenben, you are welcome here, even tho' you obviously don't want to be here.

I am also wanting to get started, but very wary about how I'll be.

I will be posting 2 days ahead of you, so we can compare SE's.

<<
June

[jenben]

Hi, starting chemo on 22nd. 3xEC and 3 tax with herceptin tagged on. Am I ok to join?
Seems long while getting to this point but glad in a warped sense to be getting on with it x

[rubythursday]

Hi Gypsylady - is it all settling down a bit now? Sounds a bit grim 😞 I am with you on the whole pus thing, I have the strongest stomach but have even made myself feel very nauseous! What chemo are you going to be having?

My chemo was delayed last week as not quite healed enough, said she might start me this Friday but seen as I can now get two (clean) fingers into my wound in my tummy and its weeping like crazy (but not smelling nasty at all) I think its going to be at least the week after. I just want to get on with it and its so frustrating to be sitting here feeling otherwise fine but with this blooming disgusting wound (I am not blessed in the patience stakes!)

I am off to see the district nurse now to see what she thinks and if another swab needs to be done.

Ruby.x

[supertrouper]

I am on day 16 following my first EC chemo treatment. I am using the cold cap method but noticed yesterday some hair shedding from underneath close to my neck - which I am guessing is where the cold cap didn't quite fit tight enough. I know it's early days but I feel quite hopeful that if the hair is shedding there and no where else then I could stand a good chance of holding on to my hair. I do hope so!

Feeling totally back to normal now - sleep patterns have returned appetite never went away but food was rather tasteless for a while. No mouth ulcers. Energy levels are a bit up and down but I just listen to my body and don't try to push myself.

How's everyone else doing?

[Guest user]

Rubythursday - The nurses have probably taken a swab of the wound just to check that there's no underlying infection.

My ex-boob started looking a bit red just before I was due to start chemo, in June, and I was diagnosed with Cellulitis.

They delayed while I took 3 different anti-biotics (even having 24hrs IV to jump start the fight)

(I could even see the pus under the mx scar until it burst)

I've been put back until 20th July, so I'm gearing up for next week.

Trust the staff, the chemo may slow down the healing process but unless there is a clear infection you might as well get on with your total recovery.

I'll be thinking of you and hope we can get on with this together.

<<
June

[Slendablenda]

Supertrouper - so glad you are feeling better now. Good advice about not using the paracetamol to mask your temperature.
To you ladies with children -it must be so hard trying to prepare them
for how you might look and feel and keeping everything as normal as possible for them too - especially when you don't really know how it's going to affect you.
I have a slightly similar situation. My Mum is 89 and is desperately worried about me so I try not to give her too much info, so when I tell her I'm feeling okay she must wonder what all the concern is about. I am finding it a fine line to decide what to say to who!
My friends who keep in touch sometimes say silly things they think are positive, but i try not to react (which is my natural instinct, I can be quite sharp sometimes I know), but they are the ones who are bothering to phone, text, speak to me and I really do appreciate it. It must be hard for them to know what to say.
I had my first AC chemo on Thursday.Intensive regime every 2 weeks. Side effects have been weird - nothing too major, but a feeling that my body is not being controlled by me - concentration, memory slightly affected. nausea, was sick the first day, but not since - taking the tablets.Temperature fluctuations, slight constipation, fluctuating energy levels, sleep pattern out of kilter.
District Nurse has been for last 2 days to inject my stomach. From today I'm going to have a go doing it myself - not looking forward to it! EEK.
Sorry for the long post.It's those early hours when the brain won't switch off.
Happy Monday everyone.

[hocuspocus]

Hi All

New to the site. Finally received my first FEC (of 😎 on July 7th. Better than I thought it would be. Felt well. Slight sick feeling but no nausea or throwing up. Was diagnosed with BC, IDC, grade 3, stage 2/3 and lymph node involvement at the end of January. Took some time to start the journey but relieved that I am now starting the road to recovery. After chemo i will have 15 rads. I have been reading posts on this site for some time now and find it helpful and supportive.

[jenben]

Thanks, food for thought! When will the sun shine in cornwall in the next month, that is the most vital question! Have fun!

[Guest user]

Hello Jenben!

Just popping in from the June thread! I would weigh up a) going prior to chemo knowing that you'll feel good in yourself, but be worrying about starting chemo on your return and possibly worrying about the delay to b) going in your 3rd week of chemo and probably be feeling back to 100%, knowing what to expect and feeling in control and not worrying about delaying the treatment.

I'm off to Cornwall next weekend (lots of ladies on this forum loving Cornwall!).

Good luck with your decision and have a fantastic (and well deserved!) break.

x

[jenben]

Hi got my first appointment with onc on Tuesday. Dx 20th April, wle and snb 17th may, further wle and axillary clearance 20th June. Breast wound not infected but is oozing at times with old blood - haemotoma. Surgeon thought this was all good (!) and happy to refer to onc.
Am aware summer hols are here end of next week and don't know wether to say get on with chemo week after ie 19th ish before hols begin or ask him for small break after 1st week of hols as we have the option to have a week in Cornwall. Part of me wants to have the break feeling well, but will i be really anxious knowing I have to face it when I get back? Other option is to have chemo and then go away in good 3rd week? Ah just dont know what to do! All treatment is preventative now. I am on sick and delaying will mean more time off?
Anyone further than me with any advise?

[Guest user]

Hi all, sorry I have not posted for a while I thought if I hid in my own bubble this nightmare might go away but it hasnt!! I had my first chemo 2 days ago, the treatment was not bad at all in fact I thought it was a breeze. But the side effects hit me later that night a whole evening of been sick and the following day in bed. Glad to say though today is a whole different story, took kids to school had a little tidy round even got 15 mins fresh air with the dog.
Just goes to show take one day at a time. I too tried the cold cap found after first 10 mins it was fine, due to collect my wig early next week like most on here dreading loosing my hair.

Take care all xx Adele xxx

[Guest user]

Hi girls, just to let you know i got my wig today..... was very daunting and bit scary but the staff were so lovely. Got 3 more hats today too, that was fun as do like hats 🙂
Very tired today and bad tummy. I'm day 7 from first chemo session so lots of anti bacterial spray today as know my immune system going to be low. More mouth wash today too. apart from that the se's don't seem to be too bad. 🙂

Rubythursday i hope they have planned to start your chemo today as all the waiting is the worse part. I'm sure if you were at any risk of infection etc they would definately not start. Let us know how you get on.

Hi Slendablenda, Hope your not feeling too bad today. I was the same for my first chemo, tired and bit sicky but keep that at bay with anti sickness, with all the advice i've been given and used it myself was to not wait until you feel sick. Take the anti sickness religiously for a few days and hopefully you won't actually be sick.

Hi my2boys, sorry you've had to join us but you'll find lots of advice and experiences to share with everyone on here. Its so nice to be able to write exactly how you feel and know that you all understand. I was diagnosed April 21st and still finding it all abit surreal. Have had my ups and downs but still doesn't actually feel like its me that its happening too. Don't feel bad about your boys, i've got 3 boys and i'm terrified about how they will be when i lose my hair and if i can't phsically get out of bed. The only thing i can advise with that one is to take all the help anyone offers you. My mum has been my rock. I've got my second fec on 22nd July so like you i'm worried that i'm not going to be great for a few days into the start of the holidays.

Suppose i'd better do some cleaning before getting little ones from school.

Have a great weekend all.

Love and hugs

Penny xxx

[rubythursday]

Hi everyone,

I am due to start FEC today but still have a slightly open wound from my tummy tuck recon, anyone got any experience of starting chemo with an open wound? I have a feeling it may be delayed but when I went for my chemo talk yesterday the nurse seemed to think that if it was healing (not healed) they may start it anyway? Any thoughts?
Ruby.x

[Slendablenda]

Hello Sonia
I had my first chemo today after lumpectomy surgery in May.
Yes it is scary and it does turn your world upside down, but as with most of these things the anticipation and not really knowing how it will be is usually the worst part.
For me the hair is not such an issue - I've got my head round it I hope! It's only temporary. I've bought 2 different wigs, they are quite realistic to people who aren't really close to me.
I know it's early in my chemo, but the actual treatment was better than I expected, nothing hurt me and the nurses were friendly, patient and professional.
Now it's 12 hours later, loads of info, medication, appointments etc, and bright pink pee!
So far I feel a bit tired and the nausea has increased, but now it is time to start the medication for that. What I had at the hospital is probably wearing off now.
Going to bed soon. Tomorrow is another day.
Good luck

[My_2_boys]

Hi,

Have lurked for a little while but now I have been given my first chemo date (25th July) it would be great to join you....

Have mixed feelings about it all - some days feel very positive that this is a fight that I will win - then others are not so good. Have 2 small boys (8 and 4) and sometimes feel very guilty that I am ruining their childhood - which is stupid really - doesn't help that first chemo is scheduled for the start of the 6 weeks holidays!

Just recently turned 40, was diagnosed in April had lumpectomy (sorry about the spelling) and SNB the week of the royal wedding, unfortunately two nodes have turned to the dark side - went back for full clearance with the positive news that no other nodes are affected.

It would be great to join the gang and get to know you all -- for those having their treatment I hope your SE are not too bad and for those due to have their chemo shortly I hope everything goes OK.

Sorry for the long rambling post!!

xx Justine xx

[Guest user]

Hi Sonia and Welcome to the group that no-one wants to be part of.

I was diagnosed in April and had my MX in May.

Further delays of another op and cellulitis have delayed the start of my Chemo regime but I am 'hoping' to be starting next week. (and dreading it aswell)

There are lots of lovely inspirational ladies with interestingly shaped heads on this forum who will hold virtual hands with you throughout the future weeks.

If you want some light conversation with some elements of reality...One thread that I keep going back to is 'standing on the edge of the dark dark woods'.

Hope we can be of support to each other if we both start next week.

Love and (((HUGS)))
June

[Guest user]

Thank you Sandytoes, Sue and Sookie for your kind words.
It is nice to see such a response within minutes of my post. It feels good that there are people out there that do not know you but do care.

I suppose i have to take a deep breath and face whatever comes to me next week. I have an appointment with the chemo nurses tomorrow and hopefully they will point me in the right direction for wigs and I have seen some scarves that I like at http://www.bohemia-fashions.co.uk which I will order.

All the best to all of you out there going through the treatment and I sincerely hope that we all pull through this. Take care and thanks.

[supertrouper]

Hello everyone, I don't want to throw a dampener on everyone's positivity but can I just stress the importance of taking your temperature whilst on Chemo. I had my first EC on June 28th and on day 6 my temperature shot up to 38.2 I spent 8 hours at the local hospital whilst they ran blood tests, ECG tests and chest xray only to be told that my bloods were fine and to go home. On Monday of this week (4th July) my temperature was again 38.2 and I was told to go in. This time my bloods were not okay - Neutrophils had dropped to 0.01 and I was admitted for three days whilst they gave me loads of antibiotics. My neutrophils reached 1.7 yesterday and with a stable temperature they let me come home. It was a very scary experience but certainly taught me a lesson. Take your temperature and don't compromise your immune system by putting yourself at risk.

I feel great now - but still low immune system so I am taking it easy at home.

Debbie

[Guest user]

Hi Sonia

I am one of the "Junie" chemo girls and was having my first dose of chemo (FEC) this time last week. I was dreading it - but you are given so much to help counteract the side effects, that, so far, it has been okay really. I am also trying the cold cap, but have ordered a wig as well.

Sandytoes's and Sue's advice is excellent Sonia - there is nothing I can add.

Good luck

[Guest user]

Ha ha we only seem strong because we have had to get our heads through exactly the same place as you are, and have already come some way down the road. I think we have all been very scared about starting chemo, and the hair loss thing seems such a biggie - until it happens, when you realise it is the least of your worries! I would advise getting info on wigs now, so that you are prepared - I don't wear mine every day, happy with scarves/hats locally, but there really are some fantastic wigs out there, and no-one will know it is not your real hair if you choose well and this really matters to you!
Chemo has its ups and downs, but I have been able to keep working throughout, although of course reduced hours and not every week - I have had just 49 days off in the last 6 months.
Keep posting - we will be happy to help you along!
Sue xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Sonia,

I am 33 and was diagnosed about 7 weeks ago and felt the same. Completely devestated by the diagnosis and the treatment. Sounds like you'd be having chemo prior to the op too? The thought of chemo terrified me. However, I have now done 3 of 8 chemo sessions and they were nowhere near as bad as I thought they would be!! So far I've had some queasiness and tiredness. It was worse with my second lot of chemo, but my drugs have been tweaked to lessen the side effects for this round - and it's been nothing that I can't deal with.

With the hair thing. I prepared myself in advance by buying a wig (which is fab and much nicer than my normal hair! But I would still prefer to hold onto my actual hair) and some scarves. I did it in advance so I felt prepared - and also as I was worried I wouldn't be able to get out of bed when I started chemo!! Which isn't the case! I could happily go shopping every day now! However, I am also trying the cold cap (do they offer it at your hospital?). I've so far had minimal loss - so don't need wigs or scarves. I went on the breast cancer care forum for young women at the weekend and was less scared having spent time with girls who have embraced the bald look and looked FAB! They mixed up different scarves and donned stunning wigs in the evening. But there was also one girl who did the cold cap and managed to hold onto most of her hair. I'm hoping to be one of the lucky ones - but am on a dose dense regime and have been told I am unlikely to hold onto it with the next chemo drug. But I'll give it a shot and am glad that I will have held onto it for a couple of months at least. I also had long, curly hair that I had highlighted blonde, and I did have it cut to shoulder length and dyed it back to my normal hair colour (to minimise roots!) which I found traumatic enough at the time! Ha! You will feel better as you progress with the treatment though - and most people said they felt relief and like they gained a sense of control when they finally shaved it off. Hair will grow back! But it is like losing part of your identity and I didn't want to LOOK ill (although I could have done with it the other day when I'd just had my chemo and was on a packed train feeling slightly queasy and tired. If I'd had a bald head to flash at people, maybe they would have offered me a seat...?!).

PM me if you have any questions or worries. I'm not very far ahead of you and can remember all too clearly the week of my diagnosis. I went from diagnosis to chemo within about 10 days.

x

[June_BCC]

Hello SONIA123

Welcome to the forums, this is a very worrying time for you but you have come to the right place for support from our experienced users who I’m sure will be along to support you soon.

In the meantime maybe you would like to talk things through with a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 600 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 to 2.00.

Best wishes
June, moderator

[Guest user]

Hello everyone,

I am probably starting chemo next week. I have a large lump on my left, for which I just hade sentinal node biopsy. I have several small lumps on my right which looked suspcious on the MRI and they have been biopsied... waiting for both results. I am 41 and it feels as if my whole life has turned upside down. I really don't know how I am going to cope with Chemo and its side effects. I have long naturaly curly hair and I really dont want to be bald. I am really really scared.. It helps to see how strong a lot of the women are but i am really scared help.....

[Guest user]

Hi Lisha, so glad you had a nice holiday but like you it kinda hit me the day i came home, was a bit of a mess for a few days. Just wanted to stay on holiday mode and pretend none of this was happening.
Good news on margins and sentinal nodes. Mines the same being triple negative and yes very aggresive. LIsha i feel exactly the same, funny how we all think the same and nice to share it. I've been worried about reaccurance. Thought myself as being really silly as hadn't even started treatment but i suppose we will all worry.
Hope your 17year old son is ok, i've got 19 year old son that i worry about too. I know deep down it will effect him and my other 2 boys 😞

I'm post chemo day 6 now. Still feeling tired and sluggish. Have had constipation but that seems to be calming down a bit now. I've got bad mouth ulcers top of mouth that have developed the last few days. Am rinsing my mouth quite a few times a day with cordysl. Will get supplys from the hospital i think on the next visit.

Will keep you updated on different side effects but touching wood at moment that i'm not too bad 🙂

Good luck everyone

Penny xx

[lisha]

Hi everyone ,
So nice we can all go through this together.Really pleased for the girls on here who havent been too bad yet and really sorry for the ones who are having a bad time of it .As Shroomie and Buzzy says none of us know how it is going to hit us.
I am just back from my holiday at the weekend it was really great but really sad when we had to come home.
I had my onchologist app on monday .It was a mixed bag really positive because i had been told i was at stage 2 and it was only stage 1 as the tumour was only 1.4 cm and 2.2 with the pre cancerous cells they took for the margins.Also i had 3 sentinal nodes taken out and they were all clear.
Negative as it is a grade 3 and all hormone tests were negative and i knew it that was the case it has a chance of coming back pretty quickly!!
Today i recieved my pre assesment appointment it is on wed 13th . Then i start my chemo if all is ok on thur 14th .
I am getting scared now and my son who is 17 and has coped ok up to now says he doesnt ever want to see me with no hair as it will upset him. I have got some lovely wigs 2 the same and have a hat on order and have got 1 bandanna.Mostly i am scared of the cancer coming back .I am trying to stay positive but finding it hard at the moment.
Good luck to all you girls who are going for your first or even second chemo very soon . I have 6 EC and 20 radiotherapy sessions then i have a follow up app for june 11th. They only want to see me once a year thought it would be more than that.
Take care girls speak to you all soon love Sharon xx

[Guest user]

Hi Mads and Locket, i can totally understand where you both coming from. I've got 3 boys, 18, 11 and 8. They are all dealing with it in different ways. My eldest i think will be more effected. Hair loss and watching me feeling a little ill.

I've tried to be as lightheartned with them as much as possible. I've showed them my scarves and have made jokes about having shorter hair than them and being able to spike it which makes them laugh but i know deep down that it will effect me alot more when it actually happens.

I had my first fec of 6 on Friday..... i haven't felt too bad 🙂 Was a little sicky for the first 3 days but anti sickness kept that at bay and today i've had my last steriod and no anti sickness tablets. I am feeling rather drained though. Having naps in the day but i know its no good as i'm awake now, although very drained.
I work part time as a receptionist for a children's centre and haven't been in this week and already i feel guilty, Bad i know but just can't help it. Really not sure whether i should be working at all while on chemo as really don't want to catch any infection from the centre. Docs did say that i can't wrap myself up in cotton wool but don't want this to get any worse by actually getting poorly.

Like Buzzy says you can't predict how your going to feel. I was absolutely petrified, i think i'd scared myself so much with the worse that could happen that nothing could be as bad as my thoughts.
I know everyone reacts differently but i really hope you both sail through your first one.

I've got my second dose on 22nd, blood test next monday.

hugs
xx

[Guest user]

My girls are 9 and 5, and it's my eldest I'm worried most about too. As if being a mum isn't a big enough guilt trip already! But our positivity and fight is exactly why we shouldn't feel guilty. We're going to give this our all for us and our families, and it's going to be draining enough without wasting our energy on guilt. Easy to say though isn't it. ;o)

[Guest user]

Hi mads79,
I totally agree with what your saying, I also have 2 girls mine are 6 & 2 and thats exactly what Im worried about.My oldest has took it all in her stride Im so proud of her but like you say its when it all becomes more visible, I cant help but feel guilty that Im putting them through this & that Im letting them down, they are so young & need me so much it just makes me sad,but on the other hand they keep me strong & positive Im gonna fight this for them xx

[Guest user]

Hiya. Can i join in too please?
I'm starting my chemo on 18th July and having the same as you Locket. Like you I'm wary of what's to come but I'm trying to go into it with an open mind. I don't want to convince myself of side effects that aren't there. I have 2 girls who keep me busy and they've handled it all really well up to now, but I worry how they'll be, especially my oldest, when it all becomes more visible. The being ill and hair loss etc. At the moment I'm considering shaving my hair off shortly after the first treatment. It's going to be hard but I think I'd find it more difficult waiting for it to start coming out itself.
For now I'm just trying to get on with things and enjoy feeling well.

[Buzzy]

Locket the best advice I can give you is to expect the worst but hope for the best. No-one can predict how you will feel after chemo as it affects everyone differently. I had FEC first (not sure if that's similar to EC). I had no sickness but felt drained of energy for a few days after each one and quite tired all the way through but I did keep on working so that probably didn't help. Docetaxol is a bit harder and I find the side effects don't kick in til a few days after treatment. I'm not on Herceptin so can't tell you anything about that. As for hair loss, I was dreading it as my hair was one of my best assets but I was prepared for it and it wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. I had some great wigs which I got cheaply from ebay and my hair was beginning to grow back before my last chemo. By 6 months it was 3 inches long. I've just started a course of docetaxol and I'm bald again now and not bothering covering it up any more cos it's too hot!
Anyway, I hope the side effects are kind to you. Drink plenty, listen to your body and rest as much as you can. Take all the help that is offered and good luck.
Debs
xx

[Guest user]

Hiya is it ok if I join in??
Im due to start chemo this month EC,Docetaxel and Herceptin,Im a little worried as I suppose everyone is but trying to stay strong.My little ones are keeping me busy and lots of support from friends & family.I think im more worried about how ill im going to feel (& the hair loss!!)and for how long in between sessions.My oncologist said exercising during chemo has lots of benefits and helps with tiredness & sickness, just wandered how you ladies felt about that (need to decide whether to cancel gym memebership) & anyone already started chemo how do they feel from day to day as I really dont know what to expect,im hoping if i think the worst its not going to be as bad as im thinking!!

Any advice greatly received
xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Jenna,

I found the waiting the hardest thing too! isn't it wierd how time can go so quickly and so slowly all at the same time!

I'm having 6 FEC, as I understand my herceptin won't start until the chemo and radio have finished.

I got a letter from my onc yesterday who said that my prognostic features are 'unusual' and of uncertain signifcance..I always thought that I was a bit wierd and now that's been medically confirmed!!!

I haven't bought anything recommended yet (other than a scarf or 2) because I did that for the op and then didn't need any of it - I put it down to my unusualness!

Hope everything goes well on Wednesday and we'll meet here again soon.

Keep positive xx

[Guest user]

Hi ToffeeLumpyBumpy (great name),

I too will be starting on the 8 July. I'm 42 with grade 2, hormone positive, invastive ductal, HER2 postitive and node involvement. And slowly getting to grips with the new language!

This is my first post but I've been reading posts for a couple of weeks. Many have been really positive and helpful, I spent this last weekend buying all the recommended items and my kitchen is full of things I hope I won't need. I responded to your message as you are starting chemo the same date as me, and hopefully we can compare notes! I too only want positivity!

I'm heading for 3 x FEC and 3 x Docetaxel with Herceptin. I have my range of lovely hats ready (and sourced from recommendations on BCC forums) as I'm not planning to have cold cap either.

I've found the waiting between surgery and chemo to be a really long time, although in reality it's just over 3 weeks.

Good luck with your re-assessment tomorrow, my next appointment is a heart ultrasound on Weds.

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies,

I start my Chemo on Friday (8th), have got the pre-assessment tomorrow.

I'm 30 years old with grade 3, triple positive, invasive ductal. Already had the WLE, luckily there's no node involvement and my margins were good.

I've decided against the cold cap - I suffer with migraines anyway and can't bear the thought of having those aswell as everything else that may occur!

I'm daunted by the treatment but not scared and will be interested to see what shape head i've got under all this hair and I can't say that i'll be sad to see all of my other excessive body hair disappear!!

Good luck to everyone embarking on this section of the journey along with me - i'm staying positive and hope that others will stay that way with me!

[Guest user]

Thanks Buzzy i shall look into it 🙂

Ohhh Supertrouper, i'm sorry things not going well 😞 Hope things settle for you soon, thinking of you xxxx

[supertrouper]

I got a call from one of the nurses in the oncology department yesterday morning who said don't take paracetamol as is masks what is going on. My temperature this morning is 37.9 which isn't good so I will monitor it for a couple of hours before deciding on whether to ring the hospital again. Not the best of starts to chemo, hope everyone else who is starting this month does better than me.

[Buzzy]

Hi Shroomie. I bought the milk protein and olive oil cream in a shop which sells a lot of products for afro caribean hair. They had an array of products for strengthening and I just chose one that smelt nice! It was quite cheap too.
I live in Bristol. Hope you can find a shop like that where you live.
Debs
x

[Guest user]

oooh Supertrouper, hope your feeling better... must have been so scary 😞

I'm starting to feel a little sick now but still taking anti sickness whenever i can. Very woozy but suppose thats part of the tiredness. I'm only day 3 into first Fec.
Was contemplating going into work tomorrow but don't think i will, i only work part time but work all day monday and Tuesday as admin support, makes me tired at the best of times so doubt i'll be able to concentrate lol.

Hi to you Deb, sounds like you have been through so much 😞 I would like to know a little about this milk protein and olive oil cream (where did you buy it?) Be great to have you on this thread for advice etc. Hope things get better for you very soon. xx

Hi Gypsylady, Good luck on your start date, hopefully you can get this started very soon as the waiting is the worse thing ever. Glad your infection better now though 🙂 Hugs to you and everyone xxxx

[supertrouper]

Day 6 following first EC chemo and what a day. Another bad nights sleep, woke up feeling shivery so took my temperature 38.2. Took some paracetamol and tried to get another couple of hours. Temperature 2 hours later was 37.6 and stayed at that for the following 2 hours. Rang the hospital as instructed and was told to go in. 8 hours later they let me home after isolating me in a side room, taking many blood samples through a cannula. Sending me for a chest xray, doing a ecg test and making me wee into a cardboard potty. Much waiting around waiting for the results to come back. Bloods came back as okay, same with ecg and xray and wee test. Temperature by now was back up to 38.2 but as nothing had been found and I said that I felt (relatively) okay - they let me go home at 7.30pm but it was a very close call!! Temperature is still high but I am taking paracetamol and on the strictest of instructions to ring in if I start to feel ill. I really don't like this. Hopefully Sunday will be a better day and I will start to feel a little better. We have to live in hope don't we.

[Buzzy]

Hi girls, Hope you don't mind me jumping in here. I'm Deb and I was diagnosed July 2010 grade 2 tumour. I had 6xFEC before my surgery. I had a WLE in January, a re-excision in February. Op to drain an abcess in March and a mastectomy in April! I've now just started on 4xTAX chemotherapy due to cells being found in lymph nodes.
During my first chemo I wore wigs and scarves. I got some nice cheap wigs from ebay. My hair had started growing back before my last FEC in December and by June this year was 3 inch long thick curls. I'd never had curly hair before! I swore that the strength of my hair was down to some milk protein and olive oil strengthening cream I bought and used to rub in every day while I was bald.
I was gutted to lose my hair for a second time but I'm hoping it will come back as quickly this time. I've decided its too hot to wear wigs now so I'm going commando and loving the freedom (and some of the funny looks!)
I found that FEC was relatively easy for me. I had no sickness and carried on working throughout most of it. (I only do 4 and a half hours a day) I was extremely tired though but pushed on through. This time I'm finding TAX is much harsher. The aches and pains are awful and it seems to take at least 10 days after each treatment to start feeling "normal" again so I'm taking more time off work and looking after number one a bit more.
If anyone wants any advice about chemo, ops, picc lines, wigs, scarves or anything else just ask as I seem to have been there and done most of it!
Hope you are all ok and remember its ok to feel emotional, tired, angry or upset and there is always someone here to talk to.
Good luck
Debs
xx

[supertrouper]

Day 5 here following first EC chemo - no tablets to take today. Felt okay, still tired though. Fizzy mouth seems to have gone now but the palms of my hands feel itchy. Tried having my favourite Friday night tea with is noodles with curry sauce - didn't taste right so only managed to eat a bit of it. Aching back and shoulders, very weary but cannot seem to nap during the day.

Went to the "Head Strong" clinic at the hospital today, its run by breast care volunteers who show you how to tie scarves to cover hair loss. I went with a friend who was very enthusiastic about how I looked. I wasn't - I looked like an old bald woman wearing a scarf.

I am 55 - I have a round face, no cheek bones to speak off, I am not going to look good bald but I am at least prepared.

Hope everyone has a wonderful sunny weekend - don't worry about tomorrow, just enjoy today.

D x

[Guest user]

Well done Penny. Hope you stay OK.

I've had the go ahead from the surgeon, he checked the infection and seems like it's going so I have to see Onc on Wed to get a start date at last.

Soon be joining you :=)

(((HUGS))) June

[Guest user]

Hi all, well just to let you all know i've had my first fec today.... was sooo frightened this morning that all i did was cry, kinda pulled myself together though once i got to the ward. Had the cold cap and was pleasantly surprised it wasn't as had as i thought it was going to be 🙂 been around 6 hours now since drugs have been in and not feeling too bad although a little woozy at times.
Nurse has just rung to see how i'm doing and was pleased i didn't feel too bad, she was so lovely 🙂 so nice to feel you have support 24/7 kinda like a safety net, especially in the middle of the night if i take a turn for the worse.

Got my voucher for wig shop today so will try and get down there next week.

Hope everyone not feeling too bad

Penny xx

[supertrouper]

Hello Gypsylady (June) and everyone else in here.

I am on day 4 following my first EC Chemo treatment and feel so very tired and a little nauseous. Took my last batch of steroid tablets this morning and my last anti sickness tablet last night. Everything I do leaves me feeling drained. Also, my attention span is a bit wonky, I start to do something and then the phone rings and I then wander off after the phone call and start doing something else. Something to watch out for I think especially if you are going to drive! I managed to lock my keys in the boot of my car on Monday - something I would never normally do.

Anyway - onwards we go, one step and one day at a time. Hopefully I should start to feel better by the time day 7 comes along.

Debbie

1 down 7 more to go - then surgery - then radiation.

[Guest user]

Hi There July Ladies

I've had to Jump over from June.

I was all ready to start the FEC regime and found I have Cellulitis around the MX scar.

Presently on Anti-Biotics and 'hoping' I can get clear to start in July. (bit of a mis-nomer that as I am wanting to get started so I can get finished, and dreading starting in the first place)

As soon as I have a start date I'll hold virtual hands.

Love and Hugs
June (or should that be July?)

[supertrouper]

Hello Rubythursday and TFITHURSDAY and everyone else in this thread. I feel great today, just been told off by the chemo nurse for trying to do too much so I am going to take her advice and rest up in the garden with a very interesting book called "how the mind can heal your body" - nothing to lose by reading it. I also have a book on meditation and visualisation that has been very useful for helping to transport my mind to nicer/calmer places when needed.

My wig is in a box under my bed - I've worn it four times so far, twice in the shop, once to choose it and once to get it trimmed. She asked if I wanted to wear it home!! NO THANKS. Wore it twice at home to show the kids (kids? 25 and 21 year old boys still at home) And again to show my husband. If I lose my hair I am prepared, I've got a few scarves, and a couple of buffs on order.

Stay positive everyone - not the easiest of things to do sometimes but just remember, all we have to deal with is RIGHT NOW. Don't project your thoughts too far into the future (or the past for that matter) just enjoy the NOW.

Deb xx

[TFITHURSDAY]

Hi everybody,got my 2nd FEC yesterday and am feeling great at the moment. Because of the hot weather we have been having i decided that as long as i had my factor 30 dry oil scalp spray on and kept to shaded places that i would go commando and not wear any scarves on my head or anything. I was a little nervous at first but i must admit i feel fantastic and am thinking that i am not gonna bother with anything.
Good luck with all your treatments x x x

[rubythursday]

Hi - can I join this thread too? I am having my second round in the ring with BC, am 41 and have just had a mastectomy and tram reconstruction. Am due to start chemo a week on friday as long as my tummy wound infection is cleared up. I wont know till the day - talkabout keeping me on tenterhooks!

I am having 3 x Fec and 3 x Tax - have started looking for headscarves/wigs but its just too depressing right now!

Ruby.x