Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi All, I’m having same problem with taste.  Pineapple is good, ice cold drinks ( but not fizzy) hot water with lemon, ginger & honey, ice lollies.  Unfortunately none of them last long enough to keep it away. Does anyone have any knowledge on how weekly chemo differs to 3 weekly cycles? i’be just finished my 3 FEC & was due to start 3 cycles of doxetacil (T), but yesterday following an appointment with a new oncologist I was advised that it would be better to switch to weekly Paclitaxel & Carboplatin for 9 weeks.  I’m triple negative so he feels this would be better for me.  Maybe it’s the thought of weekly chemo sessions as opposed to every 3 weeks.  I had some horrendous SE from FEC but still usually managed 1 good week out of each 3. Hope everyone has a good weekend.  Weather is lovely here, crisp but blue skies so am going out with my step-daughter this afternoon for little retail therapy & bite to eat.  Xx ... View more

Thanks Kip. Nurse had suggested pineapple which i’m gonna try today. Think I’ll pop into gp’s to see if he can offer anything else. Jacqs xx ... View more

Relieved to have my 3rd & final FEC today. Left with awful taste in my mouth. Nurse suggested eating pineapple, but would appreciate any other suggestions.   Aley - i’ve got a coating on my tongue with a greenish tinge to it.  I mentioned it whilst having my chemo session today but nurse didn’t seem overly interested - didn’t even look at it.  Wondered if this is what’s causing such bad taste in my mouth.  X ... View more

Hi Aley.  I would agree on both points.  I’ve been told I look younger in my wig & I too loved my short crop. I’ve heard a few people say they have some re-growth after the last FEC, buts it’s quite fluffy. Xx ... View more

Hi Everyone Hope you are all doing well.   Well after a weeks rest, i’m due to have my 3rd Fec on Thursday & I’ve already started with sleepless nights.  Can’t help wondering what’s going to happen with this one. On a more positive note I got stopped yesterday whilst out shopping with my hubby by someone complimenting me on my lovely grey hair. She said her & her colleagues were debating wether or not to go grey.  I didn’t have the heart to tell her that it was a wig although it is the same colour as my hair was prior to losing it, so was able to chat to her about going grey originally.  Made me feel more confident about the wearing the wig though. have a good evening all xx   ... View more

Hi Gaby, Its currently 2am & i’m not able to sleep.  Woke up with chest pain which is a result of the blood clot on my lungs, but it always feels so much worse in the middle of the night.  I’ve had a few nights with horrible thoughts   We’ve just got to keep positive & tell ourselves that we will get through this.   Someone suggested meditation & deep breathing to calm the mind - i’m struggling with this but maybe worth a try? Hope you sleep well tonight. Jacqs x ... View more

Hi Pulapula.  I have an appointment for genetic testing in November.  I had a partial hysterectomy 10years ago but they left my ovaries, so if it proves I do have defective gene, i’ll Have my ovaries removed.  I’m also doing it for my sister & nieces.  We have got a family history of breast cancer but no one had had the test so far.  I know it’s a difficult one but I so wish I had had the test done earlier - would have still had to have double mastectomy & reconstruction, but then wouldn’t have had to have the chemo!!! I just turned 50 & am triple negative.  I was part of a family history clinic and had annual mammograms, but never really talked to anyone about genetic testing.  Apparently it’s only offered to those under the age of 50, Just wish they had made this info more clear. Xx ... View more

I’d agree Kip, it is liberating & saves time on washing it especially when you’re not feeling great. Got home from hospital this afternoon, so looking forward to good nights sleep & some nice food xx ... View more

Hi Ladies, Well I’m hoping to be discharged today.  They just have to check my liver function as it’s been struggling with all of the drugs they’re giving me.  Latest setback has delayed my next FEC session, but hey ho.... Tizwas - thanks for your message.  With regards the prune thing, i’ve Just been chatting to the oncologist nurse at the hospital. I had been struggling all week & was having lactulose twice a day without much success.  I then started having 5 or 6 prunes with breakfast & all is resolved.  She agrees that anything natural is best & has recommended I carry on with both prunes & lactulose.  I’d forgotten how much I do like them. I decided to shave my hair off before it started coming out.  I went to a number 2 with the clippers, then a lot more came out 1 week after the 1st FEC.  I’m not completely bald - just a little fuzz all over but no soreness. Best decision I could have made.  I loved my hair & definitely felt like it was one of my defining features, but cutting it all off wasn’t as traumatic as I thought.  I love wearing my new wig, & once weather gets colder won’t mind the hats.   Positive thoughts to you all for a good week & big hugs xx   ... View more

Georgie. So sorry to hear about your latest development. Have they told you how long you’ll be on the blood thinning drugs? I’m sure you will be happy to be home. Take it easy & wishing you a speedy recovery x ... View more

Hi.  Sorry it took so long for me last reply but it was a tough & exhausting weekend.   I’ve got 4 chemo sessions left.  There’s a possibility of a delay on the next one ( due a week on Thursday ).  I’ve one more Fec, then onto the t part.   Pulapula - I was told that if you’re going to have flu jab it needs to be before you start your treatment.  It’s always worth checking though.  And yes, i’m getting paranoid about infection.   In between my Chemo sessions i’ve been taking vitamin c & zinc tablets along with few herbal things - although maybe i’m not best advert cause i’m The one in here ☹️ Take care all.  Love jacqs xx ... View more

Aw Georgie - sounds like you’ve got same rotten luck as me.  I was admitted to hospital on sat evening after initiallly been sent home on Friday.  Turns out it wasn’t neutropenia.  I had blood clots on my lungs & pleurisy.  Lots of antibiotics, blood thinning injections for next 6 months & a shedload of painkillers.  The suspected infection in my central line may not be as serious though but will know for sure on Friday when blood cultures come back.   Love & hugs from one unhappy bunny to another. Thank you all for your get well wishes xx ... View more

Hi Pulapula & A Little Pixie, apologies for the delayed reply.  It was indeed time for hospital.  I was admitted on Saturday evening & what they initially thought was neutropenic sepsis actually turned out to be blood clots on the lung & pleurisy.  They’ve been treating me with antibiotic drips, blood thinning injections & lots painkillers.  I do feel a lot brighter today.  On a more positive note, they don’t think the infection in my central line is anything to worry about but will know for certain on Friday when latest blood culture tests come back.  I’ll be staying with the lovely NHS till the end of the week, then will be reviewed. thanks for your messages & hope you’re all doing ok too xx ... View more

Hi Georgie.  I was admitted last night & am being treated for neutropenia sepsis & pleurisy.  Can I ask how long it takes for symptoms to ease.  Like you it isn’t best place to be - it’s chaotic & so noisy even in middle of the night. I’m from September thread - hope you don’t mind the questions & hope you’re starting to feel little better. Jacqs xx ... View more

Hi Pulapula. I’m also on Fec.  After each session I have had 3 days of steroids which do seem to help alleviate a lot of symptoms.  I’ve then had 5 days of the injections.  I’m not sure why hospitals differ so much but I would definitely ask them about this as I understood both were important for recovery from each session. i’ve got a central line instead of a picc & had same issue with district nurses. I now go to hospital once week to get it flushed & dressings changed. Had my 2nd Fec 10 days ago & have just been admitted to hospital with pleurisy & potential neutropenia sepsis.  So gutted cause it all seemed to be going so well. hope you manage to get something sorted.  Jacqs xx ... View more

Thanks K.  Good luck to you too for your last chemo.  I’ll have one more Fec then 3 T.  Fortunately I won’t have to have radiotherapy.  Am just hoping this pleurisy won’t delay next chemomsession - fingers crossed x ... View more

Hello ladies.  I have been following your progress but have not yet regularly contributed, but would love to join in. I started my chemo right at the end of August & had my 2nd round of Fec 9 days ago.  Have got to say that since my diagnosis in May - triple negative grade 3 tumour, it’s been a hard slog.  I had a double mastectomy & reconstruction at end June, followed by 2 infections & lost one of implants as a result.  I’ve had to have a central line fitted which has not been problem free.  Yesterday was diagnosed with pleurisy so back on lots antibiotics & strict rest.  On Monday I am going in for a scan to check that I don’t have a blood clot on my lungs.  I’m wondering when the bad luck is going to end! I’m usually awake at all hours so will keep checking in to see how you are all doing xx     ... View more

Hello Ladies, Can I ask if any one of you has a central line fitted & if so what their experiences of this are. I had mine fitted 2 weeks ago and am already having couple issues with it.   It’s feeling very achy tonight & I have an ache in my shoulder above where the end comes out.  It has bled ever so slightly.  I’ve checked my temp & it’s ok.  Just wondering if this is normal. thanks in advance for any advise. Jacqui x ... View more

Hi Jill. Yes i did get to see the surgeon again & unfortunately it was a bad infection so had to go back into surgery today to have left implant removed. Pretty gutted but I will be able to have it reconstructed after chemo. X ... View more