Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Katenonip My 2nd cycle was very rough, I've spend most of the days since Wed in bed. The sickness, tiredness and heart palpitations have been really awful. I did have some palpitations the first time round but not as bad as this. I phoned my doctors but they said it was the side effect of chemo and it would resolve. I've been feeling really low physically and emotionally, finding it difficult to stay strong. Haven't managed to go out for fresh air, don't think today is going to be the day maybe later this week. 😞   I'm sorry to hear you have to go through menopause this way. Mine started three years ago, I was on HRT for about a year and half and came off it a couple of months before my BC diagnosis. My hot flushes are horrendous and they're another many conditions I'm having to cope with.  I hope you find the right support to take you through this, hang in there.   Hope everyone is doing well xx ... View more

Thank you 💕 💕 ... View more

Hi Katenonip Thanks I will have a look. I have two bandanas but can do with another one and maybe a soft Woolly hat too. Yesterday I went out and even with cover my head felt cold. The small hair is now coming down in the shower when I wash so my scalp is getting more bare!  We shouldn’t forget scalp care, I hear Bio Oil is good 😊   I’m having my 2nd cycle tomorrow, not looking forward to it as I have to go through that period of being sick and lethargic especially now that I feel a bit normal again. Never mind. Hope you are well, take care xx ... View more

Hi Tcook87 So sorry to hear about your experience with first cycle. Did they give you anti sickness meds before the treatment? What is your chemo drug? Mine is EC.  Maybe like you said your reaction was related to the anxiety but the meds before and after help. Like you I felt quite rough when I got home I had to take one mild anti sickness tablet but for the following days I was more tired with no energy and appetite.  You need to drink lots of water and eat fruits and veg, you will feel better on week 2 and 3. Hope you feel better soon. Take care 💕 ... View more

Thank you 😊 I’m getting used to it, I thought I’d be wearing scarf even at home but I can see that’s not a good idea scalp needs to get air.  I had a bandana and I’ve bought another one, they seem to be a better option than bigger scarves. I’ve tried the ones I have at home and have no clue how to tie them or turn them to turban, need to watch some YouTube videos for ideas 😄 I do need to order a woolly hat though as the weather gets colder.  ... View more

I shaved my hair yesterday, like you said it was very emotional as the look cements the reality of what we are going through. The person who did it was very caring and kept asking if I was ok and if I wanted the length shorter but I told them to just go for it. I couldn’t stand the hair coming down in chunks like it did.  I sobbed and they did too and they refused to charge me for the cut, that made me even more emotional. Been going to the salon for years so they know me well but I didn’t expect that, these are the times when our faith in humanity is restored. I did leave a tip but I will think of a way to return the favour.  I tell you what though I don’t have to pick up hair from anywhere now, every cloud…!  Hope you’re all well 💕 💕 ... View more

Thank you, strange as it sounds I can’t wait to get it over and done with. I just went for a shower and it was horrendous I couldn’t manage the hair coming down I don’t think I even washed it properly.  I don’t wish to sound insensitive or offend anyone but I think maybe the best advice is to cut the hair really short or shave the hair right after the first cycle, no one should see their hair falling out like that.  I guess whichever way we look at this, it’s not going to be easy 🙁 I wish everyone well 💕 💕   ... View more

Good luck with your Chemo on Monday, you’ll be fine.  I booked an appointment to get my hair shaved tomorrow, like you said it’s embarrassing and messy. I thought about cutting it pixie short but surely that will come off too so best to go for the shave I suppose.  Hope everyone are doing well 💕 💕 ... View more

Hi Seaurchin Hope your chemo went well.  My hair has started to fall out at a pace and it’s getting hard to manage. I’m debating if I should also shave my hair.  When we say shave do we mean buzz cut or proper close shave? I suppose if we do buzz cut that will also come off?  My second cycle is next Wednesday, I’m dreading it as I’ve just started to feel a bit normal again.  Take care x ... View more

I’m so pleased you are feeling better. I’m having 3 cycles of EC for period of 9 weeks and then Tacxol once a week for 12 weeks followed by radiotherapy. Not sure how long for but I think it’s for three weeks.  I’m forcing myself to eat mainly to fit in my clothes 🤣 I need high calorie food, if I was close to McDonald’s I would have a burger often but problem is the taste is not great for me atm so have to resort to other food.  Hope everything goes well with your treatments. We are all in this together xx ... View more

You are very brave, I’ve started to think about shaving my head probably after the second chemo. I cut it short before the first injection but I guess soon the inevitable will happen.  Good luck with the next treatment, hopefully it won’t be as bad as the first one. My symptoms lasted about five days and this week I feel like a human again.  The sun is shining today and that makes everything better 😊 x ... View more

I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this tough times, I didn’t fully appreciate that there are different treatments for different stages. I hope you have a safe and speedy recovery.  Did they give you Omeprazole to take with your meds? It’s supposed to line your stomach and ease the heartburn caused by the drugs.  I guess with so much drugs and toxins in our bodies we are bound to have these side effects.  My problem is that after Covid I developed smell disorder and most foods smell and taste pungent especially onion and garlic so it’s been very hard to eat for past few months and now with Chemo it seems to have got worse. I don’t know which is worse cancer or smell disorder! ☹️ Here’s hoping for better and brighter days for all of us xx ... View more

Hi Katenonip Sorry to hear your chemo rounds are rough, I had my first one a week ago and for five days I felt very tired with no energy or appetite whatsoever. The first day was awful feeling sick but the meds helped.  I noticed you mentioned you were given Bisphosphonate. I thought this was something they would prescribe to post menopause women (like me) after the chemo treatment. Hope you feel better soon, drink lots of water and eat fruits and vegetables 😊 xx  ... View more

Hi Bee1234 I also didn’t tell my family and friends at the beginning but mainly because I was waiting for further results and plan of action, didn’t want to worry them too early in the process. But family are your line of support, there’s no easy way to react to these sort of things but maybe you can let them know how much you want them fuss over (agree with others their reaction can be much 😊 ). We need all the support to help us through these difficult times. My emotions are also all over the place these days.  Like others I find the BCN site very helpful and take comfort that I can freely share my thoughts with everyone.  Hang in there xx ... View more

Thanks Sharlea, I’m so glad to hear that things get better between cycles. Don’t want to speak too soon but today I am feeling better. I had to force myself to eat yesterday so maybe that’s why, I can’t afford losing more weight and don’t want my treatment to be delayed. I can’t wait to get out for a bit of walk and fresh air.  Wishing you and everyone well xx  ... View more

Hello everyone Started my chemo on Wednesday, the injection went well but as soon as I got home I felt rough and went straight to bed. It’s day four and I’m still feeling very tired with no appetite want to sleep all the time. Things are complicated with my long Covid smell and taste disorder which somehow has got even worse with the chemo. I managed to have some mash potatoes and carrots earlier, my family are really worried as I’ve lost quite a bit of weight. Has anyone else’s taste changed too? Will things get better between the cycles? I really hope so 😔 They gave me anti sickness and dexamethasone to take for two days after the chemo is that normal? Anyway I’m sorry that everyone is going through theses tough times, I’m thinking of you and wishing you all the best xx   ... View more

@Em77 thanks, that’s helpful and reassuring ☺️  On my very first visit with Oncologist I decided not to go for the cooling cap, it sounds like a lot of extra process and stress. I think those who choose it are brave. I’ve cut my hair short today and will wait and see what happens.  Will let you you how it goes.  ... View more

Thanks Jennet. My first three cycles are also EC every three weeks on the ward. They said they would go over everything the day before my first treatment.  I didn’t realise we had to do the blood cell injections ourselves. 🙁   Thanks again  ... View more

Hello everyone  Reading your posts with interest as I’m starting my first EC treatment next week. Quite nervous and apprehensive how I will react but I’m hoping and praying it won’t be as bad as it’s in my head!  Many of you are talking about injecting yourself can I ask what this is for? I don’t think I’ve been advised about this from my team.  Also do we need to take dexamethasone all the time and is that the reason for weight gain? Sorry about all the questions 😊 Thanks x  ... View more

Hi Evie, this is very helpful thanks and it does make sense. I like the idea of the journal for my symptoms. I do keep a diary already where I have the date of my diagnosis and surgery etc.  I have seen the link to the chemo monthly so will definitely follow that, this is a great place of support for newbies and those who are going through the treatment.  Thanks again for your kind wishes, will keep you posted xx ... View more