Breast Cancer Now Forum

Yibby - it is probably the steroids making you hungry. I too felt like I wanted to eat, eat, eat all kinds of odd food combinations! My steroids have been reduced now, and I crave a little less. For milk - you might find the ALPRO drinks helpful. I drink the vanilla rice milk, chilled - tastes a bit like rice pudding! And I have just tried the Almond milk, and that is thicker, and rather nice. I found both of these helped with the thick feeling I had in my throat from the anti-acid drugs, and they were gentle when I had a sore throat.You can usually find the ALPRO stuff in the 'Free From' section of a supermarket, as people with food intollerances use them. Hope this helps, June22 ... View more

Welcome to all the new 'voices' on this list, lovely to read new conversations, though I am sorry for the circumstances that place you here! MOISTURISER - just to say, because I has some dry skin issues before BC, my Dr prescribed Hydromol ointment for me. It is for eczema, and other dry skin conditions, and is a kind of vaseline like substance. A 500g tub lasts ages. It has no fragrances or other additives, so it very safe to use all over. I use it on my hands every night, and even on my face around my eyes, as mine are watering lately and causing skin irritation where the tears sit. So, do ask about it at your next oncology meeting, and I am sure something similar can be provided. (There is also the E45 kind, but I don't get on with that... I think it might contain perfume?) June22 ... View more

Oh dear... I can see your problem clearer now Fiona. I can't see how any true friendship can run with an ultimatum such as she is suggesting either. This is such a difficult situation to be placed in. It isn't like "not discussing a disliked boyfriend/hubby/etc." This is banning discussion of your feelings and your life. Maybe you would do well to let her be, and concentrate on looking after your own needs right now. She seems to have a lot on her plate to sort out, and I am not sure you are in a position to help her. I really do feel for you - losing a close friend in this manner can't be easy. People do react to the news of a loved one with cancer in many different ways. Don't feel this is your fault in any way. June22 ... View more

Fiona508, thanks for the advice about keeping on top of the pain with the T sessions. I am TN too, still going through the FEC, with TC to follow. I am not looking forward to the TC at all, but I only have 2 of those sessions to get through so I'm determined to stick it out. Luckily, my doctors told me they would be happy to give me something stronger than Paracetamol for any pain at any time - to just ask. I think I might do so when it is time for TC. I am currently having a lot of pain down the vein in the arm they gave me my first FEC in through a cannula. I guess the E dose in FEC has damaged that vein... but it hurts the entire length of that arm and seems to have been increased by the second FEC which was through a PICC line, so not in the same vein at all! 😞 Try not to dwell on the 25% thing, and think more of the 75% thing 🙂 The glass half-full view. And, my oncologist said that TN cancers tend to respond very well to chemotherapy, so I keep that thought close and imagine the nasty cells being zapped whenever I feel unwell. As for your friend... it sounds to me like she is still grieving for losses and your situation is unbearable for her as she does value you as her friend. Don't judge her by this, she needs to deal with it in her own way but maybe it is too painful for her to manage right now, so ignoring your situation is her way of shutting out the pain overload she has. I expect she is feeling guilty about her actions, and angry about Cancer, and maybe she will need some help to come to terms with things. If she could talk about things, she might discover that facing it is a good way to be proactive and supportive, but until then, let her decide in her own time. Concentrate on getting well and being supported by those who are able to help you right now... in time your friend may realise that Cancer doesn't necessarily take everyone away. Your recovery might actually help to ease her pain and fear! Just my thoughts on reading your post - and may not ring true as only you know how it really is with your friend. June22 ... View more

Thanks for explaining the food issue keyfeatures, I was beginning to think I had missed out on some recognised cancer diet advice somewhere along the line. As my current food cravings seem to be for crunchy salad vegetables and fruit... I think I'll just keep making sure I wash them thoroughly. June22 ... View more

I am reading messages and see that some of you are avoiding dairy, raw veg and soya. Well, I am vegetarian and have triple negative breast cancer - so it isn't receptive to hormones or proteins, and my consultant told me I was fine to continue using soya milk - (I started using it in my diet some time back). Maybe soya isn't a good idea if you have a different type of receptive cancer? They never told me to stop eating cheese or raw vegetables. Just told me to make sure I washed vegetables and fruit well before consuming them. Also suggested I could continue to eat nuts and pulses for protein. So, should I querie all this when I next see my Oncology Consultant? June22 ... View more

Good afternoon August ladies, I'm feeling a bit brighter today - day 11 after Fec 2 - so thought I would just drop into the forum and wish you all a cheery hello! I hope you are all doing well. June22 ... View more

Nikki M wrote "Does anyone else get starvingly hungry then the minute they've eaten feel bloated?" YES! I do. I get a hunger pang, don't really enjoy what I eat because the taste is so messed up, and then as soon as I have eaten, I feel bloated and wish I hadn't bothered. But then the hunger pang starts again. I'm starting to ignore the desire for food and only eat regular meal-times and in smaller amounts. Also found taking one of the constipation tablets at bedtime seems to stop me feeling so bloated by 'cleaning me out' better the next day! (Sorry for such information.) The Oncology nurses packed me off with tablets for contipation and/or diarrhoea so I was armed for all possible eventualities! ... View more

Luvvie66 and mandyj - the fuzzy felt head comment made me laugh. That is exactly it - but it keeps my hats from slipping off! A bit like velcro I suppose 🙂 We could start a trend with fuzzy felt heads that you can stick felt shapes on! Mandyj - do speak to the oncology nurses about your heart palpitations - it could be important to mention such a thing. Maybe the steroids are too high for you? They have halved my steroids as they were making me feel bad, and I have managed this second dose of chemo much better with reduced steroids. They were keeping me awake, making my mind ramble like crazy and causing me skin problems! Do let us know how you get on. My mouth feels horrible and coated - though not sore. I use the mouthwash (diluted with water) every night and it seems to do the job. BUT - is anyone else getting food cravings? I had an urge for pickled beetroots, tomatoes, salty drinks - such as an oxo in boiled water - and for sucking boiled sweets! Not all together of course... All quite odd. maybe my body needs something in these foods! And there is no way I could be pregnant so it can't be that kind of craving LOL. ... View more

Ellaboo - so nice to see another August person posting! I had my second FEC last Friday, and just this week my eyebrows have started to thin out :o( But they are still there... just thinner. It is interesting to hear about your hair starting to regrow. I have a stubbly head with bald patches. The stubble doesn't seem to grow or fall out! Maybe after this second dose it will lose some more. It was shaved as although I clipped it short after cutting off my hair, it itched like crazy! I too am getting used to the 'no hair' thing... So nice not to need to wash and dry my hair every other day! And my body skin feels very soft and silky too! I do get a cold head though, so wear knitted beanies around the house. This second dose they reduced my steroids a lot, and the flushed face thing was much more manageable, and it didn't cause my rosacea to flare up, for which I was really glad. I still had the sleepless night of crazy mind rambles though... I wish I could channel that energy somehow! I hope your WBC improves. I don't know what my count was... just know they went ahead with chemo 2 so I assume all was well. I am vegetarian too, but they haven't mentioned this being an issue. Good luck with getting through the next few days of chemo fog. June22 ... View more

Stephie77 - you sound like you have had more than your share to cope with over the last months! You will find good friendly companions to share your concerns with here. Don't panic about your hair. You will find a way to cope with the situation - as we all do. Hats, scarves, wigs, or bald. Everyone finds their own solution. The winter weather is coming, so lots of nice wooly hats are in the shops too! I asked on the forum when to expect my hair to fall, as I wanted to cut it and donate it to a wig charity before it started shedding. Perhaps you could consider this option too? You need at least 7 inches of length, in order for it to be of use. The hair is donated, and in return, children who have lost their hair through cancer treatments receive real hair wigs 🙂 If you want to read those posts: http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/community/forums/undergoing-treatment-chemotherapy/when-expect-my-hair-fall It made me feel better to know I had cut it rather than it going in the bin! And I thought it was quite just, as I posted it off the same day I went and got my own wig. Many others have also donated their hair rather than see it wasted to chemo. It is just an option you might not have considered, so I mention it only in case it is of interest in easing the loss. But anyway, if donation isn't for you, you might like to know to expect your hair to start falling around day 9 - 20 after first chemo. The average is around day 14 it seems, though everyone is different. So there is no immediate rush for you to go get it cut short, though you might like to do it whilst you still feel well and energetic. The first week after chemo can be quite exhausting. I am sure others in this thread will be along to welcome and reassure you soon. My own BC was stage 3 triple negative IBC, no Lymph nodes showed cancer cells. I have recently had my second FEC chemo, 2 more FEC to go, and then 2 TC, probably followed by radiotherapy... it isn't a nice journey we are on, but it is possible to do it. ... View more

Sukiem - I had a PICC fitted. It was a painless process apart from the local anaesthetic injection! It does ache a little now and then, and is a problem to keep it dry in the shower even when I wrap it in cling film - though I think Boots chemists sell a cheap plastic cover. I need to check that out. I was glad to have the PICC as the first FEC was given by Cannula in my right hand, and since then that vein has been quite sore. The Chemo drugs can damage veins, so a PICC should be a big help if your veins are causing any problems. The tube is very small; it is the connector bits that sit on the outside that make it look scarier than it really is. I get mine dressed and flushed weekly at the chemo centre. I'm not sure how you willl manage to dress it yourself single handed! Maybe they will dress it for you when you get chemo, and you can just flush it inbetween times. The flushing is a saline solution to prevent any clots forming. A small white stretchy sleeve bandage goes over it to stop it catching in your clothes, but it isn't much of a problem. I cut off some old soft socks and made some spare PICC covers as the bandage tends to roll up at the edges, and the sock cuff doesn't! I would rather have the PICC line than go through the multiple attempts at finding a suitable vein every time I had to give bloods or have the chemo. I hope this reassures you! June22 ... View more

I'm surfacing to wave at all the August Chemo ladies. My 2nd chemo went well on Friday, but then I felt the side effects kicking in... so I have been all but hibernating until today. The area where the PICC line goes across the chest became quite tender for me, so I used a hot water-bottle to ease it. I expect it is that darned Epirubicin causing the trouble. My hand still hurts where the first chemo dose cannula went! Anyway, starting to feel a little less exhausted and foggy headed, but still have some of the nasties to cope with. I just keep remembering it is all going to be worth it come spring. Good luck to anyone else still having chemo from the August thread.... hope your side effects are few. June22 ... View more

Luvvie66 - I hope the treats were enjoyed fully, and the wedding is/was wonderful. I too have to wear a hat in bed... adds the finishing touch to the flushed face and red nose from the steroids LOL! I wish you well with your TC. I'm not looking forward to my TC doses as I know they can be tougher to deal with. I hope yours gives min side effects. My Pre chemo health check seemed a bit short - bloods, weight, height, and a 'How did it go' quick chat with a consultant I hadn't seen before. I assume my blood tests were okay as chemo went ahead, but I certainly didn't get much feedback! No scans or xrays... do others get those? Maybe it was because I only had a lumpectomy so didn't need scans yet, and unless my bloods showed a problem or I said I had pain, they assume all is okay! Chemo 2 went well and is ticked off on my card... just the next three weeks to manage. At my request they reduced my steroids as I have rosacea, and it flared up after the steroid tabs. My poor nose was so sore for 4 days last time, so I am keeping my fingers crossed it doesn't happen this time. Today I am exhausted as I was kept awake with rambling thoughts all night, though my body needed rest. Finding it difficult to drink the suggested 3lt of water... about 1lt done, 2 more to go. I do think the water helps reduce the nasties for me though. So far - no sickness, but I can feel it lurking in the background. I eat small amounts often, and it seems to keep the tummy settled. Hope you are all able to enjoy some autumn sunshine... even though we are supposed to cover up! ... View more

Heidi00123 - don't feel down. It is a lot of information to get your mind around. Did they give you reading material to to absorb the information better when you are at home? Everyone on the forum knows how scary the thought of it all is, but do read through the site info, or talk to one of the online nurses. They can answer your concerns. Not everyone experiences the same side effects, or to the same degree. It is not 'a walk in the park', but it can be done, and you are not going through it alone. This group will hold your hand and share experiences with you. I think you would do well to talk to more people if you are so uncertain about chemo... do call the forum helpline and talk things through to help you decide. ... View more

Congratulations on your 3rd session MandyJ. I go for my 2nd FEC tomorrow, and I'm not looking forward to it - of course non of us do, other than to tick one more off! I had quite an easy time through the first course, and half expect the second to display more side effects, but maybe I will stay lucky. I have my PICC now, so won't need to have a cannula. Just as well as the vein used in my hand has ached a lot due to the chemo going through it, despite great care taken by the nurse to ensure it didn't become inflamed at the time. And I have my wig... but it needs taming by a hairdresser as it is in my eyes. Not sure when I am going to fit that task in! Until then, I'll keep to wearing a wooly hat, as the weather is colder now. ... View more

I think these are the people you want. Heather's Hair. http://www.volunteeratrsvpdevon.org/heathers-hair.php Another member (msmcann) mentioned them on a thread about headwear, with a link to their YouTube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d167DG7e2a8 www.volunteeratrsvpdevon.org And here is the thread about headwear in case it helps. Another member is asking for suggestions of headwear for a new shop idea. http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/community/forums/undergoing-treatment-chemotherapy/headwear-during-chemo Hope you find what you need 🙂 June22 ... View more

Leah BCC - I'm really happy if the links I shared help others to feel better about losing their hair by passing it on to help others, rather than putting it into a bin. I posted my hair off to the Little Princess Trust yesterday, standing in the Post Office queue with a little tube hat over my bald head and feeling rather self concious as it was my first time in public since losing my hair. The Post Office lady asked me if the packet contents were valuable... I automatically replied, "no, it's just my hair". Maybe I should have said "YES - It's my hair"! But the funny thing was, every other customer in the queue was getting asked if they would like a quote for life insurance - the way the Post Office now has to push such cover... but no one offered to sell me any Life Insurance! Maybe the bald chemo-look doesn't go down well with Life Insurance? LOL Now, if only I can find a way to dodge double-glazing salesmen as easily... ... View more

Cherub - so nice to know I might get into hats eventually! I too am only 5 ft 2... was 5 ft and a half inch when they measured me before first chemo, and I thought I was 5 ft 1in... but today they announced 5' 2'' so I am grabbing hold of that extra height and embracing it 🙂 Every inch counts! So... I did it. I made myself go out, walk down the road, catch a bus, walk through the main shopping area, and onward to the hospital. My first venture into public without hair. I wore my tube hats, co-ordinated with my raincoat (though it didn't rain) and of course no one even noticed. I think my main fear was my neighbours - I didn't want to get stopped and need to explain. Nor did I want them wondering and not liking to ask. Silly of me really, I know, but there it is. And at the end of the busy day - PICC line, then consultant - I went and saw the wig people. And we found a good colour match in a shorter style for me. (I wanted something that would be easy to wear and not get in my face, unlike my shoulder length natural hair that I was always pulling back into a band.) The wig is going to need a bit of adjusting to take some of the fringe area back as it is well into my eyes, and feather around my face, but that is all do-able by a good experienced hairdresser. As soon as I got home, I pulled off my hat, and went bald again. I think I'll just wear beanies about the house, and the wig when I want to go out without anyone realising I am having treatment. I also wanted the wig so that I could visit an elderly relative (96) without her realising I was having treatment. She doesn't need to worry about me, and I know it would play on her mind over and over if she knew I had cancer... so the wig is also to protect other people. Amazing what a bit of hair can do... or a wonderful headscarf/hat. Sorry, this has little to do with your topic of hats for chemo, but maybe it goes to show just how important it is to feel good in whatever you wear, so that others respond well to you in return. One last thought.. I had to go to the main post office where they always have to ask if they can give you a quote for life insurance after they have served you. It was happening to every customer ahead of me... and then it was my turn - weighed my packet, asked if the content were valuable - I said no - it is my hair! She looked at me in my little hat... smiled, and asked if I wanted anything else. Never offered to sell me life insurance! ... View more

Mads79: I really hope it takes off for you. I for one would love to buy a few more head coverings so that I could mix and match along with the rest of my clothes. I now have a totally bald head - shaved the last silly tufts off a couple of days back. Tomorrow I have 3 hospital appointments and it will be my first time out in public since losing my hair. I am feeling quite anxious about it! I never thought it would bother me as I'm not a fussy 'hair and make-up' kind of gal, but I just spent about an hour trying to sort out something for my head that I would feel confident walking around town in... and failed! I've got a couple of tubes, a few scarves, and some knitted beany hats... I'll sort something out by morning, but it would be great if there was something that I could just pull on - and it looked right and complete - without me needing to tie scarves or bands around it or dress it up! I've never been a hat wearer, so I suppose that is why I don't feel right in anything I put on my head! I know many of you are proud to wear just your skin, but I'm not that confident. It is interesting and helpful to hear what others have done to solve their own headwear issues. Keep the messages coming ladies 🙂 ... View more