Breast Cancer Now Forum

Good to see you're still twinkling PTB! xx ... View more

RoxanneF, good point about the type of chemo and it's effects, thanks for your input. ... View more

Hi Nikki, it is quiet here today, I keep jumping between both sites to try and keep up with everyone.    Good luck to you and Blue for tomorrow - will be thinking of you both xx       ... View more

Lower picc line arm or legs, duly noted, thanks Tolliebelle! xx ... View more

ff (wouldn't let me use caps!!!) and Barbs good luck both for tomorrow! xx   Georgina, hope you’re having a better day today?   PTB keep it up girl!   Just got my start date, it's definitely 24th September so will be joining all of you on the other side soon.   Hope all Stars are having a good Sunday even if weather is a bit iffy in places.   xx   ... View more

Hi pips, ouch! poor you, didn't know it makes scalp itchy sore - I couldn't put up with that either. I'm off to get scarves, etc tomorrow in readiness. Hope you're ok otherwise xx ... View more

Barbs I sent fbk request xx ... View more

Jenny - I know City Hospital, hope you don't get any se's xx ... View more

Good luck today Nikki, bet the pixi looks wicked xx ... View more

PTB -  fancy dress/party shop great idea for wigs - might get one in titian red after all! xx   Georgina - hi there, sorry you're feeling a bit tired and yucky today, hope it soon passes xx   ... View more

Jo, hope the energy dip is only temporary xx   PTB, long may it last! xx   Jenny – I know Mansfield, have family in Nottingham so not far from you.  Are you having your treatment at QMC?   Barbs, I’m totally with you on the bad arm risk - I always offer my good arm and so far its been ok.  Think from what you’ve said best thing to do is tell them you have lymphodema regardless, that’s what I’m gonna do – even my onc said that in a life-threatening situation they’d use the at risk arm if they had to.  I’ve been told that for bloods they can use lower legs or feet as a last resort – come to think of it, Jenny had this done.  You can get a special LD wristband for the at risk arm – think it’s yellow which is probably code for LD-type issues, just hope it’s not too tight, ha!     Ally, good to hear that you’re still doing well.  Have you looked at Trendco Hair Supplies, think they have a shop in Birmingham.  There’s also Browns of Tavistock which I’m using because they have an arrangement with my hospital.  Don’t live near Solihull but know Brum really well. xx   Hi Blue Topaz (am liking the name change!)  It’s important that we check our temperature regularly during each chemo cycle and not all hospitals provide a thermometer with the medications package which we're given on the day of chemo.  Most hospitals have a wig clinic and/or an arrangement with a regional wig specialist.  Some if not all, also provide patients in England with an allowance to cover the cost of, or put towards a wig of their choice.  Think this service is free in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. xx   Beam and The Batman – will be thinking of you both tomorrow.  Let us know how you get on, if you can. xx   ... View more

Hi catzooo, very good question - I know it's important that the ANC affected arm isn't compromised in any way because of the risk of lymphodema and infection.  I believe it is possible to measure BP using the legs but I'm not sure how accurate it is - maybe your BCN would know.  Some of the cuffs can be jolly tight, no wonder you're bruised, poor thing - I would definitely check with another health professional.  ... View more

Hi Dogmad 84 and catzooo -  thanks for your feedback, my veins are prone to collapsing so could end up with a line insertion anyway 🙂   ... View more

PTB glad you had a good time even if you didn’t get a foot massage! Thanks for the lowdown on what to expect.  My OH will be impressed that you’re eating porridge, it’s good for constipation too!  Hope the metallic taste disappears soon xx   Jenny – can’t imagine a time when I’d go off chocolate but a waistline might be worth it.  Are you anywhere near Nottingham itself?   handc, thanks for looking in, it’s good to know that se’s don’t affect everyone.   Jo – great that you’re still going strong – hope they’ve given you something for furry mouth.   Frenchfancy, as others have said, don’t feel you have to bottle things up – cyber rants can work wonders, hope you’re ok now xx   Lulu, you’re a godsend - thanks for your weighty 3 am posting, guessing from this you’re another night owl.  Flu jabs aren’t available at my surgery until 21st September (I’m away then) and hoping to start chemo on 24th so going to ask if I can have it a few days earlier as they should have it in stock, also pneumonia jab. Given the choice, think I’d prefer the underarm portacath but it’s still looking like a cannula for me – others seem happy enough with it so might just give it a go.  Edinburgh rocks (but you know that already) – got married there and get back as often as we can, might bump into you sometime   xx   Barbs - I wont be having a meeting with the chemo nurse or a visit to the ward beforehand, and I haven’t signed a consent form yet – like you, have been told it will all happen on the day. Thanks for keeping the list updated, I’d be in a real jumble without it.   Ally – great to hear that you’re ok and nothing more than metallic mouth (like PTB) hope it stays that way!  Thanks for the mouth tips xx   Samjs – I’m thinking cheapest ear thermometer because they work fast and if mouth is sore might not be able to cope with the oral one.  BCN told me that armpit isn’t as effective for checking temperature, and I’m certainly not going to stick it where the sun don’t shine xx   ... View more

PTB, Ally and Tracey - hope today went ok for all of you xx   French Fancy and PTB - I’ve now spoken with GP and BCN about over the counter treatments – both say that as chemo is systemic, anything (within reason) required to treat a specific area of the body affected by chemo should be included within the exemption so that’s good news.   Lulu, sorry to hear about the TN trial – we might be swamping together if it’s the last week in September.  Hope your first day back wasn’t too hectic for you. xx   Nikki – good news about your scan results.  Thanks for the line info – I’m still deliberating over which one to go for.  Are you having portacath in chest or under good arm?   Jenny – relieved that you’re back in touch but sorry to hear you’ve had a bumpy ride.  Hope things improve from now on. xx   KatePB – I’ve also been told to have flu jab during week 3 (our ‘good’ week), if I don't get it  before my first cycle starts. Glad things are finally moving – it does make a huge difference. Good luck for tomorrow, will be thinking of you.  xx   hg12 and Maseo, good luck for tomorrow xx   ... View more

Afternoon all Stars   Just trying to do a list of essentials that I might need before I start, so I don't get left high and dry.  I know that any cancer related prescription meds are free of charge with the NHS Exemption Certificate but does anyone know if this covers 'over the counter' cancer related items like mouthwash, bonjela, oral thrush treatments, aqueous cream etc?  Would a GP issue a prescription for this sort of thing?  I'm working on the basis of 'if you don't ask, you don't get'!   Pips, Rachel, Gold and Jo, you're  all doing so well and glowing proof that it's definitely doable, go all of you!  Hope Avonlady and HEvg are still ok? xx ... View more

Just had a phone call from the hospital's wig fitters to arrange my appointment, just in case I lose my hair – had my 8-weekly trim on Saturday (sadly haven’t got the courage of Batman just yet) and made another appointment for 8 weeks hence, just in case …   Flu Jab – Although it’s a good idea to have one providing the timing is right, my GP told me to check with my onc or BCN first, especially if chemo is close to starting or has already started.   Lulu - swamp juice actually makes it sound palatable, think I can do that 🙂   It’s good that your onc is keeping you in the loop.  Wonder if you can choose which bone marrow booster to have as neulasta (probably the most expensive) would suit me fine (not good with needles, go horizontal thinking about it) – chilled drinks can for numbing the local area is a great idea  xx   Hazey - good luck with your scan results today  xx   PTB, Tracey and Ally will be thinking of you tomorrow, let us know how you get on if you can xx Hi Maseo, there are plenty of wobbles here too but we’re all here for you xx   Sam – Burgundy Book rules suck!  Like Nikki suggests, maybe you can meet up with them out of hours xx   Hi Kate - you’re absolutely right, keeping busy is the best thing xx   Hi DTebbs, welcome aboard!  As you’ll see from earlier posts some of us have already started treatment, and are doing really well.  We’re all here to share and support as and when … xx   Pips, you’ve just made me laugh out loud - go ahead and kick him! xx     ... View more

Hi florence69,  I guess a port might be easier than having to hide a  line in clothing.  Thanks for this! ... View more

Hello again Black Swan - there are several lines which can be used as an alternative to the standard cannula and as far as I know they're available in all NHS hospitals although it would seem not all NHS hospitals promote them.  Thanks for the advice - I might try the cannula first having now spoken with my GP who assures me that if there is any damage from chemo to the veins it will only be in the lower arm, and the veins in the upper arm will still be good if an alternative feed is necessary.   ... View more

Hello again Melrose15 - I'm ok with needles as long as I don't look, but my veins are prone to collapsing.  It was my BS who first suggested the picc because of this, hence my surprise when my onc disagreed.  Thanks for your feedback.   ... View more