Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi all, Just back from seeing onc who has requested an MRI scan (2nd one) to ascertain if tumour has changed as it doesn't seem to have changed in size. If it hasn't iI'll be swapping to Taxotere as of my 4th chemo. Chemo number 3 this Friday. Can't say I'm looking forward to the Taxotere, but will have to wait and see what it brings my way!! ... View more

Rose berry - sorry to hear that FEC 3 hasn't been as smooth as expected, but well done for going for a walk along the beach!! I also felt sick as soon as the chemo was over - in fact, as soon as the final drug was being injected. Have to wait and see what FEC 3 brings on Friday. Happy Easter to all of you!! ... View more

My scalp has stopped being tender- the wind blew my hair a month ago and I nearly cried!! I've lost less hair the past couple of washes but it thin and a bit of a gap down the parting and on the crown. Will speak to the nurses next Friday and see how effective they think the CC has been. I've only seen one other person using it at my hospital so have nothing to compare my hair loss with. My lips, hands and feet get very dry so I'm forever coating myself with moisturiser and lip balm. ... View more

Roseberry - I have a ridiculous appetite. I pick for the first couple of,days, then I crave junk food, then I crave as much of,anything I can get my hands on. It tends to be healthy stuff, but I have demolished a number of curries etc too. I can't blame the steroids as it's well after they're out of my system! ... View more

Hi all, Been a bit quiet on here for the past week as I went away to visit some friends for a few days which is exactly what I needed and am back to feeling positive again. Does anyone turn into a loon about 6/7 days post-chemo?? Both times I start crying whenever my OH walks in from work!! I suppose it's the drugs they pour into our systems - it's bound to impact on our moods. On a Different note- my underarm hair seems to be growing back!?! Also hair 'elsewhere' is growing back - anyone else had this? This was actually one of the 'perks' of chemo!! Off to see onc on Tuesday and will see if need to change to Taxotere as tumour not changed in size. Until then, I hope all of you have a peaceful and restful Easter and eat as many eggs as you possibly can 😃 ... View more

Thanks, Woolfie. It's very much appreciated. It's nice to hear from someone who is a year on from us and give us some perspective as sometimes I think we feel that this is going to go on forever!! ... View more

Thanks ladies, I had a it of a cry yesterday and felt better. Reading your posts helps as you all understand what it's like. Golly - I'm on FEC at the minute and this may change to T as they're not seeing much change in my tumour. I'm going to stick with it for a little while longer and make sure I'm 100% before I take the plunge!! I'll see how the Easter goes and then decide I think. I've just had to face a few self-esteem things this week and have a glam party on Saturday to go to and don't feel like I can face it. I have no issues with going out but when you're all dressed up and nobody knows, it's tricky to feel comfy. I just don't feel like me without product and styling and a bit of body to it! Ridiculous, I know!! The good thing is that I am not stressing as much today and feel more accepting of it ( if that's the right word). Let's hope we all have a good weekend and thanks for your comments.xx ... View more

Morning ladies. Having a bit of a tough time at the minute and guess what?, it's about HAIR!! I'm kind of stuck in limbo at the minute, not knowing what to do for the best. I've used the cold cap for the first two sessions, but am losing my hair now. The crown and parting in particular. My hair is so fine that it just kind of sits there lifeless and I can't stand the 40 minutes worth of tidying up after I do wash it. I hate the soreness of the scalp and the fact that I feel I need to constantly tidy up after myself. I went out yesterday and left hair everywhere. My "fringe" wafted around in the wind (which nobody tells you is painful!) to only be left with a handful of hairs tickling at my neck which had fallen out. The problem I have is that if I put a hat on and go out it looks like I've got hair. All of my friends and family tell me not to shave it yet as it's not noticeable yet and people in the hospital keep telling me that if I stick with the Paxman I'll see results quicker at the other end. I'm so confused. Move also picked out a wig which is very similar to my original hair, but the hospital won't give me my prescription for it as I'm trying the CC!! I know this isn't shalt you all need today and you're all going through your own struggles, but I'm fed up of now knowing what to do and people telling me "I don't care about your hair. It'll grow back" or giving me advice without fully understanding what it feels like to unblock your plug hole four times during a shower!! Sorry ladies - bad day at the office. Rant over. ... View more

Hi ladies, I also still have leg hair, but armpit hair has gone completely. Trying to only wash hair once this week and it's a struggle already. I'm having dry skin problems on my hands, feet and legs despite moisturising regularly - any ideas? Having a few dark days at the minute and keep thinking that I'm only 32, but have decided that I need to think of some positives every day. Going to visit some lovely friends this weekend which will be lovely and will lift the blues. I find the end of this first week post chemo the hardest, but remember that I'll be on the up after this (fingers crossed). I have a PICC line fitted and it was so much easier on chemo day, but it's a pain when showering, so tend to have a bath unless washing hair now which makes it easier. Only problem now is trying to get clothes over the top of it - does anyone else have this problem? Here's hoping that we all have a good day today xxx ... View more

Donnaandfamily - I agree that the flushes and spots are a real pain and something I didn't think about beforehand! My hair is coming out in handfuls now and I'm in a bit of a dither as to what to do. Think I'll probably see how this next week goes and make a decision. It's just not clear cut as to if it'll ease off or keep going and I don't want to jump in too soon. It's still looking like I have hair, but every time I move or comb (combing is only once a day) lots drops out. It's the dread and fear of when I shower and wash my hair the amount that drops out. It's the physical appearance of the handfuls in your hands which hits the hardest and is the only reason I might go and get it chopped. Ah well, sorry for the droning on - I'm sure the decision will hit me soon! ... View more

Hi all. On day 3 FEC 2 and lost lots of hair this morning. It was a shock at just how much I lost but onwards and upwards. Need to focus on the end game of getting fighting fit again (which is generally how I feel most of the time!). Chemo hit me straight away this time. As soon as it went in I started with the nausea and it was terrible all of Friday night. It subsided Satirday, but back a touch today. I'll speak to my onc when I go back next time. Not sure if it's down to it being administered faster due to PICC line, but last time I didn't get the 'hit' until day 2 and then it was minimal. Either that or this is down to the cumulative nature of chemo. We'll see. Anyway, 2 down and 4 to go - a third of the way!!! ... View more

I can empathise Donnaandfamily. I've seriously started shedding today. I've had a few stray hairs coming out until today, but wow so much came out today. I am using the cc and will continue when I go in tomorrow for my chemo. It is upsetting, but I'm trying to focus on the bigger picture. I have a wig on standby and lots of scarves, but not sure which root I'll go down. Not sure if I'll ever decide just to shave it or if I will persevere until thee d. I guess I'll know what to do when the time comes. ... View more

Welcome Porkie. Back home after PICC line being put in. Was quite a simple morning really and the nurses were fab!! Managed to catch a Headstrong session too whilst I was there. Back home with my whea.t bag on my arm -bit awkward at the minute, but I just need to get used to it. Hopefully all will be fine and ready for chemo on Friday. ... View more

Morning ladies. Hope you're all tucked up asleep. I'm off to have my PICC line put in so better get a move on. Here's hoping it all goes to plan - not ooking forward to it. ... View more

Thanks ProjectKylie. I'm just going to take each day as it comes. How are you feeling after today? ... View more

Just back from onc and bloods. Onc measured my tumour after FEC1 and no change in size. I kind of expected this but she seemed a little surprised. They're going to stick with FEC for this coming chemo, but then they might switch to Taxotere. Bit concerned about this as from what I've read on here, Taxotere is a big step up from FEC. Has this happened to anyone else? ... View more

ProjectKylie - hope the chemo goes well for you today. I have my fingers/toes everything crossed for you. I'm off to have my bloods and see the onc later today, before PICC line fitting tomorrow morning and chemo Friday. Can't say it's the most thrilling week. Nervous about tomorrow, but hopefully it'll be worth it in the long run. Been fine this last week or so. Been quite busy around the house and even went on a 2 day course for work last week. It's been quite nice to be back into a normal routine again. I guess I just have to accept the slowing down in the week after the chemo , knowing that life as usual will return. Had some pain around my scar from SNB op which I had a month ago and in the breast where the tumour is - anyone else had this? Hair update - noticing a few here and there, but not a big drop yet. However, legs, underarms and (she whispers) down below is well on the way out. Sorry for sharing 🙂 Sleep pattern a bit all over the shop at the minute, but once I get those drugs in me on Friday, sleep won't be so much of an issue!! Will update with PICC line info tomorrow. ... View more

Thanks for that Suzanne. I think it's the right choice as they can't use my other arm due to SNB a month ago. I think that it should be worth it. The only thing that concerned me was the risk of clotting and the cleaning of it as they want my OH to do it! It gives me greater freedom not having to wait for a District Nurse every week, but it worries me if something is wrong with it. I guess it's just another challenge I'll have to overcome. ... View more

Hi ladies. I have to agree with all of you who are singing the praises of water. I followed this advice and think it really does help flush the drugs through your body and have tried to keep this up every day - although I always need the loo which is a downside!! How long the chemo takes can really depend on your mess and also if you are using the cool cap. I use the Paxman cool cap and find it bearable, but does dramatically extend my time in hospital. I have to keep the cap on for 2 hours after the chemo!! Brrrrrrrr!! Well, let's hope it works. I'd be interested to hear what people think about PICC lines as I'm having one fitted on Wednesday. Keep it up ladies - we can do this!! ... View more

When I went to look at wig it was one of the best things I ever did. I managed to get a pretty close match to my hair colour and style. I feel like I would need to be comfy wearing a wig in public first, before trying out a wacky style. However, I did try a variety on in the shop which was a giggle. It was such a relief when I got it sorted. I haven't bought it yet, but I know the exactness I need to order if/when the time comes! Good luck ... View more