Breast Cancer Now Forum

Thank you so much Tiffany. I went yesterday convinced I was going to say no and pull out but then just gave in, was't strong enouh. Of course loads of family pressure as nobody has done all the research I have done. Obviouly mine is a different situation to yours as mine was a lump and removed with clear margins. Will let you know how I get on. Thanks again, Marina ... View more

Hi ladies, today after huge dilemma had my second EC chemo. So worried about long term side effects as ONC was not much help, didn't even agree with changing diet, juicing etc. Told her my hip hurt alot and she was surprised. Sending me for bone scan but I honestly just think it is a side effect. Also have constant tingling disconfort on the soles of feet and she also said shouldn't happen with my EC dose. I had lumpectomy with 3 clear nodes and really feel I am damaging my immune system more with this. Chemo reduces cancer it doesn't kill stem cells. Sorry to be so negative, just dreading these next 10 days. Marina ... View more

Yes Amanda I get headaches with my outdoor hat, which is woven, although doesn't feel tight around the band. ... View more

When I had my short back and sides my hand often went to pull the ponytail band off, then I remembered!! Must say a huge andvantage though when washing & drying it. 😊 And now that I am bald / stubbly I can have bath oils (on my good week) and don't have to rinse hair. Have to see the positive things too. And the only time I was out at a bar standing as no seats a woman made a point of telling me they would be leaving soon and I could have her stool. Must have been the hat. Another positive. A nurse told me that having baths with sea salt helps get tid of toxins. You soak between 5 - 10 mins, but no longer as then I think the reverse happens. Anyone remember biology lessons and osmosis??? Not sure if it works, has anyone else hear of this? ... View more

Hi everyone, I also had my second today. All got pushed back due to Christmas which was best in the end as had a stinking cold. Home now and feeling fine, if it's going to be anything like last time it will kick in with me tomorrow. Thinking of you all today, although I do get muddled with who's who, but enjoy reading all your comments. Virtual hugs Marina ... View more

Bit of a controversial subject ... but ... is anyone doubting chemotherapy? I have been reading so much lately about how the pharmaceutical companies are gaining so much from chemo, how it really is poisoning us and the possible life long side effects, what it does to our immune system, bone marrow etc.. I have watched the first 2 episodes of The Truth About Cancer and am in shock. Have been reading results of alternative therapies through diet, excercise etc. and am really doubting the benifits of chemo, and in fact radiotherapy.  Does anyone else have doubts? ... View more

Yes Nadz yesterday got the clippers out as hair was all over the place (Worse than my dogs!) and now wearing hats. Actually went out today with a "trendy" hat and didn't feel too self conscious. Now have stubble and keep touching it as it is so weird but I get the feeling it isn't falling out now, although I guess it must be. Have a cold that just doesn't shift. Starting to worry as if bloods ok havind round 2 on 8th. sleep tight all Marina ... View more

Tiffany what an inspiring post. Can I just ask at what stage did you change your diet? I have bought a nutribullet, how is your juicer for the Gerson diet different? I am reading all about these healthy diets and slowly changing my habits but it can be hard. Marina ... View more

How do I edit to correct spelling etc.? ... View more

Nadz hang on in there it does het easier. At least your Mum will be company for you when hubby goes. I found everything bothered me from smells, and even could read a magazine, in fact just wanted to have a major throwing away session. Wanted to chuck enerything in sight out!!!! Luckily didn't have the energy to do it!! I joined AUDIBLE, it is part of Amazon.co.uk and you can download audible books. I found Iistening to someone read you a novel helped although I missed chunks as I fell asleep but it didn't matter. You can join to automatically spend about 8 poinds a month where they give you a credit each month to then choose a book. Then you can buy additional books as required. Just a thought for those spending time alone and unable to concentrate. I have a stinking cold and next chemo (2) on 8 Jan. Am wearing a hat to catch all my falling hair, trimmer at the ready. Jan 1st and a new start might be the day. Wishing you all a healthier and happy new year. Marina xx ... View more

I was against wigs as I thought everyone would know it was a wig but I realize they are much better these days. And I don't want people who don't know me pitying me if I wear a scarf. Hence my change of heart. It still hasn't really hit me as very little has fallen out but I guess tomorrow is another day ... ... View more

Hair still here but not touching it at all ... and having been so against getting a wig, I have had a change of heart and ordered one over the internet! What with the hats and scarves this is all getting quite expensive!! ... View more

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and wishing you all good health for 2016. Day 16 of chemo and my hair is starting to fall out. Yesterday I noticed it was sensitive when I touched it, like when it naturally goes one way and you make it go the other and you feel the root ... Don't know if I'm being clear. Anyway as I have cut it so short I have to style it with wax and ended up full of hairs on my fingers. Xx ... View more

Wishing all you ladies a MERRY CHRISTMAS, and those who are suffering side effects now make sure you are being looked after and someone else is cooking the turkey. 🌟 🎄 🎁 😘 ... View more

Thats great news Pattymi, and so positive for us newbies to hear. xx ... View more

And there was I thinking it was only me being weird when I couldn't stand the smell of anything, couldn't even go into the kitchen. Didn't realise you were all feeling the same.  I also have sore feet, the soles are itchy and generally ache. Also have pain in my hip and I am on day 12. Thanks for the info on blood cells Gillian, will have to ask when I go back. My onco gives me very little info unless I ask. Get most of my info here. Keep well ladies xx ... View more

Hi Amanda, Welcome to the group. Yes mine also all took long untill the op, and then another long wait for the chemo. In this thread we had our first ladies going for their second chemo today. It's great for support and information. I'd advise you get some anti nausea meds for Christmas day as that seems to be the most common complaint apart from generally feeling exhausted. How are you doing Gillian? BTW when they check blood before chemo what are they actually checking?? Good luck tomorrow Lynne. Will be thinking of you. ... View more

Hi Nadz I have bad veins but not offered a port and they actually managed a vein pretty quickly, I was amazed. So don't worry about that as I' m sure you'll be fine. Also where I am there is a waiting list for chemo so I waited 7 weeks between my op and starting chemo. And months to have my op. They say it doesn't grow as quickly as we think. I know the waiting is the hardest. Good luck all of you tommorrow, I will be thinking of you xxxxx ... View more