Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Riversidedawn   Thank you for taking the time to come on here and offer your advice - on behalf of everyone else and myself, it really does mean a lot.   As you say, it's a journey that we all have to take, hopefully, we can all support each other through the tough bits, and maybe have a wee laugh about the funny bits!   I'm dreading losing my hair, but it's one step closer to being cured.  I must say I'm not looking forward to being bald but at least I'll save on shampoo and conditioner!   Thanks once again.     Skye xxx ... View more

Hi Nicnak1   There's no need to apologise for how you're feeling - or even losing it.  I think we've all felt like that, and still do, because we get caught up in what may (or may not) happen.   I've just had my first Chemo on 31/10/16 - so a week ago today.  Yesterday I felt like pants - no energy, very tired, feeling sorry for myself and trying to put on a brave face.  Today - I'm at my work, feeling good, no headache or any other SE's.  Tomorrow might be different, so I'm just going to take one day at a time. Sometimes, even 1 hour can change things so much for the better.   Be kind to yourself, it's a big shock finding out you have BC and it's a journey that no-one else can take for you.  Every day you will go stronger I promise.  If you're upset or panicky, just come on here, there will always be someone who can help.   Big hugs pets.       Skye xxx ... View more

Hi Sue C and everyone else   Losing your hair is so hard - I've got an appt tomorrow to get mine shaved and wig fitted.  I'm upset just thinking about it.   I've still got a full head of hair, and I'm at Day 7 after Chemo - I don't know whether it's better to shave off before any SE's happen, ie. sore scalp, blisters etc, or whether to wait until it starts falling out.   Second FEC booked for 21/11/16 but I'm presuming that I will have some hair loss by then.   Big hugs to everyone     Skye xxx ... View more

Hi Auntyjulie   Sorry to hear that you're in hospital - hope you're feeling better soon.  You did the right thing, don't take risks.  Glad you enjoyed the Chinese - my appetite seems to have disappeared.  I'm finding it difficult to choose a meal. Although it's doing wonders for my weight loss lol.   Hope you get out tomorrow.   Big hugs     Skye xx ... View more

Hi Fairycake, all the Sue's and everyone else!   I haven't been on HRT and I am in this club - I do believe the link exists but don't think that because you've opted for HRT that it's a given that you'll get bc.  It's one of those things that happens - you're not to blame Fairycake.   As you say, this is a journey that we are all on, we go to appts, scans, etc and proceed to the next step.  My next FEC is on 21/11/16 - still recovering from the first one.  Just seem to be so knackered all the time.  Feel okay one minute, start doing something and have to stop because I'm exhausted.   Does anyone feel the same?   Big hugs     Skye xxx ... View more

Hi Angwyd   Glad to hear that you're feeling better now.  As the hospital said, don't ever feel you're wasting time, it's better to be safe than sorry.  We all need to be extra careful and put ourselves first for this period of our lives.     I'm scheduled for my 2nd cycle on 21/11/16, so hoping to manage without a line, but I'm not one to suffer in silence, so if it's not working I'll be getting a line in too.   PS. You wig/hair looked amazing - I'm getting mine shaved/fitted on Tuesday (might change that though!).   Take care of yourself.   Big hugs.     Skye xxx ... View more

Hi Suebond88   Sorry to hear that you're feeling down - think we all do at one time or another.  It's good that your daughter and family are still able to see you though.  You'll have a great time when they arrive! 🙂   Glad to hear, like me, you are not experiencing SE's from injections yet.  I've been told it may creep up and get us about 1 week later, so just watch out.   Have a lovey weekend.   Big hugs.     Skye xxx ... View more

Hi Maryminder   Hope all goes well on Monday - good idea to ask questions too.  The 2nd cycle will be a bit more relaxed for you now you know what to expect.   I've kept a diary too, but not of Temperature, more just how I'm feeling and any SE's I'm experiencing.     Let us know how you get on pet.   Big hugs, enjoy your weekend.     Skye xxx ... View more

Hi Madmac22   Thanks for the heads up - this is what I love about this group, the invaluable advice.  I will watch out for anything nasty creeping up on me!!!! lol   I've got some anti-inflammatories there that I can take which should sort things out.   Congrats on the last dose of Chemo - so jealous!!!!    Have a lovely weekend.   Big hugs   Skye xx   ... View more

Hi Fiona   Welcome on board - there's always room for one more unfortunately!   Sorry that you find yourself in this club, but we're all here together sharing our fears, hopes and any other bit of advice that we can pass on to make it that wee bit easier for anyone else.   It's understandable that you feel scared - God, how scared was I??  I never do brave - EVER!!!  Lol - now I've had one cycle of FEC (Last Monday 12/10/16), I feel a lot better in my mind.  I know it's going to be tough, but I'm going to be cured.     It's the unknown that's the scary part - we can't relive others' experiences - we have to do it for ourselves. Others may have SE's (side effects) that are totally different from what we experience, even though they have the same treatment.  It's very much a "suck it and see" thing - you may escape some SE's, but be more prone to others.  Please, please don't be terriffied - if I can reassure you about anything, it's that we're all here together, just trying to get through it as best we can.  You will surprise yourself how you handle things.  I've had a really bad headache on Days 3 and 4, but don't feel too bad today.  You will see that some people say Days 3-10 are the worst. It's a good idea to keep a diary of how you feel because next cycle you can see when you improved.  You can also help others along the way by looking back and seeing that you felt the same way as them, and how you dealt with it. 🙂     Brilliant that you've got a great partner to help you along the way - every little helps.    Your treatment plan sounds like mine - 3xFEC, 3T/H - which is Taxotere and Herceptin.  Apparently, I'm getting everything in the cupboard.  Wanted to ask if there was anything bloody alcoholic in the cupboard!!! Also starting Rads after the Chemo.     You will be fine for Chemo - it doesn't hurt at all, just made me anxious but I was alright on the day.   MacMillan have information booklets, I've attached a link that may be some use to you http://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/organising/work-and-cancer/information-for-employees/your-rights.html?gclid=CIuFg_f5kdACFUcQ0wodYk0JoA   I didn't think the hair thing would bother me either - ha! big mistake!!!  Burst into tears at the wig place, I've been practicing wearing my night cap in an effort to de-sensitise myself from the bald look.   Seems to be working a bit, although I know I'm going to cry (even if just a little bit!) when I get it shaved off.  I was going to cut my hair myself and then get the wig lady to do the rest, but I just don't know.  It might be better to plug in some headphones and face away from the mirror!!  I have asked if I can bring along WINE - wine always helps!   Glad to hear that you're getting your marching boots on - I'm lacing mine up as we speak!!  There's no way that that nastly little "C" is gonna get the better of me!!   Here anytime anyone needs me!   Big Hugs ladies     Skye xxx       ... View more

Hi Seagull1 Have uou tried Difflam r Corsodul mouthwash yet? My hygienist gave me toothpaste to use and said that would help. Think it was called Duraphat. Try Vaseline on a cotton bud for the nose, my BCN suggested that might help. Hope you feel better soon. Big hugs. Skye 💕 ... View more

Hi Seagull1 and Truey   Fabulous to hear that you're both feeling better - great encouragement for us that aren't feeling too great at the minute.    I can imagine that it would feel amazing to feel some of your strength and  energy coming back - no matter how slowly. We've all just got to keep going -although it's hard - we will get there.    Have a lovely weekend.    Big hugs 💕 💕 💕 💕     Skye xxx          ... View more

Hi Gracie and Blueash   Thanks for this tip. I've had one injection, given the day after Chemo. Am not experiencing any SE's from that I don't think.  Think it's the NHS that do it in stages, I'm lucky enough to be covered under hubby's private medical insurance, so for that I'm grateful if it means I can skip the SE's.    Have a long very weekend ladies.    Skye xxx 💕 💕 💕         ... View more

Hi AuntyJulie   Im on Day 4 and feel knackered -  don't know what Day 7 will be like lol. I thibk the fatigue is something that's totally bowled us all over. At least now we know what it's like. Think of those poor souls who suffer with this constantly!!!    Keep an eye on the mouth ulcers yoy don't want that getting any worse.  I'm sure the needs will kick in, but dont go doing too much or you'll end up exhausted again.    Have a lovely weekend.   Big hugs 💕 💕 💕         Skye xxx ... View more

Hi Sarah73, Sue H-S and all you other gorgeous ladies.    I know only too well how you're feeling - head is numb at the back, as if I've been to the dentist lol. Banging sore head and absolutely no energy. Appetite not great either, but Im juicing with Kale and blueberries to keep up with the antioxidants. Its a recipe from my NutriBullet. Also not had any constipation or mouth problems.    Yesterday I came home from work early, was so surprised how quickly I seemed to get  tired.  One minute I was thinking I'll go home in half an hour - then the next minute I had to get out of there right away.  Managed to stay till 2pm, but it's not a demanding job and I was dealing with paperwork and then got Chemo brain.  Didnt go into work today, went back to try on wig and I feel a bit more comfortable about it - if that's the right word.    I think the most important thing for all of us is to share our experiences and most importantly, share how we dealt with it. Sometimes hearing others experiences is quite frightening for those who haven't experienced those symptoms, and as Sue H-S says, we may never experience the same symptoms with the same severity. Everyone has their own unique experience, which means that you may not suffer as bad as someone else. Remember ladies - there's always a positive. This treatment will come to an end.    Sarah73 - feeling sorry for yourself is allowed every now and then, who wouldn't!!! It's absolutely pants that we have to go through this - but we'll get there. You know we will!!!!  It's a blip in our life that we can recover from. I'm on Day 4 and Im taking each day as it comes - I just keep thinking "maybe tomorrow will be better". I only  has 3 days of steroids so maybe that's why I feel rubbish.    Have a lovely weekend ladies and remember to strut your stuff when you can.    Big hugs 💕 💕 💕 💕 💕     Skye xxx ... View more

HI Gracie and Swampy1901   Are the injections you are talking about the ones that increase your Bone Marrow that you have the day after your Chemo?  I've only had one, but I'm now on Day 4 and feeling absolutely pants!!  I've not got any SE from the injection, just from the Chemo.   I have absolutely no energy whatsovever, so shall potter about the house doing as little as possible.   Big hugs ladies - we all need them! xx     Skye xx ... View more

Hi Kelly & Swampy1901   Think I might have been one day ahead - I was counting Day 2 as Day 3!! oops.  I had my FEC on 31/10, so this is really Day 3.  I can feel myself getting slower and more brain fuddled if that's possible!   Kelly - I really think we just have to handle each cycle as it comes - maybe some won't be as bad as others, but the most important thing is not to be too hard on yourself.  Take it easy and rest/lie in bed when you need to.  The ironing can wait!   Swampy1901- Hopefully, we'll learn something from each cycle to make it easier for the next one!  Fingers crossed and thanks for the advice.   It's a good idea to count up the treatments and then down.  We will all get through this together.   Love to you all Skye xxx ... View more

Hi JoJo45 Only too happy to help - if there's any more info I can send you, I will. Big hugs darling - we're all in this together. Skye xxx ... View more

Hi Sel84   I had a heart scan and it was all done very discretely.  Had on a hospital jacket that I had to open up and it only took about 10-15 mins.  I’m pleased to say that they found one!!   Not had any issues down below, but I’m only one Day 3 of my first cycle.  Contact your nurse for advice and get it sorted – no need to suffer!   Good luck for yours!     Skye xx ... View more

Hi Mumofmany Try asking for Domperidone – I had Emend, but found taking Domperidone worked when taken together. Hope you feel better soon. Skye xxx ... View more