Breast Cancer Now Forum

Oh my goodness bless us all on this **bleep**e chemo journey. I know in a few months we will all be looking back saying wow it was tough but we did it! I now have painful piles to add to my list, bloody constipation. How's everyone on taxols coping now with the aches and pains? I'm getting the best relief from ibuprofen gel and heat pads at the moment, trouble is I get my pads in position then I have a horrendous hot flush and everything gets chucked on the floor. I have noticed also my ankles are very puffy, I imagine the inactivity doesn't help, anyone else a bit puffy?  i so hope everyone can feel a bit better this weekend.   (((((hugs)))))   💋 ... View more

So I've read through all the posts and come to write and completely forgotten what everyone has written 😂 This chemo brain is a problem for me. I hope everyone is doing well as they can. Today I had my 2nd taxol on the weekly regime. Side effects from the T so far seems to be the aches and pains. I'm using wheat bags which I am finding helpful. Also some tingling, mild numbness in hands, guess this is the neuropathy? Other side effects are present but mild & intermittent (headache, constipation, nausea, sore throat, dry skin)  so far it's easier for me than the dreaded EC and all the problems I had with that Anyway ladies we have come along way from our August start. Ups and downs but all staying strong 💪 keep up the good work 💋 ... View more

Xena, same as me I hid for a few weeks when mine went a bit pearshaped. Hopefully they have us both on a more successful plan. My EC was stopped due to palpitations and poor response, and I am having weekly placitaxol rather than the doce. I also had my first carboplatin Monday, my side effects are similar. It's good to know there is always another regime to try. Was feelin flat but getting my positivity Back.   Ali good luck for tomorrow    All I need now is some dynamite to sort the constipation then I'll cope 😀   ❤️ Be kind to yourselves everyone ... View more

hi all, haven't posted for a few weeks as had a few issues and a bit of a meltdown. After x2 EC (due 4) this treatment was stopped, mainly because I was having palpitations but also because lump didn't seem to be responding. I had another MRI on Thursday for a new baseline (awaiting results) and treatment has jumped to the next stage. X4 Taxol/ carboplatin. Been today for first treatment (had all carbon and a third of the taxol dose) I'm stating a newish regime for my hospital and will be having the taxol dose divided so have to go weekly for the 12weeks. In theory it should make the S.E's a little less dramatic. Fingers crossed. It will mean I have to go to hospital twice a week now as I also have to have weekly PICC care and bloods, but that doesn't bother me I'm hoping this regime will come with a few less delays & hiccups and at least I'll be in the right place if I have any concerns. Not sure if anyone else having this regime (I'm triple negative) I think it's only fairy started the 'T'  glad you not been too bad xx Large positive pants back on now 😀 Lots of love and virtual hugs to you all Cookie 💋   ... View more

Sib sorry your not feeling great. I had 2 urine infections first cycle. I was told my chemo (EC) irrited the bladder and as well as the antibiotics told to drink loads of cranberry . Although I did have to water it down as made me feel more nauseous. Hope everyone feels better soon I'm already dreading number 3 next weds as knackered after 2 but we'll get there x ((Hugs ladies)) ... View more

Hi all hope everyone's bearing up. I was just wondering if you were having flu jabs and what advice you have been given. I was told today to have it at the beginning of cycle but I don't fancy that as I feel so poorly then anyway. Not sure weather to bother? ... View more

Hi everyone, your all doing amazing keep up the good work. Apart from all the physical side effects how is everyone coping with the chemo blues. one minute I'm fine next minute the waterworks start. I'm thinking I'll have to drink more fluids to compensate. There's no logic to it at time 😭 X ... View more

hi all hope everyone is coping. Day 8 and still in my pyjamas but starting to eat a bit better and the dreaded constipation seems to have resolved. I now find myself obsessing over the size of my lump and I'm convinced after 2 cycles it's bigger not smaller. Having all this time to dwell and worry is no good I need to find my positive pants again xx  Melly I had palpitations after this cycle they seem to have subsided now.  x  ((hugs everyone)) x ... View more

oh bless everyone and all these rubbish side effects and anxieties, hope your all coping as well as you can. I'm having a nightmare with the constipation at the minute.  It's so hard but we can do this 👊🏻 X ... View more

Hi all hope your feeling okay. I am starting to emerge from the chemical hangover after getting my second cycle Weds. Drank loads, took paracetamol but no shifting the headaches. Indigestion seems worse this time but I'm on the omeprazole. I can't really sleep much so sitting up has helped. Anyone else get a bright red face? I looked in the mirror this morning and with my new hairstyle and big red face looked very much like Friar Tuck!   Ali S. I asked my chemo nurse about my regime and why its eight cycles, she wasn't sure as said it's a new regime. My onc lead me to believe it was started for tnbc. Maybe just the new standard for my hospital. I'm sure everyones treatment is tailored to their own needs. My tumour is also quite large so maybe I need an extra dose!   🤢     Hugs ladies x ... View more

Hi all hoping cycle 2 goes ahead today. I think the treatment type and amount depends on the type of cancer. I'm triple negative and think the 8 cycles and 2 types chemo is standard 😑 . ((Hugs everyone)) ... View more

Hi all hope everyone's had a good weekend. I seem to be waiting ages for my deferred 2nd chemo it will be over a week and a half late. Arh well guess they know best, just worry about everything at the minute.  I had an absolute mad moment at the weekend. I looked at my reflection with the patches, long bits and non-existent curls and I hacked it all with the kitchen scissors! 😫 I've discovered I'm crap at tying scarves and I find it uncomfortable where my glasses sit. Getting wig tomorrow so I'll test that x disaster x ... View more

Hi butterfly, re:  picc. It's a sterile procedure to insert and they clean and change dressing weekly. You have to sign a consent with the usual list of side effects but I don't know if the picc has a higher infection risk than a port. So much info to try and take in . I'm sure they will advice you on the best option x ... View more

Hi butterfly, glad you had your second cycle your now in front of me. I am also having 8 cycles and they put a picc line in before my treatment started. No problem putting in, in fact I've had it inserted twice as the first one moved a bit after my first cycle.  I was told it's much kinder for your veins  and as they also do your blood test out of it its less needles . It just means a weekly visit to dress and flush.  Cookie x ... View more

Hi Xena my bloods were okay but because I have a urinary track infection that's not clearing up they wouldn't do it as I expect it will make it worse I guess. On the whole I feel alright but I've had 2 infections since first cycle and I'm not sure what's side effect goes with what !  ... View more

My 2nd is deferred as well Helen 😕 For a week. X ... View more

Although I was dreading my second chemo today ( can't control the anxiety) I was actually disappointed when they wouldn't go ahead. Bloods were okay but I have a urinary infection that seems to improve and then symptoms flare up again . Advised to defere for another week and revisit GP for review. I had it all so neatly planned on my calendar. 8 cycles due to finish in the year! I guess it may not be as straightforward forward as I'd hoped but at least we have started the journeys ladies. Cookie xx ... View more

Thanks to everyone for reassuring advice, my second chemo didn't happen today as it's the bank holiday and my picc moved anyway so once that's reinserted tomorrow I will have the second cycle Wednesday. I. Still on antibiotics but hope it doesn't get delayed. Hoping to cope a Little better now I know what to expect and my symptoms are similar to others. Fear of the unknown with each new treatment. It's really helped finding this group and reading about everyone's experiences.  X   ... View more

Hi I started my chemo this month, this is week 3. Very up and down and I am being treated for a second infection already and I though I was so careful. I had severe dizzy spells straight after my treatment for about 2 days. Lasted longer but became infrequent.  I am on EC. I have also had headaches. Anyone else troubled with these symptoms?  ... View more