Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Kirsty Just wondered how your surgery went?  I have IBC, have just finished 6 rounds of chemo and am goinig to hve surgery in a few weeks.  Did you have a skin graft?  My cancer is covering the whole of my breast ( I had BC in 2016 and had lumpectomy and total node clearance and it has come back in the same breast) Yours is the only post I have found so far that mentions srugery for IBC. Any advice or tips you can give me would be appreciated. Julie   ... View more

Hi Wee Burd, hope it has gone ok today,  the only advice I would give you about starteing T after FEC is to rest,  I found it harder on the T but I think I was trying to do to much.  Keep the fluids up and rest as much as you need, eat healtthy, even if you cant taste it and be good to yourself. Good luck x ... View more

Hi Rebecca   Hope you are doing OK,  I was diagnosed with BC in February 2016, had lumpectomy and then lymph node clearance and then 6 cyles of FEC T chemotherapy and 20 sessions of radiotherpy. And was taking tamoxifen, was eant ot be for 5 years but that has now stopped due to new diagnosis.   I was diagnosed with recurrence in January this year,  this time mine is in the skin, Inflammatroy Breast Cancer, I am having Chemo first and have been put on 6 cycles of TC, which is Doxetaxyl and Cyclophosphamide.  21 day cycle, then will be having mastectomy with skin graft.     I hope you get some answers before your wedding,  and can still enjoy the day.   Take Care Julie       ... View more

Hi All   Hope everyone is doing better today.   Wee Burd, good luck with your appointment and fingers crossed your bloods are OK.   Bibi, if you cant moan on here then who can you moan to, it does you good to get your feelings out. Miss Green, are you on TC?  I had my 3rd yesterday, at work today but starting to feel really tired so will probably take the rest of the week off, thought I would be OK as its 4 weeks since my last one due to Easter but I definately think ther tiredness has kicked in sooner.  How many are you having?     Take care everyone,  each day that goes by is a day closer to the end. Hugs Julie xx ... View more

Chrissey I agree about the low feeling. I'm lucky I can come to work on my good days. I work in a small office with a great bunch of women and they make me laugh and keep me sane. I honestly don't know how I would cope if I didn't get out of the house. And as they went through it with me in 2016 as well they know that if I'm having a bad day not to take anything personally if I'm short tempered or moody. Hope you have good support. It helps. ... View more

 Wee Bird and Chrissy68. Glad you both got your lines in and your doing ok. Hopefully your treatment will be easier from now on.   Bibi.  I did the pamper session last time. We had a good laugh and came away with some nice things.  I'm not really a make up person but still enjoyed myself.   MissGreen.  Your chemo cycle sounds hard.  Hope your doing ok.   I seem to be having an easier time this time.  First 2 sessions have been ok. Managed to carry on as normal with only a couple of days off work which I spent in bed.  I was slightly more tired after the 2nd session but as I've got and extra week to wait for my 3rd session , cause it's Easter, I'm hoping my body will recover a bit more.    Is anyone else delayed with the Easter bank holidays? I was a bit fed up about the delay at first but it's worked out well as my dad is going in for a melanoma removed so I can drive him now.  As they say, everything happens for a reason.   Hope everyone is doing ok.  Good luck to everyone having treatment  this week.  Take care xx ... View more

Chrissey.  I had vein pain when I had fec,  they recommended keeping it warm and plenty of fluids,  try a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel.  It doesnt stop the pain totally but did seem to help.   The taste buds thing is a pain,  I cant really taste anything at the moment, but find ginger beer, pepsi with ginger and dilute lemon all helps with the crappy feeling in the mouth.  I dont normally drink a lot of fizzy drinks but anything to be able to taste something.    MissGreen, I I would check with the nurses if your PICC line is still bleeding, I was told it could happen for a day or 2 but after that it shouldnt,  maybe your bandage is pulling on it slightly.   Did you not get a prescription for a plastic cover when you got a picc line fitted?  I had bought one but then got one on prescription.  I was scared to use it at first but now I can hae a bath or a shower with no issues,     Wee Burd, sorry to hear you are having more delays with your picc line,  i cant believe how long you are having to wait,  fingers crossed you get sorted on Wednesday.    Ive been reading your posts about parking,  you are lucky if you get help with parking fees or get them free,  my hospital charges everyone as the car parks are run by a private firm. I always end up putting extra on to make sure I dont get a ticket, It costs £1 an hour to park and if you go over by 5 minutes they are there and giving you a ticket,     Hope everyone is doing OK.  Keep well ... View more

Evening all.  Well was a bit daft today, had 2nd treatment yesterday, got up this morning and felt a bit tired but ok so decided to go to work,  struggled with tiredness all day so may have a couple of days off, will wait and see tomorrow but not going to push myself,  not worth it, dont win any medals.   Wee Burd,  good news about the line,  I know the delay is a pain but it will be fine after next week.  I love Scotland,  the Isle of Mull is my favourite place,  its so peaceful and relaxing,  cant wait to be able to go and again when all this is over with. Dont think I could drive all that was at the minute,   Chrissy68.  tried my wigs on,  they dont look right, I had a blonde one which i wore all the time last time,  and a darker one,  ive lost 3 stone since my last chemo and i think with the way my face has changed shape, its a lot thinner now, I am going to have to get a new one that suits me, disappointed as could do with out the expense but will try and be sensible and get one near the £90 voucher amount and not a dear one.  just need to get round to making an appointnent now to go and get one.    Hope everyone else is well and coping OK.   Take care all xx ... View more

Aawww Cuddles. Hope you feel ok soon.  Take some pain killers if you need to. Don't fight it.   They say  listen to your body but sometimes it doesn't tell you until it's to late.  I understand about the coldcap.  I did it 2 years ago when i had chemo and by the 3rd session I had to wear a paper hat as I had lost so much hair. And it's uncomfortable and adds so much time to the session. So i stopped. Havent dine it this time.  Had to shave my hair friday as it was coming out so fast.  Only issue is i dont like my wigs anymore,  tried them on yesterday and hated ghem.  Ive lost 3 stone sincd last time so ghink my facd has changed that much they look awful.  Trying with scarves this time. Wouldn't go out last time without my wig.  Head still a bit sore at the minute so scarves are definitely better.     Kitty75.  I had a friend that cold capped and it worked for her. Although she did stop after the 3rd session as she didnt liks it.  But a woman that my husband works with has just finishec 6 sessions and cold capoed and still has a decent amount of hair so I would definitely say to anyone to try it if they want to. Everyone is different.   Hope everyone has had a good weekend.  Good luck to everyone having treatment this week.   Take care xx       ... View more

MissGreen.  Took a leaf out of your book today and went for the shave.  After trying to wash it yesterday and ending up with more hair on my hands I gave in.  Don't look as good as you but I feel better now it's done.    Another plus is my bloods are back up . From being 0.2 on Monday they are up to 2 today so chemo number 2 due on Monday.    Wee Burd any news on a date for the Hickman line?  It will good to know you can get your treatment without the fight for a vein.    Have  a good weekend everyone xx   ... View more

Flora29 thats brilliant news.  Fingers crossed the se's arent too bad. ... View more

Wee Burd how did you get on with your bloods?  Did you mange to get your treatment?  I cant believe that they wount give you a picc line, it would make your life so much easier and is easier for the staff too.   MissGreen.  I would do anyting for a cuddle right now,  either from my Mum or my hubby but they both have bad colds and my neutrophils are down to 0.2 so I am having to keep away from them.  I'm going to work just to keep busy, I work in a small office with only 6 other people and luckily everyone there is well at the minute or I wouldn't even have that distraction.    My hair is also starting to fall out,  just a few strands at first but now getting worse,  I know I need to have it shaved but haven't quite worked up to that yet.    Chrissey so sorry you couldn't have your treatment,  I have my next blood test on Friday,  for treatment on Monday,  hoping my levels have gone up,  even splashed out on some Manuka Honey as I read an article to say it can help so thought I would give it a try.  Who thought it would be so upsetting not to be able to have chemo!!!   I know what you mean about cancelling things and not being able to plan,  we have just cancelled a cruise we had planned for our 25th wedding anniversary in July,  its so upsetting, and frustrating,  we have this crappy disease and it takes over everything.  Sorry, feeling pretty sorry for myself at the minute,  just feel low and tired.     Bibi, enjoy your wedding dress shopping,  it will be nice to have something to focus on,   Hope everyone is keeping well,  take care and we will get through this. xx ... View more

Wee Burd, hope you are feeling better now.  Dont feel guilty,  you neded to be checked out.  I ended up in hospital twice with my chemo last time, once under my own steam and once by ambulance (my first time too) but they said I did the right thing.  Your body is going through hell and needs a bit of a check up every now and again.  And you also need the reassurance.  Will they not give you a picc line?  I got one straight away this time as my veins are so bad and its brilliant.  Im having to have blood tests every few of days at the minute as my neutrophil count (think thats what its called) is down to 0.2, oops, and if I didnt have the picc line in I dont know what I would do,  its worth asking the question.    Hope everyone else is doing OK   Take care Julie xx   ... View more

Chrissy.  I cold capped last time as the thought of losing my hair scared me. Unfortunately it didn't work and it started coming out and was very itchy and painful.  I made the decision to have it shaved off and it was the best decision. No more pain or finding hair everywhere. And I got 2 lovely wigs and some scarves. My husband used to joke that he had 3 women on the go.   I'm not cold capping this time so it's just a matter if time before it starts to hurt and fall out.  I will admit that I'm not looking forward to losing my hair again but I know it grows back and took less than 6 months to be a decent length so gonna focus on that. This time next year we will all have a full head of healthy hair again.     Flora hope they get you sorted out with your meds soon.    Hope everyone has coped ok with the weather.  I had a snow day from work.  Too stressful driving in those conditions. Hope it's better tomorrow.   Take care everyone xx ... View more

Chrissy.  I could capped last time as the thought of losing my hair scared me. Unfortunately it didn't work and it started coming out and was very itchy and painful.  I made the decision to have it shaved off and it was the best decision. No more pain or finding hair everywhere. And I got 2 lovely wigs and some scarves. My husband used to joke that he had 3 women on the go.   I'm not cold capping this time so it's just a matter if time before it starts to hurt and fall out.  I will admit that I'm not looking forward to losing my hair again but I know it grows back and took less than 6 months to be a decent length so gonna focus on that. This time next year we will all have a full head of healthy hair again.     Flora hope they get you sorted out with your meds soon.    Hope everyone has coped ok with the weather.  I had a snow day from work.  Too stressful driving in those conditions. Hope it's better tomorrow.   Take care everyone xx ... View more

Hi All   Back at work today,  I cant believe how well I feel, after 2 bad days on Thursday and Friday my energy levels have improved over the weekend and even managed a couple of short walks.  I am still taking each day as it comes as I know from last time that how you feel can change in a few hours.  I have a 50 mile round trip for work but luckily have a friend who meets me half way and we car share from there, normally take turns but she is driving the 2nd part for now so I dont have to drive all the way.     Bibi - I found it got harder the more sessions I had,  just listen to your body.  it will tell you want you can and cant do,  I am on Ondansatron for 3 days and them metoclopramide for the sickness,  had the same last time but it definately isnt working as well this time.  I always feel queasy and am eating little and often to help.     Wee Burd,  im on slimming world so eat loads of fruit and veg but unfortunatley it didnt help with the constipation,  I see the nurse on Friday so am going to ask her for something for next time. not going through that again.  (and when I say im on slimming world,  I mean is loosely now, I was being good until I started this journey but am just going now so I dont fall off the wagon to badly,  dont want to undo all the work I have done so far)   Lady H, you have been throught it.  Hope you get sorted soon,  I keep forgetting to take my temperature,  will try and remember,  last time I had chemo I had the injections for 7 days to help boost the immune system but havent been given them this time and definatley feel more vulnerable,  im not isolating myself as such but take note of people around me and if anyone so much as looks like they are going to sneeze I run (well walk quickly) in the opposite direction.     Keep well everyone Julie xx     ... View more

Hi all. Flora, hope your OK and are recovering from your ordeal.  I had FEC-T last time and definately found the T worse than the Fec but not sure if that was beacuse I had already had 3 sessions of chemo and my body was tired.   Have had a bad couple of days,  after feeling fine, just tired and going to work on Tuesday and Wednesday (after the chemo on Monday), I started with severe stomach pains due to consitpation, took 48 hours to 'move' never felt so ill in my life, then stupidly had chilli con carne for me tea yesterday which my body obviously didnt like and ended up with sickness and diarhoea all night, not good, luckily feeling better today and have even managed a little walk with the dog |(and hubby) so things are looking up. I agree about food,  eat what and when you need, I have been nibbling since Monday, as I have felt queasy everyday but it has helped.  Trying to ween myself of the anti sickness drugs today and seem to be doing ok,  although not eating much as dont want to start my stomach off again, sticking with toast and plain food   I started on the Clarityn/Piriton today after a bad couple of days,  seem to be helping with the aches and pains.  Fingers crossed.  Dont know if anyone esle is trying them but I was told last time to take them all the time, not just during the first week or so when the symptoms are worse,  if you keep taking them it stays in your systems and it definately helped last time so gonna keep taking them this time.   Hope everyone is having a weekend,  we can beat this crappy disease,  keep strong everyone.   Julie x ... View more

Evening all.   Well work was OK, bit tired but no real side effects yet so managed OK, will play it by ear for tomorrow, I have a long drive, well about 25 miles each way, so its maybe time to have a couple of days off.  I go to work to stay sane,  I work in an office so its sitting down most of the time and (most) of the people I work with are really great and we have a laugh so it helps,  and they watch me like a hawk and if im doing too much they soon tell me, this is the 2nd time they have been thoruhg it will me so they know what to look out for.  Im vey lucky. I am taking my antisickness and still driving, I havent read the warnings but I drove last time too and it was OK.   I had forgotten about the antihistamines for bone pain,  I think I took Claritin and Piriton last time when on Docetaxel,  i took them for the full 9 weeks I was on it and it definately helped.  My nurse hadnt heard of it but was quite happy for me to try it.  If I remember rightly the Clarityn was for during the day as it was none drowsey and the Piriton was for night time, but I will ave to check that.  Thks for the reminder.   Cuddles.  I cold capped last time but it didnt work for me, by the 3rd session my hair was so thin i had to have one of the paper caps on under the cold cap so decided it wasnt worth it. And the length of time it added to the treatment was a pain.  Didnt even think about it this time.   I hope everyone has a good night, going to bed shortly to relax.   love Julie x ... View more

Evening all. Hope you have all had a good day. 1st dose of tc done.  Feeling ok so far, planning on going to work tomorrow so fingers crossed for no side effects. Can't believe how easy it was with the picc line.  Wish I'd been offered that last time. No painful cannula insertions for me.  Woop woop.  Silver linings and all that. Keep positive. Julie xx   ... View more