Breast Cancer Care Forum

Hi all, just thought I would check back in here as have been on the FB page a little more but wanted to say hello to Lovely Shi and see how anyone who isn't on the FB group is doing. 💜   I finished he'd radiotherapy on Friday and don't feel too bad. A little redness developing so putting lots of E45 cream on. Radio was way easier than chemo, just a bit of a pain going every day. Trying to look forward a bit now, although still have Herceptin and permuzutab infusions until next year so lots to come with hormones.   Hope all goes well this week for you all. Shi, you're a star on this group ⭐ ️   Tropic_al x ... View more

Hi all, so sorry for my radio silence. I had my planning scan then decided to nip off on a few days away in the sunshine in Dorset and to Bristol to see family to celebrate finishing chemo and having a short break between treatments 😎 . So nice not to be worried about temperature fluctuations etc. Just what the doctor ordered. Back on Sunday for Herceptin, permuzutab infusions yesterday so back to earth with a bump, although I seem to be ok on these. Taste buds returning although can't seem to enjoy some foods since chemo that I liked before..hopefully that will change.  I still have my dark nail polish on..no problems with nails..not sure when to remove it but desperate to take it off and air and oil my nails..anyone know?   My hair is starting to grow..I look like Einstein with mad white hair! Keeping it under the bandana till I can have a decent cut.     I start rads next Monday..looking forward to it in a strange way as just want to get on with the treatment. It finishes two days ahead of my 50th birthday at the end of October. No massive celebration planned yet, a small one hopefully, but will plan some belated ones down the line for sure when I have more energy 🎉 .   I hope everyone is getting on ok now with op plans, treatments etc..and holiday plans!   I'll look at my message now and hopefully join the FB page tonight to see your lovely faces 😁 .   will be in touch soon,   Tropic xx           ... View more

Hi all,   Good to hear that rads are ok Sarah..I have a scan next week then rads start on the 8th. I feel ok now on day 14.. Even think taste buds might be returning. Touch wood I haven't lost any nails..how long do I have to wear this awful dark nail polish for?   i too have the thigh muscle fatigue...thought it was just me. Determined to get stronger now and fitter. It feels so good to be finishing my last antibiotic and clear my head of drugs! Still have all of the infusions to come and no doubt tamoxifen for years to com and the hot sweats but looking forward to having my head of hopefully curly hair back, even though it's now grey. I read that you can colour with henna and natural products after two or three months and permanent chemicals after six months but not sure. I'm going to ask my friends who've been through it all.   Well done all for finishing chemo but please as Shi says com on here every so often as I've loved our little group and it would be a shame to lose touch. Jem please also set up the Facebook page when you can as that would be a great way to keep in touch and plan our meet up for next year. Don't mind which name..will have a think.  Shi, I'll give the walk some thought..the way my legs feel I doubt I'd make 26 miles! Thanks for your amazing support through the bumpy flight and helping us to land safely x   I'll be popping on here to post every so often still as find it really helpful and I want to know how you're all doing. Take care all,   Tropic_al X    ... View more

Hi all,   TraceyMac, well done and welcome to Greece.   i'm on day 10 and also struggling with tasting food. It's just like something is missing every time I eat something. Just had homemade roasted tomato and red pepper soup though and it was lovely. Hopefully that means it's coming back.   Otherwise feeling ok now, gradually felt better since day 7 so hopefully over the worst, fingers crossed. Sorry that some of you are suffering more SEs...I hope they decrease soon.   Still have three weekly infusions of Herceptin and permuzutab till next year so still in that cycle of three weekly events but will just have to deal with that and hopefully can do done at home if I want to. At least it's not chemo!   Rads a few weeks away yet..hope you all get on ok.   Sarah..how are your rads going? I think you started this week. Hopefully all's good.   Hope you're all enjoying your weekend. Glorious here..all helps.   Tropic_al X ... View more

Hi all,  Just catching up with you all. The happiness of the last chemo soon disappears with SEs doesn't it. Interesting reading your comments of achy muscles in legs as that's exactly what I have too. Pretty tired today and finding it hard to get going on day 3. Guess we all need that sleep on the beach! I'm just going to take it easy for the next few days to get through the worst bits. Hoping to build up my exercise once the cycle three weeks are over but looks like it might take some time. Having Herceptin does make me want to try though.  Will also find out how long the immune system is lower for but at least I feel I can re-join society a little more soon 😎 .   My rads start in October so will be interested to see how you all get on. My mum went through it years ago and was fine but not after chemo. I'm trying to be positive about it and just get it done. One more thing to tick off the list ahead of winter.   if someone is starting up the Facebook group then let me know if I have to message someone with an email address. I've never set a what's app group up before without having phone numbers of people as a contact, but if that's the way to do it then message me your numbers with your name and I'll attempt to do it 😊 .   Hugs to all X     ... View more

Hi all, so sorry for my radio silence. I have been feeling good so decided to re-join society a big and have been out for dinner with friends a couple of times, went to the coast for a day, bit of gardening, work and had a friend to visit overnight..a bit of normality after a long dull summer. Brought down to earth last night as took my pre chemo steroids yesterday and only got 2 hours sleep last night ..not helped by snoring next to me 😡 So up very early. Final chemo is today 🎉 😁 , no bell to ring at my hospital but will do it in my head. Have baked a cake for the lovely nurses who have been amazing. I can't say I'll be the last time I go as on Herceptin and permuzutab for the next year so I'll be back every three weeks till next July..deep joy! My rads only start in Oct sometime so I too am looking forward to Christmas and saying goodbye to this crappy year.   so much to catch up on from you lovely ladies. Hets..well done on finishing chemo, I'm joining you in Greece today. JoandBasilthedog- hope you are doing well after your last chemo. I'm sure you look amazing in your bandana..that's what I keep telling myself anyway and I have actually been given compliments! Good luck with the Herceptin. JacqB- hope you're recovering well after surgery and the PICC line issues are resolved..what a pain. agree it's best to let the nurses look at it. Linda- another chemo finisher..yeay..hope you're feeling ok. I also have Ondonsatron and it is not great on bowels. Take Laxido. I'm on permuzutab and that gives you diarrhoea so I am all over the place..hideous! JemPD- well done on chemo finishing..we're all getting there. My muscles are weaker too and Herceptin doesn't help so I'm going to increase exercise once the bad week of chemo is over..more walking, some cycling, assisted circuits, yoga etc..got to get fit. My rads only start sometime in Oct so just focus ing on this last cycle at the moment. For me a Facebook group would be great..much easier for most 😊 . Tanya- also in your last cycle..well done. Sorry to hear that your nails are lifting. I have dark nail polish on so will be gutted if they come off now too. Hope they grow back quickly.  Michelle21- I'm also going to get Nioxin2 which was recommended by my hairdresser.   i think I've caught up now! Breakfast now..more steroids then heading to the hospital for a heart echo, Herceptin and chemo..fun fun.   Take care all and I'll be in touch after chemo Tropic_al X  ... View more

Hi All,   Tanya, hope you're feeling better..shame about the nails. Mine are ok so far..lots of dark nail polish. Hoping they don't fall off on the last cycle. Strange that I'm just coming towards my good week and have a few nice things planned, but for the first time want the chemo to come quickly as it's the last!    Thanks for all of the comments re genetic testing. I have a big family history of bc, but they considered me moderate  risk because most of the age of my mum and aunt in their 60s and wouldn't give me a mammogram when I asked over two years because of no funding here under 50.. Very frustrating. I've now been offered the tests because of the history and my bc. I will have DNA taken and stored for now. Want to get the chemo and radiotherapy over with before getting the tests done as will be more possible surgery to think about it if came back positive. I will definitely do it though as it could also impact on other members of the family.    Hope le everyone is ok Tropic_al xx ... View more

Hi Tracey Mac Glad you're feeling better..l am day 12 and also felt much better this time, think the cooler weather helped also. My aches were early on and less mouth issues. Feeling a big down and less lively today so going to have a bit of time out I front of a film this afternoon or with a book..don't want things to go wrong.  Cant wait to get the last one over with personally..move onto the next challenge!   Hope everyone else is ok today. ive been to see the genetic department to talk about testing. I guess I need to know and then maybe have decisions to make. Have others been for testing?   Tropic_al x ... View more

Hi all, Just checking in..some of you have been busy on here.   Tanya and Hets..congrats on finishing chemo..looking forward to it myself. Hets, hope you feel better about the way it's happened now.   Hope that everyone who's been feeling ill of a little low over the weekend is on the mend now ❤️   I've been feeling ok this time so hopefully that continues into the last cycle in September. Have ventured out and about a bit over the weekend  and spent time in the garden and will aim for a good walk today as yesterday was so cold and miserable. 😊   Nothing too much to report here, which I'm definitely taking as a good thing for once and keeping my fingers crossed that it continues that way.   Enjoy the remainder of the bank holiday everyone xx   ... View more

Hi all Hope you're all feeling ok today. Don't want to tempt fate today on day 7 but haven't been to A&E this cycle yet! Had a few days of aches, particularly lower back and around hips but have felt much better than on the first T cycle in general...maybe the cooler weather has helped too as sleeping a big better, though last night wasn't amazing as was so hot in our house.   Hopefully as people have said the first T cycle is the worst. Food is tasting a bit strange over these days so not particularly enjoying it again but feeling less sicky with bile in mouth and my mouth isn't so sore. Maybe the omeprazole is helping there...thought that one more drug wouldn't hurt!    Thanks for your constant support and advice Shi ❤️   My advice for after your op is to get active and do your exercises every day, lots, then you'll get the movement back in good time. I have several Physio friends so was pushed to make sure I kept them up. It worked though and I had good movement quickly.    We're all all doing so well and I can see Greece on the horizon now. Hope your last cycle is going well Sarah..you're leading us in 😊   Tropic x ... View more

Hi all, keep going everyone...congrats Sarah...such a milestone. I'll be following you onto the rads thread soon but likely to only start in Oct as no planning getting done till after last cycle.   Leanne hope you feel better soon. im day 5 now and tired again today..working a little but resting a lot too as definitely do not want any hospital trips this time! Temp rose briefly yesterday but working on keeping it lower today. Stay strong lovely ladies! Tropic_al X ... View more

Hi everyone, On day 4 and definitely tired and feeling like lead today. No walk so far. I ended up in A&E last time on this day and my white blood cell count was up. We put that down to the injection so sitting tight this time and hoping I get through the next few days of feeling tired and SE. Typically the weather is supposed to warm up here to 26 again but hoping they've got that wrong as can't cope with the heat too much at the mo. After saying I sleep ok I have been up by 6.30 every day! I'm in East Anglia but also willing to travel for that meet up after rads etc when I have energy. Might be early next year at this rate! A what's app group will be the best way probably.   This journey certainly doesn't go smoothly but we're all getting there.  Keep smiling ladies  Tropic X  ... View more

Hi all,   seems like its its been a mixed week for some of us. JacB hope you are feeling better and you JemPD, hope you're feeling more upbeat. Sarah that's great that you've avoided a transfusion 😊 .Hets, I hope that the injections go well, that's very tough.   As for me chemo was a long day with the Herceptin and permuzutab also but went ok. Even the cap didn't hurt so much as think I put too much conditioner on last time. Even think my hair might be trying to grow back a little on T. Hoping to go out a bit today as feel ok then wait for the aches etc to appear! Found out yesterday that I will need radiotherapy for three weeks starting mid October. Bit of a blow but not unexpected given my age etc. They're certainly throwing the book at me. That cancels any 50th birthday plans in October...all postponed till next year..bigger and better hopefully.   Hope you all have decent weekends. Will be in touch soon. Big hugs to all, Tropic_al xx ... View more

Hi all, Been reading all of your stories. Sorry you may need a transfusion Sarah but keep positive. Hope it all goes well. I’ve had a great few days of feeling well, working and even went out for dinner. Bloods good..which can only mean one thing, chemo 5 tomorrow. Oh well one more down and one less time to suffer the cold cap! Interesting listening to the sweats comments. I haven’t had a period since April ..every cloud...and get random hot sweats so could be a combination of menopause and chemo. Have had indigestion for the first time on T so my oncologist prescribed another drug to add to the mix today..just can’t get enough of these drugs! Plucked up the courage to ask about radio, apparently I’m borderline so will find out tomorrow if I’ll have it. I had an implant recon straight away do that could be ruined but will have to take the risk and see if I need radio. One more thing to endure. I don’t seem to have too much of a problem with sleeping after the steroids, it’s the heat that was killing me. I don’t take any steroids after 2pm. Here’s hoping for an A&E free cycle. Well done everyone..keep going. We’re getting there! Lots of hugs to all, Tropic_al x ... View more

Hi all, sorry for the silence. I've been feeling better so working and out and about a bit. What a difference a week makes. Got my taste buds back after about day 11 so that helped too. Now on count down to T number 2 on Friday so steroids on Thursday...always such a shame when you start to feel better. Bloods tomorrow and hopefully ok..it is strange to want to be well enough to have toxins pumped into you isn't it? The nurse who takes my blood always texts me with 'bloods good for chemo' with a smiley face. Everyone seems to be saying that the first T is the worst so I'm holding onto that for all I'm worth as it would be good to not feel so tired but we'll see. I don't think I can avoid the sickly feeling or loss of taste buds altogether but  I'll settle for avoiding an A&E visit! This is number 5 so my last T will be on 7th Sept as long as bloods are ok.    Jem, I hope you're feeling ok after your chemo session. Hope everyone else isn't feeling too bad this week.  Will be back soon, Take care all, Tropic_al xx ... View more

Evening all, Tracey I'm day 10 and just about getting energy back, although I can't decide if it is the Docetaxel, Herceptin or Permuzutab that is making me worse yet. Hopefully docetaxel as that ends in two cycles. Went for a longer walk today as only 24 degrees and breezy and need to up the exercise. what a treat! 10 drops of rain fell so no change there. It is so pleasant though.  Does anyone else get tears and more emotional in their low immune week in particular?I was like a cartoon character last night with tears leaking out of the sides of my eyes when I went to bed which resulted in a bad night's sleep 😭 . Early night tonight. Working more this week which is good for keeping busy but can forget to rest so less tomorrow I think and may even open a book...haven't read a page of one since April!   Those of you who are ahead of me I hope all goes well if you have chemo pending this week. Some of us are coming in to land..not me just yet but we're getting there.   keep strong ladies Tropic ... View more

Hi all, Hope you're all well today..especially you Tracey..rough few days. my weekend was spent feeling a bit rough, mainly the mouth taste and feel from the docetaxel making me feel a bit sick I think. Food tastes have changed completely so now not really enjoying it at all which is a shame as I am a girl who loves her food! Feel a bit more energetic today on day 8, first antibiotic day so hoping I'm on the up..although I was up at 5 because I was too hot so snooze time in a while!   This cycle seems to be going so much slower than the others..hoping the next ones are not too bad. Attempting to do a bit of work today..have a good day ladies. That spa is sounding fab Shi! ❤️ Tropic x ... View more

Hi Tracey Mac...I'm also day 5..spent last night back in A&E following the rules as my temp was high all afternoon and into the evening and a really sore throat.  So another late night of tests. Was fine but spending today sitting still, resting and with a fan by my side! Not heading back to the madhouse of the hospital again if I can help it.  Like you I have pelvic and thigh aches and lower back but bearable for now. Just tired. Bring on cooler temps.i too sleep on and off but at least I don't have to get up for work if I don't want to as working if and when I can.   Food has definitely become a little dull as nothing tastes so great now. I love curries but even worried I'll start not go enjoy them which is a shame.   Hope you're all well today and make the most of the weekend. Bring on Greece! All the best ladies, Tropic X  ... View more

Hi all,   Back again..day 4 after first docetaxel and Herceptin, permuzutab was last Friday. Long days as always. This cycle has hit me harder than the FEC and I'm so tired and achy right from the first few days. So hot again here up to 30 degrees which isn't helping. Monitoring my temp which is quite high on the borderline today, but hopefully it'll drop again and I'll avoid a trip to hospital tonight. Can't take paracetamol for aches just in case. Hate the uncertainty. Have a sore throat so starting fluconazole and Difflam early tonight to try to stop any issues there. Totally different feeling than when on FEC.   For the cold cap girls it is at least better on T as yes only 20 mins afterwards instead of 90 mins I had on FEC...such a relief. Have still lost quite a bit of hair on top but maintaining the bandana look and hoping to persevere on to the end after this effort. The first 10 mins are horrible now that my hair is thinner but just about bearable.   We're all doing so well...keep on going ladies. I'll be back feeling better tomorrow hopefully. Best wishes to all, Tropic x ... View more

Hi JemPD thanks so much and hope you feel better really soon. Glad you were looked after so well. Rest up and take care of yourself. xx ... View more