Breast Cancer Now Forum

Its really weird seeing everyone post their stories a year on.  I had a therapeutic mammoplasty as my first surgery then a full axillary clearance and margin shaves after that as they found DCIS surrounding my tumour.  I think us Feb 19 girlies have been through every scenario between us so just ask away ... View more

Hi Fe2020 sorry to say it is cold.  In fact you do get icicles on your head but they soon thaw out.  A small price to pay and all that ... ... View more

Hi fe2020 as I mentioned earlier I started chemo this time last year.  I think each department vary in their approach to the cold cap but my chemo nurses dampened my hair and applied conditioner before each cap went on.  My hair was thick and I did lose some but probably kept about 60% but I could not bear the prospect of being bald and was really stressy about it.  Make sure the cap is pulled down tight especially on the crown which is the most common area to thin out, also take a hair band to protect your forehead. I also had some long layers put in my shoulder length hair but Im not sure if that really made any difference. I was provided with a wig but it is still in its bag as I never used it.  Good luck x ... View more

Hi Artycart, I am getting there thank you.  I had 3xFEC and 3x Docetaxol followed by 20 radiotherapy sessions and I am now on Anastrazole as my bc was hormone positive and I am just about to start zolendronic acid infusions to try and keep my bones safe.  The new hair that has grown is rocking little curls but at least it is growing.  Its all doable but challenging.  I walked my dogs most days even during chemo and I really think that did help.  I used to drive home after chemo, wash all the conditioner off my hair and then take the dogs out ... ... View more

Hi ladies, just a message to say this time last year I was just starting my chemo journey.  I cold-capped all the way through and am so pleased I did.  I had thick hair and although it did thin out you would never have known.  In fact people that saw me didnt even know I was having chemo.  I got a wig just in case but it is still in its bag as I could never get it on over my hair anyway.  I used Simple shampoo and conditioner, let my hair dry naturally and was very gentle with it.   I took paracetemol just before my chemo session just in case and put the cold cap over dampened and conditioned hair.  It meant so much to me to keep the bulk of my hair but it is a worrying time not knowing whether it is going to go or not so good luck.  I just wanted to let you know that the cold cap does work and even if you get bald patches you can still use the cap but with a theatre cap under it to protect the bald bits. ... View more

Hi yes it is the docetaxol that does the damage as far as I can remember ... View more

Hi I'm from Feb 19 group.  Regarding nails I couldnt get on with the dark nail varnish either but changed to a product called Evonail which protects from UV but is clear.  My nails took a bashing but they did survive.  I used dark polish on my toenails and they are not nearly as good so I would thoroughly recommend this product.  I got it on Amazon.  It is quite expensive but well worth it.  Lots of luck x Please pop into our thread if you need any more information.  I think between us we have been through everything! ... View more

Jencat a nuclear medicine bone scan is very non specific.  It identifies bone activity but cant distinguish between things so sometimes they just need more information to make a proper diagnosis.  Try not to worry yourself too much, easier said than done I know x ... View more

Good luck for your bone scan today Jencat.  There is honestly nothing to worry about for the scan but the usual anxiety of waiting for results.  Thinking of you x ... View more

Hi you will probably be better asking this question on a different thread as this one is for people just starting out with chemo.  I have heard of the optima trial but know there will be lots of people who are already taking part.  Maybe ask the same question on the general chemo thread or one of the older monthly ones. ... View more

Jencat I was beside myself waiting for results of my CT and bone scans especially as a radiographer and seeing the camera running over my body during the bone scan so I could see what was going on.  I asked to see the images but was told a resounding "no".  All sorts run through your mind and especially as I was used to seeing other people's scans on a daily basis it was pure torture.  Even though I had clear scans my mind was still questioning what I had seen.  Just try to close your mind to nasty thoughts and save all your energy for dealing with the results.  With the CT scan it does take loads of images in slices so takes a while for a radiologist to run through and check everything.  Hope your bone scan goes well next week x ... View more

Hi just to say if you need any help please pop in to the Feb 19 thread.  We are all a year post starting chemo and many of us had the same regime as you.  Good luck to all you Feb 20 starters x ... View more

Ive told Jencat we are all holding her hand today for her scan.  She has a big army of us with her in spirit ... View more

Hi Jencat, Daisydi here from Feb 19.  Just popped on to say we are all holding your hand and get those big pants on.  Hope it all goes well today.  x ... View more

Just popping back to say that we are all still here but communicating via messenger as we got frustrated with the site keep going down.  Please ask us any questions and we will try to help. ... View more

Are you taking any phosphates Alibobs?  I am still waiting to have my first zometa infusion as I had to have a couple of teeth out.  Hope you can get something sorted   ... View more

So out of the blue and totally unexpected I received a call today from the chemo unit wanting to arrange my zometa infusions which I had been told I would not have along with any other type of phosphates.  At last someone is listening ... ... View more

Hi yes I really really pushed for a DEXA bone scan and the onco told me my bones were slightly thinner than they should be.  When I asked about phosphates he just said why? and I said to strengthen bones and ward off bone mets and he just looked at me like I was from Mars.  He agreed to write to GP recommending a weekly tablet but when I went to see GP the letter said I didnt need anything and that my bones were within normal range.  GP has written back for clarification.  I just didnt think it would be this difficult.  If side effects are bad I think I would rather not have tablets but I would prefer the infusion, I think.  Will wait and see.  I just thought it was standard practice that if you are taking something that will ruin your bones then you would be prescribed something to stop that.  But hey what do I know? ... View more

Hi I finished chemo in June.  I cold capped every time.  Had 3x FEC and 3xT.  If you are going to lose hair it usually happens just before the second treatment.  I kept most of my hair, probably about 60/70% and it was well worth it for me as like you losing my hair was a very big deal.  Just make sure the cap is tight and look after your hair gently.  Good luck x ... View more