Breast Cancer Care Forum

Good evening everyone,  This is my third attempt to post 😂 Having read through the thread it seems that many of us are approaching milestones of some sort. Bringing on some new worries etc. We have all come such a long way since our journey began, we know we can handle these anxieties and soldier through to our next stage, be it a change in drugs, some half way tests or moving on to rads or surgery, once we have the plan in place we feel better. It's great to hear about your short breaks and family news with proud moments and occasions to look forward to, I believe it is these occasions that carry us through. My 2nd dose Dosetaxel was reduced to 80%again but still completely wiped me out from day 2 again with intense pains in my feet and legs that prescription painkillers barely controlled. Then the fatigue hits! My family all get together once a year for a massive picnic in the park, there were 50 of us and I was taken along and sat in a chair and loved being amongst my nearest and dearest. The next day I had my LGFB session which was great, I started to think I was almost through the worst, when I spiked a temperature and I've been in hospital now since Monday. IV Tazocin 4 times a day and 2litres of fluids a day. Culture's show nothing but I'm still spiking 2-3 times a day. It's so frustrating😩😩 I fear my last chemo will be cancelled now. On the positive side I have my granddaughters 16th birthday this week and her GCSE results day too xx. I'm hoping to be going home Monday all fixed and ready to celebrate with her🤞🤞🤞🤞   Good luck with your milestones everyone - wishing everyone all the best Xxxxxxxxxxx  ... View more

Good morning everyone, I hope you all managed some good times over the weekend. A gift for the Chemo team is such a lovely idea. There is a beautiful ornament on the reception window sill that someone had made for the team, I notice it every time. I too will be finished in 3 -4 weeks at the chemo unit so will also give it some thought xx Dezee  I was sorry to hear your tumour hadn't had a dramatic reduction but it is definitely moving in the right direction and as the onc said it could be changing in structure before reducing, you had lots of other positives too which is great. Ill keep my fingers crossed that there is no lymph node involvement xx Hopefully your side effects have continued to be mild.  Joemic it must feel great to be approaching your last chemo! What are the next steps for you? Thank goodness your phlebitis has cleared up. How strange that your nails are growing strong! Mine are definitely suffering with a pitted look on the lower part of the nail bed.   SP Sounds like you are coping really well with your weekly doses of chemo - fingers crossed these milder side effects continue for you. You really have done so well with your attention to your health and well being too - it is so easy to feel sorry for yourself in these situations and give in to  an unhealthy comfort food regime! And your hair regrowing is great news, lets hope it continues - I think mine is too strangely   Since being discharged from hospital it took me a while to recover from 6 days in bed, but I have had a great weekend feeling (almost) normal. I saw my oncologist on Thursday and she offered to delay the next chemo for me to fully recover from my infection. I really didn't want a  delay, I have my sights set on a holiday in October! So she agreed to let it go ahead but on a reduced dose again. If I get another infection she will cancel my last chemo - mixed emotions on this, but she assured me that it will not effect my recurrence stats. She advised that the neuropathy damage to my feet may take up to two years to repair itself but is hopeful I will regain full feeling etc.As for my nails, I have lost one toenail,  another is hanging off and a third is now going black. My fingernails have changed texture and my thumb, first and middle fingers on my right hand are very tender. I will ask about the cold gloves and slippers at chemo tomorrow! I had really intense pain in my heels and ankles last time, I had to use a walking stick at work and try to sit down as much as possible. Coupled with the fatigue  this was so difficult. So I have signed off sick now until the end of my treatment in September. Instead of hobbling around I will just lay down until it passes this time! In hospital I was getting awful pains in my back and hips, I had a visit from the oncology team and they said it was the injections to boost my immune system. The next day my doctor on the ward told me my WBC was 40 and Neutrophils were 5 - so they stopped the injections, this hadn't happened before.  The other change I have noticed is my hair growing back?? I lost at least half of my hair on day 16 of my first chemo. So I shaved my head. After the next round of chemo I was left with  only a couple of patches of frizz that I decided to close shave, these have continued to grow and I have kept my head shaved every couple of day to avoid the velcro effect on my pillow! but I have noticed that my bald patches have now started to grow too, how strange. No more shaving now. Chemo 5 of 6 is tomorrow - I am kind of dreading it as the side effects last time were so severe but I am also excited to be able to say 'just one more to go!' There are a couple of ladies that are on the same regime as me that we have not heard from for a while - I do hope that their side effects have not been too bad xx Good luck to everyone having Chemo this week - the end is in sight ! And those recovering  - hang in there we know these side effects are time limited -they will pass soon xx   xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx     ... View more

Good morning ladies, Great news, i am being discharged today! Even better news, my daughter raised £460 at the Afternoon tea event! Rose2020, thanks for your tips regarding eyes, i still have a few lashes but my eyes aree tender and watery so something is changing. Good company and  cake is defiinitly great for the mood not the waistline! Joemic, thank you for your support regarding being off work. Up until now i had been using my days off for appointments or reccovery and working the  rest of the time so i havenot recouperated in between.  Time for change xx  Iits good news that your arm continues to improve xxx hope no one is suffering too badly this week   xxxxxxxxxxx ... View more

Good  morning everyone, I am pleased to say ' cinders shall go to the ball!' That really made my day xx RuthGr , you are so right, we should definitely  listen to our own advice,  our iinner voices are not always to be trusted lol.   SP , the waiting for over 2 hours does not help an already anxious mind! I''m glad you are doing ok Mangomum, thanks for sharing your side effects, I hope  you are coming through the other side really soon xx Hi Jencat, thank you for your experience of 'T'. The neuropathy situation is the concerni believe. I have already lost toenails and have considerable numb/tinglling/burning patches on  my feet and hands.   I foolishly thought  this bit would be easier! Due to my diffficulty with walking now, I am seriously considering signing off sick until  this is over! Will have to tiighten the purse strings and our belts though! love and positive vibes to all xxxxx ... View more

Happy weekend everyone, Thank you Mangomum for your kind words, I remember feeling very concerned for you in that first cycle xx. My inner superhero certainly deserted me this week lol. Joemic Nothing has shown up yet on cultures so I have to  complete the course of Tazocin  that was started on Tuesday,  so I will be staying in until Wednesday now but at least my family  are satisfied that I  am resting! Those  of you that have recently started Docetaxol, I would love to know what side effects  you have had? My oncology appointment has been brought forward to discuss the side efffects before we go ahead with my next treatment, it would be nice to know how we all compare. I really dont  know what I should have expected but after a couple of visits from oncologists on the ward i am worrying that they are thinking of cancelingl it :( My daughter will be holding the BCC Afternoon Tea  tomorrow, i am hoping to be allowed to leave the  ward for a  couple of hours, she has already raised £190 through facebook! SP fingers crossed, you are  doing ok after yesterday's treatment, you had an anxious build up to it this time but at least you now have a clear plan that you are happy with xx love to you all xxxx ... View more

SP Sending you love and best wishes for today xx hope all goes to plan for you xx ... View more

Hello again May Ladies,  Although I have not posted for a few weeks I have been reading all your posts and have taken comfort from hearing so many positive stories. RuthGr you must be so pleased with your result, the side effects are worth it, congratulations. Joemic, you have really gone through the mill with your vein/phlebitis issues. I know I would be nervous to use my BC arm to take the chemo. I'm sure the decision was taken with your best interests and hope you have no ill effects. Ilovehunny, I believe we are on the same regime and share a love of gardening. I too said next year I WILL go to Chelsea, I have been once many years ago, it was a fantastic day! Mangomum and Mominette, again I believe we share the same regime I had my first Docetaxol on 16th July, my dose was reduced to 80% due to previous damage to my toes. I hope you managed to ward off your child's cold, its very difficult when family members are poorly. I wish you both all the best and hope you are coping with any side effects. Bananabrain, we too are on the same regime, I was glad to read your side effects have been minimal. That awful taste though!! Even water tastes like a dissolved paracetamol with added salt!  Fruitella sugar free fruit drops and foxes glacier fruits have helped me. Dezee welcome, I love your idea of planning something nice for your third week, always looking forward then xx Rose2020, I have been dreading losing my eyelashes, they have thinned quite a bit. My daughter bought me some eyelashes specifically for cancer patients. They have a wider band to glue to the lid and are quite fine and natural looking. It's just getting the knack of applying them lol.  Louisefpage, I also had a lovely beetroot glow from the steroids, it did pass in a day or two though. Is your regime FEC-T 6 x 3 weekly cycles? That's what I'm on.  SP it was your emotional post really that has prompted me to join in again. I have always lived by the mantra 'if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything' and am always a positive person. But since my chemo on 16th I've been knocked sideways and have not found much positivity. I didn't want to bring down the tone and drop everyone's spirits! I know everyone of you lovely ladies would have offered support and encouragement. Xx I won't go into details because I know some ladies are just starting their Docetaxol and don't want to be a scaremonger! You have gone through more than most of us and are a real role model of determination and support. I hope your treatment tomorrow goes well, and thank you for starting the thread xx Unfortunately I'm writing this from my hospital bed, I have an unknown infection that they can't get control of. I kind of feel like a naughty child that has hidden something important and won't tell the adults! I was told today that it will be another 72 hours at least and that means potentially missing our Afternoon Tea fundraiser on Sunday 😭 I thank you all for being part of this group and for sharing your stories - love to you all xxxx   ... View more

Good morning everyone, What great news Debi2, that must really spur you on, I hope RuthGr you also get positive results at your scan next week. xx Debi2 I love your feather picture, very talented lady! I hope your feeling more upbeat now xx  Rose2020, this feeling low really gets you down doesn't it? - I find that harder to deal with than the physical symptoms, I am usually Mrs Positivity in everything, hopefully you're starting to feel more yourself xx Managomum, those pins and needles drive you mad dont they?, I think I will call and discuss the possible  long term effects because I now have some totally numb areas on my toes. How nice to have a family celebration to lift your spirits, and feel normal. xx Banabrain, I'm glad FEC 3 has not been too bad for you. Happy belated birthday! - next year you will have to insist on a double celebration to make up for it! I had my first chemo the day after my birthday - My children and grandchildren bought gifts that ended up looking like a care package lol! xx Joemic, so sorry you are going through a rough patch - phlebitis is awfully painful, I do hope it has improved. Glad you are coming through ok. xx  SP, I am so looking forward to my LGFB session, I still have not been given a date though:( I've heard the goody bags are impressive. Did you learn any good tips? I desperately need help with covering the awful black rings around my eyes - I look like Fester from The Adams Family! How lovely to be able to sing - that must give you great pleasure. My daughter has a lovely singing voice, but she certainly doesn't get it from me haha! xx I was so looking forward to having my 5 days off and being able to enjoy them - my fatigue, low mood and ulcerated  mouth/throat effectively used up my first three days with a sleep/painkillers/sleep monotony. Yesterday afternoon my friend took me to a little baby boutique to buy gifts for my new nieces/nephew, and I managed to stay awake all evening. This morning the sun is shining and I was awake early, the ulcers are healing and I feel like I am out of the fog at last - day 11 from chemo, this one really wiped me out. But I've had the last of the Epirubicin so Im feeling positive about the next round. I am going to spend a relaxing day pottering around in my garden -the chores can wait! or better still be done someone else haha.  Hope you can all grab every little pleasure available to lift your spirits.   love to all xxxxxxxxxx   ... View more

Good evening everyone, It seems many of us had a change in the side effects with our last treatment. SP - I'm glad you're over that awful weary feeling, You must have really needed the rest, and our bodies heal so much quicker if we can sleep through it. Thanks for the Arnica advice, I have some of that so will give it a go. Antacids were much more help to me than anti sickness, thankful for that! I really hope you get to enjoy some of your 5 week break, it will do you good mentally to recover from the EC.   Rose 2020 - nearly half way through Chemo - hope all is well with you xx   Debi2 - I hope your MRI results were favourable - fingers crossed for you xx   RuthGr - You are so right to say focus on what we can control, there is so much that is out of our control that this really is a mental battle too - any little thing that we can make our own decision on seems so important right now. I hope you are managing to enjoy plenty of walking!   My 3rd FEC went ahead on Monday, but oh boy! it knocked me for six!. My veins are all shot to pieces after my IV AB's, they managed to get a line in my wrist but I have to have a PICC line before next chemo. My symptoms have been similar to the previous two  cycles but came on stronger and quicker. I managed to work 32 hours but if my manager was not on holiday I think I would have done less! Thankfully I have the next 5 days off. I am already starting to feel better - Ulcers in my throat again - are just starting to heal so eating is getting easier. Diarrhoea is under control,Fatigue was less today and I managed 8 hours at work today. I hope this means that I will have my 5 days off (booked for recovery) to actually do something I enjoy lol.  The symptom that causes me most problems though is pins and needles/tingling/numbness in my toes and feet. My toe nails have not come off but they are purple and painful. I have some numb patches on the sides and underneath my toes, and the joints ache in my toes.I have been told that I must wear open shoes and put my feet up more, and so I shall!  On a more positive note I picked up my NHS wig yesterday - I haven't worn it yet but at least I have it. It is not awfully comfortable, I really think my ears are set on too high for wigs haha they all press down on my ears and feel like they have too much room on the top of my head. My daughter and I have started planning an afternoon tea in July to raise money for BCC, so that's something nice to focus on.  Sending lots of love and positive vibes to you all, i hope the side effects are being kind - we're all well on our way now and all giving this our very best shot! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ... View more

Hi everyone, Mominette I'm glad your cut has healed at last, that must have been a worry! Yes it is my third and thankfully last FEC tomorrow then on to T for the last 3 cycles. Sorry to hear you have had it tough this time. I felt like the 2nd was worse for me, and today I cant say I feel fully recovered - I am very tired.But I still hope it goes ahead. I delayed my surgery in February by 5 weeks so that I could attend my daughters wedding in Canada - it was worth it as I have some lovely memories to keep me going. My elder daughter was rather cross with me though for putting it off. I wouldnt have missed it for the world though and the surgeon was happy for me to do it. I know what you mean about short term memory, I am carrying a little notebook around to jot things down  - especially at work!  Where would you like to fly off to when you finish treatment?   Has anyone else got any travel plans or special treats for end of treatment?   Joemic - its great that you have a good sense of humour - those black circles are a bugger to cover aren't they? My granddaughter had her prom this week and looked gorgeous in a beautiful yellow dress - but oh my! I looked awful in the pics I had just come out of hospital the day before and hadn't put any makeup on and the bright yellow of the dress made me look like Fester from the Adams Family lol. I hope you cope OK with 3 more EC's Epirubicin is so harsh. Im sure your light hearted  attitude will carry you through.   RuthGr - I  hope your  weekend after chemo went well and you didnt suffer too badly. Thanks for the tip with the veins, mine were shot to pieces with my IV AB's in hospital - they avoided the last vein used for chemo, blew another completely and the one they used was from my 1st FEC and it was so painful and kept blocking. It will be fun tomorrow I think!   SP - how are you feeling after your chemo? I hope you weren't too bad and managed to enjoy the weekend x   Mangomum, hopefully your still having a good cycle (if there is such a thing?) Keep on avoiding those infections.   So here we go for another week - fingers crossed for a good one everyone!     ... View more

Good evening May ladies, Laughter - the very best medicine of all. 100% The mental image of you in the supermarket with a wonky wig, I am sure that will be me when I get my wig lol. So glad to hear you have had the last of the dreaded spiteful Epirubicin - my last one is Monday, I will be celebrating thats for sure. Kelly p Hope all is going well for you. I managed my 8 hour shift at work OK, shattered and off to bed now though!  When my two year old granddaughter saw me without a scarf on she brought it over, patted me on the head and put the scarf in my hand. I guess she prefers me with a scarf on!   wish you all lots of love and laughter (and a bit of sunshine hopefully) this weekend xx ... View more

Hi Mangomum, that is great news that you are doing ok.  My first and second cycles were similar timings for the symptoms but so much worse the second time around. Like you said maybe the infection is just there and when the blood goes down it gets you? Ahh your hair - its such an emotive thing. I had a liitle hair left but because I had shaved it, I looked like a baby chick with silly tufty bits, so I have now close shaved with a razor - a bit rough in places but looks better. - I too still have (thinning) eyebrows and eyelashes. Some people don't lose them apparently xx fingers crossed.xx ... View more

Good evening ladies, Thank you for your congratulations, its so nice to have a distraction from BC!  Joemic, I know what you mean about finding something different to cook - I haven't bought any cookery books for many years but I often Google for recipes using different ingredients or cooking styles, I usually find something interesting. Most often it seems to be  on BBC Good Food site. Quite often Ill cook something we all like and then cant find the recipe again lol. Thanks for your comments re my scarf episode, I am ok with it now, I think I was just a bit low anyway - colours will remain with me! Thanks for the Neutrophil info, it looks like I should be OK for Monday - phew! RuthGr, my nose is often runny and the ladies at the Headstrong course mentioned that its because you lose the nasal hair - 'The Chemo Drip' they called it! Rose2020 I'm a bit like you with not researching too much, I did in the beginning but  I decided to just take it as it comes. When I get my wig I think I may use it to blend in as you say, when I'm on my own  maybe. My NHS wig referral went adrift somehow so I've been without hair for 4 weeks now. SP I hope you blood count was good and Chemo can go ahead for you tomorrow, got everything crossed for you. I get what you mean about not feeling like yourself - I dont like seeing my shadow with no hair - its weird.  like you say we have no choice but to grin and bear it. I'm taking some pleasure in trying to tie my scarves in a different way every day, and with a different colour combination etc.  We are still us but stronger than we ever thought we could be - we can do this xx Mominette, I'm sorry your cold capping hasn't completely saved your hair, some of these drugs are so brutal aren't they? You must be doing a great job of keeping your cut clean for 11 days with no infection - my infection started within 5 hours of an abscess bursting. Exactly like you I desperately want to book flights after treatment ends - to visit my daughter in Canada. I dare not book anything yet though, it will have to be last minute .com ! All the best for those having treatment tomorrow fingers crossed that our bloods behave and this next round is a gentle one - mind you I cant help thinking that the harder it hits us, the harder it is hitting them little buggers that might be trying to settle down inside us! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx ... View more

Good evening everyone,  Apologies for my silence lately,  due initially to the wonderful distraction of 3 new babies born in the family, so lovely to get good news! Unfortunately my 2nd FEC has not been kind, it seemed to hit me with one thing after another. Just home from 3 days in hospital on IV Antibiotics.   Reading through the thread I am impressed with everyone's dedication to their health and diet,  being a vegetarian I get plenty of good veg, pulses etc. But I do have a weakness for stodgy carbs!   As for walking, I love to spend an hour or so in the countryside walking, but seem to be using up all my energy at work, I guess that would count as excercise too, I would certainly enjoy walking in the country more!   I am going to try to be really good and ditch the comfort food and double my water intake. You ladies are so inspiring, to reward our bodies with lots of healthy stuff to combat the poison we are taking in can only be a good thing.    The changes to timings and  treatments being cancelled must be difficult to deal with, I am sure we all have our expected dates plotted and expected end date to head for. We have a great positive vibe going on and I'm 100% sure this is helping us cope with the setbacks and side effects   I am a little concerned that my 3rd FEC may have to be delayed as I will take my last antibiotic the day before. Do any of you know the acceptable blood results to go ahead or is this different for everyone?? Today my results are Neutrophils = 2    HB =114   White Cells = 4   Platelets =114.   I know these are towards or below the low end of the expected but not sure how robust they need to be. I have 3 days before my pre-chemo blood test. I am hoping this will put me in a better place.    I really enjoyed the Macmillan Headstrong group and found the cotton scarves they used more comfortable than my silky ones - cooler too, with practice I can now tie a variety of styles. I oredered some beautiful bright colours and enjoy wearing them. I did have a setback though - I went to a shopping centre on my own for the first time and someone stopped me and told me my scarf looked fantastic and really suited me. What a lovely thing to say I said and thanked her. Then suddenly had a real drop in confidence, feeling that I was just drawing attention to myself and did people think I was sympathy hunting etc etc. This was the beginning of the fatigue sledgehammer hitting I think. Had to retire to a coffee shop for a rest before heading back to the car. I am still wearing my scarves at work and home but think I will use the wig when I am alone in public places.   Although I have not joined the discussion lately, thank you all for sharing your ups and downs, it certainly helps me to know I am not alone in this. And so many good tips and advice!   Have any of you read the story of the 'Mountain Lion'. I found it on the coffee lounge section. It is really such a true and amusing analogy of our struggles! I hope no one is suffering bad side effects!   love to you all xx ... View more

Hi everyone,  Welcome to the group becky.j.bevan. It sounds like you have had a good start, glad you like the wig, some of us are struggling to find comfortable and flattering headgear! I have ordered some fabric and a pattern to have a go at making my own. RuthGr, glad to hear you're coming out of the fog! I'm still a little immersed but did go to work today. Once the hair stops  coming out the soreness goes away, I still have a fine fuzz but it is no longer tender and sore. I have not bought a fringe but it sounds like a great idea, where did you get it? Joemic, 🤣🤣 your top tip made me laugh, that's not something we will learn from the text books! It's really nice that your manager is taking the time to keep you involved. I hope your meeting with the onco went well and that you can go ahead with the milestone chemo on Friday. Mangomum, such a shame that you had to postpone. I hope you are feeling really well and can enjoy a week with your family.  The tingling is back in my toes with a vengeance today and I am sure my big toe nails are starting to lift off 😮so sandals from now on for me, glad it isn't winter!   Wishing you all a good night's sleep and minimal side effects Xxx ... View more

Hi SP, I forgot to mention the vein issue. My vein was still tender today so they used the other vein on the back of my hand, the only other option for me. The nurse said it is hopeful that we can alternate them as they then have 6 weeks to heal. Although I didn't feel any discomfort through treatment this time, since I've come home the vein looks to have collapsed and is quite tender again. Hope yours heal quickly xx ... View more

Evening ladies,  I hope your treatment went well today Mangomum, my own went smoothly but I reacted quicker, felt very light headed during treatment and a wave of extreme tiredness for the next 2 hours. Then mildish nausea. I took DOMPERIDONE then made myself eat a meal - feel much better now😁 I hope the cold cap works for you.. I totally get the whole 'hate looking in mirror' thing, I am forcing myself everytime to drag my focus away from my head and look into my eyes, then smile. It really is still us looking back 😍 Louise, I have not noticed anyone mentioning this before, wrre you told why? I don't know if it is relevant but my oncologist told me the T doses are harsher on your finger and toe nails. Maybe message one of the nurses on the forum. Good night all, hope you all get a good night sleep xxx ... View more

Good morning ladies, I hope everyone has enjoyed a lovely weekend. Its round 2 of Me-v-C today - let the battle commence! I definitely feel like I won round 1 on points lol. Its great news that you kept the mouth soreness at bay SP, I had 2days with a sore tongue but was only mild, I took your advice with salt water and it went away. I also had a problem with my vein, it started getting painful when the nurse syringed the drug in. I called the chemo unit after a week as it was very painful along the length of the vein, from just after my wrist up to half way up my upper arm. I was told to use hit water bottle and rub ibuprofen gel on it. It is still tender in my forearm so I will let you know if we have to use a different vein today. I had axillary clearance of lymph nodes so cannot use my other arm. I had been wearing a thin tube of fabric over my head/neck, topped with a pretty silk scarf at work, I was so hot when I left so in the car I whipped off the base layer and just put the silk scarf over my head - it felt lovely but as I was driving with the window open the scarf blew off into the back of the car, so I had my first 'bald in public' experience! Joemic thanks for your kind words xx my newest head wear is so far my favourite - it is like a wide soft Alice band with a  long chiffon scarf attached that you tie into a bow. I bought it for £2 on Wish but it took weeks to come! They are available on Amazon and ebay etc. Rose2020, I don't use social media either but totally agree it is so nice to hear everyone's experiences in 'real time', glad your wig fitting went well x Mangomum, I've got everything crossed for your blood result today, I'm sure you won't want to be postponing your chemo. I do hope it goes ahead and that you don't get an infection again! Some time away must have been lovely, I hope you get to do it again. Hopefully your cold cap will be successful, it seems to have worked so far as most of us are now baldies. I have a mole with a few stubborn hairs left, I habe adopted the name 'Baldilocks and the 3 hairs' haha. Good luck with treatments and symptoms this week ladies xxxx ... View more

Hi everyone, it's great to hear that many of you are doing well after your 2nd chemo. Some interesting discussion about diet and supplements. I had a message on another thread some time ago from nutritional therapist who recommended certain foods and also a link to a study of different foods and there effect on different cancers. I will try and find it and put the link on here.  I shaved my head on bank holiday Monday after a rather distressing couple of days - I had my hair cut short on the Thursday as I had two big family celebrations to attend on Sat and Mon. Friday my hair suddenly started to come out in tufts! I tried to use hair spray to keep it in place for the Saturday event - just about got away with it but at work Sunday it was falling out badly. By the Monday event I had a large bald patch on top with only a tuft of fringe, I tied a scarf over it and got hubby to shave when I got in. I thought I was mentally prepared but was not expecting it to happen so suddenly. Once I shaved I felt much more in control again. A week later and I am completely bald. I am wearing scarves etc but boy are they uncomfortable - my head gets so hot and itchy. I tried on some wigs but they felt tight and uncomfortable too. Think I might try some bamboo head gear, I've heard they are softer and cooler. How are you getting on with your nail regime SP? My finger nails seem OK so far but I have 2 toenails going blue. My oncologist said I will lose them after my next chemo. It sounds like you had an awful day for your chemo but I'm glad your side effects are not too bad. Fingers crossed your salt water keeps the soreness at bay. Over the weeks I only had 3days sick from work, my onc doubts if I can maintain that through the next two rounds!! I have booked a few days holiday in the middle week this time for a rest. So we will see. Although it's tiring it helps me to not dwell on symptoms etc, it's not right for everyone I know and I'm not trying to be a martyr- I certainly won't put my health at risk. Kelly P, commuting is not good, enclosed space with unknown germs floating about is risky. Bananabrain, I watched a few of the 'you, me and big c' it was very relatable and broached subjects that we maybe don't discuss with our family and friends. Joemic, I am going to the Headstrong session on 10th, but I'm learning lots from you tube too as I need it now. The look good feel better course will be a few weeks away and yes I believe you are right, mainly make up. But I have been more concerned about losing my eyelashes and eyebrows than my hair lol. I am guilty of always putting my face on before going out so I think I will enjoy it. I wish you all a lovely weekend, and hope no one has any nasty side effects to deal with. Xx I have my 2nd FEC on Monday.  ... View more

Hi, thank you all for your warm welcome xx I hope all goes well for you today SP, I totally understand your anxiety but hope you find some peace and calm - another step forward xxx Bananabrain - I too have not been so bad, I am trying to work full time through this journey but unfortunately had to take 3 days sick this week witha 24hr upset stomach followed by a day of total exhaustion. Feeling back to normal now, thankfully. Xx Joemic, it's difficult when we see our kids struggling - I hope he was able to do all his hard work justice. Your fantastic positive attitude must help him.  On the subject of headcoverings and hair loss - I lost a handful of hair on day 5 but nothing since. I had my hair cut short yesterday and I ordered a selection of different scarves, beanies etc from Wish really cheap but took a while to come through. I was given a Macmillan leaflet too about 'Headstrong' - group or 1-1 sessions where they help with all aspects of hair loss etc. Another thing I am going to book in for is a pampering therapy session with Look good feel better. www.lgfb.co.uk  Again run in my local Macmillan centre. Mominette, so glad you have 'deflated', that must have been a bit scary.   I wish everyone all the best and  hope there are no more bad reactions to spoil the Bank Holiday weekend for youxxx ... View more