Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Lisa, I think we can take the metrocloprimide for 5 days post treatment- that’s what my prescription label states, however, if after those days your still experiencing nausea then I’m sure it’s fine to continue them. I also take a 5 day slow release antiemetic called Emend one hour before infusion. I’m truly thankful for these little pills and the research that goes into helping manage such effects. My mum had FEC 2011 and was so poorly with it.   Day 4 constipation- now on 4 docusate daily. Same as cycle 1, after a week or so it settles down. I had some left rib pain during cycle 1 but nothing in the shoulders like others have described. Ive had some vein tightening in my left arm-chemo arm, it’s a bit like the cording you experience post breast surgery. Been massaging the area with a light moisturiser.   Main symptoms the last few days has been hot sweats!!! Wow how they’ve upped their game. A little hand held fan has been an essential part of my kit. I’ve never experienced anything like this. I guess I’m in chemo induced menopause.   Hope everyone is feeling a little better today, and the antibiotics kick in to help those with the flu xxx ... View more

Hi Ladies hope everyone is doing ok.   I had my second round of EC on Thursday. So far all has been better than the first one. Experienced some stinging and discomfort  in my arm during treatment (the red one) a warm wheat bag helped with this. Used the cold cap again. Hair has been shedding though, mainly single strands not clumps, I’ve found platting it helps-seeing it on your clothes constantly gets annoying.     steroids.... my chemo nurse suggested taking the Dexe steroid as early as possible in the morning eg 6am with something to eat, to help reduce indigestion and heartburn, so I’ve been taking mine with porridge then 4 hours later take the next dose. I’ve been sleeping better than the first time with taking both doses before lunchtime .   nausea... I’ve been taking metoclopramide 10mg 3times daily with a light snack. It’s helped this time.   constipation- yeap it’s back, I take 2 docusate sodium tablets at night everyday, the day before chemo I take an extra one at lunchtime and continue this for the week until everything is up and running again. Senna causes abdo cramps for me, got fibre gel as back up.   happy Saturday everyone  Rachel xx ... View more

Hi Chris, when the nurse’s on the unit spoke about it in our intro meeting I dismissed the idea, the cold part put me off. When it came to chemo day the nurse looking after me didn’t take no for an answer, she suggested I tried the helmet on and see how it felt. It was very cold but after a few minutes it was actually ok, my treatment was around 2hrs in total and managed it for the entire time. I would say to anyone  give it a try if you want to, if  you don’t like it then you can take it off ☺️ xx ... View more

Hi Jen, sorry to hear your hair has decided to part with you. I think the article is lighthearted and something many will relate to. I am on permanent hair watch atm. I am of the attitude if it decides to depart then ok I will deal with it...I have 6 wigs at the ready 😂 And one silly bobble hat xx ... View more

Hi, I have been using Difflam spray for my sore throat, it has helped soothe the burning. Hope all goes well with chemo today Viv xx ... View more

EI’m good thank you Deb,  hope you are too.  It did make me chuckle, so I hope others enjoy it too 🙂 ... View more

Hi all, I’ve been a little under the weather which landed me a short stay in hospital, feeling super fit now though thanks to the antibiotics 💪 Whilst I was sat twiddling my thumbs I came across this article which made me smile, so I thought I would share it. I’ve not done anything with my hair yet, I’m treating it with kindness in hope it remains with me 😂 i used the cold cap so will be waiting in anticipation over the next few weeks.   Best wishes to all xx     https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer/stages-of-losing-your-hair#1 ... View more

Hi Drida,   yes I am LVI positive. I did not know what this was when I read it on my pathology report. So I obviously did my own research until my 3 week appointment came up post surgery. The surgeon did not appear too concerned about it. I had been worrying and felt very anxious about this. The surgeon then decided to do oncotype testing and then referred me to oncology, they did seem a little more concerned about the LVI and we discussed that chemotherapy was going to be beneficial. I had one lymphnode out of two affected with micrometastasis only. I was relieved to have been offered chemotherapy to prevent the likehood of it reoccurring again.  Hope you've managed to speak to your specialist by now xx ... View more

I think this entire 'process' has been all about waiting-It is something you kind of get used to. I had to wait from the last week of September to November until there was a clear plan of treatment in place -due to waiting for results and appointments to see other professionals. In the end we made the decision together which made me feel that I had some control of the situation. I was able to work October to November too so that was a good distraction from thinking about it 24/7. Making plans to see friends and family everyday helped me through the waiting time too. I also crochet which is an amazing distraction. Self taught from YouTube 🙂   ... View more

Thanks shi for advice xx I’ve checked my temp every morning like I was told, will up my water intake. I have R.R. number, if the dizziness continues through to tomorrow I’ll give them a call and ask if that’s a usual Side effect.  ... View more

I have been experiencing dizziness and feel lightheaded, feels like I’ve had a few gins but haven’t. Making the nausea worse. Constipated too. Should of started the senna a few days before treatment. Nausea does get better when I’ve eaten, not used to this unbalanced feeling.  Fingers crossed for a better day tomorrow ☺️  ... View more

Glad you managed to get through the first night Debknits. I tried gin gin chews from Holland and Barrett, it helped with the queasiness I was feeling in the afternoon. Resorted to metoclopramide late evening which had good effect. Got a bit of a headache lingering around- I used the white tiger balm yesterday for it, which helped xx ... View more

Morning,    I had my first cycle of EC yesterday. Nurses were all lovely. I used the cold cap throughout my treatment, at my meeting before chemo I didn’t give it much thought when the nurse suggested it, but yesterday they were a bit more persuasive 😂 so I gave it a go, it was ok, not as cold as you think it might be, i guess its purely experimental, the hair might stay or go-so will wait in anticipation. Anyone thinking of trying one I guess you don’t have anything to loose by trying it xx ... View more

Morning VivMc,   Thank you for your best wishes. I don’t think I’ve felt like the usual me for a little while. I’d say I’m on  90% battery power 💪 which is ok. Every little lump or bump definitely makes you feel uneasy. I worry about how I’m going to recognise any potential new concerns as our breasts are different from before surgery. I suppose it’s better to ask the professionals to check if there are concerns, better to say something than not to. im definitely ready for tomorrow, I had my surgery in September so it’s taken this long to get a definite plan of action together due to waiting for Oncotype results and further scans. Mine is a preventative intervention. 1 in 2 lymph node positive (Micrometastasis only) and positive for Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) so going to clear out whatever might floating around.    Best set wishes to you xxx ... View more

The nurse that lead our new patient meeting was lovely. They often give you lots of info on paper don’t they, I’ve got quite a collection going on since July... 😂 will recycle all of it once this is over. Hope your meeting is informative and best wishes for tomorrow too.   I feel quite calm about starting CT tomorrow. I think just focusing on each day has been my strategy since diagnosis. Today is another prep day, washing and shopping 🙃 xx ... View more

Thank you for your replies, whatever I try and find effective I will share with you. I know some things work for some and not others. I managed to get everything on my list today. I took notes from others who have shared ideas which has helped me organise things. I have not been in this situation before like the majority of us.  Best wishes to all xx ... View more

Hi I’m Rachel.  I start chemotherapy on Wednesday, I’m having 3xac then 3xT  im going to donate my hair to the princess trust-not sure when to cut it though I know it has to be within a week really. not sure what to do about my eyebrows- I think you can buy eyebrow wigs too 🙂 im painting my nails a dark colour- I read this helps keep them in good condition today im going symptom relief shopping-got some boots advantage points so going to take advantage. yesterday I read some articles on fasting prior to and after each chemotherapy session, is anyone else considering this?  Best wishes to you all xxx ... View more