Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi everyone! Hope you’re all keeping well and continuing with treatments as best as possible? I’ve had a bit of a rollercoaster few days - I had my 40th birthday on Saturday, my beloved dog was put to sleep on Sunday and I had my final chemo yesterday!!! So I think I’ve been through most emotions in these last five days!!! I was just wondering if anyone has finished chemo already whether you had any rough ideas of a timescale for hair, lashes, eyebrows etc to begin growing back?? I did cold cap for all 6 cycles but have probably lost a good 40% coverage so keen to know.  Plus it’s still shedding so would be nice to have an idea when that may stop? Has any been given any advice from their team about this? Thanks very much guys xxx ... View more

Hey Sally63, Feeling very similar to you with worries about catching corona and the effects on treatments etc. My chemo nurse said to me on Wednesday that chemo can be delayed by 2-3 weeks sometimes as might happen routinely I guess if bloods aren’t what they need to be before next treatment🤷🏻‍ ♀️ I’ve heard nhs will be contacting all high risk vulnerable patients next week with further advice - not sure how accurate that is though?? Finding it hard to work out what to do for best as now got my 6 and 2 year olds at home all the time and usual grandparent childcare options are in isolation also as over 70’s!! Hubby still going to work but trying to massively socially distance, limited working from home options and obviously money and income is a massive issue! It’s so difficult isn’t it!   I also had first Docetaxel on Wednesday so waiting for symptoms.  So far ok just a little acid reflux feeling but bracing for the what might come in the next few days as told symptoms may take a few days to come out. But yay, like you also 4 down and 2 to go!!,   Take care and hoping you have an easier ride with Docetaxel 🤞🏻 Xxx ... View more

Thanks so much everyone for your advice and experiences.  I’m feeling a lot more rational today and gonna go for the chop but as some of you suggested maybe a less drastic one. Thank you all so much for helping me see things a lot clearer! Xx ... View more

Hey all! Hope everyone is getting on ok and finding ways of dealing with the various effects. I really need some hair advice.  I have pretty long straight hair and have had 3xFEC cycles so far moving onto 3x Docetaxel next.  I’ve been cold capping but have been losing more and more hair.  Now to anyone else you wouldn’t tell cos my hair was pretty thick to start with but I cant even touch it without more coming away.  So it’s pretty much tied up all day every day and only washing it once a week to minimise loss. It’s really started to affect me emotionally now.  I’ve been trying to keep it as my 6 year old is really anxious about me losing my hair and I think if it wasn’t for him I might not have cold capped at all.   I was thinking maybe if I cut it into a short pixie crop that might be better to transition my son to short/no hair or do I just go all out and shave? What have others done?? I’m sorry I don’t really know what I’m asking! Just having a really bad day emotionally.  ... View more

Hi Sally63! My journey is pretty much identical to yours! Diagnosed with lobular cancer in October with 3 lymph nodes affected also. Mastectomy with reconstruction and node clearance in December. 1st chemo on 15th January (3xFEC and 3xDocetaxel), second round also on 5th Feb. I’ve also had the injections to boost bone marrow as I’ve got young children(6 and 1 years old) in nursery and school so god knows all the bugs they carry around and pick up!! Glad your children have surprised you in their reaction to your diagnosis! Good luck for Wednesday xx ... View more

Thank you Mai7! I’m currently trying lots of different flavours x ... View more

Can we talk taste changes? Had my first round of FEC on the 15th and last few days noticed my tastes are off. Does anyone have any experience of this and know whether it’s something that comes back between cycles or if this is it now until it’s all done and dusted?? Xx ... View more

Well first chemo done on Wednesday. Tolerated cold cap but my poor forehead was a bit battered after and I’ve still got a funny mushy achy head feeling.  Will definitely try a headband or some strips of gauze on forehead next time! Just feel a bit queasy still and more tired than usual. Thank god for my Mum who’s dealing with my little ones for me 🙂   Finding the “wait and see” approach to potential symptoms a bit frustrating! Think I might feel alright in a day or two but know some people say symptoms can come at a later stage!! ... View more

Thanks LornaJ and Helsbels! I’ve not been given anything in advance so will wait and see if they give me anything tomorrow. I haven’t got a wide headband so hopefully can muddle through tomorrow and get one for the next round. Thanks so much for the tips! Xx ... View more

Got my first FEC chemo tomorrow.  I’m going to try cold cap.  Just wondered if anyone has any advice of what I should actually take with me for the appt?? Obviously something to read or listen to to pass the time but anything else any of you who have started can advise?? Thank you xx ... View more

I was diagnosed in October with invasive lobular breast cancer.  Sentinel node biopsy showed spread.  So had mastectomy, immediate reconstruction and lymph node clearance on 5th December.  Saw my Oncologist on Thursday and starting chemo 15th January - FEC-T 3 x FEC then 3 x Docetaxel. I’m going to try cold cap but also getting a wig just in case.   I’ve got two young sons - 6 years old and 20 months.  Worried about coping with them obviously if I end up feeling quite rubbish and also worried about my eldest sons reaction to my possible hair loss.   Guess it’s just the fear of the unknown at the moment! If anyone who has already started has any hints or tips to help minimise symptoms I’d be really grateful to hear them?!  Catherine xx ... View more