Breast Cancer Now Forum

Fabulous news!!! Well done you! 👍 so good to hear and hope the side effects are very minimal!  xx ... View more

Hello ladies   Really nice to hear how you are getting on. Lorna last chemo 🎉 👍 definitely something to celebrate! I’m really sorry but I can’t remember if you have already had surgery and it’s just the reconstruction that has been postponed- I’m hoping that is the case!  In these strange times I’m just hoping everyone’s treatments are carrying on, my doctor insists that even at a slightly reduced dose the treatments will still work so 🤞 .  Sally I’ve got that horrible taste in my mouth too and am looking forward to food tasting normal again.  I really hope your side effects are minimal this time and you can sit in the garden and enjoy some sunshine!   much love to all x  ... View more

Hi Sally I really hope you are feeling better this morning. I’m sorry I can’t offer any advice on the side effects as I’m not on that drug.  I now always have a slightly metallic taste in my mouth but hate pineapple so am not sure which is worse! 🤣 Thinking of you today and all the other ladies worrying about the virus and the effect it could have on our treatment. 😘 💪   ... View more

Hi Drida and ladies Its really good to hear from you all as I don't think anyone else can appreciate how difficult this time is for us all. I've had 4 rounds of EC and am now waiting to start weekly Taxol for 12 weeks.  I'm due to start a week on Tuesday and was told business as usual but in the current situation that's still a long way off. As soon as I hear anything I'll let you know.  I go from worrying about a pause in my treatment to worrying about getting the virus! From what I've read they will try to keep cancer treatments going but it is also possible to pause treatments for a few weeks.  I know how frustrating it is because all I've been focusing on is getting through each stage of treatment and the thought of it taking even longer is one I'm trying not to think about.  Anyway not much I can do about it so am keep positive  😊   and watching lots of box sets!  xx ... View more

Hi i agree it’s all getting a bit scary! Having been on the sofa for most of the morning they are saying chemo patients are high risk so I think I’ll just lie low at home and avoid going out as much as possible! I know we still have to function so maybe just a bit more hand washing for everyone in the family and a few less visitors but keep up with any appointments as the doctors and nurses will give the best advice. As if we didn’t have enough to deal with! Keep positive everyone and stay safe!  xx ... View more

Hi catd   i also had very thick long hair and losing it was my main worry - ridiculous I know, but it just meant everyone would know.  I have cold capped and my hair has thinned massively but no bald patches yet. I had my hair bobbed to chin length and I wear a thick stretch hair band so actually no one knows apart from me how thin it is underneath. It also pushes all the hair together so it still looks quite thick. I still have one EC to go so will probably thin a little more but it has stopped shedding for now. I have a good wig but I just find it too hot.  Perhaps just get some of the length taken off and then experiment with some hair bands etc. Whatever you decide to do just remember you are half way to growing hair again! One place I went to also said I could just get a clip on hair piece to cover the thinning on top which they cut so it blends in with your own hair. Hope that helps and have a lovely restful weekend everyone. 💕 😘 ... View more

Hi Sally hope you’re feeling better today - I was exactly the same last week. I was very emotional and just felt general rubbish but I did pick up again by day 8.  I still have the metallic taste in my mouth which has lasted longer than normal. Do you have more ECs to go? I have one more before changing. Hopefully your side effects won’t be as bad on different drugs.   🤞 today is a better day  x ... View more

Hi Daisy I’ve already had a lumpectomy.  My doctor is giving me 4 EC and then 12 weekly taxol plus Herceptin and then radiotherapy after the taxol.  I had a small but aggressive lump removed in November.  Does that all make sense? A couple of friends have had the same treatment which I have found reassuring but then again everyone’s journey is slightly different so please don’t worry 😘 ... View more

Hi Ladies just thought I’d check in and see how everyone is doing. Had my 3rd EC on Wednesday so 1 more to go 👍 feeling a bit grim today but Monday has been my worst day on the last 2 cycles so hopefully I’ll pick up tomorrow. Just trying to get the energy up to take the dog for a walk although he’s looking very happy curled up on the sofa! Suffering lots with hot flushes and night sweats so just waiting for my doctor to get back to me about acupuncture as my nurse said it could help. Hope everyone is doing okay 🤞 👍 xx ... View more

Hi Jem i completely understand how you feel and agree about our hair being our safety blankets. I found a really good website / shop which sells hair attached to hair bands. I bought a long one then returned it for a shorter one as I had my long hair bobbed in the hope the cold cap would be more successful. I haven’t need to wear it yet but it does look okay especially with a beanie on as then it just looks like my normal hair -  I don’t think anyone on the school run would be able to tell the difference! I think it headscarves by Ciara1.  I also spoke to a wig shop who said see how the cold cap works and then pop in as a hair piece just to cover the thinning might be fine.  Second one Wednesday for me too! 🤞 😬 My taste buds come and go - some days things are normal then other days I can’t really taste anything. Also find I’m eating just because I’m bored so need to try and stop that! I do agree with trying to get out in the fresh air for a walk as much as possible. Anyone tried Nordic walking? I love it - walking with poles. it really de stresses you, keeps you fit But isn’t as taxing as running. I found I could get out most days even if I was feeling a bit spaced out still from the chemo as the poles helped to keep me steady! Xxx ... View more

Hi Drida  A friend of mine had breast cancer a few years ago, shortly after giving birth to her first child.  She was in her late 20s and had traces in both breasts and in her nodes.  She is now 8 years clear and had her second child last year. She looks amazing and has beautiful thick hair now!   Wishuponastar hope today went well and I hope the next few days are good.  Everyone else hope you are all doing okay, love reading your stories  - I just craved carbs for the first week, crumpets dripping in butter, white toast, iced buns!  Luckily that has now gone and am juicing loads to get lots of vitamins and to try and pretend I'm eating lots of healthy things before my next treatment!  ... View more

Wishuponastar I think you are about a week ahead of me so am sure I’ll be standing in the shower with hair all over the place next week! I do think it’s probably the worst thing about this treatment as it makes the illness so public to everyone. I’m also fed up with people telling me it will grow back and it will grow back stronger and thicker! Have you got a nice wig? I’m not a scarf person and never will be but I do love a woolly hat!  I’m also finding the port a bit annoying but I think it’s just knowing it’s there and i can feel it - I keep this king of the bionic women (showing my age ladies!) I have heard of lots of women who had very little side effects so let’s hope we are those people that just feel a little bit odd for a few days 🤞 🤞 🤞 I’m trying to fill my time without going out or online shopping! Is anyone working through their treatment?  ... View more

Mistletoe injections - wow! That sounds really interesting and I agree I’d try anything! I was told to take a bottle of conditioner and a wide sport hair band to protect your forehead and ears from the cold. I didn’t find the gold cap too bad and actually the first cycle hasn’t been too bad (touch wood!) just felt a bit spaced out and tired.  It’s more the waiting for things to happen that I find difficult - not knowing what to expect when, today - a week later, I’m feeling nearly back to normal but have a sore mouth! Good luck tomorrow xx ... View more

Hi Catd2504 my nurse told me to take a bottle of conditioner, just your usual one and a wide hairband to protect your forehead and ears from getting too cold. A warm scarf or blanket to go round your shoulders would also be a good idea. I didn’t find it too bad but it was only a week ago so have no idea if it was worth it or not!  A few snacks and a nice drink as you do have to sit there for a long time but it does actually go quite quickly   Wishing you lots of luck for tomorrow 👍 🤞 🍀 ... View more

Hi Wishuponastar really hoping your are feeling better and have some idea of when you might be home. Thinking of you x  ... View more

Ha! Same here! Early to bed but wide awake since 4! Have taken the dog for a walk and am now having a day with box sets!  ... View more

I’m really sorry to hear you are unwell and away from home which is where we all want to be at the moment but as my nurse keeps telling me ‘There’s no heroes in chemo!’ Just try to keep calm and know you are in the best place. I’m a primary school teacher and know that children are very resilient- at the moment it’s much harder for you than it is for them - so try not to worry about them. Have a good cry 😢 I find I do it quite a lot now but it does make you feel better. 👍 👍 🤞 🤞   ... View more

Good morning!  I had a port fitted last Friday and it was fine, I had a small sedative and was a wake all through it.  A little sore afterwards but doing normal things, even went for a run, do don’t worry! It was a little sore yesterday being connected to the drip but after that nothing and others who have had a port tell me it a really good thing as they take all your bloods etc from it. Just the waiting ... again.... 🤞 😘 ... View more

Hi all i had my first chemo session today - have been dreading it but it was actually fine! Did the cold cap which also wasn’t as bad as I expected and now just feeling a little tired so fingers crossed for the next few days.  It is really reassuring to hear there are others going through the same things and so many positive comments. I’m 47 and have her2 positive. I had a lumpectomy in November so was actually really pleased to get going today as the waiting is the worse. Good luck to anyone about to under go treatment - I really think all the uncertainty and waiting is the hardest bit (but then again I’m only on day one of chemo!!) 👍 🤞 ... View more