Breast Cancer Now Forum

hello guys!!! oh god @Lewy2803 what a nuisance!!!! I have terrible problems getting 'bloods back' and also have had the loosener drugs... I do hope it's OK next time! mine was...they're only good when they work these things aren't they!  @Gelbel your massage, 😂 bet they had a little giggle too didn't they? chemo brain is so a thing!!! (I want a massage....) sorry you had post steroid slump, but very glad it wasn't as bad as before... I too have shocking flushing on my face! first few, I flushed couple of days then it went but last time I came up in rash/spots on my face... lots and lots. Not sore or anything but not fab being spotty at my age lol. They've now given me some anti histamines and they seem to be helping.  @FlorrieBee how are you doing? I do hope you're in that time during treatments when you're feeling 👌 that's funny you should mention that gap between treatment and op, I too have that end of May and into June. I CANNOT WAIT!!!!! will get out of London for sure... sea, hills, countryside... you? what will you do? just to have a break from the hospital visits will be bliss won't it!  and @tennisgirl is your first treatment this week, what day? be so thinking of you... it's the start of the finish of treatment ~we're here for you x.  talking of which.... our super lovely @donkeywoman has now had last chemo and transfusion. Monday was it? beyond super congrats DW!!!! I'm so over the moon delighted you've finished. now, and can look to the future bc and treatment free!!!! woo-hoo.!!!! how are you doing and feeling? what a feeling it must be... but odd too perhaps... after such a long haul, a difficult haul... send news when you can Xx  I'm exhausted now... have felt super tired last couple of days...my bloods are down or the effects of taxol are cumulative like EC... just so exhausted...oh! I do have news, silly me, had a scan yesterday and tumor still shrinking, now only 3mm...good news...  sending big big hugs guys, have good sleeps, and peaceful dreams. Xx  ... View more

Hi guys, how's you all doing? I hope you've managed gentle weekends feeling as OK as possible.  @Gelbel how you doing post first pax? think you're possibly on a loading dose first one, it might be lower next week? I do hope you've been feeling OK? it took a few treatments my end to iron out my side effects, although as said, they weren't a patch on those from EC. @ @Mumboo thank you for the book recommendation! I'll look it up, and blog too. I've read a few blogs, I'll post them later, which I've found very helpful, isn't it comforting to read yourself almost on the pages. what in particular resonated for you?  @donkeywoman oh no re not knowing where you were in hospital!!! chemo brain had kicked it there hadn't it... although I wonder too, you're very near end of treatment... maybe your brain is computing this and is already putting the hospital behind it? blocking it out? that must've been quite odd though... but you're not alone... I literally don't know where I am in my own home sometimes! my brain is mash sometimes...  @Lewy2803 two more to go, wow!!!!! you're on countdown now...? I've got 6 weeklys left and thought I'd start countdown at 4... @FlorrieBee does that mean you too have 2 left? how are you doing today? I hope you managed to get in the garden? any energy I have I'm out there... love gardening and pottering out there. it's seen me thru some very difficult times and is hugely therapeutic for me. is it starting to bloom now yours? but all sympathy being very active usually and not being able to keep up the pace. you will again... but it's hard isn't it. I was getting so puffed doing the smallest walks, made me cry...  I'm doing well this weekend, nausea only slight, belly bad but not unmanageable... had echo last week and whilst my heart has improved, it's not got worse. seeing Dr Wed this week, and got ultrasound tomorrow which is always a bit nerve racking.  just wondering how Erin and pesto are? got the usual irritations trying to tag I'm afraid.  sending hugs for a restful Sunday guys. sun's out, woo-hoo! x ... View more

hi @tennisgirl I haven't but I think that's a good idea and one I'm sure the hospital will support it....I've put on some weight and the steroids do make you eat for Britain... I totally understand you not wanting to put the weight back on... although on the other hand, it's not the time to deny yourself comfort food... (she says, shoveling sweets and cakes into my mouth... ) ask anyway, I reckon they'll support you with that.  what's your start date? do stay here won't you, for support... but there will be an April starters group too if you want more current support as it were, from women on the exact same page as you... x ... View more

hi guys, lovely to see your messages as ever...  so sorry you've been feeling rubbish @FlorrieBee. Others also report a lot of aching and pain with doca... how many more have you got? was it severe? do speak to Onco about it... did you take pain meds? I know when I was having the filgrastin, pain meds really helped... I do hope last couple of days have been easier for you? @Gelbel way to go on the pax planning! and getting the steroids reduced... result indeed! and if I'm anything to go by, low dose pax is seriously not a patch on the horrid EC... I've now managed to get my sickness and really bad belly under control, and so last treatment was so much more straightforward...I have energy and can do things from day 2 no problem. I do hope you're the same. I do have a face full of spots though...not sure why. will ask at hospital tomorrow... look appalling but who cares I say.  things with me are OK. looking. forward to half way thru this second chemo lot next week... my god I can't wait to finish!!! @donkeywoman not long now for you!!!! woo-hoo!!!!! I remember you said that you look at older threads sometimes, and I too did, it was so amazing to read November starters talking about finishing their chemo...god, what a feeling that will be DW... just get thru your transfusion, and come out feeling a million dollars!!!!  how's everyone else? it's a bit quiet here, hope everyone is doing as OK as you can. As always, thinking of you all, sending hugs, strength and flowers Xx  ... View more

hi everyone, how you all doing? I'm day 4 after taxol, all OK... ironed out tummy problems this time which is a relief! and more energy...been busy in the garden. how you all? Xx  ... View more

oh wow @Gelbel well done for doing the presentation!!! I bet you were brilliant... and it's another big tick off list, getting out, doing public work, way to go you!!! re Pax, what dose will you be on? I think they do a larger loading dose first one, and steroids for the first 3 and then if no reaction, they might remove the steroids, mine have been... I'm on 135 dose wise... I've had a busy day in the garden... good to get out, even if chilly until the sun came out... hope everyone else's days have been as gentle as possible Xx  ... View more

hello everyone! how's everyone doing today? sorry I've been a bit quiet for me, had such an up and down week, mostly down... I'm with you all on the easing of lockdown being hard for us ~ the world is getting back to the new normal slowly but it's not like that for us... we can't, for now...it's hard isn't it.  @Gelbel great news re weekly D! (or is it P?) I think compared to 2 or 3 weekly, the side effects are significantly less... the only ones I get are bad belly, and I do mean bad... and nausea, but that's been sorted with aprepitant. when's your first one? I've done 5/12 now so half way next week. going to hospital twice a week not much fun but none of this is is it...  @FlorrieBee so so lovely to read your posts...I think it's the ondansetron causing the constipation, I had to stop taking it due to that...  many of us had treatment this week, yesterday hey... I hope everyone is doing as OK as can today? it feels like we're old hats at this now doesn't it... and it's so brill @donkeywoman you've now had your last treatment!!!! ding ding ding ding ding!!!!! (did you ding the dong)? but it's tempered I know with the transfusion next week, oh hoe, it's never easy is it... how long will that take?  so lazy day today, will make a cake and garden probably. chilly in London... hope warmer where you all are.  hugs all Xx  ... View more

morning all, how you doing? how were sleeps? I'd forgot about clock changes, thanks @donkeywoman for remind! and thank god for phones updating automatically! I'm so glad you had a better day yesterday DW... many of us have had some hard days this week haven't we...the horrid things bc throws at us. I'm going to look at the lockdown posts @Gelbel I think some of my poor mood is lockdown related, it's so hard not having visitors or people coming by to cheer you up... having bc is isolating anyway, being ill is isolating... but it's made so much harder by covid isn't it. I see 3 people regularly, which I know must be more than many but still... it's hard!  @Gelbel I had a similar idea that my poor mood could, at least also, in part, be down to diet... I do eat very healthy meals but they're supplemented with a ton of sugar which makes me feel horrendously toxic so whilst my refusal to deny myself anything is laudable in part, I really don't think I'm doing myself much good with endless sweets and cakes, and putting on weight too of course... so I'm trying to stop, or cut down massively. it's an addiction sugar tho isn't it, and. extremely difficult to give up!  so, not much on today, will do some seed planting and Potter in garden. day 3 of taxol etc #4 and all's well. no nausea, flushed face, but that's it. it's so so so much easier than EC, if anyone has choice of weekly, for side effect avoidance, it's a winner for me... just a pain having to go to hospital 2 times every week... ho hum hey.  big hugs for a gentle Sunday loves Xx    ... View more

morning all, so sorry @Gelbel you had rough day, I did too. horrible day.! lifted now but it's awful isn't it... but the tears and lows must come out and so pleased you rallied and are better now me too. And so glad you're good @Lewy2803 Have you settled into making work work for you? I'm doing bits but struggle with concentration. @tennisgirl great to hear from you. sorry your chemo postponed a little, it's a nuisance isn't it as you just want to get on with it. it's easy to say don't worry about chemo side affects too much, but honestly you don't know how you'll feel until you start and I do hope you'll be pleasantly surprised with you find you can get thru it, it's not nice but it doesn't have to be horrendous. my tips too are take senna to prevent constipation (caused by anti sickness pills) it's hard to stop it once it takes hold and really made me feel very ill for a couple of days. take your own scarves for the cold cap to get a very tight fit and take two neurophen before hand too,  it's really only uncomfortable for the first ten mins so that helps. I only brush my hair once a day with a large broad comb, and I only wash when absolutely needed. it was once a week but it's once twice weekly now the natural oils have taken over. I've kept 60% I'd guess... I do also take high dose biotin but check with your Onco about this.  get a port or Picc if you can? I'm so pleased I did. the filgrastin injections are easy once you've got the hang but I was always so pleased when they were over each cycle.  I did these in thigh and tummy, and put the needle on top and let gentle weight lend it in than just plunge. seemed easier so I wasn't jabbing it in, although I was jabbing it in in the end once got use to it. I also did these at night and took pain meds so slept thru any bone aches.  eat whatever you fancy but foods you love you might not love post chemo, I've gone off all sorts, including perfumes I usually love... think it's the association... keep liquids up. mints are good for dry mouths and horrid taste. try to walk or keep active when can, but I'm not good at this at all... weight gain city here!  take temperature twice a day and call your nurse if worried about anything. I was always on phone at start and took two lots of antibiotics for a uti I didn't have in the end. my bladder was made. sensitive by the chemo, not infection. put dark nail varnish on to protect nails, get good lip balm and skin cream for dry skin, and lots of tissues for nose ~ hair falls out there and there's nothing to stop it dripping... a lot 😂 a tampon in each one wouldn't go amiss.  will you have help with the kids when on chemo? brill luck and we're here for you anytime and every step of the way.  guys long post, sorry! I'm on day 2 #4 of weekly taxol. 9 more to go and way past my chemo half way mark which cheered me up yesterday. no nausea so far so having a day in the garden. what you lovelies up to? X               ... View more

morning guys, lovely to read your posts as ever. @Erin 35 you have got SO much on!!! how long will the extension take? I'm so glad you pop onto read if don't always post but it's lovely to hear your news. having a toddler under any circumstances is so busy, beautiful, hard! but with bc and building work, crikey, be kind to yourself, rest as much as time and family allow... I'm so glad injections easier now! and how many FECs do you have left?  @donkeywoman so sorry you felt blue yesterday dw... it's so up and down isn't it. I too wasn't good... hunkered down all day which made me feel worse. I need your donkeys to cheer me up! will you try to get out today or stay cosied up with the cricket?I do hope energy returns soon and with it the high and joy of knowing YOU'RE NEARLY DONE!!!!!! WOO-HOO!!!!  how is everyone else? @FlorrieBee @Tomboy7 @tennisgirl  @Cleaeview and @leianajones ~ I hope you're all doing OK? was worried about Leiana as last post you said you weren't too good. I so so hope treatment has settled and you're all doing as well as can be. We're here when you need us 💞 💝 💞 X   ... View more

hi guys, just another interloper from January! I take a peek occasionally as many of you are coming to an end of chemo and it's so so nice to read about the light at end of tunnel!  just quickly on biotin, I've been taking vegan gummies since before cold capping and I've kept most of my hair... and I've started weekly taxol now and *think* my shedding has stopped, so wondering if it's the biotin that's helped on this.  here's the link if anyone wants some but do ask your onco before taking any, know some say no supplements.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DDGPS8S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_RAK3CXRA0EPSZBS30C4R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 hugs all X ... View more

Morning all, I'm awake early for me today... Would usually just try to get back to sleep but thought I'd make the most of a longer day and listen to the morning birds...how is everyone? @donkeywoman so glad you've been out with the animals! And feeling less ghastly this cycle...that really is wonderful. Oh for lower doses all the way thru this chemo hell hey! Is your (final) treatment Fri? When is your echo? Must be... Not today is it?? Thinking of you and brilliant luck if it is! Keep us posted please!  And @Pesto don't worry a jot about not writing for a few days, agree with dw, this space is for when you want and need, not obligation. I'm really glad you're doing 👌 (regardless of chemist palava I hope!) Talking of which though, there are many I think of who we don't hear from so much now... I'll tag in another post... I hope people are OK as can be. I know some pop on and read and don't post and just to say thinking of you.  @Gelbel so you're on day 5 today? How are you feeling? You make me laugh too, thanks for the giggle, ALWAYS needed. And what's the latest with your decision on next treatment?  I'm day 5 too post my paclitaxol #3... Only 9 more to go! But I've fared better this time. The nausea has been more controlled, belly is bad but can cope with that.... Had more energy... And don't want to speak tooooo soon, but I *think* I might have stopped shedding hair. I've taken to putting it back in a plait so not combing it much but usually I'd have a good handful to put down the loo, yesterday was much less. I'm prob speaking too soon but I have heard about hair re growth during weekly taxol... Might that impact your decision Angela?  One grump, I'm putting on weight too, starting to feel uncomfortable... I'm still very much in 'eat what I want' mode but I'm eating so much sugar... Must give it up... Soon! It's an addiction isn't it. Chemo days are particularly bad, I literally sit there and eat rubbish for 3 hours. I always have a little nest of wrappers and cups when I leave, a proper pret junk food nest.  Anyway, I've not got much of interest to say lol, you can tell! Hugs all as ever. Xx    ... View more

Hi all, what are queasy pops? @Erin 35 I want some! Had terrible nausea in the night, had treatment yesterday, and usually it's a couple of days after it kicks in... But today had a good one, managed icky with pills, had energy, did a lot... So nice to feel more myself.  I do hope that awful list of side effects from a docataxol don't come to you... I don't think anyone here has lost fingernails, although @donkeywoman reported hers feeling funny didn't you dw? But they say to wear black nail varnish to protect them.  But that's amazing you two have finished your first lot, what a feeling!!!  You could have just one filgrastin?!?! Crikey, I wish I'd known that... Horrible things and so glad I don't have those with paclitaxol.  So, I do hope everyone is feeling as OK as possible today, and relaxing this evening.  @Pesto thinking of you. Big hugs all Xx ... View more

hi all, @Gelbel I can't believe it's your last EC!!! wow, that seemed to go so quickly... bet it didn't feel like that for you. isn't that amazing tho... and it's @donkeywoman last chemo next week!?! wow wow wow.. we'll all be finishing before we know it!!!  sorry been quite quiet... been bit icky this week still, docs given more meds now thank god, and it's zapped mood and energy.. thanks so much @Fruitcake for taxol info, I'm with you on that. I have paclitaxol weekly, so low dose, and although I moan about the nausea, I don't feel ghastly all the time, EC was worse, much worse... if I Was given a choice I'd go weekly even tho in hospital more, it's totally OK. I tend to feel OK days 2/3, then 4/5 not so fab...although just chatting with woman at hospital,  and she's opted for paclitaxol every 3 weeks... anyway, give it some thought, do ask any questions.  it's sunny in London today, hope you're all seeing some sun too? I'm a bit behind with messages but will catch up now. thinking of you @Pesto ~ write when you can.  hugs and more hugs all X ... View more

hi all, yes, it was quiet, unusually so, yesterday.....do hope everyone is OK? great re jab @Gelbel AT LAST!!!!! WOO-HOO!!!! and how's everyone else? I'm shattered, felt quite icky yesterday and had some hand numbness which made me very grumpy... but better day today... although generally shattered. bloods tomorrow, treatment Fri, on and on it goes, groan...  @Pesto was your scan today? thinking of you, do send news when you can. an extremely anxiety provoking day, hoping hoping hoping everything is clear... 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 hugs all Xx  ... View more

hi all, happy Mother's Day! skin, fur and feather babies included!  so sorry about the blank message below, phone froze mid message yesterday and didn't have the energy to sort it out.... how's everyone today? @Erin 35 so lovely to hear from you... but so sorry you've been having bad migraines, that really is very hard  on top of chemo. Have they eased now? I remember you saying that's why you couldn't use the coldcap, so that does seem an huge shame you're getting them now anyway, so sorry 😢 😢 😢 and also sorry to hear your veins going... you're not alone. I only had two ECs using canular before moving to a port and they're still sore. I'm doing stretching exercises for arms to help recovery, a pal told me to do these, not the hospital....but my port is so easy... when will you have, Picc did you say? fitted? a few of us have them and are happy I think... I am anyway...and like @donkeywoman says, a week's delay in treatment is another week feeling OK/well and neither here nor there efficacy wise... one to enjoy with your gorgeous Gracie 🌺 ☀ so how's is everyone today? I know many of us had treatment last week...I've been feeling a bit sick today, tired and low... no particular reason I don't think, just a rubbish Sunday. I do hope you guys are doing better? early night for me and hope to have more energy and smiles tomorrow.  hugs as ever guys x   ... View more

sorry, had to post the below and start another message, it froze! gawd... was trying to say, funnily had text from hospital saying I should shield... first time I've had that from them, wondering if the lung thing has sparked that... but the chemo should have shouldn't it... I did read a study done and people having chemo aren't at greater risk of covid death... it's still associated with age and other vulnerabilities and health issues..not had my covid antibody results yet... but mood slightly improved... although didn't sleep a wink last night, hate those tossing and turning nights... sounds like some of you steroiders did tho which is fab!  just put my feet up, had banana cake, and stir fry veg and tempeh rice for a pre dinner snack, it was delicious!!!!!!  sending hugs to all, as ever xx   ... View more

hi hi guys, how's your days gone? how was treatment @donkeywoman ? I do so hope the reduced dose makes the world of difference to side effects... @Lewy2803 that's really quite upsetting that they wouldn't let you use the cold cap... it's your decision surely? can you challenge it? I would but I know things like that can be just too much when not feeling your best... I'm so sorry... your wigs do look amazing I have to say... and @Mumboo that sounds like right palava with the ice CC!!! OMG... talk about making the day harder than needs be...at least you can say no next time! definitely done your bit there!  my treatment was fine... quick, well, compared to last time, 3 hours only... kept busy tho, did some work which is a good idea to keep me occupied rather than browsing on phone which I find really toxic ATM... tube OK, not busy.. but will be soon won't it 😕   ... View more

@Pesto that cake looks amazing!!! I'm so sorry to hear about your nightmare, that sounds awful... have you tried the Headspace app? tapping is very good too for anxiety, but it sounds like it comes from a really bad time in the past but maybe triggered by current traumas? are you having any talking therapies? there's lots on offer virtually... I do hope there's no repeat...  @FlorrieBee how's your day been? I hadn't realised you had treatment Monday...did you rest all day? I guess many of us are in treatment this week... I am every week now! arrgggh! @Mumboo how was yours? are you weekly or 3 weekly with the taxol?  and @donkeywoman so sorry you'd been feeling low, the grind and dread of the toxicity is truly awful isn't it..  but that's wonderful you and @Lewy2803 have reduced doses, brilliant!! I do hope it helps, I'm sure it will and will make all the difference! I'm dozing off as I write, no steroids for me... might have to go my bed... will write properly soon, big big hugs guys Xx  ... View more