Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hey guys had my 4th EC NYE and the 7days after we’re usually bed ridden. On Friday woke up feeling really rough, took temp and was up so called the hotline. I was sent to AE. Got there at 12 abs luckily through to a cubicle. Explained my mastectomy scar felt sore, hot abs restricted move but drs we’re obsessed with my breathing, which was fine, didn’t even look at my scar. So by midnight I had chest X-ray, ecg and finally lung ct scan. Emergency consultant happy with lungs but looks like a build up of fluid round the mastectomy scar. No breast surgeons work the weekend and the other surgeons not happy to poke about. Infection markers are up so admitted me to dose up with antibods abs pain killers abs speak to surgeons Monday. Was really cross, if the dr had looked at 2pm on Friday the breast team were in. I wish I had called them myself. Hi hum. three nights stay at casa nhs- joy. hoping surgeons say it is normal and nothing to worry about.  those of you struggling, you are inspirational warriors, true fighters. Not sure I would have had your strength. hugs   ... View more

Nicola I have not worn a bra since my mastectomy, I don’t like the fillers and the bra looks very odd without one. I wear vest tops and a nipple cover.  I did purchase M&S ones but like I say but worn. hope that helps  ... View more

Hello  I have had 3 EC and was due to have another 3 but oncologist says may move me onto 3 dox. On EC I spent about 5 days feeling very lethargic and slept most of the time. No sickness or other symptoms. When I stated EC my friend’s top tip was to take paracetamol with the fil injections, and it worked a treat. Any top tips for dox?  cheers xx ... View more

hey J Welcome. we are similar but I am only having EC, 6 cycles, every three weeks. Due my third this Friday. My second was 20%reduced and I was much better. My hair has all but gone, and I am piling on the weight. I don't have much energy and envy all those who are able to get out for a walk. I have promised myself when I am well I will get fitter. but for now just baby steps. but overall I am not doing too bad, only tired, not other yucky symptoms to deal with. I have a small thrombosis on one of the veins running parallel to the PICC line but nothing to worry about apparently, on anti coagulants. Hope you all have a good week. love and hugs ... View more

hello folks. I have 3/6 EC this Friday. the second dose was 20% reduced as they felt my side effects were too severe after the first dose. must say got off lightly this time round, was up and about for first two days, then bed for 5 and then up and about again so really pleased. had bloods yesterday and mentioned a pain in my arm, similar to cording pain, sent me for a scan and I have a thrombosis, only small. so on anti coags too, but not in the PICC line vein so can carry on using the PICC, which is a relief as my veins are a pain in the bum and shrivel up whenever a nurse comes near.  hang on in there those of you swapping to a near drug. you are all so great at sharing your experience so lean on each other and you will get through - someone will always have an answer. Keep going,. hugs ... View more

Confused I am so with you. Day 6 after second ec and I’m so low and yukky. They reduced by 80% but still feel exhausted, maybe it won’t last as long this time. Hats off to you guys getting out and about and even working, you are Amazonia (Wonder Woman) I am sure 😃 . I’m hungry a lot but mouth feels meh so struggling to find things to eat. Yes yes worries me, sorry nothing happy to say.  although looking forward to buying my puppy a winter coat, work Xmas do and  my first ever baby shower, but for now feeling blurgh 😫   ... View more

Hi there.  I have two teenagers and just being sensible with contact when in school uniform and when they first get in. They covid test twice a week which is reassuring. I heard vulnerability for the first 10 days, then it slowly improves to the next cycle. I’ve just had my second EC today. It is a reduced dose as they felt i was too fatigued with the full dose. The nursing team in the chemo suite will be more than happy to talk you through, have a list of questions and they can ease your mind before starting.  all the best ... View more

Hey there all. I'm second EC tomorrow. The oncologist has reduced to 80% of the first dose- although I felt I got off lightly with just sleeping for 2 weeks, she says that is too severe and wants to drop me down - they know best. Lovely wig Lou, for a fab price. I have one wig which is lovely, really comfy, but have to say happy with the bald look and as I get so hot I tend to go without.  Loading up on water and movicol today. Had a few hours at work yesterday doing a well-being session - lots of cake, games, and arts and crafts. It was lovely, nice to catch up without the work stress, I do miss them all. Take care all.   ... View more

Im on EC and was given the anti sickness and steroids to take one hour before the chemo appt. Yes it does depend what you are on. All the best for Friday, I have my second cycle. You will be amazed how quick the first was was over and done, I expected to be there hours, 45 mins. Any questions just ask. hugs ... View more

2 weeks since chemo cycle 1 and  I am starting to feel normal. Get tired easy but feeling much more like myself so do some little bits and pieces to enjoy life and appreciate the good days. Thank you for your kind words and support while I was in a chemo bog. Hugs. ... View more

Hey K did you start on 8th? How are you?  ... View more

Hey Kelli  thanks for checking in. Feel less physically tired so trying to stop myself doing too much. Teenage son passed out at school yesterday so he is home too so having to keep him fed and watered.  haven’t ventured out yet.  how is everyone, I think someone was due to start on the 8th.  ... View more

Thank you for your positive words. I’m just not use to this, need to find new ways to pass the time. Feeling less physically ill today so like you say small steps.  hugs ... View more

Divine healing, yes I am like you, but only cycle one. It’s been 10 days. I had a couple of out of bed days but other than that here I am - a blob of patheticness . 🥴 Ive tried a little walk, even just to the  garden. Trying to keep eating. Feel so weak. Hubby and teens just leave me to it, they don’t know what to say or do. I miss ME. 🥲 ... View more

I am having a bad day. I just feel blurgh all the time. Sometimes knock me on my back others just yukky. I miss me. Also the family kinda thought I would be back to normal after a week and I’m far from it. I’m so impressed with all those whose bounce back, but I’m not one of those. I’m just a blob, I just don’t recognise myself. Everything I do and love has been taken away. I only have the hubby and teens at home for support and my being poorly is starting to wear thin with them all. Hubby is back to work tomorrow. He doesn’t have to work but prefers it to being bored at home with me. I just feel so alone, festering in my bed. I’m so pathetic 😔 ... View more

Welcome Nikki  you are similar to me with a diagnosis 15 June. I had surgery first, and now on EC chemo, first one last week. feel free to ask anything. Be kind to yourself and be prepared to feel this bud all a blurt, I remember those first few days after diagnosis. hugs ... View more

Hey kim than for coming on board. Just having some other perspectives will be great. I think I’m first out the gate, first if 6 three week intervals EC was last Friday. The fatigue abs chemo brain is a killer, but luckily no other symptoms. Slept for three days then a couple less tired and clearer head but today back to sleep and head fog. im having a picc line put in and no idea what to expect , any info would be appreciated. hugs ... View more