Breast Cancer Now Forum

Thankyou, uv made me feel better about it.  I know everyones different and I suppose the more we have maybe the worse it will be, but its good to know u were OK, think my consultant just wanted to scare me haha. He also prescribed me antidepressants but im reluctant to take them as I'm sure this is normal to feel up and down - its not like we have a cold is it?   Xx ... View more

Aw well fingers crossed im lucky and find it OK like u have. Its so good to know there's others feeling the same isnt it? I'm trying to stay positive but its so hard sometimes.  My emotions get the better of me, then I feel guilty that im worrying my friends and family. Roll on Christmas when, hopefully, most of us should be finished, or nearly finished. Xx ... View more

Hey. I have just finished 3 3weekly EC, the 1st 2 were fine, abit tired but nothing too bad.  The 3rd was harder but doable - I had about 3 days where I had no energy and literally just laid around but thats it. I'm due to start 3 weekly carbo, with weekly pacliotaxil at the same time - my oncologist told me im going to find it hard, and kept saying I shouldn't be alone, but I live alone, so now I'm really scared because iv been ok with EC.  How did u find carbo?  Thanks  Mel x   ... View more

Thank you for ur reply. Mine doesn't seen to have stopped - id say iv lost about 60/70% already.  Im scared to shave it all off though. Like u say im embarrassed that im so bothered and vain but its something I have always struggled with - I dont even like having my hair cut. I know there's so much more to this than just hair - and im sure ill get used to it - but like u say - I look 'ill' now. I really hope u dont think im being shallow and stupid - I knew this was coming because until now iv felt positive and just got on with it. I really appreciate ur messages and its glad to know we aren't alone in this. Xxx ... View more

Morning ladies. Iv had my 2nd EC on Wednesday and its been a little harder this time.  But I think because the cold cap doesn't seem to have worked for me and my hair is all coming out - I have a bald scalp now.  This for my is the hardest thing.  I dont feel like myself.  Im embarrassed and darent see anyone.  I know it probably sounds stupid but its how I feel. I want to be strong but im struggling with it alot. Im 43 and live on my own so im just pushing people away. Any advice would be massively appreciated xxx ... View more

Morning 😊 I'm on day 18 and my hair has started to come out 🤦‍ ♀️ This has been what I've been dreading most but iv pulled on my big girl pants and trying to be brave. I used the cold cap too and am planning on continuing to do so even if it all drops out.   Iv got a wig upstairs ready just incase. I just want to say that I am so grateful to u all for posting in here - it really does make me feel like im not alone through this. Let's keep going girls ❤ xx ... View more

Morning Iv been ok so far too really.  Better than expected but iv finished my anti sickness tablets now so will see. Iv not noticed any bleeding yet but I do have a couple of things - I am finding I feel the need to pee alot - but I dont need to really and I have the worst heartburn/acid feeling which iv not suffered with before. Anyone else? X   ... View more

Glad to hear u r doing ok.  I habent really had much in the way of side effects yet - lucky i suppose.  Jist a little tired. I did feel a little like I needed to concentrate harder when the nurses were talking to me when I had the cold cap on but I was expecting it to hurt. Fingers crossed it works for us both but im trying to prepare myself just incase. Hope all u ladies stay well - lots of love  Xxxxx ... View more

Morning ladies. I'm day 2 following my 1st EC and touch wood I feel ok.  Yesterday I felt completely normal which was unexpected tbh.  And today so far the same.  Im expecting to crash at some point but while I feel ok im carrying on as normal. I tried the cold cap on Wednesday and I found that it didnt hurt one bit.  I made the nurses check it 3 times as I was expecting it to feel like brain freeze but it didn't.  So now I'm worried it hasn't worked - as I know it may not anyway. The main thing through all this for.me.is hair loss, which I know is massively vain but I just can't help it. Anyway, let's keep going ladies- I really hope u feel better amd we all get through this chapter of our lives together, remember this is not our full story  Lots of love xxxx ... View more

So just had the call and I have my 1st round of EC on Wednesday - got to go for bloods this afternoon. I'm scared but glad to be getting going on the road - think its the unknown that's the worst. I have a wig already but for me I'm finding the prospect of no hair the worst thing.  I am really selfconscious of myself, always have been, so I even hate having my hair cut - i hate looking different.  But this is, fingers crossed, only temporary and I'm hoping I can embrace it. Glad you're feeling well xxx ... View more

@ali 3.141592 Thankyou for your reply. Maybe it shouldnt but your reply made me smile.  I imagine I will be exactly the same.  I am 99% absolutely fine, but some days I cry over nothing and 5 minutes later I am totally fine.  I wonder how I will be when it all actually starts.... Well, I am HR at my company so I will just do as I please Haha!  I work for a really close friends company so I know there will be no issue but I dont want to seem like I am taking advantage, and tbh I need the money, even though I really do think they would still pay me, if that makes sense. I havent 'come out' yet either really.  People at work know because of the million appointments I've had but not many other - I feel like once people know thats all you become, and I dont want that. I'll bear in mind about the pharmacy - I never really anticipated all of the pills etc.  Think I'm a little naive about it all - I'm kind of a 'need to know' person - cross that bridge etc etc haha Really do think I will find solice in you guys on here though - I dont like to burdon people with my worries really. Hope you're having a good day today - thanks for replying again xxxxx ... View more

Hi Ladies Reading you're messages makes me feel really emotional.  You all sound like you are coping amazingly which is so good to read. I was diagnosed a couple of months ago and have my 1st oncology appointment on Thursday.  I have no idea what to expect or what treatment I will be having yet. I found the 'lump' in May and this just seems like such a long wait to start anything.  I worry that altho they are confident it hasn't spread (They did think it had to my liver after a PET scan, but the ultrasound showed nothing, so fingers crossed) I worry all the waiting around that it might have now.  Probably just being irrational as I get told 'it doesn't work like that' haha. I also live on my own, like a few of you lovely ladies, and worry how I will be.  My mum doesnt drive and I'm not sure how I would like it her staying anyway (that sounds awful I know).   I was also hoping to carry on working if possible just because of money really.  Do any of you think you would be able to? Think I'm just panicking a little now its getting closer - I've been so positive until now. Sorry for the brain dump! hahaha xxxx ... View more

Thank you so much. After reading your replies I am feeling a little more positive.  Im scared of not being myself ever again, and not being able to do the things that i always have, but we all adapt dont we?  I'm so glad you're feeling better and it sounds like you are coping really well - I only hope I can be there same. Can I just ask - the meds that you are on, does you hair grow back while you are taking them? Xxx ... View more

Thank you for messaging. I know exactly how you feel.  Its such a shock - we all, subconsciously, dont think it will happen to us do we? I too keep feeling rubbish but like you I'm putting it down to anxiety.  I havent even seen an oncologist yet so I have no idea what my treatment will be - its just so stressful isn't it? Let me know how you are getting on and stay strong. Xxx ... View more

Aw thankyou 💓   I think i will join the chat.  As much as my friends and family are amazing it would be great to people who know how your feeling.  I find myself trying to protect their feeling because they are as worried as I am. I have had my ultrasound brough forward now, because I said I couldn't wait that long, so its tomorrow now.  Hoping for a miracle haha. Thank you for replying - keep me updated on how you are as looks like we could be in the same boat xxx   ... View more

Thank you so much for replying. I'm hoping its something else but I think I know.  Its so encouraging reading about others who live with this everyday so positively and I really hope I can be as amazing as you all. When I got my initial diagnosis I was ok but scared of losing my hair - pain and side effects didnt seem important I just thought it was a means to an ends and I would be ok in 18 months or so - but now all I want to do is live. All these messages I read give me hope so thank you, truly. Really hope you continue to be ok, and we are all here for the next few years to support each other. lots of love xxx ... View more