Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi @justine1970, I had my op in December. I have to say it wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting it to be. I really hope all goes well for you today, and you will be back home very soon. Just make sure you have some help for the first couple of weeks, I found it hard not being able to bend down and remembering not to lift heavy things!  ... View more

Well done @purpleworld and @mbElizabeth for finishing your chemo, it's interesting to see how much longer yours went on for. @mbElizabeth, I've been on phesgo injections (Herceptin and perjeta) since October and it doesn't seem to be causing me any side effects, which is great. I really hope your lymph node removal goes well and you won't need radiation. I had my surgery on 14th December, however unfortunately this week I developed an internal infection so I've been on antibiotics for that. It's knocked me back a bit, especially as it is also my 2nd week back at work part time. Hopefully the antibiotics will sort it out and I'll be back in track next week.  Hair regrowth is also happening and it won't be long before it's at the unruly stage! I'm still enjoying my wig at the moment so will have to decide when is a good time to stop wearing it (maybe once winter is over!)  Anyway wishing you all the best, wherever you are in your journey.  ... View more

Hi everyone,  It's been very quiet on here for a long time. How is everone doing? I finished my chemo nearly 3 weeks ago and am now waiting for my mastectomy. I also have to have Phesgo injections for the next year.  My 3 cycles of Decetaxel were hard but I got there and am trying to shake off the final side effects. At the moment they are tummy problems, red flakey feet and, of course, the accumulated tiredness.  I'm so ready to get back to doing some 'normal' things without having to worry about low immunity etc. Still feeling pretty tired at the moment though and keep wondering if it will ever improve. I'm sure it will with time.  I'm really interested to hear how you're all getting on. Have you finished chemo? What is next for you?  ... View more

Hi @Kaisa, I am also on Phesgo. I've had 3 injections alongside Decetaxel and each time I've had diarrhoea. I'm not sure if it's the Decetaxel or the Phesgo that's causing it but have my first Phesgo on its own next week so I'm interested to see if it causes the diarrhoea problems or not. I hope not as I have my mastectomy a week later which is when things have been worst! By the way I notice from another of your posts that you are in far north Scotland. Did you have your surgery at Raigmore? Who was your surgeon? I'm also going for the simple mastectomy. I was happy to read you were well looked after at the hospital, so far everyone I have met has been lovely. I hope you are recovering from your infection now.  ... View more

@amy46 I'm sure everyone's hair loss is different. However my experience is this. I shaved my head 2 weeks ago, when it started seriously falling out. Even with the shave I still had lots of tiny little hairs over most of my head. Since then the tiny hairs have been shedding and I'm now much bolder than I was 2 weeks ago. Nothing appears to have grown for me. I haven't lost my eyebrows or lashes yet which I'm very grateful for, but I am expecting them to go when I start Decetaxel in October.  @justine1970 I have found my wig to be quite hot so good idea to wait for the hot weather to finish before doing the shave. I've actually enjoyed wearing scarves and hats though so it's not been a big issue for me.  The big thing I learnt this week is do no put shower gel or moisturiser on your scalp as the PH of your scalp is different to the rest of your body. I've now started using coconut oil and massaging it in daily. Also, ladies, look up 'Look Good, Feel Better' and do their online workshops. This week I've done the makeup one and the nail care one. Both were great and they send you a goody bag afterwards! I'm still waiting to do the scalp care one at the end of September.  ... View more

@purpleworld I took the plunge tonight and shaved my hair off!  My first treatment was on 3rd August so it's been nearly 3 weeks.  Up till today I'd been noticing a bit more on my comb, however this morning I decided to wash my hair and a lot came out (I had a little bald patch on top!).  I didn't let it stop me from going to church but did wear a hat while out walking this afternoon to protect the exposed scalp patch! I'd already arranged a friend who owns hair clippers to do it for me so she came round tonight.  All in all it wasn't as bad as I feared (chocolate may have helped with that!!).  She cut it short first and then used the clippers.  We had a good time laughing about it all and then I got to try out my wig for the first time. I'm fortunate to have been almost back to 'normal' health and energy wise this week.  2nd lot of EC for me on Tuesday though and really hoping the headaches won't be as bad this time. We all knew the hair loss would come.  Doesn't mean it won't be emotional or a shock but don't let that stop you from living your life! We can do this 🤗 ... View more

I got given some soup, a sandwich and a yoghurt for lunch, but I did check beforehand and had taken snacks just in case! They were also really good at bringing tea and coffee throughout. I do hope it goes well for you on Monday. I'm now on day 3 and have been out for a short walk this morning and am going out for lunch with friends. I haven't had any sickness issues and the tablets they gave me to bring home have been great. I don't have much appitite and haven't slept well but still felling pretty good despite all that.   All the best and let us know how you get on on Monday.  ... View more

Hi Purpleworld (what a great name, I also love purple!), I had my first chemo session yesterday. I wasn't allowed anyone to sit with me, but each hospital will be different so it's worth asking. I'm in Scotland so it might be different if you're in England. I fully recommend someone to drive you home afterwards. Personally I've had a cracking headache ever since and I wouldn't have wanted to drive home alone. Is there anyone who can help you with the boys, at least for a couple of days till you see how you feel? Again everyone is different so I can't say whether you'll cope or not. Sorry not very helpful but I hope it goes well on Monday. Just keep thinking you'll be one step closer to being healthy again and running around after your boys. Many blessings.  ... View more

Hi MargoB, My oncologist said to ask my GP for the note. She said anyone going through Chemo is entitled to ask for the whole time off if they want and that the GP shouldn't even question it. That's what I'm going to do but not yet as my company have said I can use all my holiday allowance first as I'll most likely be off for the rest of the year. I only get 6 weeks sick leave on full pay so using holiday will extend the time I can get full pay. I spoke to someone from Macmillan about it and they advised me to do it that way too.  ... View more

Hi, I'm due to have my first round of EC next Tuesday. It's all a bit of a whirlwind at the moment and reading all the information about the drugs is a bit overwhelming but I'm ready to get started. I was diagnosed about 6 weeks ago so this is my first step on the treatment plan. I'm thinking I'll probably stop working till after chemo so Monday will be my last day, which feels a bit weird when I don't even feel sick yet!  ... View more