Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Wendy, it usually takes about 2 and half hours as I am using the cold cap, if I didn't use the cold cap it would normally take about 45 mins for treatment to be administered, but I had the Oncologist to see and bloods to get done. I do hope you feel better soon Wendy and that your s/e are not going to be reoccurring, fingers crossed x ... View more

Morning everyone, sorry to hear some of you are still suffering from S/E, hope the hospital stays are minimal and you will be home soon. I had second treatment yesterday, had problems with line so I was sent to another hospital for it to be checked, all overall I was at hospital/s for 9 hours, so it was long day and I was glad to get home at 7pm. Hopefully minimal S/E for me, got lots of medicine for mouth ulcers in case they reoccur and I plan to drink loads of water. Another treatment under my belt so happy with that, 2 down 4 to go 👍 ... View more

Oh Wendy that's rubbish you're not feeling good. Log on here when you can and we will keep you company, try to keep your chin up. 😆 ... View more

Morning everyone, I've got second dose of Fec tomorrow, and I will be doing a lot of drinking from today onwards (just water! Lol). I didn't drink nearly enough after my first dose and reading the posts here it's a must. I'm not a great water drinker, so I think flavoured water might do the trick. ... View more

Thanks Sodastream, you've put my mind at rest. I too have a bob so hopefully it should cover any thinning parts, and thd dry shampoo is a great tip. I also saw an advertisment in my magazine for a touch-up spray for your roots, this might be useful for all us ladies that cannot dye our hair at the moment. The spray is coloured and covers grey etc. You've had a terrible time of it Sodastream, I also had really painful mouth ulcers for over a week, I still have them. My BCN gave me Gelclair which is a gel that coats your mouth, and it's great for pain relief and clearing up your ulcers, perhaps you could ask them for some. I totally agree that you can only take one day at a time with this treatment, be kind to yourself and rest when needed, I get my second dose of FEC-D on Tues, hopefully things go ok xx ... View more

Hi everyone, not checked in for a while, but I just wanted to ask if anyone is using the cold cap? I used it in my first session and it's day 18 after my first session and my hair is coming out. I know my hair will thin but I'm not sure if the vast amount I'm losing is normal or if the cold cap isn't working. I have thought of getting my hair shaved but I don't want to do that if I have a chance of keeping most of my hair. Anyone been through this? x ... View more

Hi everyone, wanted to ask if anyone has had mouth problems during chemo. Part of my gum is sore and inflamed, the pain is unbearable. I have seen a dentist and thankfully no infection. Paracetamol and brufen are just taking the edge off the pain, but I've had to resort to strong paracetamol and codine to enable me to eat sleep etc. I have been given an anaesthetic spray and I use a strong mouthwash too, I just think I need to wait until my white cell count is up before this eases, I had first chemo two weeks ago so I was expecting a dip this week. ... View more

Cath I too had anti-sickness and steroid tablets, watch out for the steroids as they make you hungry, my appetite has increased hugely. I swear I was looking at my daughter the other day and thought she would taste good with some sweet chilli sauce lol. I'm on day 8 and having a low-energy day, I was told day 7-10 your energy often dips as your immune system is at it's lowest, so today is a duvet day with a good book. Hopefully feel a bit better tomorrow x ... View more

Morning everyone, as I've started my chemo last week I've got a few tips for those dreaded s/e. When low on energy, rest, but don't sleep too much through the day if possible. Your body needs you to rest to repair itself, but if you sleep a lot throughout the day this will effect the quality of your sleep at night, and as we all know there are few things worse than insomnia. Try to keep to your normal sleep pattern at night and that will help. Another tip is to make time for friends, even having a coffee and if possible talk about something other than your cancer, catch up on gossip, soaps etc and this will remind you of how things were prior to your diagnosis, take control of the things you like to do, remember you have cancer, cancer doesn't have you! It's a long journey for all of us but together we will get there. Hope these help. I'm off to the local park today with friend and a squad of kids, have a great day everyone xx ... View more

Hey Cath, I will get my second dose of chemo on 22 July, I get it every 3 weeks. I've been having good days and bad days, bad days are when I'm really tired and low on energy, but the good days outweigh the bad ones. Have you been having some crazy dreams on chemo? I swear last night I had the most weirdest dream which seemed to last all night, crazy stuff lol x ... View more

Hi Rachagogo Sorry to hear you have to join us here, but believe me you will be better for it. I have also started chemo last week, 3 doses of Fec-d and 3 of Tax which will see me through to Nov. no question is too daft so if there is anything worrying you post it on here, we will do our best to see you through it. xx ... View more

Hi everyone, I started my chemo on Tues this week. I have had one good day but since then I'm really tired and low on energy. I am hoping to be back to normal soon. When I'm up to it, I will read all the posts on here for tips and hints. ... View more