Breast Cancer Now Forum

I started 24th March and had 3rd FECing chemo today. Start TAXOTERE next for 3 sessions. Had only slight redux on chemo 1 day 2 and 3 at night but absolutely no more side effects since. Cannot believe it. Oncologist says my positive outlooks helps and I am still playing golf twice a week, albeit only 9 holes, and 45 mins at the gym twice a week, but not going mad. I will not let cancer beat my I decided I would kick ass and hopefully I can continue to do so. All you ladies who started in April keep strong you can all do this we really are stronger sex. 😃 😊 😉 ... View more

You will get insurance but be prepared for the hike. My husband and I had annual insurance which ran out end of March. We go to Oz every year for 10 weeks and Europe 2 or 3 times a year so as I was diagnosed the week the insurance finished I shopped around. We were paying £290 per annum and have now been quoted £980 because I am still having treatment. A little of this may be age related as my husband is 77and I am 74 but he has no illnesses, no medication of any sort and neither had I until breast cancer. My BCNurse said this may go down in price when you tell them chemo has finished and op done. Hope so. 😂 ... View more

Hi, well had my first chemo on Monday and not as bad as I thought. God what a lot of pills I have had to buy a notebook and make a daily chart to tick them off. I feel absolutely fine just a little reflux one evening but some Gaviscon sorted it out. I played 9 holes of golf with my husband yesterday and I beat him - it's got to be the pills. I am drinking so much water and live in the loo. I have been eating quite normally except for sweets and cakes but no doubt that will change. Love to everyone who has just started chemo and we will all get through this. Eileen Xx💂💂 🌟 👍 ... View more

Hi Becky, I think I meant to send my post to Marli and I do not know if I can copy to her. You may also be able to help. I think I have got chemo brain early. Keep strong and keep pestering them. I have an issue and the minute the Chemo Unit opens at 8 I shall be on the phone. My Domperidone pills I have to take total 80 mg daily and the guidance on the leaflet for over 60's is 35mg as the consequences could be cardiac arrest or heart rhythm disorder. I think they are trying to kill me off now 😂 😂 😂 Keep strong. Love Eileen XXX ... View more

Hi Becky, I had my first chemo yesterday 5 more to go. I considered cold cap but changed my mind. I got my wig last Friday and have worn it twice, once to lunch on Sunday with my son and his partner and mentioned it through the first course. They were astonished. I had it matched exactly to my own colour and cut to my style. Is it best to start wearing a hair net to bed to catch what falls out or can u give me some other tips? Much appreciated 😊 😊 Eileen X ... View more

What do u have to do to get on The Marvels as I do not have a clue. Anyone taking Domperidome - it sounds a bit like champagne, wish it was. As I am over 60 on the information leaflet it says it may be associated with heart rhythm disorder and cardiac arrest if taking doses over 30mg per day. I am 74 (but an extremely young 74) and my medication is 20mg 4 times per day. I think they are trying to kill me off now to save money. I cannot wait for the ward to open as I shall be their first caller. Rang the out of hours at Colchester General at 11pm when I read this but no help whatsoever if I was told 20mg 4 times daily that's what I should do. I don't think she could count. That was a good grumble to all my fellow sufferers. Only another 1.40mins until the unit opens 😱 😰 Eileen XX ... View more

Hi, I too was told. I had a small cyst on one of my ovaries but the consultant said this is quite common. However I have an appointment for April for ultrasound with internal to have a look. Will have to change this as it is the same date as chemo 10 minutes apart so it's a no no. I had my first chemo yesterday so keeping my fingers crossed I will not have several bad days with sickness. Love to everyone. Eileen 😊 🌺 ... View more

Hi, started my chemo this afternoon. 1st one lengthy as anti sick pills then a wait of 1 hour before chemo drugs given which took about 1.5 hours then going over which pills to take on which days and for how long. I am going to do a chart so I don't mess up. I already have some concern about something I have to take for 5 days with 4 doses a day which equates to 80mg and have just read the possible side effects and for my age it says over 60 should not exceed 30 mg daily as there could be heart damage or cardia arrest. I shall be on the phone first thing for clarification. The chemo is nothing to worry about quite relaxing reading my book. Good luck and we can post during our treatment to see how we are doing. Eileen X ... View more

Gully s. Thanks about swimming. My BCN told me today no no no but I can swim in the sea - she must be joking. Just took my last 2 Domperidone and started reading the side effects. I will be calling the Unit in the morning as I am concerned about the dose. I am having 80mg daily over next 5 days and it says increased heart problems or cardiac arrest could occur for women over 60 taking doses over 30mg per day. Now I am exceedingly worried as I am 74 although fit as a fiddle except for this blasted cancer. I shall be on the phone 8am sharp. Eileen x ... View more

Hi glad all went well. I am having my FEC X1 on Monday with 5 more to follow. Had my golden locks shorn to spiky look today and picked up my wig in readiness for chemo 2 when it starts to fall out. Wore my wig home from the shop and must say it was comfortable. My friend was so impressed she bought one to match her hair so she can stay in bed longer before rushing to go to work. Mark you she is quite mad. Off to my favourite place tomorrow - the dentist. Love to all our chemo ladies and will keep you posted as to how I get on next week. XXX ... View more

Hi Gemma I am also starting chemo on Monday - I am one of the older ladies 74 but still think I am only 60 in outlook and act more like a 40 year old. I have been browsing through very old strings and have found this info and I am getting stocked up this weekend GUMS. Bonjela, corsydl mouth wash, very soft toothbrush fluoride toothpaste MOUTH. Diff lam mouth wash, lip balm for cold sores, salt water wash, tonic water BAD TASTE. Pineapple (fresh chunks/drinks/lollies) pear drops,cola cubes sherbet lemons,flavoured water NAUSEA. Ginger beer, biscuits, sucking sweets, small meals, V8 vegetable juice,banana for early morning with anti sickness tablet, flavoured green tea, flat lemonade, plain tea biscuits, travel sickness bands ( get them from the Pound Shop as they are cheaper GENERAL WELLBEING. Keep digital thermometer with you at all times, pin up emergency nos where you can see them and get evening and weekend nos so they are at hand, drink lots of fluid before and after chemo, try to drink at least 2 pints of water a day, lucozade for energy, light meal before chemo Don't take 2nd steroid dose after 2pm as you will be awake and energised at the wrong time Eat fruit either whilst taking or before tablet, sleep when u can, fresh air and exercise, get additional sick pills from doctor if needed cONSTIPATION. High fibre cereal, prunes, dried apricots, fruit smoothie Moisturiser for hands and feet Sore eyes drops from boots Very dark nail polish as nails go yellow or brown keep a bad packed in case you get an infection and have to go into hospital This all seems very frightening but I am going to get some of this organised so I am ready. I am sure you and your mum will cope. My daughter lives in Sydney and rings every night wanting to jump on a plane but there is nothing she can do. I have supportive friends and my husband is a good cook. I am going to take advantage and have a very leisurely life away from cooking and cleaning and if I feel able will go to the gym for very light exercise and perhaps a swim. Keep strong. I feel as though I have written a book. I am going to Colchester for my chemo and it is FEC. I am already calling my FECiNG medicine. Eileen. xXX ... View more

See how up tight I am I am saying FETTING insteas of FECCING. ... View more

Had a phone call and I am starting my first chemo on Monday and was told it was FET.  I did not ask her to elaborate as did not want a weekend worrying about it.  They are starting me off on 75% and will up it if I am okay!!!!!!!Of course I will not be okay I will be FETING SICK no doubt.   Must remember to ask for sickness injection and millions of pills.  Keep strong everybody we will not let this FETTING thing beat us. XX  Eileen ... View more

As I am having chemo first I will think long and hard about immediate reconstruction although I did say to my consultant I would probably go the route to have it done immediately.   Now I do not have to make that decision just yet.    We have a holiday booked for 4 weeks in Lanzarote end of January so not sure how I would feel to go away that early or even if I am allowed to.  Will have to discuss this.  Love to everyone and keep your spirits up ...... I don't mean by the glassful.   I am going out to Sunday lunch before chemo and I think I will work my way through the menu. xx ... View more

Just had the dreaded phone call to  report on Monday 12 o'clock for my first chemo.   I am still shaking. The nurse made me laugh she gets a lot of slam downs because of her accent as people think she is the dreaded PPI caller.  She now has to say quickly Colchester Hospital.  Very pleasant conversation but did not really take it all in.  I have had to cancel my dentist appointment as I was due to go on Wednesday but now going Sat morning.  My dentist is a dear he is seeing me although he had surgery himself on Tuesday for a hernia op and he was not going to see any patients until Monday week.  Will keep you all posted and good luck to everyone else whose treatment is imminent. xx ... View more

Hi, what a weight off your mind. I too dreaded my results in case it had spread. Now waiting to hear when chemo will start. I am now wondering whether to have reconstruction immediately or not at all. However, I have several months during chemo to think about it. Keep strong we will all get there. ... View more

Good luck on your results. Mine were ok - 2 small cysts spotted but consultant reassured me nothing to worry about most people have these. Better get up now as my husband has just made the tea and he has shouted up the stairs he is not bringing it up. I think he has stopped mollycoddling me. Anyway I have to get ready for aqua aerobics soon - may be my last visit for sometime. Keep positive and strong. ... View more

Much thanks for your support. Definitely feeling wobbly as it all gets nearer. Have great support from my husband and friends at the moment and my dear daughter who lives in Sydney rings every night. I shall see the family when they come in June but my daughter will be on the next plane if I really need her. My only concern is will I be getting the same treatment as a 40 year old? I am really fit (ha ha except for this) and hope they are seeing beyond my age. I need a double vodka now enough of my moaning, I will keep positive. ... View more

Thanks for your good wishes. I really am starting to wobble now as everything is imminent. I am a very strong person and extremely active golf, gym etc so shall keep positive that I will get back in the swing again. Off on Friday to get my wig in readiness to becoming a "bald old broad". Our son is taking my husband and I to the pub tonight so I think I will have a few double vodkas!!! Cheers ... View more