Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Leonie.  OK thanks, the first vein they tried (the one they used last time) 'popped' with the test so had to be canulated twice but, after that it went fine.  I'm now on 2.5L but and slowing down 'cause I'm feeling a bit queasy (but not nauseous so thats ok).  I did the pixie cut at the start of chemo - it did help me get used to not have lots of hair but once I couldn't hide the bald patch (and it started falling into my dinner) the zero setting on the clippers was revealed. Now getting a bit fed up of my head feeling like it belongs to an aged and balding 'Eagle Eye Action Man so thinking about shaving it but worried I might cut myself !!   Hope your's went ok today and you've had  good rest - I'm trying to stay awake to combat the steroids tonight - we can only hope.   Next time we'll be half way through 🙂   Sarah x   ... View more

Hi Coxleonie Yes, cycle 2, had a really easy time of it last time so hoping it will be kind this time too. Chugging down the water already - had 3 Litres today - peeing for England lol.   I had 3 bald patches about the size of 50p pieces and my (recently cut) very short hair was that shaggy I looked like Tufty the Clown !! Realised I needed to 'brave the shave' while I was picking hairs out of my dinner ewwwww. So I had my GI Jane moment and did it - first bit I did was front and centre so there could be no going back then I took a deep breath, wiped my eyes and got on with it.  You are brave enough to do it/get it done, it won't hurt/itch afterwards and it does feel good to take control xx   Good luck, Sarah x ... View more

Hi Jan,   I'm using E45 dry scalp shampoo, my hairdresser (who is also a trained Barber so used to balding heads) said that I should continue to use a mild shampoo on my head as shampoos are specifically designed for the scalp. Its expensive (£5.00ish for a small bottle) but I only need a tiny bit as there is no hair to lather so I think it should last a while. I've also been using a small amount of E45 cream which is doing the trick but she said Almond oil was good too.  Thing she stressed the most was that, at the slightest sign of sun to make sure that I use a good SPF factor sunscreen (even under the wig or bandanna).   Oncologist and bloods tomorrow and then FEC 2 on Wednesday - living the dream !   Hope everyone is as well as they can be - hugs to all .   Sarah x ... View more

Hi  Helen   My WLE had clear margins and there was no node inolvement but the histology showed that my cancer was Her2+ so my adjuvant treatment is chemo (FEC-T), Herceptin, radiotherapy and Tamoxifen and I'm currently coming towards the end of my first chemo cycle - have you had your treatment plan yet ?   My Oncologist said that the prognosis for her2+ cancers used to be poor but since the chemo and Herceptin treatments came about it is now very good and, if you read some of the literature on the recommended sites it even goes as far as to say that with the hormone targeted therapies we have as good, if not better prognosis as her2-ve.   I have been talking to ladies who have gone through the same treatment and they remain cancer free. Hopefully, in time (as long as we don't get knocked over by a bus) we will be those positive stories xx   Sarah x ... View more

Hi Coxleonie  Good news about the wig, I quite like mine too at the moment my hair hasn't departed sufficiently to need to wear it, funny but I've always cursed my annoyingly thick hair - I'm now counting it as a blessing lol.  Like you I'm hoping that it will stop me feeling concious when it does go - not embarrased by the fact but I just don't want to look like a 'cancer patient'.  It will be the quickest hair growth in history though - I had my hair cut really short before the chemo started and the wig is a bob!   I'm continuing to work throughout my treatment when I feel ok (which so far has been pretty much all the time) but I will only be in the office during week 3, the rest of the time from home the guys I work with are so supportive and are really looking after me, bless them.   I had a cannula for the first and it was fine, there has been no talk of anything else, I'm on FEC-T + Herceptin but when the Herceptin starts that will be given subcuatenously so I don't think there will be an need for anything else (Hopefully).   Probably a bit late now but I would just check with your GP, if she has been taking antibiotics and has had it for a full week, it could be that she is now not contagious. xx   I too struggled with the water inititally but have now found if I keep a 500ml bottle or a glass with me all the time, I do keep drinking and have managed to continue drinking at least 2L every day. Sarah xx   ... View more

Sal, that is Great news good luck for tomorrow.   Auntylady well done, rest and lots of water now.   Jan, I was told that a skin rash might be experienced especially on the second or third one but if you are worried just give them a call - they would rather you call them than do nothing and it be a problem x   Carol hope you are doing ok today   Coxleionie - hi don't think we've spoken. We must have started at the same time - my second FEC is on wednesday next week and like you my hair has started coming out. My eyebrows are holding firm but there is a really good video on you tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4lajZWeEyE - I wish mine looked as good as hers all the time!!   Ali hope the sickness has subsided now x   Hugs to all, Sarah xx ... View more

Ali Well done now rest and drink loads of water   Sarah xx ... View more

Hi fionajj, I got my full diagnosis following lumpectomy and SNB on 15th January - 19mmyy stage 2 her2+ Lobular cancer  + LCIS, up until this point I was expecting radiotherapy and Tamoxifen so when I was told about the her2+ and the recommendation of chemo and herceptin I came out of that appointment really low. I'm 47 and my initital reaction was the same - my hair (even though my, previously, shoulder length curly bob can be the bane of my life), it's not vain, from the people I have spoken to I think most people think the same not only are we used to having it but not having will make us look like a cancer patient - I'm determined that I'm not going to be ashamed of this (I'll see in a few days time I think).  My regime which I started on 10th Feb is FEC-T x 6 that's 3 x FEC and then 3 x Docetaxel ('T').  It is given every 3 weeks and on cycle 5 (the second 'T') I will start the Herceptin which again is given every 3 weeks for a year (18 cycles) - I think you'll find its the Tamoxifen you will have for 10 years - thats what I'm having anyway and I will start that after the chemo finishes. The oncologist will give you a huge amout of information about the proposed treatment inluding side effects, staying healthy and safe and temperature taking - I didn't have any questions  there was nothing mine didn't cover - take a pen and paper though - there's  a lot of information downloaded!!  Before you start you will also have a pre-chemo chat with your nurse and they will go through everything with you and make sure you feel comfortable about what is going to happen.  At that meeting I also got a voucher to cover the cost of a wig which is really nice and looks like my hair when I spend ages straightening it (some NHS trusts give you a voucher towards the cost but mine covers the cost completely).   When you have your chemo they will give you drugs to combat sickness (I never felt sick at all) at the time and to take home and I also got mouthwash in case of a sore mouth (which I didn't get).  I wasn't offered a PICC line but didn't want one anyway so mine was given via a cannula - It doesn't hurt and afterwards I have had virtually no side effects (so it doesn't hit everyone the same).  I am pretty fit (run, cycle and swim regularly) and have been drinking at least 3L of water everday whether that has helped I don't know but I'm going to carry on anyway just in case. I was asked if I wanted to cold cap and try to save some of my hair but I figured if it would only save some of it and I'd end up covering it up anyway, what was the point of the extra time and hardship. That's just me though, there are a lot of people on the forum that have cold-capped you can always post a question on the 'Going through treatment' section - someone will tell you what its all about.   Day 15 for me and my hair has started to shed but I'm ok(ish) about it now - its only temporary and it will grow back.  I had it cut into a really short pixie cut before I started and now quite like it - think it will be a good style when it starts to grow back but I'll happily spend 6 months with no hair if it stops the cancer from recurring.   It really will be ok when you get started, the fear is much worse than the reality.   Hugs, Sarah x ... View more

Hi Em in for the long haul then! My Oncologist said that he is so glad he can give Herceptin to all who need it now as it is a big of a wonder drug.   It may take us a bit longer but it will be worth it in the end x  Jan/Carol hope week three is treating you well and you are feeling rejuvinated, its just a shame it has to start all over again - Carol you are right - a real roller coaster, hope the hair situation hasn't got you down too much Jan, I know we are all expecting it but when it actually happens must be a shocker x Sal I think you are right about the medals, I'm older than you (47) and experienced what I think was my first flush on Wednesday night - thought my head was going to pop was a good girl and took my temperature though - just in case lol x   Sue/Lellie rest and keep drinking the water for as long as you can, not sure if it has made any difference but I've been chugging down at least 3L per day - my side effects have been virtually unnoticeable, hope you both have the same x    Ali - thats the needle bit done now, you wont have any hassle - much quicker than being cannula'd every time (I wasn't brave enough to do the PICC)   Mmey - haven't seen you pop up for a while, hope you've been doing ok.   Sorry if I've missed anyone - if I have - hope you are doing OK.   Not sure if you all have something similar but I've had a leaflet from my local Cancer Support Centre today, I can join for £10 and get some fabulous sounding complementary therapies to assist with relaxation etc - might take a look next week.   In the meantime, hope you all have the best weekend you can. Hugs, Sarah xx ... View more

Hi Em, are you having Herceptin too? ... View more

Hi Sue, hope it went ok today and wasn't as bad as you feared. Rest now and drink lots of water.   Sarah x ... View more

Good luck for tomorrow Helen, I can assure you it won't be as bad as you fear xx ... View more

Hi Sue I am on FEC-T and Herceptin but have been told I can't start the Herceptin until the second 'T' as it isn't compatible with the FEC.  So, if the H is Heceptin I'd doubt you would be having it straight away. I feel really guilty to say this but I'm on day 7 now and I have had a pretty good experience - no sickness, no sore mouth, only a slight bad taste and just a little bit more tired than normal. I'm still drinking so much water I could sink a ship, been walking 3 - 4 miles every day and even managed a 30 mile bike ride on Sunday with hubby and friends - so its true - it doesn't affect everyone the same way - cycle 2 will probably get me !! Hi Carol and Jan, seems like we've been here for a long time now even though its only a few weeks. Carol, glad you've been getting out, I'm paranoid about my temperature too, we just need to be sensible. Jan, I tried a small glass of red wine on Saturday (I have limited myself to a Saturday night for the time being) and  yuk, I couldn't believe it, its my favourite - will have to try white next week. It sounds like you have some lovely adventures planned, I think I may try to do the same only problem for me is that I have to work during week three. MMey, hope you are ok and the sickness has subsided Auntylady, good luck if you can control the diet - I have found that I am ravenous but am really trying hard to be good. Sal, After seeing your comment from last week I made a cake too, was really proud of myself - oh the little things Hugs to you all, and anyone else I've missed, Sarah xx ... View more

Hi Ladies   I was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular cancer at the beginning of December following an early screening Mammogram and I totally understand the whirlwind of emotions you are going through.  I had MRI scans and further biopsies (due to it being lobular) and a lumpectomy and SNB on 22nd December (which wasn't as bad as I expected) and I really felt ok after - just a bit tired and emotional but hardly surprising really, I don't think my feet touched the ground during that time - the MDTs really do move quickly to get this thing sorted for us.  Because of Christmas & New Year, I had quite a wait for my post surgery results but when I got them the nodes and margins were all clear.  The biopsy came back that my cancer was her2+ so chemo and Herceptin as well as rads and Tamoxifen recommended - I came out of that appointment pretty low -wasn't expecting that !!   Well, it didn't take me long to decide that I was going to do everything I could to bolt the door on this unwanted lodger and on Wednesday I had my first chemo (FEC-T x 6)  It was OK - nowhere near as bad as I was expecting and, 4 days on I feel great.     Didn't cold cap (couldn't face it to be honest) so I've had my shoulder length curly hair cut into a trendy cropped cut (which everyone thinks looks fab - might be a good style for when it grows back!) and I've got a wig (which is very like my hair when I spend AGES straightening it) with some lovely highlights. Now looking at other headwear for everyday - not sure I'll want to wear my wig all the time but the main thing is that I've taken control of the situation and it has made me feel much better about it.     The emotions of the last few weeks have now changed to positive ones and I'm doing OK - you ladies will too.  My advice (for what its worth) from what I've gone through in the last few weeks - Don't overthink everything, talk to others who have been through (or are going through this) be honest with loved ones about how you are feeling and focus those thoughts in a positive direction.   It's scary stuff but make sure that the grown up on the outside tells the little girl inside that its going to be ok - it is doable and we can do it.   Hugs to you all Sarah xx ... View more

Hi Ali Make the most of the next two weeks and rest, your are still recovering from your op.  The 24th will be here before you knw it and the actual day really isn't too bad,  I had my first FEC today, it was  a little bit uncomfortable and really boring but it was ok.  I was sent home with a load of anti-sickness drugs which are working, (although I wa wide awake at 3am so not so great) and a bag of other goodies for later - mouthwash and indigestion tablets. I have had a 4 week wait between finding out that I was going to need both chemo and herceptin and that time has really helped me to get to grips with it all, I have never been so organised and prepared for anything and yes I have overthought it all, its inevitable but you have to stay positive - its a key ingredient in getting through this cr@ppy blip in our lives.    And, in the imortal words of Bob Marley - Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little things gonna be alright.  Hugs, Sarah x ... View more

Hi Folks   Just got home from my first treatment, was expecting 'T' but ended up with a last minute swap to 'FEC' - cynical me wonders if it was something to do with me questionning the regime and why the T-FEC order with me having Herceptin too but whatever the reason 'FEC' it was so, having seen your comments, at least now I have some idea of what SEs to expect over the next few days. Sal/Jan   I think it depends on which NHS trust you are in, I got a voucher for the full cost of my wig and my friend in the next door trust got £105 towards hers.   Anyone else waiting to start - the sitting around whilst being 'infused' is definitiely the worst bit - take a friend or someone who likes to chat -  I took my Mom (she can talk for England !!) Hugs, Sarah xx ... View more

Hi Ladies hope you are all doing ok. Jan, I'm glad my post gave you some positivity, have fun at your wig fitting, make sure you try lots on – I was happy with one and almost went for that until the fitter suggested I just try a couple more - glad I did now. I would definitely have a go at the auburn locks though  Hope you enjoyed your walk on the beach and that it blew the smell away for a while. Carol, hope you are moving towards a better week, sounds like your OH is doing a good job – not sure if mine would be as efficient! I have been loading books onto my kindle ready for the sleepless nights, I'm going to start with 'Goodness Grace and me' by Julie Houston, it sounds like a lot of fun.   Lynsey, hope you are still doing ok. Hi Lellie, I have my last day at work tomorrow and my first cycle starts on Wed. I'm hoping to go back in to work during week three of each cycle but I'll see how I go. Definitely write your questions down, I find that is invaluable because as soon as the doctor tells me something that I'm not expecting my mind goes blank.   Been keeping myself very busy this weekend, gardening, general diy, re-oiling wooden floors, cleaning; in fact anything to keep my mind off Wednesday. Going to go and cook dinner now, hope everyone has a good week.   Hugs, Sarah x ... View more

Hi KMS similar sitution - surgery to remove grade 2 lobular - 19mm diagnosed by mamogram - my MRI also diagnosed another area of concern (biopsied but benign - post op histology on that one is LCIS).  Previously told same as you - rads and Tamoxafin. Post op it turns out that margins are clear and both nodes tested were negative but it also came back as her2+ so, as a result, and because of my age (47) I have been offered chemo and herceptin - totally shocked and to be honest pretty distraught when I came out of that appointment ! The 'predict' tool showed that I have a 5% better chance if I take what's on offer and I did wonder, inititally, if it was worth it.  Didn't take me long to come to the conclusion that I was going to do anything that I could to stop this from coming back and that if it did and I'd done nothing then I'd never forgive myself for putting me and my family through this again because I was too 'scared/nervous/worried etc' to try. Got my wig sorted today, pre-treament meeting on monday and chemo starts on Wednesday - not going to let this thing beat me. I'm at peace with my decision - its the right one for me and, whatever decision you make, it will be right for you - here if you need to talk.   Good luck, Sarah x ... View more

Hi Ladies, glad things are going ok for you all, hopefully everything will continue in the same direction  Its heartening to hear that the fear seems to be so much worse than the reality x   I've been and got my wig sorted today, I do a lot of amatuer dramatics and am quite used to wearing wigs,cheap and nasty ones mainly, so I was a bit unsure about how it would feel but I'm really pleased with it tbh - it's very like my hair when I spend ages straightening it ( I have a curly bob and it needs A LOT of taming) and its got some really nice highlights in it.   Lynsey, hope you get chance to take it a bit easy, think you are amazing going in to work today x   Hugs to everyone, Sarah x ... View more

Hi Folks Lynsdey, hope it goes well for you tomorrow and that you go through it without any issues, will be thinking of you x Jan, I'm really glad that it went ok for you and that you didn't find it as bad as expected hope the next few days are uneventful. x Carol, hope you have been able to take it easy today and are still feeling ok. x Mmey - hope you aren't feeling too nervous - I'm trying to take heart from what Jan and Carol have said (although I know I have a different regime so it might be slightly different) and hoping that the fear is worse than the reality x Hugs to you all, Sarah xx ... View more