Hi again haven't been on for a while guess I was feeling good that after my surgery I was given the news that it hasn't spread any further.
Now I'm back down again went to see my Oncologist for the 1st time yesterday they say I have to hav 6mths chemo starting with Epirubicin for 14 weeks then CMF for the rest am really worried the info leaflets scare me, Have to go to look for a wig and maybe have my hair cut short before I lose it all what will I do without hair lashes etc, god knows. Am waiting for my date now.
FormerMember
Hi Sunflower (love the name by the way - it sounds happy!)
Yes - you must be delighted that it hasn't spread any further, and now just think that the chemo is going to get rid of or reduce what's left. Despite the potential side effects, it's a good feeling to think of the chemo zooming round your body zapping the rest of the cancer cells.
I don't have the same type of cancer as you, and have had different drugs, but I think the following comments are relevant to chemo in general. As I said to someone else recently, don't worry too much about the side effects - we're all different and we are all affected differently. If you read about the side effects that you risk if you take paracetamol, it's really frightening. The fact is that the drug companies do have to warn people of any and every possible side effect, but this doesn't mean that you're going to get them all.
You may find that the side effects follow a pattern - e.g., you will probably feel sick each cycle at the same time, or feel tired at the same time. If you make a note of how you feel during your first cycle, it helps in planning ahead as you'll have a good idea of when you will feel poorly and when you are likely to feel fine. Do take your anti sickness tablets regularly - it's easier to stop the nausea before it starts than try to deal with it once you're feeling awful.
I lost my hair with my chemo regime last year and agree that it's a good thing to cut it short before it starts to come out. I put one of those sieve type things in the bath so that my hair wouldn't clog up the drain, and I also bought a couple of heavy duty hairnets from Boots, so that I didn't find the bed filled with hair in the morning - but once it starts to come out, it happens fairly fast. I did have a wig which I wore to go out in the evenings, but otherwise managed fine with scarves or beanies, depending on the weather. The other thing to remember is that your head will get cold overnight, so a little cap for sleeping is a good idea. By the way, my hair has grown back really thick and very curly - I love it!
Ask if your hospital runs 'Look Good Feel Better' workshops which are designed to help ladies with cancer - it's great fun, you learn some interesting things (e.g., how to make your eyes look good when you don't have brows and lashes), and you get a super goody bag ... besides meeting other people in the same position. And think of the advantages - no shaving underarms and legs (and a painless Brazilian!).
I do hope you get your date soon and that it all goes smoothly for you.
Hi hope all goes well. I have just finished my last lot of chemo and i have to say it was not half as bad as the horror stories you imagine. Still not pleasant and would much rather be shopping but i can relate to thinking of the poison as a healer going round my body getting rid of all the rogue cells. I have been bald for the summer much to the amusement of my kids (10 and 6) and now they have to refer to me as 'fluffy'. I went walking yesterday and could distinctly feel 'the wind in my hair'! I would def recommend cutting hair shorter first. I shaved my head as soon as it started falling out, felt more in control than keep watching fall out in clumps but everyone deals with it differently. If that is one thing i have learnt - do what you feel is right for you not what is right for the those around you then you will have the positive mindset to deal with all the crap! I have a month off now of treatment (except for herceptin) and then go have the boobs chopped off, which is a bit surreal to think about at this moment, hopefully the month will get me stronger and will think of all the running i will be able to do without any hindrances!
