Hello my name is Heather I have just been diagnosed with brest cancer last week for the first time (and last I hope) Both my sisters have had cancer,one died seven month ago Im a bit scared of what to expect with the chemo. Can anyone tell me how soon after the treatment do you start to feel ill? How soon do you lose your hair?
Hi Maggie don’t worry it’s not unusual to feel ill when we think about what we are going through at this time, you are not a wimp. Like Blossom says it does get easier with time and talking about it freely really helps me. I'd discuss my problems with the postman, milkman, and anyone else that would listen if i could Lol!! I had 5 lymph nodes removed and like you was told my cancer was very aggressive (I’m hormone and her2+) but they seemed happy that 5 nodes clear was enough. I’m sure you can get a wig quickly so it doesn’t cause you and your son extra distress.
Hi Jo, I too am so sorry for what you’re going through with your husband. I agree with everyone else’s comments, just do what feels right and don’t rush into any decision making if you’re not sure. Take things at your pace and think of yourself. It’s surprising where we get the strength we need to x
Hi Lorraine…woo..hooooo!! Have a great holiday x
Hi Jean you’ve escaped the mouth sores and now you have sore hands and feet. Can they give you anything for them? I really hope they get better soon x
Hi Margaret, yes we have been using the pool. My daughter has actually got blue lips right now through being in the water all afternoon!
Hi Paula, you are brave going bald. I really want to but keep losing my bottle!! I did the same as Lorraine and went out forgetting to put my wig on! I was halfway walking to school last Friday when I noticed the wind blow through my (very small) tuft of hair and realised something wasn’t right. Well I nearly died as I ran home passing everyone i knew to put it on! Lol
Hi Blossom I’m so pleased you are doing so well x
Hi Sam Kids just have a way of getting to you. My 6 year old daughter said that she didn’t want me to have a boys hair cut before I lost my hair, but once I explained things and my hair came out she really wasn’t bothered at all. Your hat sounds fab. I’ve loved playing with hats.
Hi Lollypops, hope your mum is still feeling well x
Hi Elaine, i guess after 2 years you have finished all treatments, hope you are keeping well x
Hi Stef, Kay, Marmalade, Kev and everyone else. Hope you’re all having a nice weekend.
Hi everyone, weekend is ok so far ta Chelle. Suzi's wigs in Lakeside is where Di got hers, when she first put it on it was ok but got fed up with it in the wind so she wore bandanas from the bandana shop on line then she got fed up with them too and finally went bald, well she looked lovely and in the end I forgot what she looked like with hair. Hi to all the new people here, keep strong and positive. Glad to see you all claiming your DLA, keep passing the word. Thats it for now and don't forget to have some "me" time and don't feel bad about reading other peoples profiles and then feeling bad about yourself for moaning because you must look after yourself. All the best Kev xx
The best place I found to buy a wig is a company called Trendco. They have a shop in west London. They also have an online catalogue. As my hair was so long my breast care nurse arranged for the NHS to pay partly for a wig from this company. They have an online catalogue but it is best to go in and try the wigs on.
Also if you are able to try the cold cap it is worth it as I kept my hair with it. With a little bit of clever styling noone knew I was having chemo.....I have never had to use my wig but am keeping it as a lucky charm!
Sam, what a shame your little niece got so upset. My grandaughter was upset yesterday. Her Mum had told her that my hair was coming in again and she thought she was going to see me with a full head of hair when they came round for Sunday Lunch. So she was suprised that I still had my wig on. I had to explain to her that I looked a bit like a gooseberry and that it would be a while before I could take the wig off. She just burst into tears and gave me big hugs.
Chelle I went to the Docs this morning about my fingers and toes. I've lost a lot of feeling from my fingertips and am not confident at lifting things.
Guess what she wanted? MORE BLOOD!!!
She wants to rule out anything else that it may may before putting it down to the chemo.
Have to go back on Wed for the results.
There is something they can give you but it takes a few days to kick in and the chances are that it may wear off itself. So it looks as if it is a wating game again.
Is it only your fingers and toes, or is it the whole hand/foot, or just the soles of your feet and palms of your hands? Are they sore to touch or have you got broken skin? I know sore hands and feet are a side effect of chemo but i'm unsure about losing sensation in them. I wish i had an answer for you. Didn't Blossom have sore hands and feet, maybe she'll come along later and you can compare symptoms.Try not to worry i'm sure it'll pass. Let us know how you get on Wednesday. It's typical though isn't it...you get a week off from hospitals, doctors and giving blood when this happens!!
Hi Jean If it helps, the middle three fingers of my hands are still a bit numb at the pads. I really do think it's just another bloody side effect, just one that takes a bit of time to wear off.
I really think we should be warned about ALL of the possible side effects, not just the more common ones. It would at least stop us thinking that something more sinister is going on. For those of you with sore feet and/or hands, I have only three words - moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. It really does help.
Hope the rest of you are as well as possible. I'm irritated as hell right now. No nagging ladies, because I'm seriously not in the mood, but I've finally decided that I absolutely must stop the few cigarettes a day I'd got down to post diagnosis. I was smoking 25 to 30 a day, but for the last 2 years I've been on about 8 a day. However, I can't have my reconstruction until I've stopped all together, and I decided this weekend that now is the time! My poor husband....
Hi Kay, if it's any consolation I smoke my head off. I gave up for two years with the patches programme at the doctors but as soon as I got told I had cancer I reached for a fag, how daft is that!!! I spoke to the nurse about it and she told me to start the programme again when my treatment is over with a clear head. Good luck, I know it is hard xxx
I haven't smoked for about 10 years but i remember how difficult it was giving up (especially after a few beers/wines!!), and i only ever smoked a few a day, every now and then. Even now when i smell smoke i sometimes think mmmm!!
Good luck and big hugs for your poor hubby ha ha ha!!
Thanks for the kind words re smoking. Husband Paul and I went out to lunch today, with wine of course, which wasn't the most intelligent thing I've ever done as post meal and drinks is always when I want a ciggie the most. I was jigging about on the bus home like a junkie late for her next fix, which I suppose is exactly what I was. However, I nipped into Boots and bought some patches, which really do seem to have taken the edge off.
Promise I won't become a bore over it though.
Chelle, I had a look at your profile pic, and I'm sure Paul would love a hug! Kay xx
