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?
Last full day in Devon today as the family is due back - just got to keep all the pets alive for another couple of hours!
Laila, I too would appreciate some more info on how to do the stroking, cos I think it may help to keep oedema at bay. I'm at risk of that because all my lymph nodes were removed. So far, my arm has only reacted once, after I decided to give the kitchen floor a good scrub, which taught me a good lesson - better to have a grimey floor than a swollen arm, and Paul saw it too which was really good. He now says he'll do the floor - result!
Paula, do you know whether you have reduced doses of chemo as you have it weekly? It seems really harsh to have to do it every week, and I just bet you're counting them off.
Caley (I really hope I've got your name right, I forgot to write it down before I posted this) welcome to Share. Diagnosis is such a shock that feeling numb and/or scared witless is totally normal. You probably wont believe this yet, but as you go through treatment it just becomes part of your routine almost, and you'll definitely feel more like yourself soon. This journey is certainly horrid, but not all the time, and it is bearable. If you have any questions that you either don't want to ask your oncologist, or have forgotten to ask, then try here, because someone will almost certainly know the answer. Good luck.
Well, even though it's tipping it down here, we're off to have lunch and get a bit of last minute shopping before the family get back, so I'll sign off now. Love to all.
Hi Kay, so glad you managed to keep the animals alive, I was cracked up reading your posts, I had visions of you running around the garden rounding the animals up every night. I do know ladies who have the same chemo as me every three weeks although this is three times the time and strength. I had my second lot of this last Wed and the only side effect I had was the very sore nails, so all in all compared to AC it seems a walk in the park, lets hope it keeps up as I would then have to go on the three week regime. xxx
Hi everyone, I thought you may be interested in a patient survey breast cancer care are doing, here are the details:
Would you like to take part in an international survey on patient perspective of breast cancer care?
Breast Cancer Care would like to ask for your help in a research project assessing care of breast cancer patients and outcomes in a range of countries worldwide. The study will look at a number of aspects of support and care based on published data, interviews with doctors who treat breast cancer patients, and input from patients. We are looking for people to take part in the study which will consist of filling out a survey about the care you have received.
If you would like to register your interest in taking part in this opportunity, please contact Vicky Lane, User Involvement Manager on 020 7960 3447 or vicky.lane@breastcancercare.org.uk
I sent an e mail & got the survey the next day, it didn't take long to fill in. all the best to everyone
Kay bet your glad your nearly finished looking after the animals You have given me a laugh. Infact some of the posts have had me in stitches so thanks for that its alway great to have a laught.
Caley Sorry again your here but as you probably already no after reading some of the posts we're all mad as hatters.
Paula and I are on the same chemo Taxol weekly. After Thursday I will had done 9 out of 20 so 11 to go Should finish around the 22nd of October and Paula a few weeks before. Cant wait to stop traveling to the doctors and hospital once a week.
Raining again here so fed up looking out at grey weather. Still will try hanging out the washing in the hope that it might dry between showers.
Having another lazy day ( I am good at that now ) Think i will get some fish and chips for dinner as I cant be bothered cooking. My youngest boy has been in Campbell Town and will be back tonight. Its amazing how little washing I have had to do while hes been away.
Still sitting in my dressing gown so must go get showered and dressed. Not feeling to sick this time Saturday was my bad day. Fingers crossed I can manage all 20 blasts of chemo..
Hi all just saying hello, I'v been reading your posts and again youv'e had me laughing and making people look at me funny, oh well. I have been working on my own this week as my collegue has gone on holiday, can't complain as she covered for me being away for six months, so I suppose she is entitled to a break. But boy am I knackered and can't wait till this week is over. Even though I'm not having chemo anymore , I still feel very tired, some of it is the heat and some the fact that my body hasn't fully recovered from the chemo. seeing my oncologist next week see if she can give me a pick me up. best of luck to all who are having chemo this week. sue
Hi, been to hospital today, i have my mastectomy on 20th august, hoping lymph nodes are clear but either way i will have chemo due to my age. I will also have rad and then have pills for 5yrs, 'menopause here i come'. Its sods law you decide to grow your hair someone tells you your going togo bold, hope my head is a good shape, lol. Me and my son have read through so many comments on here thats its given us such hope, parts are funny and some sad, made me see i'm not alone. My thoughts are with everyone living with cancer, and with help that this sight gives we can hopefuly still laugh along the way xxxx
Hi everyone xx hope you have a great night out tonight, Jean and Paula! How amazing it must have to be at the Simply Red gig!! Lorraine, bring on the fish and chips! The breast nurse told me today to eat lots of fat-making calories to boost my tummy fat - need to make 2 decent breasts and I've always tried so hard to keep fit and slim-ish (yeah, well very ish!) Still no appointment but should know very soon. Caley, so pleased you are feeling more positive - you will soon be as mad as us! Kay - what shall we do without your funny stories - have you got any more relatives or friends that need animal-sitting? Sorry you are all having such pants weather -you'll have to move East - it's been lovely here today, I'm thinking of you all - oh, Jean, multi-coloured hair is very fashionable! take care, lots of love, Wendy xxx
Hi Caley, you sound more positive today because you have answers, keep it up girl!!!! The no hair thing is easy, you get used to it, Lorraine and I are always forgetting and going out bald, I don't care any more as long as I am still fighting fit.. Going out tonight, can't decide between Monica, Jessica, old paula hairpiece or just plain bald, decisions decisions lol xxxx
sorry not posted for a while but the kids keep hogging the computer!!!!!
Caley(hope thats right) like all the maddies on here have said come on here for any answers if you read my profile you will see that I too am a newbie so if you need to know anything then please ask me or anyone on here i start my first chemo cycle this friday and im so nervous but all the ladies on here are fantastic and have told it as it is-fact. I got sick of reading those bloody leaflets as they don't tell you how it actually is-i appreciate everyone reacts differently but on here it is so light hearted and i have never laughed so much since my diagnosis on 4th june.
anyway to the other ladies hi and hope you are all in good spirits(or at least drinking good spirits) thanks for all the replies re the nails that was really helpfull i always have painted toe nails but will now paint my fingernails(what a treat).
once again you have all kept me entertained just caught up on all the weekend posts thank god for you lot.
once again sorry not mentioning names but i'm trying to keep up, i also will have to start taking notes.
Well not long to go now till my first fec chemo i'm still really nervous but i will let you all know how it all goes.
my portacath wound is now healed and i don't really know its there now another milestone completed.
anyway you all keep your chins up and keep smiling and making me smile enjoy the food,drink,chocolate and of course those who get it the SEX see you've all corrupted me now!!! come on you newbies join in it's great fun.
thanks, thanks thanks to all of you you are all marvellous and a great inspiration.
