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?
Stavanger - Not sure if it helps, but my sister was better on her 3rd dose & managed to get through the weekend after by only being tired (by only I mean I wasn't fretting at the A&E while she had more bloods done - I'm getting over my fear of needles a bit now). She is stuffing herself full of juiced fruit & veg - you wouldn't beleive how much broccoli she can shift ! The chickens of hers I'm babysitting are doing well on all the leftover pulp.In fact she keeps disappearing off to her mates canal boat moored up about an hours drive away ! I tell you what, she wears me out worrying over her, but at least she's keeping active & even managed to do some painting (she's an excellent artist when she can be a***d to do it). You hang in there & it should get better - just one thing though she has got problems with rashes / hives so ask about this & get some anti-histamine tablets prescribed ready. Reading posts on this site helps me to kind of guess whats' happening as I don't always get much out of her.
Jewels it’s great to hear your sister is doing so well. The canal boat, painting and all that fruit and veg will do her the world of good. Hope your ok too x
Lorraine you’re doing so well, it must be all the harder going for weekly chemo and not having a break from those rotten side effects. I agree it’s the missing eyelashes and eyebrows that make us look a little strange but they grow back nice and quickly when you’ve finished. I know chemo’s open ended for you, but try and concentrate on only 4 more to go, that’s just fab :-) x
Laila what a relief you’re feeling much better. Sorry but I don’t have any advice for the diarrhoea problem. I have had that side effect but mostly had constipation!! I’m going to get help appealing for the DLA, it’s worth a shot! Do you have to pay your grant back?? At least you have your look good day to look forward too :-) x
Kay don’t feel bad about not congratulating us, you’ve got more than enough on your mind. As Wendy said we are all here for each other and all understand those anxious times. Yes I am definitely going to celebrate with a yummy meal out and much booze when the side effects are over in a couple of weeks :-D. I’m thinking of you. The very best of luck my dear x
Wendy cheers! Hope your ok x
Jean hope you’re feeling ok today after chemo yesterday. Did you manage to get any sleep last night? I’ve been feeling really unwell this time but hey ho the end is sooo close. I’ve got my pre-assessment for radiotherapy next Tuesday. I’ve also been called in to the breast care centre next Wednesday for a breast check, mammo and ultra-sound. Have you received an appointment too? Is this just a routine check? Because It’s the first I’d heard about this appointment and I was under the impression that I didn’t need to been seen until a year after my Lumpectomy!! Funny how a letter through the post can set you back when it’s probably just a regular check up!!! x
Just a quick post, Chelle, if it's any help they told me - when it was going to be a lumpectomy - that I would get called every 6 months for check-ups. Looking at your profile that sort of goes with your diagnosis, doesn't it? Take care everyone in our group, you all mean a lot to me! love, Wendy xxx
Hi Wendy, Thanks so much for that, you have reassured me...phew!! You just can't help jumping at every turn now i'm on this rollercoaster ride!! Take care Chelle x
hi chelle im bevelle just joined the site wud like a few more wonderful friends to chat with. had mastectomy may 2008 all lymphnodes out chemo on the herceptin and taamoxifen. so im right there with you.yes chemo is def a bumer to say the leeest howeverwe just hope it does the trik well all of it reeeely do write bac as and when .its good to get things of your chest.stay well and strong and us women are warriers and fighters all the way.kindest regardsbevelle
Hi I hope not to waste anyones time but I am a little confused. I had a mastectomy about 5 weeks ago the results of that were that I am HERS positive and ER negative. I was also Node negative. The specialists are positive that I am clear but I have been offered chemo and herceptin. I am now so totally confused and really dont know what to do I know no one can tell me what to do it is my decision but have other people been in this situation and have opted out or in. Many thanks for any replies that I get.
Thanks to all of you for your good wishes re the end of my chemo.
Laila, so pleased to hear you have the pain under control. You've had a tough time recently. An NO you are not being selfish at all. We're all here to help each other along the way.
Paula, did the star flower oil work? Hope James got some sleep last night.
This will be my "long night" after the steroid injection yesterday. Last Friday morning I was still awake at 4 a.m., so hope it's not the same tonight. Even if it is, I know that it will be the last time.
Chelle I had a letter on 27th Jul giving me an appt. to see my surgeon at the Breast Clinic on Sep 3rd (next Thursday)
It doesn't say why or what they are doing. I am presuming that it is just a check up. Hope this eases your mind.
Hi Cheryl and welcome to our little group. Although I'm sure you would rather not be here.
My two penny worth re the chemo and herceptin is that you should have the herceptin if you are HER+. Chelle knows more about this as she is HER+. I am pretty sure that her lymph nodes were clear too, but she has had chemo! Correct me if I am wrong, Chelle
As for the chemo, I was told that if the cancer had not spread to the lymph nodes then chemo was not necessary, but as I said Chelle had chemo!
I had it in one lymph node only and was told I must have chemo and I have just completed my treatment. Chemo and Radiotherapy are a belt and braces job after surgery.
So conflicting things here I'm afraid.
I think, perhaps you need to talk to your oncologist again and ask for more information as to your particular case.
Cheryl, do have the Herceptin at least. Women who are HER2+ have a greater chance of recurrence, and Herceptin will take the risk down to the same level as if you were HER2-. As for the chemo, do speak to your oncologist as already suggested. Up to you, but I would do as he/.she advises. Chemo is awful, but definitely can be done.
Well, I've seen my oncologist and it's probable but not certain that my rash is harmless. It is macular (not raised) which is good. I panicked because it only covered the area where my boob had been. My onc on the other hand immediately saw that what it actually covers is the area that was irradiated. That might be only a subtle difference, but probably means that that area has reacted to something that the rest of my skin isn't that bothered about. I'm to see him again in a month if the rash improves, but to go back again immediately if it doesn't improve or gets worse. So, not completely out of the woods, but PHEW!
Sleep tight everyone. Me too I hope after the last 2 nights of worry.
Love Kay xx
PS Just found out I'm going to be a Granny again!!
Hi Thank you Jean I will wait and see if Chelle reads my post am still trying to make my mind up. Once again thanks to all who reply and I am thinking of you all
