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 Wont do do a long post but not in the mood for tryping as I am buzzing like jean on steroids and hava few wines. Cheryle big decision but i would do everything i can to get rid of the cancer even if it means chemo.
Hi Kay - so pleased to hear that there is a harmless reason for the rash. Hope you had a good night. Jean and Lorraine - have you come down from the ceiling yet?!
Cheryl - I would say that everyone's advice here would be to do all that is possible to get rid of this! It's wonderful that chemo, radio and pills have been discovered to help us on our journey to discovery - make the most of all that's gong!
Hi Cheryl, Jean is right that I’m Her2 + and had no spread to my lymph nodes. My oncologist didn’t really give me much choice with my treatment plan, as she felt I needed everything thrown at my cancer because I’m hormone positive, Her2 positive, grade 3 (aggresive) and I was 39 years old at the time so I have plenty of years ahead for the cancer to return apparently! So far I’ve had a Lumpectomy (tumour removed) and chemo (to mop up any stray cells that may have gone undetected). I’m about to start Radiotherapy, Herceptin (for the Her2) and Zoledex injections for a short while before they remove my ovaries and start Arimidex (instead of Tamoxifen because by then I’ll be in a definite menopause) to stop the hormones. As you say no one can tell you what to do, but personally I’d take everything on offer to keep the odds of recurrence reduced. As Wendy said there are some great treatments around that can really improve our battle. And as Kay said us women that are Her2 + do have a higher risk of recurrence without Herceptin! Chemo is tough but I’d choose it every time. Good luck with whatever decision you make and I’m here if you need a chat or have any questions that I may be able to help you with x
Jean and Lorraine I hope you managed to get some ZZZZZ’s!! x
Kay woo-hoo, you must feel sooo relieved. And congraulations with going to become a Granny again…double hoorah :-D x
Bevelle you’re so right that us women are fighters and we must stay strong. How are you finding Herceptin? I’m starting it in October after I’ve finished Radiotherapy. Are you Hormone + too? Glad to hear you sound strong and you’re ticking off the treatments which is the greatest feeling :-) x
You mentioned before a medicine you had had for the mouth ulcers. I noted the name down but have now lost it. Can you please tell me again what the name is?
Hi Lailla, I think Jean takes the same as me, Glycerin Thymol mouthwash and Difflan spray and mouthwash. As I have had no reply from the Macmillan website I am going to stick the FAQ site next to my name and then if people want to add to it they can, saving having to jot things down and re ask questions. Hopefully it should be up and running by the end of the weekend.
Vicky had her 4th taxotere today and all went well although I suspect she'll be feeling grotty for most of the weekend. Saw her onc for the review yesterday and he was satisfied that the tumor was smaller and less well defined, so onwards to the 5th session on the 18th hopefully. Typically, the chap from the union that I've been trying to get hold of called my office yesterday afternoon while I was in the appointment with Vicky and now I can't get hold of him. Oh well, I'll keep trying ;)
Eventually stopped bouncing off the walls and ceiling around 1.30. this morning. Steroids should now be through my body and sleep will be normal from now on....YIPPEE!! Only 2 more anti sickness pills to take and then I will be pill free! Just got to get rid of the metal mouth now and life should be relatively normal.
Had my CT scan today and my tattoos ready for radiotherapy which starts on September 15th for 3 weeks. I finish the radiotherapy on October 5th. Got my first prescription for Arimidex today. Don't start taking them until 21st Sep.
Chelle are you feeling any better now after your last chemo?
Laila the mouthwash that really helped my ulcers was Chlorhexidene Digluconate. I also used Difflam.
hi ladies and newbies just a quick post, i had my second fec today and spoke to my oncologist who gave me that mouthwash you recommended and also that aqueous cream for my skin so i'm well prepared this time, thanks for your advice.
anyway i expect to be zonked out in bed sun and mon and tue if last time was anything to go by so i wll post when back in the land of the living.
once again stay positive and well done to everyone who had treatment this week and caley hope you are well and excercising.
