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?
Susan nice to hear from you hope you are keeping well.. :-) x stef
Jo yes i had all lymph nodes removed =25 as 3 were affected i had big swelling under arm and more pain from the drain than anywhere else it just ached and was really tender - the swelling under arm and in bust (and even my nipple kept filling with fluid though not uncomfy at all then subsided as the fluids find there own way round) i found putting a pillow under your arm in bed meant i could sleep in more positions comfy hope that helps - also a week after op when saw consultant she drained bust and underarm which i didnt feel at all due to numbness in the areas and she got lots of fluids drained which was wonderful and i left very comfy and it went down loads. it did fill again within the next 24 hrs but went down then filled its just got to get used to finding its way to disperse round body without the lymph nodes to do it now. i wasnt told not to swim - and i did think about it then thought infection to scars after op and did not go, also not sure about the tattoo i would ask as it does not sound like good idea, but maybe it just me - id ask the macmillan nurse. Fingers crossed for Tuesday and i hope you hear good news x stef
Paula you look really good in your wig i am jealous, mine looks like zoe wanamaker all wild and spiky i had my 1st chemo on 27th May so hair due to leave around 15th June as 2nd chemo on 17th June - thats judging from what a lot of ladies say on here?? oh well i will be shavin head as soon as it starts coming out then it is my decision and i chose to do it. Your wig is fab was it one you got yourself or a prescription one (mines prescription but pretty good). Bet you feel really confident when you wear it :-) x stef
Stavanger i too have recently starte chemo - FEC is the one i had and i was pretty suprised how i handled side effects, they were nothing like i imagined - but i always think the worse and then when it ok i can say - cool wasnt as bad as i thought :-) I too was anxious big time before having first chemo (my 2nd due 17th June i have it every 3 wk and 8 lots to have) The funny thing when they injected the first one i think - it was red and it makes your bottom itch like crazy for just a minute - i think it is cos you have nerve endings there hahaha and top of my head felt tingly. that certainly livened the atmosphere up and made me giggle. I went to pub on way back (had fruit juice in case felt funny but was ok ) though waiting for something to happen if you know what i mean - but nothing happened, the first 2 days the steroids which i think help the effectiveness of anti sickness tablets - make you very racey inside i didnt act on the high feeling and just rested through it as had heard that if you go mad and clean house you will be more tired after steroids wear off (about day 3 or 4) and though i have been tired till about day 7 i just had 2hr naps in afternoon as had only been managing to sleep 12-5am. ooh and i was not sick just fealt nauseous on day 3 and 4 so took an anti sick tablet and ate like a horse which helped get my energy back up.
Hi everyone else i better sign off as i typed so much :-) hehe. hope you all keeping ok.
Thanks for putting my mind at ease, I have only been given exercises to start next week two weeks after the op. I had one to do whilst I am recovering, just lifting my hand up above my head then down behind my back.
Stef, I will ask about having it drained tomorrow.
Just had to post to say that I've just got back from having my last Herceptin. I'll need to go back to clinic for a check up in 6 months, but after 2 years, that's it \o/ !
Oh yes - meal out with husband (who has been just fantastic all through this) with a few (hah! lots!) drinks, then we're going up to Oban for a week this Saturday. Can't wait.
just read your post and wanted to say congraulations !! I had breast cancer 6 years ago this October and am very much alive and kicking
enjoy oban , been there quite a few years ago , very lovely place
very new to all this support group , but really appreciate every ones help, advice and sincerity
Jo
Although , it was a long time ago now ( did i mention 6 years ?? ..wow !! ) I remember the stiffness , still remember trying to do the arm wall walk and moving my body up and down the wall , thinking I was exercising , every one thought I looked so funny !! If you swim , then as soon as you/re told its ok to do so get swimming , I swam for half an hour three days a week and cannot believe how my arm recovered
dear Kay haven't spoken to you before but want to share in the congratulations! I am so thrilled for you - i think at least one new pair of shoes, if not more, is in order - after you've had that special meal tonight, of course. Well done, you and your dear hubby. sue x
