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Hi, I've just started it, had first one Wednesday. I feel ok, a bit sick and headache, very tired. They give you sickness tablets but I still feel a bit sick. Not too bad to be honest, better than expected. Hope this helps xx

Hi, I have been having the weekly treatment for about 5 months now - just coming to the end soon hopefully. It’s easier to tolerate than other types of chemo. I usually feel tired and a bit sick for the first 2 days and then bounce back quite quickly. I have felt more tired though as the treatment has progressed. The hardest part is probably the mental side - every week for months is a lot! I get fed up of being poked and prodded. But on the whole it is not too bad. If you have any other questions let me know. Good luck :) 

Hi. Thank you  

glad your first dose went ok! Have you had a picc line? 
xx

Hi Ali23.

so good to hear from someone who has experience of this regime!

I bet you are counting down the weeks now! 
have you got any practical tips? How has your skin/ hair been?

Have you had a picc line?

thank you xx

Yes, I happily strike every cycle completed off on my calendar! 
In terms of practical tips, my cycles have been reasonably predictable so on my good days I go shopping, clean the house, prepare meals etc in readiness for my bad days when I know I will be out of action. 
I’d also say to prepare yourself for the idea the treatment schedule may not run to plan. Eg I’ve had delays for low neutrophils, coughs, colds etc. 

Try to think of something nice to look forward to  each day (and plan holidays for your break weeks if poss!)

I go for a walk every day that I can manage it. Even just a 10 minute walk makes me feel a lot better. 

My skin has been dry but nothing that’s caused any real problem. I use a good moisturiser every day on my hands (and around my nails) as they have been sore occasionally but overall fine. I get occasional nose bleeds, but again nothing that’s caused any real problem. 

Initially I did lose some hair but that stopped after a few weeks so I still have a good head of hair. The texture on the other hand is awful!!! So dry! But not helped by the fact I wash with baby shampoo at the moment. 

I have a port rather than a picc. It’s been great!

Anything else, just let me know 

That’s so helpful- thank you!

Have you avoided using any products etc? I wondered whether I would still be able to colour my hair !

have you taken breaks for a holiday?

xx

I have had a few enforced breaks, which I’ve tried to make the most of by getting out and about, but eg I chose to have 2 weeks off over Christmas. Some people bravely battle through but I took Christmas off as chemotherapy takes its toll on your family too, and felt we all needed some normal (or as normal as possible!) family time. 
I don’t use any products on my hair. I was told not to colour or heat style it, but check with your nurses as advice seems to differ.

Hi again, on the hair front, I have very long dark hair and I've been looking at water based colours as it would be very noticeable if I didn't colour my roots. I only wash my hair once a week anyway but may stretch it out to 2 weeks. You can use a dryer but on low setting so I'm told. I don't do a lot of brushing anyway as my style is a bit shaggy, messy. I have had any hair loss with first session xxx

Haven't had any hair loss

I also have dark hair and usually colour my roots every 3-4 weeks. Let me know if you have any success in finding a safe to use product please ️

I haven’t been given any ‘cosmetic’ advice re hair/ skin do’s or don’t s . I will ask at my appointment next week!

thank you