***April 2019 Breast Cancer Chemo Chat***

To everyone who is going through chemo I just wanted to say 

You got this, you are all strong beautiful ladies.

I am still reading the Chemo thread 1 year after finishing my Chemo just to see if there is any thing I can add to make your chemo journey a bit easier.

Looks like you are all managing well.

Well done 

Hi all, 

I've been switched to paclitaxel since oncologist suspected docetaxel caused my high temperatures and latest hospital stay.

So had 1st paclitaxel yesterday and so far so good I'm a little tired but feeling good.

Does anyone know if side effects kick in after a couple of days? or if I'm just OK because it's the first one?

Just surprised I'm feeling so well after continuely feeling quite bad in earlier cycles.

So far have have 3 EC cycles, 1 Docetaxel cycle. Then given extra week to recover after hospital stay. So yesterday's paclitaxel was the first chemo in 4 weeks. 

Hi Haysie

Speak to the chemo nurses, my own opinion is it’s worth a try. They are the best ppl to advise you. 

Yes I am in the Northwest

• Hugs Tina x x

I'm on my way to the hospital in about half an hour to have (hopefully) chemo #6, my last one! Cycle 5 has been really tough for many reasons but feel like its taken me much longer to bounce back to normal than the other 4 cycles. Some of that is probably the cumulative effect and some probably the addition of Zometa. But I'm so looking forward to finishing chemo and can't quite believe I have managed to get through it. For anybody starting out or in the middle of treatment, just take one day at a time, keep putting one foot in front of the other and do whatever you need to do to get through each day.

Pia

x

Hi

Congratulations on your last chemo. I had my final chemo yesterday...whoop. although I am not counting it as done until I feel better. It's had its ups and downs, docetexal was the worst for me, EC has been better although it has well and truly knackered my veins. Feeling so tired. Used to be bouncing back by middle of week 2 now it's week 3 and even then not quite right.

Good luck to those of you starting or on the chemo train. You can do it.

, what is next for you? I have 19 rounds of radiotherapy ahead and then I suppose back to work which will be very odd indeed. I can't afford to go back part time so may just use my accumulated annual leave to work a 4 day week or something!

xxx

Thanks  I'm loving an afternoon nap most days now!!

I'm getting ready for round 2 on Tuesday and feeling much brighter at the mo. Having my next treatment tweaked as I ended up in hospital and had so many side effects. Just hoping the next one is a bit easier to get through now I know what to expect. 

On a positive note I've hardly lost any hair, so far the cold cap was worth doing :-) 

Hope you've been able to enjoy this lovely weather today x 

Well no. 2 done yesterday...25% of way through it.. 50% with the EC. 

Felt a bit nauseous this morning so was awake at 1, and not slept since.

Trying to stay awake now so I get some sleep tonight! 

HI Claire

Coca Cola is really helpful for nausea. It has to be the original.  (Look it up on line, it has the same stuff in it as drugs for nausea). I sipped it when nauseous and also used it to help with sea sickness on holiday!  Fresh ginger is also really good. You can buy stem ginger in packets and chew it, I have also made myself ginger cordial from fresh ginger. I have drunk that when I do not fancy tea, coffee or any normal drink and have metallic taste in mouth. 

I have second EC on Wednesday.  Had cold cap for first one, but hair seems a bit 'loose' today when I washed it, so not sure it is going to hold!

Linda

Hi

I'm new to the group.  My second time of having breast cancer - 1st time was 15 years ago, big shock that it came back.  Had op 2 weeks ago, cancer was all in the axillia/armpit and has spread to lymph nodes.   Now waiting for chemo treatment plan.  Not sure when it will start.

I've just read all your posts and am a bit worried/scared.

Last time I had chemo - 15 years ago - I had it every 3 weeks on a Thursday evening.  Was sick for 4 days, but then back at work on the Tuesdays.  So I coped with not much time off work, just a Fri and a Mon every 3rd week.  Reading all your posts - you all seem so tired, so often.   I was not expecting this, so am now unsure how I will feel.  

Also, am confused by all the different drugs you mention.  15 years ago I wasnt told what I was given.  So much has changed.

I thought I could handle this,  now I'm not so sure.

Really hope you do not feel put off by the posts.  I am at very early stages, only had one Chemo, I get tired but not to the point I cannot function.  Reading the posts it is very clear to me that the chemo affects everyone very differently.  I am sure you will be able to do what you need to do, just take care of yourself along the way.  I get the impression that everything is much better targeted and better balanced now so if you were good last time, cannot possibly see why it should be so different this time.  Whatever the outcome and side effects just remember this is something you really need right now, and you will get through it. Take care and think positively, do not change your view that you can handle this, of course you can and you will.

Linda