Morning ladies advice please.

Hi

I was one of the "Lucky ones" who didn't need chemo. so I can't answer your questions - sorry.  However, there is the April chemo. chat thread which might help a bit more until some more knowledegable ladies pop on here.

Sorry to hear you are suffering so much.

Kindest wishes,

I'm not suffering. 

Just trying to get feedback.

I

Hi

You're obviously made of sterner stuff than me!

I do hope that having 'bumped' your post up some ladies who know an awful lot more than I can give you the feedback you want.

Kindest wishes,

Hi

What chemo are you having?

I started with 4 x Docetaxel, followed by 4 x FEC.

I did find Docetaxel a bit tougher than the FEC. I wasn't sick either.  If you're getting headaches from taking Oncadestron, have a word with your team, they'll probably change your medication.

I couldn't drive for about 5 or 6 days after having Docetaxel as I felt very shaky and seemed ti have a bit of trouble with my eyes.

I also lost my tastebuds which was annoying.  I think when you have your first chemo, it's the not knowing what to expect and what's normal.  I made a note of how I felt each day to see if there was a pattern.  After a couple of chemo sessions, I just seemed to get used to the side effects.

I took each one as it came and kept thinking I was one step nearer to kicking it after every session. Didn't get purple boobs so can't help you on that one.

Good luck with the rest of your treatment.

Lisa x

Hi Lisa. 

Thanks for your response. 

I think I had fec and will have 3. Then fec-t . Docetaxel is tanitere isn't it?

I'm better today but yes 5 to 6 days no driving. Sight shot etc.

The purple boobs have gone now- weird

I know I sound vague but the hospital are very quick (15 with consultant) and then bang in you go. So I didn't get to ask much before the veins starting dying and it all got a bit sticky. 

I think it's the unknown too that is scary. Plus doing it on my own. 

My mouth has gone scaly and taste buds gone. I had fish and chips for tea- home cooked.  Not good. Fish tasted weird and I was apprehensive about fish as hospital advised no fish one day then said no it's fine. 

Lesley

@lellyv

The lack of taste buds was horrible.  I like my food and found that a really hard side effect.  I can rwmember really fancying a Sunday dinner then couldn't eat it as it didn't taste right and thd texture wasn't good.  

Yes Docetaxel is the T bit of FEC-T (Taxotere).  FEC is quite harsh on the veins.  If you're having chemo first before op, try and take it in turns with your arms to save your veins a bit.

I've heard different people say they weren't supposed to eat different things but  I was never told not to eat snything.  I just ate whatever I fancied so that I was eating something.  I had quite a sweet tooth to be honest.

It must be tough doing it on your own.  Just listen to your body and if you need to rest, make sure you do.

I was given a 24 hour number to ring if I felt ill or was unsure about anything.. They were lovely.  I rang them a few times at the start of chemo because I didn't know if some of the things that were happening to me was normal or nit  They often put my mind at rest. It is scarey.

I used Corsydll Daily Mouthwash too and was lucky, didn't get many mouth ulcers.  If you have any questions, just ask.

Lisa x

It's not much fun but you can do it. I was told to eat the same as if I was pregnant. All my favourite foods tasted awful and slimy in texture but that does go. Mouthwash is important as it helps prevent ulcers and thrush 

Thank you for iffeting to answer quesyions. It really helps. 

I've asked for a picc line to be put in as they can t use my left arm due to the tumour   and my right arm isn't good for veins, plus I'm right handed. Seemed yo make sense. Although I. Not looking forward to Gabi g it done. 

I've heard that taxotere is harsher than fec. But if it's not here's hoping I hope. 

Thank again for your support, it really is appreciated. 

Sorry loads of typos. 

Eyes blurry and a very small screen!!!

hi

how far away do your daughters live? the effects of chemo are cumulative so you will get more tired and have gradually more side effects and less able to crawl around cooking for yourself. 

I lived on toast for several days despite my best efforts and toast won't sustain you, you need a good variety of foods to top up your vitamins and minerals, my blood tests showed everything slowly ebbing away to almost nothing. 

In the end my potassium was so low I was struggling to pick things up, it affects close motor control, making doing up buttons tricky, or peeling fruit and veg etc

can you get a cheap pair of reading glasses to help you see ?

Talk to your GP about perhaps getting a district nurse round to help out a bit ???

hugs

Carolyn

xxxxxx