*** May BC Chemo Club 2020 ***

Hi everyone, sorry I've been a bit quiet posting recently.  Been getting my head round the coronavirus situation, and my much loved Uncle died suddenly in his sleep a few weeks ago, which was a huge shock as he had only retired this year. But some good news I had my last docetaxel today and got my PICC line out! Very gratefull to have had my full dosage,and it's a relief to get my line out. I dont really think its sunk in yet that this part if the journey is done now! For those of who who are new and I've not chatted to before I hope I can help if needed. Wishing everyone minimal side effects and shrinking lumps xxxxx

Hi Cheeboe

It's a bit quiet here too - maybe not so many are being given chemotherapy at the present time ?

Great to crawl under the 'last chemo' hurdle and get the line removed. Have a lovely if weirdly unusual weekend.

G n' J

Wow! Congrats on finishing this part and having your pic removed.

im 3/8 cycles in. EC First was the best but found out reduced due to bloods, 2nd was full but in A+E 18hrs later. 3rd reduced again and better but so tired and bad headaches. After 4th I then go on PAC 2wkly instead of 3 wkly. it feels a long way off to finishing, then I go on radiotherapy. I’m trying to keep positive but I feel exhausted all the time.
Shielding isn’t helping I know, we are a household of me, my husband, my daughter and my 3yr old grandaughter! 
Any advise to get thru the next 5 cycles xx

Kimbo56well done for getting thus far with your treatment.  I finished mine a while ago, but am here to help if I can.  It seems so far to go,  with your treatment, but believe me when I say it will be over soon and then you wonder where that time went.  If you aren't getting too many side effects, thank your lucky stars and good luck moving forward.  I've tried to get onto this site for a week now and struggled, must be everyone is using the Internet and it wasn't working well due to too many trying to use it all at once I guess.  I'm now experiencing my fingernails having white horizontal lines across them and on those lines, they are ridged and beginning to splinter badly.  I'm constantly filing them or cutting them down as they catch all the time in everything.  No strength so I find opening ring pull cans almost impossible, or using them for anything else actually, a bummer!  Still, at least my tastebuds have recovered and I can look forward to actually enjoying a meal now, when I can get the foods I love, that is!  How is everyone else doing out there?  Hope you are all keeping well and safe in isolation like me and hubby.  Yes, he's still with us thus far and doing well.  I've got my third echocardiogram tomorrow, but have to travel to another place this time, the other side of the city, for 9.00am so have been forced to book a taxi, unfortunately.  Still, safer than buses I suppose.  You all take care, all the best and stay safe.

Hi Kimbo56, best advice is to take it in small steps. And you are nearly half way through! Hopefully you wont feel too bad on the next drug as lots of the nurses reckon people usually do better on one than the other. It's not been easy but docetaxel was a lot better than EC for me. Tell your team about any side effects even if small because they can get bigger and most things can be treated.xxx

Giuliella lovely to here from you, glad you are staying safe. Hope you got your food delivery sorted with things you can eat, and your tastebuds are back now xxx

Cheeboe hi there, yes tastebuds have recovered, just a week ago they seemed to be back to normal thanks.  How have you been?  My concern is my fingernails right now, they aren't looking too good and I'm afraid to lose them before the bad bits have grown out, am just hoping.  Got a taxi for 8.00am today to go to a different hospital at the other side of the city for my three monthly echocardiogram, will wear a face mask and have to hope for the best, but it's always scarey after shielding to venture out now, must be getting agoraphobia!  You take care.  All the best everyone.

Hi Giuliella

If your nails (finger and/or toes) get wobbly you can put a piece of steri-strip on them to stop them catching on clothing/bedding etc.  Last thing you need if still having chemo is an open wound at the edge of a nail.

Uncommonly, J lost all 20 of hers within 6 months of finishing FEC-T - when they lift (usually from the base) she found a new albeit thinner new nail underneath so it sort of de-lamainates. Bonus was the new nails didn't have the chemo bands and discolouration.

Good luck with the ECG -  G n' J

Hi

I am due to start my EC chemo x 8 at the end of this month after having mastcetomy in March. I am sure I will be asking lots of questions and needing lots of support for the difficult times ahead. Reassuring to know that I can get lots of support and advice from you all.

L x

Hi Lindyloo11! Just wanted to reach out to say I think I will be joining this club. Like you Im also really concerned about the unknown journey ahead. I agree any advice would be much appreciated. 

Take care xxx

Hello,

i start my chemotherapy journey in the morning the first of 4 cycles T&C, started the steroids today,
been reading the literature 5he hospital gave me and am trying to prepare myself which I know is pretty stupid becau

how can you prepare for the unknown.

I am like many going to try and take a day at a time.

stay safe and Take Care

mimi121