35 year old about to start chemo

Hi, yes that is true the hormones that they will give to stimulate the ovaries is estrogen so for our cancer it is not a good option.  I also opted not to freeze my eggs I've spoken to the fertility clinic as my priority is myself getting better and I don't want to further delay any more treatments.  Instead, I will have a hormone injection called decapeptyl that will lessen the damage of the ovaries during chemo, but then it is always not guaranteed that I can conceive naturally again.  I will also have EC chemo 4 to 6 sessions.  Did the cold cap work for you? I will also try it and cut my hair short to make it easier when it all falls out.  Wow radiotherapy was quick for you, what is your next step? Are you thinking of going back to work anytime soon? xx Thank you for checking in on me xx

Hi Jane34

That sounds like a good decision as you & your health comes first and i hope that the drug to limit damage & preserve your ovaries works well.

I have just had 12 weeks of Taxol (weekly) & Carboplatin (3 weekly) it was pretty tough so i then had 2 weeks break & ive had 3 cycles of EC. I would recommend asking for Akinsyio ...its a tablet for the nausea that is taken an hour before they start the infusions/syringes. i then had Metachlopramide & prochlorperazine to take home. It helps with the nausea & i could only eat biscuits, bland cakes etc for first 24 hours. My first EC was given too fast & not diluted enough & this made things worse... my white cells & neutraphils were down to 1. I ended up in hospital....with a high temperature... so they have given the last two slower & run more fluid in.... it was so much better & apart from the first 12 hours after i have coped so much better. i asked the nurses & they were happy to do this! ive ŕesearched it & learnt so much!! 

i used my own cold caps & my hair lasted for 10 weeks but is now all gone as well as eye brows & lashes. You are right to prepare & cut hair shorter & get chemo headscarves & your wig ready... ive called mine "Brenda the Bob"... everyone says i look much younger & people dont know its a wig!! i have eyebrow transfers which last a week & i got a big pack which dont cost much! 

The Look Good Feel Better make-up, hair loss & nail care... oh & chair Yoga were really helpful!

I have planned surgery for my breast cancer which has had a good response & my axilla cancer in the lymph which has decreased in size by about a third... im worried about how many lymph nodes i will have to have removed & have some aress of cancer on the chest muscle!? I will have 15 sessions of Radiotherapy in October... feels like a long journey! 

I really hope your further surgery goes well, most women ive spoken to seem to go through this & have more than one op. Fingers crossed for you & if you want any further EC tips just say! 

Take care 

DCS1 x

Hello I am feeling tired from radiotherapy they said that will last for a month after and also the menopause effects of zolodex, tamoxifen with mood, hot sweats, sleeplessness  etc.  I physically and mentally don’t feel ready yet as I work twelve hour shifts with Pts some of whom have cancer.  I am aiming for September back to work. I need to get my strength back.   I would recommend the cold cap it feels awful (take a strong painkiller) but you keep your hair.   your hair will thin out so you want to have scarves, thick hair bands and possibly a wig ready.  I found the fake hair scrunchies fiver from ebay handy for making a bun.  You want to leave your hair long enough so you can put it up.  I would recommend the hair cancer charity give them a call they will talk you through it and about what to expect and what products to use.  I would recommend aveeno shampoo and skin cream.  You can use your usual products to start with as it takes three weeks for your hair to start falling out which is upsetting.  I am so glad I had the cold cap and also as I did three FECS instead of six I lost less.  My pony tail is half the thickness it was.  I am glad you are having the injection to help preserve your eggs.  Sanex SLS free shower gel, SLS free toothpaste kingfisher, simple face products, non bio detergent etc  I would recommend  also to hold frozen grapes in your cheek when you’re having the chemo to prevent mouth ulcers.  The chemo as it’s every three weeks and I’m guessing it will be the same for you in the third week you feel like your old self.  Hope every thing goes well on Monday x x they put diflam mouth rinse, ducolax capsules and oiliutm shower cream on rpt prescription for me during chemo I had omperzole anyway to prevent heartburn. 

https://lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/support/women/ And https://www.cancerhaircare.co.uk/ 

hello DCS1, thank you so much for these it's very helpful! I like the idea of the eyebrow transfers! I will have a look at the Look Good feel better website :) I am not yet sure if my 2nd surgery comes first or the chemo, will know more about it on Monday.  I've been diagnosed February and my treatments just seems so delayed and slow, but I'm just thinking that it has given me time to prepare mentally and emotionally.  I have a 4yo about to start school next month and I'm worried that I would be too poorly to keep up with things.  I'm just grateful that my husband is very supportive as I don't have family here they all live abroad, I moved here in the UK 11 years ago.  I also want to go back to work but I know I need to put myself first and get better.  I'm so glad the chemo has shrunk your cancer, radiotherapy will be over before you know it.  Thank you for the well wishes and pls keep in touch xxx 

Hi cinnamon! thank you so much for these tips, I have brought the scrunchies like you suggested and also aveeno and simple products :) I used to have long thick hair but since I was diagnosed, it started to fall off and thinned so I went to the hairdressers and cut it short but can put up in a little ponytail, helped with the shedding.  I also work 12 hours shift and I know I have a long way to go before going back, my son will start school next month and would keep me busy at least.  It's hard at the minute because all my family lives abroad, they can't visit at the moment due to COVID. I moved in the UK 11 years ago, so it's just my husband and my wonderful friends and in laws.  Yes the EC will be every 3 weeks, I will ask about the medications that you suggested this is very helpful thank you so much xxxx

Hello I hope everything goes well for your next stage.  Hope it went OK yesterday? X x hope your next operation goes well and it isn't another long wait for you 

Hello Cinnamon, the MRI showed further disease so might need a mastectomy :( Will start chemo on Monday 4 to 6 sessions of EC then surgery.  I have to do bloods tomorrow and then a visit to the fertility clinic.  How are you feeling now? thanks for checking in on me xxx

Hi Jane34

Sorry to hear that news but the EC will get going quickly which is positive. Ive had this so any queries please contact me if i can help. I needed them to give it slowly & well diluted with IV fluids which really helped on the 2nd & subsequent cycles. 

Thinking about you & hope that you are ok. 

DCS1

Hello I hope your chemo goes well if you have any queries or need any tips about it just ask.  It isn’t nice but you will get through it x x I’m just tired and menopausal but feeling better thanks.  Bring frozen grapes to hold in your cheeks as the chemo is being injected to prevent ulcers x x