Diagnosed on 22nd Dec with grade 3 triple negative breast cancer. Awaiting chemo :(

Hi Deb

I have only done the ones online for LGFB and got a couple lined up...they're not too bad, can't complain a freebie I guess. 

It will be weird won't it with no eye lashes ..I hate getting eye lash in my eye so bought some eye drops for just in case. 

You have done so well with little to no SE. I am up with same cocktail as you next Tuesday! Feeling nervous, cannot sleep!!!

C x

I've just seen this thread. I've now finished all my treatment. I was diagnosed with triple negative lobular breast cancer in Nov 2020. I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction in January of last year and then had chemo. I had 3x EC and then 12 weekly Paclitaxel. Chemo was one thing that I was dreading and which upset me the most. You build up this absolutely horrific picture in your head BUT I can honestly say it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Don't get me wrong it wasn't a walk in the park but it is very doable, but please remember no two people will have the same side effects. 

I too was absolutely dreading losing my hair and it did upset me when I did. I'd had long hair all my life. I bought a wig off amazon before I started chemo and also a couple of beanies off of e-bay. I began to lose my hair approx 2 weeks into my 1st cycle so I shaved it off to approx a grade 3 with the help of my hubby and 14 year old son. I discovered through Facebook a website called Bellas turbans. I invested in a couple which I absolutely loved wearing! https://www.bellaturbans.co.uk/

I too lost my eyebrows and eyelashes. I bought some eyebrow stencils to begin with and practised everyday even when I had some eyebrows still! I used a mixture of pencil and eyebrow powder and still do as my eyebrows have grown back lighter than before. For my eyelashes I bought some magnetic eyelashes which I found easy to use. I did read a tip about applying eyeliner to your top lid as this disguises the lack of eyelashes. Again I did this most days! My friends commented they couldn't really tell I had no eyelashes so I think the eyeliner trick did work!

Hope this helps,  do anything to make you feel more 'normal' as this really does help

Claire x

Hi Deb,

How are you doing?

that's always so good to hear a positive story isn't it. I am feeling now like I need to make a decision on this cold cap. I'm having my hair cut tomorrow anyway as its very long so don't think I would mange having long lengths like that coming out

Just want to get started now xx

Hey Key82 

they have sent through the info for FEC, I am hopefully seeing the oncologist tomorrow, as she left on Thursday she said I would be contacted on Friday with an appointment for Tuesday with the plan to start chemo on weds/thurs. I chased on Friday for the appointment but could only get hold of the breast care nurses who were fab and emailed them but only so much she could do! Feeling a bit in limbo now. I have had all the bloods done so will wait and see what tomorrow brings I guess 

How are you? 

Claire (Flower) xx

I had my last EC on Thursday, go onto weekly paclitaxel on 20th Jan for 12 weeks. I did cold cap for 3 sessions then decided I couldn't go ahead anymore as made me feel so cold on last session where my hair had thinned so much. It is doable but sometimes it feels like it's not, have to keep postive and talk about it on here helps, as nobody else understands our stresses. Hopefully you hear tomorrow , I had my hair cut shorter before cold capping but not too short, still a shock when it starts coming out I cried lots. Good luck xx

Hey Claud, 

Its all a bit overwhelming isn't it! Feeling like I am getting used to the idea a bit more now. I've told my kids too and although there were tears they too are ready for the fight with me, much easier now its out in the open. I usually work a lot ( I own my own florist and am borderline workaholic lol) and their utter surprise of having me home for 4-6 months softened the blow!  My eldest who's 13 did the online shop with me last night and has a very healthy menu planned for the week from her new cookbook, think she will be a big help in the kitchen.

I have a bag at the ready, can I ask what you've packed? or do they tell you what you need to bring? I've got a water bottle, food box, book in mine

Hope you had a lovely meal out, I too have had a few meals out over the last week (making the most of it!) 

I am scared about the scan results, more unknown I guess. Praying for positive results. Don't know if I have already said but oncologist confirmed it was in my lymph node they biopsied on the 22nd too

Im cheering you on too! Lets support each other 

Sending a hug 

Claire (Flower)

Aww bless you. I'm one of those people that rarely cries (in fact I am known for it lol) Think I have cried more in the last couple of weeks than I have in the last couple of years, generally to myself, I'm not a sharer of my feelings at all and tbh with my original diagnosis in March 2021 decided I didn't need support groups or any outside help, however I decided this time to embrace it, take the help available and I'm so glad I have. This group has helped find the support I now know I need. 

Sending you a hug and lots of positive vibes, always here if you need a chat 

Claire (Flower) 

Hey Claire

Firstly we'll done telling kids, your 13 Yr old is just so great, wanting to help with cooking! Such a silver lining them getting you at home during the treatment spell. If anything bc has taught me is that I need to put myself at the top again, as its always me at the bottom of the list, and also to slow down my pace in life generally!

My 15 Yr old boy will have to sort himself out if I am tired. He has started to kiss me goodnight again, I guess we are making real precious moments now.

Sorry about impacted lymph nodes, I cried much when I heard this as originally was told nodes clear! But you know what, it is what is it. My surgeon said, no difference to your treatment with or without, so don't fret. 

I don't know how long is your treatment day, but mine is a full day, so my bag is rather big lol

Mainly fruit, water bottle, neck pillow, lip balm, hand cream, cereal bars, mints, vicks to sniff, tissues, phone, ipad, chargers, extension cord (think they provide blankets, sandwich n ice lollies). Apparently ice mitts, socks helps prevent neuropathy, so I have cooler bag, not compulsory, ice lollies u want to suck during taxol, to prevent mouth sores.

Bring whatever u feel is comfy and keeps u at ease.

Lft night before. Shower before I go in morning, Wear elasticated waist bottoms as one hand is on canula! 

We got this Claire, you're not alone, have u got a date yet to start??

Cx

Wearing my beanie in bed, having an odd day here, but day 4 i s a dip before the injections start tomorrow .

most hair gone, ( very whispy) but not even thinking about it , as so tired and lethargic today 

just ordered a wig fringe last night, to wear with a beanie , when I feel like going out again - for a walk/ tea etc 

next cycle I have a good friend to stay for about 5 days, she’ll be on top of my drinks/ food etc 

Hi flower 

thiught I’d replied , I’m not 100% today, day 4 is a dip , before I start my injections

just had to msg my 21 year old son to bring me a hot drink ( daughter out with bf)

I have  both my kids here for this week, before they return to uni / 4 hrs away . Daughter working from home here rest of week , then she’s back to Cheshire. My oldest friend coming to stay next cycle, for about 5 days  she loves to cook etc , so that one will be easier.

not giving much thought on my hair today , it’s virtually gone, but think I put here somewhere just ordered a fringe to wear with a beanie from Godiva’s secret wigs 

just feeling a bit down today, would be easier with a partner , at least I’ll feel better by the end of the week when I’m on my own again