Starting chemo in March 2023

Hi everybody, hope you're all doing OK. First off I'm not sure how to add to this discussion without hitting the reply button, so in essence I am replying to myself.

Today I had my 3rd round of chemo, same as before, then next time it is the changeover to a different combination and will have two consecutive days of treatment. The nurse was trying to explain it to me, about giving me steroids and checking I don't have an allergic reaction etc, but I find it hard to take in all the information. I'm a bit worried that, as I've had a relatively easy time so far, the new drugs might hit me harder and I will have all of the side effects.

I had a day in Acute Oncology five days after my last chemo after reporting pain in my leg together with constipation, which amounted to a red traffic light. It was hard to locate exactly where the pain was as it seemed to move, anyway they did a doppler scan and found no evidence of a blood clot. They also did a rectal exam and gave me a suppository which got things moving, also some Movicol to take home and use next time.

I wore my wig to go out of the house but when I got to the hospital I swapped to a scarf as it is more comfortable, before changing back to the wig to come home. Just not ready for the neighbours to see me in a scarf, not that I know them very well. I'm finding the wig not that comfortable to wear for long periods as it pinches around the sides, also the fringe is swept to the side and keeps getting in the way; I would ideally like a proper fringe cut in but too scared to do it myself as you only get one chance and don't want to make it worse.

Would love to hear all your updates, keep in touch

x

Hiya welcome to the constipation club. About to have my 7thband last cycle chemo next week. I have had constipation every cycle but have learnt to take laxative right from the start. I've had bit up and down. Abcess came up in lumpectomy scar which caused issue first cycle. Otherwise first 4 cycles of ec I sailed through. Changed to docetaxel cycle 5 and that has been horrendous. First cycle ended up in hospital with neutropenic sepsis and this cycle I caught flu which floored me for ten days including my 50th birthday. Hopefully last cycle will be fine.

Good luck with the last cycle and well done,F1 petrolhead remember you are amazing and strong and very supportive to those of us following behind you on our chemotherapy journeys 

Hi F1 petrolhead, sorry you had the flu and also on your 50th birthday too. Hopefully it’s all cleared up and you are feeling better now. Maybe you can have a belated celebration. I have my fingers crossed that your next cycle will go smoothly without and problems.

I had my second op just 2 days before my birthday last year so that wasn’t a great birthday for me. I was in pain and felt like crap. It was hard to put on a brave face for my kids but I managed. Then when they disappeared to their rooms I had my tears.

Wishing you all the best for your next chemo.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Day 4 after Doxetacel n feet and hands skin is sore / dry and slightly burning. Got a cream from the doc for my feet, moisturiser etc. Anything else I can do, if someone’s had this? It’s difficult to walk or close my finger. 

Hi I would contact your emergency team and see what they advise. 

Thanks. I did so they told me to call the nurse / hospital or 111 if it gets worse. Gonna wait till tomorrow to call the former:/

Good. Glad you spoke to someone. Hope the nurse can give you some advice tomorrow 

I start my 1st Dioxetacel tomorrow after 3 rounds of FEC, can’t say I’m looking forward to it!

nickname “The Batterer “

bring it on, strip me right back to the bare bones then build me back up to a new version of me, without the unwanted cancer

i hope everyone is doing ok / as best they can

this forum is my go to place when I feel I need to stop with my inner circle of family & friends….they need a break too

we buried my father in law last Tuesday & my mother in law died in my arms this Wednesday so it’s been quite a few months since my diagnosis & not sure how much more my husband can take this month!

safe journey everyone x

Oh my god what a time you are going through. Condolences on your losses take care xx