@DawnieD25 so sorry to hear that your treatment has been delayed. Waiting is so hard, but it's only a week away. Why don't you plan to do something nice or treat yourself every day until then - maybe a walk/new book/flowers/favourite food?
Have you tried any online Penny Brohn zoom sessions? I find they help give my day some structure - the relaxation sessions might help you.
I had my first session of EC this morning and it was much better at the hospital than I was expecting - my appt was 11.30 and I was home by 2.30. Hopefully you'll be at this stage next Thursday too.
I so sorry you are having to wait. I hope you and hubby recover quickly. Bless you both. I had my first chemo then my wig fitter tested positive so I had to wait an extra two week until my second (5 weeks in total). I was absolutely devastated. I know exactly how you feel (though not having to Contend with covid symptoms in addition like you and your husband, you poor things). I was told that the delay wouldn’t affect my treatment too much. I suppose you could look at it that you have had it prior to commencing chemo so you should have immunity so it will put your mind at rest for starting? You are better getting it now than during as chemo is based on receiving a set dose at a set time therefore it shouldn’t cause any further delays once your treatment starts? As said, try and do things that keep you positive and distracted as much as possible. You will get through it. Enjoy food etc and relaxation etc. Good luck for your treatment when it starts and I hope you and hubby get better soon. Warm hugs,
Hello ladies, I am lucky enough to have lots of friends and neighbours who have been asking how they can help me at the moment.
One of the charities recommended a website called Meal Train. You set up a page and then choose which dates you would like a meal to be provided for you. I was reluctant at first as it sounded really cheeky but a friend persuaded me. I've asked for meals on chemo days and 2 days afterwards up until my last session in June. You just send a link to your friends and they can decide when they'd like to help.
All my slots have been taken in less 4 days and all my friends think it's a great idea.
Really worth having a look - people are keen to help, so take up all the offers that come your way!!
Wow, that’s sound awesome, a meal train. I’ll have to check that out. Ive been MIA lately, I’ve just been living side effects free this past week. (Eating foods I’ve missed & probably gaining some weight) But my 2nd treatment is today and I’ll probably get 2 hours sleep again. Since my diagnosis, I haven’t been motivated to sew. I usually make quilts and clothing. It’s what I do daily to de-stress or past the time. I have some much I want to sew but I don’t. I hope this goes away soon. My next in-person visit with my MO is in 3 weeks. Does anyone else get their tumour hand measured by the Doctor? He said he doesn’t usually do any other tests than that after every second treatment.
Awake early here, fed up with chemo induced menopausal night flushes. Can’t remember the last time I had a solid sleep! Anyhow the lesser of two evils as it’s blasted the lump!
glad you’ve had a side effects free week and have been eating foods you enjoy! I hope you find the motivation to sew again as it sounds like you’d really like to. It can be so hard to feel motivated with chemo side effects and mood changes. Maybe a meditation session or something might help refocus your mind. Just a suggestion. We are all different! My onco only did physical examination up until I was halfway through treatment when I had an MRI. Good luck with today’s treatment.
you did it! First treatment done! So glad to hear it was better than you were expecting. Hope you managed to get some sleep and are doing ok today.
Hi I’m new to this forum. I had my first EC chemo yesterday. Felt fine going in then a few hours later I experienced a massive hot flush. I’m 53 and menopausal but usually get them at night. Has anyone else experienced that. Also how effective has cold capping been for anyone? Thanks for any help and advice and just being there.
I had my first EC yesterday too! Felt fine until about 5 hours later and then just so tired and a bit nauseous. Got some sleep last night and feeling a bit sick and headachy now. Got lots of drugs for the nausea and going to check with hosp what I can take for headache.
I decided against cold cap - thinking of doing a charity head shave for Penny Brohn cancer charity - they have lots of free amazing online Zoom sessions which I've found really useful.
Glad to have got the first one out of the way! Sun is shining here today so going to take it slowly and maybe sit in my garden and enjoy the spring flowers and birdsong later.
@ Daydreamer6 thank you! Such a relief to get the first one out of the way! Slightly restless night but got some sleep. Going to take it easy today and enjoy the sunshine in my garden (well wrapped up with a coffee!). Xx
Pleased to hear and have made a successful start on chemo. Well done! Starting the journey is perhaps the hardest part. I hope side effects continue to be manageable.
I know what you mean about lack of motivation. I used to read a lot, but have struggled to pick up a book since starting chemo. I think it’s partly a mental fatigue. Just in the last week the milder weather has encouraged me to get out in the garden, and I have felt more motivation there to get going on cutting back, planting etc. I’m sure in time you will feel ready to pick up your sewing again.
Daydreamer6 I hope your treatment plan is clear now. You seemed to express some doubt recently about whether chemo had in fact finished. It must be difficult not knowing.
My news from yesterday is that I am all done with chemo. I had wanted to stop , and the oncologist was in total agreement, in fact saying they would have recommended I didn’t continue. They said the quality of life versus benefit balance had definitely tipped. So I feel greatly relieved, although physically so weak and tired it hardly seems real. It’s also a slightly strange feeling not knowing quite what will happen next. I’m back in the waiting room again. I have to have a heart scan before I can resume Herceptin and Pertuzumab three weekly infusions, and have to have a preliminary appointment with radiotherapy to discuss treatment to chest wall. So the waiting is a bit of respite. Unfortunately the blood transfusion didn’t have as much effect as it might have done, as the effect of chemo cancels it out, which is why I’m still so tired.
So this is saying farewell to the chemo thread, which has offered me so much support and advice since October. Good luck everyone! I pop in to the Awake thread from time to time.
Thankyou rRR, although I don’t wish it on you it is comforting to have someone in the same stage of treatment. I slept like a baby and feeling ok so far, have taken the 4 anti sickness tablets the hospital gave me. I live on an island so they tend to give everything they can think of just in case. Hope you have a good day too. One day at a time is my mantra for this chemo journey. Thanks for the recommendation for on line sessions. Xx
