**APRIL & MAY 2021 BREAST CANCER CHEMO**

Thanks all for your replies. Having  a little cry and a rest in bed.  If there was a swing the other way with more good days than bad it would be easier to carry on.  I will finish EC and  then have a consult booked with my Oncologist.  They have always said to me, because of my reluctance, that I could just have EC then radiotherapy if I felt that was enough.  Everyone is really supportive so I think is not through lack  of help or guidance just the overall impact on life.  On my chemo unit I have only met one woman who completed the same treatment as me, and she said it got harder, so ideally I would like to actually meet someone already on their Paclitaxel path, and will ask on the ward if they can point me to someone that I could chat to.  I understood that having both cycles only improved my long term chances by 7%, so that is key factor in my decision making. I am in awe of you all for going the distance and will wait a few more weeks to make the final decision, and listen and read about all your journeys. The last couple of days have just really got to me!

Hi all,

Just a general post to let everyone know that there is lots of amazing free online support available and I've found the following charities really useful:

Penny Brohn - for Zoom sessions including relaxation (every weekday at 2pm), very easy exercise/stretch classes, information sessions plus free access to Headspace (great meditation app). They have been so helpful that I did a charity head shave for them and have raised over £2,500:  www.justgiving.com/.../jane-roberts37

Breast Cancer Haven - offering the same as above but specifically for breast cancer

Feel good, look better - online beauty and hair workshops plus YouTube videos - really relaxed and enjoyable but you need to book workshops quite far in advance as they are popular!

Breast cancer now - lots of info plus Someone like me service so you can chat to someone who has been through a similar experience as you

Cancer hair care - lots of useful information plus online support

These sites have offered me invaluable support and information over the last 4 months and will continue to do so as I go through my treatment.

Take all the opportunities you can ladies - they are there to help us!

Take care and wishing you all the best.

Xx

Hi Steph is there any info on cold caps or anyone using them. Do they work?

YouTube have videos -search Cold Cap Club from the people who make them. Very informative with good tips. They work great for some people and not so well for others but definitely worth giving it a try. Very cold for 10-15min then feels like being outside on a cold day without a hat. 

Hi Gwenniepennie,

So sorry to hear you’re having so many problems with your EC chemo. Must be really difficult to cope with all that and keep going.

I know it sounds counterintuitive but going for even a wee walk, or other exercise, does help.  I’ve, at times, kind of forced myself to go. It’s really helped.  I understand that with everything you’re dealing with you might not be able to.

Meditation/relaxation might help too.

I’ve moved on to another regime (D and Herceptin) and it’s been much easier so far.

I was warned I might be going down the palliative route. So glad that didn’t happen and I’m getting treatment. I’ve been lucky though as I’ve been OK with SE, more or less.

Talk to people, get help. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Bluebell xx

Does anyone know if there is an issue driving after chemo? If I feel ok obviously.  Can it invalidate  my insurance for example? Does each fec cycle make you feel worse? I was fine immediately after my first cycle. Thanks

Thanks Bluebell.  I do hear you all and appreciate your kind  and encouraging words.  I just don’t think my body is not coping.  I am going to have the last EC then have  the heart to heart with the Oncologist!

Hi 

I definitely didn’t feel safe to drive for at least two weeks after my first EC. Would have been like drunk driving I think. I don’t know about insurance but I didn’t feel safe.

Ruby xx

I think you might need to check with your insurance company, not sure if chemo/steroids/anti nausea meds could impair your judgement even if you feel well? Better safe than sorry, not just your safe driving ability but also if someone bumps into you

Denise x

Hi, finally caught up and found the correct thread, saw the post regarding it seconds after my last post on there. 

Well first dose yesterday so far so good no major SE, facial flushing going down a bit as I had my last steroids at 9. Slight achiness in chest and arms but nothing major.  Injection due soon DN is coming as I am a complete whimp.

Managed to get about 4 hours sleep so that’s not too bad and tonight should be a bit better. 

Can some one advise how I tag someone in a post not sure if that’s ever knew or have just forgotten 

hope everyone else is fairing ok and managing to control the SE.

Kathryn x