**APRIL & MAY 2021 BREAST CANCER CHEMO**

It is so lovely to see all these grandchildren and all this new life. It is heartwarming and gives a real lift when you feel a bit down.  House got back from organising my mum’s funeral for mid May when there is a littlest more relaxation of the rules.  Here is Harper my beautiful 18 month old granddaughter with my kitty,  she is babbling away to him/her.  Love and speedwy recovery issues to you all.  Gwennie

Hi Denise, I had asked for feedback about the neuropathy and other possible Docetaxel side effects so thank you for sharing

I'm having  a really rough few days after my third FEC, it has completely floored me and I've been very down in the dumps too.

Made a huge efforts this afternoon to get to my Slimming World group and the girl at the scales told me I look fantastic and that lockdown has been kind to me!! I really didn't know what to say...she hasn't seen me since before Christmas (and my diagnosis) and my new smaller boobs obviously make me look slimmer!

I was wearing my baseball cap with the hair attached.

It really is true that you just don't know what someone might be going through!

Hope everyone is doing ok and enjoyed some sunshine at the weekend! The photos have been great xx 

I have IBS as well and find Colpermin helped with the wind and if you can take peppermint tea it sometimes helps. 
Denise x

Hi Diamondgirl

Lovely photo of your grandson, lots of hair! My grandson is 3 (he’s at the asking ‘why’ about everything stage). He’s new brother or sister is due on 2/11/21. Something to look forward to!

Yes, you don’t think you’ll actually want to have chemo Dclem4 but it does get it over with.

Lovely photos too Dclem Gwenniepennie 

Bluebell xx

Sorry you’re feeling down in the dumps and having a tough third cycle, I felt a bit like that on my last EC but have found Docetaxel psychologically easier for some reason.
just in case any of this applies to you LHM or anyone else, I can’t stop asking questions, part of me just needs answers! 

Weight gain-chemo dehydrates is so body holds more water, munchies with steroid tabs is a thing apparently. Cravings for sweet stuff is a thing for some people. My diet is much more controlled and healthier on Docetaxel so hoping to at least avoid gaining more. Getting to slimming world is amazing, well done! I’m back on my WW app as have my step daughters wedding in November. 

I asked about headaches and was not really given any advice except pain relief. 

Blurry eyes/changes in vision don’t get eyes tested at Optician till they return to normal post chemo. Eye drops available for dry eyes just ask. 

Fatigue gets worse as it’s cumulative, rest and adjust expectations of ourselves, we are doing a great job getting through chemo, ANY other activities are a bonus.

Avoid strenuous or heavy activities on Docetaxel if you get heart racing or palpitations or blood pounding on bending etc...I made that mistake wire brushing my plant pots last cycle and thought I was having a heart attack Hope that’s helps someone...

denise x

Love her interaction with your cat, grandkids and pets

Brilliant Denise, thank you!

My food cravings have been ridiculous, at one point I was eating 6 chunky Kitkats a day!!! Not sure if I've even had 6 chunky Kitkats in my life before this...

I lost 2 stone in the last 18months and am determined not to put it back on, hence getting back to the Slimming World scales...

I have been suffering badly from racing/pounding heart and palpitations, had it checked out and all seems good, but it makes it so hard to get any proper rest. 

So, is blurry vision something to expect? I have had a touch of that and was a bit scared...I already suffer from dry eye..

Stick with the WW, it will be worth it when you get to buy a fabulous new outfit for the wedding!

I'm looking forward to shopping for a brand new wardrobe to go with my new smaller boobs once I finish chemo

Lynne xx

Oh my goodness! I think I got a kick from the dexamethasone! I prepared meals for the next two days, did four loads of laundry (even remembered to wash my daughter’s PE kit that she wore today and needs again tomorrow!), picked up kids from school/bus, baked an amazing cake, and arranged with a builder to get the ball rolling on replacing my stair railing/newel posts/spindles/balustrade. Whew! 

But HOLY hot flashes! I was in perimenopause before I was diagnosed, and I never really had them. But wow! I’m guessing it’s the steroids! 

I am actually, for some reason, looking forward to chemo number 4 tomorrow. Still apprehensive about the docetaxel, but I think I just want to be able to tick off another session, and know that I really am over the hump of chemo! It will be a long day, as I am still using the cold cap. 

Loving the kid pics! 

Have a good night, everyone! 

Amy xx

Omg. Cravings for sweets. They’re the only thing that tastes good! 

Denise, thank you for the advice re: colpermin. I will check it out! And thank you for the advice re: not overdoing things on the docetaxel. I have had horrible swishing in my ears, and hearing my heartbeat in my head after every FEC session (days 3 and 4) and horrendous palpitations too. I will bear your words in mind! 

Lynne, my eyes are blurry too.  I feel for you! 

Amy xx

I’ve just started having blurry eyes though I do have slightly dry eyes anyway. Thank goodness for font size change on my kindle! I’ve been given artificial tears and a gel to put in at nightime as well. The gel makes my eyes blur so I put in in when I’m about to go to sleep. 
Wow, losing 2 stone is amazing! I am so ready to try and lose some weight ASAP, decent exercise is much harder with legs being achy and the  daily 10,000 steps has been unreasonable since cycle 3 of EC doubt that will change much so healthier eating a must! 
denise x