**APRIL & MAY 2021 BREAST CANCER CHEMO**

Hi Mum,

It seemed like more than 90-95% of my hair had come out. One day I just though sod it and shaved it all off myself. 

I’ve not gone out bald, it’s too cold for one thing!, but a few people have said I suit it (which is fortunate).

 I did think about infection so was careful. I didn’t think about ingrown hairs. It would have been wiser for me to ask my partner to do it but I just took a notion!

It’s been weeks since I done it and I’ve had no problems. Not itchy, nothing. I just put moisturiser on it. 

Some very, very short hairs are starting to come back. 

I would be aware of potential issues that others have mentioned as I can only say what it has been like for me. Embracing the bald!

Bluebell xx

Hi Croissant,

So glad to hear that you’ve come to the end of your treatment, or that stage of your treatment. Must be a great feeling.

I’m half way through my chemo so have given myself a yellow dot. Will give myself a gold star at the end.

I agree with what you’re saying about diet. I’ve changed mine a lot as I had slipped into eating a fairly rubbish diet.

I’ve upped my fruit and veg, make sure I get enough protein and have changed to wholemeal. I understand that some people have gut issues that might make this more difficult. Whether it’s this that’s helping or I’ve just been lucky (so far) I don’t know.

I’m with you with exercise too. Although it sounds like you’re doing a lot more than me! I’ve been exhausted and managed to force myself to go for a short walk then felt so much better.

My BC nurse phoned yesterday (to start preparations for my surgery). I knew they had a chemo exercise program but some how I’d been missed out on that but she’s referred me now. I’ve been walking and doing yoga anyway so don’t feel to deprived!

All the best for your recovery.

Bluebell xx

Oh! Blow! I had the same mild side effects from EC and after three more cycles I switch too. I was hoping it would be roughly the same for the next 7. I know we are all different but shall enjoy food while I can - though when you say food tastes horrid on the new regime, are you also nauseous? Can you contemplate spicy?

I underestimated balance and fell badly outside on day 1 of first chemo so had 'enforced' 10 day virtual bed rest with completely chemo unrelated shoulder and neck and ankle damage and spasms. Everything has felt relatively good since that! I have tried to walk a bit even on tiredest days on the use it or lose it theme, and made myself dance to cheesy music at former wine o'clock - Earth Wind and Fire anyone?.  Okay, lie, also have a little wine at wine o'clock (not related to any fall ha ha). 

I have an oncologist who draws me charts but doesn't make eye contact which is okay. Outside hospital sessions I've found small beautiful things to be very very important for morale. A great soap I didn't open, a slightly glamorous chemo hat, one or two indulgent creams and potions in pink boxes sent by friends, magazines, a bamboo soft t-shirt, special socks, flowers and green plants, long, long showers, being a passenger on drives, using an untouched sketch pad to attempt some drawing and sleeping whenever I want without any guilt. AT ALL. Though I'm hoping energy levels pick up and I can weave in a bit of work from home which I haven't been able to do yet and need for practical reasons.

My hair's falling out and I look well-wrong but I'm not particularly bothered. I'm trying hard to focus on things I can manage. I know I've been lucky so far and feel so sorry for people struggling with more side effects, but being kind to yourself while this temporary - if bloody long - journey gets done is something that helps us all. Courage and hugs XXX

Hi Janine,

Great to hear you are already seeing some regrowth:-)

Lynne

Hi Gwennie

it doesn’t sound woosy, this is how you feel and you are being honest. You haven’t had it easy and so no wonder you want to mull it over.  The not knowing what is next is awful too and how we will react to a different Chemo.  It may be you will not have such bad SE’s with the P.   

I hope you are ok too  and are feeling a bit better.

We are all stronger than we think and we can do this.  So pleased you are at the end of your treatment  and looking forward to this.

Hi Denise

I wish we could all meet up too.  I am in Cheshire and have found the services to be good but often wonder how different it was pre the Pandemic.  Only met Oncologist once at The Christie in Manchester, a telephone appointment after first Chemo with Oncologist’s Consultant and then a face to face appointment scheduled for end of May at local Christie Outreach unit.  I don’t know if this is the norm or whether there should be more scheduled in.

Hope you are having a good day x

Hi BelleStar I had relatively mild SE which I found did last a bit longer with each cycle and also bad nausea with EC but not so far after my 1st Docetaxel which is a definite improvement for me. My taste buds have gone too, salad tastes like cardboard but so far most fruit and veg tastes ok, not always exactly as before but ok. Stronger flavours work better for me so spicy, garlic and salty foods taste good. Pineapple and ginger are great so stir fried and curried foods are all still on menu. I’m not craving junk food on Docetaxel which is a relief though I am having to look after my mouth carefully by brushing after eating anything and using Caphosyl mouthwash given to me from the BCN team to stop ulcers and burning which seems to be working. 
I too take delight in looking for any positive and love any little special things too, my hot water bottle, fresh flowers on the windowsill and going for a walk with my daughter, seeing my grandkids on FaceTime and having no guilt whatsoever about having a long lie. 
I feel very lucky to have good support from friends and family (mainly virtually) and just keep focussing on a day at a time...at the start it felt like a forever journey but by not looking past the next day/step I feel I’m coping better. When it all gets too much I use EMDR audios for pain relief and healing or Michael Sealey on YouTube for sleep hypnosis which keeps my body calm. 

denise x

Thanks 

I had a good chat with my chemo nurse this morning when I had my bloods done and that’s really helped. My blood count was only fractionally too low last week so they were hopeful I’ll be able to go ahead on Thur, then it will be a case of 2EC down and only one to go before I change.

Hoping to speak to the BCN from the other hospital later and see about getting an appt with the oncologist. 

Fingers crossed for good news tomorrow and hope everyone having treatment this week copes ok.

Ruby xx

Hi Lara, I haven’t yet had surgery but I too wasn’t offered a CT as biopsy and MRI has shown no spread to lympth nodes (which is good) so they said there is no need for one. They also said even if it was in 2 nodes they wouldn’t scan me as wouldn’t be concerned of spread so I suppose that’s a positive. 

I have an MRI next week after my second EC to check for shrinkage but then no more scans scheduled as far as I’m aware. 

Had bloods this morning and was told I’d hear by now if any issues so looks like I’m good to go for tomorrow thank god! 

I’m in Salford, currently at Bolton but will be having my second cycle at Christie’s in 6 weeks (can’t remember who else said they were here) 

Looking like a lovely week weather wise up north, of which I’ll most likely be in bed after tomorrow, but hope everyone who can is enjoying some fresh air xx 

Great news on getting to your final chemo  that must be a fantastic feeling! 
I do think eating well helps and is something we can control when there’s not much else we can! My diets roughly the same as yours except I was told to avoid Greek yoghurt as it is ‘live’ often, Skyr wasn’t and has extra protein too, not sure if they said that due to my IBS or it’s just my teams opinion? 
Wishing you minimal SE on this last cycle. 
denise x