**APRIL & MAY 2021 BREAST CANCER CHEMO**

Hi 

I too had my first cycle of EC on Thursday, Friday and Saturday I felt “normal” today I have a mild touch of nausea, so have taken the additional tablets the hospital gave me and sucking hard boiled honey or ginger sweets as apparently it is best to keep it at bay rather than let it take hold. 

I am also noticing a very strong smell of my urine and think I can detect it a little on my skin too - not helping the nausea, but am spaying the bathroom before using to try and combat this. 
I too plan to keep a journal as suggested by others as I think that it will be helpful to look back on to see if there are any patterns and help learn how to deal with them. 

it must be hard for you being away from your mum - but hopefully this group will help you both feel supported xx

Thanks LHM Lynn for your response, let’s see what next couple of days bring.  All the best on your journey x

Thanks Ruby, sorry to hear you had a tough time.  Mums had constipation no nausea yet.  Trying to keep in control with that so doesn’t become a problem.  Take care x 

Hi hope your nausea eases soon.  Would hate to go home and then the side effects kick in so another couple of days and see what happens before I decide on going back.  I’m working remotely at the moment so juggling everything but main priority has to be mum.  Hope your sense of smell changes soon too as that must be terrible.  Take care and good luck with your next round x 

Hi  snell and tastebud issues are pretty normal with chemo. Some people go off certain foods/smells too. Or can only eat certain flavours, if you get a dry mouth you can get mouthwash from your team to help as that affects your tastebuds too and can cause tooth decay. Make sure you drink plenty to flush the chemo out of your body. Sometimes eventually even water tastes disgusting and fizzy flavoured water can help you to stay hydrated.  
Definitely keep the nausea at bay as it’s hard to control once you’ve got it and just makes you feel miserable trying to eat. 

Hoping SE stay  minimal for those of you who had it this week.

I’m day 12 of my last chemo and tastebuds not quite back yet. still got a slight headache, numbness easing in feet and fatigue is definitely more this round but have just enjoyed chilling in the sunshine with my book today...patiently waiting for last of SE to go...

denise x

Just in case newbies don’t know you can order a free McMillan Organiser from their website that lets you chart symptoms, appointments and fatigue etc. It’s very handy to keep track of each cycle in one place 

Hi Denise, Ruby, Lynne, daisy et al.  Just thought I would pop in and say how much more I am enjoying my life  now,  three weeks since my last treatment and now I am not living and breathing cancer and chemo but have people telling me I have got some lightness and fun back in my life! This is all going to be coming your way and I hope that you all get through this and feel the way I do after just a few weeks.  A weight has been lifted and I feel like me again now and not like some sick person.   Sunshine and laughter bestowed upon you and coming your way all! X Gwennie x 

How lovely to hear that you are doing so well! It's good to know there is light at the end of the chemo tunnel. Wishing you well and may you continue to enjoy the lightness and fun in your life along with the sunshine forecast for this week.

That's great to hear Gwennie. Enjoy the beautiful weather we are getting at the moment.

Daisy x

So lovely to hear from you Gwennie and delighted that things are improving for you. Sending lots more healing vibes your way.

Ruby xx