**JUNE JULY AUG 2021 BREAST CANCER CHEMO**

It is so good to hear so many of you positive about the changes now that your treatment is finished or close to the end.  

Ruby go loud to your gig.  If you are going to be seen make it bright and bold!  

Lynne my hair is thicker than it was before I started treatment even though it is still very short, although I think it is a lot more grey

Denise is right it takes time and don’t put the bar too high. I only got Back on a bicycle yesterday some two and a half months after chemo, although I have been walking a lot.  You think your fitness levels are back and then you need a nap!  

Enjoy having a lazy summer this year and plan for the autumn and winter, and next year!

Gwennie

Great news ruby back to a bit of normality. It’s true what your saying Lynne in your head treatment is done so you should feel better but your body has taken a battering and it takes time to heal I’m 8wks post chemo and still recovering legs are getting better hair has started growing back salt and pepper look LOL. Eyebrows and eyelashes no sign of a single hair. Bellestar fortunately didn’t suffer from mouth ulcers but did have a dry mouth bought those melts that Denise advised on they were a godsend no tongue sticking to the roof of your mouth in the morning.

good luck 

anne Xx

Just to say I have an unopened tube of biotène moisturising gel, an almost full pack of salivix dry mouth pastilles and a full blister pack of xylimelts if anyone would like them? I’m happy to just pop them in the post for anyone struggling with dry mouth issues?

Ruby xx

Hi, how is everyone doing?? I’m starting the dreaded docetaxel in a few days time, any advice and tips greatly appreciated 

x

Hi Pumpkinpie, for me the Docetaxel was much better than the EC. Much less nausea being the key one. Less meds to remember to take. Sleepless around steroids but slow improvement over the recovery time. Aches and pains quickly sorted with paracetamol and hot water bottles. More fatigue I think but all doable. Don't worry. Good luck.

Oh that’s good to hear Iblodwin, it’s the fatigue that’s been the worst for me with EC so I really hope that’s not any worse!

x

I try to walk every day no matter how weary. ( Don't always make it). It makes a huge positive difference to how I feel and my level of fatigue. Sounds weird when you are tired already but the gentle exercise really helps on the fatigue front and generally makes me feel better too.

I feel similar to Iblodwin as little or no nausea was great and felt more like myself mentally. Physically I did feel fatigued but it is cumulative with any chemo. Gentle walks did help me too, just listen to your body and do what you need to. Look after your nails and skin by moisturising daily. Taste issues can be a problem so eat whatever you feel like and don’t worry too much. Pop on for any advice we can offer with SE. We all get slightly different but can help each other through. Definitely have some paracetamol handy for aches. I also used Naproxen if I felt I needed it some days. 
It’s totally doable, you got this! 
denise x

How are you feeling iblodwin? Hoping your last side effects are minimal.

Hi Pumpkinpie. For Docetaxel just make sure you have paracetamol for pain if you need it, hot water bottles definitely help. Mouthwash and keeping your mouth clean, drink loads. Have some Imodium or loperamide handy too, my stomach really struggled. I hope it all goes well for you.

Ruby xx

Struggling with last lot of side effects. Maybe because I'm desperate for this 'phase' to be over and done with. Impatient. But I knows it will improve so hanging on. Thanks.