January 2023 Chemo Starters

Thank you Torryn  I forget are you on the weekly dose? 

Oh no - poor you, I’m so sorry to hear it’s been such a difficult time at an already difficult time.

All I can say is that I am sure your dad would want the best for his daughter & for you to fully focus on your health & getting better, as much as you will also be worrying about him.

You will be doing the very best for him by making sure you are doing the best for yourself.

Wishing you all the very best for tomorrow

Thank you Sale Bee I know you are absolutely right ️

Yes, same as you I think.  12 x weekly Paclitaxel, Trastuzumab every 3 weeks x 18, plus a week of radiotherapy and 5 years of hormone therapy once the chemo’s done xx

Hi Laurabelle12, sorry to hear you have been wiped out. Fingers crossed it starts to get better and you start to feel like your normal self soon. 
Yes I think it’s great to be able to pass on our tidbits. I bought these 2 types of pillow cases from Amazon and have found they have helped. 

WRK 2-Pack High-Grade Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin, feels like a Silk | Frictionless. 
ZIMASILK 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin, Both Sides 19 Momme Silk, 1pc (Standard 50x75 cm, White)  
I also use a paraban free shampoo - Faith in Nature and limit to washing my hair twice a week. 
I have silk scarves as they are nice and soft and use Dreamlover wig grip hairband to help hold them in place. 
Also beanie hats with bamboo liner inside I found nice and soft and seems to help with easing the friction.

Hope this helps

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi addabitofsparkle, sorry to hear about your Dad. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling emotionally it must be difficult. I’m glad you brother is able to go with you tomorrow it’s lovely to be able to have someone with you.

Wishing you all the best for tomorrow and a speedy recovery for your Dad

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi cuffcake2000 - yes, I’m on 6 x 3 weekly Docetaxel/carboplatin & phesgo injection for her2.

Are you starting on that combo next cycle?  

I've always been very prone to mouth ulcers so expected to be affected by them but it has been pretty bad - I’m in double figures for ulcers & several bright red patches of inflammation on inside of mouth. Bonjela takes the edge off, & I was given a medicated mouthwash by the hospital. They haven’t stopped me eating or drinking, & I suspect they have hit their peak at day 8.

I am definitely going to look at icing my mouth during the next treatment. I’m looking at taking a frozen, foil lined container with an ice pack in it, to try to keep ice/lolly/frozen fruit at temperature to & in the hospital. If there’s no improvement then I’ll have done my best!

 Torryn ah I thought so, how did you cope over the first week of treatment, did you choose to cold cap? 

Hi Sale Bee, yes next cycle with be Docetaxel and the Herceptin (Trats can’t spell that one) and Pertuzumab which I think will be as an injection as I’m having them over 2 separate sessions for the first cycle incase of any reactions. EC I wasn’t really worried about, I think because allergic reactions weren’t really mentioned.  
How did you find the injection? 

The mouth ulcers are painful aren’t they? Sorry you have been suffering too. I did find the first day difficult when eating but bonjela and salt water rinse help ease it. Icing the mouth, that’s a great tip, I think I’ll try freezing grapes and give them a go.  scalp cooling cap and ice mouth brr. Might have to use my blanket too. 
Hopefully they can give you a stronger medicated mouth wash to help if needed. 
Wish you all the best for your next cycle  

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x
 

The injection was to the thigh & lasted a few mins. A bit of a sting at first but was then fine so nothing to worry too much about in the scheme of things xx