Hello ladies, hope you don't mind me gatecrashing your thread, but I've just read through it all and it's made me feel so much better, your all so nice and posative

I was diagnosed with triple negative BC in June, I am on my 5 of 8 cycles of chemo, these last four being Carpoplatin and paxataxil, there breaking down the paxataxil to every week, i have my last chemo on 6th January and although we shouldn't wish our lives away, I can't wait, after that it will be surgery and radiotherapy, I have three lymph nodes under my arm and two lymphs under breast, but on last scan the two under breast have cleared, I'd like to ask if any of you on paxataxil oy carboplatin have had fuzzy head, I can't explain it but fuzzy slight dizzy head, I'm at day 10, my other cycle I felt so much better by day 10, it's not really bad but just annoying as I can't drive while feeling like this. Again lovely to read all your posts and really hoping your all feeling well, xxx

Hey Davia

Of course not, welcome to our group that no ones want to join haha!  I was diagnosed in August so just had my 3rd course on Tuesday.  Not feeling too bad at the moment, fingers crossed it stays that way.  I have 1 more of EC then i go onto the carbo / paxo and paxo weekly.  Hope there are no major side affects of these.  How you doing on these drugs, just the dizzyness.  

I have in my lymph nodes too so will have to have all of them out, little worried about the opp but one day at a time eh.  I'm also waiting on my brca test, guess they will send a letter confirming yay or nay.

Yeah i could drive for a few days after my second one, felt like i was on drugs all week!

I managed the cold cap on Tuesday, but hair is thinning quite a bit so not sure if I'll carry on .

Hugs

xx

Hi Ladies

Happy New Year to you all.

Cant believe i'm having my 2nd Fec tomorrow, doesn't seem 3 weeks since I had my 1st hope the other 4 fly past as quickly, my consultant felt my lump on Monday and said it feels smaller after 1 round so I came out feeling positive. 

Downside is my hair has started to come out so Friday my girls are going to shave it off for me so the new hats I had for xmas will come in handy lol.Oh and Genetics team have agreed to test me for BRCA as mum had triple negative in Feb 19 so its all going on atm!

Linda xx

Hi Linda,

Happy new year to you. Great news about your lump feeling smaller, it makes it all worth while. How did you get on with your second FEC yesterday? Hopefully you are able to tollerate it. Hair loss is never nice but it is only temporary. My hair looks terrible, short, lank and thin. I used to have really thick hair past my sholders. I need to stop looking at old photos as it's not helpful.

Take care of yourself,

Sue xx

Hi Sue

Hope you're well :)

It went ok thanks apart from the bossy little nurse who wanted to know why i didnt have a picc line and when I said well I didnt wish to have 1 preceded to try and bully me into having 1 telling me chemo is bad for veins, she soon stopped when i asked her if she had heard of patient choice, then sat the whole time having it saying to myself veins dont you dare let me down with her today but i actually have a very small bruise this time up to the last time haha

Pleased to say I have no nausea again and havent taken any cyclizine at all but i do have the dex fuzzy head and the aches from the lovely filrastim injections but i'm not complaining cos i know it could be a lot worse!

I'm just getting anxious now that when i start the Docetaxel that I will be hit by every side effect going but i will have to deal with that as n when.

My hair came off thursday eve as it was just faling out on its own accord and blimey i can feel every draft going so am glad i had chemo hats ready to use lol. 1st time in my 48 years i've not had hair, i was born with a mop of black hair which i never lost mum said.

Take care

Linda xx

Hi Linda,

I'm glad you are tollarating the chemo well. I have what the hospital call superficial veins. They think they can see them but I always get butchered as I think they see me as a challenge so I sympathise with you.

Well done for shaving your hair off, I wasn't brave enough to do that and used the cold cap until the very end. I'm not sure if it was really worth it as I lost loads of hair but was never bald. 

I hope the rest of you Ladies are doing well, let me know how you are getting on. I am just playing the waiting game now, next hospital appointment on 17th and nothing else booked in. I am still stressing that I dont have an appointment with the Surgeon yet.

Love to you all,

Sue xx

Hey Ladies,

Glad to hear you are coping well after your dose.  Urgh yeah the injections.  I got used to injecting myself just struggled with the bone ache.  Taking Paracetomol and antihistamine half an hour before injecting did help.  Ah what a lovely nurse you had, not! I was given the choice on what i wanted to do an opted for a port.  if your veins are fine then continue and see how you do. 

Aww I shaved my head Friday night! I ddn't wear the cold cap when i had my first taxol / carbo as was feeling rough that morning and now i guess its caught up with me.  The past couple of days its fallen out in huge clumps so i succumbed on Friday.  its rather airy now haha!  I tried my wig on and fits ok, the fringe is too long though so have to take it back to have trimmed tomorrow and then lovely woolly hats i guess. 

I do have rash on both my hands and see rashes are a side effect of Taxol.  Do you ladies have any rashes?  I also have nose bleeds which i see is also on the list but luckily no nausea either.

 I have my look good feel better workshop on the 28th Jan, so looking forward to that esp as i have no hair and hardly any eyebrows.  Have you ladies lost your eyelashes too?  Mine are really sparse, i can barely put masraca on and end up painting my eyelids, doh!

Hugs all around

xx

Hey Rozza,

Lovely to hear from you :) And as Sue said so glad to hear you are doing well.  You were a great support for us with all our millions of questions and stopping us googling everything lol!

Taxol is going ok, apart from rashes and nose bleeds which i can handle, nothing compared to nausea on EC!

I'll get the BRCA result early Feb, annoying there is a delay.  But they've said i'll get it before my opp is due. 

Hope you are well otherwise and having a good weekend :)  Onwards and upwards eh for a fab 2020 for us!

xx

Hi Mich

Sorry to hear your hair has started to fall out, what a rotter, mine fell out loads on EC but on paxol combo it seems to be growing back very slowly, but it's nice and easy to manage, that's the posative lol I tend to wear scarf and crochet hats more than wig, there more comfy, but wig is nice for special occasions. 

I have a few eyebrow hairs left and like you my eyelashes are very sparse, I use eyeliner more than mascara, I haven't booked to go on a look good feel good course, I must do it soon. 

I get spots on my face, but no rash on hands, the spots are always red and blotchy, very attractive lol

As for the picc line, I can't wait to have mine out, its been great in that bloods and chemo are administered in it, and no needles but its restricting my hobby, I have had to give it up since having it inserted, but like you say it's upto the patient what they have, I was never really given any info on what was best, I was in picc lined up on Friday, chemo on Monday, I do see a lot a people who have cannula each time so not unusual. 

Have any of you ladies had a cold while on chemo? Everyone seems to be getting this cold that's going round and I wonder what we do if we catch one? 

Well keep well ladies, xxx

Hey Davia,

Ah thanks m'dear, as I'm towards the end of my treatment hopefullly It will start to grow again soon. Yeah i have quite a few wooly hats.  Do you have special scarves? I have loads of scarves that i can try and tie, been looking at some u tube videos. 

Yeah, my hands are itchy in the evening.  i put on e45 cream and take the antihistamine. I'll as about it in my preassesment tomorrow 

Ah yes your bell ringing, bet you cant wait to get back to that :)  Have you ladies put on weight?  I have a bit after xmas and feel rather bloated and puffy cheeks!  I feel like my pre-assessment is a weigh in lol!

Luckily no cold for me, my husband has the sniffles but has managed to keep it at bay. I guess we dose up on paracetomol and drink honey & lemon? 

Hi Ladies.

Yes i think I was an inconvience to the nurse as i didnt have a picc but my veins have been ok so far on the 2 i have had so i will carry on this way unless that changes. 

I am booked onto a look good feel better workshop in Feb,im quite looking forward to it. I have wunderbrow on standby for my brows but am hoping i dont lose those or lashes  (I can wish).

Sending best wishes to all

Linda

xx

I used you tube to get some ideas 9n scarves, mine are just plain scarves, there made from Jersey material, I found them on ebay, I fold lengthwise and pur first quarter on head then cross over at back of neck, long piece I twist to go over top of head, then I use elastic scrunchy to tie together, you may find how on you tube, I much prefer the scarves than wig to be honest, far more comfy. 

Yes I have put weight on, I think the steroids are to blame, I have such a big appetite, I can eat for England lol 

I finish my chemo in three weeks, its weired but I'm nervous, I think it's having more scans thats making me nervous, how silly

Linda I would do whatever makes you feel good, keep having cannula if you find later you need picc then it only takes, an hour to fit but you maybe OK, 

Keep well ladies xxx

I used you tube to get some ideas 9n scarves, mine are just plain scarves, there made from Jersey material, I found them on ebay, I fold lengthwise and pur first quarter on head then cross over at back of neck, long piece I twist to go over top of head, then I use elastic scrunchy to tie together, you may find how on you tube, I much prefer the scarves than wig to be honest, far more comfy. 

Yes I have put weight on, I think the steroids are to blame, I have such a big appetite, I can eat for England lol 

I finish my chemo in three weeks, its weired but I'm nervous, I think it's having more scans thats making me nervous, how silly

Linda I would do whatever makes you feel good, keep having cannula if you find later you need picc then it only takes, an hour to fit but you maybe OK, 

Keep well ladies xxx

Thats great you booked in for next month Linda. I really cant wait for mine.  I did a list of things for me to look forward to yesterday so I can keep positive.  of course no 1 is chemo finishing!

Yeah, i wouldn't worry about the nurse, at my clinic loads have cannulas.  they have those funny hair dryer things to warm your arm up and are always being used.  My veins didn't like chemo and had quite a bit of pain in my arm after 2 rounds.  I had already decided on the port so was just waiting on the procedure date which happened to be delayed.

Thanks Davia, makes sense I'll give it a go with one of my scarves.  Hubby will be impressed as he moans about my scarf collection lol!  Now for you to find your Lood good course.  Did you say you are in Kent too?

Ha ha, me too especially over Christmas.  Im trying to be good now and no snacking!

Ah i get that, every time you have a scan its the fear of what they might find. I think its natural with what we are going through.

I had better heard off I have to be up for my assessment and weigh in which is booked for 8am!

Night ladies

xx

Hi Mich / Davia

Im going to continue with my cannula for the time being, i've worked in Palliative care for 15 years and I know many patients who never opt for a picc, tbh i think the nurse was busy sorting the chaps next to me blood tx and then my nurse wasn't confident in cannulating so i think she was stressed and thats how it came out lol

Talking about scarfs i really need to buy a couple more and learn to tie them, i've managed to get a leopard print looking good on me but it seems to have a long bit hanging if that makes sense. #

I also cant stop eating ladies, i did thinkk maybe this would be y time to shrink down to a size 14, who was i kidding haha my sweet tooth has changed to savoury, didnt realise crisps were so moreish!! 

Linda x

Hi Linda

Look on Muslim scarves on Instagram or you tube, I found loads on there, and they look stunning.I bought a few from an Asian site on ebay really cheap and loads of colours, can match to outfits I love them more than the wig, and I have a lovely crochet beanie hat I got from the hospital, ladies crochet them for us, it's my all time grab and go, so comfy, 

Yes I to have an appetite, I seem to have a savoury tooth to, sweets don't do it for me lol I must have put half a stone on if not more, but they keep saying, don't loose Wight, so I'm being good and doing as I'm told, keeping the weight on LOL  some perks need to be embraced while enduring this chemo

I don't blame you sticking yo the cannula, save you a trip each week getting picc flushed, you can always opt for port or picc later if need be, but I've seen people having cannula right through, my veins are to shy and I end up having veins nutted together, that's the only reason I opted for picc, but I can't wait to get it out  

Hi Mich 

Yes I'm in Kent, just outside Sittingbourne, village called Borden. I do envy you your sea air walks, must feel so good, really bracing. We go to Whitstable now and again, but the walk along the coast path in Broadstairs is great. 

I'm going to find and book on my look good feel good course tomorrow, something to look forward to, great idea to list good stuff to look forward to Mich, you've inspired me

Off to sleep now as had my pax today, night ladies, keep well xxx

Hi Davia,hope you're feeling ok.

Thanks I'll take a look at them Instagram as i am finding I prefer to wear a scarf or cap instead of my wig, I went to the mall earlier with my daughter with my wig on, I thought i'll take a hat just in case and by the time i got there the wig was off lol just didnt feel like me,

As for an appetite i;ve been good all day am now sat with my hand dipping into the heroes tub!

Hope you're well Mich :)

Linda 

Hi Linda, 

I'm not feeling to bad at all thanks, the weekly Taxol isn't so bad, it's the combo that hits me at about day 3, I get very emotional on it for some reason, oh and yesterday my eyebrows decided to shed a load of hair, how strange, my hair on body and head is growing back slowly but now my eyebrows decide to do one, joy, just when I thought I'd hung on to a few strand, hahaha good old wonder brow does the trick though oh I booked on the feel good look good course today, February 17 is the only one I can get on as there monthly and on Mondays, my chemo is Monday, but something to look forward to unless I'm having surgery by then

Yes I get that with the wig, I feel more self conscious with a wig on than my scarves or hat, funny that but I'm always worried the wig had moved or become lop sided lol 

How are you feeling, good to get out shopping or just out isn't it? Hope your feeling as well as can be, keep well xxxx

Hi Mich 

How you doing? Have you mastered the scarf tying?

Hope your feeling well and enjoying those brisk walks along the coast, I've been out walking round a lovely country park near us, bit muddy but lovely to hear the birds and get some fresh air,

Take care xxxx

Hey ladies,

Thank you, i'm doing ok after yesterdays double cocktail.  The drunkeness furniture walking hasn't started yet and i actually went out to visit my sister today.  She helped me with ideas on putting my eyebrows on lol!  I also went out with one of the scaves i got for my birthday and managed to tie it with a rose / knot on the side.  My sister said it is very cute and trendy (she's 13 years younger than me) so must be good!

I'll probably just chill at home tomorrow and take it easy. Ah that's great you have your date now booked Davia, so cant wait for mine.  I cant wear miscara at the mo as hardly any eyelashes left so practising with eyeliner!  I also look pasty and peaky but dont want to end up looking like a clown with too much blusher or bronzer.

Did i say i'm going to Herne bay on saturday to have the fringe of my wig trimmed.  its really in my eyes and i look like one of those shaggy dogs lol!  When i initially fitted it i had hair so she said i would probably have to come back to have it cut.  So I'll see how i get on iwth it, but like you said the scarves are really comfy to wear and i like the variety of all the colours!

Aww and i did a silly thing on Tuesday this week, i missed my appointment with my oncologist, doh!  It was at canterbury and i didn't read the letter probably and thought it was at my hospital.  So very annoyed as only realised when i got to the hospital they said no shes not here today.  I've called to reschedule but they said shes quite booked up to April. Hopefully they can squeeze me in.  No my finest moment eh #chemobrain.

I'm still on a sweet tooth mission but trying to be good with smoothies but i biscuit cupboard is overflowing! I've been quite partial to crackers from xmas with butter though, a few nibbles before dinner haha!

Hope you all well ladies

xx

Hi Mich,

I'm glad you're doing better with chemo. I had my last one on 27th but still feel very week and still have chemo brain. The funny thing is I can hear myself talking rubbish but can't stop it!! My husband says 'no change there' lol.

I have a mamogram and ultrasound on 17th and get the results on 24th, I can't pretend I not bricking it!!!

Davia I also get very emotional some days, it comes from nowhere.

Linda, I didn't have a picc line either. it was never really mentioned until the chemo nurses complained saying I should have had one!!

Take care ladies, love to you all

Sue xx

Hi Mich

Hope your feeling OK today after the combo, I have my last combo on Monday then two pax, one a week, looking forward to getting my picc line removed then ill be able to get back to my bells before surgery

The scarf with rose on side sounds great, if I had known I wouldn't have bothered buying a wig, I have wirn mine a handful of times, and being winter it's so easy to pull on a Wooly hat when going out for walks. 

Hope you get an app with your oncholigist, what a disappointment, I haven't got an appointment with my oncologist, don't quite know when I will get dates for scan and surgery, I'm happy with finishing chemo but also apprehensive for the next journey

I find my taste buds are all over the place, some days I have taste, others I don't like salt then I crave salt, I don't seem to have a sweet tooth thank goodness, I have put om some weight mind lol

How many cycles have you got left Mich? Have they told you what surgery your having? I was told full clearance on lymphs in left arm but no mastectomy, I was suprised with that, I really thought they would do mastectomy, but I think it all depends on scans.

Hope you don't feel to bad on this combo, keep well 

Sending hugs xxx

Hi Sue

They say it takes time to get over chemo, let's hope your feeling a lot better soon, I know what you mean about talking rubbish, when I'm on steroids I can't stop talking lol

I think we all "bick" it when we have scans, I think we always will I really hope it goes well for you,

Hugs xxxx