Hi ..

Really sorry you have the back pain and hope it clears up soon and they identify what's causing it . 

All the best with your treatment and you don't have too many reactions to it . 

I have had my second dose and did cope with it a bit better . I think it makes you stronger and more determined    We never look forward to the next one but it's great to say another one down  . My next is 18th which is the last BIG one and then 12 weekly ones

Good luck and big hugs from me 

xxxxx

Hey Babs,

Taxol is deff kinder on my body than the EC, having my next dose tomorrow.  Last Friday i had th combo with carboplatin and still have neruopathy pain today so little fragile but not too bad.  I have 1 more of the combined drug and 4 taxols left :)

I saw my oncologist today and tumours are responding so looking on track for treatment yay.  Then the next hurdle of the opp, but one step at a time eh.

The nose bleeds are a side effect of taxol as it dries your nose out.  Luckily just had 2 nose bleeds and only bleeds a bit when i blow my nose.  Might have something to do with not having nose hairs too haha!

Yeah good luck with your appointment next week.  How you feeling otherwise?  It was lovely here today, nice to get out and walk.

Hey SR90

How you doing today? It is all very daunting and scary but does help chatting to other lovely ladies on here going through the same.  

Yeah my first chemo was rough, quite a shock to the system.  Really felt weird and zombified, it lasted for a  few days then started to feel better.  As you are triple negative too, are you on EC drug?  They may give you injections with those to help your white blood count.

Let me know if there is anything you would like to know?  I'm still going through chemo and then will have an opp and radiotherapy.  some of the ladies we chat to have had the opp first, however they needed to shrink my tumours first, so it does vary and quite personalised.

Big hugs

xx

Hello Mich8

Thank you for thinking of me and sorry for my slow reply.

My first chemo went ok, the nurse who performed my procedure (it all had to be hand syringed into the canula/saline) was really nice, calm and patient. She explained everything as we went along.  So that was very reassuring. It knocked the stuffing out of me for about a week and then I had a couple of good days. But I caught a viral respiratory infection and had to be admitted to hospital. It was quite scary just how ill I felt and how quickly it all escalated. But the Bexley team were fabulous and had me in IV antibiotics in no time at all. It nearly jeopardised my 2nd chemo, as my bloods were only just in range. So I am now having 5 days of a tummy injections to help my white blood cell count. So with that and the antibiotics, the 2nd chemo seems to be going better. 

My scan is on Tuesday morning, so I am praying hard for a positive result, though it actually feels like its got larger and its consistency/texture changes day by day, which is really weird. 

I also did a 'sponsored hair loss' for The Little Princess Trust, so far I have raised £825 and as my hair was start to go (and it was matting a little, as I have long curly hair) my hairdresser shaved it all off. So 4 huge 22" plaits are on their way to The Little Princess Trust, to make wigs for children with cancer. It felt good to do something positive for others :) I now own a long & curly 'brown sugar' wig in 'oil slick violet' (purple n blue) which is fab. And most people seem to think I've just dyed my hair, which is quite funny :) Plus 3 of my friends are also having their haircut for The Little Princess Trust, which just fills my heart with love and pride. 
 

So, that's me all up to date, how are things in everyone else's world ? I pray you are all doing good, and are strong in health, heart and hope x x x x

Hi Babs,

I am in total awe of how you are managing this terrifying disease. You sound so resilient and strong. I truly want to be like the way  you are about stuff but I am in fact pretty much a weakling!! 

I was diagnosed in October 2019. Grade 2 Lobular breast cancer (left side) Not in lymph nodes and an Onco score of 9. Lots to be thankful for but I  don’t always see it like that in all honesty. Cancer isn’t for sissy’s is it?  

I started radiotherapy last week so now done 6 sessions and 9 to go. Did your skin get burnt and did you have to do the special  breathing to ensure the Beam didn’t touch your heart or your lungs? I am trying to keep my life ‘normal’ whilst having treatment. I am 67 and retired but I know many people need to work so they don’t get a choice about how they manage the radiotherapy. 

Sweet dreams. I of course wish you well.

Kebbs x  

Hi Kebbs 

You are not a weakling at all it is a very big life changing experience and we all go through lots of feelings about why, will I cope, what am I going to do, what will happen to me and more.. I was 32 when I had my first and just had the radiotherapy.. No it didn't burn my skin.. I bathed in water only and used simple soap lightly as I was told and didn't have any burns.. My second cancer was at 42 and had both radiotherapy and chemo and used the same again.. No signs of any burns.. They didn't do any special breathing patterns only breathing in and holding your breath when the light went on and the buzzing started.. I was OK with that one.. It was my first I had problems due to how it was done all those years ago in 1988.. The technology and equipment is so much more advanced now....

This is my third cancer at 63 and I don't have to have radiotherapy as you can only have it once apparently in one area but I am going through chemo, which is bearable now I know how to manage my nausea, bone pain and acid reflux...

I wish you well with the radiotherapy.. My only side effect I had was it made me tired so used to go bed when I got home to chill and sleet p for an hour.. 

You are not supposed to use perfumed soap, spray, bubble bath or anything scented as it could affect your skin.. 

Take care and big hugs and positive thoughts from me 

Babs xxxxxx

Thanks for the info Babs. It’s very helpful and reassuring. 

So far no sign of burns but I have 8 sessions to go. So we will see. 

The breathing IS difficult for me for some unknown reason. As soon as I get up on the table I can’t breathe?!! Anyway the team there are so supportive. In the end I calm down and manage it. Ridiculous going’s on really.    

I feel this site is such a big help.Very informative about specific situations and treatments  but more than that. People generously saying how it is for them warts and all. It’s very heartwarming. Babs you are a star.  

Sending healing love to one and all tonight. We ARE worth it and we WILL get there. 

Much love,

Kebb ️

Hi Kebb 

So glad you haven't got any burns from your radiotherapy and it's really helpful that the staff are understanding of your breathing.  

It's not a nice time for anyone and everyone deals with different side effects and anxieties.. 

I attended a Health and Wellbeing Event last week for Cancer patients arranged through our local hospital by the Douglas Macmillanthat focuses on different topics.  I am not sure where you live but I am sure other hospitals will run similar things and I found it really helpful, supportive and it was nice to talk to other patients too going through the same...

The hospital area I have mentioned is Staffordshire area. 

Take care and good luck with the rest of your treatment.. 

Hugs from me 

Babs xx

Hi Babs 

wow you have had a lot to contend with and you sound as though you handle it magnificently. I am not sure I could. 

Yes the radiothearpy is going really well. I go swimming afterwards and so far (8th session today) I feel fine. I guess it will start to knock me soon. Everyone says it’s an unavoidable consequence so I will have a nap in the afternoons I expect. 

I have looked out for MacMillan Well-being Days but so far no luck. I missed one that was on three weeks ago apparently. I need to keep my eyes open though because I am sure they are so helpful for many reasons. 

My breathing is a mystery?! I just struggle to keep the bar in the green and then get in a panic which absolutely does not help!! Not heard anyone else have this issue either ?! It’s not as if I suffer with asthma or any other breathing difficulties at all.  Even thinking about having to do it tomorrow is a bit of an angst situation, it’s ridiculous really. Hey-ho will just have to battle on!  

Sending you positive and loving vibes. 

Go well. 

Kebbs x