Hi Liz, I am also on EC-T chemo. 3 cycles of EC, then 4T ( It'll be docetaxel for me).  Had my first EC on Monday and so far side effects minimal. Had a headache yesterday, but I'm prone to headaches anyway, which is why I decided against the cold cap. It looks like you are well prepared and hope all goes smoothly for you. I too would be interested in anyone who have used anything to help prevent neuropathy. I have bought some polybalm which was recommended from someone on this site. It apparently helps prevent nail damage, so after a bit of research, decided to give it a try. I have read that docetaxel can be harsh and cause nail damage. Good luck with your treatment and I'm always here for a chat. Xx

Thank you so much for replying Pippin, I'm pleased to hear your first round went well. Polybalm is now in my Amazon basket although I did gulp at the price! It's very expensive this cancer trip, much rather be spending my pennies on a holiday somewhere warm hahaha.  

Are you allowed to take ibuprofen during chemo to combat your headaches? 

I've got 3 cycles of EC over 9 weeks then 9 cycles weekly of Paclitaxel, and the potential side effects of that one is hard to read. I'm going to try cold therapy gloves and socks, Polybalm, shea butter hand cream but realise they may not work but better to try than not.

I've also got a eye mask that you can put in your fridge and going to try wearing that during chemo, might combat loss of eyelashes and might not but at least it'll stop puffy eyes from crying.

Hope the next couple of weeks pass in relative peace for you before your next cycle. 

Much love Liz

The polybalm is expensive, but worth it I think. I bought my first lot off cancerpal site for  £35, but has since gone up unfortunately. I have been taking ibuprofen and also Paracetomol, but doesn't really take it away, just dulls it a bit. Not sure it's actually anything to do with the chemo. I'm interested in the cold therapy for hand and feet, but have read it's not used much in UK hospitals. I must agree that having cancer is turning out to be quite expensive, I have spent a fortune. I got a wig voucher, but then charged  £78 prescription charge which goes to the government, apparently not all hospitals charge this. Only left me about £75 towards my wig. I ended up spending about £300. I've also bought a smoothie maker, in case my mouth gets sore. Happy to share tips moving forward. Xx

I'm really hoping the cold therapy works, it's not cheap either but what can you do? I found a fab long wig on Amazon for only £25 which my hairdresser is going to cut down for me, thankfully she comes to my house so no need to be out in public!

I've also ordered a very similar wig to my own hair from Lush Wigs for £25 (VAT relief applied) that's due tomorrow so I'll let you know if it's ok or rubbish. I've also bought a couple of bamboo headwear thingies from Amazon, very stretchy and soft.

I'm working up the courage to phone Benenden as they help towards costs for wigs etc. They were brilliant last time I had breast cancer 5 years ago and paid for all travel expenses for radiotherapy and bras, they also paid for a fabulous UK weekend away. I'm not sure but I think they've changed their policy so that'll be interesting to see the difference.

I'm in Wales so prosthetics were free, I'm not sure if wigs are so I'll ask when I have my pre chemo trip.

Also need to phone the dentist for check up before...the list is blinking endless

Just so you know, I too suffer with headaches not related to cancer, epsom salts with lavender in a bowl for my feet helps me and I use lavender spray for bed which helps me sleep.

Liz x

Thanks for the tips on headaches, will give it a try. I have bought some headwear from a site called annabanda, which I'm really pleased with. Really soft and you can get different bands to mix and match. So sorry to hear this is your second time going through this, that must be so difficult. I think most people have this worry about a recurrence, I know it's already crossed my mind. Good luck moving forward, would like to hear how you get on. Xx

Hi Liz,

Your list looks pretty comprehensive. I notice that some people bring in some ice lollies in a small cool bag to help protect their mouth.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Good evening Jolamine, how are you?

thank you for the tip, I'll ask at the chemo treatment unit, I spoke to my BC nurse today who says they're booking me in for a tour. I know the BC nurse I saw last week said they provide snacks, sandwiches, soups and drinks, maybe they supply ice lollies too. I'm also going to ask if they have cold therapy gloves and socks available before I buy any as I know they offered cooling caps. It's a brilliant unit.

take care Liz x

Hi Liz,

You'll have a tour of the unit before you start your chemo. There seems to be a difference between clinics as to what they provide. I see that you've already bought some wigs, but you should also get a voucher towards the cost of one. Don't forget to ask about what they supply, because, as you're beginning to discover, costs can mount up.

Here's hoping that it all goes well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

As I'm awake, yet again in the wee hours, I'd thought I'd give an update from my first chemo treatment.

Not too bad having the actual chemo itself, felt a bit woosy at one point and they stopped for a few minutes. I drank a huge amount of iced ginger tea and sucked on sugar free rhubarb and custard sweets.  I used the cold therapy socks and one glove as I had a cannula in one hand, I just rested my cannula hand on top of the iced gloved hand and hoped for the best.

Side effects over the last week or so have been a bit uncomfortable, constipation relieved by eating prunes, dry mouth, oh and the constant nausea even though I've been taking anti sickness tablets. My appetite has gone through the roof, I feel less sick if I'm actually eating but the nurse has said just to get through it anyway I can so doughnuts it is! 

I slept on and off for most of the first 6 days and slowly felt a bit better each day and have managed to get out and about. Had a very thorough heart scan yesterday to give them a base line.  Lots of headaches and general aches and pains.

I've also had to give myself a daily injection of Filgrastim to encourage wihte blood cell count. Self injecting is rather grim and I'm glad it was only for a week. I now have lower back pain and hip pain to deal with which is apparently a side effect.

With only one down and two more of EC to go I can honestly say I'm really scared of how this is going to go, I definitely didn't feel like me for the first few days and I've heard it gets progressively worse.

One rather lovely thing was receiving a beautiful box full of useful things they're put together by a volunteer team for all the people receiving chemo. Chocolate, water bottle, headscarf, notebook and pen, lavender spray, handcream, mug with coffee/tea/hot chocolate, biscuits, sweets, mints and a voucher for a complementary therapy of your choice. I'm going for a full body massage with mine, it's a beautiful gesture and a complete surprise. There's also a unit therapist who comes round to give hand, feet or head massages during your treatment. I have to say I was a little emotional when they gave me the box, I think it was just a bit overwhelming as I'd worked myself up a little during the day.

Anyway, I'm having trouble sleeping longer than four hours at a time, so pop downstairs for some fresh ginger ale and read for a while, oh my how ginger ale has saved me. Can't tolerate tea anymore at all and I used to be a ten cup a day person.  I had a good hours walk yesterday and only allowed myself one nap during the day but it doesn't seem to have made it better.

I hope everyone going through this is being treated with kindness and compassion, it's so hard being in your own head at times but I'm glad I've got this forum to release all my thoughts knowing there's others who know how I feel. I'm lucky I have practical support and love from my husband and strong emotional support from good friends.

Liz x

Hi lizjon, so pleased to hear you have now got through your first chemo session. Lovely to hear of the wonderful box you received, it must have really cheered you up. Haven't been offered anything like that where I am. Lovely to have the opportunity of complimentary therapy too. It's sounds like you're having a bit of a difficult time with side effects, hope this improves for you. I had my second round of chemo on Monday, luckily so far side effects minimal like last time. A bit of constipation, but think this will ease once I come off the meds. Sleep can be disturbed due to hot flushes and needing the loo, but last two night's a bit better. I usually manage a nap for a couple of hours in the evening, which helps catch up on lost sleep. I have been getting out for a 2 1/2 mile walk each morning, weather permitting, which strangely seems to boost my energy levels. I'm wondering whether to try the cold therapy on hands and feet when I start the docetaxel, will have a chat at my last EC treatment abd see what they say. Wishing you well moving forward  xx