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

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