Hi, I was initially told my IDC was grade one but after my lumpectomy it was regraded to 3 . To say I was horrified is putting it mildly . They got clear margins and no lymph nodes involved so I was given 5 days of radiotherapy and tamoxifen . I finished the radio in July . My oncotype eas 18 so eas tons no chemo necessary. I'm 54 . 

Hi Terry just a little update. Oncotype came back as 35 but the oncologist was more concerned the the tumour has eroded some vascular vessels. I am now due to start chemo next week, gutted I have to say!

I will have FEC once every 3 week for 6 cycles so 18 week process. I am praying it goes well and the side effects are minimal.

love Kiera

Hi Donna, no I didn't cold cap. I'm not convinced it works brilliantly for lots of people but I know sone do benefit from it. I think it has to be individual choice based on the information   they give to you.

I hope you get your treatment plan soon as it does help when you know exactly what's going on.

take care, here to help if I can

love Kiera x

Hi Donna 

I am having Chemo, 3rd FEC next week and then 3 Docetaxel, I'm using the Cold Cap, happy to share my experience so far.

If you can go to the Hospital before maybe when you first go for your first bloods to get it fitted, I did this which was better as they had my size before my treatment.

It is crucial it fits correctly unfortunately my doesn't as I have a tiny head so have lost my hair at the crown. 
 
The Nurses will wet your hair and apply conditioner, take your own with you, I use Simple Shampoo and Conditioner Pax also do one. Take a hairband to protect your forehead, I also put a cotton ball on my temple inside the hairband.  I take a paracetamol 2 hours before then 4 hours later. The first 20 minutes is tough but after that it's a doddle, it does make the whole process a lot longer but it's worth it. You do get cold , they will have blankets but I take a hot wattle bottle with me, keep your neck and shoulders warm if you can, my hospital put heat packs on my shoulders. I also put a little bit of soft material under the chin strap as it' can be tight. It's so important it fits properly so they need too make sure you have the correct size. 

paxmanscalpcooling.com/  make sure you read this it has all the info, I wash my hair once a week, I use a  wide Combe but I also do brush it. You will have a big shed around 14 days in but it does slow down, my hair has gone thin but I still have lots, I am not sure how it will be at the end, the thing is for me I have (had) thick big long blonde hair, I'm 38 and it's actually the only thing I like about me, I wasn't willing to let it go without a fight, my Cancer isn't taking that aswel, Even if I lose most of it, it is very gradual which has reallly helped. 
 
Hope this has helped, I wish you well xxx 

Thank you for that. I really appreciate the information.  I'm definitely going to try the cold cap, nothing to lose!! I'll watch the video later. Any help during this time is good as it's a minefield!! Xx hope you're fairing well xx

No problem,

it's a link too the Website, this is the machine my hospital use but the Information will probably be the Same, Chemo is Managable, take all the Sickness they give you. The key is too drink lots and flush it out. 
 

love Sarah 

Thank you so much Sarah xxx

Hi Kiera

Any better with the different anti sickness drug ? Yes I am bored , thinking of doing some online courses to keep my brian ticking over.

Turns out I have a blood clot in my arm which is why it felt tight.Now have more stomach injections and will be on warfarin for up to six months.Bloods Monday and Tuesday so I hope 2nd chemo can go ahead on Thursday.

The nurses were lovely , but I do think they should make people more aware of blood clot symptons when putting the picc in 

Hope your not feeling too rough x

Hello my dear. It's a bit early to tell as I have only taken 2 last night and 2 this morning but I there has been no light headedness or wobbling as yet so hopefully gonna be better.

oh gid do you, your the third person that has told me that, 2 ladies where I live.

oh I hope it goes ahead for you, poor you I feel for you, as if you havnt enough going on. Yes I agree the should make you more aware, I thought it was a rare occurrence but obviously not .

im doing ok, just cant wait till I've had the 6 th and it's done.

you look after yrself, let me know how yr treatment goes xxx

Hi Caroline how are you doing? I've been loads better this time. Starting 2 days working from home this week. I can't believe what a difference the new sickness tablet has made xx

Hi Kiera

Thats good news , glad the new anti sickness worked well.It makes such a difference and each one is one step closer to the end.I have been better with second chemo too, I think just worked out when best to take the meds, drank loads of water and put on anti nausea travel bands.

They have sorted my blood thinners so just on warfarin not stomach injections yeh ! 

Glad your'e working , i think keeping an active mind and body also helps.

Speak soon x

Hi Caroline, that's better then. How long did you have yr Picc in before you got the clot?

when is yr next chemo? Mines on 25 th that will be number 3, half way xxx

Hi Caroline, that's better then. How long did you have yr Picc in before you got the clot?

when is yr next chemo? Mines on 25 th that will be number 3, half way xxx

Hi

Had the clot after picc had been in a week.

My third chemo is 24th - day before yours ,having it every two weeks , 4 EC then 4 Pac so still got six more to go.

Hope you have a good week x

Hi oh god that was soon after they put it in. Did you have to have a new one?

I hope your 3 rd chemo goes well too hun 

take care xxx

No they didnt put a new one in , said it was best to leave it in place.

Speak soon x

Hi minty how you doing? I have my 3 rd cycle on Friday 25 th feb. Have been much better this time up to now. At least I will be half way after this one x

Hi Kiera

I'm OK at the moment thanks , had third cycle today , tired but that's all at the moment.Glad your second one was much easier, mine was too.

The only annoying thing is I am back on 12 hourly stomach injections for blood thinning because of blood clot.Apparently I should never have been prescribed warfarin.

Hope tomorrow goes well x 

Hi hun I'm glad it's going ok.

oh dear why did they do that then, that's not good.

my cycle is now Tuesdays as I've changed hospitals, not that happy with the care so following a discussion with my consultant they have moved me which I'm happy about.

Hope it continues well hun xxx

Oh that's good they moved you -why were you not happy with the care at the other hospital ? 

Apparently the doctor who dealt with the blood clot didn't know much about cancer treatment and warfarin not being recommened for prople having chemo, they don't look at the bigger picture.

Luckily my Oncologist picked it up , but it does make you wonder ! x

It certainly does!

I am a nurse and the way they tended to my line gave me anxiety! I couldn't believe that they put my dirty dressing on the sterile sheet with all the clean equipment. 
No confidence at all in them only one nurse  xxx

Hi minty how are you doing? I have my 4 th cycle this coming Tuesday. My Picc line came out a couple of centimetres so had to have it taken out so awaiting new one but think it will be after this cycle. I can't believe I only have 2 left after this but will be very pleased when it's done.

How have you been off yr treatment? I've been ok but gid am I sensitive to hit and cold temperatures, the fire and heating are on and off like I don't know what ha! 
 

love Andrea xxx

Hi Minty how are you doing?

I had my last chemo last Tuesday thank god, just waiting radiotherapy date now.

how have you been? 
 

love Andrea