Hi all, what a lovely day today, hope you're all doing something nice. So, I went to the hospital to get bloods done through my port today. They wouldn't do them through port as said it needs to be after 10 days and it's only 9. They had told me at last chemo session it would be fine, that guidelines had changed to 7 days. A bit annoying as I could have gone to a closer hospital to have bloods done in the normal way. On the plus side, I asked them to talk to pharmacist for me about what gp can prescibe for hot flushes, as I've had to stop hrt. They suggested a suitable medication which doesn't affect hormones (as I'm pr positive, er positive and HER2 positive). I have a phone consultation with gp this afternoon, so hopefully she can prescribe this for me. Although receptionist did ask if the hospital were sending a letter (which they're not), so hope this won't be a problem. Also have my oncology appointment this afternoon, to see if chemo can go ahead on Monday. Off out for a walk shortly and out with friends for dinner tonight, which I'm looking forward to. Hope you all have a lovely weekend. Xx

Hey,

Ah that's annoying they couldn't access your port for your bloods this week. Hopefully by Monday and then going forward it will work perfectly but sorry you had a slightly longer journey to make today. Let us know what the oncologist says later...fingers crossed for the go ahead on Monday!

That's great news that the pharmacy has suggested some medication for your hot flushes! Let us know how you get on with that...really hope it helps.

Sunshine is amazing today, makes such a difference doesn't it?! Just been out for a lovely dog walk too....definitely helps having chemo this time of year going into summer..definitely better for the headspace!

I'm feeling pretty good today, weird taste still but not nausea, a little light headed maybe but all totally manageble and had a much better night sleep now i'm off the steroids!....my body definitely prefers this TC combo...although there is part of me that is still frustrated that my body couldn't tolerate the EC...I can't help but worry i'm not having the best chemo or the strongest one but i know i have to get that out of my head...and know that i have the next best thing and that my body just didn't want the EC so i have to ust go with it...but it does play on my mind a little!

Have a lovely evening tonight and let us know if you're good to go for Monday! xx

How's everyone else doing?? Sending love and hope you're all ok! xx

Hi NGS, all was super quick today and I was home by 3pm. That's now all the EC finished, will start the docetaxel in May, plus Herceptin injections. The nurse did tell me that people who have side effects on EC are usually ok on docetaxel and vice versa. Not great for me (although I intend to prove them wrong), but good news for any of you having issues on the EC. How lovely that you're welcoming a new puppy into your family, will certainly be a nice distraction for you. Great that you've been gifted an electric bike, I think being able to get out and exercise will be good for you. Good luck with your treatment tomorrow, hope all goes well. Xx

Hi Greeny80, super quick today and was home by 3pm. Next treatment is on a Tuesday, due to Bank Holiday. I start the docetaxel and Herceptin next time, so will have to see how that goes. Nurse did say that people who have side effects on EC are often OK on docetaxel and vice versa. Not what I was hoping to hear, but great for anyone who has had issues on EC. She did say it is a totally different chemo and is stronger. My plan is to stay positive and have no side effects lol! I asked about cold therapy for hands and feet, but she didn't say if they think it makes any difference. She did say I can try if I want to, so will think about it. She did say if I get any sign of neuropathy to tell them straight away, as dosage can be changed. Not sure if I'd be keen on that, as would want the dosage I should be having. Black nail polish was mentioned to protect nails, but not sure if I should do this while using the polybalm. All these choices is mind boggling! Glad to hear you are now over your bad days and you are able to get out walking. Hopefully it will be all good days now until your next treatment. Xx

Hi Pippin 

I had neuropathy with Docetaxel and would definitely recommend following their advice about having the dose reduced if you start getting symptoms.  If it goes ignored and gets bad, sometimes it's irreversible, so it's not worth the risk.  They had to take me off Docetaxel completely because my neuropathy got so bad (I started dropping things) but luckily it seems to be getting better now, though I still have some numbness in my finger tips, but it's manageable. I was however extremely sensitive to the chemo treatment and I know it's quite rare, so I'm sure you will be fine (realised I sounded like a proper scaremongerer there!).  I got really bad nausea on EC but was fine on Docetaxel (other than the neuropathy) except for extreme tiredness.  But quite honestly, I think my body just hated the treatment.  It was worth it though as I got the cancer all clear a couple of weeks ago and now just waiting for a lumpectomy (scheduled for 24th) to remove a small amount of surrounding tissue to give clearance.  I will also have radiotherapy after surgery and continue immunotherapy for 6 months, but am hoping life will return to some form of normality once I have recovered from the surgery.  Apparently I can't walk the dog for 3 months due to the risk of her pulling! Lord knows how I'm going to do that - others will walk her for me but I will miss our little strolls out and bonding time. 

Re nails, my nails have never been strong than they were while on chemo!  Every cloud lol. 

Good luck with your next treatment.  I hope all goes well. x

Hi Carol, thanks for the info on the neuropathy, I will be sure to mention any symptoms straight away. I certainly don't want to risk any permanent damage. I have been considering cold therapy for hands and feet, but haven't made up my mind yet. Will do a bit more research into this. I did mention it at the hospital, but they didn't have much to say about it. I've been fine on the EC and hope this continues with the docetaxel, going to stay positive. So pleased you got the cancer all clear even before your surgery. I didn't realise chemo could get it all, so that's good to hear.  Shame that you can't take your dog out walking, when you enjoy it so much. Maybe you could go along for the walk, while someone else holds the lead. I've been enjoying my daily walks, just got back from a 2 1/2 mile walk with hubby, seems to give me more energy strangely. I have been using a product called polybalm on my nails, which I'm hoping is going to limit nail damage, will have to see how that goes. It's good to hear your nails were fine. Good luck with your surgery on the 24th, hope it all goes well. Xx

Hi NGS, I just wondered how you are feeling, after your treatment yesterday. Hope you are doing OK. Xx

Hi everyone.  Third round of EC completed.  Been an emotional rollercoaster this week.  I had felt so good the fees days before I became really overwhelmed Tuesday before treatment knowing it would knock me for six again.  But I’ve picked myself up now thankfully. Back on injections - day 3 today. It’s this bit that I dread most 

I am worried about the neuropathy on docetaxel.  What are the herceptin injections for ? I don’t think I’m having this - it’s not been mentioned.  My steroids have increased though pre starting docetaxel   Once my chemo ends I will have zometa bone therapy as well 

xxx 

Hi NGS, I can understand the anxiety before starting each cycle, especially when getting difficult side effects. Pleased to hear that you've managed to pick yourself up and you sound more positive. I think the Herceptin is due to me being HER2 positive, as far as I can remember. I too am worried about the docetaxel and neuropathy. I've been fine on EC, but who knows with this next one, will just have to wait and see. Started my week of injections last night, mine start later than yours for some reason. My next cycle is on Tuesday 7th May due to the bank holiday, so probably the same day as you. I've also been told to start the steroids the day before next treatment and they've also been increased. Worried this might make constipation a bit more of a problem. Hope you manage to enjoy your weekend. Xx

Well done for getting to round 3. It's tough, mentally and physically....and i totally get it....it's really hard when you feel good and vaguely normal for a few days beforehand knowing that they're going to knock you down again...it is hard to get yourself into the right mindset for it....but evey knock is one knock closer to the end.

What side effects are you finding the hardest? I hate the injections too, i think it's those which make me feel the worst..the aches, feeling weak and then the bone pain...i also had upset tummy for a few days after as well just to add insult to injury! So far it's all manageable but id be lying if i didn't say my body feels a little beaten up...feeling good today and energy levels are back to normal though but have super dry/cracked lips..taste getting better but still not quite there..but its tough knowing that i have to do it all again..and again...and again!!..but 2 down, 4 to go and it will be over soon! 

So far i haven't got any neuropathy with the Docetaxol, i know it's early days but hopefully a good sign??..i take the extra steroids like you the day before, during and then day after...the two days after i felt pretty good..i was super productive...but the weekend i definiteky took a turn which co-incided with the jabs! I was still up and about and doing things but definitely felt below par. i don't think i have the herceptin injections either just the Filgastim ones..how many days do you have those for? Mine are for 5 days...what date is your Docetaxol? how many rounds of Docetaxol are you having? 3? Assume every 3 weeks?

Hope you're doing ok - hope you can have a relaxing weekend and that you don't feel too awful...we're here if you need to vent!!

xx

Hi everyone 

how is everyone feeling / doing ? 
I have literally hit a wall post treatment this cycle. My energy has depleted and is at zero and it is taking me much longer to recover this time

bone pain has kicked in again so strong pain medication is also wiping me out

to top it all I am also experiencing mouth ulcers which not had before

all in all feeling pretty rubbish

praying as the week goes on things improve so I can get some respite before cycle 4 and a new regime with docatexal

hope everyone else doing well xx  

Hi NGS

I'm so sorry to hear you're having a rough time.  Re the mouth ulcers, I drank green tea throughout most of my treatment and found this really helped with a sore mouth and ulcers.  It's not the best tasting, but if you can stomach one a day, it really does help. 

So sorry to hear about the bone pain too, hope the pain meds help :( 

Do you start Docetaxel on your next treatment or do you have one more EC?  As you've had such a rough time on EC, hopefully the Docetaxel will agree with you more.  Just be kind to yourself and rest and listen to your body.  Also speak to your clinicians about the mouth ulcers, they will be able to give you something for them.  It's a common side effect, so they will know how to help. 

Take care of yourself.

Carol x 

Hi NGS

I'm so sorry to hear you're having a rough time.  Re the mouth ulcers, I drank green tea throughout most of my treatment and found this really helped with a sore mouth and ulcers.  It's not the best tasting, but if you can stomach one a day, it really does help. 

So sorry to hear about the bone pain too, hope the pain meds help :( 

Do you start Docetaxel on your next treatment or do you have one more EC?  As you've had such a rough time on EC, hopefully the Docetaxel will agree with you more.  Just be kind to yourself and rest and listen to your body.  Also speak to your clinicians about the mouth ulcers, they will be able to give you something for them.  It's a common side effect, so they will know how to help. 

Take care of yourself.

Carol x 

Hi Carol, just wondered how you have been feeling since your chemo finished, hope you're doing OK. What is the next step for you moving forward?

Hi Carol, just wondered how you are doing after your surgery on the 24th. Hope you are feeling OK. Xx