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

Ah thanks Pippin! It's actually tomorrow....started taking my steroids today...i'm been so productive!!... run, walk, 3 loads of washing, weekly food shop, changed duvets etc! the steroids have clearly kicked in!!!!!!

I've got a friend taking me and picking me up tomorrow and other friends are scooping kids up from school and i'm dropping my dog to a dog sitter for tomorrow so i'm not worrying about leaving her for hours! SO i think i've got the logistics covered. My husband is feeling really guilty for not being here but i told him he had to go...and last time i was absoluteliy fine until the weekend so hoping the same again this time around..he's back early Friday morning! 

Felt very meh first thing this morning though, i'm not eating particularly healthily and obviously not doing as much exercise as i usually do, my hair is coming out quite a lot, seem to be putting on a little weight, nothing huge but just feel a bit bleuh!...i'm usually so health conscious so it's hard to see my fitness dwindling and weight creeping up....but that said after a run with some friends and putting the world to rights i feel a lot better and more positive and ready to go again for round 3! Half way!!!! Yay!

How are you doing? Hope you're ok. I can't remember when your next round is? The next one is Docetaxol isn't it? Hope you're ok!

xx

Hi Madhatter, just checking in. How is the leg pain? Hope it has eased a little...when is your next round? Hope you're doing ok...Sending hugs xx

How are you doing NGS? Have you started the Docetaxol now? Hope you're doing ok on it....xx

Sorry, I was thinking today was Tuesday for some reason. Sound like you have everything under control, ready for tomorrow. Wow, you have got loads done today. I try to do that just before a treatment, so I can rest the week after. My weight has slowly gone up, keep thinking I deserve a treat! I've been a target member of slimming world for 8 years now, so will have to watch myself a bit. Sorry to hear that you are losing your hair, will you continue to use the cold cap? Good yo hear you managed to get out for a run with friends, it's certainly good for the mindset. I feel a bit anxious at the moment, waiting for results of ct scan on my lungs. Went to visit my mum and dad today, so that was a nice distraction. Have my breast scan tomorrow and I'm hoping there has been some improvement, after three chemo cycles. Have my first cycle of docetaxel on the 7th May, along with Herceptin injection. I have to say I am feeling really apprehensive about the new treatment. Hope all goedwell tomorrow. Xx

Hey Pippin,

Just at hospital for round 3. Bloods apparently are all ok so we're good to go! 

Hope your breast scan goes ok today. Will you get results from that straight away or the same time as your CT Scan? Sorry you've been worrying, waiting is so hard, it just lingers over you even if you try to push it to the back of your head. Glad you managed to visit your parents though, that's lovely...and hopefully the results and next round will come round quickly.

Yes I just need to suck up the weight thing and not get too bogged down by it, it's just a phase and i'm sure once this is all done i can get back on track again. It's just hard somedays isn't it...and i think totally normal to have an off day. Feeling good today though, probably the steroids again!...not sure i'll be quite so sprightly by the weekend but just have to roll with the punches i guess. My TC last time was managable and although lot of various side effects i was still able to function and walk the dog and cook etc so i'm sure you will be the same if not better. I have faith! Will be thinking of you for your next round and really hope you sail through the docetaxol.

hope you're enjoying someo sunshine today where you are. It's lovely hear..shame i have to be inside!

take care xx

Hi Greeny80, pleased to hear you got the go ahead for you treatment today. Hope it all went well and that you're feeling OK. Did you continue with the cold cap? I'm popping along to my slimming group tomorrow, to have a catch up with friends. I'm not weighing this week though, I don't need the pressure at the moment. Had my breast scan today.and I asked if there was any improvement. She did say she thought there was some improvement, but would need to check back on previous scan, to compare. Should know more on Friday, when I speak to the oncologist. It's good that the TC has been manageable for you, fingers crossed the docetaxel will be the same for me. The sunshine has been lovely, Hope you get to enjoy some too. Xx

Yes am home safe and sound…nearly ready for bed but need to get the kids into bed first…but I will be following soon after! All went well today.

oh that’s good news that they think they can see a reduction. Fingers crossed for positive news on Friday  keep us posted. I’m the meantime enjoy a few days of hopefully sunnier weather! 

xx

Another treatment ticked off, well done. Be sure to get plenty of rest. Xx

Hi everyone 

sorry I’ve been so quiet 

I’m feeling really good this week. As soon as the injections end I seem to bounce back thankfully - almost normal for a moment 

I have round 4 next Tuesday and it will be first docetaxel.  Like pippin I’m apprehensive. There has been comfort in knowing what to expect

I also have appointment with breast surgeon on 21 May.  Mine will be a double mastectomy now. 

Greeny. - I’ve used cold cap throughout.  My hair was thick and curly to start with. It has thinned out.  I cut it shorter before treatment as well.  I found after EC about 2 weeks after each cycle there would be quite a bit of hair coming out in my brush etc.  but I have no bald patched and still a full head of hair albeit thinner.  By time I go for next round each time the shedding has reduced and its even starting to grow. 
how are you feeling after treatment xx 

madhatter - my testing took around 7 weeks so hopefully same for you 

pippin - keeping everything crossed your scan shows good results for you

We had a baby shower on Sunday for my daughter in law - baby due 27 th May 

it was really nice to do something normal for once 

3 of my cousins also completed the 100 push-ups a day throughout April and have raised £3000 for cancer research  I’m incredibly proud of them 

and then we picked up puppy Saturday and he really has been the very best medicine for me   -  its so easy to retreat and hide away; especially when your kids are all grown up and independent   But pup gives me a focus and a reason to get up and to get outside  

he is absolutely adorable   I need to find away to post a picture - not sure I can 

anyhows hoping everyone is well and sending positive vibes for rexults and treatments 

PCC 

Hi NGS, pleased to hear you are feeling good at the moment. It's good to have a bit of a break before starting next cycle. I too have my first docetaxel on Tuesday, along with my first Herceptin injection. I felt OK when going for EC, but now feel really anxious. It's the not knowng how I'll react to this one. I should find out results of breast scan on Friday, from the oncologist. They did say they thought there was some improvement, but would need to compare with previous scan. Apparently, might have to wait a couple of weeks for lung ct scan results, which is annoying. The waiting is the worst bit and causes so much anxiety. How exciting having a new grandchild arriving soon, certainly something to look forward to. Well done to your cousins gor raising so much money for cancer research, that's amazing. What a lovely distraction from treatment, having a new puppy to look after. I'm sure he'll bring you so much happiness. What type of dog is he? Hope all goes well on Tuesday, will be thinking of you. Xx

Hi NGS, pleased to hear you are feeling good at the moment. It's good to have a bit of a break before starting next cycle. I too have my first docetaxel on Tuesday, along with my first Herceptin injection. I felt OK when going for EC, but now feel really anxious. It's the not knowng how I'll react to this one. I should find out results of breast scan on Friday, from the oncologist. They did say they thought there was some improvement, but would need to compare with previous scan. Apparently, might have to wait a couple of weeks for lung ct scan results, which is annoying. The waiting is the worst bit and causes so much anxiety. How exciting having a new grandchild arriving soon, certainly something to look forward to. Well done to your cousins gor raising so much money for cancer research, that's amazing. What a lovely distraction from treatment, having a new puppy to look after. I'm sure he'll bring you so much happiness. What type of dog is he? Hope all goes well on Tuesday, will be thinking of you. Xx