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

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

Awww NGS me and you must be on the same think wace, we got a puppy two weeks ago and English Cocker Spaniel and just took him for his first walk today which was lovely and motivating 

I am the same as you when it comes to the injections. I still get leg pains but most the time managerable with paracetamol but have been given codine from hospital if needed. 

Congratulations on the the upcoming arrival, my mum loves being Nan as she can hand them back, and what amazing cousins you have.

 Pippin24 same hun all fingers and toes crossed

 Greeny80 my hair started coming out from 2 treatment, it just started spreading loads and then dried up and matted really easily so found myself relived and in control in the end when I shaved it. My struggle is finding coverings I like, but it's hot where I am today and went out all bold and no one batters a eyelid, so just do what you find comfortable for you. (I couldn't do cold cap as my treatment is weekly) 

Pippin24 I am the same as you with EC, its not know how you are going to react and everyone is so different, but it's all working toward kicking cancer butt mate. I am keeping everything crossed for you for your results.

Hi MadhatterC, lovely to hear you too have a beautiful new puppy. Like NGS, this must be a great distraction for you while going through treatment. Hope you are feeling OK at the moment. Xx

Hi ladies,

Just wanted to check in.

So lovely to hear happy news of puppies and babies on the way!...and also of awesome fundraising! Amazing!! 

Hope you are all doing ok. I think NGS and PIppin you have your first round of Docetaxol on Tuesday? Really hope it goes ok and hope you can enjoy a lovely bank holiday weekend this weekend and enjoy feeling vaguely normal!! It''s always so nice having that time of feeling normal inbetween cycles..makes you appreciate feeling well!

Pippin - hope you got the results back ok today too and hope it was positive news. Have been thinking of you.

I had my third round on Tuesday, (second round of TC) have felt pretty nausous for the last couple of days but think i may be over the hump for that specific side effect! Hate feeling sick...I definitely wasn't as sick on the last round so this threw me a little but yes hoping i'm over the worst...have been out for a walk with my husband who is now back from America so that was good, fresh air always helps....and now i am having some sofa time and about to watch a rubbish movie where i don't have to think before school pick up!...

Take care and hope you all have a lovely long weekend xx

Hi ladies,

Just wanted to check in.

So lovely to hear happy news of puppies and babies on the way!...and also of awesome fundraising! Amazing!! 

Hope you are all doing ok. I think NGS and PIppin you have your first round of Docetaxol on Tuesday? Really hope it goes ok and hope you can enjoy a lovely bank holiday weekend this weekend and enjoy feeling vaguely normal!! It''s always so nice having that time of feeling normal inbetween cycles..makes you appreciate feeling well!

Pippin - hope you got the results back ok today too and hope it was positive news. Have been thinking of you.

I had my third round on Tuesday, (second round of TC) have felt pretty nausous for the last couple of days but think i may be over the hump for that specific side effect! Hate feeling sick...I definitely wasn't as sick on the last round so this threw me a little but yes hoping i'm over the worst...have been out for a walk with my husband who is now back from America so that was good, fresh air always helps....and now i am having some sofa time and about to watch a rubbish movie where i don't have to think before school pick up!...

Take care and hope you all have a lovely long weekend xx

Hi Greeny80, feeling sick is horrible, glad to hear that you're over the worst of it. It's nice that your husband is now home and you're able to get out and about. I had my review with the advanced clinical practitioner from the chemo ward this morning. Had thought previously these reviews were with someone from oncology, but apparently not. Review went well and I got the go ahead for chemo on Tuesday. My breast scan showed that tumours are shrinking, which is good news. Results from lung ct scan are not back yet unfortunately. They've warned me that docetaxel can be brutal and I may feel extremely tired. Also informed me of possible nail damage and loss, recommended dark nail polish. Also discussed the possibility of getting peripheral neuropathy in hands and feet. Will just have to wait and see how it goes. Confirmed I'll also be having the Herceptin injection on Tuesday. It apparently takes sbout 8 minutes to administer, so not looking forward to that one.

Also wishing good luck to NHS for Tuesday, hope all goes well. 

Wishing everyone a lovely Bank Holiday weekend. Xx

Good luck today Pippin and NGS.

Hope you continue to sail through the side effects and hope Docetaxol is easy on you. 

so far my nails are fine, actually they’re super strong and so far no neuropathy either after 2 rounds of TC…hoping that lasts! Was super nauseous this time around so definitely going to stay on top of my anti sickness meds next time..I’m now quite bunged up but taking laxatives in the Hope things ease in that department soon! Had a bit of an low day yesterday but gave myself a pep talk and hopefully today is a new and more positive day! Sun is shining so that’s a good start! 

Grest news Pippin that the Chemo seems to be working and the tumours are shrinking! Amazing news in fact!

Thinking of you both today..xx

Hi Greeny80, good to hear your nails are doing well and so far you have no signs of neuropathy. Did you paint nails before your treatment? I've been using polybalm for a few months, but a bit worried painting my nails will be detrimental to the effectiveness the polybalm will have. I've painted them for now, but am going to get in touch with polbslm makers, to see if they can advice me at all. Sorry to hear you have had some issues with nausea this time, I'm also worried about this, such an awful feeling. I've got them to prescribe me som more laxido, as I too suffer with constipation during the first week, when taking the meds. Didn't sleep much last night, think it was due to the double dose of steroids, before starting the docetaxel. Didn't even have my usual couple of hours in the evening, so unfortunately will be super tired for treatment day. Might try a walk this morning to perk me up a bit. I'm sure everybody gets down days, it's to be expected, hopefully the nice weather will cheer you up. 

Also wishing NGS (sorry my last post said NHS, spellchevk changed it) good luck today, hope all goes well for you. 

Wishing everyone a great day, will let you know how things go. This is the most nervous I've felt so far about going to a treatment, but need to try and stay positive!

Xxx

Morning beautiful people, I hope you are all just been catching up Pippin24  NGS  hope all goes OK today sweetie. Keeping toes, fingers, arms, legs abd eyes crossed for you. 

I woke up this morning to the right side of my face swollen up, so just waiting for oncology to call me back, but I slept really well. 

Morning everyone 

pippin - good luck for today.  I’m at hospital now - feeling super anxious but fingers crossed it’s all ok 

I did manage to sleep but had horrible night sweats which must be steroids. 
live also gained weight - puzzled as been running around after puppy and eating super healthy - again another effect of treatment it seems 

madhatter-   Lovely to hear you have a puppy too. They are such a positive distraction

do you suffer from hay fever.  I do and have had super itchy eyes and my face was also swollen. I took piritin which helped

greeny - hope you start to feel much better this week.  So far my nails are also stronger than ever. I’ve been using the poly balm and keeping them filed really short 

anyway positive vibes to you all 

see you on the other side of treatment 4 

xx 

Hi MadhatterC, thanks so much for your good wishes, super nervous today. Hope you find some answers from oncology about your face. I have read on this forum about others suffering with this. Let me know how you get on. Xx

Hi NGS, hope all goes well for you today, I'm just on my way to the hospital now. I'm really nervous today about different chemo and really anxious about Herceptin injection. Didn't really sleep last night, think it was all the steroids. Didn't even have my usual couple of hours during the evening, so unfortunately feel pretty tired. Did manage a walk this morning though, which perked me up a bit and made me feel better. Strange you mention about the eyes. I don't suffer with hay-fever, but have noticed eyes are feeling uncomfortable in the mornings. I've been using eye drops for dry eyes, which seems to help. I've been told to wear dark nail polish now I'm starting docetaxel, but wonder if this will be detrimental to effectiveness of the polybalm. I have emailed polybalm to ask the question, so will hopefully hear back soon.

Hope you all have a lovey day and enjoy this lovey weather. Xx

Hi All,

Sorry I've not been in touch for a while. I've been busy moving house and had disconnected the  internet before we moved, as I didn't expect to stay in my old home for as long. Hope that you're all doing well. Pippin and NGS, I hope that you're both fared ok today. Thinking of you all.

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolmine, lovely to hear from you, hope all went well with your move. I had my first docetaxel yesterday, along with phesgo injection (as I'm HER2 positive). I seem fine so far, but realise side effects can appear after a few days. Due to taking double the steroids since Monday, I haven't been sleeping, but last day today, thank goodness. Hope you are keeping well. Xx

Hi Pippin,

I'm delighted to hear that all went well yesterday, despite the problem with needles. Here's hoping that your sleep improves, once you stop taking the double dose of steroids and that the side-effects are not too bad once they kick in.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx