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Painful or not?

Sandradee
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Hi

Having my first chemo on Wednesday. Been experiencing a dull ache and tingling pain in the tumour area. What has confused me is that most posts I have read say that breast cancer is painless.

When I first went to the doctors I was convinced I did not have cancer as my breast was painful. I thought it was a cyst.

 I keep thinking the pain I am having now is the tumour growing and will the chemo ease my pain. Has anyone else experienced this?

Best wishes

  • Offline in reply to Pippin24

    Just thought I would let you know I had my hair cropped today. Went ahead with second cold capping 9 days ago but headache during my treatment was horrendous plus losing so much hair.

    The sickness tablets worked but I have been in bed for 8 days as so weak.

    How are you doing?

  • Offline in reply to Sandradee

    Hi Sandradee, great to hear from you. So pleased the aprepitant worked for you. I took this during my EC part of the treatment, it's annoying they didn't give this to you straight away. I think I have one before my docetaxel treatment ( it certainly looks the same shape) , but now don't need them afterwards. Sounds like you're still having a bit of a rough time, not great having to stay in bed so much. My main side effects at the moment are bouts of diarrhoea, which they've given me tablets for and metallic taste in my mouth, which I have for several days. I also noticed I get a bit more tired when out for my walks, hubby sometimes has to hold my hand, to help ne up the hill. Have my last chemo on the 9th of July, which happens to be our 41st wedding anniversary, can't wait to ring that bell. My hubby has started training to give me the phesgo injections at home, which will save a lot of hospital visits. He went through the paperwork at last session and all the safety side of things. He also observed them giving me the injection. They now have to observe him giving me the next two injections and then we can start doing them at home. Good idea getting your hair cropped, I think it is less stressful when falling out. Mine has actually started growing back already. Have you decided whether to continue with the cold cap? I didn't try it as I was already prone to headaches. I actually get fewer headaches now that I've upped my water intake. Good luck with your next treatment, hope all goes well. Xx

  • Offline in reply to Pippin24

    Hi

    Sounds as though the 9th July is a big day for you. My next chemo with EC is the 10th and no more cold capping for me. 

    Still so tired and woke up with lower back ache today and a delicate tummy to say the least. So much flatulence which is embarrassing ha ha.

    Cycles 4,5,6 I will receive the Phesgo injection. I will look to administering it myself if I can as my partner is no good at those sort of things.

    Meeting with oncologist on Wednesday and having a scan to see if tumour has started to shrink so fingers crossed otherwise not sure of the plan of action if it hasn’t.

    Have still not told my children yet (ages 22, 25 and 30) as can’t bear to see the fear in their eyes and the thought of them thinking am I going to die, but I will tell them after the scan.

    Best wishes 

  • Offline in reply to Sandradee

    Forget to ask Pippin24 whether you are finding the cycles 4,5 and 6 more doable without the EC (Red Devil intravenous chemo) and comparison in side effects.

    Best wishes 

  • Offline in reply to Sandradee

    Hi Sandradee, I had been told during my pre chemo review, that docetaxel is brutsl and stronger than EC, which really did worry me.  However,  I have not actually noticed much difference, apart from diarrhoea and taste changes. I had been told about possible nail issues and peripheral neuropathy, but have not had issues with either. I have been using a product called polybalm on my nails since starting chemo, so think this has worked well for me. I also wear thin cotton gloves when outside, as apparently the uv light can affect the nails. Hope this helps. Xx

  • Offline in reply to Pippin24

    Oh no I was hoping not to read the word brutal. I have also been using Polybalm. 

    Thank you

  • Offline in reply to Sandradee

    Please don't worry, I certainly haven't found that to be the case at all. Are you going to be having docetaxel too?

  • Offline in reply to Sandradee

    Just want to say I didn't mean to scare you. Just wanted you to know that even if people mention it is harsh, it won't necessarily be like that for you. I've tried to go through it with a very positive mindset. I've continually told myself I'm not going to have all the side effects they they tell you,  you could have. I really believe this has helped keep the side effects to a minimum.  Also I'm really pleased that hair has started growing back while on docetaxel, which is definitely a plus. Xx

  • Offline in reply to Pippin24

    You have not scared me at all. Thank you for sharing your experiences as it does help x

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