Hi All!

I hope everyone managed to get at least a little bit of respite from the fear and anxiety this weekend.

Vicki - how was the beach hut? Hope that fresh air did the trick for you.

Take care of yourselves xx

I took the kids to the cinema on Saturday, and then had my sons 4th birthday party on Sunday. So I've managed to keep quite well distracted!! 
 

The breast clinic just called, and they've moved my results appointment to 9:40 on Thursday, instead of 11:40. So at least I don't have to worry all morning. It will be school run, then appointment!! Praying for benign results!! Xxx

Thank you Vicki!

I will keep you posted xx

Good morning hope you feeling a bit better today yes hot flush s and hot feet sent for ice pack socks to cool them off ! No sickness think I now have things in place to help me next time frozen pineapple to suck gargle with salt water just rest. After having my first cycle not knowing what to expect fear of the unknown etc I now know it will pass and you do feel better make every thing you eat help you on your recovery on that note I craved cold chips so had a few. Take care love and big hugs to every one  

I got my letter on my birthday recalled for second mammogram fingers crossed for you I am now on my chemotherapy journey

They have great timing don't they!!

Hope you're doing well on your chemo journey. Sending best wishes xx

Thank you best wishes to you. Love to all

Happy Birthday PositiveT- hope you have some lovely things happening apart from the MRI.

Hello

I had loads of aches in my neck and back today. Also woke up and had a cry. Just felt grim. Spoke to nurse who thought the pains were most likely due to my injection that I self administered yesterday. Filgrastim? Slept this afternoon and then at about 6pm I had another good cry as I think I'm just totally anxious about feeling unwell and it becoming worse. I just don't handle feeling sick very well and with all the notes you have to read about if you feel odd always call and check. I got myself all wound up that I was going to collapse any second. Anxiety sucks. I'm now having an epsom salts bath, have had a green tea and done a hypnosis session which has helped. You sound way calmer and together than me!! Xx

Not always calm. Hate the injections I have to have but staying strong for my girls my daughter gives me my injections I do have a good cry too stress reliever you take care not reading anything have to have covid test today ready for Monday. When woman rang said she had questions to ask if I had any headaches feeling ill aches etc. I told her to stop said I had all them all plus more as I had chemotherapy lol.  My biggest trouble is going to sleep   Might try Epsom salt bath.  I am drinking green tea  I decided chemotherapy can have my body for a week then I am taking over.  I have kept a journal for each day had tingling head in the night cut my long hair off !!    Keep in touch big hugxxxx

Hello Ladies,

just checking in to see how you're all doing. I hope the chemo side effects settled down soon Vicki! Good luck for your MRI results Postive T. 
Mary and Bubblesmum, how are you doing?

Thinking of you all. 
 

Lots of love and prayers, Lindsey. Xxx

Hi Lindsey

Hope you are doing well  

As for me, I can honestly say I feel pants! It sucks. I'm day 4 post chemo and still feel sick on and off. Its like when I've had food poisoning and the vomiting has stopped, but there is a lingering grimness just lurking in the background. I haven't actually vomited at all, but just feel nauseous. My anxiety has been bad on and off and it's when my mind runs away qith itself, thinking I'll be the only person ever who just won't ever feel better after chemo. Those kind of unhelpful thoughts. I get paranoid that I'm too weak and that my iron is too low, then I cry because my anxiety takes over. It does not help that my period only arrived yesterday, 5 days late and is quite heavy, so that's probably made me feel worse. I've managed to keep eating though. Anyway, it is what it is. I'm being looked after by my husband. I think it's just a shock to my system to suddenly feel so ill and helpless. Its a hard thing to come to terms with. Xxx

Hi Lindsey

Hope you are doing well  

As for me, I can honestly say I feel pants! It sucks. I'm day 4 post chemo and still feel sick on and off. Its like when I've had food poisoning and the vomiting has stopped, but there is a lingering grimness just lurking in the background. I haven't actually vomited at all, but just feel nauseous. My anxiety has been bad on and off and it's when my mind runs away qith itself, thinking I'll be the only person ever who just won't ever feel better after chemo. Those kind of unhelpful thoughts. I get paranoid that I'm too weak and that my iron is too low, then I cry because my anxiety takes over. It does not help that my period only arrived yesterday, 5 days late and is quite heavy, so that's probably made me feel worse. I've managed to keep eating though. Anyway, it is what it is. I'm being looked after by my husband. I think it's just a shock to my system to suddenly feel so ill and helpless. Its a hard thing to come to terms with. Xxx

So sorry you are feeling so rubbish with the chemo side-effects. Sounds so tough. Glad you are being well looked after by your hubby.

I have no doubt that you will get through this and that there are many others who have felt the same.

Your strength will get you through.

Sending hugs and thinking of you xx

Thank you so much. I actually feel human this evening. Felt sickly today but got out to a close by park and sat in the sun. Then managed to do sainsburys which was a miracle! Apart from a headache that wore off, I've felt OK tonight thank goodness. 

Thanks for your message. Xxx

Yay!

Really happy to hear this. Onwards and upwards!

You are an incredibly strong woman! Hang in there you've got this xx 

Hi Vicki, 

I hope you and your lovely friends won't mind me jumping in? I just had to respond to your post where you mentioned your 1st experience of EC Chemo. I too was fine when it was administered 1st time, but my nausea kicked in while I was waiting for my hubby to pick me up, and lasted almost 2 weeks! 

In between the 2 weeks, I've had a very dry mouth with ulcers along both sides of my tongue, headaches and fatigue. I have had to use the emergency red card twice. The first time I had pain in my upper stomach, 4 days post Chemo. I had the pain for 12 hours and couldn't take any more before I rang. The person I spoke to wasn't very helpful and told me to take paracetamol. I did, and the pain eased a little, but it was enough for me sleep and awake with no pain. The second time, I developed extreme chest pain. I called red card number, who told me to hang up and call 999. Paramedics checked, and I was sent to hospital for tests. I spent 9 hours at the hospital, (I had every test you could think of) and they couldn't find anything wrong. There is no problem with my heart. The doctor and consultant said it could all be Chemo related, but they had to do the necessary checks to be on the safe side.

Like you, I have been feeling human enough for nearly a week now and I'm loving being back to me again. The trouble is my second round is coming up on 3rd Mar. (Aghhh!) 

Although I know what's coming, it doesn't set my mind to think I can go through the side effects all over again. Throughout my journey, I've been confident had a positive outlook, but some of that has been worn away. Then I see the posts you lovely ladies have on here and I get immediately boosted!

Again so sorry to intrude, and sorry for going on

Take care Vicki, ladies

Much love n big hugs  

Vee xx

Hi Vee

Thank you SO much for jumping on. Honestly just knowing someone is out there who is having the same chemo is massive for me. It sucks. Its going to kill the bloody critters, but WOW does it suck. I'm sorry you've had such a *** time also. 

Did you have the injection for your white blood cells the day after? Filgrastim I had. That gave me mega pain in breastbone, neck and upper back. I've spoken to the nurses 5 separate times and dialled 111 yesterday as felt so rotten and made myself anxious. A GP called me back and prescribed different anti sickness meds. I'm now getting migraines on and off which are all to be expected also. I'm just accepting that I will have to ride the storm and deal with the headaches etc. And that part of my days I feel normal. Baths are my best part of the day. That and sleeping! 

Feel free to add me as a friend and reach out after your next cycle. You do know what to expect now and so do I, so we will get through this. Xxx

Hey Vicki,

Let me first thank you for responding and welcoming me, I really appreciate it.

I'm sorry you have had a bad time with EC, but together we will guide each other and others through this emotional roller coaster! Right?

I did have an injection to take the day after Chemo, but I haven't a clue what it was for. I was given my 'Chemo goodybag' of meds, mouthwash, etc....as I was leaving and to be honest, I remembered the injection, only because the nurse said it was important. Nausea took over the rest of my brain and I couldn't think straight. Like you, I was never actually sick, I just felt extreme nausea, which was enough to stop me eating solid food. (I'd rather be sick than feel sick and ****).

Anyway, after many attempts of trying (cos I thought it would hurt), my daughter gave me the injection. I felt such a wimp, cos it honestly wasn't worth the palaver I was giving. Lol!!

That could be the reason why I had that really bad chest pain. Hmmm, it kinda makes sense now, don't you think?

Amen!! To bath days and sleeping, they are my comfort days atm, and I love em!! Lol

Yes! To adding as a friend and after next cycle, btw, when is yours?

xx

Hi Vee

I'm no doc, but will put money on your hideous chest pain being due to the injection. I had breastbone, neck and upper back pain. All due to injection. It only lasted a day. It's your bones creating extra white blood cells, so it aches. 

I think I'm suffering more with headaches than nausea at the moment. It's bloody awful. My nurse texted me today to see how I was. I mentioned headaches and she said she'd tell my oncologist as they might lower my chemo dose if they continue. I'm having EC every two weeks, so I may suffer if my side effects don't give me any respite before the next cycle. 

How often are your cycles? I'm presuming longer then every 2 weeks? 

My next cycle is on 8th March.

I just watched Victoria Derbyshire and her chemo video diaries she took. Helped me to see her go through it and come out the other side! Brave lady filming that lot. Worth a watch xxx

Welcome Vee. 

So sorry you are going through this but really glad you have found this chat and sounds like you and Vicki can be a great source of support to each other. 

Take care and wishing you all the best on your journey xx

Hi Vicki,

The plan is that my cycles are every 3 weeks. After Thursday, I have two more cycles to go, then finish for a 4-6 week break for my body to recover. Then I start another 4 cycles of Docetaxel and Carboplatin, finish again for another 4-6 week break, then surgery. Well I hope that's still the plan. It's a long way off when I finish my treatment, which is about 6 months in total, (I think) before I get a surgery date.

Will defo give Victoria Derbyshire a try. I'll always try/do something that is a plus and can do no harm.

Vee xx   

Hi Positive,

Thank you for welcoming me.

Yes I'm glad I found this chat too, and I feel we can all support each other in one way or another. I am new to all this, and since my diagnosis, everything is in 'baby steps' and everyday is a new learning day for me. I'm looking forward to our chats

Vee xx