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 Linze,

Haven't been on here for a bit.  I've felt a bit down this weekend so I thought I'd pop in, see what's happening.
 

I really hope everyone is doing okay.  Vicki, sorry to read you are having a tough time of it.  
 

I've been a bit in limbo these last few weeks as I had all my mammograms double checked again for a second opinion at another hospital.  They confirmed same diagnosis.  Second find of calcs was low grade DCIS.  Best of a bad lot I suppose!

seeing the surgeon this Wednesday to get a date for surgery.  I still want the mastectomy and will leave decisions about reconstruction to later on as I can't cope with it all at the moment.  It feels very real again now.  I've been busy with family and friends last few weeks and forgot about things a bit (a bit of denial I suppose), but the anxiety is creeping back now.  The post op pathology is a big worry for me and I'm worried about nodes.  Last time I saw the surgeon she mentioned that sometimes even low grade 1's can misbehave and be worse than a grade 3 which totally evaporated any positivity I had been feeling previously frankly!  Don't like her much tbh and she has said she is booked up until the end of March.  I dont  really want to wait that long as was hoping to be in better shape for the start of Easter hols.  She said I may have to have another surgeon??  

Best wishes to everyone, the original gang and anyone else who has jumped on since.  Sending you all a hug. x

Hi Mary. 

Sorry to hear you have been feeling down this weekend. Totally understandable tho given what you are going through. 

It sounds like you have made a decision re: mastectomy and this is positive. Good to know your own mind. Rubbish that you are not happy with your surgeon and that you may have to wait so long. Perhaps exploring option of another surgeon could be a good thing?!?

Sending hugs and best wishes 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