September 2018 Chemo Starters.

[ALittlePixie]

Good morning you lovely lot
MamaTony - I'm so sorry to hear that your tumour might still be there and not shrunk any more. They are wrong sometimes, so I'll hope you won't need anymore chemo. Good luck for the surgery in the New Year 😘
Millie - well done for getting through this hell we're all in and have a super Christmas and New Year. It sounds like we'll probably be having radiotherapy etc at the same time!
Kath - I'm so sorry the SEs are so horrid. Crank up the pain meds and I hope it doesn't last too long for you.
Jacqs - do u have ur last chemo session today?! If so, congratulations and I'm so happy you've made it through.
Gaby - I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter and needing an op. I hope everything goes well and she'll be so much better after her op. It's just neverending for you at the mo. Sending love.
Paula - that's great you've decided on your surgery. The time will fly now. 😍
Lisa - you're nearly done with your chemo. Only one more!! I really hope the SEs aren't being too horrid for you over Christmas.
KEENO72 - great you've only got one more chemo to go too. It's lovely to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm glad they got your meds more manageable for you.
Treemad - I hope SEs have calmed down for you and they've sorted your meds out. I use Lansoprazole for my acid gastric and it def helps.
Love to everyone and I hope I haven't missed too many people out.
I'm now on my weekly Paclitaxel (thanks for all your encouragement/advice you gave) and I'm coping soooooooooo much better! I have 2 days of pain but then it eases and I feel human again. My hair is bum fluff but it's def growing! It's all very amusing. I do feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only 4 more weeks of it, then radiotherapy etc. I'm starting my Herceptin on New Years Eve. We're having a party on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve whilst I'm there having chemo. The nurses are fab, so I'll make the most of it. Have a fabulous Christmas everyone and I know we'll all get through this together xxx

[Bee1980]

Hi all! Haven’t posted for awhile but just wanted to share TODAY IS MY LAST CHEMO!!!

I didn’t think this day would come! This site has been such a comfort thank you 😊.

For anyone that doesn’t know i had lumpectomy and 3 nodes removed, IDC, HER2+ (lovely injections to look forward to). Love to you all & keep strong 💪🏿 💕xx

[MamaTony]

Hi All,

Due my last chemo tomorrow, have been counting down the days and so desperate to ring that bell 🔔 and see the back of it. HOWEVER, on Tuesday the oncologist was disappointed that the tumour has not continued to shrink🙁 it reduced from 6cms to 4cms after first docetaxol but has remained for last two🙁 He’s now talking about chemo tablets when I recover from my op as he suspects cancer still there. I’m triple negative.

Surgery Jan 16th for mx and recon with DIEP flap. Hoping after checking the tumour it is scar tissue and dead cancer cells🤞🤞🤞 He did say could be scar tissue but didn’t look convincing🙁

Gabyf: my daughter had the scoliosis op and the difference is great. Worrying time but the surgeons are amazing. And my daughter grew 1.5 inches after op because her spine was straightened 👍👍

Best wishes to all you lovely ladies💕

[Millie Evergreen]

Hi all,  I haven't posted on here very much at all since beginning chemo in September but have been reading all of your brave and supportive messages to each other. There is so much courage amongst you all and you have helped me enormously, so thank you 😊 I had my last Docetaxol yesterday (reduced to 80% and with some fab painkillers!!) Onwards and upwards to radiotherapy and 10 years of Tamoxifen now!! Well done all, you're almost there and you have 'totally got this' wishing you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a brighter 2019 xxx

[Kath1977]

Hiya Girls.

I am still here, I had my dental work done and chemo stopped for a week.

Had chemo on Thursday last week and the side effects are the worse I've ever had, I thought with a week gap they would be easier but seen to be worse.

Muscle and bone pain and stabbing pains in back and side of my head.

Oh and don't get me started on the hot flushes. Jacqs just like you they are crazy. I can't wear anything on my head as soaking in sweat.

Kids are keeping me upbeat with there excitement for christmas though.

Hope you are all coping with your side effects.

Only another 8 weeks to go!! Feels like an eternity. 🙄🙄🙄

Kath xx

[Jacqs]

Hello Gaby & Pulapula,

I’m sure everyone has got sidetracked with SE’s & getting ready for Christmas.  Like you Gaby, i’ve been so tired & out of breath this last 2 weeks.  Doing simple things is taking up so much energy.  I went food shopping this morning after having bloods taken & thought I was going to pass out.  As for that awful taste, I will be so happy to get rid of that.  I think we should just hide those scales until well into Jan 🤪

Gaby that’s terrible to hear about your daughter - as if you didn’t already have enough to deal with.  Sending big hugs & positive thoughts ❤️

Pulapula - good luck for Friday.  Will be thinking of you.  It is such a nuisance having to wear hats etc.  I’ve taken to wearing a pink beanie that my sister bought for me.  One minute I’m freezing, the next I have major hot flushes so it gets ripped off ! 

Hope everyone one else is doing ok xxx

[GabyF]

Hi Pulapula,

I really hope everyone goes well for you on Friday. I'll be thinking of you. I've got surgery in late March, I think, so a bit of time to go still...

I'm fed up with hats etc as well, especially as nothing really seems to keep my head all that warm.

Had a bit of a mixed day today. I'm feeling better but our daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis at Guy's this morning and will probably have to have an operation to correct the curve in her spine at some point next summer. We seem to have gone from a family with very few health problems to having to deal with really rather major issues. I'm sure she will be ok in the end, but it's not easy for a teenager, who is about to embark on university etc. I just can't wait to see the back of all these doctors and hospitals!

Gx

[Pulapula]

Hi all, it's been a bit quiet on here lately - hope it just means you're busy getting ready for christmas, and are coping OK with your side effects.

I finally decided today what surgery I am going to have on Friday - WLE with reconstruction. I'll find out the pathology results on 7 January and really hope I don't need to have more chemo...It's been nearly 4 weeks since my last cycle and I don't miss it one bit! I've still got my PICC line in, just incase...Just wish my hair would start to grow back as I didn't get a wig and I'm getting fed up of wearing hats and scarves.

[GabyF]

Hi Jacqs,

I hope you had a good weekend. Sounded like you definitely had a good plan!

I'm slowly emerging from the EC fog. I think my haemoglobin crashed again, as I am very short of breath and even more tired than usual. My brain completely went to pot over the weekend. My daughter thought it was funny - 'you just look like you're drunk mum!'. I couldn't string a sensible sentence together, muddled up words and was totally incapable of concentrating on anything. I feel very slightly more with it this evening, so hopefully I'll be a bit better tomorrow. Had the shivers during the night at the weekend as well and got told off by my lovely nurse today for not checking my temperature and phoning in. Oh dear! She's running another blood test just to make sure there's nothing serious going on, but really I'm fine 😁 🙃 😝.

Absolutely foul taste in my mouth which only goes when I'm eating, so of course I'm constantly nibbling. I'm definitely not going on the weighing scales right now 😡 😁.

Hope you're all having a reasonable start to the week.

Gx

[Jacqs]

Hi Everyone,

Hope you’re all having a good weekend, despite this cold weather.  Today’s going to be a day tucked up at home for me maybe wrapping some more Xmas presents 🎁.

My stepdaughter is back from uni for the holidays so it’ll be a nice Sunday lunch then curl up on the sofa & watch Christmas films.

Thursday was my penultimate Carboplatin / Paclitaxel sesssion - it nearly didn’t go ahead cause my platelets & neutrophils we’re low, but they repeated the blood tests early on Thursday am & they’d risen just enough.  Today was my last day of taking steroids - yeahhh 😁.

I’m fighting a cold & sore throat at the moment but praying I can stave it off till I get my last session out of the way next week. 

Gutted that the nail on my right big toe is turning black - 1 week from the end.  Isn’t that Sod’s law.  Finger nails haven’t got any worse.  The oncologist nurse said that I may get another horizontal band on each nail with this last cycle ( called Mees lines ) but the cuticles still look intact so she said I should avoid losing fingernails if I keep moisturising them & just let the bands grow out.  

Wishing you all a good week.  With each step closer to Christmas, we’re all getting closer to this nightmare ending. Take care all ❤️😘

[Lisa-T]

Sounds like the birthday dance did the trick GabyF 💃🏻🕺 love that idea 😍

So pleased it’s not just me ... I wander round shops in a complete daze as I can’t focus on what I’m doing 😂

Really hoping the worst bit is nearly over too ... we are getting there ❤️💪🏻❤️ xx

[GabyF]

Hi LisaT,

I'm so glad you're starting to feel a bit better. The walking is a nuisance, I agree. Thank heavens for lifts and escalators 😁. And chemo brain is another one. I've hidden my presents in rather obvious places, but I'm hoping that will enable me to remember where they are 😣. I'm also forgetting loads of other stuff, words, tasks, appointments, you name it, it's terrible 😡. So I'm making lots of lists, but then I have to remember where I put those 😁.

We had a lovely evening to celebrate my husband's birthday, thanks. My son was keen to bake the cake, mainly so he could lick the bowl 😋. So my husband got a tasty cake, some wine, dinner, lots of presents and a special happy birthday dance from me and my daughter 🕺 🎉 🕺 😁. All this cheered him up immensely. He's also got today off, so we're going out for a nice lunch. I wasn't sure if I would be up to it, but I actually slept quite well and am still feeling OK.

How fantastic that the end of all this rubbish is now in sight for you. I don't suppose any of us will ever be able to forget about the cancer, pills or no pills, but hopefully the worst is over soon and we can all return to something approaching normal ☺.

Gx

[Lisa-T]

Pleased your first EC went ok GabyF 💪🏻 hope you had a good night. Happy Birthday to your hubby🎂🥂 Impressed you are thinking of making a cake ... I just slept after my first FEC 🙈

Had my 2nd T last Wednesday - felt really spaced out after this one and had more bone pain but hopefully over the worst bit now! Also feel like I’ve aged about 20 years ... I’m walking so slowly!

Signed the forms agreeing to radiotherapy yesterday which I should start end of January. 3 weeks of that and then I’m released back in to normal society armed with tamoxifen for 10 years and check ups every 6 months! It’s a weird feeling!

Pleased everything is sorted for you now Keeno72 ... last T for me on 28th now ... we are nearly there ❤️💪🏻❤️

Wrapping presents later today so Christmas tunes on full blast 🎄🎅🏻 ... just need to remember where I’ve hidden them all now 🙈

Hope everyone has a good week 😘 Lisa xx

[GabyF]

Hi everyone,

Had my first EC session today and am feeling ok. I was half expecting to be throwing up by now, as I spoke to a couple of lovely ladies on the ward last week, who were feeling dreadful after their first EC. I had a barrage of anti-nausea drugs this morning and have been given a large bag with more goddies for taking at home - so far they seem to be doing the trick, fingers crossed! I am feeling a bit more dopey than usual, but my kids would probably say that they can't notice any difference 

It's my husband's birthday today, so will bake him a cake in a moment. Wasn't sure I'd be up to it, but am very relieved that I can go ahead. He was a little low last night - combination of getting older and the ongoing worry of my treatment. He is not one for letting on much if he's stressed or sad, tends to bottle things up a bit, and the last few months have of course not been easy. Hopefully a bit of yummy cake and presents will cheer him up.

Hope everyone is having a reasonable week.

Gx

[KEENO72]

Hello all haven't been on for a while after having a terrible 1st cycle of docetaxel, anyway got it all sorted with a reduced dose of steroids halved actually, sleeping tablets for 5/6 days and paracetamol and codeine at night. I have done 3 only have 1 left now on 27th woop woop! 😁
Been reading posts and a few little hinters and positive comments i hope.
Re indigestion I gave up on any meds and have ginger ale/biscuits lemon and ginger cordial seems to help get all the gas out! Never had so much gas inside!😲
I had recon b4 surgery and then suffered a recurrence in skin on new breast....great news the little lumps have all but gone having changed to docetaxel i only have minor surgery now in Jan! 😁 re recon for those considering its looking real good now after 4 months takes a while but i now feel worth it. I had implant btw.

Re nasty nails a v good nurse told me to get my nails painted black/dark i have gel night b4 chemo and all my nails bar 1 are in good nic the one that looks like it might lift was damaged beforehand I'd recommend some nice dark sparkly nails for xmas!
Finally hair!!! My hair didn't get any worse after started docetaxel still look like prince william and its attempting to grow back but not on top!!! 🙈🙈my eyebrows thinned as soon as changed to doxe and eyelashes I'm hoping what i have left lasts through next cycle as I'm filling them in well and some good eyeliner work means no ones noticing my sparce eyelashes! Finally i have a great wig and on my good week before chemo week.I've been out for lunch nearly every day will be feeling good for Xmas before last round......hang in there all nearly there....😍😍😍xxx

[Treemad]

Reflux!

[Treemad]

Hi jacqus, ive not had any acid reflex ir acid in upper part. Its what passes out!!

Like a curry from the underworld!

[Jacqs]

Hi Treemad

Gaviscon is a complete waste of time.  The only thing i’ve ever found to work on severe indigestion / acid reflux is Lanzaprozole.  Maybe try your own GP & see if you can get them to prescribe something stronger like Lanzaprozol.  It’s usually 1 tablet a day in morning & it works pretty quickly.  Xx

[Treemad]

Yes in frequent communication with nurses, which recommended the gaviscon and constant omeprezole, but its not making much of a difference yet.

[Jacqs]

Gaby it’s great to hear your genetic test was clear.  Such a huge relief for your famiy ❤️

Lisa I was offered genetic testing as i’m Also TN & have strong family history of BC.  My results not due till Christmas time.  Re nails, have gone for nice Christmassy red varnish & just going to keep fingers crossed.

Treemad - have you tried ringing the chemo helpline.  They are really good if you just want advice & you can chat through what SE’s your having.  I’ve had quite lot indigestion - I think due to steroids but i’m On completely different chemo drugs to you so it’s hard to compare.  I take Lanzaprosol on prescription which helps, but they say that if any 1 symptom is really bad, it’s best to get it checked out.  Please don’t suffer in silence - it’s all hard enough as is.  I rand 24 hr chemo helpline early hours one morning & the nurse was so lovely - she let me run through every single SE & then gave advice on how to deal with each one.  Hope you get it sorted soon 

Think i’m set for a late night all thanks to those pesky steroids this morning.  Wide awake 😬😬😬

[Pulapula]

Gaby - so pleased to hear your genetic test came back negative.

Lisa-T, unless you’re triple negative, I don’t think they offer genetic testing unless you are very young and/or have a history of BC in the family.

My cysts were aspirated yesterday so no further treatment needed. That’s 3 I’ve had aspirated since diagnosis. I have a feeling I’ll be back there again and again every time I find another lump as I’m always checking now! And I am very cysty....

I finally slept like a log last night. So much so I was woken by my 9 year old at 8:58. He should have been at school by 8:50!!! I quickly got dressed and delivered him. Oops!

[Treemad]

I am aged 48, ER/PR- HER2+. 3cm lump removed in lumpectomy, one sentinal node with 3mm calls but other 20 nodes clear.

I have been perscribed 3 x FEC and 3 xTax plus Herceptin and Pertuzemab.

I have just had 1st of the Tax/Her/Per and am 8 days on.

Distended stomach, aches and pains, metallic taste, diarrhoea. But thankfully no nausea, which i struggled with on the FEC.

Trying Aloe Vera juice for gut, as well as gaviscone and Omeprozole, but it still feels like i am passing acid marbles (sorry if you are having your tea). Im avoiding fruit and acidic or spicy foods but it is still bad, what is going on inside to produce the chemical reaction? I don't feel the stomach is actually acidy.

[Lisa-T]

Thanks GabyF - will mention to my oncologist next week xx

[GabyF]

Thanks, Lisa. I was offered the test because I'm triple negative which has a higher chance of a genetic link. I don't think it's offered as standard for other types of BC at King's, but it's worth asking your hospital as they may have a different policy.

Gx

[Lisa-T]

Fantastic news GabyF ... such a relief for you and your children xx I’ve not been offered a genetic test ... does everyone get offered the test? xx

Jacqs - my fingernails have white horizontal lines on them too although the ends aren’t brown. Hoping mine last too. My little toenail has gone brown tho 😬 xx

[GabyF]

Hi everyone,

Finally had the result through from my genetic test: I'm all clear, no genetic link just bloody bad luck! I'm so happy for my children, as they won't have this cloud hanging over them. ☺ 🙃 🎇 🎉 😁

Gx

[Jacqs]

Hi All

So relieved to hear your news Pulapula 🤗❤️

Just ticked another Session off the list.  Now 2 is the magic number.  I’ll be joining you Mama Tony & Lisa in finishing by end Dec.

I took my nail polish off last night & this is how my nails look.  They’ve got horizontal stripes & tips are looking very brown.  They’re still intact & not lifting so i’m hoping they survive another 2 sessions  - Anyone else experienced this ? Xx

[GabyF]

Hi Pulapula,

What a reilef this must be for you - brilliant news! Will you need to have any treatment for the cysts?

I was very interested in you comments about your tumour. I suspect that I will be in a similar position, as I am tripe negative and the tumour can no longer be felt. You don't seem to have been given a lot of time to make these major decitions, but I hope that you can get lots of support in this process from your oncologist and BCN. Do you have a Macmillian or Maggies Centre you could approach as well? They probably wouldn't give you specific advice, but perhaps they have someone who can talk the options through with you?

Enjoy your Xmas shopping!

Gaby x

[Lisa-T]

Ahh that’s such a relief Pulapula ❤️ so pleased for you. Good luck with your decision about surgery ... you get bombarded with info and it’s hard to know what to do for the best.

Fantastic to be ringing that bell before Christmas MamaTony ... I’ve got my last T on 27th December so will also be celebrating and bubbling 😂 Not seen a bell at my unit tho (it’s only a small unit) so might have to take my own bell 🤣. I think I am also leaning towards DIEP flap reconstruction, when I’m ready for reconstruction (can’t face it yet). It’s amazing what they can do ... can even get my other boob made a bit bigger ... every cloud 😂 xx

[Pulapula]

Hi all. Just an update from today. Feel so relieved that the lumps I found in my good breast were cysts. Phew.

I’m a bit disappointed that the chemo hadn’t shrunk my tumour as much as I and my oncologist thought as it can’t be felt anymore. It was about 30-35mm before and was still 24mm in length (although in 2 bits and flatter than before). I have the option of breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or skin and nipple sparing mx with reconstruction. I’m thinking the latter as I’m triple neg and worried about recurrence. But recovery is longer. Surgery booked for 21 Dec so I need to get organised about xmas!!!

[MamaTony]

Hi Everyone,

Not posted for a wee while.

So happy for you Gaby that is great news. My tumour shrunk by 1/3 after one docetaximol which I was delighted about, however, have had 2 more and doesn’t seem to have changed which is disappointing☹️ They do say can be scar tissue and not all tumour as a result of the biopsies so hoping it’s that 🤞 Just one more docetaximol for me on Dec 20th and will be ringing that bell 🔔 and bubbling like a 2 year old 🤧🤧🍾🎉

Hope your mouth feels better soon Kath.

Next stage for me is meeting with plastic surgeon on Monday re operation in jan. Need to try and persuade them I want a double mastectomy and not a single one as they are recommending. Should get result of genetics testing any day now and they said if was positive they would do the double but I want it either way. I’m triple negative so want to lesson the risk of reoccurrance.
Researching the DIEP flap reconstruction which is a scary thought both the op and the recovery, however it has been referred to as the gold standard for reconstruction, anyone have any experience of it?

Hope everyone is catching up with their missed sleep 😴 and SEs are calming down. Lots of love 💕

[Lisa-T]

Morning all,

Big hugs for today Pulapula for your results ❤️ Will be thinking of you xx

Sorry you had to cancel your treatment this week Kath - it’s really frustrating but probably for the best as it needed doing asap! Hope your tooth pain has eased today ❤️

Fantastic news about your lump GabyF 😘 Hope all goes well with your last Paclitaxel today - a great milestone to reach - feels like we are actually getting through this nightmare Xx

Hope everyone has a good day xx

[Jacqs]

Sending a big hug Kath. Sorry your in pain and hope it eases tomorrow. It’s really frustrating when you have to miss a week, but best to deal with the immediate problem. Take care xx

[Kath1977]

Just an update.

Chemo has had to be cancelled for this week and I've spent the afternoon at dentist.

Had to have 3 big fillings. Am in pain tonight.

Thank you all for asking about me.

Hope you are all coping and had a good day.

Love

Kath xx

[Jacqs]

Hello Ladies,

So happy to hear your positive news Gaby 

Pulapula - sending you lots of positive vibes for a good result from your mri tomorrow.  

Kath - so sorry to hear about your tooth.  Were they able to do any dental work.  How are you coping with it? I can’t quite imagine how you deal with dental pain on top of all the other sh*t. 

A Little Pixie - hope you enjoyed the time with your mum & sister.  I’ve got my family visiting on Sunday for a pre- Xmas get together.

We saw the Fantastical Beasts film yesterday - very good.  Setting the scene for a few more films to come I think, although I did doze off at beginning.  Oops 😴😴😴

[GabyF]

I skipped out of my oncologist'office with a big smile this morning: she can't feel my tumour anymore!! 🎉 ☺ 🙃 Of course I know it's still there, but somehow the fact that neither of us can now locate it seems so much more exciting than the rather more scientific MRI.

Tried getting hold of someone at Guy's to find out about my genetic test, but ended up just leaving a message for some admin person. Frustrating! 😤

Gx

[GabyF]

Hi Pulapula,

I really hope they can work out quickly what that lump is. Waiting for results is so nerve-wracking. Christmas shopping sounds like an excellent idea for taking your mind off things. Enjoy yourself ☺.

Thanks for getting back to me about your genetic test. That's amazing they got back to you so promptly. I had my test 10 weeks ago and am still waiting 😡. I'm waiting to see my oncologist in 30 minutes so will ask her if she can chase it.

Lovely sunny day here in London, so I walked to hospital. It's good getting some fresh air, sunshine and gentle exercise.

Last Paclitaxel tomorrow, then 4 rounds of EC. Feels like a good milestone. ☺

Have a good day everyone.

Gx

[Pulapula]

Thanks Lisa-T, I hope it is something similar - I’m feeling a bit better about it now. Maybe some retail therapy tomorrow will help. Need to get organised for Christmas anyway.

Hope you get to see wicked on Saturday x

[Lisa-T]

Hi Pulapula,

I also found another lump a few weeks ago and it turned out to be breast tissue that had hardened!

It’s the waiting for results that’s the worst bit and you feel like you are going back to the start again. Hope you don’t have to wait too long for your mri results. Stay positive ❤️ Big hugs. Lisa xx

[Lisa-T]

Evening everyone,

Pulapula - Ahh so sorry to hear you’ve found another lump ... try not to panic (I know that’s hard) ... it could be anything. Doesn’t stop the worry, and you will, but stay positive ❤️

ALittlePixie - I hope your Mum didn’t get too much of a shock with your new look. Enjoy your early Christmas celebrations 🎄

Galligirl - hope your leg pains ease soon 💪🏻 ❤️

GabyF - Hope you get a better nights sleep tonight - I’ve always liked my sleep so I struggle when I wake up too early 😴 Although it is quite handy for a bit of online Christmas shopping 😂

Kath - what rubbish timing for your cracked molar - hope you get it sorted soon

Got my 2nd T on Wednesday 😬 at least I know what to expect this time. I’m hopefully going to see Wicked on Saturday. Booked it nearly 2 years ago so determined to go 🥊💪🏻 ... just hope I don’t fall asleep 💤 🤣

Keep going lovely ladies ... hope you all have a good week xx

[Pulapula]

Hi Gaby, I think someone on this group had something similar with a new lump in other breast and it turned out to be a cyst (I’ll have a read back shortly). I think I’ll call my BCN tomorrow just to make her aware and see if my MRI results are back yet.

I am relieved about the genetic test result. Whilst it would have given a reason why, it’s good to know as I have a 13 year old daughter. I had the test done on 10 Oct and they tried to ring me last week but sent a letter instead so that was 7 weeks?

[GabyF]

Hi pulapula,

Definitely not an easy day for you - I really hope that lump you found turns out to be nothing to worry about. However, the result of your genetic test is fantastic, you must be so relieved. I'm still waiting for mine to come through. How long did you have to wait?

Gx

[Pulapula]

Hi kath - hope you can get your molar fixed and that it’s not causing too much pain.

Sorry to hear some of you are not sleeping well. I tend to sleep ok once I’ve drifted off but sometimes find the drifting off bit hard.

Alittlepixie- hope you enjoy your family time. My mum was upset about my hair at first but soon got used to it.

Bit of a mixed day for me. I had my post chemo mri on fri and get the results weds so I’m all geared up for the surgery discussion. As my lump had shrunk I was feeling good. But I’ve just had a shower and found a new lump in the other breast! Trying not to worry and at least we’ll have the scan results on weds so will know what’s going on. But it was a shock to find it! Trying to convince myself it’s a cyst or hormonal response to having my mirena coil removed on Friday.

On a positive note, my genetic testing results came today - they were negative so that is a big relief in terms of worrying about my 13 year old daughter and my sister.

[GabyF]

Morning everyone,

I did eventually drift off and have just treated myself to a lovely facial, so not feeling too bad now. I'm relieved that so many of us seem to have this problem. Our poor bodies and minds are having to put up with so much rubbish, I suppose it's not surprising we can't sleep properly.

LittlePixie: we're hoping to see Fantastic Beasts this weekend. I just hope I stay awake! 😀

Kath1977: what miserable luck! How many chemo sessions do you have left? Can you keep the temporary filling until you're done?

Have a good day, lovelies! 😘

Gx

[Kath1977]

Morning everyone.

I'm having a nightmare, cracked half a molar on Friday eating a subway as well as dealing with side effects.

Been to dentist this morning and can't do anything temporary. Needs a big filling.

Has anyone had any dental work while on chemo?

Am waiting for my oncologist to phone me back.

Hope you are all managing these horrid side effects and stay in the warm.

Love to you all

Kath xx

[ALittlePixie]

Morning everyone!!!
So sorry to hear you're not sleeping Gaby. I'm hoping in time our bodies will settle down and our sleep patterns return. I use music to help me drift off and I use meditation apps as well...Insight Timer is a good one that I use in the middle of the night.
Galligirl, I really hope those SEs ease quickly. I really feel for you cos it's so horrid. I used my heat blanket and baths to help ease the pain.
Jacqs - a cinema trip sounds heavenly, do enjoy! We're hoping to take Eve to see Fantastic Beasts soon. The cinema is an hour away tho so I need to build up a bit more energy first.
Aley - hope the sickness has calmed down now.
My sister and mum are coming to visit from Leeds for 2 days today, so I'll be celebrating Christmas early. I'm really looking forward to seeing them as I've not seen them since my chemo started. I'm hoping my mum doesn't cry when she sees me with no hair. She's 83 and very forgetful so I keep reminding her I've lost my hair so she doesn't get a shock.
Wishing everyone a lovely week ahead and hope those pesky SEs don't cause too much trouble for you. Lots of love xxxx

[Jacqs]

Morning Everyone,

Its awful not being able to sleep. Friday night I was awake will 3.30am, then Saturday spent most of the day snoozing.  It’s so hard to break that cycle especially when you just feel yuk.  

Hope you managed some sleep eventually Gaby.

Aley I hope you had a better weekend and that your SE’s have now calmed down.  

Its pouring down here, so we’ve decided on an afternoon at the cinema.  Always feels like such a treat.

have a good day all xx

[Galligirl]

GabyF - can’t remember the last time I really slept properly either...I just toss and turn...drift off to sleep then wake with a hot flush! Or freezing cold cos I have shoved all the duvet off....I now just sleep when I can and hope it will all sort itself out later! I would just love to wake up refreshed and ready for the day....

Been aching all weekend following T last Thursday.....every muscle and joint in my legs particularly....should probably go for a little walk but too tired 🤣💤

[GabyF]

Hi everyone,

Here's my first middle of the night post - I simply can't sleep!! As soon as I got in to bed, my legs started twitching and since then I've had several hot flushes, but basically I'm just wide awake 😡. I can't even blame the steroids tonight. Had a good snooze after lunch yesterday, maybe that was a mistake? I am a bit worried that my sleep has generally become so disrupted and irregular, that even once I come off the chemo drugs, I might continue to have problems. Can't remember when I last had a night when I didn't wake up at least once. Anyway, I shall now try to lie down again and see what happens 😁 😴.

Hope no one is reading this right now and that you are all fast asleep!

Gxx

[Aley]

Thanks GabyF. Sounds like you’ve had a lovely couple of days and the creative writing sounds amazing..done most of my Christmas shopping online this year-such a godsend! Feeling a bit better now thanks. Thankfully last FEC! T just before Christmas so I hope it doesn’t wreak too much havoc!! Going for an easy one this year-M&S goodies! I treated myself to a kitchenaid which was delivered today, so I’m looking forward to making bread and treats tomorrow 🥖 enjoy the rest of your weekend all x