Discussion
Hoofy said:
Remember that she doesn't have to feel alone going through this. There's usually a Macmillan Centre attached to the hospital with various therapists and support groups.
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/HowWeCanHelp/LocalInfo...
Ps the NHS were & still are outstanding with my oh's care
speedyguy said:
Hoofy said:
Remember that she doesn't have to feel alone going through this. There's usually a Macmillan Centre attached to the hospital with various therapists and support groups.
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/HowWeCanHelp/LocalInfo...
I've seen people go from being thoroughly depressed, anxious and worried to happy and calm over a period of weeks or months. It might be because of my wonderful personality, charisma, good looks and charm, and nothing to do with Macmillan, though.
So chemotherapy starts tomorrow and she's quite worried about it. I have been trying to keep her positive and calm, and other than that Im still in a world of not being sure what to do.
Ironically she ended up looking after me yesterday, I had a bit of an off my car and she came and kept me warm in her TT during my rediculously long wait to be recovered.
Ironically she ended up looking after me yesterday, I had a bit of an off my car and she came and kept me warm in her TT during my rediculously long wait to be recovered.
FEC or FEC-T? FEC's do-able - so's the Tax but much harder for most. Watch for constipation and treat ASAP with FEC, and if the first anti sickness pills don't work, don't let her suffer in silence, get different ones - there are lots out there, its just finding the right ones.
Unless she uses cold cap she'll lose her hair. If she does use it make sure it's tight fitting. the first 20 minutes are sheer agony, but if you can stick it that long it does get easier.
Red pee is 'entertaining' for a few hours ...
Good luck - if you have any Q's please ask away. Recommend breast cancer care forums - they have 'starting chemo in November' thread running now which may help compare notes.
Nina
Unless she uses cold cap she'll lose her hair. If she does use it make sure it's tight fitting. the first 20 minutes are sheer agony, but if you can stick it that long it does get easier.
Red pee is 'entertaining' for a few hours ...
Good luck - if you have any Q's please ask away. Recommend breast cancer care forums - they have 'starting chemo in November' thread running now which may help compare notes.
Nina
The Mrs had FEC-T (EC at three week cycles, then Taxol at 2 weeks) this summer - she was remarkably lucky and sailed through with minimal effects so it isn't guaranteed to be a nightmare.
She'll need plenty of rest and to stick to the drugs regimen they give her to manage the side effects. Expect lots of trips to the hospital - pre-chemo blood tests, chemo and oncologist visits, just making those as easy as possible for her will be a big help.
Cold cap might work but did nothing for the other half and the nurses were very clear that it was highly unlikely to be effective but it's worth trying. If it does go, there are lots of options for wigs (google Trevor Sorbie's My new hair)as well as the NHS options. If you're any where near SW London, there's a wig company in Shepperton which does loads of movie work but was brilliant with the Mrs and can customise the wig to suit better. The other half's is fabulous - she's had no end of comments on how great her hair looks!
Best of luck. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions.
She'll need plenty of rest and to stick to the drugs regimen they give her to manage the side effects. Expect lots of trips to the hospital - pre-chemo blood tests, chemo and oncologist visits, just making those as easy as possible for her will be a big help.
Cold cap might work but did nothing for the other half and the nurses were very clear that it was highly unlikely to be effective but it's worth trying. If it does go, there are lots of options for wigs (google Trevor Sorbie's My new hair)as well as the NHS options. If you're any where near SW London, there's a wig company in Shepperton which does loads of movie work but was brilliant with the Mrs and can customise the wig to suit better. The other half's is fabulous - she's had no end of comments on how great her hair looks!
Best of luck. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions.
Taxol is easier than taxotere which is the usual T of FEC-T. Too many chemos with similar names, and even then it can vary - abraxane is same family as taxotere but much easier to bear but not used in primaries so much dare I say due to cost ...
Surprised they discouraged cold cap tho - it worked pretty well for me, and others, but I know it doesn't for some. It does lengthen the sit in the chemo ward tho which isn't good.
Surprised they discouraged cold cap tho - it worked pretty well for me, and others, but I know it doesn't for some. It does lengthen the sit in the chemo ward tho which isn't good.
Cold cap sort of 'worked' for missus SG , rather than all hair coming out, she managed to get away with a 'short' style 2 months after the 6 months chemo finished, she still wore a wig for nearly 6 months but it was so original to real hair & style even the kids didn't notice.
Chemo ladies were usually in & out within hr, but went to 5-6 hrs if on cold cap, if using it wrap up really warm with masses of layers.
Everyones treatments & reaction are different, it's an experience & your missus will be ok & in good hands
Chemo ladies were usually in & out within hr, but went to 5-6 hrs if on cold cap, if using it wrap up really warm with masses of layers.
Everyones treatments & reaction are different, it's an experience & your missus will be ok & in good hands
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