Newbie - not the 2024 I was hoping for!

So sorry to see you join our select little group, @Paris_24 ..... the club no-one ever thought they'd join :( 

We have a Private Group for ILC members where specific info re ILC is put up - jump on here & click 'join':
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/23-invasive-lobular-cancer-ilc

I hope you've recovered well from your surgery - that is a bugger about the cording tho!   Maybe put up a separate query about that? I know that it can be quite restrictive when it is bad ..... I hope the physio is helping.

Have you been assigned a Breast Care Nurse?  You can also put any queries past them as well - as they'll have lots of tips & tricks from their other clients xx

Feel free to jump onto this thread & read up a bit more on what else is available to you on the forum - you can show off your garden, art & craft, your fur kids - any thing you like, really!!  ;)  We even have some 'funny' posts, for you to have a giggle, too!!
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

Wishing you all the best for your chemo next week - drink lots of water, and rest up when you have to. xx  Eat lots of small meals rather than 3 big ones - maybe cook up some of your favourites and freeze them this weekend, so you have some choices 'ready to go' ;) 

take care 

Hi @Paris_24
My 50th present was a cancer diagnosis and my Christmas present was losing my hair, not quite what I was hoping for either! I've had 4 rounds of the AC chemo and started the paclitaxel today....
I've also had axillary clearance and have some cording.....keep up the physio and massage..I'm finding qigong helpful too. They have online sessions through look good feel better.
Stay strong and be kind to yourself....try to treat yourself each day with something nice, even if it's just a bit of cake or a lovely soap etc...

I'm sorry about your diagnosis. Similar story to mine. Although I was 61 at diagnosis. I recommend trying the Cold Cap. I didn't lose my hair. Thinned a little on top. Not very noticeable. I was very lucky. I had some side effects, to Chemo but they were all manageable. Always ask questions and report any issues to your Oncology Nurses or Oncologist. They have lots to offer. Have you got EviQ information sheets for all of your treatments? These sheets can be handy, to be prepared for possible problems. They are also from a reliable Australian medical source. Better than google. I hope that you get on well. My story is in my profile. Click on my name or Emogi

It’s pretty crap isn’t it. Not exactly what you want as you go into your 50th year. 

@arpie thanks for the info.  I am lucky and can access two breast care nurses who interchange care and have a fabulous treatment team.  When I was told before Xmas not to be surprised the results would show I had cancer, I remember one of nurses telling me you can do this physically, bc is a mind game.  Holding on to that as I move forward and knowing many before have walked this path.  Love the garden, fur baby and art - so very peaceful.

@Coastiejas thanks for sharing and can imagine losing you hair could be distressing. I am going to go on the front and shave my head this weekend - the team said I am going to lose it by week 2 or 3.  So glad to hear that you are progressing through your treatment stages and finished with the AC.  The physio did some laser which has helped, more massage and I have an arm sleeve for the next 8-12 weeks to help reduce lymphoedema. Thanks for the online session tip.  I will definitely prescribe to the treat regime - sounds like a great plan.  Keep up with your mojo and wish you all the best.

Dear Paris_24, I don't believe that you will definitely loose your hair with the Cold Cap. I don't know the percentages. I had EC and Taxol, almost the same as your plan. I had very good success. It is very individual. You won't know until you try. All the best regardless.

@MrsMorrisey good luck for Monday with your results! 

@Abbydog thanks for sharing and glad to hear the cold cap worked for you and your side effects were manageable.  My emotions swing between you got this and be kind because it will be rough.  I guess time will tell.  I will check out your story. 

Hi @Paris_24
I lost my hair pretty much at the 3 week mark, but everyone is different.  I still have a bit of fluff left!!!
It did clog up my vacuum cleaner when it fell out  :open_mouth:
I've also got the sleeve but the good news is it reduced my lymphoedema readings to their lowest ever after a week of wear so all that heat and discomfort is worth it in the end!
Good luck with the AC I found it pretty brutal (again everyone is different!) but you will get through it and the paclitaxel is a bit easier so far....