Sukiem - The very first doctor I saw at hospital who did an ultrasound and a FNA told me there and then that my tumour was approx 3cm and that she was 95% certain it was cancer and she would have the results within 48 hours although a massive shock I too appreciated what she was saying and she was very caring and I felt she could feel my pain. she actually made me feel very ‘safe’ with the things that she said to me,
Despite my tumble yesterday and expecting not to be able to move this morning I feel fairly good my leg is a bit stiff and bruised but I think Ill survive!
Just about to take my beautiful dog out for some fresh air, he is patiently waiting for me to finish this, he is such a good boy and my devoted companion during the day.
Good luck Nicola for today, I hope everything runs smoothly for you and the SE’s are manageable x
What is everyone else up to today, I am taking my elderly Mum into town to do some food shopping as it’s day 10 I shall be listening out for people with coughs and sneezes and keeping out of their way, having said that OH was sniffy this morning, he’ll be sleeping on the settee tonight!
Good luck with the Tax, Nicola. I was petrified when I had mine - but it was ok. Much easier than the FEC. Actually felt like a human being when leaving the hospital. You can relax once you get through the first ten minutes.
Your bruising may be down to low platelet counts as a SE from chemo. I have a lovely bruise from a minor fall off Tuesday, and quite a good one from the Neulasta injection.
I’m wondering if the balance issues are in anyway related to hearing problems? I seem to have been okay in both departments although did notice I have to turn the volume down when listening to music on my iPhone - feels like my ears are much more sensitive rather than losing hearing!
Nicola - Glad you are getting out and about and your tumble hasn’t put you off venturing. It’s so hard getting it right between resting and making yourself stay active I find - not least the fear of germs. I had to take a rush hour tube home from THe Haven yesterday. Luckily it wasn’t too rammed but I was still very aware of a carriage full of coughing and sneezing. Still haven’t had a flu jab but I’m not too keen as one time I had it I felt quite unwell afterwards. I carry hand sanitizer everywhere and am getting though it like nobody’ business.
Margaret - think you may be right about the platelets. And I am ‘a bit of a bruiser’ anyway!!
Thanks Nicola, will try and find cheap copy of silas marner, i think i was searching too hard last week for inspiration and i dont really need to read cancer books, all of our journeys are different. thanks for the link’
good luck sukie. i liked your shore comment too, i shall add it to the keep swimming one.
big hugs xxx
as for what im doing today, im bored, waiting for my dressings to be changed. come on nursey!
Hi all, I had my mid point ultrasound today. For the first time I peeked a look at the screen-how they interpret these things is beyond me as it just looked like a picture of a stormy sky!
The sonographer said that my pre chemo scan was very clear but with this one it was difficult to see the margins of the tumour although its still very much there. My google finger is itching like mad to find out what that may mean!!
Thanks to you all for your support x
Hey - we’re in a movie! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The\_Sapphires\_(film)
sukiem - I don’t know how they make sense of the scans either. The margins are probably less clear because the tissue around is now fighting the cancer. I’ve heard that happens.
Hi all - well FEC4 has been ok so far (fingers crossed). A lot less queasy than last time so feel a bit more human so far. Although early days yet. Hope all you that are going onto tax next suffer fewer side effects than you have had on FEC. Wish I could concentrate on a good book but can only manage trashy mags at the moment so I am keeping up with all the lovely gossip on Katie Price etc. I did manage a book last week The woman who went to bed for a year (struck a chord with me!!) and thought it was hilarious and didn’t need to concentrate too much. The film The Sapphires gets a good write up in my mags so I want to go and see it but OH says no way. Have a good evening everyone
Lol
sUKIE IM GLAD KEYFEATURES
Sukie glad you got ultrasound and that kefeatures could help with the comments. makes sense what she told you,
what a boring day, nurse wasnt here until 3pm so the day was gone, but i did get to daughters parents evening, first time with hat and scarf, and made old friend cry when she asked what it was all about, she thought i was just having a hippy phase, because she knows i wear lots of long indian skirts in the summer, how could i lie that this wasnt just a fashion statement, made me feel cared for though.
Sapphires movie, how cool x
Thanks amd66 and Nicola. I’ve googled and am no wiser so will let my onc explain it all next week. amd, telling people is so difficult but in my experience people have been really kind.
sukiem - Google can be a bit hit and miss I find - you never know if you are reading the latest info and sometimes it’s contradictory. I’ve decided to trust my onc as whenever I’ve questioned her I’ve later found out she does actually know what she’s talking about! Can be frustrating only seeing them for a quick appointment before each chemo though.
How are you feeling generally? I know you were a bit down recently.
Nicola x
Hi Nicola-you are right about google and even when I’ve found something I sure as heck don’t understand it!
I’m feeling better but still low level lousy (don’t know whether that makes any sense?). I think the 3rd FEC just did me in and I’ve been really frustrated by it all. How has your Tax been so far? x
sukiem - Tax okay so far but early days - most people seem to get SEs about 2-3 days after. I have herceptin as well with the next dose and already feeling nervous about that! I’ve got my strong painkillers still from operation and plan to use them if necessary. The steroids did give me a bit of insomnia and hyperactive feeling. Fell asleep fine but woke at 1am feeling ready to get up. Did you go to the Haven btw?
Glad to hear you are better but know what you mean about low level lousy. I’m finding it hard to remember what normal was now. xx
I’m off the the Haven next week for the introductory day. I feel very conflicted about accessing support centres to be honest-part of me likes to ignore it all.
Good luck with the s/e’s. Just to say also that my onc prescribed zopiclone for insomnia, I only take half a tablet but have found it really helpful x
Thanks for that sukiem - I’ve only had one night of insomnia so far, but if it kicks in big time will ask about this. People who suffer with it longterm have my sympathies.
I too was rather in two minds about support, and I’ve tended to avoid group meetings for this reason.
Nicola x
My gp gave me zopliclone and saved me the worry of not sleeping at night. For me they don’t give me that “drunk” feeling in the morning which is good. I would say though, ony take them when you need them as they are addictive.
I had cervical cancer 7 years ago and my gp prescribed them then too. The addiction was the last thing on my mind whilst going through treatment, yet it took me a few months to come off them.
Xxxx
Completely agree Stephie x
Nicola,
hope the sleep is better, ive tried a wheat bag with bergamot oil when i had the lumpectomy and couldnt get comfy.
and sukie, how lucky to be near a Haven tell all when you get back, i discovered a local charity does therapies and my bcn has referred me, i thought it was just for terminal patients, how nice to think i might get something too.
anne xx
Hi anne, I promise to report back!
Just to let you know that the Haven also sends a DVD to people with BC who can’t access their services. I haven’t played it yet but it looks good-may be worth asking them if they can send it? x
They also have some of their videos on their website.
http://www.thehaven.org.uk/how-we-can-help-you/useful-films-haven-home
I have done most of my counselling over the phone with them - alhtough for massages etc obviously have to go in person.
x