I was busy last night after my 5th chemo session so tried to make the most of any energy I might still have so I stayed up until 12.30am took a sleeping tablet and still ony slept until 5.10am, it makes that days so long and I really get fed up with myself. I don’t want to take two as it will be harder to wean off at the end of my treatment any ideas? I think most of us have the same problem I have tried lavender oil and differnt bed times but it seems to make no difference, maybe when the steroids are finished I might, sleep a little longer.
Nellie, I also have a 6 month follow up appointment with the surgeon. My oncologist told me that once you have finished with chemo/rads they refer you back to the surgeons for long term follow up, ie. annual mammogram under the care of the surgeons not the oncologist. So nothing to worry about, just routine.
Jackie, hope your day got better and you had excellent counselling after all the muddles!
Jos, you must be really looking forward to your sister arriving, how nice too to have an extra pair of hands to help especially when you are not feeling great! Good luck also with a new boss! I have been thinking of trying meditation to help with my anxiety etc, did you go on a course to learn the technique and do you find it helpful?
Everyone seems to be
coming out of the grumpy corner now! I expect to be back in it next week when steroids, chemo start up again!
Rolicarpit, we want to visit cornwall( which we do every year) when I have a clearer picture of dates for surgery etc, what part are you going to? We always stay near fowey and I just love the area.
Thanks jos,think I will give it a try, I also can’t take Tramadol or codeine makes me sick too, last time I took clarityn and found that helped bone and joint aches, maybe worth a try.
There is a Buddhist centre near me that offers courses in meditation so think I may look into it, anything to help Cope with the stress of this crappy disease.
Jackie, glad counselling was helpful, all the best for next chemo, what a nice subject to think about too , having another baby- what a joy ! Do hope everything starts up again in that department!
Wildpurl, bet you will sleep well tonight after a busy day!- Rosie, maybe after a couple of hours of watching football you may well sleep better tonight?? goodnight everyone.
I had a fairly good day yesterday but just the fatigue thing and a bit of brain fug, I very nearly grabbed something out of the oven with no oven gloves on, this would have been the second time!
I am hoping the side effects are less this time and no admission with anything. My daughter and grandson are comming from Norfolk on Friday for the weekend, so that would really be a shame.
Sleep, well I ran out of steam at about 4.45pm yesterday after a fairly active day 3 washes a bit of ironing and putting some long overdue spring duvets away in the air bag things, at least I can find my towels and bedding now without an avalanche. I conscripted my younger daughter in to do the putting up onto high shelves bit as both arms are rather knackered with the PICC line blister and bad bruising and stretched veins in the other one, I promptly feel asleep for half an hour before preparing diner.
I went to bed at about 11ish only to be woken up at 1.05am because it was so windy outside and my open bedroom window was making my door bang, you really cannot win either sweat to death on be woken up. I slept intil 5ish and am now pottering about waiting for breakfast time 7-8 hours sleep is all I ask, the menopause was rough for sleep for me so I guess I predisposed to the problem.
Oh dear, not able to post for a few days and so many to respond to. So this is just a quick update for now. Had a couple of very busy days. Tuesday had an interesting session at the Penny Brohn cancer support centre doing their half day Living well course. Their approach is holistic- mind, emotions, spirit as well as body. It’s all about trying to strengthen the immune system in a variety of ways- diet, exercise, stress reduction etc. and they talked about meditation and mindfulness training. They also run a two day residential course which partners can attend as well. That’s free although for those who can afford it a donation is appreciated. It’s a. Beautiful, calm place, very restorative. I also discovered that their course is run in some regions as well, they said the info is on their website or you can ring up. My next step is to book an individual consultstion to decide which services to access.
Wednesday was a very full on day, going up to London to theMatisse exhibition which was also very uplifting. Absolutely shattered when got back after leaving home at 8 and getting back at 10 but well worth it. Went straight to bed without sleeping pill convinced I would sleep, no joy. Took pill at 12.30, only slept till 4. Just too much going on in my mind: anxiety about apt with oncologist today when should results of MRI but also the news we had on Tuesday that my brother in law has bowel cancer. They live locally so going down this morning to go through all the literature they have been given with them and give what support we can. The final blow was to receive a letter when we got in last. night from my husbands old university tutor who he has kept into touch with at. Xmas time telling us that his wife, who we knew had breast cancer, had died. So I feel I am on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Think I need to practice some mindfulness.
Having read quickly through all the posts. I noted someone, think perhaps Nellie, having problems with acid. reflux. My hospital routinely prescribes lanzoprozole, which is very effective so you might ask your oncologist or GP for some. A friend of mine who had breast cancer a couple of years ago also said that raw carrots helped.
Joan
Hi everyone, Rosie, how annoying your lack of sleep, you must be permananenly tired and you too Nellie, I really hope it starts to improve, Joan I am sorry to hear about your brother in law, am sure you will be a big support to him, sounds like you have had a busy few days- good for you, so nice to be doing interesting things! It’s also demoralising when we hear someone has passed away from breast cancer, it hits hard,
Jackie, I loved the first mo Hayder book- Birdman, have put the second one on to my kindle to read tonight! A bit of light , reading before sleep- murder and mutilation!! Thankyou for the recommendation, I hadn’t thought of reading her books before! Are you reading anything at the moment?
Cassie, you had a productive day yesterday, hope you enjoy your family visit over the weekend!? Nellie, I find I always wake up with a blocked nose and sneezing, thought it was a cold last week but just think it’s a side effect!
I must say I agree with other ladies that side effects on 2 nd Tax are not as bad, I think my bone pains and general crappness is caused by the 5 day injections and clarityn/piriton , paracetamol Helps a lot.
Hope everyone has a decent day, Joan I hope your appointment goes well today for you and everyone else hope you are doing ok, I am working again today whilst I can!!
Rosie I can’t remember names of simple things either- I was making a sandwich last weekend and asked OH if he wanted one- couldn’t think of word for ham so asked if he wanted a sandwich made with that thing from a pig!!
What a dilemma Rosie, how very disappointing to learn this at such a late stage. The first thing I would say is that the absolute no 1 priority is the treatment of the cancer. Everything else is a lesser priority so could be delayed if necessary.
Can you afford to pay for the other mastectomy? It is something you feel strongly about, if so, and it is your peace of mind, your health and your body. If you could afford it then it seems to me that these things are worth an awful lot.
I hope you can come to a decision you feel happy with.
Oh Rosie, as if you haven’t had enough uncertainty over all this, what a blow, I totally echo what Wildpurl had said, the most important thing is the cancer, but I think I know from the tone of your posts regarding the double mastectomy that it is a decision you didn’t make easily but once made you were " happy" you had made the right decision, if you can pay the money yourselves then in the long term and for your peace of mind then maybe I would go as planned with double mastectomy- no price can be out on health and happiness, that’s easy to say when money isn’t an issue( which it would be for me!!), but I suppose it’s the same as buying a second hand car, but a lot more important to you and your peace of mind, good luck with what you decide and I feel so sorry you have had more stress and decisions at this late stage. X
Talking of lifestyle changes, there seems to. Be a lot in the media at the moment about breast cancer and giving up dairy? Do any of you know much about this link or have given up dairy and whatn do you replace with!
Rolicarpit, that area of Cornwall is very pretty, especially st mawes and Falmouth, st Ives too, although does get very busy in the summer! Am sure you will have a lovely time, hope weather is kind to you!
Rosie, hope you are ok and resigned to coughing up for part of your op, maybe insurance will pay when it comes to it.
Rosie, I would echo what others have said; if you feel it’s the right decision for you- and I think that was the point you had reached- then if you have to pay, I would. But I do hope a way can be found round it. I was interested that you have had thermal imaging. Has anyone else had this or is it called something different here?
Nellie, great that you live near enough to get to Penny Brohn; I hope you find it helpful.
Cassie, hope you have a lovely weekend with your daughter and grandson and don’t get too tired.
Jackie, which mindfulness app did you download? Glad you found the counselling helpful.
I had a most frustrating oncology appt. yet another doctor, and again not one of the consultants. Having been told at my MRI on Monday that the report would be sent to the doctor who ordered it, ie the oncologist, that day I was expecting her to go through the results with me. However not only had she not read them, she wasn’t aware they had come in. She then brought it up on screen, said it was a very long report, and then attempted to summarise. At first it sounded promising’ a very good response to chemo’. But when I asked whether the tumours had shrunk, which was the point of having chemo before surgery, the measurements were exactly the same as at the beginning. She then said the report seemed somewhat contradictory and qualified the very good with the words very good partial response. We felt completely confused and she was unable to explain what the report was actually saying. Came away feeling very disappointed, almost burst into tears, and so editing what to do next. My appointment with the surgeon isnt until 6 august and I don’t feel I can wait till then. So I’m very much in the grumpy corner tonight.
Hi everyone, thanks Wildpurl for dairy information, I must admit a couple of years ago I saw a documentary on dairy farming and the hormones contained in milk and also mastitis drugs in milk , I am an animal lover and didn’t like the fact male calves were killed at birth as no use in a dairy herd, I have lapsed tho over the years and returned to drinking milk, will switch to soya again now!!
Rosie, how long do you think you will be in hospital for? Good luck with all the shopping etc, don’t wear yourself out!! I am sure with wig, make up etc you will look lovely at sons wedding and after all you have been through recently a big achievement to be at the wedding- which to all your family will be the most important!! That old saying of " beauty comes from within" is very true and your son will be so proud of you and DH too of course!
Joan, how deflating to have an appointment like that, I have had similar appointments and have left hospital in tests, hope you get better information soon. Nellie, I see from the time of your post you were up early again! What a shame you can’t join everyone in Birmingham, I would maybe try and go, will lift your spirits!. I always wear a light weight long scarf if in busy places and just pull it over mouth and nose at danger points!!
On a lighter note, on talking to my youngest son about his new girlfriend yesterday( she comes from a very wealthy family in stockbroker country!) she is studying at leicester university where my son works, he was saying he had spent hundreds of pounds on weekends away etc and I said " well your dad finds me very low maintenance as I only go to pub once a week and have 1 glass of wine" he replied " yes mum but you are 52 and cancerous!!" How tactless young men can be!!
Have a reasonable day everyone, I too am doing supermarket trip this morning.
Everything seems to be moving at such a pace Rosie, yes a glass of wine of two with friends sounds lovely and will get you in training for the wedding!!???x
It certainly will!! Here’s to cancer packing it’s bags and buggaring off! An exciting trip to the supermarket for us today even sounds quite mundane and appealing - just normal things.
Afternoon everyone,cant believe i was only on here 23 days ago & so much to catch up on! Have taken little girl to her groups this week - just as much fun for me as it is for her - my only social life at the moment! She is at the childminders today so am catching up on lots of jobs & planning to be up in the attick this afternoon!
So sorry to hear you had yet more to think about rosie! You have had many twists & turns,lets hope things go smoothly for you now. Hope hubby is doing well also.
What a cheeky son lovewine!!
Talking of checkups - i hadnt seen or heard from my urgeon since op in feb then when seeing oncologist on 4th chemo - he popped in had a quick fondle said was happy & said see you in 6months! I think we will all get checked every 6 months for the next 5 yrs?.
More holidays being booked!
My doctor told me to drink lots of full fat milk so not sure on the dairy thing?!
Yay last one soon jackie! Im hoping to have a baby too but wont be a few years yet. Have to have a planned break from tamoxifen when they say its safe. Will you be on that?
I wonder if the hot flushes is the chemo too? They have worn off & its been 15days since my last round.
Hope if the se’s have kicked in now jos they are not too bad. My round 2 tax was sore mouth etc but pains only niggly where as first round they where full on! So hoping last round will be more mild again but at least its the last time i have to go through it so will get through it with that thought!
So sorry you’ve had a bad few days of news from all angels joan!! Ive heard of the penny brohn too. Looked into it a bit the other night. Feel fine at the moment but think when life can go back to normal i will feel a bit lost & left to check myself & get paranoid at every lump,bump,rash…anything!
Xxxx
As for district nurses - i only have one more flush & bloods that they need to do next tue
jjjjready for last chemo so no more waiting around all day on a tue after then!:)jjjj
Iv got some fluff on my head too! & leg hair growing. But have have been drawing eyebrows on & given up on mascara
Oops dont know what was going on with that post!! Sorry guys xxx
Thanks for all your posts and advice. I decided to ring the oncology centre this morning and ask if one of the consultants could ring me in the next few days to clarify what the report had actually said. Hopefully there won’t be too much delay. Feeling less despondent today, although my mood was not helped by my ipad seizing up this morning and spending 40 minutes on the phone to technical support trying to get it going again. So it looks like I am going to have to take it back to the Apple Store and get them to sort it out. I hope I can get that organised before chemo (no 6) next Friday; I have come to rely on it for accessing this forum while lying in bed! looking forward to the weekend: my eldest daughter and partner are coming down to celebrate her birthday and mine later in the week with my other daughter and family who live locally.
Nellie, hope your daughters concert went well; you must be so proud of her. What a shame you can’t be there. But maybe the finals?
Lovewine, what a priceless remark from your son. Good job we love them whatever.
Wildpurl, isn’t it amazing to be thinking about needing a leg wax. How far we have come.
Rosie, hope you manage to get a bit of rest this weekend ready for Monday. I do think you deserve a medal for fortitude. But if you have to make do with wine! Hope you manage to get some decent sleep.
Hope everyone has the best weekend they can.
Afternoon everybody, Joan hope you get some answers soon, sounds like a lovely weekend planned with birthday celebrations, hope you enjoy having everyone around and a very happy birthday for next week? have some cake and a large drink!
Rosie, I love my ipad too, not that keen on deal or no deal, am watching the chase as I am typing this!! Hope you get on top of all your chores before Monday!
Wildpurl , you too sound very busy, I know what you mean by the impending doom of THE WEEK!! By Sunday I start to dread bloods Tuesday, oncologist Wednesday and chemo Thursday!
Eam, busy few days for you with your daughter, she must be a real joy, they are lovely at that age- before they say nice, charming things like my mums 52 and cancerous!! He did follow it up by saying " I have to make a joke of it mum" or find it all too much, it must be very hard for our families sometimes.
Hope the rest of you have nice things planned maybe this weekend? I hope to go with OH and dogs for a walk and a picnic in a nearby country park on Sunday.
Hello Ladies, Rosie what a rough time you and DH are going through, so many ups and downs, relax as much as you can before the op and I hope all goes smoothly for you. Day 4 of 2 TAX and at least not admitted or anything drastic this time, bottom eyelashes all disapeared last night but I can live with that and have been expecting it, I have got off lightly to some, so far. I can’t wait now for the last TAX and the follow up RAD appointments, its almost exciting! I am looking forward to my eldest daughter and grandson arriving this evening from Gorleston Norfolk. I hope to feel less tired tomorrow so that we may be able to get out and about for a bit, deffinately not wedding dress shopping though, I am not really up to that yet. The venue and church are already booked for next April, bless and my daughter is worried about loosing a little bit of weight, I wish that was all we all had to fret about!
Have a good weekend if I don’t manage to get on line again, good luck Rosie X
Cassie