Angie, boiled rice with curry juice and apple crumble and cream…hope that wasn’t all in one dish??? The ONC told me sage tea helps with hot flushes, i made a cup using fresh sage and it tasted like it should be in a chicken so I’m hoping tea bags taste better. I’ve ordered some off the web, if they taste okay I’ll post a link, if they don’t I’ll try another make before letting you all buy some…if I have to go back to fresh I’ll be investing in lemon juice and sugar to hide the taste/smell!
i do like the idea of putting all the chemo paperwork in a box…but then I think burning the box might be therapeutic! 
Pauline, sitting around in fluffy robes sounds ideal to me…another PJ day! I am going to try my bikini on tomorrow to decide whether I dare take it on holiday to Cornwall with me, I’ll let you know how it goes, if its bad I may be wearing my PJ’s on the beach instead!
Hope you all get some sleep tonight and the SE’s are kept at bay.
Kate
x
Morning Angels it is silly o’clock, not been here for a while!
glad to here the s/e are getting better for you Pauline and Angie, perhaps its the curry juice!!
still can’t talk so there is total peace in the house, unfortunately still got the horrible chemo cough/ sore throat , which has woken me for the last 2 days. Thought Id get up before I woke the OH as he starts work at 7.30. I then had to have a cup of tea with homemade soda bread and homemade raspberry jam as needed to take some ibuprofen for said sore throat! I think I am going to have problems loosing weight, when I can make such good excuses for eating at 3 am.
Hope the sleep fairies are with you all. Xx
Ooops, second cup of tea and homemade bread and jam, the diet is doomed x
Morning,
Angie - great to hear you have turned a corner, are feeling better and chemo is well and truly a thing of the past. Sounds like you have done exactly what you needed to with all your papers etc.
Pauline - glad you are feeling over the worst - sorry you have had such a rough week. ideas for our get together sound fab to me - lounging, eating and partying!! That way anyone we can all lounge around together and there is no pressure if thats all you want to do. I have to say though for anyone who is a little bit apprehensive about donning a swimming costume you will not find a more supportive, understanding environment than with this group of Angels
Watched the original Horizon programme about the 5:2 fast diet yesterday. I know a few people who have lost weight this way but I found it really interesting for the health benefits that you get from it as well - reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer! Seems much more beneficial than just sensible or low calorie eating every day. Probably need to get through treatment first but I am going to look into this more and give it a go.
Feel great but I hate that horrible feeling of knowig all that is going to change over next few days. Even knowing it is the last time isn’t helping much.
Carol xx
Come on Carol, nearly there! Tomorrow’s the big day for you, isn’t it?. Then Lynn following on Friday! This platform is getting jam-packed now.
Sorry Mel, meant to get back to you re Park Hotel in Manchester. I think it looks fine. As Pauline has said, we’ll have the choice of beauty treatments, swimming or lounging and chatting. Now all we need is somewhere for the evening…
Feeling more human today and sweet taste buds have come back so treat of the day will be Ambrosia rice pudding for me - sorry Angie, I never got over school semolina!
Philomena, hope you are tucked up having an afternoon doze. I know it’s only 9.30 am but it must seem like the middle of the afternoon to you! Still making your own bread too! Wonderful.
Intended to go for a walk this morning but have just given the dog a good brushing and now I’m feeling fit for the knackers yard! At least the sun is shining here today. It’s so much cooler though so should get out and make the most of it.
Go on Kate, give that bikini an outing! For me, the boobs aren’t a problem but the belly certainly would be. Oh I’d be happy to just lose half a stone for now - though two would be much better. I haven’t put that much on while doing chemo but I was overweight pre bc and now know that one of the best things we can do to lessen our chances of it returning is to lose the blubber.
Glad to hear you’re feeling brighter, Angie and Pauline. How are you coping Judy?
Hope everyone else is feeling ok,
Moira xxx
Morning Angels,
Well had another measure yesterday and took my lovely daughter who linked arms with mine as we walked towards the breast clinic. At just 15yrs i wanted to show her how much support there was at Boston. The nurses were very good and answered her questions as to when she should get tested herself as mums got it. She also said we forgot to ask what she should use as contraception as i’m oestrogen and progestron positive. Just goes to show how they secretly worry. Plan to make an appointment for her soon so all questions can be answered for her. Way to go Sweetie. xxxx
My cancer needed the marker to be found this time with only 4mm left. Yaaay. It’s given me the strength to have my next chemo on tuesday. (I Think)!!! Then I took De to the chemo unit so she could see how relaxed and layed back we all are. Then off to the resturant to have chicken zigger and pasta and leek bake. (yum).
Philomena - We are going on our second wedding aniversary the week after half term in October. Personally I have no choice but to take the kids out of school after half term as our holiday will be nearly £500 cheaper. As I am self employed (no sick pay) and off work with little income I’m going to ask the school for special permission as they call it. I’ll let you know how I get on. In any case were going whatever and I don’t care if they send me a bill. It won’t get paid whatever they do. It’s ok for them to the kids holidays or days out in term time. Ok rant over.
Moria - Wig does look fab.
Kim - Well done for reaching the platform.
Lynn - My eyebrows and lashes have disapeared but I do have 2mm of fuzzy white speckled hair.
Carol - I too have been looking into the fasting diet too and tried fasting before last chemo which definatley helped with the tummy side effects by 50%.
Pauline - Good to hear your over the worst Se’s.
Don’t want to hog the page so all other Angels hope your good. Lv and Hugs. Sandy
Sage teas . No. Is there a sage pill instead. Angie xx
Angie - I know what you mean having tried the fresh version…maybe tea bags taste better. I did make it drinkable by putting a spoon of sugar and a few drops of lemon juice in it. I think it might be better as iced tea also…all these things I will try until I find an option that is drinkable as I don’t want hot flushes forever!
Kate
x
When I first started with the menopause I went on HRT which was fantastic, unfortunately I developed hemiplegic migraines because of the hormones so had to come off the HRT. It was awful but my GP put me on Prozac ( this was 3 1/2 years ago), as research suggested at the time that for 50% of women it stopped the hot flushes etc. well it worked brilliantly and still does. More research is now saying that it is not only Prozac but other antidepressants also have this ability. So Angels if the sage tea etc doesn’t work get down your GP and get some Prozac, believe me it really works x
Hello Everyone,
Last tax day 15, worst fatique is over thank goodness, but middle toes and foot pads are numb, little toes so sore cant find any footwear that doesnt worsen the pain, eyes continuously running (anyone else getting this?) permanent white tracks down my face through the sun cream, had a red itchy area on throat area of neck which is now peeling (anyone else get this?). Shovelling moisturiser all over everything. Considering I’ve hardly been outside, is this sun burn or chemo burn?
Prior to second tax, onc wanted to reduce dose because of toe numbness (peripheral neuropathy), said there was possibility of permanent damage to feet with this.
Judy I was initially offered choice, MX then chemo & rads or chemo first for possibility of breast conserving surgery. Glad now (I think) I had the chemo, as the nipple will not be affected(I think) by surgery. I’ve just about given up asking questions, becauser I’m so hacked off with their lack of info/communication. I get angry, not upset, so I just shut up. Handy having the running eyes though, because I cant normally turn on the tears to order!!
Hi Angels!
Mel – if you’re worried about going back to work, is it possible for you to go in for a visit beforehand? I was almost overwhelmed by the support & encouragement from my colleagues when I went in for a day after my surgery. I feel sure it would help to reassure you about going back.
Angie - I have a box of stuff re BC that I intend to put in the loft when this is all over. Its got nice stuff in it that I want to keep, like cards etc. Unfortunately I also do something similar every cycle with my meds when my SE’s have abated – and then I can’t find them when I need them for the next one!
Pauline - don’t stress about our get-together, there’s plenty of time! I love going to spas although I much prefer to sit in a fluffy robe than reveal my thunder thighs! To be fair though, I usually decide “what the hell” at some point and have a swim anyway.
Carol – you may also be interested in the 2-day diet. It follows a research program done at Wythenshaw Hospital (which just happens to be where I was born!). Similar to fast diet, but more structured on non-fast days and info on portion sizes which I think I need! Btw the book on the fast diet has more info than the tv program too. I think fasting rocks, to be honest. I’m sure its reduced my SE’s and I’ve lost a bit of weight during chemo without even trying. I intend to do it as a healthy eating / weight loss plan after chemo.
Phillomena – not sure about the Prozac, it probably has SE’s. The SE’s of HRT may have been BC for me and I’ve had enough of SE’s for a very long time! Also, the SE’s of the stuff you take to deal with the SE’s seem worse than the original SE’s sometimes!
Taste buds back on line, as usual preceded by a massive attack on my saliva glands! Also less achey today – I’m hoping for a steady improvement …… Two weeks tomorrow to Happy Dance ……!!
Good luck on your last cycle, Carol, chin up!
Roz
hi all
feeling good but tired, planning sorted for 12th august then wait for them to ring me back in, they think beginning of sept. looking forward to it, hols. tastes coming back, not too achey, slept all night, so far so good.
kate - the guinea pig woman. what have you tried so far? i’m not trying it again, i’ll let you experiment. i had teabags, it just isnt nice at all, i know what you mean about the chicken thing, you expect there should be one. what if we eat a packet of stuffing every day? The woman in the shop said honey with it but i dont know if thats enough, better to just take the sage out. Its a good air freshener though, the kitchen still smells of it. There must be a pill, good god its 2013. i’m getting flushes already, got my fan out (hand one) take it everywhere.
Sandy - good news, thats great, 4mm.
Caz - i will be looking at how my tastes have changed before i think about diet, so many things that i dont want to eat again ever, its that mental thing with a lot of it but when i get my head round it i might try a bit of dieting. good luck tommorow,
Anne - i took a hayfever pill for the runny eyes, i checked first, it does stop it.
Moira - are you getting very tired very quickly, i’m knackered after the tiniest bit of action.
hi kim, judy, mel-A, lynn and anyone i missed.
angie xx
Cycle 5 docetaxel 2 day 20
Had bloods done today, appointment was at 2pm I was out by 2.25 a first for Stobhill usually waiting for ages. I am getting diflam this time for the mouth and sore throat I had last time. My appt 10am Friday can’t wait to get it over and done with Happy Dance here I come. Went to Boots on the way home bought fast shampoo and conditioner as my hair that had grown did not fall out so thought I would start to use it now.
I had the sore runny eyes my optician says its dry eye caused by the chemo he prescribed me drops called Celluvisc 0.5 eye drops solution they have worked a treat eyes not sore or running at all . I usually wear lenses you can use them with lenses although Im wearing my glasses for a few days just to give them a rest.
Glad some of you are feeling a bit better not looking forward to the s/e at least it’s the last time.
take care Angels Lynn x
hi again
there is a sage supplement at tesco, i think i’ll try that instead of the tea. phew! i have read about its benefits and it looks pretty impressive for a humble stuffing herb, especially for those of us that are ‘of a certain age’
angie xx
Hello ladies, I’ve actually been out to Beverly today, shopping, I needed some new jeans as I can’t get into a lot of my clothes. I couldn’t believe that I even struggled to get into a size 14 pair. I managed to get into some fat ass boyfriend jeans size 14 but they are massive. Mind you with the amount of food I’ve shoved in my face its no wonder. It didn’t help visiting the traditional sweet shop in Beverly, I just couldn’t resist. Gonna have to think about dieting.
I’ve bought a small hand held fan too, hubby thought I’d lost the plot in the middle of the night last night, I was laid in the dark wafting myself with a paper fan I had made, the bed was shaking with all the effort I was putting into it.
The senekot worked wonders, my bowels are now in order. Mouths still crappy, and bones ache but hey hum, getting there.
It’s lovely to read that many of you are turning a corner and packing your chemo crap away. I’m amazed at how quick they’re turning everyone around and onto the radiotherapy platform, it’ll be a while before I’m there.
Moira, I love your wig, it suits you perfectly.
I’m just reading back through the posts but goldfish style they’ve gone, apart from the talk of all this food, rice pudding… Yep, thinki will have to have rice pudding shortly, once I’ve finished some of the Yorkshire mixture I’m eating…Nom, Nom, Nom! ( did I say diet, see food and eat it more like)
I’ve just finished varnishing a new painting too…
Hi everyone
Its busy busy busy on here at the mo. It’s nice to hear all this talk of moving forward. I’m feeling better physically now but finding my emotions are very mixed up at the moment with it all. One minute I’m totally chilled out and happy that there is an end in sight, the next minute I’m blubbing about something completely out of the blue. It’s very strange. Fortunately the blubby moments don’t last long.
Roz thanks for the advice about work. I did go in to a retirement do before school broke up and everyone was fab. It was so nice seeing everyone and I am truly blessed to have a real good support network there. I think I’m more worried about when is a good time to return, how to make my phased return manageable and about ensuring I have a much better work life balance than I had before. Unfortunately you never reach the end of a teachers to do list. I’ll be fine once I have a plan in place.
Philomena I’m afraid I don’t know about the absence question. I think it depends on the school and how keen they are to inform the education welfare officer. You are probably best to talk to them. As Sandy said I think at worst they could only fine you, but I’m sure you could get permission as a special situation.
Pauline the plan sounds fab. I’m sure we can all benefit from some pampering and relaxing
I’m glad to here some of you are starting to feel better now.
Good luck for Friday Lynn xx
judy
- wow - nice picture, wish i was there!! so talented you are. Yep all the chemo craps gone, i’m already asking questions on the RT pages. Glad youre on the up, you so make me laugh out loud! dont forget a blob of jam in your pud.
angie xx
Hey Judy, lovely painting. I finished one today too, and another almost done - will post when I get round to taking a picture. Just had a lovely meal out with friends. Need to drink lost of water to combat the wine effects before tomorrow 
Sleep well angels x
Judy the picture’s lovely. It hadn’t come up when I posted earlier. I’m looking forwardto seeing your pictures Carol
Evening Angels,
just a quick post from my phone tonight.
Welcome to the party Kim, Lynn good luck Friday. Love the painting Judy it’s gorgeous, you’re very talented.
Had Rads planning today so got my tattoos and markers for the template for boosters, all set to start 19/8 as expected. Ten minute appt couple of mins to zap, pity it’s a 3 hour round trip every day to get there. Off to Poland in the morning for the weekend for a family wedding.
Hope everyone’s s/e ate not too bad and good luck to all on the chemo train xx