Hi Ann
Good to have you on board - strength in numbers! There is such a wealth of information and positivity on here, both of which give loads of support.
Kath - it’s very inspiring to hear that your side effects haven’t been too awful and hope this continues with the Tax.
Nicki - so glad you are recovering quickly from your op. Cava & chemo - interesting! I read that Jennifer Saunders’ preferred tipple during chemo was vodka (but I’ve never drunk this and don’t think it’s the best time to start!)
Have a lovely weekend
Wendy x
Hi All,
Just to say I managed to send away for the Look Good Feel Better DVD and Booklet, It is very good. I have managed to locate a class which is run from The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle (the nearest one for me to attend) I believe it is fortnightly but with starting Chemo next week I have yet to book a place. I would check with your Oncology unit as that is where I got this information. I have booked something similar though called ‘Head Strong’ there are details on this website about these classes so hopefully there may be one near you. Not sure if anyone is from my neck of the woods, Near Morpeth in Northumberland but in case anyone joins in the future this might help. Although I have to say at this point I am originally from Stirling and I notice from previous posts that there are a few more scottish lassies on line!!
Just back from Physio this morning still having trouble with the ‘cording’ in my arm from elbow all the way up, surgery was 20th Feb and still have numbness under arm too but all in all I dont feel too bad at the moment…Ha - I dare you to ask how I am feeling on Wednesday morning at 9am when I am sitting in that chair waiting for my first infusion of FEC-T…
Hope you all have a great w/e as you say the wine is still on the go…I did actually check if this was ok to have the odd wine after starting chemo and my nurse said yes in moderation and if you feel like it, I think there was a clue there so I will definately have some this weekend just in case the notion leaves me after wednesday!!!
Take care everyone
Lori x
Wow - it’s all go now for the AAAs!!! There are so many of us now that I thought it might be useful to start with the intro above just as a reminder of what stage etc we are all at. I saw this on another thread and thought it was a good idea. I’ll continue to do it and please do likewise if you think it will help as a reminder of who everyone is and what stage we are all at
Deborah - what a decision to make, I couldn’t imagine what you must be thinking right now - I’m sure you’ll make the right one!
I think you can locate the LGFG classes via the Macmillan website, then you just phone and book.
Lori - we’ll all be thinking about you, enjoy the vino this weekend and please keep us posted - big hugs
If anyone has access to a ‘Maggies Centre’, pop in and have a look round, they are marvellous and have all kinds of support and events for ALL cancer sufferers and their families. They sell the most gorgeous little chemo caps and headscarves. All money for sales go to Maggies Centres. The hat in my new photo is one of them, they come in all colours.
Evening Girls,
My onc nurse gave me a leaflet on the Look Good Feel Better workshops which take place at my nearest hospital. I had to book an appointment, there are only so many ladies allowed for each clamissed was too late for the March one but have booked the next on 16/4. She said you get a goody bag worth aprox £200 from whichever company is holding the class. They give advice n skin care, make up, eye brows etc
Ann - welcome to the gang, great thing about here is you can ask any question and somebody will be able to help
Nikki - glad all is well
Lori good luck for Wednesday, you’ll be our leader, I start 2/4 so not far behind you
I’ve been meaning to ask this, but my head is like a sieve these days and keep forgetting - has anyone joined in the live chat sessions on a Thursday? I’ve been meaning to, but usually remember at about 11 o’clock!
Hi AAAs
they let me home, yeah! can’t sleep despite drugs and much better being awake in own bed! Just catching up on the recent flurry of activity so apologies if I miss someone…
there is a list of centres on the look good, feel better website, you just ring the number and bookmark direct with the one you want to go to, apparently there’s sometimes quite a waiting list so I’m thinking of booking now in the hope I’ll have it quite near beginning of chemo. a number of people have recommended browzings by benefit for eyebrows, not cheap but think I might give them a go.
I’m also booked on a headstrong session in a couple of weeks, am hoping hey might be able to recommend some scarf/hat/wig places, if they do will pass on! nicki I think I can see myself as a cava and chemo girl? Deborah def stay with us! I suspect a few of us might slip into May but I’m liking getting to know you all in advance
Welcome linda , Ann (and anyone further you the post who i’ve missed)
off now, really must try to sleep!
Zuzy xx
Zuzy - that’s great news, hope you got some sleep eventually!
I ordered some lovely scarves and sleep hats from www.bohemiaheadwear.co.uk - they have some really nice ones. I got a gorgeous black one with little beads on the end - ideal for a night out (yes I am still thinking I will be able to go for dinner etc )
will search for a few more and keep you all posted
Pauline, 44 Glasgow - FEC-T , 1st course 5th April
Hi Angels, have just sent a message to a lady called Joan B, who posted in the Feb Vals thread. She is expecting to start chemo in April, so I’ve pointed her in your direction. Hopefully she will find you and come and join you shortly. Take care.
Kath xx
Hi lori I am from Beadnell in Northumberland and yes I have been attending the Wansbeck. Ive had my first op a WLE and sentinal node biopsy on 6th march and I have to see (edited by moderator) on Wed regarding the chemo I’ll keep you posted as to how it goes. Might even be able to meet you once my Wednesday sessions start.
Ann
Hi i go for pre assessment next week for chemo and so i wil be starting in april, dont know quite what to expect a little aprehensive. I had lump removed from breast and lymph nodes, they got all the cancer from my breast but of the 16 lymph nodes 12 were clear but 4 not, hense chemo . great to join the april girls. joan b x
Hi Everyone,
Many thanks for your good wishes for Wednesday - I will be sure to let you know what this Fec-T feels like first time round!!
Well today my fiance and I took a run down to The Metro Centre in search of my new wig…can’t say its my first as I have been known to take part in some crazy fancy dress do’s!!
Anyway all I can say is go with someone you trust like your other half or kin as it really does help you choose. Also the advice of the assistant was great as I first tried a few that I had spotted on line but ended up with something a little different and I’m really quite happy with it!
I had shoulder length dark hair which I had cut into a bob but the style I have gone for is a little shorter and lighter with highlights!
Pauline, I ordered some sleep hats too from bohemian headwear on Thursday, they were delivered today, I have not tried them on yet but look ok. Who knew we could get so excited about wigs and sleep hats…what’s happening to us? You’ve gotta laugh really…
Ann, thats great news I look forward to meeting you when you arrive at the Wed session at The Wansbeck!
Time for a cheeky little red wine…
Speak to you soon
Lori x
Welcome, Joan - glad that you have found the Awesome April Ones!
Thanks for the info about wigs, Lori - have read a bit but don’t really know where to start. Did you choose a real hair or synthetic one or does it not really make much difference? And I love the idea of going out for dinner scarves, Pauline! Will definitely check out the Bohemian website.
hi girls
tell me what the sleep hat is? my research is obviously not great, not come across them yet, where do i find them? ive got no shops close by, nearest town is inverness 125 miles away so i have to try and do it all on the same day as my onc appointment, or online.
thanks
angie. x
Hi there,
About the sleep hats Angie, I think linking in like you have to places like bohemia etc is prob your best bet. You can also search on line for Chemo hats scarves etc…there are quite a few websites out there which should make things esier for you if living quite remotely.
Wendy, with regards to the wig venture today I’ll be honest I went in not knowing what type (synthetic or real) to go for. I went purely on style and what we thought suited me best and what felt ok. I am sure there is a big difference in the price from synthetic to real too. I have chosen a synthetic one purely as out of everything I tried I/we preferred the look of this one. I can only advise that you try a few on and see how you feel.- Good luck I am sure you will find one you will be happy with!
Lori x
Hi everyone,
well I am now 3 days post complete Mx still in hospital and will be in until tuesday when hopefully my drain should come out. What a totally different experience to the first 2 ops (WLE/ANC then a re excision) I was so poorly after both of those and ended up both times as an emergency re admittance. I have no pain to speak of, just sore and bruised -bit like a hippo is sat on my chest. But something has definitely changed in my head. Instead of feeling like I’m on the path of dread, each op spells something worse etc I have now got rid of the little( or not so in my case 49mm grade 3 with further extensive areas) bu**er and can start to move onto the treatment path. I actually feel amazing.
I had an idea yesterday with my genie bra- I took the pad out of the LHS and put 3 pads in the RHS and it evened me up ( Somewhat solid though-could probably launch spacecraft off it!!). Can’t tell I’ve even had an op. well chuffed. Hope this euphoria lasts!!!
I went on the “Look Good Feel Better” afternoon a couple of weeks ago. What an absolutely amazing afternoon that was. It was heaps of fun, loads of tips, very professionally run and the goody bag was crammed full of skin care and make (more than £250). Thank you so much to the organisers
I have also had a headstrong session- also very useful and run by volunteers who have had bc themselves. I even came away with a really nice scarf.
My wig is also waiting for me in the salon. I’ve had my own hair cut to the same style so hopefully the transition will be seamless if the cold cap doesn’t work.
My chemo essentials pack is all done too- from bonjela and difflam to ginger tea.
I feel so much more positive now that I’m organised and feel back in control. So hopefully I will now be able to be included in the April thread-just waiting for final referral as I’m changing hospitals.
I really hope Elliedog is ok -her Mx was the same day as mine.
love to everyone and a happy Sunday!! Xxx
Littlescoot its great to hear that you’re doing well after the Mx. I’ve very impressed with how organised you are. I’ve been THINKING a lot about wigs, hats and getting ready for chemo, but haven’t actually DONE anything. Hope you get home on Tuesday.
Just back from local pub with OH, have a couple of days/nights out planned over easter weekend - think I’m trying to cram a few things in now just in case I can’t manage during chemo !!
Lori - I’m looking forward to my hats/ scarves arriving, hopefully tomorrow ‘scarf hut’ also has some lovely stuff - lots of pre tied scarves to save all the faffing about i really like the headband ones with the scarf attached
Deborah - do you have your start date yet? If not, what are the next steps?
Littlescoot - your post made me laugh and so inspiring, keep the spirits high mrs!!
I now feel like i really need to get organised ie stock up on some of the items on the ‘how to get through chemo’ thread, book my LGFB session, get more scarves etc…after a post op lull, things now seem to be moving at pace …less than 2 weeks to get organised!
Lori - anything special you have done to prepare???
