EC cycle 5 day 5
Good Evening Angels,
Feeling a bit low today. First day post meds and the cold I had last week seems to have reappeared on my chest. Don’t know if there’s any point going to the GP. If it’s viral there’s never anything they can do but I’ll watch my temp just in case.
Mel, poor you, still in jail and now being a guinea pig for the no treatment! Hope things get back to normal for you asap. Can’t be any fun for you or your loved ones.
Belated happy birthday Lynn. Enjoy your last few days before number 5.
Judy, the tan looks fabulous. You’re a good advert for the Yorkshire coast at the moment. Think I recognise the cafe. Is it the one half way along the North Prom where they put out a bowl of water for the dogs?
Was hoping to get to the coast myself on Wednesday but if this sore throat and cough continues will just have to hole up at home.
Mel A, Lori and Debra, hope you’re all feeling a bit better. Keep taking the tablets x. Lori, I’m loving the Get Well Teddy!
Carol, I envy your level of fitness. Even though you feel breathless after cycling up a hill, I feel breathless just thinking about it! Sorry to hear you lost your Mum in such a short time. Put’s it more into perspective for us.
Good luck to those going for treatment this week and minimal s/es to everyone,
Moira xxx
Hi ladies
I’m afraid I’ve been incarcerated tonight with temp up to 38. I’ve had zero energy today and was just about to take some paracetamol for creeping twinges in my back when I thought to take my temp 1st. Wish I hadn’t now 
Mel you really are having it rough at the mo.Big hugs xxx
Moira I wonder if these low periods are a SE of the chemo or the stage we’re at. You’re doing really well with everything so don’t gey disheartened.
Have an easy, restful night everyone xx
Sorry to hear you have been incarcerated too Mel, hope you get out soon.
Mel, any progress on the hospitals new plan of attack?
I haven’t been on here for a couple of days as the weather spas been so nice and I’ve been out and about…luckily my SE’s have again been minimal. I am hopinmy for the same for my last cycle too…extra sleep I can do but all the symptoms you all have I don’t want, especially the high temperatures forcing you to be in hospital.
hope today brings some good news for Mel and Mel and the sun shines for everyone else
Kate
x
Thanks all for good wishes. Sorry to hear you’re In as well MEL, hope you’re sorted and home soon. I seem to have moved in for the duration and am now wondering if carrying on with the chemo is worth it. I’m certainly doing a happy dance when I get out of here! They’ve taken blood now while temp was high and are hoping to culture it, but only a 30% chance it will. It takes at least 48 Hours.
Hope life on the outside is treating you all well and you have sunshine and minimal s/es.
mel xxx
Yay- I’m being released with antibiotics but need to come back if temperature spikes again.
Mel it sounds like your having an absolute nightmare! I really feel for you. It’s no fun in these places. I really do hope you can go home soon. Xx
Kate I’m so glad you’re having minimal SEs. Make the most of the nice weather.
Xx
Oh both Mels at the same time. I can’t believe it. I really do feel for you. Please hang in there were all rooting for you and my prayers are now on speedial for you both.
Debra - Hope your feeling better soon and not so down. I do think the effects of the drugs we have are accumalative and you have had more than most of us with this being the second dx. Couldn’t imagine how it feels unless I’d have been there. You really are so brave just hang on in there.
Lori - The tummy thing is the pitts on top of everything else. But for you the worst is over apart from the road to recovery. Run that road sweetie. Were right behind you even if it feels a little uphill for some of us at the moment.
Carol - Belated birthday wishes. Your mum, im sure, is proud of you too and it won’t be long before your back on your bike. Lands End to John o Groats wow that’s really is an achievement. When you do your next we’ll either be lining the route or right there with you.
Pauline - Were heading to “Wells - Next - Sea” for the weekend in an effort to boost moral ready for the Tuesday top up of toxins hope you have a great time too.
Kate - Really pleased youre able to get out and have a bit of Sun with minimal SE’s and heading towards the last one well done.
I have been ok for a few days so I have been trying to catch up on so many jobs that i hadn’t done whilst feeling ill. Really hoping for all of us that the next cycle is better. Lv n Hugs. Sandy.X
MEL so glad you’re out and fingers crossed temp doesn’t go up again.
SANDY enjoy your weekend break hope the sun shines.
Love to everyone else.
Still here.
Mel xxx
FEC 5 day 8
Afternoon Angels, glad at least one of the Mels has escaped! Hopefully Mel they will get to the bottom of your high temp soon.
Sandy when you say Wells next sea is that in my neck of the Norfolk? If so you will surely have a wonderful time. Try and get to Holkiem beach, that is amazing. I was there last week, couldn’t walk to the beach as its about 1/2 a mile walk, but sat on an old log watching the world go bye…
I’m finally coming out of the s/e phase now, just have no energy, which is so much easier to live with than the nasties everyone else is suffering.
currently 30 degree in the garden, keep popping out for 15 mins to try and get an all over glow like Judy’s, not quite there yet.I have gone completely au naturale now, don’t bother with a scarf and feel a heck of a lot cooler than those poor people with hair! Never thought I’d say that.
just a note regarding veins! Most of mine have now thrombosed and are hard and painful. I know many of you have had problems but have they gone the same?
enjoy the weather Angels xx
Sandy
wells next the sea is lovely, there is a train that runs from the town to the beach so ou shouldn’t have to walk too far, there are some lovely cafes too, enjoy! As Philomena says Holkam beach is great but it is a longer walk…I got married in Hunstnton so have been to a few places around there over the years…crabbing in brancaster, although I normally sit and watch childrens faces as they catch crabs so easily! 
Kate
x
Sandy
wells next the sea is lovely, there is a train that runs from the town to the beach so ou shouldn’t have to walk too far, there are some lovely cafes too, enjoy! As Philomena says Holkam beach is great but it is a longer walk…I got married in Hunstnton so have been to a few places around there over the years…crabbing in brancaster, although I normally sit and watch childrens faces as they catch crabs so easily!
Kate
x
Just thinking Sandy, we will proberly be in north Norfolk at the weekend! Fancy meeting up for chips and knickerbocker glory?
Hi ladies
EC Cycle 5 day 1
so glad that at least one of the Mel’s has been released…nifty gers crossed that the other Mel will be released soon.
Sandy - Glad you are feeling well and enjoy your weekend break away. It will really recharge your batteries.
Kate - Glad your SE’s are minimal and you are managing to get out and about.
Philomena. - I have also abandoned the scarves etc in this weather :). nobody seems to bat an eyelid,
today went well, cannula in first time have an occy health appointment at work on Thursday…to see what they can do to help me back to work…i’ll keep you posted how it goes…especially as my oncologist says there is no way I can go back as there is too much infection In hospitals.
hope everyone else’s SE’s are minimal…remember ladies there is now ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ and I hope you are all practicing your happy dances ready for the final cycle 
Kim x
Hi Angels,
Just coming out from under Tax2 today, day 5. Energy now 3/10 instead of zero, and rising. 20% reduction in dose has made this cycle much easier (but now fretting about it not kicking the cancer!). Zero energy for some days, but pain is way less and sleep returned when I’d got rid of the steroids. Sorry to hear some of you are still suffering, hang in there, chemo drugs are super-expensive and the NHS wouldn’t let us have them if we didn’t need them!
Just a few comments while I catch up:
I found Preparation H wipes really good for piles, very soothing (carried them in handbag for a while when on EC!) also dulcoease (not to be confused with dulcolax – which I did to my deep regret!)
Pauline – I have very fond memories of Aberfeldy, have a lovely holiday
Hospital food – my hospital has this nailed, but when are they going to realize that enough sleep helps you to get well too?!
Good things – sunglasses hide lack of eyelashes & eyebrows! I wear them a LOT!
Carol - I am in awe! My mantra is to “do what I can” during chemo, but the most I manage is a stroll with the dog. I was sorry to hear about your Mum, but I’m sure she would be delighted that you are inspired by her – what more could a Mum ask for?
Mel_A – free at last! Another good thing – appreciating the things we take for granted like being at home and just feeling normal!
Mel (Maisiecake) – I had a long hospital stay before my first son was born (high bp) and felt that I was in a kind of alternative universe; I burst into tears on the way home feeling like I’d been let out of prison! I think about the chemo in terms of giving the cancer a good kicking; we’re sort of collateral damage. Chin up! When this is all over you’ll know you gave yourself the best chance for a good future.
Love to you all,
Rozz
Cycle 5 docetaxol cycle 2, day 6
glad to read your turning a corner Rozz, wish I was. I feel at my lowest point t the moment, the aches and pains are killing me and I’ve had all he ibuprofen and paracetamol I can take. My mouth has started to swell up and that awful taste is here. i just need to sleep but like last night I’m having none of it. Roll on a weeks time when this will be a distant nightmare.
Judy - I think you need to seriously think about getting stronger pain relief as you shouldn’t be suffering like this. I was same as you with the pains with first Tax , paracetamol and Ibuprofen, then co-codamol - all useless! I insisted on something stronger for 2nd Tax and got Dhydracodeine, they really made a big difference and also help with naps and sleep at night!
Pauline xx
Hi all
ROZZ thanks for encouragement. That’s just how I feel not part oxf the real world.Glad you’re feeling better this time round.
JUDY so soory you’re feeling so crap. And no sleep too. GET STRONGER PAIN KILLERS don’t suffer!
I’m Still here. No change.They are investigating viruses now I think, hopefully my onc is coming to see me today so something might become clearer.No chance of chemo Friday now v sad but that’s life.
Mel xxx
Judy - Feel so down for you. The side effects and no sleep at the same time must be horrendus, I only had the SE’s and that was bad enough but at least I could sleep through a lot of it. Really hope that you turn the corner soon and that this is your last cycle.
Rozz - Good to hear your feeling better, albeit a lesser dose. Looks like they’ve saved us all the best till last.
Pauline - It’s also good to hear we don’t have to suffer quiet so much. With 3 cycles left I may have to ask for the painkillers they have given you too. Ive also heard that fasting before chemo helps alot before chemo. (All this and no food). Torture!! 
.
Kate - Were going to look out for the train and try for Holkiem beach. Thanks. x
Philomena - Wow! It would lovely to meet up. Maybe lunch time. Just name the Cafe and time and we’ll find you. 
Mel - I still can’t believe your still in hospital and there is no change. Do you feel ok or do you feel ill?. I wish Scarborough was nearer to Boston otherwise we would be heading up the coast so I could at least visit. It’s strange how I feel that I must be close to my own hospital yet never want to be taken in there. Be positive that you are in the best hands and they are working to get you out. (Fools rush in and all that). In the meantime It’s great to hear from you. (Proud of you actually).
Lori - Hope your SE’s are getting better to.
Hope everyone else is ok and enjoying the sun. Lv n Hugs. Sandy. x
Afternoon Angels,
Sorry to here your feeling so rotten Judy, if you phone your GP they should prescribe over the phone some more affective painkillers. I thought the FEC was bad , but the Tax sounds truly awful!
sorry to here your still incarcerated Mel, I admire you greatly, I nearly went mad when I was in and that was only 3 days. As the others have said though you are in the righplacers, harsh as it is:(
Pauline I don’t think the train goes to Holkiem you need to drive there. There is the wonderful Poppy line that goes from Sheringham to holt which is really beautiful scenery and its a steam train ( oh is mad on trains !). I will pm you my mobile number and will hopefully get to Wells by lunch time. The outlaws are down this weekend from Yorkshire and they also love the North nOrfolk coast. I Wil be be easy to spot, uncle fester without the coat :).
hope you s/e reduce and your energy levels increase, onwards and upwards Angels
xx
HI Angels
Roz my tax was reduced this time too, which has made a massive difference to the SEs, though like you my energy levels are awful. Day 5 I had Zero energy and could barely lift my glass of water but that was also the day I went in hospital. I’m up to about 4/10 today but am really wiping myself out doing the simplest things. Like you at the moment I’m just doing what I can and resting when I need to. I just hope I can muster enough energy to take my dog to training school tomorrow as that is the main hobby I enjoy and have been able to maintain so far.
Judy make sure your oncologist knows how severe your side effects are and gives you appropriate meds. The pain is no fun.
Mel - I think its time they called in Dr House! We need someone to solve your mystery and get you home. I hope you’re not feeling too ill with your temperature. Lots of love and hugs still pouring your way from the angels. Yours will need to be the happiest dance of them all. Best start planning it. With any luck delaying the chemo will allow your white blood cells to kick in enough to fight the infection itself so you might be sorted soon anyway. Can you take any vitamin d supplements to boost your immune system? It might be worth asking the question.
Angiepops where are you? Are you ok?