Embarking on an adventure, you are welcome to tag along

Hi Saffronseed, Yes this time tomorrow! hopefully l will be still having a nice sleep or ‘eating’
How is chemo going for you, on your second and l see talking about going back to work! Many s/e? or is it early days!
Take Care Lots of Hugs
Sandra xxx

Sandra
I feel a lot better today than yesterday. You realy have a 3 legged dog ? He must come along too, to support us all. He must have a story to tell.
As for those doctors, nurses, firemen and policemen. I tell you they are hardly out of nappies.
Saffronseed,
what news, how are you ?
Claire,
where are you on your journey ? Thanks for the good wishes
Love Maria

Hi all had 2nd Fec this afternoon.

Veins held up well and no pain at all so good. Feel a bit sicky at the moment and sipping water - had shepherds pie for dinner quite bland and needed something to eat. Hair has gone though and with one breast and a large hemotoma on the other side, bald and pale I don’t look or feel that desireable so no nooky tonight! thank god…

Yes, all being well, will return to work part time (ish) next week as I feel up to it - my brain is ok (its my body that doesn’t work right) I will work from home mostly though so not to get infections…I will see how it goes anyhow.
xxx

good luck tomorrow sandra, am thinking of you

xxx

Hi Saffronseed,
Yes read about your haemotoma, sounds nasty, and a long job! before it settles down. Well l have heard of some good excuses for getting out of having nooky but…this has to be the best!
Lucky you, l am afraid my brain went at the same time as my body!
Just can’t get my head round too much at the moment.

Thank you tors, hope you are keeping well?

Maria I will tell you my three legged dog story another day, he even made it into the local papers!! how is that for fame!

Sandra xxx

Hi Sandra, i have felt great today, looked after my boys alone, made tea for everyone, felt normal ish. Hope there will be many more days like it, better than last week when i was a physical and emotional wreck! Take care

xxx

Hi Tors,
Oh for the simple things in life (making tea! looking after boys!)
Yes i did read your threads last week, with your injections and your poorly little boys! yuk how awful for you, no wonder you were an emotional wreck! but today you have felt great, so that is a positive thought
You Take Care,
Sandra xxx

So, what was round the corner today ladies ?

I’m OK, not very hungry, but I can eat and I’ve got plenty of reserves anyway.
I dyed my hair orange, so I hope it won’t fall out too soon. I’ll put up a photo soon, if I manage to.
My tree feller was back and cleared away some of the trees, but the one nearest the house is still across the grass (I can’t call it a lawn)
Tors, I hope you had another good day. One day at a time eh.
Saffronseed, I couldn’t work, my brain is worse than my body I’m afraid. I realized on Monday just before heading off to the hospital that I had mislaid my diary with all my appointments in it. Today I realize that is is actually lost, HELP. Been phoning people to find out when I had arranged to meet up with them, and trying to remember the other appointments. Just realized I have an appointment for a blood test (post chemo) and a massage (Lovely) at the same time. Got to re-arrange one of them.

So I look forward to hearing your stories of today.
Love Maria

today very busy i am shattered. Although I don’t officially start back to work until Monday, I have started doing emails and thus getting the phone calls and work associated stuff. I am actually enjoying it, the problem is I have so much else to sort out like hospital appts and hair stuff etc etc and finding it hard to fit it all in - I am too used to being a lady of leisure over the last 3 months methinks…

Had my hair shaved off today! was sad but relieved as its been driving me bonkers… it looks awful being bald but will wear scarves and probably less often my wig. I wore my wig from the hairdressers and it felt ok but scratchy so after about half an hour when I got back to the car I took it off - so baldy head it was.

My first taste of baldy - I got out of my car and this horrid women in a big black 4 wheel drive opened her window and shouted at me ‘get some hair’ I was a bit surprised that someone could be so spiteful to someone they didn’t know (or my circumstances) however she drove off before I could say or do anything… I just hope it doesn’t happen to her… I am a believer in what goes around comes around…

Sorry to ramble but my journey continues… one moment positive and inspiring, actually getting my work head back on and feeling that I belong once more to the bigger world and I am not just a patient!
next being pulled back to earth, being made bald and feeling ugly, and then being insulted by some ignoranmous making me realise that I look different and peoples perceptions of you are very much based on how you look rather than what you are…

anyway I know who i am and the good news is no side effects so far… xx

How ignorant can you get?? Saffronseed I hope you won’t let that stupid woman bring you down - remember, your hair will grow back but she will never be other than ignorant and rude.
Its great that you feel able to work - I haven’t felt able to for almost a year, but am getting quite excited about going back (in 3 months or so LOL) but am going back for 3 days/week, Ihope - thats what I’ve requested. I think you’re doing really well.
Hope everyone is feeling OK - having chemo or going through surgery, keeping you all in my thoughts
take care
love, monica xx

Well said Monica!

Saffronseed I find it hard to believe that someone could be so lacking in any sensitivity that they could say such a thing to you. I am totally flabbergasted!

You seem to be a real life demonstration of the ups and downs of this journey! It’s tough losing your hair but it’s only hair and it comes back, but I know what you mean about the itchiness of wigs…I often had to curtail, say, a supermarket shop just because I couldn’t bear the wig anymore! Some of us are more sensitive than others to these things. You sound as if you’re doing incredibly well though…hope you’re not overdoing it!

Thinking of all of you who have had surgery today or who are dealing with the after effects of chemo.

And Maria, you’re my age, I think you said, so less of these “being old” comments! We’re forever young! Hope you’re still feeling okay and the SEs aren’t too bad. That goes for all of you dealing with the fall out of chemo. I started off really badly but was decorating rooms on the good weeks!!

Maria, looking forward to seeing the orange hair! Sounds fab!

Heather, hope you’re feeling better, I’m sure bobby must help. I have 3 dogs but the latest one (the black blob you see in my profile picture!) is a Cockerpoo, Mimi, 7 months old, and very differnet to my two bigger gun dogs, who I love dearly but this little one is such a companion that I completely get what you say. What would we do without our animals?!

Lost a great friend this afternoon. Raising a glass to her.

love and hugs to all
Lee x

Ok, so here is me with orange hair.

2 days post first chemo and I’m still OK. I had a really strange dream last night, I won’t bore you with all the details, but the message I received was that it was OK to have no boobs and that I was cured. Yes, a lovely feeling. There were dogs in it too. I woke up feeling really good.

Saffronseed, I cannot get over that women in the big black 4x4. What was she thinking ! ? I expect I will be shaving my hair off soon, good for you for doing it. I’m so glad you know who you are and you are a wonderful person. I remember last time how much the wig itched, I wonder if there are some out there that are more comfortable. Having lost my diary, I have not yet made an appointment to get a wig, and I have not got my old one out yet… Denial maybe?

Monica, is your line of work physical ? It’s good to have a date to look forward to. I’ve no idea yet when I shall return, I have been off 5 weeks so far, but I was switched off before that (in March when I got my diagnosis)

Lee, I still feel 20 at times, but the age of doctors does worry me!! Thank goodness our close up sight stated to fail at a certain age, so we cannot see our wrinkles. I m a very happy with my age, actually. Happier that when I was 20. So sorry to hear about your friend, my thoughts are with her family and friends.

Hope everyone has a good day today.
Love Maria

Hi , this is my first comment on the site though I have taken a lot from it in the way of strength and humility. I too am about to embark on a journey of six weeks rads and tamoxifen. I am thinking about working through the treatment. I have been off work for 3 weeks to cover surgery and intend to go back on Monday and but need to negotiate time off for treatment tomorrow.

Is this feasible ? Am I doing the right thing?

Thanks to anyone who reads this. Best wishes to all.

Hi Ladies, hope your all feeling reasonably well.
Saffronseed what a really awful woman (I could use stronger word for woman really lol)how can people be so rude, but like you say what comes round goes round I hope thats what happens. Really glad you seem to be getting on with your chemo ok.
Maria Love the orange hair, wish I had done what you have done, I was going to colour mine purple before it came out but I never got round to it.
Dont you ladies worry about being a baldy, I was dreading it, and I got more upset losing my hair than my breast. But after the first few days I got use to it, and I thought losing my hair is a small price to pay if it helps me to live.
Sandra, hope every thing is going well, hurry back I need to know about the 3 legged dog lol
Izzy hope your op went ok and you will be back with us soon.
Lee 3 dogs how fantastic, I love animals, not to good with mice and rats and things. Bobby is a Lhaso Apso but he is such a comfort to me. I went out with a friend on Tuesday and when I came home hubby said talk about Grey Friars Bobby, your Bobby just lay in the hall looking at the door and crying lol but he is so nice to come home to. He makes me laugh because we have a Persian cat as well, and he is so miserable lol hubby says he is plotting to rule the world, but when we come in
Bobby is running round in circles for a fuss, then he always going up to the cat and touches him with his nose has if to tell him were home.
Well ladies today I am cleaning out my wadrobe and draws, and I am throwing out all the things that dont fit me no more. I have put loads of weight on with the chemo and Arimidex and I have lots of stuff that doesn’t fit. So today it as to go, on a brighter note If I manage to lose some weight I will buy new things. So watch this space and I will tell you how brave I have been lol
Right going to get started, I hope this post reads ok because I am doing it on hubbys lap top and I always get in a mess, I am very accident prone, and do stupid things prone lol I will tell you some of the things I have done one day.
Anyway ladies love to you all, and I hope anyone who is having treatment today it goes ok.

Heather.
xxxxxxx

Hello Tamdhu

Thank you for posting on the forum, may I suggest you give our free helpline a call as they may be able to support you at this difficult time, lines are open to Monday to Friday 9.00 – 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 – 2.00.

best wishes
June, moderator

.

Well I embarked on the WIG adventure this week! I armed myself with 2 trusted friends(one my hairdresser) and we hit the pavements of North Scotland. Enjoyed the obligatory Cafe for lunch before hunting down in my vision this fantastic Hair Salon full of wigs!! O how our faces changes as we seen a tatty sign above the double doors. As we entered we were led up an old but empressive staircase!
Then through the glass door we stepped back in time!!! Old slatted wooden saloon doors with the smell of setting lotion greeted us! Silence with nervous grins. We were ushered into what seemed like a cupboard! Only to be greeted by a grey wig set in rollers! Horror I just wanted to run but my trusted friends reasured me it would be ok! As the lovely assistant hunted through the ‘shoe’ boxes to see what would suit me! After searching we realized it just wasnt going to happen! Ahh I have one but its not your colour! As I sat there she placed a wig black with red highlights (fair hair as in picky). What a shock although once brushed the style was ok! But what a contast in colour!!! Trying to convince me my friend checked its quality, now I felt like I was being checked for nits! Phew nothing found!
We can order it in your colour the assistant informed me! Great quality friend replied!
I then seen Dolly a long wig I have never had long hair so just wanted to try, my chance to see if long hair suited me! As I placed the wig on my clothes suddenly turned into the perfect outfit for line dancing! glancing to my left I could see my trusted (or not so trusted ) friends holding back the giggles! Perhaps not long then!
We then were ushered from the cupboard with the knowledge that I will have to return when ordered wig arrives!
Luckily this Adventure for which I will never forget turned pleasureable due to the company I had with me and the journey home was of 3 gigling girls! Had I been alone it would have been tears!

Has anyone else had WIG Adventures!

Hi girls,

welcome Tamdhu, you sound as if you’re doing amazingly well. Sorry I can’t help as I never had rads (had a mastectomy) or tamoxifen (I’m triple negative) but I’m sure there will be plenty of advice for you soon.

Welcome Gill, so sorry to hear about the affected nodes, it must have been a shock for you. Let that FEC and Tax do its worst and stop any escapees in their tracks. Your sense of humour certainly hasn’t been affected! I laughed about the bagpipes! I’d almost forgotten how many drains were left sticking out after the op! Sometimes I got yanked back to the bed by a forgotten one lurking under the bedcovers! Fortunately I never pulled any out but came close I’m sure!

Maria, great hair!I never even thought of making a statement before mine came out…perhaps I should do it now while it’s only an inch long. My 20 year old thinks I should bleach it white blonde a la Agyness Deyn (a while ago) but methinks I’m a bit old for such a look…oops, I never said that! I mean the bleach is too harsh for me at the moment!

Heather I will look forward to your stories! Intriguing! Your Bobby sounds very gentle to your cat. My Mimi chases 2 of my 3 ragdolls mercilessly, in fact one has basically left home and just comes in occasionally, poor boy. The third big boy is very good with her though and will take so much ear chewing and being jumped on then gives her a slap, if he can summon up the energy from his 23 hour naps!!

Tedoris, thank you for the entertaining wig journey story! It sounded fun. Every journey is so much better with girlfriends isn’t it? I did mine on my own and before I lost my hair so they (I got two but only ever really wore one) were ready and waiting. I shaved my head when it was falling out to the touch but never was lying on the pillow in the morning. That gave me some degree of control. I was very scared doing it as it seemed a major step along the road but it actually wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated, surprisingly. and that’s generally what I’ve found throughout this journey, that things are never quite as bad when you get to them as they looked from a distance. (trying to do the journey analogy but it’s not really working for me is it?!) Just trying to say to those of you who are anticipating hair loss…don’t worry, it’s not forever and it’s not so bad, in fact a little bit liberating in some ways. Just hold your head up and walk tall and face the world. And *!!* to anyone who dares to say anything like they said to saffronseed.

Sorry I’ve gone on a bit!

lots of love
Lee x

Sandra, thinking of you, there will be a lot for you to catch up on when you’re home and up to reading this thread.

Hope treatments are going okay.

Hey Lee, what is this about being too old to be bold with your hair…

Hi Gill, dont forget those little bu@@ers are out now so they can’t do any more damage, and the chemo is there to zap anything that escaped. They don’t stop us going to the hairdressers for months and save money on hair removal for nothing you know. I love the idea of the bagpipes, hope you feel more comfortable soon and its getting down to the size of a lemon (melon still sounds sore)

Heather, I wanted to dye my hair purple or green, but I couldn’t find any stuff to do it with. (or am I a chicken and did I take the easy way out?)

Tamdhu, You do what your feel is right, listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard. Each one of has to do what she thinks best for them, no one is the same.
Tedoris, Your story seems to come out of a Hitchcock movie, I’m glad you shared it with us don’t know wether any one can beat it.

Going to attempt some ironing now
Love to you all
Maria

Hi Ladies

Maria - wow, you brave lady - I like your hair, reckon it suits you. I hope you had a good day and the chemo is not being too unkind to you.

Saffronseed - How rude of the woman to say such a horrid thing to you, some people can be so unkind and RUDE!

Heather - your lovely Bobby sounds so loving! What a sweet dog

Tredoris - your wig adventure made me laugh, on the one hand its so sad but on the other to have such lovely friends by your side.

Gill - I know what you mean about the drains, totally hated the damn things! So sorry about your nodes, though so pleased for you that your scans were clear.

Lee, I too was very surprised I didn’t pull any of my drains out, though it felt like I had on quite a few occasions! I’m so sorry you lost your friend.

Love and best wishes to you all

xx