Morning ladies - apologies for tardiness in posting again but I haven’t logged into the site since FEC3 last week since I was so wiped out. I had a rough ride with FEC2 with a stupid cough and cold and felt ill all the cycle so really fed up. For the first time yesterday since FEC2 I felt practically normal and even managed a session as a volunteer classroom assistant at my daughter’s school. So nice to be doing something very mundane but useful and detached from being ill. Had felt ill for so long and too cold to get out everyday – yippee at the hint of normality.
There were soooo many messages to read. Refreshing to know that many of us are experiencing similar emotions and feelings - feels great being half way and it’s not long to go but oh boy it feels long still. Like many of you I will be on Tax next so that is an unknown. Interesting all the different radiotherapy schedules. I have been told to expect a 3 week rest after chemo then 3 weeks of radio starting early Feb sometime.
Soo - hope you are ok after your long trip to the hospital for tests. How frustrating to know that you could get the results the same day - but only with a mare of travelling to do so. Your soups sound delicious and a real tonic for the old sore mouth syndrome - so frustrating not to be able to eat refreshing salads etc. Someone recommended Eludril mouthwash for me - needs prescribing from the GP and I have used it this time but it does make my mouth feel a bit sore as I use it. it seems it has a good disinfectant property but not sure it is worth the discomfort.
Pheebster - good luck with FEC3 tomorrow. Hope the veins are good for you. My whole arm feels strained now from the epi – feel sorry for the children as it is agony if they inadvertently touch it and can’t help but squeal ‘ouch’. The nurse told me it should get better – not on antibiotics or anything. I hope my veins hold up for the whole chemo thing – couldn’t bear the thought of a line now half way there. Biggest problem is that the lovely community oncology nurse who comes to home to take my pre-chemo bloods always has needed two attempts and that stuffs two veins for chemo the next day! Of course the veins on my other arm are begging to be used but can’t. Very frustrating and awful. I feel especially bad for the nurse as she is an ex colleague and friend too so pretty awful for her – BUT awful for me too!! Hope your veins behave too Pheebster.
Bella - I had a ‘sore tummy’ after FEC1 and it was worse than the vomiting and everything else put together - hope it improves for you soon. It helped me lose some weight that cycle but unfortunately that has crept back on with my improved appetite as time has gone on :o) Isn’t the sore mouth and changed taste frustrating - it seems ok when I eat so that is a good strategy - until a minute later the horrible taste is back and I am tempted to eat more to make it go away!
Lizbou - hope your son has recovered from his severe illness so that he can help you and do his chores!
Irina and Avonlea – funny re answering the door bald headed – I have done it too and quite fun to see the surprised expression – the postman and a delivery driver ïŠ
Cat - hope you have some more energy, that the MIL has stopped asking for a word and asking you to sort out life for her and that you are having fun planning Nathaniel’s party. Hope you are getting some help around the house and getting some rest too.
Cazzb - hope the prosthesis is what you expected and that you are happy with it. I swore I wouldn’t wear mine all the time and was hating the idea of going back into a bra (had bilateral so could pin two softies into a cami) but funny how quickly I got back into it and the weight seems great for posture. This week have been feeling chilled so back in relaxed mode with the cami for the first time in 6 weeks.
Avonlea - the reflexology and emotional support sounds great - I get a free foot massage as I have chemo with oils and the reflexologist will allow me to book in for sessions 6 weeks after radiotherapy has finished so some time to wait - she says that the reflexology can exacerbate the side effects as it aims to rid the toxins from the body so it is her personal preference to wait.
Lorna - great that you feel like smiling again - can imagine a beautiful smile.
Emelf – hope you are feeling better.
The idea of a meet up is great - agree it would be great to keep in contact with everyone after we have finished. Have caught up with Cat on Facebook - anyone else on and not mind me adding them as a friend?
Lots of love and hugs to everyone, Tanya x
since no one else to look after him. will post back properly later.