Friends needed please!!!!

Hi ladies! Hope you’ve all had a good weekend, and yes we did make it to theatre though it was touch and go. Just as well we had decided to stay in town as we wouldn’t have got home-whiteout conditions when we came out from show-we looked like snowmen by the time we had walked 100m to the apt! It was Calendar Girls that we saw and it was brilliant, though have to say there were a few times that it was just a bit too close to home and I thought I was going to blub! Great cast-Lynda Bellingham, Elaine C Smith, Gaynor Faye among others, so if it comes to your nearest venue make a point of going.
Pat, 2 squares of exlax did it for me so might be worth a try! Mouth a bit better but gets really dry. Loved the image of dog and wig!!
Hope all goes ok on Tuesday Nicky.
I am going in to my Look Good Feel Better session on Tuesday weather permitting but as there is more snow forecast for then it might be doubtful. Also going to have coffee at one of my schools on Wednesday which will be great to catch up with all the goings on.
As for posting photos well that is well beyond my very limited IT skills so will persuade one of the daughters to do it if I can grab them in the passing…
Anyway had a late night last night so better go catch up on the beauty sleep-night all! Love and hugz,Lyn xx

Hi Lyn, thanks for the tip - have taken some syrup of figs tonite and if nothing happens tomorrow will get exlax. its driving me nuts! So glad you went on your trip, I love going to the theatre, at the hospital we sometimes get complimentary tickets (for staff) and I’ve seen many plays for £2pp, a real snip. I bet the play was good, I absolutely love the film they made of it. Well, I hope you make your look good feel good session, report back on how it went. Nicky, hope all goes well for Tuesday, the snow is lovely but I hate it when it stops you doing stuff, I tend to cram things in before chemo, too. Well, night night to everyone and hope tomorrows a good day, especially in my bowel department! Seriously, if someone had said to me a year ago I’d be discussing my motions, or lack of them, on an internet forum I’d never have believed it!!! Loads of love and huge hugs, Pat x

Pat
I do hope your bowels have sorted, if not have you tried the hippy herby option of ORTISAN FRUIT CUBES? not great if you are still feeling sicky as you need to swallow 1/4 - 1 cube but very gentle and natural.
Or try Movicol (can get over counter or via GP or District Nurse) or a combination of Milpar (softner) and senna (stimulant). Try ringing your District Nurse for advice, they are usually very hot on bowels!
Hope that helps, ( it’s the nurse in me, can’t help giving advice on bowels!)

Gill

Thanks for taking the time Gill. Well this morning I took a fybrogel sachet and have drunk loads of fluid, will do the same tonight and in the morning and if that doesn’t work I’ll see gp. It’s pretty normal for me to be constipated but not for this long! One of the anti-sick meds has caused it as it’s known for having that effect quite badly. Many thanks again for the tips, will mention it to gp if I see her tomorrow. Pat x

Pat,
don’t understate on the bowel front, constipation can make you feel really toxic which is the last thing you need with Chemo! Talk to your GP, don’t suffer in silence!
Gill

Apples , pineapples, dates are helpful with relieving consitipationd and I have been eating super high fiber cerals as well as honey in the morning.

So i did not suffer too badly during my kimo and hope these helps…

xxx

Thanx for that avonlea. Because it’s been so long I think i may need gp to give strong med to help. Will see gp tomorrow. Well, daughter sorted out pic and have managed to load it onto forum - naf pic of me but doesn’t my Millie look gorgeous! I’m so used to being bald now I never thought I’d be so comfortable with it. At lunchtime man from council came to reseal round bath (as had had some water leakage) and I just opened the door to him without thinking of putting a hat on. His face was a picture! He smiled and then just got on with the job and I found it quite liberating but I still don’t think I’d go outside, shopping or wahtever as it would be advertising my situation to everyone and don’t want that. So my fridge DID die last week and new one (a bargain I found on the Next site surprisingly) is coming tomorrow so must make sure I’m up for them as they could be here at 7am - I’m normally still in the land of nod until at least 8. having something to eat now - I can’t believe I’m putting MORE food in!!! so will check in later. love and hugs to all, Pat X

Pat,
I’m loving the photo of you and the dog! She looks wonderful with the brunette colouring.
I’m bracing myself for the hair drop, I noticed today that my hair feels different and is easy to pull out. Thankfully I sorted wig last wig and collected 4 different hats today so at least I’ve got some choices of head wear. I think the hair will be gone quite soon, I have been warning the kids as they are all off snowboarding with hubby for half term so I think I will try to get them to bring me back a natty snow hat too as I don’t think I’ll have hair when they get back.
So get that GP sorted tomorrow, don’t let this constipation rule you!
G x

Hi everyone, still so lovely that everyones still posting on here, it’s such a lifeline for us.
Oh Pat, i cant believe yours till bunged up!!! how uncomfortable must you be?? please get yourself sorted tomorrow, unfortunately when i end up that condition, all the trying gets me a few ‘friends’ if you knw what i mean!! the picture is fab!!! bless the dog with the wig on, she looks great! The hair falling out thing happens really fast doesn’t it Gill? mine was gone within 24hours, OH shaved what was left as i was in competion with the dog! Unfortunately, my lack of hair has really distressed Thomas, he is so upset.Has anyone had a look at scarfhut for hats? they were recommended, great price and excellent delivery service!
Anyway, best go and eat, have managed to get myself a water infection now, had to go into hospital urgently to see dr and he said thats what it was ( never had one before) bloomin agony!mmm, next chemo next week,watch this space for that!
Love to everyone here,
Hugs,Lou xx

Hi Lou Pat and all! Dog looks great Pat but poor you-still not got things moving-hope doc helps. Lou my 2nd one is next monday and I am starting to get anxious about it already-the panic attacks had all but gone, but I have had a few over the last 2 days. Don’t think I have enough to occupy myself and can’t even get out-minus 14 here last night and only got up to -3 during the day-it is cold even by our standards!
2 weeks in and my hair still seems ok but am checking the pillow every morning… Wore my wig in the house tonight and it was 20 mins before OH noticed!!! Mind you it can take him a week to notice that I have had my hait cut so I won’t lay too much store by this!?
Off to bed now as I am tired tonight-sleep well ladies.
Hugz,
Lyn xx

Hi everyone, hope you’re all well. I made it to the gp this morning and he’s given me movocol, so watch this space! I had a hell of a morning, first, all the lights upstairs blew and when OH tried to flip the trip switch in elec cupboard, it sparked at him! Electrician who called later said there’s loads of water gathering above our flat (again) and it’s fused everything, not safe to have light in bathroom so will be doing everything (I hope if movocol works!!!) by candlelight! Then, just as I was trotting out to gp heard running water, thought ‘where’s that coming from?’ and popped head in kitchen to see sink overflowing all over kitchen floor. Washing machine was on and emptying at the time so it just went everywhere. Flung loads of teatowels on floor and shut the door, gp visit was more urgent… When OH came home he gave it a good plunging - bit like what I need, methinks!!! - and it’s fine now. At least my fridge freezer turned up early, 7.45 but that was a performance as, because it was so tall, I had to move a table and chairs out of the way. I’d like to think that if I was an older, frail person they would have lifted it for me. Anyway, that is my day so far, feel like going under duvet and not surfacing til tomorrow in case anything else happens. Lyn I know what you mean about OH noticing things, the times I went to hairdresser and he never noticed the difference most of the time. Even so, wig must look good. The anxiety always creeps in with me the days leading up to the next chemo, it’s a bummer but I accept it’s gonna happen. Has dr given you anything? I was loathe to take yet more meds but onc gave me lorazepam and I only take 1/2 a tablet (they’re really tiny) and that takes the edge off things, just so that I can cope without too much anxiety. Lou, you poor thing, I know water infections can be really painful, and on top of everything else… but at least they saw you and treated you quickly. I did check out scarfhut.com, they have some really nice stuff, not sure if I’ll buy anything else, I seem to stick to the same couple of hats and feel quite comfy wearing them. Aren’t the lace ones pretty - nice for indoors or at night, although don’t think I could sleep with one on. Well, had me moan and told you my woes, off to investigate my ironing pile. Bet you’re all jealous! Love and big hugs, Pat x

Hi all
My internet went on strike again yesterday and this morning. I did manage to get out yesterday and had a great day. I had lunch out and was so sick of my hat being pushed over my eyes by my collar that I took it off andd put it on the table. There were a couple of double takes at me but I just looked them in the eye and smiled! I never dreamt that I would manage hatless in public but it was ok.
Had my 3rd epi today. It only took 2 attempts to get the cannula in which was good going. My veins aren’t good and I get so anxious that they disappear completely. The vein they got in today was so small that it took 2 hours to get the epi in. Every time they tried to push it in faster my arm ached. I was given more steroids to help the nausea and so far so good. Also came home with a mouthwash and eyedrops and advised to get omeprazole from gp for heartburn. I was offered movicol but thankfully that hasn’t been too much of a problem.
Good news on the dogs growth on his chest. After weeks of monitoring and getting worse it scabbed over at the weekend. The vet took one look at it yesterday and she decided it no longer looks sinister and has cancelled his op.Of course it cost 23 pounds to be told he no longer needs the op!
Pat you have been having a rough time. I hope things settle soon on all fronts. Lou I hope that you’re more cofortable soon too.
Thanks for everyones good wishes for today They’re really appreciated.
Nicky xx

Hi ladies!
Was in at Look Good Feel Better session today and it was brill! Taken by 3 beauticians from Boots who took us through a skin care and make up session-in itself really good with hints for dealing with loss of eyebrows and lashes, AND a fantastic bag of goodies to take away, including stuff from Clarins, Clinique, Estee Lauder and more-amazing! All full size products too-I had thought it would be samples!
However the highlight of the afternoon was one of the ladies there on her 15th chemo…omg!.. aged 70 and a retired nurse who had us falling off our chairs laughing! One story was about her onc nurse (same one as I am seeing on Friday…) who mentioned relations with her husband, as part of her review app-her response being that they had oral sex…they spoke about it??? Then… the subject of vibrating mascaras came up…well you can imagine where that went?
If laughing is good for the soul then mine is in good shape!
It really is a great thing to do so if you haven’t already, then ask BC nurse about it as they are available countrywide I think.
Snowing here again tonight- a couple of inches already so not confident at getting out and about tomorrow-will just have to atay at home and practice all my make up techniques (and hide the kit from daughter!!)
Hope you get a result tomorrow Pat! I haven’t asked doc for anything for anxiety yet-will see how I get on over the weekend before Monday.
Love and hugz to all,
Lyn xx

Good evening,Pat,Lyn and Nicky and all,
Thanks everyone for good wishes, yep i am alot more comfortable today.I can’t believe the pain came on so quickly yesterday but they were great at oncology and saw me straight away.
Nicky, great news about your dog!!! thats something less to worry about isn’t it? flippin pets are so wonderful but it’s awful when they become ill, theyre so much family too. OH PAT! what happened to you today??? blimey, talk about being kicked while your down eh? Must be something with washing machines, Mum’s decided not to empty either - she had a blocked outlet pipe, engineer called today, found a couple of colour catchers stuck along with a 50p piece and some dog hair! Have you had any joy with ‘you know what’ yet?? you poor thing, you must be so uncomfortable.
I have a look good session booked for March, sounds really good fun and of course loads of lovely goodies as well!
No snow for us now, much warmer today - a whole 7 degrees! but better than last week!
Anyway, had a busy day today,think i may pop off to bed, beginning to dread next week now as i think bloods may not be too good for 3rd Fec on 20th,(bloods Monday), we’ll see anyway,
Big hug everyone, haven’t heard from you Jackie in a couple of days - where u gone??? hope all’s ok with you? remember were here if you need us?
Much love, Lou xxxx

Morning all hope you are all doing ok
Pat
What a day you had! I just hope you have managed a good poo by now!
Lou
Glad to hear you have got the waterworks sorted, I can’t remember which drugs you are having but the C bit of FEC is irritant to the bladder so that won’t help, now you have got the infection treated have you thought of regular cranberry juice which reduces bacterial growth so reduces the risk of urine infections?
Lyn
Thanks for good news about the looking good session, I like Lou have one booked in March and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve never been much of a make up wearer but I now wear it most days after 10 year old daughter commented how tired I looked when I didn’t have make up on!

My next exciting appointment is with Trevor Sorbie to have my wig styled! A friend recommended I look at mynewhair.org.uk which is Sorbie’s charity, set up to support wig wearers ( chemo related hair loss and alopecia), I booked via the lovely Hilary ( no. on site) and am on cancellation list for next week or on 27th! It may be worth having a chat with Hilary to see if any saloons near you are trained by them and if Trevor comes to a saloon near you. He doesn’t charge!

I’m looking forward to that appointment far more than the one tomorrow to get a PICC line or to friday 13th’s chemo!

Hope you have a good day

Gill

Hi Everyone, am off to have bath as have physio appt so will check in properly with you later. Just had to announce though - THE EAGLE HAS LANDED! What a relief… Movicol is great! love and hugs, Pat x

Hellooooooo… yep, still here - just. This flaming broadband connection aint right, only lets me stay on for 10 mins at a time, and then all is lost. Tried to ring them but - well - their company’s three morons of the month are the only ones manning their 'phones at the mo., so am getting nowhere fast. So I’d best be quick.
Thank god for that Pat, was about to ask you round for a sample of my cooking, 'cos no problems in this house with eagles.
What is is with you sickly lot, Pat with her bowels and Lou with her waterworks, tut.

Haven’t anything to tell you, the only excitement that seems to happen or not … is on Fridays at the clinic … wow, what a highlight, how the mighty have fallen!

Just one weird thing, I’m sure the fringe on my wig is growing - no really, either that or my boiled egg of a head is shrinking. What next? Have to send this quickly and vanish, 'cos I think I might get cut off. Love and hugs to you all, xx Jacq xx.

Arft’noon all!
Pat, I am so pleased for you! are you sure it was just one eagle or a whole load? what a relief for you! After all your trials yesterday that is definately a good result! Blimey, never thought i’d discuss ‘poo’ on a forum! lol!!!
The waterworks seem to be settling now,keep taking the pills as they say.I did buy a plastic tub to store all the meds in at the beginning, think i may need a bigger one - my pot overfloweth!
Thanx Gill,i’m a keen water drinker normally, and did manage the 2 litres after the last session as i was told to do. I think maybe i’m trying to do a bit too much(?) and it’s all catching up a bit- used to work 39 hours a week, and get so annoyed with myself that i just don’t have it in me now- i feel sooooooooooooooooooooo tired all the time. I love cranberry juice though, will add to my shopping list xxx
I saw Trevor Sorbie on the box the other night, what an exciting thing to have done.I don’t have a wig ( gone a bit ‘anal’ on that one i’m afraid - no pun intended Pat!) Just can’t see me in a wig at all, and am really used to the hats i’ve got-even managed to show of the old shiny head to my old boss!
Goodluck for the picc line tomorrow hun, be thinkin of ya xxx
Hey Jacq! where u bin hidin??? bless you, bloody computers! great when they work but a ruddy nuisance otherwise! Oh sat last night with this one on his lap for about an hour, me being me, got really fed up with it.Anyway, the battery ran out (heehee) so he had to put back on the desk, i went to make a cuppa, when i came back i asked about the surgery, what surgery he asks?? the one that removed the flippin computer says i!!! needless to say, i’m grumpy, scratchy, blah blah blah! - aren’t they the seven dwarfs??? mmmm, me thinks i’m walking a thin line there! Bothered??? nah! I’m having chemo, i can take anything after that!
Maybe your heads shrinking jacq? my hats are slipping about all over the place, they creep down over my eyes! AND i have some ‘new hair’ growing - i know it’ll fall out but it proves its’s still able to do it! AND it’s REALLY blonde! yippeeeeeeeeeeeee - no more bleach hilites!
right oh lovely ladies, best be off, cgeck back with you all later if OH doesn’t have his ‘baby’ clamped to his bosom!
Bye for now,
Lou XXXXXXX

Lou, how much chemo have you had? … I want my hair to grow too! What have you got to have done next?

It’s weird though, 'cos I used to have highlights done to cover what I thought was grey popping through, (was always a very fair natural blonde) and haven’t had it touched since last october, but cut the rest of the straggly bits off yesterday and there’s not a grey or white hair in it, just pure blonde. Bet you anything you like it comes back pure white and wirey.

Come to think of it, it’s probably due to the failing eyesight more than anything to do with hair pigment.

I bet Pat’s attached to that loo for some time, we might not hear from her for a couple of days! That reminds me of a funny story - well, not at the time, I got a good old rollicking. When we had our caravan when the girls were little, it had a brilliant clubhouse and we all used to get off our faces.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I fell asleep on the caravan loo -for a long time! When I came to - still in a drunken stupor - the suction had caused my bum to kind of be attached to the rim - and as I keeled over sideways, the loo was still attached to me and went with me and flooded the caravan (badly)! Hence horrible husband (long gone now!) went ballistic, as he had to prop it up, telling me not to use it again 'til he’d sorted it the next morning.

What? Don’t use it - who said that? Course I did. Caravan then flooded with more than just water and wee! Oh, yuk - all my secrets being told to strangers.

Sorry, finished that off quick 'cos internet was going on the blink again! Nuff said really I think. Anyway, the 2nd time caused such an uproar I think the whole site got involved, (they all took my side though!). Anyway we had to have a new floor throughout. There is an even nastier, muckier end to that story, but I can’t put you all through that. (Clue - it involved never being able to cook in a certain casserole dish ever again!) There, that’s straightened everybody’s guts out for now! xx Jacq! xx