hi caron - tell her we send our love etc…I hate my hickman line you know…grrrrr, mary x
Hello Everyone!
Sorry, i’ve been a bit quiet, but we decided to have a last minute get-a-way with the kids to celebrate the end of my treatment! We booked it a couple of weeks ago on the internet and got a bargain! We went and hired a caravan down in North Devon and the weather was so beautiful that we could have been in the Med!!! The Views were abolutely stunning and the camp site had it’s own private beach that we literally had all to ourselves! We just had the best time, real quality time with the kids and it made me realise that our lives are so busy all the time that we don’t do things like that often enough! I’ve never been on a caravan holiday before and it’s another one of things I wanted to tick off the list before I, you know what!!!Since having BC, i’ve adopted a real ‘S*d it, life’s too short’ attitude, and we decided to take the kids out of school for a couple of days and stay there a bit longer and make the most of this gorgeous weather! I had to be very careful though with the old factor 50 and keep my left arm out of the sun completely (so terrified about lymphodema) especially on our boat trip, that’s the worst, wind burn!!! Still a bit sore after rads so kept chest well covered. Think i’ve turned the corner though as now I’m just itchy! Underarm still bit sore but it must be where it rubs on bra! Oh well, here I am back to reality, kids at school, husband at work and me feeling sorry for myself again!! Still it was nice while it lasted and think the break did us all good!
Bright, so so sorry to hear that you;ve ended up in hospital, typically right at the end of your chemo as well! I was only thinking the other day that you and Caron have done well managing to keep out of hospital through entire treatment, as I think most of us do end up with at least one short stay at some time with low blood counts etc, I know I did! Hope you’ll be home by the end of the week!
Caron, My hair is terrible. Really really thin and wispy on top and not much better around back and sides! I’m still really beside myself about it! I’m going back to see Trevor Sorbie but not till July, to get another wig, a short one this time! I’m really struggling in this heat with my wig at the moment and find it more comfortable in scarves, especially with my tomoxifen induced hot flushes evey bloomin’ minute of the day and night! Eyebrows, however, after loosing both of them completely 2 or 3 weeks ago, seem to be coming back thick and fast! I’ve even got a few stubby eyelashes coming back so I must be grateful for that, I just really wish my head would catch up!!!
Andie, how are you after rads, skin ok?
Gail, how are you doing?
Shell, how was your holiday? Not sure when you are due back but think it must be this week sometime! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Katemate, hope dressings and painkillers are helping. I found gelperm (jelly squares that you keep in the fridge) were fantastic!! noe sure if you’ve got those?
Kittenkat, not long to go till your last chemo! The end is in sight!
Caron, how are you feeling about your surgery now? I hope not too aprehensive, it’ll soon be over! I visited a girl from my supprt group last week! I went in to see her the day after her mx and she was absolutely fine in fact she texted me the afternoon after surgery to say that she was not feeling too bad! She was more worried about anesthetic rather than anything else! Bless her she took a picture of her 2 very young kids into the theatre with her as she was so worrid she would’t wake up. When she came round in recovery they’d put the photo back in her hand! I’m assuming she didn’t hold it all the way thru!!! Anyway, just to say that she said for her it was nowhere near as bad as she was dreading! She was in a terrible state a few days before and now look look we’re all going out together for dinner on Fri night! So please try not to worry too much!
Take care everyone!
Jo XXX
Lovely to have you back Jo.
I’m glad you enjoyed your holiday, the west countryside is absolutely
beautiful, especially when the weather so gorgeous.
My hair is growing back, very thickly which it was, and curly which it wasn’t. I’ve got a scarf as a headband tied at my ear, dangling on my neck covering burnt bits.
The worst burn is on my chest. I have tried gelperm which does give instant relief and it did soothe, but as the skin is badly broken I’m on strong antibiotics as they were concerned about infection. They have given me some dressing to put on it. They suggested paracetomol for the pain, but I think I need some thing stronger.
If it gets worse they’ll give me some flamazine cream.
What are the arrangements for the 13th? I’m really looking forward to meeting you all.
Hope you’re all enjoying the lovely weather
Love Kathy
Hi Girls
Welcome back Jo. I have been really lucky with the way my skin has held up with the rads. The only evidence that it has happened at all is a distinct change of colour from pale pink to sunburnt brown and today I think the top layer is about to peel off. It has started to itch which is nothing compared to what poor Kathy has had to go through.
I saw the oncologist this morning who seems really pleased with the progress so far. She had put me on Femara and other than checking in 6 weeks time to see if there are any side effects she is ready to start pushing my appointments further apart. Although she did say that I could go back and see her at any time if I am worried about anything at all(I think she has realised just how much of a worrier that I am)
I have just booked for us to go to Dorset for a few days at the beggining of July to hopefully have a real rest away from London and the hospital. (The day before we go, my daughter and I have tickets to see the tennis at Wimbledon)
Kathy how did your few days with the little ones go? Did they try and kidnap you to take back with them.? Hopefully your skin with recover soon and you can go visit them.
When does Shelly come back? I have missed her being on the thread just like you miss friends when they are away.
As Victoria was unwell and had to go into hospital I missed out on her home baking. Rest assured I will make sure that date is rebooked ASAP.
Caron I have just realised that your op. date is the date I go away. Fortunately the hotel has wi fi so I will be able to check how you are doing, as long as someone posts on your behalf. You really will be in and out again before you realise and on the last leg of your recovery.
Hope the rest of you are OK- Kittenkat and Gail and everyone else that my chemo brain has forgotten. Sorry
Andie
VICTORIA said she will put the fine details down when she comes out of hospital, she is doing ok and her temp is stablising now.
I am not happy today I really tried to lose some weight but no matter what I eat I still (even now) keep putting weight on, if I was on weight watchers I would be allowed 20 points I had 7 1/2 yesterday and put 2 1/2 pounds on over night I am so fed up, this is NOT me.
I am still scared about the surgery but know I have to face it,
Jo your friend who had her mx did your friend have reconstruction at the same time??
The nurse said there is a lot more to it cos I am having the recon
at the same time.
HEY I have just got some EYEBROWS !!! not my own you understand ! they are false ones V got for me bless her.
More news from VICTORIA (this will get Mary jealous!) Victoria is having her hickman line out today, so she is pleased about that.
Hope everyone is alright love Caron xx
NOW THATS NOT FAIR!!! …stomps away sulking n muttering…bless her, hope she’s doing ok - collected daughter from school after exam today and went for lunch at the leisure centre, was so jealous looking at the pool and thinking how I wanted to swim - saying that the baldy head might have emptied the rest of the pool…I think I’ll plan a Hickman Removal Party…mary x
Still extremely sore, far more painful than the mastectomies.
Andie, my 7 year old grandson hates me living here, he saw me every day in Somerset and stayed over once or twice a week. Tonight I’m babysitting for the 7oaks grandchildren. They are so different fromthe other children. Luke is coming up for 7, he has autism, every now and again he comes out from his little world. He is very affectionate, beautiful and I love him to the ends of the earth. Joe is 4, loud and does not stop talking. Little Sophie is 2,shy but gets excited when she sees me.
How LUCKY am I?
Victoria, hope you’re getting on ok.Looking forward to your posts, really envious of your eloquence and the ability to absorb your surroundings. Hope that makes sense to you.
Where are you GAIL???
Love Kathy
Hi all,
I spent ages typing yesterday and lost it all and couldn’t face typing again!!! Will I ever learn??
Well…am getting better at dealing with rads now and today I was in and out before my appointment time. But…still feel quite depressed…just geting up in the morning and knowing I have to go…horrid! Spent most of today in hospital with various appointments… but new little clothes shop has opened up so did do some retail therapy too!! Wasn’t prepared for how tired I am though. Every afternoon…it hits me about 1ish. Happened to someone else I know too. have been a bit down…reading survival stats…not a good read really… must stop!!
Have an interview next week and have no idea how to do it. Thought I might need something to do in October, especially as monster goes to school…but am I mad? Thought a few hours teaching a week might be good, but didn’t realise they would interview so soon. So have to prepare a 15 min presentation on “managing strategies in a recession”. Have no idea. Have spent months since diagnosis reading Heat magazine and crappy novels. Could do presentation on “Peter Andre and katie: fact or fiction” or even " Britain’s Got Talent: an appreciation of Stavros Flatley". Hubbie is keen for me to go, but really he doesn’t understand the effects of chemo brain and the drugs that have made me demented. Anyway…if anyone has ideas on the presentation…please do send!!!
I spent ages before…writing little bits for all of you. but can’t remember what I said.
Kathy - am packing up Monster and sending him to you first class. You sound so lovely. He is 4 and no trouble!!! (His Motrher lies). Please exchange for dog!!!
Caron - stop worrying about weight until you are better!! I know it’s hard, but you need your calories at the moment. None of us are normal at the moment. You need to be much kinder to yourself.
Victoria - hope you are better.
Can’t wait to see you all soon!!
Gxxxxx
I would gladly swap your little monster for my hairy hound. I’m sure he’s a lovely little lad and your pride and joy.
I’m thinking of doing a little bit of teaching too. I was an infant teacher in my former life and thought I might offer my services for a few hours a week at my grandson’s school in September.
Sorry, I pressed the wrong button.
I saw the doctor today and he has given me some stronger painkillers.
And, thank goodness they are working.
Perhaps I can start getting some normality back now. I don’t know whether I remember the pre BC days.
Love to all,
Kathy
Bad news from Victoria
They never took the hickman line out till today and then they swapped it for a picc line and the bug hasn’t responded so she’s not allowed out till Monday now, and she is worried cos this bug can attack the heart.
I’m sure you will be alright Victoria fit as a flea before you know it,xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ive had a busy day today it’s Jordan’s 17th today so I made him my famous strawberry white choc cake, I asked him if he wanted a shop bought one but a stern NO came the reply lol.
We have had Jordan’s girlfriend here most of the day and I paid for them to have a meal together (carvery).
Steve went with Jordan to pick a car he’s going to learn to drive via Steve (should be fun !)
All in all been a good day (well for dod (jordan))
My legs are still very bad and wobbly AND I HAVE JUST TOUCHED THE BACK OF MY HEAD which did have hair on it’s now as BALD as a coot again!!!
I just said to Jordan " great ive got a great big bald patch now"!!
Jordan replied " it’s a great big bald patch all over"!!
cheeky swine!!!
Looks like I’ll be starting from scratch again then ! love caronxx
5.15a.m.I haven’t been to bed. I think I need sleep therapy. No stimulants, but I have taken a prescribed sleeping tablet, which needless to say hasn’t worked.
I’ve read about a cd which is guaranteed to work, I’m getting desperate now so may have tobuy it.
Caron, Isaw you were up late, do you have similar sleep problems to me? Oh! and happy birthday to Jordan.
I am concerned about Victoria. Why have they put a picc line in if she’s finished chemo? I do hope she’s out of hospital soon.
Love Kathy
Hi Caron
Quick post for the moment -I just hopped on here while I’m waiting for the iron to get hot. When my hair first started growing back I also suffered from a bald patch at the back. I think it was because in my case the new hair was baby fine and breaking easily. I remembered that babies seem to get a bald patch at the back where they lay down all the time and the hair rubs away. I don’t know whether it helped at all but I bought a silk pillowcase for the bed because I read somewhere that silk is kinder than cotton - it may even have been on the Trevor Sorbie site. It worked for me and although my hair is still growing very patchily it is growing all over.
Andie
Dear all, i feel fine but not allowed home until monday. Hickman line is now out. One stich in skin. First lot of antibiotics were not the best for bacterial infection i aquired through the line. But got an allergic reaction to the new lot and needed antihistamines. Not sure yet if i can have rest of the course. Will post precise details for next saturday in next couple of days. No picc line in the end just a tiny cannula. Victoria x
That’s better news, Victoria. I’ve been dreading having to have a line in, as my veins can be a problem. But they’ve given me some cream called Hirudoid, which is helping.
Had my last of three FEC on Tuesday, still feeling grotty but I know it’ll only be a few more days till it’s better. I’m regarding the gap between as a proper break, then I go onto Tax. District Nurse is coming in to give me GCSF injections - weird, it makes me feel as if I’m really ill have a DN! They said did I want to learn to do it myself, but I said “No No No!”
And the house goes on the market at the weekend! Fingers, toes and everything crossed (not easy to type like that!) It’s a nice distraction from the cancer malarkey.
vicky - hope you get sorted and home soon…welldone susanne with fec no 3 - half way there!! mary x
Poor Victoria, hurry up and get home soon!
Poor Caron, hair coming out again, you know my thoughts on the hairloss situation!
My baby girl is 3 today and i feel really depressed! I so wish things could have been different, as my baby would have been due next week, damn this bl**dy BC!!!
Jo X
Can’t think of what to say to you JO the loss of a baby is unbearable.try and keep your pecker up and happy birthday baby girl!
Katemate : sleep problems what do you mean ??? ahh well it is now 5:11 am and I haven’t been to sleep yet either!
Yes terrible sleep problems at the minute don’t know why I could never stay awake before I was in bed at 10:30-11pm.
Had a right game today what with ferrying Jordan about right out of town too then Steve picks him up at 11pm gets him home then he says " oh Ive got Charlottes phone in my pocket and she needs it"
So a very grumpy Steve had to go all the way back again! ( I don’t blame him for being annoyed ).
I was reading something Victoria sent me about tamoxifen it was about side effects and it got to weight gain apparently it says that some chemotherapy’s cause the weight gain.
I also watched a programme about 10 things you didn’t know about dieting
It was proved that eating soup keeps you fuller for longer
It was proved that eating protein ie meat also keeps you full for longer
And (I like this one!) if you eat cheese it won’t go on your hips but makes you excrete more fat !!! lol
can’t remember owt else now.
Chloe is going away today just till tomorrow with her friend and her parents & dogs!! they are stopping in a caravan and going on penny slot machines at Cleethorpes.
We have already had some chavs eyeing up Jordans car!! were going to try to book it in for an alarm to be fitted next week, it’s got a steering lock.
I don’t think I will bother going to sleep now cos if I do I won’t get up till god knows what time.
I think my legs are a little better it wasn’t as hard to go up the stairs today!!
can’t think of anything else now apart from I wonder when Shelly is back? love Caronxx
Jo, no words can heal the pain you’re going through, but I’m thinking of you. Happy birthday little one!
Caron, sorry you’ve had a bad night. I slept all day yesterday and went to bed about 7 and only just woken up. Istill feel like a zombie though.
I’ve just looked out and it’s wet so no avoiding the sun for me.
Victoria, how are you feeling? We have been so concerned for you espicially as you’ve been so down with the TAX. Hopefully the worst is behind you.
Love to all, including Eileen, Mary,Susanne, Gail(how’s the little monster?).Apologies to those I’ve left out. Do you ever recover from chemo brain??
Have a good weekend,
Kathy
wow katemate ur up! well just to prove ive been awake all night here I am again!! just watched a film called lipstick has any of you seen it? it’s about a woman with the dreaded BC and has a double mx it was a true story it was quite good.
well hope everyone has a nice day it’s not wet here!!
I will have a tired day I guess ! love caron (off to get ablutions now)