Cress, feel slightly better knowing its not just me…monster headaches indeed for days on end!!
Of to get some gel pads for head…good tip! Might also try the epsom Salts thing
x
Thanks for all your tips about sickness everyone.
Gus, must be so hard to be dealing with grief and loss as well as all this. I hope you are doing ok.
And I agree about the need for a monster breakfast- otherwise I’m hungry again by 9.
Went to ‘Will’s Wigs’ for my wig selection - I found the name hilarious though can’t quite put my finger on why- but they were fantastic- what a positive experience- she was so nice to me I cried, which made my mum cry, which wasn’t the plan, but I think made us all feel a bit better. Quite pleased with my wig though still think I’ll be more of a scarf person. PS Debs- my wig appears to be called pointy!!
Love the list Faye. It is important to keep a track of how far we’ve already come.
Anyway having missed my morning sleep I need to copy my border terrier and have a snooze before the kids return from school.
Oh by the way keep meaning to say to those who felt that their scar tssue was changing- mine is doing the same- so much so this week that my right nipple now points permanently to the right like a faulty car indicator!!! Perhaps that’s TMI…
Hi Sparkly jewels, I agree with the post about not understanding I hold my hands up to that!! Before going through it I had never seen the effects it had I’d heard about them but that was all. Even when I had been in the chemo room ar work I had never really thought about it as they all looked really well and nobody was complaining…
Wow what a eye opener it is you will never be able to make people understand what it is like unless(god forbid) they actually go through it.
I have been tired but not sleep tired and I don’t know how to describe it to people?
I have been happy, sad but mostly upbeat about it. 
I now have the pleasure of having finished at the cocktail bar and just rads to look forward to 
I hope you don’t mind if I post here sometimes as you make me laugh and keep my spirits up and if you have a meet in York next year Martha dont forget meeeeee. Xxxxxxxx
Marie. May Moonbeam.
Marie - you are an honorary Jewel and always welcome x so glad you’re through chemo and I hope rads are a walk in the park compared to it! And you’re on the invite for list (can’t have a Marie who doesn’t have her cake and eat it x)
Good afternoon Jewels, just a quick update from me. Am back from the bar and resting in front of the TV. Was a bit concerned when my cold cap helmet was taken for another extra large headed lady and to be told that they only had one in that size and I would therefore have to wait for her to use it as she was in front of the queue. On no I thought, will be here all day at this rate! It was her first time and kerching the helmet wasn’t big enough for her xxl sized head. I was so relieved but felt guilty then cos she couldn’t even give it a try.
The life that we now have is totally alien to our BBC life and I also find most days to be a roller coaster of emotions. Sometimes I manage to block it from the forefront of my mind especially when I am having fun with my son. I am managing to sleep ok and know that I am lucky in that respect. I see sleep as an escape from everything and i try to nod off by deep breathing then try and use visualisation techniques, e.g focussing my mind on happy memories from the past and then on new memories that I want to create when all this c**p is over.
Have a peaceful evening Jewels. Hope to hear from my fellow drinkers later. Xxx
Chelle - My next Chemo date cycle 4 is Thursday 25th July
Got to hospital at 9.30 and they got to work quite quickly today. Had Herceptin first then flush for 1 hour then they gave me a load of antihistamines and pre meds through my cannula, then Taxotere given really slowly, then carboplatin and another flush.
Got out at 5 p.m. which is 2 hours sooner than 1st 2 cycles. I wasn’t looking forward to today but thankfully no dramas. My face is staring to feel a bit warm so I’ll take more antihistamine for 3 days which usually sorts it out.
7 days of Nimvestin stomach injections to look forward to. I have given up any idea of doing it myself so distritc nurse will have the pleasure. She seems quite happy to do it as she comes to the village every day anyway.
TaylorJ - Glad you got your CC back. When I can’t sleep I’ve tried everything from from going back over great places I’ve been to visualising me in places I want to go, remembering lovely or funny things that happened when the children were small and trying to relax my body from the toes up and nothing seems to work.
Claire - Hope your day was o.k.
OH making tuna and baked potato for dinner so will enjoy that.
Marion
XXX
I am back from cycle 2 abs having the chemo all went ok. Just as I had finished I got a a very high temp which I had this morning but then it went down again. Felt awful for a while shivering etc and had to stay at the hospital for a couple of hours. They think I have a urine infection so I am now on antibiotics. Just glad nothing delayed me having cycle 2 and hoping the infection clears up quick. Next one for me is 25th July.
Well done to the girls at the bar today - great to hear from you xxx
p.s. (whispers) i think the headache might have gone…
Evening all,
Joan - I had an MRI scan pre-surgery but with this aching “good” arm, I’m convincing myself they didn’t check the good side properly. I know I’m being silly, but once you get something in your head… Think I’ll phone BCN tomorrow for a chat.
Gus - didn’t think I should have any problem with my good chemo arm. Nothing last cycle, now day 8 of cycle 2 and it just aches, a bit like cording I’ve had with arm on BC side. If your onc said you could get problem with cheno arm, then I guess that’s ok, but it is really worrying me, so a phone call tomorrow.
Jackie - glad you’ve sorted wig and had a good experience sharing it with your Mum.
Marion - was thinking about you today, sounds as if they got it right today. Hope you have a relaxing evening.
Claire - 2 down, well done you. Rest up and hope you sleep well.
Not my best day today - nausea lessened but still really niggling me, plus really tired and bothered about ache in my good arm. Should have phoned BCN today, don’t know why I didn’t, could kick myself. If I could get a good sleep tonight, I know it would help.
Catch up later
Fiona
xx
- ethel1 - Elizabeth 8/7 (cycle 2)
- Esther_1986 - Est 8/7 (cycle 2)
- Meggy-moo - Agnes 10/7 (cycle 2)
- MarthasSOS - Martha 10/7 (cycle 3)
- pat_1949 - Pat 11/7 (cycle 2)
- Melrose15 - Emma 11/7 (cycle 2)
- Deedee215 - Deedee 11/7 (cycle 2)
- Flip Flop - Faye 11/7 (cycle 2)
- March13 - Ann 11/7 (cycle 3)
- LaineyK - Lainey 12/7 (cycle 2)
- Linsey 50 - 12/7 (cycle 2)
- Trish1303 - Trish 12/6 (cycle 2)
- ambercatz - Jan - 12/7 (cycle 2)
- PeachyPal - Emma 13/7 (cycle 2)
- jmeg - Jill 15/7 (cycle 2)
- Cassie1 - Jayne 15/7 (cycle 3)
- NicJ - NicJ 15/7 (cycle 3)
- Maxie - Sandra 16/7 (cycle 2)
- pointy - Debs 16/7 (cycle 2)
- flippantfox - 16/7 (cycle 3)
- Gussie-WW - Gus 16/7 (cycle 2)
- Artemis17 - Vicki 17/7 (cycle 2)
- Suffolklady - Cress 17/7 (cycle 2)
- cazzer1970 - 17/7 (cycle 2)
- Fimbo 123 - Joan 17/7 (cycle 3)
- titus4t - 17/7 (cycle 3)
- Jackiebee - Jackie 18/7 cycle 2)
- Satsuma - Fi 18/7 (cycle 2)
- Glasgow Girl - Fiona 18/7 (cycle 3)
- Janet C - Janet 19/7 (cycle 2)
- Katherine10 - Katherine 19/7 (cycle 2)
- LinsLleisio - Lins 23/7 (cycle 3)
- BeckyJoan - Becky 23/7 (cycle 3)
- jayney234 - 23/7 (cycle 3)
- ChelleB15 - Chelle 24/7 (cycle 3)
- Marionblue - 25/7 (cycle 4)
- Spurs79 - Claire 25/7 (cycle 3)
- TaylorJ - 25/7 (cycle 3)
Cress - *whispers* YAY x
Fiona - hope you’re feeling better soon x
Marion & Claire - glad your visits to the bar went ok x
Evening Jewels
Sorry I’ve not been on all day, I decided that my work was slipping due to this BC malarky and I came to the conclusion that I need more clients so I’ve been pulling together a new marketing campain and a few blog posts lol
I am glad everyone managed to drag themselves away from the bar today and you are all back home resting.
I see the bar is empty tomorrow - Thanks to our Chelle drinking it dry lol. I’m going on the live chat in a few mins, so will spend some time after that catching up with everyone.
Take care sparklies
xxxx
Evening twinkles,
Glad all the trips to the bar went well today. I can’t believe there are 38 June Jewels, cricky if we all go to York - we will definately keep the bar tenders busy mixing proper cocktails.
I know some of you are not keen on ginger, but I have found a lucozade that has helped perk me up. Lucozade Revive Lemongrass with Ginger, there are other flavours but I particularly like this one.
Today has been an eventful day. Hair is continuing to fall out so I have ordered my wigs today. I’ve gone for 2, one is a jaw length bob and the other one short, similar to the style I have now. Just hope I measured correctly - although it confirmed what I thought, that I have a big head!! I also bought a fun trilbe hat.
Not only that but I put an offer on a house, not quite sure what I’m doing considering a move while going though chemo but I love it. Taking OH to see it tomorrow, can’t believe I made an offer and he hasn’t even seen it yet!! Hopefully we’ll have an answer tomorrow.
Off to the hospital tomorrow to see my onc consultant for a review of cycle one, SEs and medication. The unit have also agreed to flush my picc line and do the dressing save me sitting in all afternoon waiting for the district nurse.
Just about to catch up on the Apprentice, I’ve never watched this but have become a bit adicted…
Have a lovely evening one and all xxxxx
Morning shining ones, I’m up early as monster headache returned (grrr) in the night and seems to be settled in - and there was me thinking that I could just tick off the first 8 days as being non-starters before getting back to normal…
So, a nice quiet day at the bar while they re-stock. Hope it’s lovely and sunny everywhere and that you all have a fabulous weekend. Anyone doing anything nice? I’m hoping to get into school tomorrow for speech day - and to say goodbye to my lovely year 8’s. Emotional day methinks!.
Emma, how exciting, a new house! where is it? far from where you are now? let us know if your offer is accepted! I’m also addicted to the Apprentice - it’s real car crash viewing!
Martha - work?! Well done you - still think you should start up a nice dating site with me as your biggest client! (Italian doctors .com?!)
Fiona, sorry about your ‘ache’ - get on that phone and talk it over with your BCN. There is no problem too small in our situation and we should voice all and any of our worries.
Claire, glad cycle 2 went ok, hope any infection clears up and that you’re soon feeling great.
Marion - I know what you mean about the injections - it took every bit of courage I had to do it - fortunately I have enough spare tyre to really grab!! I hated doing them and 6pm loomed like the hour of doom every evening. Did my last one yesterday for this cycle. When I had my Taxotere drip, I had to get them to slow it down - it really hurts otherwise doesn’t it! Hope you don’t have any bad reactions to it and that you find some sleep somewhere!
TaylorJ - glad you got your CC how dare they give it to someone else! - and that your bar visit was ok fingers crossed for minimal SE’s
Sandra - thanks for tip on headaches - Epsom Salts! who knew! The only thing I remember about them is the saying…
‘If the bottom is falling out of your world, take Epsom Salts, and let the world fall out of your bottom’ well THAT used to make me laugh (but I was about 8 at the time)
Debs - how’s your head? I’m going to try gel pads - anything to ease the pressure!
Well my lovelies, I can’t scroll back any further without forgetting what I want to say, so to all that I’ve not mentioned, Have a wonderful sparkly twinkly day. I’ll be in front of the tennis if you need me… 
Hugs to all xxxx
Morning Sparklies
Just a quick stop in today as I must prepare for my date with Mr Robbie Williams and Mr Olly Murs! EXCITED! However Robbie does not come on until 8.45pm so I may need a nap between acts, lol.
Cress headache was unbearable last night, I got some gel pads but to no avail Just lurking a bit so far this morning and tablets taken in an attempt to keep it at bay. However because I felt so good yesterday I went out to dinner and had a glass of wine which I think sadly made it worse. I think I just need to accept that alcohol and chemo do not work for me…sniff, sob…
Had the hair cut sooooo short last night in prep for shedding I now look like a male version of Deidre Barlow, absolutely HATE it so when it finally comes out now it may be a relief!
Ladies, have a marvellous sunny SE free day and enjoy a beautiful weekend.
love and stuff
Debs xxxxx
ps Jackie, with a wig called ‘pointy’ you cant go wrong! Lol x
Chelle love your posts you seem to always say what Im feeling,
Fiona love the list of how far we have come.
Can I ask you JJs have any of you been tested for the gene BRCA1? I dont know if I should have been, my concern is Ive got a daughter and I was wondering if I should find out if I have got the gene and if I have passed it on to her.
Also Im feeling a bit scared after hearing about Bernie Nolan will I ever feel like this journey is over or will I always worry that this will never be over. Sorry to be so ‘negative’ but this is the only place I write or say things like this.
Jayne
Morning Sparklers
Trish’s curry last night & it was delish!!..what a treat especially to have it cooked for me too…thanks Trish!..xx
Vicki, hope those arms are back swinging in the air this morn?!..:-)…xx
Cress that Epsom Salts saying made me laugh soooo much!!!..remember you only BATHE in it & keep your mouth shut while in the bath ( just in case you swallow any & the world falls out of your bottom!!!)…xx
Cassie don’t know about the BRCA1 gene but your ONC would prob be best person to ask?..so sad isn’t it about Bernie Nolan, always thought she was such a positive person with loads of energy, she did a lot of good in getting ladies to check themselves too…xx
Deb enjoy Robbie /Ollie tonight…believe the concert is fab!!..xx
Well have had about 2 hours sleep last night…didnt take blue pill as dont want to start relying on them. Also have a cough thats kept me awake. (no temp tho)
One good thing thats come out of it tho is that I stumbled accross a brilliant blog called ‘CHEMO NIGHTS’’ ( cant send link at mo but google will bring it up)…its actually written by a lady on this forum who was from the December thread I think. Well what a well written blog…kept me going in the wee small hours…she had an awful time wth ongoing nausea so was thinking of you Fiona & other ongoing nausea girls…you may pick up some tips on meds etc as she researched it all really well & got a good combo of drugs eventually.
She also persevered with the cold cap & from where Ive read up to I think she managed to keep her hair…
Going to an open air 80’s concert tomorrow…only a local thing but peeps like Tony Hadley, Midge Ure etc…OH played ‘cancer card’ as I was dubious about using portaloos etc as will be in middle of low week so they have given us VIP parking & use of hotel loos etc …yay!!..always worth an enquiry (personally think he must have had negotiating tips from Chelle!!)…
Have been up, let doggy out, had breakfast & am now knackered so back to bed for a few zzzz’s…enjoy the sunshine if you have it today ladies!!..xxx
Jayne - I know what you mean, I was sat watching tv with my parents last might when it was on the news about Bernie Nolan and when it said she started with BC I could just see the colour drain out of their faces. I think the only way I can tackle this is to concentrate on now and getting through the next 12 months. Then I’ve made a promise to myself that I will stay as fit and healthy as I can (I’ve always had a problem with my weight) and that I’ll make the most of what the future holds for me.
An old teacher of mine had an outlook on life that I can relate to. He believed that the date you arrived and the date you left the planet were pre-determined and nothing you did could change those dates. The only thing you could control was what you decided to do with the time you were allocated and live it to the fullest. I don’t know if that makes any sense to anyone else but I always found it quite comforting and help me focus on the things I could change.
Well I’m feeling good on day 3 of cycle 2 so I’m off to the cinema to watch Despicable Me 2 in 3D (don’t judge me - I love the Minions haha) and then I’m going for a spot of lunch. My parents have just left for home (bless my mum she got knocked off her bike by a car last week and she’s in agony but was no way she wouldn’t be here for my chemo and she ended up in bed all day yesterday with a migraine, I felt so bad that she was in the wars more than me!
For those still with bad headaches it may be worth speaking to GP. When I was hit by a car last year they tried me on all sorts as I’d torn the muscle on my skull and some anti depressants work well for the pain but needs checking what you can have with the chemo. Also I’ve read chemo can bring on migraines and for those who haven’t had them before they aren’t pleasant but I’m prescribed Imigran nasal sprays and they do work (give weird side effects when 1st taken 10mg single dose sprays usually work but don’t get the tablets the SEs are much worse) if you are having constant pain especially on 1 side of your face or behind 1 eye it may be migraine.
Hope everyone has a good day (sun is shining in Leeds - yay!)
Morning…
Well youll be pleased to hear after yesterdays emotional melt down, im feeling better today. Think it was a point in the cycle where i just needed to let it out as ive been carrying on exactly as normal, working, doing all the house chores plus being bright and entertaining to all those round me. Not that anyone close to me was around to see my epic tear fest, so perhaps it hasnt achieved anything but its made me realise that i cant be expected to be Ms Upbeat all the time and so in futuer if im feeling crap then i will show it :-). Also having had a dream that was so sad i woke up tears streaming down my face probably left me with a residue sadness anyway.
So onwards and upwards.
Debs, you jammy git lol, hope you have a brilliant time, hope the headache eases a bit, mind you jumping about to “the boys” will banish it for a while. Also hope the hair issue doesnt keep you down for too long. I bet your wig is ace and you can have a “good hair day” everyday. At the mo mines hanging in there so will continue to cold cap, but also have a wig. Which by the way i need thinned so i phoned up a place that offers wig styling etc and bangs on about being there for you when you go through the cancer journey etc etc, anyway they want £36 to do it!!. I think thats awful as we have enough to pay for without that, its not like they will be washing/blow drying it etc.
Cress, sorry the heads still causing you grief, hopefully it will be banished soon, certainly before our Martha sets you up with a dishy doc/italian stallion, cant be having headaches then girl lol!! 
Chelle as always with the right word, thank you. have to say it is disconcerting to know someone young has succumbed to cancer and it started in a similar way to lots of us, but we are doing all we can and just have to stay positive for ourselves and our families.
Jayne re the genetic test, i will be getting it donw as my mum died at 50 of cancer (started in the breast) and i have a 21 year old daughter too. She is very breast aware and will get checked from age 30 even if its not hereditary.
Sandra, arms almost swinging, will be by 5pm today as im on leave for a week…and no more marrow jabs…and its sunny…and i have you lovely ladies in my life
To everyone ive missed hope the day is good to you and have fun in the sun!!.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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