Just popped on to catch up with all you lovelies. I know there still some way to go but it’s interesting how we’re all starting to look to the next thing on our individual horizons - not necessarily light at the end of the tunnel (although I hope it is that) so much as a different view.
I still have x2 Dox to go if my blood counts are ok. I’m due to have my last one on 30th June so I can technically say I’m in my last month of chemo 
. I’ve already got pre-op dates booked in and a pencilled in date for surgery of 29th July so this train is still moving forward.
Good to hear that round 5 has been proactively more manageable for those on the same regime as me. I’ve found this cycle the hardest but I know what I’m dealing with now so hopeful for good blood counts to get another under my belt that will be easier to manage.
I hope everyone had a good weekend and managed some time feeling ok and well 
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I love that - all we have to do is today
My chemo has been delayed again so that will be just over two weeks , I was very apprehensive about it and now i gotta wait another 10 days . My chemo unit isnt very good at all
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What is the delay? Your bloods or staffing?
Staffing they are always doing it
Bloods would be one thing but staffing is quite another. IS there anyone you can lodge a written complaint with or could you request a move to a regional chemotheraphy unit instead?
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That’s frustrating. I was going to ask is there somewhere else they might refer you to? If not, its more healing time
@ wibbles they have done this twice now , its very concerning , i have asked to be moved but they said that they might not be able to fit me in there
@foxgem true tbh i hated sitting in that chair for 4 hrs i just about managed it last time , how have u managed to cope with pac ? and having teenage daughters cant be easy my son is thirteen and i worry so much that he wont cope with me being unwell as i have been ok so far and managed ok but i know that its coming to the last bit which is getting scary.
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I am very reluctant to sit in the chair also. My appointments for the pacs are long. I have been there at 8.45am and I don’t leave until gone 3pm. I have the cold cap on for 5 hours! I honestly don’t know how I get through it but somehow I do. I have my flask of hot drink, my sudoku book, a reading book, sometimes I take some colouring.
It’s incredible what we are all enduring. And you and your son are both getting through this so you can spend lots of future years together. I think we are all more resilient than we give ourselves credit for. The hardest part so far about having teenage girls during chemotherapy is they really want an active social life but arent really old enough yet to just be left wild. So its taking a lot of compromises for us all. I dont know how many times ive said, we will all make up for this soon. They are going to expect a lot once treatment and surgeries are done haha
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I second @foxgem about taking in drinks including hot just in case, snacks you can stand, books, phone, something like an iPad as you can often connect via the NHS website patient log in, blanket if needed and anything that helps you feel a little less stressed. If you are feeling nervous or stressed let the nurse looking after you know. They will do their best to support you.
I think it’s better to be age appropriately honest with older children esp young teens. They often hide their worries and concerns unless their parents are able to find a suitable means to communicate it’s okay to ask questions and say what is worrying them. If you are worried about becoming ill due to Chemotheraphy try and have a chat. My kids are now young adults but knowing what they could do if xy or z happened helped mine cope as l normally live with chronic migraine and cluster headache. ( the only upside of doing chemotheraphy is all the steroids as they have held both at bay )
Last time I was there from 8.20am till nearly 6pm and l was advised to not even try to cold cap.
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@foxgem l suspect that your right, at a later date your girls will want to cash in for delayed treats.
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That’s terrible @cazgib10. It’s hard enough when it’s something to do with bloods but to be let down by staffing issues feels really bad. Hope you’re doing ok xx
Wow @foxgem that really is a long time with the cold cap on - I know we kind of ‘get used to it’ but I’m always ready to get it off - it makes me feel disoriented !
How’s your hair holding out ? Mine definitley quite a lot thinner (especially near the crown) but I think I can still just about pull it off. In fact it looks like it could do with a trim but I’m reluctant to go to my hairdresser xxx
I think you’re right about resilience - it always makes me smile when people tell me I’m brave - it’s not like I have a huge amount of choice in the matter 
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Compromise is definitely the name of the game at the moment - it’s hard when we’re in the middle of trying to manage everything
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@clarabelle1 I’ve got x2 pac left and can relate to that end of the month goal being in sight! Great to have your surgery date lined up. I had my surgery back in January, and although it has its own challenges, it was far easier to deal with than the chemo in many ways, so hopefully will be like that for you. We can get through this. 
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So sorry to hear this @cazgib10. So soul-destroying. 
Can you be referred to one of the smaller community hospitals? Xx
@mistyGeorge i tried but they are full to capacity also
My hair falls out a little bit each day, more so on week 2 but I can still walk around without a hat so far. Unless it’s windy and then it becomes uncomfortable!
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Mines the same to be honest - hats are definitely now increasingly part of my wardrobe 