Starting chemo in April 2012

Public Archive
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Good morning bunnies

I have been away from the warren since TAC 2 on Friday but have enjoyed reading all your posts. You all have truly kept me going after this juicing. I got off quite well last time and probably have this time compared to others. The nausea was much worse this time, and I think I slept a lot more as well which is a good thing as sleep is good for healing as I have been told many a time. Had bad constipation and I can’t wait for the horribleness to leave my mouth, it is so pants bunnies :-(. I have been enjoying the sunshine though and hope that it is around to stay, everything seems so much better when the sun has got its hat on :slight_smile:

Regarding the injections, I have Granocyte injections for 10 days starting on day 2 after chemo. The district nurse comes in and gives it to me as I can’t bare to do it myself. They must be good for something because the chemo nurse said all my bloods were blue before this round of chemo and she has never seen that before. Let’s hope it continues!

After reading about each of your stories I got to thinking a bit about my own and how my job could have affected me and the bc diagnosis. I am 30 years old, have not had a high paid job or anything but I work in finance. I have worked for a small company running the accounts department for coming up 9 years and it has never been an easy ride. I am emotionally attached to my job, I care too much about what happens and therefore have probably suffered way too much stress because of it. I do believe that putting myself under so much stress could have contributed to the bc and I think that after I get through this I will definitely look at things differently. No job is worth suffering your health over. I have had to take a lot of time out and do you know what, I am starting to not really care what is going on when I am not there. I never thought I would hear myself say that.

Margietee, sorry to hear you have been delayed with treatment. Take the time to enjoy the sun whilst it is here.

All other bunnies, I hope you have a good day and Pixie, enjoy your holiday.

Don’t forget to send me your locations if you haven’t done so already.

Love to the warren and be kind to yourself.

Natalie xxxx

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Sorry if this brings the mood down a bit. Have just seen the oncologist. My liver function has got worse. They are taking me off chemo and I will be going for urgent surgery as soon as I have had an ultrasound on the liver to check there is nothing else going on. It’s most likely a toxic reaction to the chemo and she said any more would kill me so no choice. I guess it explains why my SEs were so bad. Also Found out BOTH underarms reactive on MRI. Nurse thinks they’ll give me a double mastectomy. You know it’s bad when the chemo nurses start pitying you lol!

I have steroids to take for 2 weeks. Need liver function to improve for surgery. On the plus side, my heart is perfect.

Sitting out in the garden eating a choc ice and listening to the birds. It’s a gorgeous, sunny day.

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Hi bunnies
Does anyone know how to turn off the notify me when new comments are posted. I mistakenly ticked it and am now inundated with emails as we post so much!! Perhaps helpful BCC moderator can help?
Enjoy the sun
Hope Everyone got jucied yesterday and that SE s arent too bad x
Vanns

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So sorry to hear your news, LittleChick. That’s a lot to have to deal with but on the positive side, it sounds as though your care is very good and that the results of tests etc are being treated seriously and thoughtfully. All bunnies.stories are up and down with twists and turns and it is good to share it all, especially the rants. Better out than in! Enjoy the sunshine and a bit of calm x

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Warning to all bunnies - if you are in the middle of a post, don’t scroll back to the previous page to see what other people have said because you lose what you have already typed. Just happened to me and I had typed a lot from the heart …

start again …

Main thing I was saying is how dreadfully sorry and concerned I feel for you Little Chick. Keep us all posted on how everything goes. Amazingly you sound really quite positive at the end of your post - that’s great as it will help you through - that and the support of your husband who sounds a gem. I can’t believe how our husbands cope with our ever changing situations and emotions. What I’m saying now doesn’t sound anything like what I said in my lost post, but Little Chick I just want you to know how much we are all with you, supporting you, sending love, hugs and everything.

Your situation has put things into perspective for me and I am feeling much more positive today about my week’s delay and low white blood cells (thanks everyone for words of support on this - my week’s delay seems such a small thing in comparison to some other people’s situations, health, financial worries, stress, fertility issues …I’m so fortunate that all I have is a little dip in my white cells …

The main reason I was so devastated yesterday is that my delay means my husband and I wont now be able to go down to London for the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant - one of our sons had got us special security passes to be on one of the bridges, thanks to his work. My hubby had booked us into a ‘special’ hotel - don’t know which one but I suspect it was the Savoy - luckily he booked with a cancellation option but he’s not cancelling until we know for sure that my chemo is going ahead next week. Sounds pathetic that this devastated me so much in view of everything else going on. Nevertheless, I shall demand champagne as I sit and watch it all on TV and look out for my son on the top of a bridge!

I am so intrigued by the different add-on medications we all get or don’t get - an additional intrigue now to the question of why we get different chemo regimes. I asked the chemo nurse yesterday about immune system boosters. The policy here is that if you have two consecutive low white blood cell counts they consider giving you boosters for the rest of the treatment - so that’s me now. The nurse said he would be discussing me today with the onc. But which booster I get remains to be seen - some people seem to have one jab the day after chemo each cycle. Others seem to have 2 jabs during the cycle. Here I’m told it is 5 days of injections mid cycle - which can be done by the district nurse, self administered or my hubby can do it … mmmmm. I’ll let you know.

I am thinking of both Saras being zapped today and Elaine tomorrow - anyone else in the mix this week? I’ve lost track. Thinking of everyone in fact and sending virtual hugs to all. Wonder how Pixie is getting on on the IoW with her hats!

Interesting talk about make-up. I’ve not worn any since chemo started because my eyes water all the time and are sore. I have my LGFB workshop next month and look forard to hearing what they recommend. My onc has prescribed some eye drops which I’ll get with my other sweets and treats after my next chemo.

Love to everyone. Keep smiling and enjoy the sun!

Love, margieteexx

PS to Natalie - did my PM get through to you? In case it didn’t I’m in the East Midlands, north of Leicester and close to the M1.

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LittleChick - there’s no need to apologise for sharing your news with us - we all want to know how things are going, whether good or bad. I’m really sorry to hear about the latest findings - that’s a lot to cope with and I wish you all the best getting through the treatment. I’m so glad you have a supportive OH to help you through.

Vanns, under ‘edit account’ there’s an option for ‘autosubscribe’ - perhaps you checked that by mistake?

Margietee - sorry your outing next week might have to be cancelled for chemo - what a nuisance. Let’s hope they can arrange it for the day after your trip or something - it sounds as if it would have been a lovely treat.

Well, I’ve had my chemo this morning and so far I feel OK - just fuzzy-headed as usual. However, I’m just waiting to see if I’m going to get sick like last time… that didn’t happen until late evening though, so I probably won’t know for quite a while. Anyway, I’m going to sit in the garden with the newspaper and try to ignore my neighbour’s noisy children and listen to the birds instead!

Sara

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Hi Margietee, I was on FEC 100 and they have routinely given me 5 days of the booster injections to take home and self administer after each of my 3 FECs this is at Swindon? I’m sure they’ve helped. I had a scare after my 2nd round of FEC chest pains and passing out and ended up in hosp with no temp but because of the SE’s they wanted me in to check everything was ok. The bloods all came back ok and I’m sure its down to the injections for the first week. Hope they sort it out for you soon. x

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Little Chick thoughts with you tonight - its the turmoil that makes this seem difficult some times. We’re here for you in the warren so hugs to you and hope you get a new road map soon.

Went to the hospital today and wounds are now well on the way to healing completely. Saw the onc and mentioned the mouth ulcers - she’s prescribed some special mouthwash. Will see what happens. Had my bloods taken and all set for getting juiced tomorrow.

Made my appointment with the wig man for next week. Not a moment too soon either. Washed my hair and blocked up the plug hole with a large birds nest. Looking very thin so probably time for another trim. Will be trying the cold cap again tomorrow especially if it’s as hot as it was today. Saw the newsreader on BBC News 24 today who’s back after cancer treatment with her hair still growing back. She’s not wearing a wig and it made me feel a little better.

That’s all for now. Off to get my beauty sleep.

Hugs to all our bunnies especially those who’ve had their session already.

Sara B xxx

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Dear bunnies, but mostly little chick,
I’m devasted that what seemed like such a trivial post should appear straight after your majorly important one. It must seem sooo insensitive but we must have posted at the same time and when it refreshed my post appeared after yours. You are being extremely positive with your change in plans but what you need to consider is that your cancer is going to be cut out much sooner than you had anticipated. No more dreaded chemo either. And do not consider using this as an excuse to leave the april chemo warren or we will send you to pixies mum for poulices/recovery from your unspecified area between chin and waist surgery.
So sorry again.

Vannsx

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Taxotere no 3 has been quite hard on me. I’ve been extremely exhausted since Monday but at least yesterday I managed to sit out in the garden and do some knitting - not hats I might add.
Pixie - I didn’t realise you had double trouble with your mum being a twin! You must wonder what they’re up to next.
I was thinking of the days when I’d get up in the morning if I wasn’t working and get the back garden into shape - I grew my own veg - and then tidy up the front garden and cut the grass ALL IN THE ONE DAY! Takes me all my time to get the lounger out of the hut and sit down somewhere just now. OH is a great help as he does all the cooking and shopping but he has health problems too and things like the garden are a bit much for him. So much so that we now pay someone to cut the grass. How things change. He keeps trying though and has put down some new decking this year.
Fortunately I am on sick leave until my chemo is finished and am ready to return to work though I’m just about to go on to half pay. I love my job and miss my colleagues and patients very much but I just have to accept that I’m not fit to be there just now. I don’t have problems keeping myself busy and can always find something to take up my time. I’ve got some work home with me so that I can keep myself up-to-date before I go back.
I agree about the benefits system LittleChick. After my husband died 15 years ago, I decided to do my nurse training and contribute to society. I can’t retire for another 6 years yet and when I do, my works pension won’t even be enough to pay my rent every month and will probably stop me getting help with anything else. When I look across the road at some of my neighbours who have never worked OFFICIALLY and have no intention of doing so, they have the biggest TV, the newest furniture, etc. Makes you wonder but then I couldn’t stay in the house all day with no purpose. At least I know my time off work just now is temporary.
Think I’ll try getting back to bed and see if sleep comes. Take care everyone. One of these days we’ll all be bouncing bunnies again!
Christine xxx

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Just wanted to say my thoughts are with you Little Chick. Others have said what I’d like to say but just wanted to you to know I too am thinking of you. Hopefully you can start the next stage soon. Big hug.
Gaynor xx

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Ladies, thank you for all the good wishes they are much appreciated. I’m finding this all very scary and I’m home for the first time in weeks with no appointments. The waiting is a nightmare. Vanns, I realised that’s what happened, please don’t feel bad; I’ve done exactly the same thing myself.

I feel very unlucky. Even googling I can’t find anyone else this has happened to. I know, I know. How about this for a motto “mustn’t google!” lol. I don’t know what is going to happen and Im doing my best to take one day at a time but despite outward appearances I’m really not feeling positive. I’m very scared.

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Morning bunnies,

Little Chick I was so sad to hear your news yesterday. All the waiting & uncertainty is horrible. As Vanns says at least now the cancer is getting removed quickly. Hope the steroids work their magic quickly & your surgery goes as planned. You absolutely can’t leave the Warren! Sending you positive vibes & love x

I spent 5 hours yesterday in a work meeting, me in the kitchen & the rest of the team in the office. It worked suprisingly well and will now do this in my second week rather than doing the hours commute to the office. It was particularly nice watching all the birds bobbing about in the garden whilst listening people discussing balance sheets!

Today I am off for my Prothesis fitting with my fab BCN. It is gonna have to be named too, but will wait for inspiration. Susie my wig was named because it is like Formby Trophy Wife hair (Elaine will know what I mean) and Susie is a trophy wife name !

Sending thoughts & good wishes to all bunnies
S x

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Morning all , I have been awake since 4 as its fec 3 today, the thought of it on a beautiful day is just not right is it, but onwards and upwards!!! Little Chick a massive big hug to you, I was so upset to hear your news, but like Margetee has said, its sounds as if you have good medical care behind you ,a wonderful OH, and we on this site are with you all the way, I just wish I could give you a proper hug, but please keep posting so we can give you support. Margetee I really hope you will be able to make your trip to London, will be keeping everything crossed for you .Annieberry and sarabee thanks for letting me know about your Cold Cap journey, I went out last night to see some friends, and some other people there had no Idea I was have chemo, so that made me feel a little normal , so to speak. I try not to mess with it very much just wash it once a week and leave it really, so we will see how it goes, I just find that the cold cap gets colder as my hair gets thinner . Anyhow will post tonight after the sparkley stuff. Love to all Elainexxxx

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Hey, Littlechick, just want to echo what everyone else has said, really, but to say also that you will get the best possible care now, and do try not to project too much with ‘what ifs’. I only had a single mx, but it was pretty straightforward ; I am sure you will be the same. It was a relief knowing that the nasty stuff was gone. You must be so worried, I know, but, as the other bunnies have said, you have massive support here, so if you need to voice the stuff in your head, do so, and someone will be here to listen!

Take care and look after that liver!
Lee. X

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I’m off for a ‘top up’ this morning of my tissue expander. First top up was a month or so ago and I can def see the skin stretching. It feels like I’ve got a baggy plastic bag in there! Last time plastic surgeon said did I want to be Dolly Parton today? Are many of you having this done? First time was a wierd experience but as with all of this, the first always seems the worst not really knowing what to expect. Perhaps he’ll offer me Jordan this time! Better start getting up otherwise won’t make my appt.
Hope everyone has a good day.
Gaynor xx

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little chick you are so strong, my thoughts are with you but as its already been said at least they are now aware and dealing with it as fast as they can.
I havent posted for a while basically trying to hide from this and not to think about BC or chemo or anything related for the last couple of weeks but unfortunately today I have my E3 so focusing on it all again.
Wishing you all the best with everythingSarah x

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LittleChick I’m so sorry to hear what you are going through but you sound like you are getting the best care. Please keep posting and we look forward to seeing you on the mend at our warren meet up.

Good luck bunnies having a juicing today, hope the SE’s stay away for you all.

I am definitely back to myself now and going into work today for a couple of hours. I was naughty last night and had a chinese take away (OH late home from work), it was bliss, really enjoyed it. I know we are not supposed to have take out (well I was told not to) but a little can’t hurt :slight_smile:

Enjoy the sun bunnies, it’s going to be another scorcher!

Lots of love

Natalie xxx

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Had a phone call from the hospital. Liver scan sorted for next Monday, suppose I’ll have to wait for the results before I get a date for surgery. It’s really lovely of you to ask me to stay, I wondered whether I should when I’m not in chemo any more, but I have been getting a lot of support from you. Maybe haven’tuch encouragement to offer in return, that’s the only downside. Anyway, chin up. I’m sitting in the garden (big parasol and lots of factor 40!). Birds are singing away happy as larry. Just trying to enjoy a lovely day.

Hope those of you with SEs aren’t suffering too much, good luck to anyone else getting treated today. Have lost track a bit.

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PS pixies Mum has a rival. Talking to my sis about the possibility of double mx and double node clearance, her comment? “oh well, you didn’t have a lot of upper body strength anyway did you?” aaarrrggg lol! :slight_smile: