Hello Bunnies,
Myxie Pixie so sorry to hear that you’ve had that nasty infection in your portacath site, sending you hugs n best wishes for tomorrow. Glad to hear its only going to be one op and wont affect your schedule, which in turn, hopefully, wont affect our “cream tea” in July, something to look forward to.
Littlechick i was so glad to read your good news and wish you a speedy recovery.
Vanns hope you’re doing well and grandad is still improving. Did someone mention Good Hope? Just curious as i trained at Good Hope in Sutton Coldfiels many moons ago.
Teabelly sorry to hear youre having a rough time too, hugs n best wishes.
Sending best wishes to everyone else in the back of the warren, too many to name everyone (and chemo brain means i cant remember).
I would love to join everyone in a meetup, Coventry would be good for me as i have family close by even if it is 170 miles away. However, received dates for my Rads which spans from 3rd sept till 10th oct, wedding anni is bang in the middle 
I too am startin Tax next week, Onc has warned me re aches n pains etc but said that the nausea/sickness will be no where near as bad. She said the only accumulative SE is the fatigue.
Interesting to read all the tips re veins, despite using a heat pad through all my chemo sessions i am still suffering with a painfull bruised myxi paw. Should hear from the chemo unit tomorrow re PICC line.
I am still lingering in the back of the warren, huddled down and trying to get comfy as new SE’s reared their heads this weekend. My gums started to bleed and spontaneous bruising appeared on my lymph arm along with tiny red dots over various parts of my body. Apparently this suggests that my platelet count has dropped significantly and would be a reason for my feeling so low and tired. They do not wish to treat this at present as my bloods are at their lowest anyway, hoping it all rises before next weeks Tax.
Love hugs n best wishes to all the bunnies and extra for all the myxies.
Sharon xxx
Hi all,
I am feeling better today and I do wonder whether I was just feeling myxi in sympathy for the others. I am so pleased about the news from little chick and pixie that I have taken myself into another room, given myself a bloody good talking to and told myself to buck up. Positive thoughts, love and support have helped us all through and that is what’s required of me now.
Rant over.
Thanks to all those who are not myxi at the moment as you are carrying us on your shoulders.
Vannsx
Pixie you are definitely the top of the Neuts board !!! Injection or not
Morning bunnies!
Little Chick - fantastic news!!! So glad that things are turning in your favour. I had the same problem with the radioactive dye before my mx - just didn’t show up. Obviously we’re not cut out to be superheros or radioactive! Never mind, we glow in different ways!
Pixie - good news from you too and am sure that the twins will help you with your recovery. Are they bringing a mustard poltice with them. Make sure you cover up your unmentionables - wouldn’t want to be doing a “Madonna” and showing off at your age lol!!!
Everyone else including Vanns (no googling) sounds like their ears are less droopy and much more positive. It’s funny how it all seems to come and go without any warning. I am feeling great today after yesterday’s trip much better than I have felt for ages. And my OH remarked on how much more relaxed I seem. In fact, thinking back, since this all started I have actually been going through a bit of a metamorphosis into someone who actually feels more chilled and positive. Okay, I have my down days (don’t we all) but I am still fighting hard to stay upbeat mentally.
A point in fact is that I was so worried about looking ill with short hair but have discovered that not only does short hair suit me but that I actually look younger! No more mid length bobs for me… it’s short hair all the way. Now that’s not to say I like having the bald patch on top and the small one appearing at the side but I have got a bit of hair left and I’m feeling very liberated by the freedom of having to wash my hair everyday. I’m still waiting to hear from the wig man about when my new hair will be ready but to be honest, I’m not even sure I’m that bothered. My one concern was that I didn’t want to look weird at work or in front of new people. Well, I’ve blown that out of the water by not wearing a hat last time I went into the office and not wearing a hat when I met some new puppy owners at the weekend. I don’t even think about it much these days which is something that I couldn’t have said before. I know a lot of you are hairless and with very short crops and it is tough to actually get out there feeling “different” but I am now a lot more confident about the whole thing. I don’t look ill and no one’s actually asked me yet about my hair. Those who know about the treatment are really supportive and even my OH says that I look like the girl he met now I have short hair again and that’s knocked 30 years off me. Take that “Ten Years Younger”!!!
So there you go, my positive slant on anything. Just call me Pollyanna! Have a good day bunnies and hugs to all the myxis and the poorly ones at the back of the warren. Anyone being juiced this week - as well as me - good luck - not that we need it, we’re already very lucky…
Sarabee xxx
LittleChick, that’s fantastic news - what a relief. Pixie - am glad you just need the one op and hope all goes well tomorrow.
Lee - that was interesting about the tea. I used to drink green tea a lot but have got out of the habit. Fortunately I have a chinese tea shop near me and they sell lots of different varieties loose, as well as serving it in the shop. Apparently Longjing is also known as Dragonwell, which they stock, so I shall buy some I think. It’s supposed to be good for cholesterol levels too.
Sharon - I’d noticed a few red dots on my skin as well - I had thought I was imagining things or just hadn’t noticed them before… hadn’t realised it was related to platelet levels so will be interested to check my blood results on Wednesday. Sorry you’re feeling tired and a bit down at the moment. Vanns - glad you’re feeling a bit better today.
We’re all up and down, aren’t we? I count myself as very fortunate that my problems have been mild compared to others. I bumped into someone I knew at the onc centre yesterday - she’s been hospitalised twice since I saw her a month ago and currently has an infection in her picc line and an allergy to the dressings, poor thing. I was sympathising with her and then saying that I just wanted it to be all over and to have my life back - and when I looked up various other ladies in the waiting room were smiling at me in recognition and not surprisingly they all said they felt the same.
About the veins - again I think I’m probably fortunate. The last chemo nurse I had (it’s a different one coming each time) is apparently obsessed with veins. She says when she’s out and about - eg in a supermarket queue or being served in a shop or bar she notices people’s hands and the state of their veins all the time - she says she can’t help it. She certainly got very excited about mine once I’d soaked my hand in hot water. Then she got even more excited about the fact that she could see the veins in my other hand coming up well even without the heat… she did admit that her enthusiasm was probably slightly creepy! Her enthusiasm is catching though, as before I’d always preferred it when my veins weren’t visible - I thought veiny hands looked ‘old’. Now though when I see they’re up I just think oh great, the cannula will go in OK next time!
Anyway, must go and get on with stuff. Best wishes to all myxi bunnies.
Sara
Just a very quick post, sara 12, you sre alone in your house with that woman!, she sounds a ghoul, just imagine being eyed up in the supermarket by the vein-stalker…
Bit like Christopher Lee when he used to raise his eyebrows when he saw a promising jugular
You know, this whole stuff is surreal, the stuff we talk about. Haven’t met a single one of you in the flesh yet every one of you feels like the bestest friend, i just cannot wait until we meet up, what a wonderful joyous day that will be.
Pixie xxxx
Afternoon bunnies
I have been lurking at the back of the warren since TAC3 on Friday but I think I can start to see the light in the distance. My SE’s haven’t been too bad this time, even seem to have sorted the dreaded constipation this time, but boy have I been tired. I have probably been slightly naughty because I am trying not to sleep during the day so that I can sleep through at night, but I am feeling it. I am going to have to learn to just go with what my body wants.
LittleChick, I to had tears of joy coming down my face when I read your post, I am so pleased for you. It is amazing how much a difference those words can make to your outlook on everything else.
Pixie, I was so sorry to hear about your portacath infection, but glad they can do both in and out at the same time now. It will be so much more comfortable for you in the long run, rather than two seperate procedures. Congratulations also on hitting half your target already, it is just fantastic. I look forward to getting mine next week at LGFB.
Sorry not much of a post bunnies, but my brain isn’t firing on all cylinders today. Good luck to those being juiced this week and enjoy the rest of your day.
Love and hugs
Natalie xxx
Afternoon Bunnies
I have just emerged into the light after a 4hour teleconference with work & have caught up with all the posts.
Little chick I am so pleased for you, what a relief that result must have been. About time you had some good news.
Pixie that is great they can do the op in one go & you can keep up with your schedule. Thanks to sarabee I now have visions of you channelling your inner Madonna by recklessly flaunting your ‘stop buttons’!
Lee I love green tea so will be following your recommendation to see if it helps me as well.
The warren sounds much perkier today and that is lovely to hear, it is amazing how we have never met but can depend on each other so much. I can’t describe how much I love our warren.
Tomorrow I am going to see my ONC for pre Tax info & have now also got a very exciting meet up as a result of my twitter obsession.
Liverpool hospital has a massive cancer research centre attached to it, funded by cancer research Uk and as part of their publicity have commissioned a pink fire engine to raise cancer awareness. Whilst I was having chemo last week my local MP tweeted a piccie of Lilly the pink engine at the local fire station & it really made me smile. On the drive home we passed Lilly heading up towards the hospital, I just loved it & tweeted when I got home. All weekend piccies of Lilly have been doing the rounds in twitter world and I have been actively encouraging by sharing my sighting. As a result I have been invited to see Lilly & visit the research centre, which for a complete geek like me is about as exciting news as you can get! How fabulous will it be to actually see all the scientists who are helping find treatments at work?
I will be taking a happy bag with me to show the PR lady I am meeting as I am sure she will be impressed at how fab they are and I will let you all know how it goes.
Virtual hugs to all the bunnies in the warren.
S x
Fab positive postings today; I too feel like I have known you all for ages an really look forward to forum visits! Thanks everyone for being so witty, amusing, caring and amazing!!! Looking forward to the Coventry cream tea whenever it is. Went to a Dhru yoga taster sesh today- I ended up being the only one in the class, so one to one tuition for a fiver; can’t be bad. It was really calming- lovely. I’ve just realised that I must sound like a green tea drinking, yoga-going, food-obsessed health fanatic. I promise you, I was completely normal before all this cancer lark. Pizza, curry, steak, the odd half of bitter or glass of wine, the odd Sainsbury’s ready- cooked moussaka ( really tasty!) No more, bunnies. This disease has turned me into someone I no longer recognise. Couldn’t offer the gas man a spoon of sugar in his tea because we don’t have any. OH and son smiling through gritted teeth as we eat yet another vegetable and lentil bake. I clearly have much too much time on my hands and need to get back to work as soon as possible!
Love to all, Lee xxx
Such good news Little Chick, you must be so relieved. And for you Pixie re ops and your wonderful fundraising. I’m going to order mine when I’ve finished this post.
I mentioned Good Hope Hospital a little while ago. I lived opposite for approx 20 years growing up, from age 5. Im afraid another 25 years have flown by since.
Hope everyone continues to feel a bit better. Short post but still feeling iffy.
Gaynor xx
Lee - a quick update on the tea. Went to my chinese tea shop and spoke to the owner about Dragonwell tea. He didn’t have anything to say about anti-cancer or pro immunity but did have evidence about the cholesterol - his uncle-in-law apparently had bad problems that statins etc didn’t shift, but his levels are now completely normal after using the tea. If it can do that for cholesterol there’s no reason why it wouldn’t be good for other things too. The type they had was about level 3 of the 7 levels available - but still expensive at £6.95 for 50 grams! However I was told that you need to have at least 4 cups a day for it to have an effect, but that you can re-use the leaves up to 4 times anyway to extract all the goodness from them, so that cuts down on the expense. The owner showed me his infuser - he was drinking Dragonwell all day himself, so he must believe it’s good for you! I’m sitting here with a mug of it now and it’s very nice - not at all bitter. So many thanks for the tip.
About diet - I think we all have to do what feels right for us, whatever that is… Personally I tend to agree with someone’s chemo nurse who went on a course and was told that within reason you can eat what you feel like. Obviously no-one’s going to suggest lots of processed food full of hydrogenated fats though. I was concerned that I had put on a couple of kilos between cycle 1 and 2, but this time my weight had stabilised, so I’ll worry about shifting it after all my treatment is over. I do try not to eat processed food too much and eat stuff that’s cooked from scratch, whether at home or out and about. But just once in a while I do have curry or fish and chips (have a real craving for fish at the moment). I have got a fridge full of salad, fruit and veg as well though. I do like strong flavours so find it difficult to give up smoked fish and meat, bacon etc altogether - I guess it’s a question of moderation in all things.
Have heard a lot of good stuff about turmeric, so am considering finding ways to add that to my food… see link healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html I’m sure I remember it being prescribed on one of those TV health programmes to help a child with severe eczema and it worked wonders.
Southpool - your trip to the research centre sounds interesting - will look forward to you reporting back afterwards.
Sara x
Huddling towards the back of the waren too. SEs as usual. Taste buds have gone awol again too. Nothing tastes like it should.
Sorry you’re having to go to hospital pixie but the sooner you get that sorted out the better.
Take care everyone.
Christine xxx
GoodGood luck today Pixie 
Vannsx
Hope all goes well today Pixie
Xxx
Hope all goes well Pixie. Positive thoughts to all the bunnies at the back and hope everyone is feeling okay today. Off for my blood tests later. Won’t get the results of anything (they never tell me) but will get a plaster for being a good girl!
Hugs
Sarabee xx
Hope all gone well Pixie x I’m waiting to see the ONC, it is a very long wait so I am missing out on going to lunch with hubby. Hey ho, may treat myself to soup on the way home x
Hi Bunnies,
Went for my LGFB session this afternooon and it was fun- the actual make-up tips are a bit basic, but the products are great- a real treat! ( Prada perfume, Chanel lippie !) and I could see there was a real difference in the way some women looked when they left. Lots of smiles and positive chatter.
Went for tea after with some work friends but all they did was talk shop. Came away feeling a bit sad at how out of touch I am with it all, but even sadder that I actually am not very interested any more. They are lovely as people, and I miss their company, but it did make me feel a bit depressed. I’ve had more laughs on this forum!
Another useful thing about the LGFB session was talking to other women ( the ones near me were just finished treatment, so hair rowing back and looking good). They reassured me that I am not going blind- had been worried about weird vision lately, with problems focusing. They have all experienced the same- another SE that I wasn’t expecting.
Still spookily quiet on here at the mo. and I am hoping that you are all on the mend and can work those little pinkies soon enough. Hope the op went well today, Pixie- Happy Bags arrived today. Fab, thanks. Will pass the word on. Busy few days planned to make the most of the time left this round. It seems that many of us are changing regime soon… is anyone staying on FEC for the duration?
Love to everyone, Lee x
I know now why some poeple find taxotere harder going. I still ache and feel generally under the weather, whereas normally by now I am on the up. Another side effect I forgot to mention before was hot flushes. Would just be sitting there minding my own business, the temperature in the room doesn’t alter, and suddenly I grow hot and start sweating profusely. I didn’t have this as much on FEC where I would sometimes feel hot but wouldn’t sweat so much. Haven’t had it for a few days though, so hopefully it mainly happens after tax has been administered and then goes away again. Something to look forward to lots of, when I’m on tamoxifen!
It is really quiet again on here, isn’t it? I had my first TAX today. No sleep last night due to steroids - just 2 hours in the end. No adverse reaction to TAX but definitely hot, with ‘steroid flush’ and a bit headachey due to lack of sleep. Have plans to go out and do stuff tomorrow and Friday but am keeping the weekend free to deal with emotional and physical ‘come down’ after steroids finish, if necessary. I get back and shoulder pain due to Neulasta jab anyway so expect that will be compounded with TAX SEs - but I may be lucky, who knows. Lacuna, people tell me that the worst effects of pain and tiredness with TAX kick in from day 4/5 and last a week - so maybe you’ll be picking up again soon.
Interesting what you said about your vision Lee, I have definitely had difficulty focusing too - at first I thought it was because my glasses were smeary or something - but I don’t wear them all the time and noticed that I just couldn’t see the same in situations where I wouldn’t normally need them either. Was out learning to play Mah Jong with some friends tonight and really had trouble identifying what was on the tiles sometimes!
Lee did you find that the green tea has a diuretic effect? I’ve been running to the loo a lot and wasn’t sure if it was the tea or just that the steroids had been making me retain more water.
When I went to my LGFB I felt the same as you - make up lesson basic but nice to chat to the other participants - and it’s always nice to get some freebies!
Do hope Pixie is recovering well from her portacath removal/replacement today and that she’s back home safe and sound. Hope everyone else who’s at the back of the warren with droopy ears at the moment is starting to feel a bit better. We had some sunshine here and there today so that made things feel a bit brighter.
Sara x
Lee - I’m on FEC for 6 sessions with no change in drugs. Am off for number 3 tomorrow. Had bloods taken today and all ok for tomorrow. Mentioned the sore arm and was told that the veins sometimes react to the chemo drugs. No advice or guidance given to stop a reoccurrence. Oh well let’s see what happens.
Off to the LGFB workshop next week. The goodie bags are very good apparently so something to look forward to there!
Finally had a email from a colleague at my office with some general bits of news. Surprised myself at how little I was interested and really not sure I want to go back at all. Trying not to think about it for the next two weeks when I have my next review but already feeling sick at just the thought of it.
Anyway off to sleep now before juicing later on!!
Sarabee xxx
Hello bunnies,
I have been AWOL from the warren, but only because I have been feeling generally good and busy, and coping with a toddler who squeezes a washing liquitab over her eyes and mouth when we were just about to leave the house, breaks out in mysterious rashes, an OH who is out of the country half the time with work, applying for new jobs in anticipation of imminent redundancy, writing to MPs…
Great news little chick, so, so please with your fantastic news!!
Pixie, I hope yesterday went really well and you are bouncing again in no time.
Lee and sarabee, I am with you. Six sessions of FEC, number four due next Friday. I really feel like I am at the top of a hill, I have had three fec’s on the way up, and it is all downhill from here, and nearly over!
With regard to the veins problem I have so far had all three fec’s all in my right arm. My whole arm tends to get sore about a week afterwards. I don’t know if I am better off having all the pain in one arm, or whether I should ask for it to go in my left arm next time? What has anyone else had?
My leg hair is still growing, thinner than it was but I still need to shave. My armpit hair has disappeared. My eyebrows and lashes are thinner but clinging on. My head hair has started growing. I was kind of expecting to be bald and shiny but I have very short fluff all over, enough for fuzzy felt to stick to, which I know thanks to OH and toddler.
Big hugs to all the warren, Rach