Oh karen nooooooooooooooo! I was going to say I cant believe what your friend said but then I remembered what my “Friend” said today. I went out in a hat as my wig is being cut tomorrow because it’s too wig like and my head is a bit sore from last night. I was feeling a bit vulnerable and nervous going out for the first time without hair. I bumped in to a friend and after asking me how I was doing she then said " I can see the steroids are making you bloated already" Just what I wanted to hear when I feel like a fat bald Buddha. I nearly burst in to tears and it made me want to go back home and not go to work. She is not in anyway a nasty person and one of the reasons I like her is because she says it like it is but on this occasion, just once I wish she had just thought it and not said it.
Sorry for making you cry but glad you understood what it was like. It was a very intimate moment, no words were spoken and none were needed but the kiss on my bald head at the end said everything and I will never forget it. X
I hope you continue to have a calm “ish” and enjoyable week 3. X
Good morning Campers. FEC 3 day 12 (10 days until 1st Tax; 11 until 1st Herceptin; 2nd MUGA scan next week - it’s all happening here!).
I haven’t posted for a few days but I have been checking on your progress as most of us are around or close to the halfway stage in our chemo treatment. Thanks for asking Karen - I’m fine. I am sorry so many are in the wars with side effects. I wish i could give you all a hug and tell you it’s all going to be fine. I think the fact that we’re in the middle of it is psychologically difficult too. I’m trying to think of it as climbing a mountain and just about to start the descent home. A bit cliched perhaps but it helps! I feel very lucky that my side effects seem quite minimal compared to most of you. The first week after chemo is a bit tough but I haven’t felt much sickness (eating little and often helps) and other than fatigue, indigestion, some constipation and my ever present sore arm I have been ok. I don’t take any sickness meds or have any injections. The chemo fog starts to lift at about days 8 -10 which is something to look forward to. My energy levels get a a bit better then and I feel I can do more stuff around the house, go shopping, meet friends etc. I still have the odd dip usually of the self pitying 'why me?'and ‘I just want to get in with my life’ and ‘I look awful’ variety and I am occasionally a bit scratchy with my OH but otherwise my outlook is positive. It has been lovely to have my son here (now back in Cyprus queuing at a cashpoint somewhere!) and my daughter back from uni and it reminds me how very very lucky I am to have three healthy and happy children. I am also so incredibly lucky having such a lovely man who brings me tea and toast in the morning, does all the cooking and cleaning and tells me how well I am doing. He also tells me to stop apologising when I say ‘I’m really sorry about all this s**t.’
Anyway. Karen - some people are really insensitive aren’t they? But they don’t mean to be. This made me laugh: I was getting annoyed with daughter about something or other and she shouted ‘keep your hair on!’ without thinking.
Hope side effects are bearable this weekend. I’m off to do battle in Sainsbury’s later. OH’s son is staying this weekend and OH is making a proper paella tonight. We’ve got beef tomorrow and I am making a blueberry cheesecake. Visiting friends on Monday. Then back to work next week (but I have zilch interest in it now).
Angie xx
Morning Valentines one and all,FEC2/6 D.16 c/cx
Trying to snow a bit here in sunny Essex,not yoo cold now.
People do come out with some funny (not) remarks,not their fault but usually we are the first people they know having chemo and operations.I think they are curious.My friend from work visited yesterday,she was asking my hubby,whilst in the bank about my hair and how I looked,think she was worried about what sight might greet her at the door,maybe a bald alien looking person!!LOL Anyway I wore my new hair,which she said looked like my hair anyway,and because I look the same as always and not sickly,she soon relaxed.I did have to explain what my own hair looks like now,but decided not to actually show her.
Other friends think the treatment is very soon over,they are surprised when I explain it will be end of summer before I finish chemo and rads.Same as the op,some thought would just be a one inch cut,take out lumps and that’s it,job done.At least between us we are educating others,and maybe they will benefit in the future,statistically some will be affected.
I was wondering with the ladies suffering ongoing side effects,are you all drinking enough water,I know they say for the first two days drink 2litres,but at fat club ,as I call it,they are always banging on about two litres per day to keep the body hydrated and flushed through.I know if I don’t drink enough I get a dehydration headache that lasts 3 days no matter what I take,just have to get more water in me.May be worth looking at how much you are actually drinking.
I honestly don’t know how some of you are managing to work,I admire you pushing yourselves,I know finances dictate but it must be so hard.Also there is the ,getting a bit of normality, into your day.
Angie my body seems to be dealing with it the same as yours although fortunately I don’t have the sore arm.So nice to hear you enjoyed a lovely visit from your son and daughter.My hubby does the cooking too,he is learning soups at the moment,delicious.
We had a mangey fox in the garden last night,cat was eating his dinner on patio,just ignored fox.Fox then found some chicken scraps on the lawn so he was alright.
Funki still brings a tear to my eye when OH kissed your head,my bald spot just got patted LOL
Sandra sorry you are sicky,hope it wears off.Its very much like being pregnant,wish I was pregnant again,better than going through this. I know,20yrs too late for that.Well have a good day all Love Chris xxxxx<3
Just want to apologise for my last post, you are all darlings, Funki, sorry if I upset you, didn’t mean to, I know you were only trying to help. Still in a bit of a rage, will try not to take it out on my lovely Valentine sisters.
Chris, I think what you heard on the radio was about new research has discovered dozens of different genetic markers for various cancers, including breast cancer. This will mean that everyone can have a saliva sample taken and DNA checked. Anyone carrying these markers will then be monitored and if cancers appear, they can be treated immediately.
The item I meant was for those who have finished treatment. There is no support in place for them as they try and get back to a normal life again, so Macmillan’s have asked the government to set up a package of information and advice, and possibly a network of support groups for ‘survivors’ to join.
According to the BBC:
" a national survey of cancer survivors indicated about a quarter of people were feeling isolated after being treated for the illness - according to the DoH.
And almost 30% said they had numerous issues that were not being addressed, including fears about their cancer spreading.
Macmillan Cancer Support, which helped develop proposals for a recovery plan, estimated that about 200,000 people were not getting a package of support following their treatment."
Hope I’ve got all my facts right here. Thing is, neither of these suggestions (if they are implemented) will be in time to be of any real benefit to us!!
BTW, just had to take paracetamol. The Day 10 nasties have begun. Why does it always start in my back passage for goodness sake???
Make you laugh,just tried on my new jumper,took hair off in the undressing process,put hair back on,thought I would try different look so tucked it behind my ears,thought to myself looked nice,so would go and show hubby.He was outside putting up new fat balls on lilac tree,I knocked on window,he looked,I pointed to my hair,big smile on face,he said,"Oh yeah that necklace looks nice with that jumper"MEN!!!
Nice to hear from you Kath,your side effect is a bit of an Arse isn’t it Take care Love Chrisxxxx<3
I wrote this some years ago, about a recurring dream I used to have regularly. Reading though it though, it’s a bit like the journey we are on now. No escape, not until it’s finished.
Nightmare
Through the gate and up the hill this winding path continues still. To the castle at the top, is this where I have to stop? No - the path still twists around behind the towers on both sides bound by walls of stone, cold and grey, where Kings are buried - so they say. Through the tunnel down the side, towards the lake where black swans glide. Turn this curve, I’ll soon be free but wait - what is this I see? I have arrived back at the gate and now I know that it’s my fate to wander endlessly this course, guided by some mystic force. This trail is for eternity, there will be no escape for me! Love Kath xxx
Afternoon Valentines – today’s poem really captures my feelings Kath, well done yet again.
Today has not been too bad, but the nausea has now started to build up despite 3 sets of pills. When will it stop!!
Thought my debauched Havoc had had his day in the sun, so I have replaced him with one of me in my red wig. Unfortunately the picture doesn’t really show up the colour, but it is a nice dark auburn. Still not madly in love with the style, but I guess I’m stuck with it.
Interesting sent by cousin in Canada,just seen this tree growing in the Caribbean.Look up Soursop fruit kills cancer better than chemo.
Interesting poem Kath,my recurring dream was always about a wide sweeping grand staircase,next to another one with a big gap inbetween that I was trying not to fall down Think I got a thing about stairs.xxx
Lovely to see new pic of you Louise,looks lovely
Louise , you look lovely, but if you aren’t sure about the style you could always have it cut a bit differently. The nausea issue is horrid, and am I right in thinking you are on Emend? So much for the wonder drug if you are.
Sandra I’m so sorry you are still feeling sicky and P’d off. Like I said above, nausea is the pits even at the best of times.
Wonderful that Angie and Chris aren’t suffering too much, and sorry to read Alison is in a mess (she posted on another thread about her cellulitis) I have everything crossed for you, Alison, that all is well for your next chemo. I’ve just been reading up about cellulitis and it seems tiny cuts or grazes can be a cause of the bacteria getting under the skin, but also athletes foot and infected toe nails amongst other things. The bacteria lives on your skin and is normally no problem. I think I am inclined to have a daily bath with liquid dettol in the water - just like mum used to do when I was little! No idea if it will help, but we can but try.
As for friends saying daft things, the one I hated hearing over and over from my friends when I told them I had cut my hair down to almost nothing and bought a wig was “Oh but you may not lose your hair. My friend’s dog’s great aunt’s uncle’s daughter’s cousin 24 times removed apparently didn’t lose hers”
My daughter called round just now with a huge Easter Egg full of Maltesers for me. I think tomorrow I may well be sick!
Kath no need to apologise at all, I have very thick skin and you must be able to say what ever you feel on here, good or bad. You rant away when ever you feel like it Girlfriend. X
Dear Linda – yes, your encyclopedic brain is right, I did have Emend. However, it is a specific for immediately after chemo. You have it as a pre-med before the session and then for two days. It is brilliant, and I am fine at that point. What seems to happen with me is what I label “late-onset” nausea which starts about Day 6 and continues for most of the rest of the cycle. I think what someone said yesterday, was it you Chris, about perhaps not drinking enough water may be part of it, so I am trying to do better!!!
Hope everyone sleeps well tonight and has a really nice family day tomorrow.
I dont post often, but wanted to say well done and good luck to all Valentines, we are all going through this journey together.
Have a blessed Easter xxx
Happy Easter Valentines!
Sun is shining here in Essex and makes it seem Spring is here even though the frost makes it look otherwise!
Have changed profile pic to show off my wig. Photo taken last night while out with OH for a meal.
Feeling good this morning and looking forward to going to EDs home for the day.
Hope today is as good as possible for all. Those in throws of SEs I hope you can hold on to the fact that the good days do come round again even though it feels impossible when in the thick of it.
Tup x
Morning everyone,not been able to log in for a few days forgot my password and only just remembered it grrr,Im just starting to get achy arms and my finger tips are so sensitive feel like lead weights…Had a good couple of days just tired but managed to potter round the garden and im doing dinner for 10 today it the first time since Christmas we will all have been together,Lovely day yesterday took Grandaughter out for a couple of hours to buy new books(madam doesnt like chocolate) for Easter went in the local Cafe for Lunch and Tulisa decided to tell the people behind us that Grandma was poorly and had no hair then pulled my hat of for all to see,Uncle started with the Hysterics and A Lady asked if id done it for Comic relief…If only …Ive read through all posts and feel for you who are having a bad time at the moment ,Hugs to all and i hope everyone has a comfortable day…xx Paula…x
Good morningValentines. May your Easter be filled with new life, vigor, and vitality and may your heart be filled with the joy of the God’s world. The sun is shining and everything looks very Springy.
I wore my wig in earnest yesterday for the first time and hated it! Felt like an over-bouff’d poodle and makes me feel very self conscious.
Tup, yours looks fantastic! I had to enlarge your pic for a closer look. Wow! I’ll keep trying with mine 'cos everyone else says it looks fine.
Well another night on the sofa with severe nausea… nurse told me to get in docs…and Im determined to still cook dinner for the family today
Have a lovely Easter time ladies xx
Louise, I suggest we all look at this first cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/cancer-questions/can-graviola-cure-cancer
The problem with miracle cures is that someone is usually making money and no-one is usually cured!!! I hate the misuse of science. In the UK is it not licensed for use or has it been tested on humans – this means it has only probably been tested in a petri dish and lots of things are better at killing cancer in petri dishes (such as bleach or ethanol) that you would not or could not use of live humans. Also one of the known side effects are Parkinson disease like symptoms.
I also suggest you follow the link at the end of the graviola link: cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/cancer-questions/finding-information-on-the-internet
There are many bad sites that will promote unproven science for money – this link will help with how to weed those ones out. Linda, bathing in dettol won’t help I’m afraid. The bacteria on the skin have their own ecology and are there for a reason – to keep the baddies out!! Unfortunately any bacteria in the wrong place (like a cut) can cause issues – this is called an ‘opportunistic infection’ and are rare in healthy people. However, as we aren’t healthy these can be a problem. The best course of action is to clean any wounds and just keep clean as normal. Even doing this may not work – my leg being an example of that!!
I am slowly recovering from the bowel issues and hopefully will get back on track next week for the delayed chemo 3. Taking it easy this Easter – been out walking along the canal this morning and now have a flaked out pup snoring on his bean bag. I had a sore pelvis last night – and didn’t sleep all that well (wondered if this was the next thing to get me!!). Hopefully just a one off.
Hope all have a lovely Easter – just about to cook a pecan and chocolate tart for a friend who we’re seeing for lunch tomorrow!!
Alison xxx
PS - everyone is looking lovely - wigs or not!! Lots of smiling faces!!! Lovely
I know,20yrs too late for that.Well have a good day all Love Chris xxxxx<3
Think I got a thing about stairs.xxx
