One of my Christmas pressies is a bird nesting box; I told my son today that we need to get it up outside. Where do you recommend we put it? I feed the birds everyday.
It’s good to get out Chris with friends/family. I am getting my head shaved and wig on Thursday, so to make the day better I’m having a meal out with my son & daughter aswell.
Hi Jen, you need to get it up fairly soon as the blue tits are pairing up and starting to investigate suitable nesting places. Mine is on our back north facing wall level with the top of the bedroom windows. They need to be on a wall or tree where the sun doesn’t shine too much or any babies might fry, and if you have a camera installed you need to be able to get the wires through the wall or window to reach your PC. If you haven’t got a camera, it might be best to put it where you can see it from the house so you can watch them coming and going. At least 8 feet off the ground if possible. I feed the birds, too. They cost me a small fortune!
Thank you for the kind words about my start day tomorrow.
I’m very calm at the moment and I’m not worried about tomorrow at all. Of course this could all change tomorrow morning lol
Hope you all have a good nights sleep and remember tomorrow is a new day and one day closer to this all being over.
Funki x
Morning valentines
Good luck today Funki and Fightingit starting your chemo, hope se are minimal.
Bad nights sleep for last few nights, kept awake with strange feelings in both my legs, tingling and jerking and having to get out of bed and walk around for some relief, never suffered this before and wondered if anyone else is experiencing this .
Its a week today since first fec and energy levels on the rise slowly, off today to my first lymphoedema appointment strange thing is since I started chemo the swelling in my hand has improved dramatically, I initially put it down to the steroids but now I am just living in hope that a miracle has happened.
Good luck all my valentine friends,
Buddy xx
Hi all, glad everyone seems to be pretty good, I have to say I’ve had a major low today. I’ve felt rotten both emotionally and in myself, in fact I’ve cried most of the day only put it down to the white cell injections, they have been giving me back ache which was copable with but apparently a side effect is low blood sugar. It wasn’t til I ate a banana this evening I realised how low I’d got. It may be something to watch out for those on jabs, it’s a bit of a catch 22, you feel rubbish do you don’t eat and what you do need is to eat!
So all you hungry people, keep up the good work! eat, eat, eat…
sleep well all
Jan x
Morning Valentines
Got a bit more sleep last night! Day 6 now and although still very tired physically I am deffo feeling better each day 
Buddy, day 3 for me was a bit of a nightmare with that twitchy leg thing. I was exhausted but had to get up and walk around every 10 - 15 mins and it stopped me sleeping too. I wondered if it was the steroids or the injections causing it and also a nurse did mention that one of the anti sickness tablets they gave me can make you feel “on edge”, wondered if that what was she meant. Worth checking before the next lot.
Jan, I’m sending a big virtual hug to you, my moods are on a yo-yo at the moment that keeps getting stuck at the bottom. Think low blood sugar, hormones, tiredness and evertyhing we have to deal with has a lot to answer for xxx
Keep us updated with the bird box tales ladies, so nice to be thinking about spring on it’s way, your posts really cheered me up yesterday xx
Hugs to all
Elaine xx
Morning Elaine,
Glad to hear you had a better night and ready to meet another day. Each day should be better than the previous one. You must tell your nurse about the twitchy leg and maybe they can give you something to stop it happening next time. Lots of hugs to you xxxx
Hi All,
Dreadful nights sleep again - and struggling today. Finally got the puppy off to sleep - only to wake him up in 30 minutes to go to the vets. He’s been so hyper I actually found myself yelling ‘go to sleep’ at him. Like that will work - like shouting ‘stop cyring’ at a child. Still he has finally gone to sleep so I have a few minutes to myself. Got everything ready to take to the vets and as I am so tired I have written down what I want to ask.
I am pretty sure it’s low blood sugars that is making me so hungry - as I am OK then suddenly famished and have to eat NOW!!! So I have a shed loads of ‘healthy’ snacks in (and the usual unhealthy ones). I did manage to go food shopping today and am making faijtas tonight. Decided to do valentines day early as I have to work tomorrow.
On the spring watch front - I have 3 bird boxes in my garden (I have a largish garden) - one for great tits, one for blue tits and one for robins. This is the first year for the great tit one and we have had some interest already. This is the only one I can see from the kitchen window as it’s on a tree half way down the garden. The robin on is in a the apple tree in the veg patch and the blue tit on the house. We usually get loads of little ones and it’s great to see them hopping around the garden. Our puppy is going to have to be very well trained to leave them alone - but the puppy classes are going well so I am opptomisitc we can do it. I also have a pond in the garden and love watching all the wildlife in that. We have frogs and newts - and my husband saw a toad last year. Hopefully we’ll get lots of frogspawn this year. Come on spring!!!
Alison xxx
I was so pleased with myself that I wasn’t getting much nausea, but now that the main medications are over with, it is beginning. I am taking the emergency pills, but its still there. I also find that I feel better when I eat, but am having a terrible time making myself do that! Still totally exhausted, can hardly walk across the room, even though I’m all the way up to day 7 now. Mind you, even if we weren’t going through this all, this horrible weather is enough to make anyone feel like death. I couldn’t be much more South, just 18 miles from Southampton, and we still have fog, snow and 2 degree temperatures. We have our first plant fair of the season on the 28th, and most of the pots in my nursery are just bare, frozen compost. Usually at this point I would be rushing outside to create a miracle, but somehow I feel quite miracle-less this time!
Jenane did you get the same nasty surprise I got from FedEx for the Headcovers.com order? Just got a bill for £16.00 extra for “handling” at Stansted. I expected a little something in customs charges, but not a whooping handling charge in addition to the shipping costs!
Love to all, Louise
Alison Glad you managed to go shopping - the more you can keep moving the better.
Yankee I think that more mature ladies (I’m 60) will perhaps feel more tired on treatment. I felt exactly the same as you on FEC - had to drag myself around at times,felt worn out. Take any opportunites to get out and walk tho’. I am on TCH this time and Taxotere does not make you feel nauseous like FEC does. Tomorrow I’m getting head shaved and wig chosen, so am making a nice day of it by going to garden centre first for a meal with my son and daughter. I’m going to buy some bulbs to plant in a few pots and some compost to grow some seeds - not as many as I tried last year, just a few, because I haven’t got so much energy but it makes me happy! During treatment you have to treat yourself to little things every day to keep yourself happy through it and make up for any horrible experience that day (otherwise the BC can drive you bonkers!)
Yes, I got a nasty little bill for £16 too!! My son said that’s a normal thing if you’re ordering from the States, but I didn’t expect a separate bill on top of what I’d already forked out. Never mind, am pleased with my fringes,etc.
Take care all Jenx
Hello all, well I’ve had my Picc line fitted & all ok. Mind you nurse only had one attempt as my arteries were mini! Nurses were great & very reassuring.
Wishing you all well with treatments & that your side effects ease soon. Those about to start, sending hugs.
Oncologist appt tomorrow.
Ness
Hey ladies - wasn’t feeling up to posting yesterday - 1st FEC - SE kicked in around 3 hrs after administrating - sore head - when I got home I was ok apart from the sore head - as day wore on the nausea started - mouth filling with water constantly - feeling of wanting to be sick be wasn’t - if this is all the SE’s I get I will be very happy! Just off from helpline - they are giving me a stronger anti sickness - didn’t sleep to bad at all - prob cause I never slept much the night prior to chemo.
Hope everyone is keeping as well as can be expected - lots of posts to read over the last few days - Jennifer hope SE aren’t too bad for you on day 2.
i was hoping to be back to work on Monday - day 7 - anyone else back this early - and is it advisable!! Xx
Hi Ladies
I can’t believe how well I feel. I have been shopping this morning after having my first FEC chemo yesterday. When I came home I felt a little bit sick but the tablets kicked in.
Steroids given during the chemo kept me awake all night, finally got to sleep about 5.30 only to wake at 7.10. I thought I would sleep as I didn’t get much sleep the night before. Just taken last dose of steroid tablets - I think they are to boost your immune system.
Hoping I continue. Love and cuddles to you all xxx
Hi Valentines
Had my first FEC yesterday… didnt go to bad… bit woozy and light headed…managed to sleep till 6am this morning… main concern is my heart started going crazy so had to use my GTN spray which I havent used for months… so bit wary about that happening… am I to understand that after the 2 day course of steroids they give you the sickness kicks in big time?? im hoping not!!!.. but so far so good… managed the ironing… prepared dinner and now Im going to chill on the sofa and doze… good luck and cyber hugs to everyone going through this xxx
Jennifer - how lucky are you!! I feel awful - rang the helpline - they are giving me a stronger anti sickness tablets today so hopefully feel better this evening. Sandra - you are going great too - I feel a bit of a wimp compared to you 2 superwomen!! Lol
Been to see about Radiotherapy, having 15 zaps starting 2 weeks after last chemo, been to physio today for my cording & seeing my onc tomorrow to discuss side effects before FEC 2 on Tuesday !! I’m getting frustrated being so tired but I’m not surprised as I’m never away from the hospital !
Im really hoping I can get stronger anti sickness next time as that was the worse bit for me & the SE that lasted the longest, plus it’s half term !
Ive been a bit low the last few days & today I even went for a lie down , I was doing so well after day 9 & hoped I would keep improving but I’m really tired & feel a bit flat , I’m putting it down to low immunity & hope to pick up again although I’ve cancelled a shopping trip with my mam n just going for a walk & coffee instead !
hair is coming out in handfuls now , got it in my head I’m shaving it at the weekend just hoping it stays put until then ! I’m cooking a valentines meal tomorrow & want my oh to gaze over candlelight at ME & not a bald head !
one good thing , yesterday went to parents evening & not only is my daughter doing well she is not showing any signs of upset or worry which is a relief altho she is great at home & took a huge interest in my wig & scarfs etc its nice to know she is coping when out of my care
Hope everyone is coping with it all , & Honey you’re defo not a wimp many of us have nausea , it’s just a major hangover but without the cracking good night !!
cyber hugs to everyone
Karen x
Evening Valentines
Jan, your comment about low blood sugar could also be a reason why I get so hungry. It did start when I began the injection. Last one tomorrow, so I’ll have to see what happens this weekend. Haven’t had any other problems with them though. As far as I can tell Chris, it depends on your hospital. Perhaps if future blood tests show your white cells are low, you might end up with them. I began with low immunity anyway, so was expecting them.
Mandy, love the sound of those pancakes. I could eat them right now. Also love your ‘sleepy icon’ maybe we should all use that.
Linda, hope you enjoyed your fish and chips. Thinking about it is making me hungry again!!
Nobody visits our nesting boxes, too many cats in the area and we only have a tiny garden. It’s very rare birds even come down to the feeders 
Oh Jen, even you’re talking about food now - please stop it everyone!!
Buddy and Elaine, sounds like you’ve developed ‘restless leg syndrome’ it’s a recognised condition and could be a sign of low iron levels. Ask onco about it.
Glad to hear most of us are coping up to now. Good luck Funki and anyone else who is starting soon.
Evening Valentines and well done to those who have just had their first chemo.
I’ve been working from home again today on the laptop and doing the odd conference call. I went shopping on my own today. But still get tired very easily, 12 days after chemo. More spots today but no sign of my hair falling out other than a slight itchiness Of the scalp.
The eating thing is bizarre. I have a huge appetite for a tiny person (I’m 5’2" and size 8) and like Alison I get this sudden urge to eat something NOW. I have toast and jam when I wake up, then porridge an hour later, then a banana and yogurt, followed by lunch (usually soup and a roll), a scone or fruit loaf mid afternoon, a big dinner and later chocolate or ice cream! I’ve never eaten this much in my life!
Angie xx
Evening Ladies,
Sickness and nausea seem to be the worst side effect so far - and that is what I really dread. Those of you who have really suffered with nausea and sickness, which anti-sickness meds are you on?
Another day over and done with for us all. Good luck to everyone tomorrow xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Evening Ladies!
Just a quickie to say I had my first Chemo today and all went well. The cold cap was horrendous and I nearly took it off but I managed to stick it out. (High 5’s self)
I’m feeling OK at the moment, just a little light headed from the steroids.
Hope you are all managing OK today
Funki x