Anyone due to start chemo April 14??

[Lovewine]

Hi ladies, yes Lisa my appts are at 4.10 every day this week! Hoping for a quick getaway, am rather nervous about it! Good that you are finding some normality and not long for your holiday now!
Rosie, yes indeed it was a quite day on here yesterday, hopefully other ladies are doing well and are busy, good you have your ct planning appt, hopefully not long for you to start now too!
Off to work now and then hospital later!

[rolicarpit]

Morning everyone ... Happy belated birthday Wildpurl, sounds as if you had a nice time. Rosie - 26 degrees sounds lovely, just paying the balance on our holiday today, very excited! Lovewine, hope your rads go well today, I'm sure it will, are all your appts at about 4 ish, mine were and it was such a good time as you can pretty much drive straight in the car park at 4, most of the time I was in and out within the free 30 minutes car parking too, they were never late, the only time was when the machine broke down which was halfway through my treatment but other than that I found it all very efficient with no side effects for the first 3 weeks at least and then only a bit a skin soreness .... Just a pain going everyday but it flies by.

I'm doing ok, increasing my work hours again this week to try 3 full days and a morning ... It's fine but tiring, enjoying the fact I don't have to go today.

hope everyone else is well

Speak soon
Lisa

[rosie14]

Morning Wildpurl it's good to know that your boss,is searching for other opportunities for you. With you varied skills I should imagine you an asset to any business! Good luck with the job description!
I hope the rain stops soon!
I have a CT planning appointment on Friday so I guess they will then give me a start date then.

[Wildpurl]

Morning rosie, you are up early as usual! Glad you seem to be germ free. Good luck with your radiotherapy today and for the next few weeks lovewine.
Any news of your radiotherapy rosie?
It is still raining this morning but forecast to clear up a bit later. I walked from one site to another yesterday for a meeting, only 20 minutes but I got quite wet!

Yesterday I was told that my current role will not exist from next year. My boss is searching for other opportunities for me and I have some ideas but need to write a job description for him. So that is this afternoon's job.

[rosie14]

Oh dear what a quiet board it was yesterday Lovewine I hope this means the rest of the ladies are doing well and keeping busy!
I seem to be germ free thank goodness I washed my face when I came home!
Hope the weather is drier today and that you radiotherapy session goes well - I think your first is today?

[Lovewine]

It rained here all day Rosie, so even I got fed up with it, hope you came home germ free today, you don't want another bad cold! We have our wood burner going full on this evening so it's very cosy although a reminder of dark winter nights to come!
Jackie, hope you are ok, thinking of you.
Wildpurl, how's the blanket , have you finished it now, ?

[rosie14]

I don't like the rain Lovewine and neither does our dog! She is a Cyprus girl born and breed! We took her up to the Troodos mountains 3 years ago in February when there was a fair bit of snow at the top. She didn't know where to put her paws!!!! She wasn't impressed at all!

[Lovewine]

Morning ladies, yes Rosie you are right about being interested in hadrians wall course and liking history! Good for you Wildpurl keeping your mind as active as the body and very interesting too!
It's pouring with rain here this morning and got soaked on my morning dog walk, but found it strangely uplifting walking in the rain. Am off to work this morning, hope you get on ok driving home Rosie, maybe you will gain your confidence back and venture further afield.
Have a good day ladies whatever your plans!

[rosie14]

Back 2.5 hours later hopefully with no germs this time. Didn't drive home as a member of staff offered to bring me San DH may need the car as we have a mini bus arriving in Limassol that the parents have been raising funds for and he may need to go,and sign papers and take someone with him to drive it back.

[rosie14]

Good morning ladies I hope you all have a good day. I have to go into school this am to help a teacher sort some planning out. Will have to drive myself home after- first time in 14 weeks!!!!
Wildpurl you certainly keep yourself busy I am very impressed! An online course about Hadrian's wall sounds very interesting I bet Lovewine would like that she is very fond of history!
I am sure FIL will be looking forward to his stay with you. His visits will get him through the first year which is always the worst.

[Wildpurl]

Your walk sounds delightful Lovewine, I do agree that it is lovely to be out of doors and just walking, it is like a form of meditation in itself and I forget all the nagging worries. Your day also sounds very enjoyable Rosie, it is good to get out and about and your lunch sunds nice too.

My garden is reasonably large although I think it would count as a small garden if it was featuring in a gardening magazine! We dedicated the far end of the garden as the kitchen garden and have three big raised beds there and the greenhouse. We always try to have some crops which we can eat over winter and some which are ready in Spring. It is very satisfying to grow so much of our own food, although it is one of our main hobbies and does take up a lot of time. I would love to be able to grow olives, lemons and oranges but even in the South East of England we just do not have enough sunshine and relaible warmth! Some people do succeed in a  conservatory or a sunny patio though, I think.

Today has been a quiet day and I have been resting, started another online course about Hadrian's wall (two weeks behind already, oh dear)  which is proving very interesting, and I have almost finished my blanket, just the border to do now. Oh and I did a patch test of the hair effects, so far no reaction so I might just go for it next week.

The next few weeks are very ordinary here, just working and weekends pottering in the house and garden. Then we have another week off and my FIL is coming to stay, which I hope he will enjoy. He was widowed in April this year - you might remember I went up to Scotland to my MIL's funeral just after my second chemo. It is a very difficult time for him but he is coping pretty well and has been to stay with OH's brother, which he enjoyed.

[rosie14]

Your garden sounds perfect Wildpurl it must be very rewarding to grow such a variety of food. We have an orange tree that gave us beautiful pipless sweet juicy oranges for 3 years this year nothing! Our Olive tree grew 6 olives one year nothing since lemon tree about 12 lemons last year and grape vine a bunch of 6 2 years ago. The problem is that DH and I have lived life in the fast lane up until this year! When we had time off over the summer hols it was far too hot for gardening! We have a very small plot round the house which is mainly tiles and pool with few planting areas!
Well done on your walk Lovewine I am sure it will improve your joints.
We sat in the car most of the afternoon and drove round the mountains stopping in a village for lunch, no alcohol today for me! We had BBQ chicken, pork with salad rice and dips. Very nice!
Lovewine you are right it does you good to get out and remember what life without cancer is like!

[Lovewine]

How nice Rosie 26 degrees is just perfect!, Wildpurl, your garden sounds delightful as well as productive, you must have a fairly large garden!
Just back from a very nice walk, about 4 miles this time and up and down hill !! My legs and joints are very stiff from the herceptin yesterday and today, hopefully will settle down. The views we're stunning as it is a lovely clear,sunny day, I do find it very uplifting to be out in fresh air, walking, can almost forget the worries of cancer if only for a short while! Radiotherapy starts Tuesday afternoon- 4.30 p.m every day, really hoping my appointments are on time!!

[Wildpurl]

We wake it up again around March, although my front garden is a late winter/spring garden and has bulbs coming into flower from late January onwards. I usually begin sowing my veg seeds in February, indoors.

I quite like the putting to bed thing as it gives us a rest over the winter but leaves the garden in a tidy state. We do have some overwintering crops, leeks, kale and cauliflower this year, also carrots and swedes which are ready to eat now. But they all take care of themselves pretty much.

[rosie14]

Brr frost ladies! I am sat outside its a very pleasant 26!!!
Lovewine I expect after next weekend it will be make or break! I am glad you have a week's reprieve! Enjoy your walk today. That's sad Wildpurl putting the garden to bed for the winter. When do,you wake it up again or does it depend on the weather?

[Wildpurl]

Morning all, your evening out sounds very nice rosie, a good laugh is excellent medicine too.
Glad your evening was OK Lovewine and that your son and GF have got a way forward for the next week. At least they are now able to talk about the problem which must make him feel better.
We have also had a sharp frost here and I have put the heating on! I will be spending some time in the garden today but not too much as I think I could do with a rest as well. We are really starting to put the garden to bed for winter now.

I hope you have a lovely walk Lovewine, it is a perfect day for it.

[Lovewine]

Morning everyone, sounds like an enjoyable night at the theatre Rosie, how nice now to enjoy normal things!!
Not so good though the car repair bill, it always creeps up doesn't it! My evening wasn't too bad, son and G/F have decided to stagger on for a week to " see how things go", they also have an expensive weekend next week booked and paid for- tickets to Harry potter world, London and visiting friends in oxford! So will see what happens.
We had quite a frost here last night, but a beautiful , sunny day, so think we may tackle a long walk today, maybe involving hills this time!
Have a good Sunday everyone.

[rosie14]

Good morning everyone!
Lovewine I hope your evening was better than you anticipated?
Wildpurl well done on a successful shopping trip in the rain too! Hope you enjoyed your birthday meal.
We went to the theatre last night and the show was very funny. Had a brandy and diet coke before the show better than any pain killers! Had some wine with my pasta post show.
DH had a phone call on Friday re car the expected bill is now 1800 euros!!!! Gear box, clutch and radiator!!!!
Hope everyone has a relaxing Sunday!

[Wildpurl]

Yes it was my birthday meal tonight and the chilli was delicious!

[Lovewine]

Well done Wildpurl on your shopping trip, sounds quite a successful one too, hope you enjoyed your Jamie's vegetable chilli tonight? Hope I am correct in thinking it was your birthday meal tonight.know what you mean though about Saturday shopping trips- think it is easier climbing snowdon, since having chemo and staying away from crowds I seem to have lost a lot of interest in high street shopping and quite like charity shopping and eBay!!

[Wildpurl]

Glad your son has finally challenged his girlfriend Lovewine and it was exactly as you thought, she no longer wants to continue with the relationship but did not want to say so. Perhaps she was not ready for the level of commitment but she could have just said so rather than all this talk of being depressed.

Rosie I am sure you will recover and get your stamina back, you have already come a long way, but it does take time and you really did have a gruelling treatment regime.

Anyway, climbing Snowdon was nothing compared to Guildford High Street on a wet Saturday afternoon! I got everything on my list, trousers, lingerie, some new nightwear, a pair of new shoes from Hotter, some nice things from Lush and my colour effects from Superdrug - also cool blonde. I'm exhausted now!

[Lovewine]

Yes I am hoping so! Don't think me and O/H can stand it much longer either! Think I will record strictly come dancing tonight as have a feeling I am going to be comforting and commiserating! Good that your son has settled down though, I have told mine the right person is out there for him, but doesn't believe that at the moment.

[rosie14]

Oh so am I Lovewine I wouldn't want to go through it all again. I think relationships are very difficult in this day and age a lot of youngsters just want casual relationships unlike your son who believes he had fallen head over heels in love and is keen to commit to a relationship. He will find the right partner eventually. Our eldest was 31 before he settled down he has been with his fiancée 3 years in December a record for him! In a few days he will probably start to think about the Rome trip and occupy his mind with something else!

[Lovewine]

Thanks Rosie, yes husband is going to pick him up soon! Am really hoping when son goes to Rome in 3 weeks it might help pick him up a little. Young people do seem to have more stress than we did in our twenties! Seems like they now are in such a hurry to have great career, perfect relationship and lifestyle and also really difficult too to get on the housing ladder. Sometimes I am happy not to be 23 again!

[rosie14]

Glad last night went well Lovewine and that the tunic was a success.
The situation with your son had to come to a head sooner or later and I am glad that he has finally confronted her! I am not surprised you had a blow up.as you said it is a build up of all the stress that you have carried over the last few months. I would let hubby go to collect him you wait at home with the wine bottle and glasses at the ready. At least your son apologised!
Thinking of you! X

[Lovewine]

Afternoon everyone, I always go clothes shopping on my own, can't bear to look at O/H s impatient face!
Had a lovely family meal last night and no crying! Had a very nice crab Thermidore too and many compliments about my tunic!
Everything's happening in my house today- son finally confronted girlfriend last night about her behaviour as he can't continue in limbo any longer- she has virtually said it's over, but they have arranged to meet up this afternoon so have driven in him to the city to meet her. Earlier on he was doing the same thing her done every day for the past month, saying he has no future, no career( he has a B.A and a M.A in ancient history!!! ) never meet another girl he will love like her, etc ,etc, I am usually very supportive and kind but today I snapped and lost my temper with him and told him he should be thankful for what he has and what a great future is waiting for him, I then proceeded to have a temper tantrum and threw one of my plants at the kitchen sink, havnt lost my temper like that for years! He came and apologised to me , hubby got out dustpan and brush and swept up the plant pot and soil, think it's the weeks of worry and anger i feel at having cancer that just exploded out of me inflamed by sons bi.ch of a girlfriend!! Feel better now though! So waiting for a distraught phone call for one of us to drive back to the city and collect him when they have had their final " talk" , I think I might need a larger glass of wine than usual tonight🍷

[rosie14]

I do admire your stamina Wildpurl the gym then the shopping trip! I walked up,some steps from the car park in Paphos to the market as DH wanted some belts and then round the supermarket I am exhausted now! I don't blame you not taking OH shopping with you I go,clothes shopping by myself or when
I can with my daughter!

[Wildpurl]

Morning Rosie, your evening at the theatre sounds as if it will be fun. I am off to the gym quite shortly, then yes, I am all set for a shopping trip this afternoon. I'm not taking OH as he hates shopping and tries to make me stick to a deadline for each shop!

Have good days everyone

[rosie14]

Good morning ladies!
Glad you were pleased with the tunic Lovewine and trust you had a good evening.
Coloured mousse Wildpurl that could be a quick fix! I have a thick carpet of hair but it is still short and the thicker it has become the greyer it has also become! DH said it now looks like an elected haircut all I need are the tattoos and boots to go with it!!!! It certainly would not be my elected choice! The dog still has longer hair than me!!!!
Didn't have a very good night even after tanking pain killers. Have just taken some more and will take them every 4 hours today or else I will be swinging from the ceiling! We are going to the theatre tonight to see a play called, " Ladies down under." It is a sequel to one we saw last year called,"Ladies Day." It was very funny so I am hoping tonight's will be too. Take my mind off the TE's! They have strange rules in the theatre it is run by ex pats. No eating but there is a bar and you can take drinks back to your seat in glasses and you can even purchase a bottle of wine. We won't be doing that I shall be asleep. But will have a little glass of something. On to the pasta and pizza restaurant afterwards for late supper!
Wildpurl hope you enjoy your birthday meal today is it today you are going shopping?
Hope you all have a good day whatever you are doing!

[Wildpurl]

Have a great holiday Joan!

[Wildpurl]

Have a lovely evening Lovewine! Your tunic sounds lovely. I will look for some hair effects at Supadrug tomorrow when shopping. My hairdresser also said I could use a coloured mousse, I do use mousse at the moment but have not looked for a coloured one.

[Lovewine]

Hi Rosie, just about to leave for the evening and my tunic is very nice! Navy blue background with cheerful pink flowers on , so very happy with it.
Glad the inflations went ok, not pleasant you had another unexpected one though, not nice the injection was painful either, that's how I was yesterday when had herceptin jab! Nurse said ' sharp sting' and I just about hit the ceiling.
Have a lovely weekend everyone.

[rosie14]

Joan hope I am not too late to wish you a super holiday and do relax after looking after the grandchildren!
Lovewine let me know how you get on with the Colour Effects, hope all goes well for you tonight. Was the tunic ok?
Just got back from Limassol and what did he do put another inflation on the right side!!! He said we will just do one more! I said I thought the last one was last week. Anyway he went ahead and did it! I let out a scream when the needle went in my side! Then he went round to,do the left and I stuffed my hand in my mouth to stop me screaming again as he had a full waiting room outside!
Last one I hope on the left next Friday. Feel very tight now. He said he had done over 400 tissue expander ops and only 4 patients couldn't stand it,I was very nearly the 5th!
Have a good evening everyone.

[Lovewine]

Just a quick post to say I called in super drug earlier and found the hair dye you mentioned Wildpurl, it is half price at £1.50 and has 3 applications per bottle, had some lovely colours too, I bought honey blonde, not quite long enough yet but hopefully not far away!

Joan, have a fabulous time in Barcelona!!

[joan47]

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't posted for a while, this week has been hectic, not helped by having to look after two possibly contagious grandchildren on Wednesday which meant taking them to the doctor and looking after them all day. Completely shattered afterwards. Just snatching half an hour now before going over to collect older one from school. Packing for holiday now done. One of my least favourite activities. Had a lovely reflexology session this morning, although effects now worn off. Also quite a useful session at thevPenny Brohn cancer centre yesterday. Booked myself in for a consult with a dietician, Shiatsu massage and Nordic walking. All part of my efforts to make the transition back to something like normality.

I'm not going to attempt to reply to all the posts just the most recent.

Wonderful that some of you have reached the point of thinking about hair dye. I currently have a reverse Mohican- ie very short on the sides, bald stripe down the middle!
Rosie, hope the latest inflation has gone well.

Lovewine, I was wondering about the flu jab too.

Wildpurl, belated birthday wishes. Your forthcoming shopping trip sounds epic. Great that you are coping so well with full time work even though looking forward to reduced time.

Tulamo, congratulations on finishing chemo. Pity it was so chaotic. It must be especially difficult for you with a young child to get back to. Down to 8 fingernails now and the two still the are all discoloured. But discovered that painting what regrowth I have a flesh colour seems to make them less visible to the causal observer.

Must go now, grandparent duties call. Barcelona tomorrow. Good luck to everyone for the forthcoming week.

[Lovewine]

Morning everyone, no fog here but quite autumnal! I too am very interested in the super drug hair dye! Won't be taking wig off without a colour over the emerging grey!
Rosie, hope your inflation goes as well as can be expected, end in sight now, finally.
I am not too stiff jointed today- a mild version of the neulasta injections. I am off to work this morning, eldest son has day off so he's picking me up this afternoon for another poke around the bric a brac / antique/ crap warehouse!! Then evening out at meal, hopefully wearing a nice tunic!!
Good day for everyone I hope.

[rosie14]

Good Morning Wildpurl oh dear fog it's a little early isn't it? We still,have blue skies but the early morning temp and evening temp have dropped significantly. No more A/C and only using the downstairs fan from 10 till 4pm . The weather is much more bearable - no sweat!
Let me know how you get on with your Colour Effects from Superdrug I may get my daughter to bring me a couple when she comes out in 3 weeks. I wouldn't dare buy anything here as the instructions would be in Greek!!' I have to go online when I am prescribed medication to find out the facts!

[Wildpurl]

Morning ladies, very foggy here. Autumn is definitely on the way!
Lovewine, my hairdresser said I could use Wella shaders and toners which are just water based, no peroxide so wash in and wash out. These are now discontinued but Supadrug do colour effects, which are the same, so I am going to try the ash blonde. I will look out for the Manuka shampoo in Lush, sounds lovely!

Rosie hope the new fill goes OK and really hope it all settles down for you soon.

[rosie14]

Good morning ladies!
Tulmano what a relief it is all over even though it was a stressful day! Now you have some exciting things to look forward to. Do keep in touch with us and let us know how you progress!
Lovewine hope you had a good night after your injection and your joints aren't too bad when you wake up. Do hope the tunic will be to your liking!! Hope you have a good evening with no crying!
Wildpurl glad you enjoyed your birthday and your planned shopping trip sounds just like what the doctor ordered! It sounds like you will be out all day never mind all morning!
I can't wait to,get new bras I threw my big underwire ones out!!!! I am waiting to see what size I will be after implants as I am having 2 !
Hope all you other ladies are well Jackie, Joan, Tlj , Cassie, Jos and anyone else I may have missed'
Off for another blow up today just on the left side really not looking forward it. Next week should be the final one. Maybe after a couple of weeks it will start to settle down for me?

[Lovewine]

Wildpurl, I had a jackamani several years ago, but for some reason it didn't survive, the colour is very pretty, you will be admiring it for many years! Your shopping trip sounds exciting! The lady in lush recommended to me the manuka honey shampoo and very generously gave me a large sample tub to try! It smells lovely, not sure if it accelerates hair! She did say it would and mine seems to be growing well now, what brand of hair colour is safe to use? I only know of holland and barretts vegetable dye, have also heard that loreal do a hair and scalp oil that ladies on other threads have recommended for hair growth too.
Do any of you ladies know if we are supposed to have the flu jab? I havnt been told to by oncologist or nurses, but not sure if we are more susceptible this winter to flu?

[Lovewine]

Well done tulamo, I keep my fingers crossed for you to have limited side effects and back in the saddle soon, time for you now to spend time with your little boy and all the joy they bring at that age! Enjoy Chester zoo . What a pain all the messing about today ,it is infuriating.

[Wildpurl]

Thank you Rosie and Lovewine and tulamo for your birthday wishes, my clematis is a Jackmanii, dark purple flowers in September, which is lovely as it is the end of the season and adds some colour to the garden.

How annoying that the dress you want is out of stock! I am planning a massive shopping trip on Saturday, I would like to get some more bras from M&S, work trousers, etc., some makeup from Boots, hair colour from Supadrug which I am allowed to use, going to look at shoes in Hotter and need some things from Lakeland and Lush too. Might get that shampoo that helps hair growth! I will be out all afternoon I think!

Tulamo, well done getting through the last chemo. Only a few weeks and you will be beginning your recovery in earnest. I hope your holiday in November is as enjoyable as mine was last week. I had been looking forward to it for so long and it was just what I needed.

Well tomorrow is a short day and I am not feeling too tired at all, so coping well with full time working. Looking forward to my reduced hours though :). I'm finding that I am really tempted to stop wearing my wig after a week of going natural last week, but it's a big change in how my hair looks and not sure how work colleagues will cope, so hesitating at the moment.

[tulamo]

Happy birthday Wildpurl, hope you enjoy your day and  your new plant. Dont get a puppy mine killed a jasmine plant last week I had had a good few years no point  trying to replace it until his plant killing phase is over.

Lovewine you obviously did fine with your herceptin injection I didn't notice any side effects from mine last time. Had second one today didnt feel a thing not even any stinging so not going to worry about next one s.

Rosie hope you're right about sailing through the SE's this time my relief at finishing chemo on schedule somewhat dampened by thought of 3 weeks more discomfort.

Unfortunately the chaos and delays ruled again today told them on booking in had bloods done yesterday at Southport waited 40 minutes for nurse to come and ask me had I had bloods done and where!! Another 15 mins wait for them to get that info and taken to ward, noone had told them about cold cap so machine not ready then they lost my prescription. Result was only started treatment over 3 hours after arrival so stressful and annoying especially as cold cap adds so much time anyway.

Rant over I have done it finished chemo cant actually believe it and can start looking forward to really living again.

Have plans to take son to Chester Zoo and  Farmer Teds a kids farm

 Nursery took the kids back in July most of the mums went but it was the day after my 2nd chemo and I couldn't go. My son talked about it last week and said "you weren't on the bus mummy" he doesn't miss a thing so want to put that right.

Also hope to ride in about 2 weeks and can start really looking forward to our center parcs holiday in November. That light at the end of the tunnel seems much brighter .

Well only had about 3 hours sleep last night am tucked up in bed with my little boy think I might just stay here.

Good night ladies from a very happy tulamo xxx

[Lovewine]

Happy birthday Wildpurl! Am going to look up Jamie's veggie chilli in a minute! I have heard of body balance classes here, they seem quite popular, what colour is your clematis? Nice to have a gift you can look at and remember for years to come! I took cakes and doughnuts into the lovely nurses at the chemo unit today to say thankyou for my great care whilst having chemo especially the first one when I was terrified!
Hah my first herceptin injection and then stayed for observation for 2 hours, it stung when being done and hopefully few side effects, although I have had similar joint pain to when having neulasta injections!!!
Rosie, good you had a chat today, shame not that similar in circumstances regarding treatment, will you meet up again? I really hope you can get some relief from the discomfort soon with the inflations, it really is very wearing being in constant pain/discomfort.
Couldn't find anything nice in shops today, will see what marks and spencer deliver tomorrow for my evening out- they emailed me earlier to say the dress was out of stock! Am waiting for the tunic to arrive, but have no back up! Have ordered my mum and sister to forewarn the elderly aunts NO CRYING!!

[rosie14]

Happy birthday Wildpurl! Hope your team enjoyed the cakes! Have a great meal on Saturday!
Your new class sounds interesting. I used to do aqua fit and enjoyed that. I have done yoga several years ago in the UK and I used to really feel the benefit of that. I may well look into a couple of classes next year.

[Wildpurl]

Morning all, glad you had the chance to talk with someone with similar experience Rosie but still not really giving any insight into why you are in such discomfort.

Tulamo great that you have not got a cold and will soon be having your last chemo.

It's my birthday today, so had coffee in bed first thing brought by OH and have taken cakes to work for my team. Other than that it will be a normal day, I am having a birthday dinner on Saturday for which I have chosen Jamie's veggie chilli. My present from OH is a new clematis, we will go and buy it at the weekend.
I tried a new class yesterday at the gym called Body Balance. It is a mix of Tai Chi Toga and Pilates. I really love it. It is also good to be able to go to a class after work again, I did not have enough energy for the first couple of months.

Hope today goes well for all with appointments!

[rosie14]

Morning Lovewine hope you enjoy retail therapy and that the injection went well?
The lady that came to see me stayed for a couple of hours. She has had a slightly different experience. She hasn't had chemo or radiotherapy but had had a mastectomy. She has one tissue expander in that wasn't put in at the time of mastectomy. She has had 700mls put in as she has to match to her natural breast. She found the expander uncomfortable before it was inflated and very bad for 24 hours after each inflation but then it would wear off. if only!!!!! She is about my age and used to be a teacher in the UK!
Hope,the rest of you are all okay !

[Lovewine]

Morning everyone, tulamo, all set to go hopefully, although sounds like your bloods are doing well. ! Bet you can't wait to start riding again, hope it goes smoothly for you.
Rosie, hope you are ok, enjoy your chat with lady, it's nice to talk in person sometimes with someone who knows what it's like!
Wildpurl,hope you are not too knackered this week!!
Thinking of you Jackie, and best wishes to everyone else, hope things are ok.
Off in an hour to the hospital and some retail therapy!!

[rosie14]

Tulamo that's great news that you have managed to avoid the cold bug from your son! I picked up a cold 2 weeks ago and I still have it and that's 13 weeks after last chemo! Good luck with your last chemo you will find you will feel so good it is over you will sail through the side effects! I think you were very wise not riding during recovery and chemo. It must have been very difficult a bit like not drinking for the rest of us. You will soon be back in the saddle!

[tulamo]

Hello everyone,

Well looks like I have managed to swerve the cold bug feeling fine and weirdly oh so cheerful that ive actually got to last chemo. Just need to wake up cold free tomorrow and for my bloods to be ok. They were really good last time , 3 times highrr than when I went in for first treatment I have neulasta injection the day after chemo it really does the job re the neutraphils.

I havent ridden at all since March this year as had DIEP reconstrucion on 13th March when they found new cancer. I had 18 inch wound across my lower abdomen coulnt stand up straight for about 2 weeks then had ANC end of April lots of problems with left arm aand chest muscle afterwards so no chance of riding before chemo in June. Asked onc about riding during chemo he said no, fair enough its a high risk sport and even a minor injury could be serious with the chemo so I have been good as didnt want to delay any treatments. Will be back to it before I know it now have been mucking out the last 6 weeks nurses were a bit iffy about that cos of infection risk but ive been fine.

Rosie great you get to meet someone who has had same experience and come out the other side and that the car repairs less than you feared still a lot of money though.

I started herceptin last cycle I was expecting lengthy loading dose infusion but when I got there was the injection. It only took about 5 minutes didnt  feel the needle it was so fine the drug does sting going in but no big deal given all we have been through. I was told just hour and a half observations pkst injection and I was fine. I just have the injections every 3 weeks for next year am not having radiotherapy.

That said I see plastic surgeon in 2 weeks time my reconstruction needs a few tweaks so not sure whats on the cards re treatment options1. So plenty more hospital visits for me.

Lovewine am sure your herceptin will be just fine dont hear of many ladies reporting bad reaction. Hope you get started on yours soon Rosie have to say it gives me reassurance.

Lovewine looks like your son taking first step towards moving on thats the hardest one he will find he is stronger than he thinks.

Tlj sounds like your eldest has taken well to his school  which will no doubt give your younger son more confidence when his turn comes. Boarding is a big step are the schools on the Channel Islands really poor? I didnt realise chilren would come to the UK for secondary school.

Joan hope the nails are hanging on some of mine have little brown patches but to be honest with handling animals and their mess every day my nails are pretty horrible anyway always breaking  so I probably wont notice much difference if they all drop off together. Hope the afro hasn't made a return.

Jackie thinking of you hope you're ok.

Wildpurl take it easy back at work good you've got your reduced hours it really makes a difference I went down to 4 days after returning from maternity leave and will probably go down to 3 now.

Anyone I have missed sorry hope all is well.

Hopefully next time I post I too will have finished chemo thankyou all for your support especially as I am not an April lady xxx