Anyone starting Chemo in December 2018?

[Jayne1966]

Dikat, those words are amazing. You should play that every time you are feeling low. 

Video is a bit dodgy 😂😂 though. Xx

[Wahini]

I thought about a celebratory  tattoo too but at the moment I cannot face another needle puncturing my skin

[Sunnydaze]

That sounds like a good plan Dikat , very meaningful xx

[DiKat]

https://youtu.be/cc91EfoBh8A

I love this song by Rick Astley. I find it uplifting. I saw him in concert a couple of weeks before I got diagnosed. When he performed this, I had a strange feeling and knew it was going to be even more relevant to me!

I said in an earlier post, I would like a tattoo when I’m able and that I like feathers. Well whether you believe it or not, we all know of the link between feathers and angels so I’ve made a decision. I’m going to have a feather with the words of the song underneath “I’ve got angels on my side” Just need to decide where now 🤪 Enjoy the song lovely ladies! Oh and if ever you get the opportunity to see Rick, would recommend...his new stuff is great and who doesn’t love a bit of never gonna give you up.....💕

[Sunnydaze]

Oh and I had to include “ I will survive”

https://youtu.be/ARt9HV9T0w8

To all of you lovely ladies.

[Sunnydaze]

Love it Shi!

ive just played it on YouTube now. Bang on xx

https://youtu.be/drGx7JkFSp4

[Shi]

💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 Go sunnydaze 😁😁😁😘😘😘💪💪💪👍👍👍👍👍bit of sisters are doing it for themselves by eurythmics on the jukebox 💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻🛎🛎🛎🛎🛎🛎well done. Washing, very pleased to hear you are doing rads 👍👍it’s a piece of cake after chemo 👍👍💕💕✨✨everyone Shi xx

[DiKat]

Aww, what a lovely gesture. How kind of her. New beginnings indeed 💕

[Sunnydaze]

Thanks Dikat,

Ha Ha. Be careful what you wish for, you don’t really want my extra stone! I will try really hard to shift it though.

i didn’t get to ring the bell today, but an ex patient handed in a goody bag for all of the ladies on the chemo ward today, it’s really super and so very very kind of her. I was very touched, especially by the little wooden placard on the bag “Easter Blessings, faith, love, hope”. The sun was shining when we left the hospital. Little lambs in the field and blossom on the trees. Perfect. New beginnings...

SunnydazexEaster goody bag! Unfortunately I couldn’t rotate the photo

[DiKat]

Well done on your last chemo Sunnydaze. You’ve done amazingly well. I really hope it’s kind to you. You look fab in a bandana, great pic ❤️

You can send that extra stone my way if you like, I could do with it 😂 Hope you’re going to treat yourself to something nice this evening 😘

[DiKat]

So pleased you have managed to come to a decision regarding your radiotherapy Wahini. I agree, think it’s important for peace of mind that you know you would have thrown everything at it. Enjoy feeling on the up. In the words of Yazz “The only way is up” Hugs 🤗 

[Sunnydaze]

Thank you so much Marlyn, there is an end and it will come soon for you too. I think the “T” part for me has been easier and feels to have gone that bit quicker. Love, faith, hope.

Sunnydazexxx

[Drummerswidow]

Hi Sunnydaze.  Glad you have got to the end of your chemo. My last one is on Tuesday. They say you can put on at least a stone in weight on breast cancer chemo! I have been lucky and lost a little bit which is good as I am already overweight! Interesting about the 5:2 diet. I’m worrying about being on Letrazole. Really don’t want any weight gain on that! 

Hope your side side effects are not too bad xxxx

[Marlyn]

Hello sunnydaze,

just popped in from the feb starters and wanted to say......hip hip horray!!!! Seeing all you lovely ladies coming to an end of chemo makes me happy....as I can see there IS an end! You look beautiful.....and I'm I'm celebrating with you .....xxxx

[Sunnydaze]

Great you have decided to have Radiotherapy Wahini. I see my onc on the 10th of May, so big decisions to make. I will definitely look at the %benefis too.
Sunnydaze xx

[Sunnydaze]

Hi ladies

just checking in from the chemo ward for MY LAST CHEMO!!!😊👍✊ I cant believe it and I don’t think it’s fully sunken in yet🧐 but it will. Freedom beckons and I’m going to grab it with both hands, as soon as the se’s have gone and done one🤩

Dikat and Marykamille I hope you will be able to eat well shortly. Sending you both a cyber hug.

Thank you for your kind words KC72 and Annie too. Shi , I was going to choose “I will survive” for my cheesey chemo classic 🔔🔔🔔 or ringing my bell. A bit of New York 70’s disco. Ha ha but the hospital has just played “Everybody Salsa” by Modern Romance and this made me smile. So virtual cancer ladies, this one goes out to you all  Salsa 💃🏻 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 away and join my virtual party.

i need to dance to shed this 1 stone that I have put on in 4 and a half months. Unbelievable!!! That kind of rapid weight gain last happened when I was pregnant. Anyway, I have already researched my detox diet. The 5:2 diet. Apparently this diet is good for breast cancer patients and the research about it is on the NHS website. 500 calories for 2 days, a Mediterranean diet for the other days, when your calories aren’t restricted. You can lose about 2llb a week on average. Gonna give it a whirl , apparently the “fasting 500 calorie days” are good for breast cancer patients and there are a lot of recipes on line

I feel brave enough to post my last chemo chair photo. So here it is.  Me with my moon face from the steroids

[Wahini]

Hi all, good to see everyone is getting towards the end of their chemotherapy. My final one was three weeks ago (I had six three-week cycles). It feels great to be at the other end and not have to go downhill again just when I start feeling fine. I only had to go in today for my Herceptin injection. This will be every three weeks for a year and then I am also on Taxomifen tablets for now. I hope I don't get fat.

I decided to have the radiotherapy treatment that was offered to me. I would prefer not to, due to possible damage to my reconstruction. Also, I will have to stay in the patient lodge during the week because I live too far away for a daily commute. However, for me radiotherapy ups the survival rate somewhat but significantly, and I don't think I would feel comfortable knowing I didn't throw everything at it. So, hopefully I will get through it OK. Like everything else, the side effects are unpredictable.  I feel better now having made a decision. First, I will go on a trip at the beginning of May, a few days for work and then a few days for my family. 

[kc72]

Good luck sunnydaze for your last chemo today. Thinking of you and wishing you well.

You’re so right about this while bc ride showing you how important it is to make time for friends and family however far away they are, and making the choice to just ditch things that aren’t as important.

Am scared about the future, the stats etc but that quote you posted is a real gem to remind us to make the most of what we have and to get on and live.

Absoluteannie hope you got a better night’s sleep and get the answers you need soon to help you move further through your treatment. Xx

[Jayne1966]

All, in not having a scan so no idea if the T has worked or not. The surgeon and Inc both said its hard to tell from size until after surgery when they put it under the microscope. Im relieved tbh as I don't have to worry about results from a scan. I've been told that tumours don't always reduce in size but the cancer can still be dead from the chemo. I don't know, but we all have to look to every tomorrow and make it the best we can.

Dikat, 8 stone, OMG. I'm up to 16 and rising. Natural weight about 12. I was overweight but have put on a stone in last 6 months. 

Defo for a tattoo. Possibly a snowdrop and the bc pink ribbon. And I have my daughter so much grief when she got one ! 

[Shi]

Sunnydaze 😁😁have you picked your tune for the jukebox for your 🛎🛎🛎🛎tomorrow? You 💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻😁😁😁😁celebrate lovely, you’ve done amazing 💪💪💪💪I cried tears of joy when I finished chemo, grabbed most of the nurses and kept ringing the bell and having my photo with them all 😁😁😁everyone in the rooms must have thought about 50 people had finished 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣what can I say 🤷‍♀️The chemo sent me 🤪🤪🤪🤪💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[Drummerswidow]

Hi absolutelyannie.

I have used Someone like me soon after I got diagnosed as I was struggling. I had 3 phone calls. They try and match you with someone who has had the same diagnosis, treatment and age group as near as they can. I personally found it helpful but understand that it’s not for everyone. Worth giving them a call. 

Glad you have had some sleep and feel slightly better. I think you’re right we all have to much time to think. 

I got told today that I was moving onto the easy bit as I’m starting Radiotherapy in May. I chose not to comment! The things people say!! 

Stay strong xxxx

[absolutelyannie]

Thanks for this Sunnydaze.  It sure is true

[absolutelyannie]

Sunnydaze, Shi, MaryKamille Drummerswidow and DiKat

Thank you for all your words of support.  I got a few hours sleep and it does make a difference.  Anyone else joined Someone Like Me as Shi recommended.

Yes on the plus side Chemo is finished - sincerely hope i never have to do that again.  Just waiting for a surgery date.  I just have too much time on my hands to think. 

[Sunnydaze]

Ha ha “ I’ll be back”  defo 🤣🤣🤣 

[DiKat]

Ha ha, know what your daughter means. Think we could all rock the punk look, for a while at least! You’re right about spending time with people. It’s important so long as they make you happy, just as it’s important to say no to the one’s that don’t! 

Good luck for tomorrow. I was the same this cycle with the steroids. They kept me awake but didn’t have anywhere near the energy as previously. Loving your spring plants analogy ❤️ In the words of Arnie, “I’ll be back” 😂

[DiKat]

Hi maryKamille

sorry to hear things haven’t improved on the eating front. I’ve never heard of the pro cal pots. Hope they’re not too bad.

My taste buds are really bad again with this last cycle. I didn’t think they could get any worse but they have. I’m supposed to be getting my strength up for surgery but with the taste and diarrhoea I seem to be fighting a losing battle. I’d managed to get myself up to 8 stone but have lost 4lb in the last few days so back down again. I’ve managed a banana and piece of toast today. Had the tiniest scraping of olive spread on the toast and it was vile. It’s so depressing when food doesn’t taste as it should. I dread it when my hubby asks what I fancy to eat. Really hope your tastebuds improve soon 🤗

[Sunnydaze]

Thanks for your heartfelt input Shi and yes Dikat, get that tattoo! I had a friend who had a tattoo after BC too and she’s living with mets 6 years on after being diagnosed at stage 4 at 45yrs. My other friend also had a beautiful tattoo at the age of 47 in remembrance of her Dad and neither of these friends were the type to have tattoos, whatever that type might be. My eldest daughter is urging me to get a nose stud when my hair starts growing, she said it will go with my cropped hair when it grows through.

i think for me the one positive thing that cancer has made me do is to keep in better contact with my good friends and family and make time for them. They are the ones that make me happy😍 In the past I could just squirrel 🐿 myself away, but this diagnosis has made me value precious life long friends more. So I guess there are always positives to be found.

One last heave for me tomorrow- final chemo. I’m dreading it my body is saying loud and clear “ no more”. 

I’m on the steroids today and haven’t had the usual steroid bounce, so I must be well and truly knackered.

i have been out in the garden, planting a few Spring plants, with the promise that they will come back year after year. Just like us ladies 🤞🤞🤞

And Shi, you have done amazingly well to stay as positive as you do and support all of us ladies.Its definitely a Gloria Gaynor “I will Survive” on the old juke  box today🎤 🎵  🎶 💃🏻 💃🏻 💃🏻 😍😍😘

Big hugs

sunnydaze xx

[maryKamille]

Hi absolutelyannie

Can only echo what Drummerswidow said. I think we are all going to feel very vulnerable once treatments are over anyway. Left in the air at that point and worrying about the future and what it will bring.

I think it's all part of the BC condition. It hits us mentally as well as physically, all the time!

Surgery seems so much more tangible - I had that first and I thought they've taken the bad bit away now. It does make you feel better. The healing is much faster too - within a month I felt back to normal and once the drain had been removed not any pain either.

Chemo just drags on and on and on......Far worse for me.

I hate eating now. I'm on Pro-Cal pots of supplements. I am beginning to think I will never taste anything properly again or even a bit less disgusting! Nor will I ever want to! (eat, that is)

[Shi]

Absolute Annie ❤️❤️My darling 👭👭👭sorry for not responding sooner, please call the someone like me line on here and also speak to your Macmillan center, there are sessions you can go on that help you to get ‘ in charge’ of your mindset. We all do it, start looking at stats and going into what if, and for me personally i always believe the breakthroughs will come and they are coming. I’d just turned 46 when given 50/50 of still being alive in 5 years, that’ll be 2 years this sept and I’ve got on and done what my onc said, now go and live. I won’t lie, it does cross my mind, but until it happens or if it happens I’m not letting it rob me of any more precious life, it had 10 months off me already. This

 is only my thoughts for how I deal with it, there is no right or wrong way of finding coping methods your own way. ❤️❤️I hope that helps a little and don’t ever forget how amazing and 💪💪💪and beautiful you are. 💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[DiKat]

Thanks for posting this Sunnydaze. It is so true. Worry in general is such a waste of time and energy. I’ve worried about such stupid stuff in the past and not done things for fear of failure or how I might look. If nothing else, I’m hoping this situation has given me the confidence to stick one or two fingers in the air and say “I’m doing it” Think one of the first things, when I’m able is a tattoo! Always loved feathers...and that will be an up yours to all those that have said “you’re not the sort of person to have a tattoo” whatever that’s supposed to mean! Love and hugs xx

[Sunnydaze]

Hi AbsolutelyAnnie and all other lovely warrior ladies,

I just read this on one of the threads this morning and I have just copied and pasted it. It has certainly helped me this morning, it puts things into perspective a little bit. I hope it helps you all too.

Sunnydaze xx

There just in no way we can have a 100% assurance that this will never come back but we have to believe it won't to be able to move on. We can't spend our lives in fear of what may be as that just robs us of enjoying the here and now.

I'm 4 years post diagnosis in March and every year that passes brings confidence, we don't read about those who have gone on to have no further problems, they are off living, it's the sadder stories that get published but that doesn't happen to the majority. My mindset is if I need to deal with it again then I will but for now all is well and that's what I focus on. It does get easier, Cancer won't always be in the forefront of your mind I can assure you"

[DiKat]

Hi absolutelyannie

Just wanted to say sorry you have had such a slap in the face and I’m thinking of you. Like Sunnydaze says, the surgery is the main thing and hopefully you will feel better once you’ve had that. We have been in a strange position having the chemo first as we get to hear what’s happening to our lump which gives some of us a choice about which way to go with surgery so maybe this news will just affect your options there and not the overall outcome. I’m sure Shi will be along shortly with her wealth of knowledge to offer some reassurance. Hugs 🤗 xx

[Sunnydaze]

Hi AbsolutelyAnnie,

Sending you hugs. It sounds like you have hit a brick wall. I am sorry you are feeling so low. I had surgery first, so I have no idea if my chemo has worked. It’s just a leap of faith. At the end of the day, it’s the surgery that is the most effective. I am sure once you have had surgery you will feel better.

I had a cry today when I started to look at recurrence and survival stats. Sometimes it just gets you. It’s a horrible disease. Cancer is a thief. Can you speak to any of the staff on this forum or the Macmillan one, they may be able to give you more information and reassure you. There is always a way forward and the oncologists and surgeons  have a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Hang on in there Annie, all is not lost. 

Thinking of you, we are strong and we can get through this together on here.

Sunnydaze xx

[Drummerswidow]

Hi absolutelyannie 

I can’t answer your questions but I can offer sympathy and am thinking of you. I had surgery first. It sounds as if you need the surgery. Do you know if any nodes are involved? 

Can you speak to your Breast cancer Nurse for some guidance. I also spoke to the nurses from here over the phone. I don’t know what my prognosis is and don’t won’t to either. That’s my choice though. I decided not to look to much into the figures.m

Breast Cancer keeps on slapping us all down and sometimes it’s hard to stay positive. You WILL get through this. Believe it’s a blip. Sending hugs. We are here for you xxxxx

[absolutelyannie]

Shi

just wondered if you had come across any cases where T docetaxel didn't work for people.  EC fairly whacked the tumor but T didn't do a thing,  I am worried because I am told this combination of drugs is the best chance.  My oncologist has said I have had enough chemo - 4 EC followed by 3 T.  The 3 T were a waste of time and it is such a pity that action was not taken at the end of EC.  

Now waiting for a surgery date.  but over analyzing why what appears to work for everyone else (T -Docetaxel) hasn't worked for me.  What are the outcomes now?  Has prognosis changed?  will i get rid of this C**P.  will I be alive in 5 years time.  Am I the 1 in ten who doesnt survive.  Off to bed to try to sleep which I haven't since getting the news T was not working.

[absolutelyannie]

indeed. Not looking forward to looking for a new job at the end of all this and at age 55!!!!!

[DiKat]

Thanks for your well wishes kc72. I’m pleased my unit follow the 6 protocol and don’t still give 8. You’ve done really well to cope with the extra! I’m feeling the pins and needles more with this one and nail beds feel sore, a bit like when you’ve trapped your fingers in the door.

pastamissus, hope you have more energy soon. Keep going everyone, we are all amazing ❤️❤️❤️

[DiKat]

Hi Marlyn

I didn’t feel too bad this morning thanks, just got more exhausted as the day has gone on. I’ve done absolutely nothing all day! My thighs feel like they weigh a tonne. Going upstairs to the loo has been a major effort. So glad it was my last one. Think my body has definitely had enough! Really kind of you to ask. Thank you 💕 Good Luck for your 4th. You’re getting there 😘

[kc72]

That’s really good news Jayne. I had a single mastectomy and recon at same time before chemo, and have been so pleased with it. Surgeons are amazing. 

Wahini - hope you had a good day at work? 

Dikat - hope you feel better soon.  At least you are out of A&E and home. Sending you lots of get well wishes. 

Pastamissus hope you bounce back soon. 

I have horrible aches and pains in legs again with this one, which keeps me awake at night. And again pins and needles. Depending on how I get on next couple of weeks they’ll make a call on whether I end up having last (8th) one on the 25th April. 

[pastasmissus]

Taking for ever to bounce back from my final chemo. Day 11 and still not much concentration or brain power 😞

Apart from food tasting a bit odd, things are fine otherwise.

[Marlyn]

How you feeling dikat? Xx

[DiKat]

Fab news Jayne 💕

[Jayne1966]

All, saw my surgeon today. He is happy to put me forwards for the double mastectomy that I want. Have to wait to see a more specialist surgeon now for a plan and for the recon to be done at the same time. Hopefully wi mean no radiotherapy. Feeling positive xx

[Sunnydaze]

Good luck Wahini as you head back to work. That’s a scary thought. I hope your day is going ok so far.

Glad to hear you didn’t have to be hospitalised Dikat, not on your last chemo.

I have got my final chemo on Wednesday and not looking forward to it. My body has had enough and I’m thinking the last one might just tip me over the edge.

Today I have been busy in the kitchen in preparation for the last chemo. I’ve made a chicken soup, a lentil and tomato soup, a loaf of bread ( bread maker) some scones and a date cake. I am now pooped! I think it’s all related to the stress I feel about Wednesday and I find baking  therapeutic at times.

Hugs to all ! Especially if  the side effects have kicked in. Let’s hope we don’t have too much long term damage from the chemo.

Hugs

Sunnydaze 😘

[DiKat]

Might be nice to have a bit of normality Wahini. It’s a shame we can’t all get paid for relaxing at home though. All this bc c**p does change perspective about what we like to be doing with our time. Unfortunately we need to earn money to allow us to pursue these hobbies and adventures 

[maryKamille]

Just a blip, hopefully, Dikat. Got just this one to get through now! Keep warm and look after yourself. XXX

[Wahini]

Back to work tomorrow. I don't feel like it but I should try because I feel good enough. I can always leave again. It is just that I would rather relax at home for a bit longer. I may never get to retire (with money) so I feel like I kind of deserve that.

[Shi]

Dikat, please keep close eye on temp, any more diarrhoea or if you ‘don’t feel right’ even with no temp, phone your rapid response number. Please phone your unit in the morning and double check everything with them please ❤️❤️Keep safe. My love of music and 💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻 Got me through chemo and we had a tube a day on the Oct thread 😁😁Karana was do and used to upload the tunes daily 😁😁we were oct17 party thread 🤪🤪if you do ever read any of our thread it’ll make you 🤣😂🤣😂we were crackers. 😘😘💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[Marlyn]

Oh I am pleased your home dikat, yes, stay away from areas that are "peoply " .....at least you know bloods are good.....rest rest and more rest......xxx

[DiKat]

Thanks Marlyn and gocat. Just got home. Bloods ok fortunately. Dr was more concerned about my heart rate. He thinks I feel unwell because I’ve had diarrhoea 4/5 times earlier today. Just said to get some more dioralyte down me and stay hydrated. Pleased to be home. Think I will be locking myself away for the next 9/10 days. 😘xx