Anyone due to start chemo in April? - Awesom April Angels

[Rozz]

Hi All,
I think the aqueous cream is just really, really gentle and during rads we need to make sure we use nothing that will irritate the skin. People say its like sunburn, but it clearly isn't and is doing a lot more than the sun would! I'll avoid using anything that might irritate my skin for several days before so as not to upset it (I have pretty sensitive skin at the best of times). I will take Ann's advice & shave beforehand though - I have 5 weeks of rads and will definitely be sprouting at the end!
Judy - hope your son is better now, good to hear your Mum has a good specialist - it makes all the difference. If you don't understand why your treatment is being done in a particular way, ask loads of questions. I found that after discussions with the surgeon, we got a second go for questions with the nurse - they've always been really good at finding out if they don't know.
I'm mostly horizontal at the moment. I thought I'd got the hang of chemo yesterday, but the aches set in overnight and my energy disappeared. I also seem to have twisted my foot a bit on one of my nocturnal trips so I'm limping a bit as well! Looking forward to another 2 or 3 days of sofa-surfing before I start to feel better....
All the best,
Ros xx

[Judyd]

Hiya sandy, good to read that your getting over the worst of it. I know what you mean about the surgery, it's rattling me too, I'm not looking forward to it. Im having a full mastectomy, I'm not really sure why as originally nothing showed up on the mammogram, ultrasound or MRI scan but the doctor wasn't happy with the shape of my boob. At that point I couldn't see any difference from one boob to the other, but once they started taking biopsies and squishing it here there and everywhere the boob just got well out of shape and within about a month the tumour had grown so much it was covering the top half of my boob and was quite obvious. It's lobular breast cancer and it's in the lymph nodes as well. I was told I would have a mastectomy within 31 days but then the next time I went they had changed it to chemo first then mastectomy. When the oncologist measured it last week with his little plastic ruler he couldn't see or feel any trace of it but he said it will still be a mastectomy. I think it's cos it's lobular which doesn't show up on any scan but im not sure. I know my mum had breast cancer 15 year back and had mastectomy.
ive got my appointment with the surgical team on the 12th, I suppose that's when I will find out more. I've got some cool cotton button up pajamas ready though cos I don't think it will be long.

mums appointment with the Parkinson's specialist went great, at least I feel like they're doing something and I didn't have to be all "bouncer" with them kim, he's a lovely doctor, he seems to know what he's talking about.
This bloated feeling is awful today, the mouths starting to fur up too and I'm constipated, just started on the fibrogel, don't you just love chemo!

[PrimroseHill]

Morning Angels,
Just about over the worst of the side effects for this time. I'm getting paranoid now about surgery. Ive read so many posts where the cancer has returned with not just one Lumpectomy but sometimes after two and one person had three before they would offer MX. I'm back for a measure tomorrow and I am going to ask more questions.
Judy - Is it you who is having surgery after chemo and if so are you having WLE or Mx. If it's MX did they give you any reason why?. Anyone else heading for surgery after chemo?
Philomena - Thanks for checking on me. Like you I have been very tired so have been sleeping alot. Then when I'm good I have to try and get as much done as I can before the next wave of fatigue sets in. Have a great time with your family and have some lovely prawns for me.
Lynn - It's definatley a combination of tables and no excercise for my weight gain both of which should subside when the chemo is well and truly out of the system. Hopefully for you too.
Judy & Lynn - I got terrible indigestion on Sat night when I scoffed two huge hog roast baps with stuffing and apple sauce, rice, pork cracklin, and then black forest gateau with cream. Lol
Kim and anyone else joining the Party on the Platform. Well done and say Hi to the others for me.
Lv & Hugs. Sandy xxx

[KimG]

Good morning everyone
Hope you all had a good weekend 🙂 I see everyone has been busy posting on here.
Philomena -sounds like you have an exciting day planned, a lovely catch up with family and wonderful food. The Seafood paella sounds delicious. Can't wait until the end of August when I can have seafood again 🙂
Amber - hope you are feeling better today and your temperature has gone down. You were lucky that they didn't admit you.
Judy - hope your son Is feeling better today, good luck at the hospital today, go along as Judy 'the bouncer' and I'm sure he will take notice of any of your concerns 🙂
Lynn - I lost 4 stones last year and have also put on 1.5 stones since I was diagnosed. Mid cy le I tried to lose some of the weight but didn't stick with it. i need to get down to it as I want to lose another 25lbs before I have my hip replacement early In The new year. It's nice that in 3 weeks time i will have no more excuses for not starting to loose weight again. I normally go swimming 3 times a week but I haven't been able to go since my op. The Onc advised me not to swim until 6 weeks after my radiotherapy as the chlorine in the water can react with the skin. I have also ordered a 10 minute solutions DVD to get me started.
Moira - the new wig sounds great. I wore a fascinator to the wedding in May and it really worked as an anchor to keep my hair where it should be :)sounds like you had a lovely but tiring weekend, so put you feet up for a couple of days, we don't want you falling down at the last hurdle 🙂
i'm off for my bloods now ready for my last cycle so budge up everyone on the fat a*** bench to make room for me tomorrow 🙂
kim x

[Judyd]

Morning ladies, you sound like you've a really good day planned philomena, I love Thai food, it's been a long time since I've had any but I do love it. going up and downstairs is a killer for me, guaranteed to get the leg aches and pains going.
It's raining here today, I hardly slept last night, my sons poorly, throwing up all afternoon and last night, so I think I was half awake listening for him, plus the sleep fairys didn't want to play last night. Taking mum to she hospital today to see the Parkinson's specialist, fingers crossed they are more help than the specialist she had when she lived in Leeds.
Amber glad your feeling betteday you were lucky not to be admitted with that temperature. What day of your cycle are you on now?
You sound like your getting there too moira, I hope the s/e stay away. Isn't it going to be great when they're gone and we can all feel human again.
your all putting me to shame thinking about excercise, i keep obsessing over the weight I've gained but the thought of actually doing some excercise, well , I think I'd rather keep the chub at the moment. I've got a few more days with liquid steroids and I'm just hoping they keep the s/e at bay for a while longer.
Lynn I know how you felt yesterday, I don't think I had loads to eat but I felt really bloated all day. Happy birthday to your hubby, at least you were eating to celebrate and not just stuffing your face. You lost the weight once, you will do it again.
Kim how're you doing, you'll be starting the steroids today ready for tomorrow won't you?
Semoline, yum, yum, yum Angie, it's a while since I had some too, but I could eat a bowl full now.
Pauline hope your getting over the worst. Have a great day ladies, take care
judy xx

[Philomena_b]

Morning Angels,
Lynn I think I have put on at least 2 stone during chemo, mostly because I act not active anymore, and no exercise. To be fair the thought of exercise makes me feel a tad weak! What I am currently doing though is walking upstairs a couple of times an hour. It's enough at the moment.
cloudy morning here in Norwich, I am really excited as my cousin from Oz is coming up to see me for a couple of days! Have booked in to a really nice Thai resturant for lunch and will do a seafood risotto for dinner. I am going all guns blazing,,will proberly be fast asleep again by 2!
have a good day Angels, and minimal s/e to all with the nasties xxx

[LNMcG]

Cycle 5 docetaxel 2 day 17
my husbands birthday tomorrow went our for dinner tonight his mums treat ate too much drank too much wine have indegestion don't think I will eat again i know that's not true. I lost 2 stone last year from may 2012 to December 2012 I have our at least 1.5 stone back on I an so dissapointwd in myself because I know I an just eating all the wrong stuff but can't seem to help myself oh well just have to do it all again LYNN x

[Mosiecat]

Hi Angels, Do I dare tempt fate and say I had a really good day today. Up early (steroids) and felt the need to get into some sort of fitness building routine. Went for a decent walk around the local country park, birds, butterflies, ducks and geese, stroked a few dogs and chatted to a few regulars. Life feels good.
This afternoon, we've been to Tockwith Agricultural Show with daughter,SIL and three grandchildren. Had a lovely time admiring pretty sheep, enormous pigs and beautifully turned-out heavy horses as well as eating sausage sandwiches and drinking beer, follwed by a 99 ice cream. Just as well I had that walk this morning.
Judy and Philomena,you'll be pleased to know I've got the double chins and strong pluckable hairs thereon. Can't blame the chemo though - they were there before I started it! Also, seem to be suffering from hairy knees!!!
Thanks for the advice, Ann W. Will get the pits sorted before rads. I've heard Bionsen deoderant is ok to use but will put it on afterwards as you suggest - if I think I need it!!!
Take care, especially those still suffering - Angie, Amber, Philomena and Judy,
Moira xxx

[CazP]

Evening Angels,
Wishing better things for all of you angels with S/Es at present. it is tough how even after the last infusion there is still a big hurdle of s/e to get over. Trying not to thnk too much about that for a few more days.
I have had a good weekend. Had a lovely BBQ with friends last night and actually enjoyed a glass of red - that i could taste and didn't give me indigestion - yippee. Although even the odd glass seems to leave me with a headache the morning after at present, need to remember to drink more water!
Went into Nottingham for a bit of retail therapy today. Bought some really nice stuff in Sweaty Betty, my mind is moving on to exercise and weight loss even if my body isn't keeping up, although I did manage a pilates class yesterday which I was really happy with. Also splashed out on the Aveeda scalp stimulating hair products so fingers crossed it was worth the pennies. Made me feel good at any rate 🙂
Calling the sleep fairies for all,
C xx

[Amber_D]

Evening Angels,
Wow so much news to catch up on! Welcome to the Party on the Platform Judy, keep on dancing!
Well managed to get through chemo without any hospital admission but have been really poorly last couple of days with a razor like throat and temp rose to 37.8 yesterday not quite the magic 38 but ended up going to hospital to get antibiotics and bloods checked. Sent home via Mcdonalds for a vanilla thick shake and feel a whole lot better today.
This last cycle seems to be taking a lot out of all of us hopefully things can only get better. Still struggling to taste things but have realised that I can taste gin and tonic so am trying it out tonight! Angie, long time since I've had semolina and jam used to love it. Lynn, Iam a Candy Crush addict too but only at level 65 and been stuck on it for ages. Rozz, good tips about rads, I have my planning meeting on Wed so will see what info I get. Pauline hope you're feeling a bit better now.
Good luck to all joining us on the platform this week and hope s/e are minimal and the sleep fairies visit everyone tonight xxx

[Philomena_b]

Evening Angels,
Angie the semolina sounds good, glad your able to eat something.Hope you soon feel better and everyone else with the nasties.
well the raspberry jam is delish! I was able to pick so many this morning as the bushes were overflowing. Will have to do more yet to get us through the winter. My trouble is that if I feel good I go mad to just get out and do something, unfortunately feel seriously rough as an after affect, and tonight the temp is starting to creep up! Am going to try mind over matter as my cousin from Oz is coming up to see me tomorrow and the last place I want to b is back in Jail 😞
hope you al get a bit of the sleep fairies tonight xx

[angiepops]

hi again,
ive just had a whole tin of semolina with jam in for my dinner, it was quite nice actually and so much better than that empty tum feeling. Who wants roast beef and yorkshire puds anyway eh?
philomena - how do you manage all those raspberries, what day are you on?
judy - my effects have kicked in from the start this time, ive really had enough of it.
Rozz - ive already been given aqueous, when do i start to put that on, is it a few days before or something?
Mel-A - awwww, fluffy hair, thats lovely.
Knees are a bit of a bother, but i'm hoping tommorow might be better for me.
angie xx

[Philomena_b]

Afternoon Angels,
Angie I can really relate to the soft shoe shuffle...... Yesterday hit the wall completely, never known such fatigue in my life 😞 felt pretty miserable and sorry for myself and thought urgghhhhhh. Well woke up this morning and the fatigue is much much less, so actually went up the farm and picked 2 kilos of raspberries, for jam. Got to wait for my next burst of energy or it's going to be by Instruction to OH. Feel so much better and hopefully now on the up, so Angels were nearly there.
thanks for the advise about the rads, you can also wash in aqueous cream, keeps the skin nic and soft aswell. We started at a bad time of yearto have to go without the deodorant, let's hope our natural sweetness wins through!
onwards and upwards xx

[Judyd]

Thanks for the tip Ann, will make a note of the sanex zero, but at least I know I can put deodorant on when I get home, don't want to be fat and smelly!
Tax Slayer indeed Angie ..... I wish, normally it's the monday when the effects really kick in for me so I'm not holding by breath yet! I can relate to the shuffle walk though, just been on the cliff top with the dog, it's fine on the way down but back up, I just look like I've sh@@ myself, ah well, pop some painkillers and feet up I think.

[angiepops]

hi angels
last tax (thank god) day 5, already, cant believe that!!
I cant even begin to catch up on these posts, have we all gone into overdrive, steroidmania, it all seems very manic. Then again, that could just be my interpretation of things, i'm not a full shilling at the moment, talking with a slur, walk with a shuffle, bounce like a big balloon, like that marshmallow man on ghostbusters, my head is huge, its just wrong! Just managing to keep the fur mouth at bay, just holding back the sickness, but i am maxxed up on every possible drug they gave me. Not even risking it, just taking all of them as soon as required.
My bones hurt, and they have for days, i want it to stop now.
Look at you - judy the tax slayer, how good are you!!??!!
hope you are all fine,
angie xx

[Mel_A]

Thanks Ann. I'll look out for those 🙂

[Ann_W]

hi judy roz and mel
re shaving and deodorant
shave before your first rad session I did that and the hair doesnt grow during rads and not for a while after. I had 15 rads and I used to put deodorant on my good side after shower and then put it on 'bad side' after rads when I got home.
The best deo to use is one without parabens in. I use Sanex Zero% but there are others. There is showercream in that range also

[Judyd]

No shaving or antiperspirant rozz, not looking forward to than one! Ah well, it will be a while before im on the radiotherapy train, I will be able to pick all your brains for hints and tips.
Mel I chuckled at your nieces observations of your fluffy hair, kids are brill arnt they.
howre you all doing today, I'm not bad, just had my liquid steroids and anti sickness tablets, just need some heartburn tablets cos that's been crippling me through the night, but then I'm ok. the Bone pain seems to be having a lie in this morning which suits me fine. Oh and the sun is shining, what more can I ask for ..... Well 2 stone lighter and no breast cancer would be nice, but you can't have it all can you.
have a great day ladies xx

[Mel_A]

Thanks for sharing the rules Moira. That's useful to know. I hope you're feeling betternow.
My neices came round earlier and the two year old has had me chuckling all afternoon. She followed me upstairs to get ready and when I took my hat off to put my earings in she asked 'why are you wearing your fluffy hair today?' At least she can tell that I've got some 🙂

[Rozz]

Hi all,
Now lots of you are waiting for your appointments for rads, I thought I'd share my onc's instructions so we can share notes. I don't start for weeks, but he says I've to learn the rules and he'll test me! I have 5 weeks of rads as they have to do the neck nodes too so yours may well differ:
1. Aqueous cream to be applied to affected areas (chest wall & neck) twice a day.
2. "Simple" soap only.
3. Shower or shallow bath, no soaking (rats!)
4. Pat dry, do not rub.
5. No shaving or anti-perspirant (so just when I need to start shaving again, I can't!)
Lets see what your guys/gals say ...
Phillomena, good to see you're still so positive and I know exactly what you mean about Martina Cole! I've always been a real bookworm, to the extent that I have had to stop myself reading in the past - I'd ignore my entire household when reading and then be up until the small hours finishing them off. Now I can't get into any of the things I'm normally interested in, including reading. Such a total waste of time in lots of ways! All this time at home and not able to enjoy it much!
Good luck to all of you with SE's - most of you for the last time though. I was up at 5.30am looking for my mild anti-sickness tablets (I know I'm ok on them since I o/d's on Wednesday!) bit of indigestion but still functioning so far.....
Chins up (all of them!)
Roz xx

[CazP]

Made it to a pilates class this morning. Was ok. No doubt I will be feeling the muscles I haven't used in months, over the next few days.
I have been reading alot over the last few months too. I have read several Erica James books which are nice and easy chick lit but I found real page turners for days when I didn't move from the sofa. Also got hooked on Iris Murdoch novels and have just finished The Kite Runner. Also if you haven't read it I recommend The Book Thief.
Off to a BBQ later, hope the weather holds.
Carol x

[Philomena_b]

Afternoon Angels, I think it's fair to say that it is me who is pinching all the sleep fairies. The first thing I think of when I get up is when will I get back to bed. hoping there will be a sleeping addition in the next Olympics as I am sure I will be a defo for the gold.
Everything is getting exciting as we move on to the next stage of this wobbly, wobbly road. I have my raids planning on Tuesday, but not sure how that will go as they now have all this new stuff to take into consideration, just hoping they do have some sort of shield, Ill be like some sort of crusader.
Moira looking forward to seeing this new wig, you deserve a treat. Hope your over the worst, and you too Pauline.
Judy, I know what you mean about the weight, I seriously look like uncle Fester without the coat and with glasses, but my hair is now sprouting back! I expect it will all fall out next week and then what grows after that will stay. I am also going to have to shave my legs today, and have found a few sprouting hairs on the chin, how unfair....
ive now got back into reading, as need something to occupy me. Have been reading Martina Cole!!!! It's like a car crash, you n know you shouldn't watch but can't help yourself. I got a bit fed up with the Dan Brown books, loved Angels and Demons and De Vinci code but agree with you Moira to much flannel to fill out the book. Always lived the Patricia Cornwell books but she is the same and describes everything to the point Im bored! Perhaps we should start a book club, but give everyone a few months due to our chemo brains haha.
I am hopefully popping out later to meet lots of people from work out celebrating the stag days of 2 lads I work with. OH already there, which he really needs to get out and enjoy himself.
Sandy, hope your OK, not heard from you for a while, thinking of you.
onwards and upwards Angels xx

[Mosiecat]

Oh Heck, I was sick as a dog at about half past minight but at least I slept better for the empty stomach. All this time I thought the ondansetron was doing some good. Now I think I just tolerated chemo well but I've got to saturation point!
Judy, I don't get the wig until Tuesday. It's from a wonderful lady in Morley (Hair Room). I'd reccommend her to anyone. At the moment she's cutting it and styling it a bit shorter so the transition won't be too great. I've evn got the facinator from Phase Eight, in the sale - it'll be the first time I've ever worn one of them - I'm a big hats girl really.
Lynn, Iv'e been stuck on level 50 for days. I absolutely refuse to spend money on wasting my time away so I play the five lives then walk away.
Mel, good for you getting the baldy out in the garden. These pictures are so empowering! But it's great to feel that little bit of fuzz when you wash your head, isn't it.
Congratulations Fecinora. Glad to see you on the platform for a couple of weeks. Seems quite few having surgery afterwards. Hope all goes well.
Hope you're starting to feel a bit better, Pauline. Can you contact your unit over the weekend? Hang on in there, not much more of this sh*t to go!
Hope you're enjoying your 'good' weekend before last reatment, Kim. I haven't got a start date for rads yet. I'll probably find out when I go for planning on the 12th. Even had to ask the chemo nurse what was happening re hormone tablets. She went off and came back with my first months supply to start three weeks hence. Then I had to ask where I would get the next lot from and was told to get them on repeat prescription from GP. I really know nothing - but I'm learning.
Right, going to have a bath, get dressed and then wander into Thomas Cook to see what's on offer for late October.
Moira xxx

[Mel_A]

Well done Fecinora for reaching the platform!
Judy I'm afraid I got the neulasta aches when I was on FEC. They're not pleasant bu have generally lasted a couple of days. The tax usually extends it by a day for me, then I'm left with tiredness. I find the stomach cramps are worse for me on TAX but hey - last run 🙂
Loving the baldy look Mel. Your hair is starting to come back too isn't it?
I'm not envying the surgery ladies but this journey has taught us that we can get through anything and we're kicking bcs butt. Good luck with it all. When we meet up we'll be over the worst of it.
Has anyone got any alternative ideas to spas to consider for the costume shy amongst us and the cancer shy providers? I'm not ruling spas out but it might be nice to throw a few different ideas together.
I'm off to watch my kiddywinks in yet another show later. They've done a drama workshop this week and are showing off their work. They absolutely love it.
Speak later. Mel xx

[Judyd]

Well I didn't sleep too bad last night the sleep fairys obviously paid me a visit, I think I woke up about 3 times in the night. I've had all my steroids and anti sickness and painkillers this morning, rattling away now. Just the last of the injection in the stomach at lunchtime .... That'll cheer hubby up, I think it's his payback for all the times I've been a nasty bitch and snapped at him over the last cycle. I asked the chemo nurse yesterday if its the injection that starts the aches and pains off in arms and legs, she said it does give slight aches but its the doxectal thats the main culprit. Something to do with platelets and red blood cells made in the long bones??? Chemo brain, can't remember rightly.
Rozz I hope the 12 month getting over chemo doesn't mean this leg ache and pain lasts for such a long time. A bit of tiredness for 12 months will be ok, but nothing else.
Moira, I'm relieved and pleased for you that the sickness has got better, I was panicking a bit thinking Pauline has come down with sickness, then you, I can cope with a lot but feeling throwing up sick i can't do.
Mel, loving the baldy photo, do do baldy well. That's a long time you've got left with the treatment, any idea why they're doing radiotherapy in between the chemo? Your gonna be wiped out girl, it's a good job joyous got your Cornwall break in inbetween.
Has anyone else ended up with an enormous turkey double chin, I have and with no hair to hide the horrible thing I'm looking more like a Carmel with the fat on my back and under my chin wobbling as I walk.
fecinora congratulations on reaching the end of your treatment, it's good news that the cancer has shrunk, but blimey it's not long is it before you have surgery. Had they always planned to do breast conserving surgery? I know that was mentioned to me at the very beginning but as the tumour rapidly grew they just said mastectomy. I don't know what I would think now if they went back to there original plan as my tumour has shrunk down to nothing, but I don't know if I would be happier if they just did the mastectomy and got rid of it. Mind you radiotherapy will mop up any remaining cells.
So Carol it's you on Thursday, lynn on friday and Kim on Tuesday, all hitting the platform next week, were gonna need a bigger platform! The sleeping thing is rubbish isn't it, I can't remember the last time I just went to bed and woke up in the morning. Mind you, I don't have dark circles under my eyes anymore which I used to. My skin has never looked so good. I still havnt had to shave my legs or my armpits. My psoriasis has gone for the summer. I suppose it has had it's benefits.
have a good day ladies, I think we've got the sun again today.

[CazP]

Hi judy,
I should be finished next Thursday - 8th August, yippee!
Couldn't sleep last night and not even on steroids. Awake between2 and 5, ridiculous! It's no wonder I sometimes find myself sitting down on the sofa and then waking up an hour later 🙂
Carol

[fecinora]

Last docetaxel day 10
Hello Everyone,
Last and worst Tax, wiped out up till last couple of days. Told I'll have 'breast conserving surgery' 19th Aug, then 4 -5 weeks rads.
Chemo has shrunk the tumour, but also fragmented it, so not sure how the surgeons know what they're going to do with it when presumably this last dose will have further effect......
Philomena, sorry to hear about your cardiac issues. Have you had any more information back yet?
Mel, it was me asking about ESA, I'm self employed so dont get SSP, was wrongly advised by McMillan money advice I wasnt eligible for any benefits, so lost first few weeks of claim.
All the best to everyone for now xx

[maisiecake]

Judy thanx for sympathy, I will stop feeling hard done by eventually. I'm having 8 cycles, but the last 4 are 28 days long, and extra weeks for white cell recovery, rads and being hospitalized has made it even longer. BUT I dare any nasty little invaders to survive it! Onc is certain that this is my best chance so I'm trusting him.
Have decided to add my baldy to the collection- my son took it in the garden where i was wandering about in my pj's on a bit of a steroid high. just ate a whole box of seasalt caramel fudge( I know I know) and 400gr of strawberries WITH sugar on. If I feel sick tonight I don't think I can really blame the chemo.
I can't remember who was talking a while back about claiming ESA, but I claimed as you can if you've paid NI and your ssp has run out. It's not dependent on your income and I got a letter today to say I can have it. It all goes towards replacing the lost income, and is very welcome. Debra have you looked into this if your employers are going to stop paying you?
Nighty night angels hope sleep fairies are kind
mel xxx

[LNMcG]

Candy crush saga is a nightmare i started playing it when I was diagnosed I have been at level 125 for about a week cant get passed it arrrhhh.....!! Lynn x

[Judyd]

Moira our posts crossed, can't wait to see your new wig, blow the money, your ve been through a lot, you deserve to treat yourself after what you've been through, can't wait to see the wig

[Mosiecat]

Ahh, that's better.
Judy, yes I enjoyed Inferno. But felt I was being given a history lesson and travel guide rolled into one. Still it's got me reading again. Just polished off the latest in the 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McAll Smith. I just love those books. So gentle. I'm now reading something at the other end of the scale - Rebecca Chance, Bad Angels - certainly keeping my interest.
That's enough for tonight, time to play Candy Crush Saga (saddo me)
Moira xxx

[Judyd]

Pauline so sorry to read your having such a rough time, feeling sick is awful, i would ring the chemo unit and get some anti sickness drugs, mind you you've got the worry if you ring them, they'll may have you in, take care Hun, you know what's best for you, hope you start feeling better soon.
I know Ii was moaning earlier about how much weight ive put on but I've just had the most enormous piece of homemade lemon meringue pie.... It's my favourite, we even had lemon meringue as our wedding cake.
Philomena, how nice for you with your grandson, my sister in laws grandson calls her grandmazia, as in grandmas here, but he thinks that's her name.
how many are left now, Lynne your next Friday, Kim are you done on Tuesday? roz your done on the 22nd August, Carol and debra when are you finished? Mel you poor thing, I didn't realise you weren't finished till November, how many sessions will you be having in total? And to have radiotherapy in the middle, you poor thing. Who else have I missed... Chemo brain and all that!
Roz, I'm surprised I've not done the same with the tablets mixing them up and taking the wrong ones, thankfully my chemo nurse started to write on each packet what days and times I took each tablet, I would them leave the box next to the kettle in the kitchen as I have a cuppa every hour, thawalks I would remember to take them.
How're you doing Darth Vader aka Angie, I may be joining you in Steroid land, especially as my daughter and her mate have pinched my bed for the night that I use in the playroom ... I use it to crash on when I can't sleep during the first few nights of steroids, may have to doss on the sofa tonight.
Moira are you feeling any better?
mel enjoy the rest of your holiday in Cornwall. Take care philomena. The Rest of the angels, have a good night, don't Hogg the sleep fairys, I may need one or two tonight. Best of luck with the s/e. Hope you can sleep with the heat we are having.

[Mosiecat]

Hi Angels,
Feeling a bit better today. Dont think I took last night's anti sickness soon enough. Then not certain it stayed down. Took this morning's at half six, then steroid at eight with the ginger biscuits and banana. So back down to earth today. All I've gotto show for the last session is chemo glow or is that steroid induced rosy cheeks and indigestion.
Sorry to hear you're suffering Pauline. It's definitely cumulative this chemo business. But it's got to get better soon!
Mel, Caz and Judy, I love the photos. I too have the 3mm of hair but it's white! Anyway, in a totally throwing away money sort of way, I've been and ordered a real hair wig. I felt it was justified because I'm going to a good friend's wedding in September and I haven't spent much on my outfit. Then, if we get a week away somewhere warm in October, I'll still need to hide the white stubble.
Scuse me while I go and find a Lansaprazole...

[Mel_A]

So sorry to hear some of you are struggling with SEs. You've had a rough ordeal with tax haven't you Pauline? Last one now though!
Don't worry if you've not finished your chemo yet. We'll be waiting. We're like the musketeers on here. 1 for all and all for 1. That's what makes us an awesome team. 🙂
Enjoy your few days away Lori and Mel. A change is as good as a rest they say. I'm looking forward to a trip to Portsmouth on the 16th for a week.
Thanks for your words of wisdom about work Roz. I remember reading the same post about chemo affects staying in your system for about a year. A frightening thought eh? Still as long as its done its job that's what matters.
Philomena I hope you're taking it easy and looking after yourself. Big hugs xx

[Philomena_b]

Evening Angels, sorry your having such a rough time Pauline, hope your soon through it all.
dont worry Anglels who are still on the train, we are not going anywhere until we're all off safe and sound.
I had a lovely day today as my grandson Luca who is 15 months old finally said Granny, so I am delighted. still no energy, hopefully will return soon.
sleep tight Angels xx

[LNMcG]

Hey I am still on the train too, last one not until next Friday. Hope I'm not as bad as you Pauline hope you feel better soon . i should have finished today had I not been delayed for a week after 1st chemo but I will be waiting for you Csrol and Debra and anyone else who us on the train longer. My hair has started to grow too although you would not see it in a photo it is like a halo of white/ grey hair when the light shines on it don't know if it will fall out again day 15 today. At least we know it is still there under the surface. Love to you all and big hugs to you if feeling under the weather Lynn x

[maisiecake]

Pauline our posts crossed. sorry you're feeling rubbish- don't suffer, there are loads of drugs for sickness they can give you. If you're not getting enough water down you can get dehydrated quickly. Phone them!
Mel xxx

[lori28]

Ah Pauline thats not good, hope you feel better soon. Dont leave it too long if you feel you need to ring someone even for peace of mind, do it. Keep an eye on your temp! Take care and get plenty sleep
Loving the new pictures girls very inspiring, I have a little hair too, mostly grey but hey ho hair is hair!!
Dont worry ladies who are still on the train....we're sticking together so more than happy to wait for you. Look after yourselves and pray for no delays....its nice here on the other side even if the last infusion is taking a little longer to get over. I still have really sore feet and 'cankles' if I'm on them too long.
Heading down to Warwick tomorrow for a few days then York on way home so hope my feet improve!
Best wishes to you all
Love Lori x

[maisiecake]

ECMF cycle 5 day 8
Hi all
another one down today all went well. thanks for Difflam advice Judy. It sounds a really good idea. I asked at chemo unit but dr thinks I have oral thrush so more tablets instead, joy of joys. Am going back for Neulasta tomorrow and then back to Cornwall. planning to sleep all the way while OH drives.
Roz I'm definitely still on the very empty train until...wait for it... the beginning of NOVEMBER. I have 3 more 4 week cycles to go after this one. Feeling just a bit jealous of all you party people on the platform, but I'll get there in the end! I'm having Rads at end of August before I finish chemo, so I think I'll have one foot on and one foot off! I think we should sit in the same carriage and sing ' I don't wanna wait in vein (vein, get it?)' by Bob Marley, or 'When will I see you again' by 3 degrees. Anyone joining us? Or is everyone there now?
Debra apparently the sore throat etc is thrush. I don't have the C as tablets. I have it as IV, with the others. I asked onc why and he said they found the tablets were difficult for people to take so lots ended up down the toilet! They give it all as infusions.
Hat off to you for managing to take them- don't be tempted to flush them! You're still on the train with me and Roz, but nearly done.
love and sleep fairies to everyone Mel xxx

[Guest user]

Final Tax, day 8

Just a quickie ladies, had a rough few days and today is one of the worse I have felt. Feel really sick (which is a first for me) and can hardly lift my head from the pillow. Sleeping on and off most of the time which is good but just feel completely drained. Temp ok but will give it another day and maybe phone the chemo unit. Mouth is horrid and can't even take the trusted pineapple as too stingy. Taking Difflam and Gelclair but can only take water at the moment.

thanks for all your posts , enjoyed reading them even though I can't offer much myself at the moment - should be fine in a couple of days

Hello to all those on the platform, take care Angels xx

[Rozz]

Hi all,
I am concerned that some of you think I’m ‘brave’ going into work. When I’m in work and my colleagues say the same, I always tell them about this forum and that many of you are putting up with much more than I am. Judy is something of a legend with my workmates too!! I’ve been lucky and not had many of the side effects you have had and the portacath has meant I have had zero problems with my veins (I get a bit mad when I think this isn’t easily available on the NHS when it saves so many problems, that and the preventative anti-sickness stuff….. ). I only actually go in 3 days a cycle anyway – being able to work from home is a godsend, but I have only ever done 5 days in total,plus a bit of blackberrying.
If I feel ill on the morning I’m due to go in, I don’t, but this only happened once when I got a cold. During radiotherapy I’ll probably start by going in on Monday & Tuesday and seeing how it goes. My onc says it can make you tired, also there will probably be residual fatigue from the chemo to contend with too. I read somewhere (sorry, can’t remember where tho’) that it can take up to 12 months to get over chemo, so bear this in mind when you start discussions about going back to work!!
Tax3 Cycle 7 Yesterday
Chemo brain got me good this time! Wednesday was chemo eve so I took my steroid tablets like a good girl. I was sorting out the dose for the chemo morning yesterday and realized I’d taken 8 anti-sickness tablets instead by mistake! (both types began with D and ended with ose, were small round & white and in new packets since I’d never needed the antisick ones anyway!) I was tempted not to say anything to the chemo nurses in case it messed up the schedule, but decided that was stupid and fessed up. I got a bigger dose of steroid in the pre-chemo saline drip and was warned I’d be buzzing & probably not sleep well! Lucky escape though – I’ll have to be a lot more careful in future, although now I’ve finished the proper steroids, the only meds I should need are paracetamol/ibuprofen this cycle, hopefully.
Today is my last “good” day so getting lots of jobs done & went out for lovely lunch with OH. Fasting really makes you enjoy your food – although I was full well before I wanted to be!
Kate – Southend is a typical seaside town – full of children & hen & stag parties, fish & chips & kiss me quick hats! If you want a special meal, try a bit further along the coast Westcliffe or if you like seafood – Leigh old town has some nice specialist eateries -both a short journey.
Phillomena – hope you get your rads. I’m sure you’ll get the best of care either way.
Pics - loving them! Thanks!
I feel guilty about all you ladies sitting on uncomfortable station platform benches waiting for me! See if you can find a good pub nearby and I’ll see you there! I’ll be happy dancing on 22^nd August – anyone else stuck on this rather empty train??
Love to all,
Roz

[Mel_A]

Well done Judy. Last one - yippee!
Just to let you know ladies the Genie bras are half price in BHS at the mo. £19.99 for a pack of 3. I've heard so much about them being comfortable I thought I might be able to wear them during or after rads.
Hope the SEs are kind to you all xx

[angiepops]

hi all
very tired today but okay, trying to forage for food that i can taste
welcome aboard judy, feeling good?you look very nice today, i'm not scared now.
you pretty ladies with the bare heads, i darent do that, i look like darth vader with no mask on.
cant think properly, so post more when my brain cells come out of steroid land.
angie xx

[Spikey]

Judy
welcome to the platform.......getting crowded isn't it! 🙂
fromt fastening PJ, tops and if you can get them bras are required after surgery. i could lift my arm so could have managed to put a loose t shirt on but front fastening was so much easier and that meant I didn't have to stretch past comfort level......but within a week I was doing the exercises as per the BCC DVD for week 6 so recovery was quicker than they 'schedule' in the DVD. My cosmetic consultant said to do as much as I felt comfortable with if it was more than they expected and so I did. I left the hospital bra less and wore camisoles rather than bras for a couple of weeks as it was more comfortable and i wasn't going far!
Kate
x

[Judyd]

Cycle 6 docetaxol no 3 .... LAST ONE!

make way on the platform, Lardy arse coming through, last chemo done and dusted, but I now weigh over 11 stone, took my photo in the chemo chair to save as a memento, not tht I'm ever likely to forget the experience, but who knows with the way my brains functioning.

thanks for all the reconstruction info Kate, you've really put my mind at rest, I hope I can have the same as you. I've been told surgery may be as soon as 3 weeks as they like to do it quick after the last chemo. I need to get some cool cotton pjs, I was thinking it would be cold weather by the time I had surgery.

Love the baldy pictures mel and carol, you both look super cool and pretty, not butch like me. Mel I may look for some of that fix me up as I've wiped one half a brow off in chemo unit. Mind you I have about 3mm of white hair on my head now so I'm getting there.

ive celebrated with vegetable pasta and iced lemon drink in the hospital restaurant, not very glam but I wild horses couldn't have dragged me away till I got the veggie pasts, it's to die for. It's very warm here today, may go dip my feet in the sea later on. I've got steroids in liquid I'm to take for the week so I'm hoping the aches and pains stay at bay for at least the week.

take care ladies, hope you all have a lovely day.

[Mel_A]

The hairs looking good Carol. Not long until you're joining us on that platform 🙂

[CazP]

Hi Angels,
Also took a picture earlier showing my hair growing again. Eyebrows and eyelashes only seemed to thin out very recently so are lagging behind, but even had to wax my legs the other day! Hair on head is rather fluffy and although it appears like a dark shadow in a different view it looks white - or maybe more correctly grey!! Always did have to have my roots done though 😉
Difflam spay sounds great. Hadn't heard of that but did gargle with the regular difflam mouthwash at first sign of a sore throat and that did help.
My visit to the hospital and the compulsory IV penicillin the minute I walked through the door resulted in a nasty afternoon of the runs on Wed. A bit frustrating as I had a camel hump, and not an infection or even a temperature, but they were going for the safe approach. Anyway, over that now and looking forward to a good few days before my last infusion.
Carol

[Mel_A]

Just a quickie
The hair is coming back slowly but surely 🙂
Judy I couldn't remember the name earlier to post but boots do a fixing spray to hold make up in place called 'fix me up'. It's about £6 a bottle but it does hold my drawn in eyebrows in place for most of the day, whereas like you they were coming off really quickly beforehand. Hope the chemo is going ok today. See you on the platform. X
Not long for you now Kate 🙂

[Spikey]

Judy
the implant was partially inflated during the surgery, then another 100ml put in just before chemo and maybe a little more before rads, but once rads planning is done it stays as it is until I then decide what and when I want the new me. The cosmetic surgeon did say ibe could stay for up to 5 years but then may go hard so ideally before that. when I woke from surgery I had a 'mound' so I wasn't flat which I think made it better for me and my small brain to cope with! 🙂 As I said before there is very little difference between the two now and if he doesn't inflate more next week I won't be upset as I'm quite comfortable now with the asda bra solution.
We have thunderstorms here today so hope someone has the sunshine! I'm off for lunch with a friend then home to pack for a weekend in Southend on sea, never been before so hopefully we will find something to do and somewhere nice for dinner Saturday to celebrate end of chemo! 🙂
Kate
x

[Louis]

Yes Mel, I know all about sore mouth, have not had the sore nose yet though. I feel very tired though. I am waiting for a ground placement soon so the the airline will continue to pay me,
how are taking the tablets, do they make you feel? I hate taking them. Do you take all 3 at once or space them out.
I have been focusing on my garden with my Mum helping. It is something to focus on.
thinking about you.
Debra. xx