Chemo JAN 2017

[Blue2]

Ebim, it's good to hear from you! I was worried! And how lovely of your husband to surprise you like that - I hope you managed to enjoy yourself, chemo side effects and all. Good luck with starting rads next week.
Well done Suze on completing your treatment! Wow! I am doing slimming world in an attempt to shed this weight gain - did you end up joining? Like you, my work clothes don't fit me any more, so...........I went and bought some new ones!!!! Lol!
Continued good luck to everyone else part way through rads too! And to Nicky and Robin who I think are the next to finish? How are you finding the tamoxifen Nicky - I remember I think you started it a few weeks ago? And ill effects? I'm not starting tamoxifen until after radiotherapy like you Esther - it seems different hospitals have different protocols re the order of things. I feel like I have a few months reprieve!
Lighthouse, your completion of treatment day, 19th June, is the day of my surgery. Let's hope it's a good day!
Robin, I have read that it's normal to continue to lose hair for some time after chemo ends, and for the new growth to fall out too. It's seems really unfair when we want to move on and delight in seeing our bodies recovering. As well as nose hair, stubbly eyelashes and some new head hair growth, I have had a couple of hairs appear under my arms and my OH commented on my beard bum fluff today!!!!!!!! Oh well, I can't have it all!
X

[Esther c]

Hi. I'm on herceptin for a year from diagnosis so I will finish that in October. I saw my onc this week and I will start on tamoxifen at the end of June / he kindly said have a couple of weeks off after your radiotherapy! I'll be on that for 10 years. I've yet to get my head round that.
Ebim what a nice surprise to go in a cruise and to have such a lovely thing said to you by the lady in the lift.

[ebim]

Hi to all you lovely Teddies,

I have just spent an hour catching up...my OH booked a surprise cruise for my birthday and he thought a complete rest would be good before starting the rads.  But I have so missed you all, and was sorry that I couldnt access the thread whilst away.  3150 people on the ship and surprise surprise I was the only bald women on it!  Like Jackie, I got so hot and fed up with hats, scarves and wigs that I went without most days.

Got some funny looks - but they were made up for by the lady who was in a crowded lift, saw me and said "You made it - well done" .  She had had chemo twice. 

Congrats to all the achievers, Wtp for race for life and that gorgeous hair, Blue for your nose hairs, Suze for completing chemo and rads, Egg for just keeping going, Jackie for the same reason and to all others who have made it through.

I had a lumpectomy and sentinel nodes removed in November and came out the same day. 

Its good to hear that SE's from chemo are receding, my ankles and legs are really swollen and the thigh muscles complain loudly when I walk up stairs. And I am 4 weeks after last chemo. Fatique is still with me.  

Its lovely to be back, keep that party going I start Rads on monday for 15 days, finish 30 June.

Big Big hugs and love to all, Ebimx

[EggG]

Suze - can you tell me more about the Younger women moving forward course? I haven't seen that in my area. Maybe by the time I finish they might have it!
I'd be interested to hear what they talk about.
Egg x

[EggG]

Slowski - like you I will continue on herceptin for a year so even though I'm coming to the end of chemo i keep thinking it won't be the end - and I've still got surgery and rads to go! Also have to ask onc again about whether I should be on Zometa for bones once active chemo finishes. The chemo nurses are very quick to point out that herceptin isn't chemo but to me it still feels like it is! Is that a bit daft?
I can't remember which other Teddies are also continuing on Herceptin. I remember Ali was but she hasn't posted on her for a long time so hopefully all is well.
Hope you all have a good weekend,
Egg x

[Slowski]

Hi all,

Many congratz to those finishing and warmest wishes to those continuing. Am almost half way through rads and despite a longish journey it has all been very smooth so far and staff brilliant.

However, am feeling that having Herceptin for 9 more months every 3 weeks is diminishing that feeling of the end being in sight. I felt really down after waiting for 2 1/4 hours for a 5 minute jab earlier this week - having felt very positive , the experience pushed me into all sorts of dark thoughts. This really is a roller coaster isn't it?

Anyway hugs to all, this group is very supportive.

Slowski xx

[Esther c]

Morning all..

WTP well done on the race for life, such an achievement.  I do hope your husband is on the mend, it must have been so scary for you and him. I'm very jealous of your hair, it looks stunning! Mine is growing slowly and still more fluff than hair and more round the sides than on top - at this rate I shall look like coco the clown! 😂

Suze congratulations on on completing your rads!!! 🎈🎉 and a rad grad cert from Jackie that's lovely.

i was just getting ready to leave for 14/20 when I had a call to say they have computer problems so hold off coming until they ring me.  I really hope I get to go today as I'm really wanting next Friday to be my last.

take care all. Xx

[RobinJ]

Good to hear from you Jackie. That's quite a round trip you have for rads. Wow you're doing rads certificates as well - you're very good to us! Your certificates give everyone a huge boost.
Suze well done on being first to complete rads and get your certificate to prove it. We need to step the chemo party up a gear to celebrate rads finishers as well. Plenty of room still for latecomers and remember we're all here for you, whenever you finish.
Right I'm off to vote, then to hospital for rads number 12. The machine broke down yesterday for first time so it took longer but otherwise all good. R x

[Jackie1952]

A quick catch up with everyone.

Blue2 - I've spent loads on bras and still haven't found one I'm happy with. My op was a modified radical mastectomy, so I still have all of my pectoral muscles. I say I have 1 1/2 boobs.

I am not having reconstruction, so this is it for me. Good luck on your search for bras.

wtp2016 - WOW! Race for life AND hair. Well done _ I'm so jealous about the hair. Mine is growing quickly but is still all fluff, but as it's now 30C+ every day here, hats and/or wigs are not an option, so I just go as I am.

I am SO sorry to hear about your hubby. I think we all forget what a tremendous strain this all is on them - I know my hubby at 66 is reeally finding it hard both physically and mentally - but of course he still says he's OK. I pray yours will get better as you progress.

EggG - hope all went well for you yesterday. You will soon get your certificate and badge.

All of you youngsters - I really do feel for you. I`ve said before that at 65 I've been so blessed to have dodged the C bullet for so long. You, on the other hand don't deserve this at such a young age.

Me?

I'm fine. BOB is behaving and although I still have to go for dressing changes, it's now every other day.

I started my rads on Tuesday, and so far so good, although like others I am finding it difficult to keep my arm stretched for the duration, and I have been doing the exercises at least daily.

The bad news for me is that my rads are given at a hospital 140kms from home, and my appointment is a 9PM.

It's between a 3 and 4 hour round trip, so what with the early morning dressing changes, I am tired.

However - on the plus side, the motorway is quiet at that time of night, and there is plenty of parking at the hospital.  Always look for the bright side.

I have 25 sessions programmed - so my finish date will be 10th July.

There are a few members we haven't heard from for a while, Ebim, Slowski, and Scotty. Are you all OK.

[Jackie1952]

For Suze123

I am SO proud to be able to award this certificate to you - the first of the class of January 2017 to finish both chemo and radiotherapy.

Well done - we will be with you soon.

[Suze123]

Hi everyone

OMG, I will be first past the post then! Gulp. The teddies' trailblazer (she said, with her positive hat on!).

Lighthouse, thank you for the hugs, I am pleased it's over but I'm a bit scared about finishing. I'm seeing my surgeon as well tomorrow as it's exactly six months since surgery and five months since chemo started. Planning a nice lunch with my hubbie after rads and before we see the surgeon (he is a good surgeon but has a crap bedside manner so will brace myself for that!).

Blue, well, I'm feeling weird about finishing! I totally understand what you mean about feeling young. I never saw anyone near my age until rads started. It actually made me feel worse during chemo when everyone was a lot older than me. I then felt selfish for thinking that! It gets reinforced during treatment, "you're having rads boosters as you're young to get bc" etc. It wasn't until I went to that pilot course for Breast Cancer Care 'Younger women Moving Forwards' where I, at 44, was the oldest of the eight women there! That was humbling. By the way, I have the last session for that in a couple of weeks and I'll share an update with you all.

Robin and Nicky, glad to hear you're finishing with me! Best of luck for your last few sessions.Big hugs!

Depending on how tomorrow goes I may also join up to Slimming World tomorrow night to try and shift some of this extra poundage before I go back to work! My suits won't fit yet! 

Suze

xxx

[lighthouse07]

Evening everyone - wanted to just say hi to all. I have been catching up with thread every few days but seem to have no time to post. 

Suze -  massive hugs for tomorrow, you are there!

Nicky I am sure you are looking forward to Monday too, but equally understand the slight apprehension of how it may feel. My radio is going smoothly so far and i would say your experience has also been similar to mine - i have needed to re start the exercises and I apply the e45 lotion straight after the treatment as I forget later in the day! I am due to complete 19th June ( having some boost sessions)

- my hormone therapy keeps changing. I have already started monthly Zoladex injections and am now in the menopause ( no blood test to confirm) and the plan was to start Letrozole, but they are discussing if it should be exemastane instead. Not sure what will sway them to one or the other as they are both in the same group of drugs. I am waiting on a call from my BCN.

wtp - your hair - wow! sooooo jealous! No regrowth like that for me yet. Still wearing scarfs - only managed the wig once, think it will stay in the box now, unless my regrowth is really really slow! Congrats on the race - thats an amazing time, you should feel so proud on top of everything that has been happening. Hope hubby recovering well.

Blue- i also find myself scanning the rooms for people my age and am often met with sympathetic looks, rarely do I see anyone who i think i can relate to age wise. Interestingly I think i am finding i am more bitter about being shunted into older age prematurely than undergoing chemo/radio - dont get me wrong as we all know chemo was hard, but the aches pains, weight gain ( nearly 1 stone in about 4 weeks - no kidding!) and flushes are also so visible to the ongoing journey ahead. keep us updated re your surgery.

egg - hope the cold/chest infection has gone, I am hoping the brows and lashes make an appearance soon as i would be hopeless at applying anything false or drawing in!

Jackie/Slowski/Beedot/Robin/mooney/ebim/ sorry not to reply individually but i have been keeping up and love hearing how everyone is doing. much love to you all.

Also hi and hugs to those or are also reading but unable to post for what ever reason, hope all well with you warriors too.

xx

[RobinJ]

Wtp well done on finishing the race with such a good time. I hope your husband is ok now. Your hair looks amazing!
I'm quite worried about my hair as not only is it hardly growing back but I am still losing it! To clarify, I had some stubborn hairs that just hung on forever - even they have fallen out recently!
I seem to have developed a new side effect - mouth has a salty taste all the time. Anyone else had this?
Blue, I think you and the other young ones have every right to feel sorry for yourselves. It is extra blooming unfair when you are young.
Nicky and Suze, I finish rads next Tuesday so I will be joining you across that finishing line. Another milestone. Rads has been ok for me so far - only side effects a bit of redness and itching. I love the staff there - they're so kind and good at their jobs and young. I wonder how we will all feel when we finish?
Hope all you teddies are having a good week and side effects are in retreat. R x

[nickyh]

Hiya

Suze my last rads is Monday so just a few days behind you. I have a couple more appointments with consultants at the end of June/beginning of July regarding my ongoing hormone treatment as I am er + and pr + but Monday is a big milestone for me.... Don't know how I will feel walking out of the hospital wards for hopefully the last time.

Wtp- well done on your run. A great time and you look fantastic. It has definitely made me decide to sign up for my 3km rainbow run with my kids at the end of June. You have so much hair!! Am very jealous! I hope your husband is okay and makes a speedy recovery.

Blue - I totally understand what you are saying about the age issue. I always feel youngish when I am in the hospital and am constantly looking out for people who look my age, almost as reassurance that it is not just me.

Egg - good luck for tomorrow. You are nearly there

Nicky x

[Blue2]

Well done Wtp! I feel really proud of you for completing the race in such a good time, so soon after 6 months of treatment! Your hair is gorgeous too! So thick. It's funny, but looking at your photos and how well/'normal'/young you look made it hit home that it's not just me in this situation - the diagnosis, treatment and the worry about the future mixed with the unfairness of going through it all at a young (ish for me!) age. With the exception of one other lady my age, everyone else I've seen in clinic and during chemo have been much much older than me and perhaps without realising, that has made me feel that bit more sorry for myself!
Thank you everybody for the surgery tips. I ended up buying more crop tops rather than bras for post op, and practiced putting them on stepping in to them and only using one hand!!! It can be done, unless I'm in the middle of a hot flush!
Good luck tomorrow Suze. How do you feel about finishing?
X

[Suze123]

Wow, well done WTP, 33 mins is some going. You should be very proud of yourself, we're proud of you.

The photos are lovely and I am gobsmacked by how much hair you have already! I'm still at the 'shiny scalp' and bum fluff stage😂😂

What shock for you all about your husband but I'm glad he's now doing OK. 

Big hugs and lots of love

Suze

xxx

[EggG]

Well done WTP. And wow on the hair front! So much!
What a fright you must have had with your husband. I hope he is recovering?
Have just had bloods done at hospital and good to go for tomorrow - 3 more after this!
Hugs to all,
Egg x

[Beedot]

Well done Wtp! I'd be pleased with 33 minutes at my very best. Lovely photo of you and your little girl and I am so jealous of your hair. I am sorry to hear about your husband, I hope he recovers quickly, you have certainly both been through a lot recently. Thanks for sharing this with us, we all need inspiration to get back on with life I think.

hugs Beedot x 

[Wtp2016]

Hi everyone,

This is the first time I'm posting from my laptop rather than phone and can't work out how to scroll through the last few posts... congrats to Suze and Nicky who sound like they are nearly done!! fab work!!

I'm just about to meet a friend for a long overdue chat but wanted to say thanks for all your thoughts re the race for life - i managed to run (jog!) the whole thing and when I felt like stopping - which I did - I thought of all you wonderful teddy warriers and it pushed me through to the end. 5k in 33 mins - not the fastest but it was a huge milestone for me and so emotional seeing all the other ladies - including some BC survivors and another going through chemo.

I will try to post a photo of me at the end and also my new hair from the back! I'm out and about with no hat now.

On another note, my husband collapsed at work on Monday - he's 37 and fit and healthy. He was taken to A&E as it happened whilst he was teaching a group. The doctors have told him it is likely to be emotional stress. He was out for 10 mins. In the past year, we have lost his dad due to a very aggressive bowel cancer, bought a house and got my diagnosis - and we both started new jobs... so its not surprising but shows me that there is so much going on under the surface that I didn't realiswe.

Lots of love to you all xxxx

[Suze123]

Hi Nicky, I've just had my 13th of 15 rads today so, as I had my surgery in December and am almost six weeks past my last chemo, I completely finish all my treatment this Thursday (General Election Day!). Wow. (I'm not having any hormone therapy as I'm triple neg).

Are we the first two of the teddies to finish in the next week or so or is there anyone else out there the same?

Suze

xxx

[nickyh]

Hiya Everyone!

Sorry its been a while but what with half term and daily hospital visits for rads time keeps disappearing.

Been good to catch up on the thread. I am now 5 weeks post my final chemo and have had 11 out of 15 rad sessions. i definately feel like me energy levels are starting to return and my body is picking itself up and starting to recover. My hair is starting to grow back, i have about 1 cm of fluffy hair all over though unfortuntley there seems to be a lot of grey mixed in with the brown?! i still have very few eyelashes and my eyebrows are extremey patchy so have been filling them in. (Not sure i would be any good at false eyelashes!) and no sign of any nose hair!

I have found the rads sessions okay and havent really suffrered with any fatigue. It is just time consuming and takes about 45 mins (plus extra time to find a parking space!). My skin on my chest is starting to look a bit red and is a little itchy so i am slapping on the E45. The main thing i have noticed is the cording in my arm so my BCN gave me BCC's  post surgery exercise sheet and i have been doing them, which is helping a little.

Robin how are you getting on with your rads?

Blue - i also had a masectomy and full lymph node clearance. i purchased button up PJ's which you definatley need as you can't raise your arm above your head. i also had a drain for a few days which was fine. i bought an M and S post surgery bra but the inside seam irritated my scar so i wouldnt recommend them. i then switched to sainsburys crop tops whch i put on by stepping into them! Start doing the exercises as soon as you are able and it will definately help with your mobility in your arm and shoulder. 

Wtp - well done for doing race for life, that is a fantastic acheivement. i am keen to start running again but am worried about pushing myself too soon (I have been doing lots of walking) and am tempted to do a 3km charity run at the end of June, though it will be more of a very slow jog, but it would be a start.

Egg- i hope your cold is receding and the antibiotics are kicking in.

love and hugs to everyone

nicky x

[Beedot]

Oh yes, I got one of those cushions from the BCN too, I loved it! Used it in the car and in bed, for protection as well as support, it was really useful, I walked round clutching it like a teddy.

[Esther c]

Hi Blue. Just remembered I was given a small heart shaped pillow by my bcn to tuck under my armpit to give it a bit of support, very useful.
Don't try putting your crop top on over your head - you'll get stuck from experience - step into them, much easier. It not very dignified! 😜
I am suffering from some fatigue with the radiotherapy. I've still got a lot of muscle aches from the chemo and the fatigue will suddenly hit you. Drink plenty of water is the advice
I know what you mean about weight, I feel a fat old frump at the moment! I hope you're diet goes well.
Enjoy your holiday. X

[Truey]

Hi Blue,

I had a mastectomy and node clearance and had a drain. You are correct that putting things on over your head won't work. I was told to start exercises immediately BUT as long as the drain was in not to raise my arm above shoulder level. I bought a soft post- surgery bra from Royce and wore it in bed as well, so that my other boob didn't pull on the surgery area. It worked well as it had front poppers and in fact I use it still, 10 months later, for under sports kit.

Like you I bought pyjamas for hospital (with front buttons). I never wore them in hospital because I was discharged after 23 hours, so went straight from my theatre gown I'd slept in to my "home" clothes.

A bag for the drain is a great idea. I was very lucky in that a local support group, Bosom Pals, gave us a bag. It was crocheted out of supermarket carrier bags and was fantastic because it could go in the shower with me!

Once you can use a real bra again - it took me about 2 months, I would recommend getting fitted. The M&S bras are OK but most have narrow straps. These are not good for avoiding lymphodema after node removal. Have a look at Eloise, Anita, Amoena and Nicola Jane.

I've used BioOil on my scars every day from when the stitches had gone until radio started about 6 months later and started it again 4 weeks after radio finished. It does help and you can get in in larger cheaper bottles from CostCo. Also I agree about the exercises - keep them up because otherwise the area will stiffen up and you need to keep that normal range of movement.

I really hope this us of some help. Good luck with you surgery.

Hugs,

Sue O

[Blue2]

Thanks Beedot, Esther and DJD - there's some really good advice there! I do wonder how I would've got through this experience without you all to help! My team and BCN are lovely and always help when I approach them and ask but nothing is ever really offered and I feel like I'm being a burden with my questions or gripes.
I love the idea of the nightdress with press studs - it opens up so many more clothing options! I'm having so many hot flushes, and hospitals are so warm, I'm thinking I might adapt some vest tops to wear instead of PJ tops. My surgeon did say I will have a drain so am currently making myself a drain bag from a curtain remnant! Think Julie Andrews in the sound of music!!!
I bought some sainsburys crop tops after my biopsy in December and wore them for months as my 'wounds' and lumps fall under the bra seam under the arm and also the top of the bra cup and I found my regular bras uncomfortable. I didn't think I'd be able to get the crop tops on and off over my head post op though? I am expecting not to be able to use my arm very well for a few weeks post op - is that not so?
I'm off to sainsburys tonight (ooooh, the highlight of my week - don't get out much at the moment!!) but might go to asda too and check out their bra range.
Esther, have you any other radiotherapy side effects apart from those affecting your skin? Any fatigue at all?
I started a diet yesterday!!!! I have been told that the dreaded tamoxifen won't start for me until after radiotherapy is complete so I'm trying to get as much of my chemo/steroid/overindulging weight off as I can before then! I've got about 10 weeks! We went away for a few days last week and looking at the photographs of me with the kids was a bit upsetting. I definitely have a marshmallow face from the weight gain and the steroids, and I also have a huge girth! But I'm there, enjoying the holiday and enjoying my family, which is the main thing.
X

[Beedot]

Forgot to say that with the poppers undone I can step in to the nightie and not have to pull it over my head.

[DJD]

Best value I found was Asda, which has a range of post surgery bras - £8 each. Can be ordered online too.

[Esther c]

Hi Blue2, sorry you are struggling with your cording - I had a PICC line so didn't have the problems with my veins thankfully as it sounds pretty unpleasant. 

What I can let you know about is my experience re lumpectomy and node clearance..... I had my initial surgery in November - a lumpectomy with sentinel node surgery - the margins weren't clear and I had positive nodes and I therefore had a wide local excision and full nodal clearance. Bra wise - I found cropped bra tops the best - Sainsbury's are good as are Asda and I'm still wearing them! Personally I havnt been able to find a comfortable bra so have stuck with the cropped tops, mainly because my node scar is right on where a bad strap would lie.   I didn't need a drain, i did have a seroma post surgery which took a while to disperse - make sure you do your exercises every day. I still have numbness from my surgery which I find a bit uncomfortable and currently bra less  as I'm 3/4 way through rads and getting a bit of redness of my skin so sporting a vest top and very very cropped hair - calling it my sinead O'Connor look - just add a few stone! If you've got to have rads after surgery keep doing your excercises as you need to have the flexibility to have your arms above your head -  my arm movement is good but I can now feeling it pull and that's half way through rads me. I hope this helps. Xxx

[Beedot]

Blue, I had a WLE and lymph nodes through the same scar, on the outside upper quarter. M&S do a range of post surgery bras that are non-wired (look for a black one with purple straps and trim) plus a pack of bra strap extenders, I am still using those on my normal bras, they have been the best purchase. However, the post surgery bras have pockets for prosthetic inserts and I found that the seams on the pockets rubbed on my scar and I haven't used inserts anyway so I then found the same bra in their normal range, without the pockets. They also do stretchy cropped top type bras but you have to pull those over your head which is awkward at first. I also bought a matronly type sleeveless cotton nightdress and undid the shoulder seam and put press studs on it - a quick tug and all was revealed and it was easier to have my arms uncovered for blood pressure cuffs etc. X

[Blue2]

Thanks everyone for info on the vein cording. You are so lucky Suze to have access to a physio - thanks for sharing their advice. When I asked my team about how to deal with it, they just gave me more hirudoid cream! No advice or information whatsoever! It makes sense to me about rubbing the vein until it feels a bit sore, as mine improves a little after I've massaged/rubbed the hirudoid into my arm. I have been getting concerned as it's been over 2 months since I had my 1st EC which caused the damage and I was thinking it should be getting better by now! Obviously not, as you all have been suffering longer than me!
I'm after more advice/information please.......! For those who have already had a lumpectomy and lymph node clearance, have you any recommendations for bras post op? I've read about buying front fastening PJs for hospital and luckily sainsburys have some nice ones in at the moment, but i don't know what to do about bras. Do I need front fastening, a soft sleep type bra or a sports type bra? I'm thinking about my restricted movement, location of drain, and wounds rubbing on seams etc.
And Ebim, where are you? Are you OK? And Scotty and slowski - how are you doing?
X

[RobinJ]

Hi everyone. I can identify with everything that's been said. My hair is a few millimetres but literally so fine and pale you can hardly see it and I still look bald!
My arm is still tight and sore and burnt looking on the skin. I must do some of these cording exercises.
Lashes and brows - not a chance.
Part of the top bit of one thumb nail has come off and the other feels like it's heading the same way.
On the plus side energy levels are much better and can do lots now without getting breathless.
All this nearly seven weeks after last chemo.
Wtp how did Race for Life go? Well done for doing it.
Beedot don't worry - the concert noise was great and didn't bother us at all. Just good to know these events are still going on, with all the awful things happening right now.
Take care all and one day we will be side effect free, just imagine. R x

[Beedot]

Hi all,

Robin, fancy you hearing the same concert! It was an early finish so not too bad in the noise front I hope. I walked a lot that day too and yesterday I was completely shattered. All the way through chemo I got away without fatigue until this last round and now I can see what you were all talking about, I am in a daze and really clumsy and forgetful, I think it may just be because I am anaemic now. My hair is still growing, very fluffy and soft, I am hoping it will speed up as I get further away from the last chemo.

Egg - I will be interested yo see how you get in with eyelashes, it took me about an hour first time. I found some tutorials online and apparently you are supposed to use your own lashes as support for them (after applying mascara) but I also found some You Tube tutorials if you don't have any lashes but I haven't watched them yet. I have also been recommended to try RapidLash or Revitalash which both stimulate growth apparently. Re eyebrows, I am not good at getting them at the same level. I am looking forward to new nose hairs Blue! On the plus side, my legs are silky smooth at the moment.

Suze - thanks for the information on the arm and fingers. Like Egg, I gave up on the hirudoid cream as the cording feeling went away but I do still have a groove. That was from my first session too and we had to avoid that vein after that but I did finally make it through without a PICC or port. As it hasn't been uncomfortable I pretty much forgot about it but I will try the massage idea.

sorry a ramble of topics today!

beedot x

[Suze123]

Hi Blue

I've just had a physio session this morning which encompassed work on my venous cording in the arm and also caring for your mobility/flexibility during and after radiotherapy. The team I have are specialist Macmillan physios based in the Trust and they are fantastic. I got lots of advice and tips plus I talked through what I wanted to do with exercise and how I could get back to fitness. 

The physio was saying there is actually little research and guidance on this topic out there. She was saying she needed to do some research studies to share their knowledge! She said that the cording takes a while to go but keep persisting with the exercise and it gradually gets better. The veins basically suffer collapse and develop scar tissue that needs to be broken down. Rubbing/drawing your fingers slowly down the damaged vein and stretching the tissue (to the point your skin reddens and it's a bit sore) is good for you. Mine stems from my first chemo on 12 Jan as I had a PICC line for each dose after that. She wasn't surprised that five months on from that single infusion it was still lumpy and sore, it takes a while but does get better. 

She he also gave me some good advice on numb fingertips and soreness. She said you need to restimulate your nerve endings so make time to rub your fingers on different textures: rough towels, velcro etc. Rubbing in  vitamin E oil on your fingernails and tips for a few minutes is also good. Same for toes if they are suffering.

Hope you find that useful.

WTP: how was the Race For Life? Tackling that so soon after your final chemo is true warrior stuff. I hope the SEs didn't interfere too much.

Suze

xxx

[EggG]

Hi all
Good to hear all your news. Have been lying low over weekend as got a stinker of a cold which I think was made worse by having chemo at end of last week and then turned into a chest infection. In the end the emergency GP had to come out and dish out some antibiotics.
Blue - my veins are looking better. There are still grooves but less of them and less pronounced. I haven't been using the hirudoid (keep forgetting) but have been moisturising with a vitamin E cream and making sure I drink loads every day - I think this has helped as touch wood have still been able to do weekly cannulations.
WTP - how did Race for Life go?
I also ordered some false eyelashes but am a bit scared to try them out! May give it a go this week. Took the shortest length to start with as have hardly any lashes left so didn't want it to look too fake! I've also ordered an eyebrow stencil so going to have a go with that too! Have some hair growing back but it's all grey😕 (Was very dark brown before)
I look like Mr Potato head with plasticine hair!!!
Jackie I hope things are settling and BOB is recovering
Egg x

[Blue2]

That's great news Robin about your hair! I bet it feels nice to have.

I was inspired by you Beedot and bought some natural looking false eyelashes on Friday, only to notice yesterday some tiny stubbly lashes making an appearance. Our bodies are remarkable, repairing themselves quietly without us even noticing sometimes. My veins damaged by EC however is still as bad as they were 2 months ago. I'm on my 2nd tube of hirudoid cream but my arm is still tight with the grooves, and the veins palpable and hard. Ive been doing those physio exercises several times a day. How are your veins Robin, Beedot, Egg, Suze and anyone else who suffered? Any tips?

[RobinJ]

Hi Beedot. We could hear the Elton John concert you were at from our garden! (We live in Twickenham). Glad to know one of the teddy warriors was there and enjoying herself. Like you my side effects are fading at last. My energy levels are much better now. My hair is at last growing back but its so fine and downy you can hardly see it! Have a good Sunday everyone. R x

[Beedot]

Good luck with your Race for Life tomorrow Wtp.

My SE's are fading well now. I actually felt normal this evening, I went out to an Elton John concert and sang and danced about! You can guess what my favourite song was - "I'm still standing". I enjoyed it more than chemo.

hugs Beedot x 

[Suze123]

Well done WTP! Fab news. Enjoy the party mood. Hope the SEs are OK for this last time.

Suze

xxx

[Blue2]

Thanks wtp. My surgery is in 2 weeks time and the results will be 2 weeks after. I can't stop thinking about my lump and lymph nodes now! Im so preoccupied with it and feel so anxious about what may be.
Completely off topic, but noticed today that my nose hairs are back!!! They sprung their reappearance on me - last time I thought to look my nostrils were bare and now they look like they always did!!! I eagerly await my eyelashes!
Ebim, are you OK? Not heard from you for a while.
X

[Wtp2016]

Thanks so much everyone!! I was over the moon to see my chemo grad badge too - thanks Jackie!!
This is the best party I've ever been to! 🎉🥂🌈💞
Egg - I had an MRI - it seemed to take about an hour this time... I'm seeing the surgeon on Monday and hoping to see the "before/after" shots if he has them - and if that's even possible! How's your hair doing now you're on weekly?

Mooney - good luck with the packing - it's so hard and sentimental but Cornwall holiday sounds lovely! Thanks also for your lovely words re Race for Life. I'm super nervous - I'll be thinking of all you wonderful courageous ladies too.

Beedot - how are you feeling now?

Blue - I feel your anxiety re the report after op. I'll be waiting on mine too - really hope that the tumour is dead. I'll keep everything crossed for you. Let us know when you're about to have your op.

Lots of love to you all xxx

[Mooney]

Well done WTP, so pleased at your excellent news that's some shrinkage. Good luck with Race for life, it is very emotional, partly because that's almost what we are doing, racing for our lives to beat the cancer, going through surgery the horrible side effects of chemo, drug therapy, to give us a life with our children out families our friends. To give us a future. So i will be thinking of you on Sunday. You race for us all!
Love and Hugs
Mooney.x

[Fen Hen]

That's brilliant news Wtp!! Great to hear that all you've been through has been so worthwhile x

[Esther c]

Ebim - different lady at yoga yesterday - too many downward dogs and I've had a wipeout day today!!!

[RobinJ]

Fantastic news wtp and congratulations on finishing chemo. Welcome to the party!
Mooney your house move sounds daunting but your nomadic summer sounds exciting! Don't forget to keep us updated on here with your adventures. R x

[Jackie1952]

For Wtp

For bravery and fortitude in successfully completing 14 sessions of chemo (!!!!), I am delighted to award our badge and certificate of endurance.

[Blue2]

Congrats on both fronts wtp - for completing chemo and for your fabulous response to it! That's some shrinkage! Enjoy your celebration!
X

[Jackie1952]

Beedot - I'm soldiering on - just without the wine.
Water and coffee are my drinks of preference, and I loathe the hot sun!
I hibernate inside in summer - I guess I'm fully integrated now - that's what the Spanish do.
Not your typical ex-pat I'm afraid.

[Jackie1952]

That's simply wonderful news Wtp.

[Slowski]

Nice one Wtp!

[Esther c]

That's fantastic news wtp. Amazing results from the chemo!
Time to join the party! 🎈