December 2015 chemo

[Tandy 4]

What an awful disturbed night!!! 😏 Couldn't get comfy, mind racing. Woke at 2:30..... Convinced it was about 8..... Laid there awake (eyes closed trying hard!) till gone 4. The rain was horrendous and I tried listening to that, Must've dropped off but awake again at 5.30.... Still awake at 6.30, Argh! Lots of wee trips, but I am trying to drink lots of water. Woke feeling bit queasy about 8, tried to ignore. Finally gave in and got up for meds just after 9. Brought cup tea and breakfast (pot of yoghurt, Apple, grapes, satsuma)  back to bed and I'm still laying here. Only eaten yogurt, Apple a few grapes so far. Onc nurse said best thing to do when feeling nauseas is to eat something so absorb the stuff in stomach caused by drugs.

Feel so lazy, fat, lethargic and crap..... also hair loss greatly affecting my mood, washing it today so there'll be more tears. Just as well I'm on my own and family won't see. 

Fredflowerpot, I'm having 3 of the red ones by the way. One more of the FEC to go...... 

Xxx lots of love Tina 

[suefag]

Hi there ladies

Enjoyed reading all your comments and its really helps to hear that the SE we suffer are 'normal' for what we are going through. I had my second EC long one next time Doxetaxal and herceptin. My lovely son joined me. Bloods first 9.00am, I dont mind the 2hr break as can trat ourselves to a nice latte and toastie! I then gave Ben a tour round of Christies and decided to drop by to see  the lovely lady in the benefits office. I'd been in with Wolf , as he is self employed needed to see if any help available.  I am employed so not sure. The lady was so lovely and helpful, it still amazes me to find out how patient staff are there and how they genuinely want to help! Anyway, ladies, I was offered a free make over and 'colour me'session , all booked for /February!  Something to look forward. When we got to the ward, my cold cap wasnt ready, the nurse didnt thin i was having it. Ahhh my get out of jail card I thought! Just then, Wolf called and reminded me that I'd stillngot my hair, so, maybe worth persevering.  I was prepared though and on yourvadvice had taken 2 neurefen and as the machine arrived popped an ibuprofen too!! I though  was doing  great, until another nurse pointed out that it wasn't switched on! Then the cold hit, yes in tense but the analgesics had certainly helped. Poor Ben couldnt work out what theyd done to me, and offered me an episode of Sherlock to watch on his IPad! Couldnt concentrate!  Session was longer. There at 9 for bloods out for 3pm. Felt washed out when home and homemade minestrone donated soup just the thing. Wolf said he'd never seen me as white with such dark circles under my eyes! Knows how to woo a girl ha ha! Up 4 times lots of wees and dreaming. Today clean up after decks down, but two sons, partner and mum to help, so lucky girl!  3 neices visited with two year olf great nephew, yes, lovely to see them but nice to say goodbye. Dont think I could cope with the energy of a toddler, so well done! Hope I will be fine for Monday, as want to go in work, although IT People set up my log on so could work from home, so option there. 

Chilling now sofa and good film, take care brave ladies, we're all in this together,  night,  night, xxxxx

[A.Faed]

I had three red (Epirubicin) two were full and one was about ¾ full. 

One thing I did was to drink two litres of water the day before, on the chemo day and the day after. Then keep up the drinking and have water to sip next to your bed too. 

Amanda x

[fredflowerpot]

i was thinking the same as you as like you due my second lot on Thursday. so far i have had a bad skin in infection, raw throat / oesophagus for four days swallowing felt like glass, dry raw mouth but no thrush. expectational tired. hoping the second lot is better or the same but not worse..... can i ask how many red injections you are all having please? x

[A.Faed]

Thanks for the reports, ladies! I am due FEC 2 on Thursday. Apart from a lose first evening, I think I got off pretty lightly first time round, so I'm trying not to be expecting it to be exactly the same!

The sleep issues seem to be common but I don't seem to remember it being mentioned much when the list of side effects gets reeled off! Vivid dreams and frequent waking and with the dry mouth and drinking, comes the trips to the loo! 

Still, it has to be done, we have to give it everything the medics want to throw at it!

Love and hugs to everyone, especially anyone who's managing on their own!

Amanda x

[Marina]

I am also on day 2 like you Tina. Although mine is EC. And so far am fine, I'm amazed as was already bad now last time. Did have sore throat and slight cold, I think it was the original one that hadn't quite gone.
Can't imagine how you cope with a toddler Laura. Apart from feeling exhausted I also found I had a very short temper.
Wishing everyone well xx
Marina

[Gfnich]

Hi Laura cant imagine what it must be like with a toddler as well, I feel for you.

Tina, i was worse the second time with regards to tiredness or it felt worse not sure if I was just less brave though.  The oncologist said she thought I expected it to be a breeze and it rarely is.  That said I am day 19 now and almost forgotten about it, have a streaming cold though.  I think second one I had three really tired out days about day 4 onwards and it was Christmas so was trying to eat with the family etc when I didn't really feel like it.  My stomach goes on strike and nothing moves, she says it is the antisickness meds that do that, i did recover quicker though second time and have had 10 good days.  I have agreed to have the same anti sickness for round 3 though as at least I don't feel sick!  My arm has been sore after the second dose it is the red stuff agrivating the veins but she says after third one it might be worse but will then improve.

Amanda I am about o have third and last  FEC on Tuesday then onto Docotaxel.  I am quite excited as that means half way and I have to say it has gone quite quick, wont be saying that next weekend whenI drink and wee for England and have sleeping sickness.  My side effects were much the same although they seemed more intense for a shorter time second round.  Will let you know next week how round three goes.

big hugs girls Gillian x

[Lozza1217]

Hi everyone

I'm day 9 after second lot, and I have to admit this one knocked me for 6! I started to feel rough as soon as I left the hospital. Slept most of the day. Next day just had awful nausea and headache, and what felt like brain freeze! It's taken me a lot longer to get over this one. Today I feel fairly normal again. I've been given sleeping tablets as after the first few days sleeping I went to getting absolutely nothing and actually thought I was going mad with sleep deprivation! I cried a lot this time too as I thought this was going to be a breeze but turns out it's not, and it's going to be one of the hardest things I'll ever go through! We haven't been very organised either which didnt help, I have a 17 month old little girl, who needs constant attention. We're all sorted for the next session though we have childcare in place for a week after so there's less pressed on me to get better quicker.
How are feeling? When is your next one?
Hope the rest of you lovely ladies are doing ok, sending huge hugs

Laura x x

[Tandy 4]

Hi Amanda, my session 2 yesterday seemed to go much quicker..... I was assured it was the same length of time, 1 bag of saline, 1 of anti sickness while cap was on doing its stuff. Then think 4 of the red stuff followed by 3 clear. I though I had another saline after this last time? But may be wrong. 

Felt OK last night, just couldn't stand the feeling of my hair stuck to my head with conditioner. Awful nights sleep, lamp off at 11:15 and slept ok, woke thinking it was about 8? It wasn't, it was 2:20!..... Fitful sleep, mind raging, up and down many times for wee and drinks. Up at 9 for paracetamol for headache. Got out bed about 10, came downstairs took my 6 tablets then up to wash and dress. Dreaded combing hair....... More out again, upsetting but I know it's expected. I look and feel a state even though I'm dressed. Have put cotton hair band on to keep hair out of my face, looks awful. I lived my hair, my best feature, not now...... 😢 Just as well I'm on my own in house and not expecting visitors apart from district nurse! 

Have managed breakfast, feeling ok, tired with slight fuzzy head (though that could be down to lack of sleep, feeling crap and some tears this morning!?) Also got a small cold sore appearing on corner of bottom lip! But tat could be stress related!! Hoping SE not going to be worse, my Macmillan nurse yesterday said they shouldn't be but not to suffer or just 'manage' if they change, to ring them straight away as they can change meds especially for sickness. Still waiting for the bomb to go off Hun..,,,, I'll let you know if anything changes!? 

Take care all, love xxx Tina 

[A.Faed]

Haha Gillian, I'm not going to ask what your little dog would do to the wig if he had the chance!

Hope ladies who had chemo in the last few days are doing ok.

Im interested to hear from those of you who have had more than one cycle; I have FEC 2 next Thursday, hope it will go as well as the first one, but I'm trying to be being realistic and not just assume that it will be the same every time, so how did you find you're second or third FEC's did you have similar SE's at similar times after or was each one different?

Amanda x

[Gfnich]

Hope you are all ok after chemo today.

you can always get your wig thinned by your hairdresser if it is too "bouffant"

I dont get a headache but by teatime have had enough it has to come off. I have to be careful where I put it as our little dog has afancy for it 🙂

Looking forward to my Look Good Feel better on Monday 

gillian x

[Marina]

Yes Amanda I get headaches with my outdoor hat, which is woven, although doesn't feel tight around the band.

[A.Faed]

Yes Kim, Anna Bandana have lots of styles to choose from and are very reasonably prices with quick delivery. I got three diffent styles to see which I will gel with. I got half the cost from the NHS, so it's not so bad but it just seem as good as the one I tried on initially.

Yes, to also keep thinking my hair is tied up! But like you said Markna, the showers are quicker! Leg hairs seem to hanging on for dear life but there are signs of the lady garden taking its leave! 

I got got a headache which started about an hour or so after the wig was put on but went quick quickly once I got home and took it off. Maybe coincidence....or perhaps it was a bit tight? Anyone else have anything like that?

Amanda x

[TVGirl]

I had my second dose today and I discovered something new about the cold cap. The very experienced nurse (10 years at UCH) put in on me at room temperature and only then switched the cooler on so it cooled down gradually instead of being an instant icy shock. It was MUCH easier to tolerate. Hope that my fellow cold cappers have time to try this method.

All the best to you all for the weekend recovery.

[Marina]

When I had my short back and sides my hand often went to pull the ponytail band off, then I remembered!! Must say a huge andvantage though when washing & drying it.😊
And now that I am bald / stubbly I can have bath oils (on my good week) and don't have to rinse hair. Have to see the positive things too.
And the only time I was out at a bar standing as no seats a woman made a point of telling me they would be leaving soon and I could have her stool. Must have been the hat. Another positive.
A nurse told me that having baths with sea salt helps get tid of toxins. You soak between 5 - 10 mins, but no longer as then I think the reverse happens. Anyone remember biology lessons and osmosis??? Not sure if it works, has anyone else hear of this?

[Kim555pink]

Amanda, I had my hair cut short today (starting chemo in a couple of weeks, so pop over to you guys to see how you're getting in too!) Not keen on my wig either - waaaaay too much hair compared to my fine rather flat hair. Guess they just would t contemplate making a wig that bad to match my natural look! Picking it up next week as they're ordering in one my colour, so maybe that will make a difference. Fortunately the one I chose is covered by my NHS prescription (was very surprised!) so if I don't wear it, no harm done. Meanwhile, I've ordered a couple of scarves from Annabandana online which looked nice and were only £7 each so I have an alternative 🙂
Xxx

[A.Faed]

Well done ladies who had chemo today, hope you are still feeling ok into the evening. It does feel a bit like waiting for a bomb to go off, waiting to see what side effects decide to truck up!

Got a short back and sides today and actually didn't mind the way it looked at all. The same however, can't be said for the wig, which looked awful, like something from a dodgy porn movie, can't quite believe it it the same one I actually chose! I will wash it and try it again one all my hair is gone, but I have a feeling that I am going to be a scarf and hat person!

Love and hugs to everyone,

Amanda x

[Tandy 4]

👍🏼 a Well done us eh ladies?! 

Im home now, tired and cold, but it seemed to go quicker this time? Was assured that it was the same length of time but going in that hour earlier was better. I was out of chair about 3 and home by half past. Going to dry off my hair a bit before jammies on, cuppa tea, hot water bottle and something in oven for tea. Like most of yo it'll orobably kick in tomorrow and for me up to day 7/8 was worst. 

Next one ...... Last FEC on the 29th now 🙏🏼 bloods booked for 27th. 

Take cae girls, have a restful weekend xxx lots of love Tina xxx 

[Marina]

Hi everyone, I also had my second today. All got pushed back due to Christmas which was best in the end as had a stinking cold.
Home now and feeling fine, if it's going to be anything like last time it will kick in with me tomorrow.
Thinking of you all today, although I do get muddled with who's who, but enjoy reading all your comments.
Virtual hugs
Marina

[Lynne1955]

Hi

Well gone and done it.  Had all my hair cut off by my hairdresser. She then restyled my wig for me.  Was not as bad as I thought it would be. 

Hope all those having chemo are ok today.

x

[red_robin]

Thinking of you Tina and all the other ladies having round 2 today. Hoping se's are managed better this time.
Hugs brave ladies xxx

[red_robin]

Hi all. My fiancé was able to come with me in the end. Phew! Not feeling too bad so far. Anti sickness has been changed to Emend. Don't feel sick as yet. Just muzzy in the head and aching tired eyes. Oh and cold from the cold cap too. Was in at 10:15 but because of having to wait an hour for the anti sickness it delayed it all a bit. The nurse this time was better. She put it in slower and diluted the anti sickness injection a little which stopped that horrible feeling like you have been stung by stinging nettles all over. This time just affected my buttocks and chest. I told her she can nabb me again! I have a very sore arm around the picc line area where the film dressing was. It's blistered my skin in several places around the edge and the rest is dry. They have changed those to iv3000 and seem a lot better with them. Apparently they used to use them all the time but then changed to a cheaper option. Now to have them they have to get a prescription for it for you. The cost of making spending cuts is patients with sore arms! Apparently it happens a lot the reaction to the cheaper ones.

[Tandy 4]

Good luck everyone..... That's me in chair, canula hurts like a bitch! Gone in side of hand this time! Ouch 😰

Cold cap on...... ❄️❄️ Brrrrr..... Feeling tired xxx Tina

[Nadz]

Hope you got a lift sorted ok Red Robin. Good luck everyone xx

[red_robin]

Dreading tomorrow. Also not sure if my fiancé is able to come with me or not now. Not sure if I will be able to get myself back. The hospital is 40minutes away in good traffic. Was awful after last time from almost straight after.
Good luck tomorrow ladies. Will be thinking of you. I am in at 10am one way or another. Xx

[Tandy 4]

Hi Amanda, my sleep pattern s crap too..... I need to get more exercise!!! 

I had my bloods done yesterday at 2.30 and my onc BN rang at lunch time today giving me all clear. They can access the results via computer system next day...... Xxxx Heeze, now I'm fretting over losing my nails!!! Eff sake...... 

[A.Faed]

Good luck to those going again tomorrow, mine FEC 2 will be next Thursday.

How quickly do they give you the results of your bloods, mine will be Tuesday, do they know while you're there or do they phone and tell you if there is a concern?

Major haircut tomorrow, the shedding is driving much and my scalp is quite itchy, too.

The third week is when my onc said to get out and do what you wanted. She did say if you go to cinema, sit at the very back. 

I have felt felt a bit of cabin fever creeping in but the supermarket hasn't been interesting enough to tempt me out, so hubby has been doing that. I've been out a bit, lots of sanitising on return, though! Mostly I have been busy on the domestic side with my eldest still here since before Christmas with my two year old grandson (who is like some kind of tornado!)

I find it easy to get to sleep, usually about 11.30 but don't sleep as long, I am waking around 5.30!

Amanda x

[suefag]

Goodwin luck for tomorrow ladies, is anyone else at Christies?

Sounds like everyone keeping busy, which is the best way I think aches and pIns are felt we have time to think. 

My eldest son, Ben  back from London to accompany me tomorrow,  son no 2 cooked lovely chicken meal, all enjoying new Will Smith film with a glass of Chablis ( I know naughty! ) but good from tom.

Sleep well brave ladies 

[Nicola47]

Hope all goes well for everyone having chemo tomorrow, thinking about you all and sending a big hug.

Nicola xx

[fredflowerpot]

had my long hair cropped today to a pixie cut  not lost any yet but i know i shall so thought i better start as i mean to go on.

[Gfnich]

Hope all goes well tomorrow ladies.  My third and final FEC is 12th, then on to T.  Been back to my normal self this week apart from my sore veins in my arm caused by the nasty red thing in the FEC.  Oncologist says it will improve once fec is finished.   Is going quite quickly really Gillianx

[Tandy 4]

Hi Claire!...... You've got a date to start Hun that's good. You same as me? FEC x 3 and T x 3? Not sure about coping, just taking a day at a time. You'll be fine too Hun. You trying the cold cap? ☺️ Strands falling often but I'm hoping it's going to slow down. 

Nadz, yes I was relieved about results. Busy busy day..... Lots in freezer though 👍🏼 chilli, chicken tikka, pork and red pepper casserole, sausage herb casserole, lasagne, chicken casserole and cottage pies! Phew!!!

I'm stuffed now! 😂😜 made myself a big vegetable stir fry, noodles and some quorn..... Probably ate too much really!!?! Drinking lots of water too. I know folk have said vitamins are a no no, but what about herbal teas? I've bought the new tetley super green tea bags with added B6 (says helps reduce tiredness and fatigue)........ Anyone tried or told not to? I've posted a new thread about painting of nails...... 

Love to all, good luck everyone for tomorrow!!!! 👍🏼😘

[Nadz]

Great news on the liver Tina! Check you out with all the food prepping! I will be doing that this weekend, as you know partner is being deployed at next cycle and my mum will fly over to look after me and since she doesn't cook we will be prepping and freezing this weekend!
Hope you get something to eat now Tina

[Cs66]

Hi Tina , I have been following this thread as I am about to start my chemo next week I hope ( well I don't really hope but want to get on with it now!) I am glad youmare doing  well. It sounds as if you are coping and getting through it. Well done so far. Good luck with the cold capping. I really hope it works for you. Lots of love Claire xxx

[Tandy 4]

Oh I thought you were e 8th Nadz...... 

Got a call from BN with all clear on liver function so going ahead tomorrow at 12 noon...... 

I've  been out and about about 5 days after first session, though tired easily. I wrap up well. Been so busy today cooking for the freezer! Last thing in oven, lasagne. Thing is I've bloody been so busy I've not had lunch! One cup tea and drinking lots of water today!...... Not good, neglected myself today.,.... But I won't starve with everything ready to throw in oven after tomorrow!!!! Xxx 

Good luck to everyone for tomorrow!! It'll be done by this time tomorrow for us 8thers! Xxxx 

[Nadz]

Thanks tvgirl and jenjen! Will help me be more prepared for the next cycle! I did go out on day 9 and 10, just to homebase and tescos, as I was being to feel more like myself. But I near fainted a few times and struggled with walking at a normal pace for any length of time.
Think I will start building up on exercise now, then with the early days once the muscle weakness goes I will try for walks around my neighbourhood.
Food prep is meticulous here,my partner laughs at how the food hygiene course he got sent on through work (he doesn't even need it for his job) is being used at home instead and what with my career in health care my hand hygiene is on par. So all good. Means date night can go ahead!
Think my oncologist was just worried as I have a history of getting bronchitis easily which is why she told me to stay in

[JenJen]

Nadz im from the Nov starters and am due my 4th cycle soon x I dont stay in low immune week but I am.careful so I go to supermarket , out to eat etc when its quieter during the day whilst people are at work or if eating out I ask for a v quiet corner . I do avoid large shopping centres etc ala traffod centre but walk around the local high street . I just regularly alcogel my hands whilst out and avoid anyone who is obviously snuffly or coughing and wash my hands when I get in . I try let others get doors and I antiseptic wipe my shopping trolly handle (extreme I know but I feel better for it) . Getting out for a 30 min walk a day is good even if its round the block or a quiet local shopping centre

[TVGirl]

My oncologist told me that the main danger is from bacteria inside us, eg from gut, and to be scrupulous about hand washing, food washing, avoid pre-washed food, avoid unpasteurised cheese. He said it was fine to go out and about as normal if I felt fine, just wash hands as soon as I get the chance and very regularly.

[Nadz]

I'm day 15 now too! So that''s good, as I really want to go and see Star wars!which is hilarious, wanting to be well enough to go see a movie, but need a date night! 😉

[Lynne1955]

Hi 

i was told its between the 7th and 14th day that our immune system is low.  I still went out to shops etc just made sure I put stuff on my hands regularly because I wa conscious I was touching doors etc.  Seem to have avoided any problems this cycle as now on day 15 and feel fine.  X

[Nadz]

How strict is everyone being in regards to not going outside during the low immune days and avoiding anyone who could be sick? I know in the early days I really wasn't fit to go out. Couldn't even go into the garden, though that was mainly due to knowing that if I did I would get upset at the weeds growing! I've been out into town for some sale shopping but struggled the whole time.
Anyone know how long our immune system is low for?
I'm trying not to risk anything but starting to go a little stir crazy. I also want to start exercising as I'm on the plus size as it is and with all this sexy bloat happening I'm feeling rather...bleugh.
Tina my next cycle is 15th! So sadly I'm not join you guys but will be monitoring to see how you guys feel xx

[Teresa1978]

Hey I'm the 8th too... Eeek that's tomorrow!!!!!

I have stopped working as was a community carer for the elderly and didn't want to be exposed to any nasty bugs they may have. I am also at uni doing a degree. Have gone back this week (just done a presentation which I was meant to do the day I got my diagnosis) have decided to go part time though, to lesson the stress
Uni have been fab and very supportive! Found out yesterday my ct results were clear huge relief. And that I will be having herceptin for a year. Starting with my 4th cycle of chemo.
My side effects were minimal compared to some of yours,the main one was a feeling of being spaced out for a few days and the tiredness. Being active I think is good for sleeping, I have 2 small boys and a dog so have a reason to be active and walking. Now I have to be mentally active too and start with my essays.

Hope all goes well for everyone today, tomorrow and next week. We must remember to take care of ourselves and listen to our bodies xxx

[TVGirl]

Tandy4, the treadmill is a great idea, especially given the weather. I started on it on day 8, just for a 20 minute walk. Then I started doing week 1 of the NHS "Couch to 5k" podcast on the treadmill and it's very do-able for me. It's 8 x 1 minute light jogs spread over 30 minutes, with cool-down walks in between each jog. It takes 30 mins and the podcast talks you through it in a very encouraging way. I think that it's really helped me feel fitter faster.

[Lynne1955]

Hi Tina

i found I was not sleeping as well.  This week though I have been doing about 3-4 hours work at home.  And guess what I can sleep at night.  I definately think not using your brain makes you less tired.  I am lucky though because I work for our own business so I can choose whethervto work on a project or not.  And for how long.

my next FEC is 13th (second) not looking forward to the foggy days that follow.

best wishes

Lynne

[Tandy 4]

Hi Nadz!...... Aw hope you're feeling bit better today!? I forgot you're on the same dates too, though I'm hoping mines not going to change! I'll find out this afternoon. You, me, red robin, Tvgirl, suefag on the 8th.... Anyone else? Sure I've missed someone out?..... 

The saliva pastilles I got from pharmacy at boots are sugar free, I've got apt at dentist in couple weeks so il ask about toothpaste. I also started a heavy period on weekend, my BN says it'll probably be my last one and they may/may not return, but that's fine as I'm 49. 

Missing work so much, affecting my sleeping too I think. Not being active enough, bed early usually (on own in house and think just as well go bed to watch telly, especially when I get chilly!) but then still awake after midnight! Really need to get my butt shifted and do something!? Don't like walking on my own, did think about going to the gym, even if it's just walking on treadmill!?..... Money again though...... Maybe I can get a GP referral? 

Weather is awful here today! Planning a cooking day to replenish the freezer. 

Love to all xxxx Tina 

[Nadz]

Morning ladies, sorry I haven't been on in a while, been a rather rough few days, emotionally that is and nausea came back in waves. Good luck to everyone going through their next cycle tomorrow. Mine is next Friday.
In regards to people working or not, I was told by my oncologist to stop work as I work in the health sector and the risk would be too great.
The lady garden is definitely loosing it's greenery, I'm day 15 and noticed it day 13. I had waxed before chemo and nothing has grown back!
I've broken out in spots everywhere, and super heavy period arrived too. Saw that someone is taking a drug to improve chances of fertility after? We were literally about to start a family when this all kicked off but I wasnt offered this drug?but maybe it's due to my cancer being hormone sensitive?
If you are suffering from dry mouth you can speak to your gp who should be able to prescribe you some false saliva spray's. The pastilles are good as long as they are sugar free. I would also suggest asking your dentist to prescribe duraphat toothpaste to help against future tooth decay, which the risk off will increase due to our dry mouths and snacking on what we feel like eating.
Hope you all have a lovely day.

[TVGirl]

Hi Tandy4, yes my 2nd dose of AC is on Friday 8/1. I need 4 doses so I will then be halfway through the chemo and cold cap, which is some comfort at least. Still got all my hair but I'm getting my wig cut today so it's ready when I need it. Good luck for the rest of your treatment.

[suefag]

Morning Red Robin and Ladies

Just getting ready for work, I work as a Practice Manager in an Accountants. Although not too physical, can be very stressful mentally, and has been for the past six months.  During whilst time I project managed a big office refurb/move, and at the same time learnt of my partners diognosis (oesphageal cancer) certainly didnt help the stress levels!!    I've worked for the company for over 20 year's so, very supportive for anytime off, but Ive only had a week off in over 20 years, and do feel guilty when off work!!    No 2 chemo, tomorrow and my lovely son Ben on his way from London to sit with me, bless him!    Dreading the cold cap!!! But my fine horrible hair is still here, so maybe, best continue. Got some neuroffen tabs to take before.  Wolf (my partner) by the way has just been completed  hisvery heavy six month chemo treatment,  and been offered a Trial to commence in 28 days. Won't cure but please god, hold back!

Really helps to read your comments, and combined support will get us through. If I've learnt one thing with Wolf, then that is, that a good positive mental attitude gets you,  your familly and friends through this difficult journey!

God bless, good luck to all xxxxxSue 

[red_robin]

I forgot about the cold feeling in head but getting that too. So much different advice out there as if to work or not. Seeing as we are both in schools you would have thought it would be the same. I am a class based ta now, doing gine motor, phonics and speech and language interventions. In my last 2 schools I worked as a 1:1 with Autisic children. Actually thinking about it with how much hard work they can sometimes be maybe that's why you need to be off. Not sure I could cope working with them now as it was such high energy work shall we say. I'm sure you know what I mean.
You are not alone in looking tired either. Good place to come if you can't sleep. Better get ready for work
xx