February 2016 starters

[Ali-B]

First normal evening since 'day 1'.  The nausea has eased considerably which has made it easier to eat and actually enjoy it (albeit it was mashed potato and broccolli). Can't do hot drinks yuk, but a sweet ice lolly went down a treat earlier.

OMFG the last few days have been f£&@ing awful with 5 more to go? I am just so relieved to feel like myself again. I do have floods of tiredness so just snooze when I need to. If I don't sleep at night it doesn't matter, I can catch some naps later.

Had a bit of a sob when the district nurse came over, she was an angel so kind. 

Nighty night,

Ali xx

[Coxleonie]

Im a red head too... For now anyway 😞

Emmajane - chin up x sounds like u have a lot on your plate to contend with. Your daughter sounds sweet... Mine definitely keep me going and can say the strangest things but help me feel grounded.
Have you worn your wig yet or just getting used to your new hair?
I put mine on and I couldn't get it to look right... I'm going to go back and ask them for 'how to wear a wig and not look like I am' lessons 😁😳😮
Eat what u fancy I say..I lost a lot of weight from worry in the beginning so need to put some on.. Hoping for a natural reconstruction so need to grow some new boobs elsewhere for them to transplant 😫

[Sal]

Mines all gone it was a Lovley red head! Going to get wig next week! Have a fave black hat that looks good. I'm just getting used to not screaming at the stranger in the mirror! Now I like stroking my head hahaga not in public though xxxxx

[Sal]

Yeah haha I seem to find the bath a good crying spot! Welcome back! I've just had a piggy chocolate brownie!!! Xxxx

[Emmajane]

Good wise I've gone healthy n got a plate up from freezer was very tempted to order out as my little girl with her daddy...

[Emmajane]

I bet it looks gorgeous it will take getting used to. R u gonna cold cap?? Gonna give it a whirl n then c how I feel. My little one said I looked like a boy 🙈And then an hour later said mummy your hair hasn't grown yet...!! They keep u grounded lol!! Today she told me she's getting used to it!!!!! Try putting a bit if wax Surat in it then tousling mine was too smart I like it a bit more casual. I actually love it now and I haven't brushed it today lol!!!!! XXXX

[Lellie]

Hi, l too had my hair cropped yesterday. Thought I wouldn't mind but got quite emotional and had a few tears once I got home! I think it looks a little better since I washed it this morning, or perhaps I am getting used to it?

in some ways I am looking forward to wearing my lovely wig - which sounds mad!! Xxx

[Emmajane]

Thanks Sal! I'm now watching voice n thinking about sine thing naughty to eat with wine!! After a good old cry n a bath I'm back in the room... Xxx

[Sal]

Oh that's pants just when you don't need it! Days are funny one up one down. Aww hope she's back soon from her dads! Well done on the hair crop!! Sending a hug xxxxx

[Emmajane]

Had a slump this afternoon!! Had had such a cool day yest, got hair cropped short n lunch after ct scan. Laughed a lot with friends n then today found myself alone as my poppet gone to her daddy who's returned from his ski trip... He marries new g friend next month!! Great!! XXXX period due too 😆

[Sal]

Breaks are the best! I've done same especially on third week as feel better. Stayed in hotels and going away for a week in March to Northumberland with partner and her kids. Staying right on the beach in a cottage to walk and looking in rock pools! It's a great focus. I agree with letting nurses etc deal with what's best. All the staff are amazing and feel very supported as it all seems confusing at times. Going for a soak In the bath! Always a winner!! Xxxx

[Coxleonie]

Love year 1, I moved in September from 2 years in year 1 phonicstastic!
I was stage 1a grade 3 I think (caught early but aggressive) but after lots of biopsies found in my lymph nodes so thing stage 2 now. This is going to sound strange but I don't really know what I have apart from Breast Cancer... When I talked my my Breast nurse about grades she told me 'u don't need to worry about that as its for us to know how to treat you' I dont even know the name or what the treatment does apart from Fech T. Someone told me not to let this become you... I am a million other things than just a Cancer patient and this helps me. I put my confidence in them and do what I'm told and am trying to find somerhing positive every day... Off to Brighton to see the sea today. We have vowed to have as many short breaks when I'm well.
Speak to me next week and I may be a wreck but right now I'm not xx
Yoga and walking is really helping ❤️
I didn't got for cold cap, not sure why x

[Sal]

Hi Ali b
I'm the same this time really feel naff and motion sickness. Feel very numb and jittery. Glad you've come out of it a bit after three days. Hello emmajane. I work in school too and so no work for six months. Hoping not to have to go into half pay!!! Hello coxleoni j think working with kids would be impossible with all the worries this cancer brings and focusing on their needs would be impossible till were all better. Mine was a grade three with - lymph node infected. Fast growing bugger but had not been there that long and had op first. I'm doing a trail so not getting all lump norm de removed so hoping chemo does the trick. . The tac chemo was decided as extra precaution but it is certainly Giving me a good frying! I think drawing and writing is a great way to keep sane and love all the determination we all have. Emotionally it is so hard to manage everything , wait for results and have scans etc and loose hair. We can only come out stronger. Hope everyone else doing ok. Lots of love ❤️ Xxxx

[Emmajane]

That's so helpful!!!!!!!!! What grade are u? This post has helped me loads... I'm year 1!!!!!!!! Xxxx

[Coxleonie]

Hi Enmajane
I work in year 3 and have had to leave. Advice from the docs was too big a risk from infection, I popped in on Thursday to see them and tbh realised what a lurgy city it is 😁
I started chemo 2 1/2 weeks ago for 6 cycles then have op. I was a mess when I first found out and work kept me going but once I had seen the oncologist I felt relieved that they seemed to know what they were doing and I feel I have handed over myself to them which is reassuring.
I am using my diary to write practicalities but also as a chance to write the positives of the day and sketch an image from each day... It's very therapeutic. Ive always wanted to write a book so maybe I will.. I have plenty of time... Although it's amazing how many coffee shops/ tea rooms u can visit... It's a full time job!
Ali-B sorry to hear of your sickness nightmare sounds horrid!!! Hope it's going now and you are feeling better ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Daisy63]

Good to hear your not to bad x x x

[Ali-B]

Hello Ladies, back from 3 days of nauseous and sick nightmare. Feeling more normal today. I had a lot of 'motion sickness' so had to avoid tech and used an eye mask to just block out distractions. Really tired so back to sleep will ping again in a few days

Ali xxx

[Daisy63]

Same as me. Think had been there for a good year. If it was not for me resting my big boobs on the dinning table one day don't think I would have found it lol lol x x

[Emmajane]

That's what worries me... How long it's been there. I'm 40 I found the lump but I'm wondering if it was there before n I hadn't noticed it... 💩

[Emmajane]

Mine is at least grade 2 n I'm nodes! Had CT yest n further biopsies they've says most likely chemo first. XXXX thanks for relplying xxxxx

[Daisy63]

Been there done that, don't know if you can look over my old threads but if you can take a look. 😥 I was murder. Lol it's not as bad as we think our minds work over time. I have grade 3 and lynth node I have to have 6 chemo then an operation then more chemo. I found out after a 2 week wait that it had not spread 👍 I was very worried as breast cancer runs in my family I have lost 3 now. The youngest being my 49 year old sister 4 years ago but she didn't know she had it it was in her for 4 years. So you can imagine what went through my head. It's no good saying don't worry cos we can help it. I drove my family nuts at the time. So keep your chin up girl your be fine. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💋

[Emmajane]

This forum is keeping me sane right now!! That and the book I've started to write... Well I say book at the mo it's just my random thoughts and experiences. 🙊Didn't sleep well staying with a friend n her family for weekend n our kids all up at 6 lol!! I kept waking worrying bout stuff xxx

[Daisy63]

Your not crashing our thread silly its every bodies thread. The girls on here can help you a lot. As for me I just put random bits lol lol. Hope they don't think I am nuts 😀😀😀😀 ask away girl they will help you.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Emmajane]

How was it???? Due to start in next couple of weeks. Xxxxxx you're on the road to recovery love

[Emmajane]

Are you trying the cold cap? Are you working? I'm starting chemo on next couple of weeks I think then the op after! That surprised me... Still waiting on scan n second round of biopsy results. I teach year 1 and after reading stuff realise I'm open to infection. I can get 6 months full pay but hoped to with to keep me sane... I thought about just doing my management duties as I'm deputy head but you're still within that environment... Soooooo confused! I guess until I've seen the consultant I want really kniw. Ps hope u don't mind me crashing your thread ladies!! Xxxxxxx 💕😀

[Daisy63]

Morning, I have got my second one on the 10th March not looking forward to it sal. I am just feeling good at the moment. X X X

[Sal]

Morning daisy
Yeah I bet all those early mornings stay with you. Sounds like you are a trouper! Food sounds good and your granddaughters 16th. Had second chemo and felt rough as a badgers all night think sleep today. Hope docs goes ok and throat gets better. We certainlyy are champions. Xxxxxxxx

[Daisy63]

Morning ladies, up early as perusal 🤓 I was a cleaner for 30 years and been retired for 6 still can't lay in. Looking forward to next week, my daughter booked a table at Southend-on-sea pavilion I am going for a 3 course meal and the jersey boys are playing. That's Thursday. Friday I have the ENT Doctor got something wrong with me right lug hole not cancer related 😊.

the Saturday my granddaughter will be sweet 16 NOT! Lol lol lol we are all off for a Chinese yum yum. 

Still got sore throat and cough 😡 But other then that I am not to bad. 

I thought of a song that's right down our street ( we are the champions) 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Hope you all had a good night sleep.

x X X X 

[Coxleonie]

Thanks Sarah
Day 17 and hair still gripping on and like you I have very thick hair but its malting everywhere! The wig is on standby as is the scarves. It makes me laugh when my friends ask if I'm wearing a wig and it's still my real
Hair!
I popped into a coffee morning at the hospital today (I have far too much time on my hands 😩) it was surprisingly good and met some lovely people with tips. Although one of the woman said her wig for caught on a twig and came straight off 😩😁
I ended up meeting my friend who said she felt well but by the end of it had a sore throat and rash on her face 😮😮😁 fingers crossed I dodged her lurgy!

Daisy ... Hope u are feeling better... Temp ok I think... I was told to ring if went under 36 or over 37.5.

AunttLady - glad you are feeling well. The diary has really helped me too. I add all the nice things I've done also that day. It's helpful to look back on when trying to plan things in your next cycle xxx

[Auntylady]

I'm taking my temp regularly as advised by other survivors. I've kept a little diary of what I've taken and when. It's helping loads!

I went out for lunch today. No nausea, and not too tired. I must be lucky as I was expecting to be knocked out for a few days. I hope the second d round isn't worse as I do t think my husband will believe me if I'm actually poorly!!

Xx

[Daisy63]

Temp 36.8 lol

[Coxleonie]

I was told to take me temperature before taking paracetamol or ibuprofen. If u are feeling unwell and you temperature is high I would ring your nurse / contact at the hospital. X

[Daisy63]

Evening all, I think I am getting a cold can I take ibuprofen? Answers on a post card please 😇😇😇😇☺️☺️

[em32]

First chemo ✔ feel a bit fuzzy and wobbly but doing alright! One down five to go!

[SLou296]

Hi Coxleonie  Good news about the wig, I quite like mine too at the moment my hair hasn't departed sufficiently to need to wear it, funny but I've always cursed my annoyingly thick hair - I'm now counting it as a blessing lol.  Like you I'm hoping that it will stop me feeling concious when it does go - not embarrased by the fact but I just don't want to look like a 'cancer patient'.  It will be the quickest hair growth in history though - I had my hair cut really short before the chemo started and the wig is a bob!

I'm continuing to work throughout my treatment when I feel ok (which so far has been pretty much all the time) but I will only be in the office during week 3, the rest of the time from home the guys I work with are so supportive and are really looking after me, bless them.

I had a cannula for the first and it was fine, there has been no talk of anything else, I'm on FEC-T + Herceptin but when the Herceptin starts that will be given subcuatenously so I don't think there will be an need for anything else (Hopefully).  

Probably a bit late now but I would just check with your GP, if she has been taking antibiotics and has had it for a full week, it could be that she is now not contagious. xx

I too struggled with the water inititally but have now found if I keep a 500ml bottle or a glass with me all the time, I do keep drinking and have managed to continue drinking at least 2L every day.

Sarah xx

[Cag61]

Hi all, 

sorry to those of you who have been sick...ugh. I am given Emend for 3 days. The hospital gave me without asking but I know they're expensive so just ask. I also felt sick still but rang unit and they told me to try another tablet which they'd sent me home with can't remember name, so I take three in all. The tablets make me sleepy so in bed till midday. Went to wig shop with hubby and B.F came away with shorter style to get me used to it, also got a lovely soft hat to wear to take dog for a walk. Feel a bit better about hair loss and more prepared. I did cold cap but it is really thinning and parting getting wider.!!!!   

Sorry not replying individually but tired tonight, keep going ladies, proud of you all...this is tough but we are strong. 

Big Hugs Carol 💐Xxxx

[Sal]

Hey ladies!
I'm on the steroids agin for chemo tomorrow. I'm on my third tea... Can't wait for supper! Hippos unite!!!!! Xxxx

[Coxleonie]

Oh no! Mine are growing half way down my face! They say don't pluck them so I need them to fall out! I found after feeling gripey straight after the treatment that the steroids made me really hungry... I could think of nothing else!!

[Daisy63]

Hi girlfriends, I know this may sound strange but I have read that chemo takes away your appetite away, well believe it or not I am eating like a hippo, I just can't stop eating at this rate I am going to look like that mauve girl in willy wonker  😂😂😂😂 I am fat now so god help after all my treatment. There's only one saving in grace when they take me toot off at least I would have lost half a stone. 😜😜😜😜😜😜

for all you girls who had had you chemo in the past couple of days hope your not feeling to bad. 

Oh yes this will make you laugh, my eye brows where looking shaggy with gray bits, so I got the scissors out thought yes I will give them a trim. Well bugger me I didn't have me glasses on and thought yes I cut the nice. Wait for it! I cut the bloody things right off 🤓 What a wally. 

Confusha say don't let Sue loose with scissors while not wearing her bins lol lol 

[Coxleonie]

Evening

Hope everyone is feeling well and the anti-sickness tablets are working. I struggled to drink enough water and certainly knew when I hadn't as headaches/ constipation 😳 set in.

Slou296 yes I'm a Wednesday girl too! Going away his weekend to chill/ treat myself before. Are you still at work?
I went to the hospital today and bought myself 2 wigs!! They were amazing cost £250 retail but I paid £80 (think it's free on NHS but because my chemo is private I don't qualify) even so very cheap! I have auburn hair and didn't think it would be realistic... When she put it on I cried!!! It's fab! I feel that losing my hair is so public and this will help me to not feel conscious... Hopefully x

Do you all have picc lines in? I had to have a cannula in my hand and am not scheduled for a porthacap (in neck) til cycle 4 😁

Also advice please... I have a friend visiting tomorrow who has travelled down to see me. She has had a viral throat infection for a week... I'm day 17, do I risk it?

[em32]

Thanks everyone. I had a picc line put in yesterday, hair cut short Tuesday all in preperation. Now going to drink plenty of water xx

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Em

Good luck for tomorrow.

The ladies advice about water really will make a difference. Most of us experience a really bad hangover, without any of the partying! I found it really made a difference, try to drink about 2ltrs day before, day of and day after. In terms of the sickness and nausea, if you get it, it really helps to make sure you take the medication you are given regularly. I made the mistake of waiting till I felt sick before taking anything. I have been much better today, day 2 of my second cycle, taking tablets regularly.

If you are having a cannula try to keep your hand warm I wear a thermal glove, it makes it easier to find a vein.

Try to rest as much as you need for the first few days and look after yourself.

Sending hugs

Jan

[Lellie]

Hi Em, the waiting and worrying is definitely the worst. Keep really hydrated as it does help with the headaches and also keeping your kidneys in tip top condition to filter all those drugs!

Soon be one done. Xxx

[Sal]

Hi em
Good look. Drink lots water tonight. You'll be ok keep strong were all here to help.
Daisy your a sweetie! Xxxxx

[Daisy63]

Hi em32 I had my first one last Thursday. Was unwell for about 4 days tired, felt sick but tablets stopped it. Very tired. You will be fine I was so scared the first time. Got my other one in about 2,weeks.

the ladies are good on here they will be able to help you more then me as half the time I don't understand what's happening. 

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[em32]

Hi ladies. First chemo tomorrow 😯.

[Lellie]

Dear All, I do hope everyone is feeling a little better this evening?

Being/feeling sick is the very WORST thing!

I was lucky and didn't feel too bad with my first session but it sounds as if it might be worse on the next one? That's a bit worrying.

Went to the 'wig lady' at the hospital today and have a beautiful wig, looks nicer than my own hair (!) which is due a cut and colour. Going to the hairdresser tomorrow to have a short/pixie cut so it won't be quite such a shock or nuisance as it comes out.

i suppose we must all hold on to the thought that this is a means to an end and we WILL get through this. Knowing that we are not alone does help.

Stay strong xxx

[Kim555pink]

Ali, I had 3 different types if antisickness tablets plus a 4th if they didn't work (fortunately I was fine, so didn't need the 4th one) Are you on Emend? It's quite expensive and not everyone is given it to start off with 😕 Definitely get in touch with the helpline as they should be able to give you something else if not this time, then for next time. Hope you start to feel better soon - you should in the next couple of days anyway xxx

[JenJen]

Ali if you ring unit and say anti sickness arent working you may get them changed to diff ones for next time x

[Sal]

I know it's sooo pants it will pass in a few days. Are you having your anti sickness tablets three times a day? Can't even have a bevy to help eh! I promise it goes away. They will maybe change your anti sickness next time so there better for you so tell them. Go to sleep it's the only way! It's a bastard eh! God we go through done **bleep** with this don't we. Keep going Ali! Xxxx