February 2016 starters

[Warcol]

Love it Sue, how u keeping? Are your side effects any better? Xx

[Kayak Jan]

Welcome back Sue!
😀👍
Jan x

[Emmajane]

Hilarious 😆😂

[Daisy63]

[Emmajane]

Oh no... Hope it went ahead and you're home now resting xxx

[em32]

Finally got some sleep then the chemo unit ring me up to see if I can go in for repeat bloods before they'll go a head with today's chemo! Another long afternoon at the unit!

[Emmajane]

Cal is that the T chemo!? I have aches a bit but worst SE is my mouth! Full of ulcers and I have lovely oral thrush... Lol eating was the one thing that got me through Fec! Now I can't do that 🙈😆2 more after this hopefully then that's it... The Fec didn't shrink my lump hoping the T does. Love to u all and hope u get some needed sleep... XXXX

[em32]

I know and nothing happens on facebook at night lol. I finished my book and went down stairs and caught up with the soaps! X

[Sal]

Me too I'm literally wide awake! Yep steroids! My appointment at 3 tomorrow. If I look on fCe book one more time or buy anything else from Amazon I may combust...... Xxxxx a lay in much needed! Xxxx

[em32]

Driving me nuts sal. So tired at least my appointments not till after lunch so can catch up a bit this morning!

[Sal]

I can't sleep either Emma
Wide awake!!!

[em32]

Hi all. Sounds like everyone's having a rubbish time of it all with Se. Congrats to those who have finished I've got two more t to go next one tomorrow can't wait for it all to be over dreading the sender after last time small price to pay but really doesn't feel like it at the time! And I've not slept a wink despite being exausted bloody steroids grrrrrrr. Well best of luck ladies and stay strong we can do this xx

[Cag61]

Hi all, 

well legs, feet and back just starting to ache, first injection tonight. Glad to be off the steroids...hate having a bright red face!!!!!! Yep, food tastes horrible, still loving jelly babies and dolly mixtures. Lumpectomy for me on 15th June followed by radiotherapy a month later.

Jan you poor thing sounds like you are really suffering.....but no more once this one wears off. 

Hope everyone else is ok, take care xxx

[Emmajane]

Well done Jan! I'm now battling with horrible oral thrush... Mouth and throat incredibly sore but I will improve and only 2 chemo sessions left!!!! Love to all xxxxxx👌🏽

[Happyboobs2]

Hi Sue

I am pleased your OH has taken time off to help you although I realise that isn't always easy to do what with work commitments etc.

I was the same as you and after several chemos my legs were absolutely ridiculous! The just wouldn't hold me up. 

The side effects are awful, my BCN used the words 'Harrowing' for chemo and she was correct.

Please try to be kind to yourself as best you can and rest as much as you can, you have been through a lot 

and us oldies(I think we are the same age) just aren't as sprightly as we would like to be !

Thinking of you and all us 'girls'

xx

ps I also have had a good laugh at your jokes/cartoon thingys.👍

[Kayak Jan]

Morning ladies.
This last one has hit like a double-decker bus!! Spent the majority of the day in bed, probably the worst day all the way through. I find walking even the shortest distance makes me exhausted and breathless. Strangely though I and physically and mentally exhausted (can concentrate on the simplest tasks) emotionally I am better and more positive than I have been for a long time 😀 . The rollercoaster that is BC.
I KNOW how hard this challenge is but we can all do it. Sue you would not have got this far if you really were a weak person. You are riding the bottom of that rollercoaster at the moment let us all help pull you up just as you have others with your witty comments and jokes. We are all here for each other when we are needed. I know I would have struggled at lot more mentally through this ordeal without all the advice and support. THANK YOU LADIES 😀 .
How are you Carol?
As many of us are coming to the end of this part of the challenge what next?
I have 15 sessions of radiotherapy next starting with Ct marking scan on Wednesday. I have joined the June radiotherapy group but will keep in touch with you all to see how it is going.
Sending hugs
Jan x

[Emmajane]

Sue you are anything BUT weak!!!!!! T hits hard. I'm on day 6 n aching and throat and mouth killing. Just think... Only one left so next time those horrid symptoms will be for that last time!!!!!! Massive hugs and never ever call yourself weak. Chemo hits like a train. XXXX 💗

[LMB212]

Well done Carol your done. Lou x

[Kim555pink]

Well done Carol too!! 🎉🎉🎉

[Cag61]

Hi all, 

Well that is my last one over and done with...wow just in a state of shock. Very emotional saying goodbye to staff and patients I have met every 3 weeks. My taste is already beginning to go already...I love dolly mixtures and sticky lollies at the moment. Jan, well done so proud that you have got through this. 

Im trying to remember everyone's names.....Sue you are strong, please don't beat yourself up over it. Listen to your body and if you need to rest you must do it. Our bodies have taken a real bashing and we need time to recover. 

Take care all of you, rest and eat what you want,

Big hugs Carol Xxx

[Kim555pink]

Well done Jan!! 🎉🎉🎉 It's a great feeling to be finished isn't it! I hope your side effects are kind to you - good luck!
Kim (Jan starter) xxx

[LMB212]

Well done Jan bet that is a relief. You did it. I have round 2 tomorrow assuming my bloods ok. Hope you get some sleep. Lou x

[Kayak Jan]

Whoopee I have finished chemo!
It was touch and go though. My blood count was really low neut at 0.9 I then had to have another blood test. Dr would only authorise treatment if count was up to at least 1,15 . Thankfully it was up enough so cycle 6 completed.
Very very tired but pretty hyper from steroids.
Carol hope all went well with your last one today.
Hope everyone is doing ok.
Jan x

[Tulily]

Sue,I totally agree with Sal and Colista, u do seem to do a lot! T has hit me hard too, my second dose has been lowered as had to spend time in hospital after first T. I know u still have a lot to get through but there's light at the end of this tunnel, stay strong, rest more and more jokes please!

[Warcol]

Age counts towards it that was supposed to say....blooming predictive text

[Warcol]

Sue
You are not weak! As Sal has said it affects people in different ways and she does count towards that! I wish I could heal as quick as my 5 year old when she bangs her knee but alas the bruise on my leg from hitting the end of my bed is still there 6 weeks after doing it!
The chemo we have inside us is curing is in one way but destroying all our good cells so u r entitled to feel
Tired, yukky etc and it's how your body is reacting to the crappy meds! Just keep saying the mantra 'short term pain, long term gain'!
In 6 months u will look back and whilst still have ups and downs be thru the worst
We all have our down days and that's just it is and were here to bring u back up, listen and support!
Stay strong and keep that chin held high (which incidentally I'm struggling with as due to the steroids I currently have about 7 of them 😂😘) xxx Colista xx

[Daisy63]

Hi sal , I got 1 left, I have been resting this time as I can't do anything. The oh has had to take time of work now as this T is murder. 

Sue x X X X 

[Sal]

Hi Sue

Your not weak! I think some people just get worse SE than others. I think you maybe do too much and dont allow yourself to rest. Sounds ike you look after your OH and grandkids and do lots of looking after everyone else. You are a lttle older which will also be harder I would imagine (hope its ok to say that). Imust say when I have mine on Friday I wont eat for a week. Everything is vile (i make up for it later though!!) my toe nails are a little dodgy (not from wearing stillettos I would like to add). 

How many you got left Sue? I think you will be near the end? then you can start to repair from the chemo and hopefully start to feel stronger again. It wont be long and then when your stronger you can go out and do all the things you havent been able too. Your bodys tired and its just telling you to stop for a while! big hugs and please dont beat yourself up over it your nearly at the end of this difficult rubbishness!!!! lots of love sal xxxx 

[Daisy63]

Hi ladies, am I the only one with bad side effects from T! Toe nails lifting, sickness, can't eat, diorea, weak legs. Pains. Can't swollow yet again. Don't want to eat as food makes me heave. I am so fed up with it all. I just don't know what to do with myself can't even go out as I don't feel strong enough. Just want to cry and cry. I see some of you can get on with your daily lives, why can't I. 

I am I a weak person. 

Sue

x

[Cag61]

Hi Jan, 

the tiredness really hit me this cycle, good luck for tomorrow...last one, last lot of side effects. 

Anyone else having treatment big hugs to you all. I am wide awake with the steroids, just downloaded Rod Stewart's autobiography so will start reading that. 

Carol Xxx

[Kayak Jan]

Morning ladies
Blood tests at GPs at 8.40. Last one tomorrow afternoon! The end of this challenge is insight 😀 .

Sorry I have been so quiet lately I have struggled with this last one. Here's hoping for minimal SEs.

Good luck Carol I know we are both together tomorrow.
Good luck to everyone having treatment this week.
Onwards ladies we are all nearly there 👍
Sending hugs
Jan x

[Emmajane]

Anna u are entitled to a phased return to work! Talk to HR or your line manager. What do u do?? Don't worry, ease yourself in your body has been to hell and back through chemo, you need to build back up your strength! Have u had your op? I'm a teacher and deputy head, was acting head too for a while so pretty clued up on HR etc. Don't worry or struggle, seek help and advice. Xxx 💗

[Emmajane]

Hey! Hope we are all getting on ok? Had my first T today only 2 chemo left woohoo!! And had herceptin yest... This cancer can do one! Had a great appointment with surgeon and I'm gonna go for reconstruction straight at the same time as mx. Feeling positive. Hope the SE are not too bad but I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel xxx 💪🏼👏💗

[Anna20]

Hi I had my 5th chemo for BC on 26/4 side effects kicked in straight away whereas previously I had 2 normal days after chemo before they kicked in no 5 was much worse I've got my last one 17/5 then radiotherapy a month later
Worried about going back to work been off since January x

[Angela2016]

Hi ladies, close to the finish line now. Had 5th FEC 10 days ago and like you Jan, still exhausted. Mind is willing, body says no!  Ideal opportunity for excuse to lie in the sun/ shade  following dire warnings from BCN 're photosensitivity and 3rd degree burns! Last FEC 24thMay then rads should start 6th June, not been for planning yet.

mentally buoyed up as the end is in site but apprehensive now about phased return to work, worried about falling asleep at my desk. I was full of good intentions at the beginning to do several " keep in touch" days - have managed 2 hours up to now , lol. I'm 60 in December ( party-time!) Have decided to take pension and reduce hours, something like this happens to you and suddenly you 're-evaluate everything you took for granted.

I've managed to cold cap all the way through and still have a good enough head of hair to assemble into a kind of messy updo- my new look and thank God for root touch up for the roots. Has anyone else tried the wunderbrow brush? I think it could be quite good one I get the hang of it, so far it looks like I've got 2 slugs crawling across my face! Never thought I'd miss my eyebrows so much. 

Keep going ladies, - no one understands what we're going through more than those actually going through it x

[Sal]

I know steroids are a nightmare from hell land! I'll ( hopefully) be taking my last batch next week!!!) hope you get that washing done and then maybe a snooze!! Life will return to normal! I'm still in bed lazy beast but need to get up! Gosh hoping to be back to work in August...... Can't imagine that either! In fact I've become so attached to ice cream I may buy a van and play awful tunes and sell it....
Keep going sue big hugs xxxxx

[Daisy63]

Hi sal sleep what's that lol these steroids are a bugger went to bed at 11-30 was up again at 4 this morning. 

Yawn yawn, got washing to do today before they wear off lol.

sue X X X 

[Sal]

Well done daisy glad you home and it's done! Yep I have my last tac next Friday!!! Xxxxx
Hope your on this evening and manage some sleep xxxxxxx

[Daisy63]

Hi all, just to let you know I had my 2 T today. They lowered my dosage as they said it was to strong, I was one of many today. Had my heciprin injection as well. Got one more to have then finished roll on June 2nd. Can't wait now. Will see how bad side effects are this time. 

Hope your all ok.

sue

x X X 

[Sal]

Thanks Lellie
Love the poster! Xxxxxx

[Lellie]

Afternoon ladies, just had a lovely lunch sitting in the sun before TH number 2 tomorrow. Trying not to think of the SE that will inevitably arrive in the next few days. On the wall of the Ladies was this wonderful poster that I felt I must share with you all! Thinking of you all xxx

[Sal]

Morning sue and Emma
Hope you both are ok today. We're getting near the end of these awful chemos!!! Hope you both have a tasty pack lunch to munch on. Keep strong love Sal xxxxxx

[Emmajane]

I've had mine examined 3 times and a mammogram xxx must be different hospitals... Can't fault the care I've had! 11.15 me but never running on time! XXXX biggy today first T and H!! 💗👏👌🏽

[Daisy63]

Thank you Emmajane it's nice to have some support, hope all goes well with you today, what time is your appointment? I am at the unit at 11-45 so got the afternoon there. I had my first herceptin last month I will be having them for a year every 3 weeks. Feeling anxious this morning. Been up since 4-30 steroids won't let me sleep :() so been keeping my dog company. Lol. I phoned my BC nurse yesterday I had a moan about not seeing the doctor about checking my lump, she said they don't check until my last chemo. Not happy she asked me if it has got any smaller or bigger,I said I don't check it. But hay ho got one more after this one then that's me done, then will see what the out come will be. 

Right hun talk to you on the other side of your T. 

Sue x X X 

[Emmajane]

Jan fab news xxxx 💪🏼💗Sue must me something they can do to ease ur symptoms... Make sure u ask... But my love ten ver the symtoms mean it's working!! 👌🏽💪🏼💗not long now... I start T and herceptin tomo xxx so 6 not 8 for me!! 👏

[Kayak Jan]

Hi all
Sorry I have not posted for a while. I have been following everyone's progress. This last round hit me hard. Really struggled emotionally and physically, so exhausted. Well last one on Tuesday so the end is in sight. 4 week break then rads start.
I will try to update when I can.
Be kind to yourselves.
Sending hugs
Jan

[Daisy63]

Posting today as I have my T tomorrow, it's been a rough 3 weeks so not looking forward to tomorrow. Steroids for breakfast and dinner. Nice flushed face for a few days. I am hoping the doc will tame down my T as I don't want to feel bad for the next 3 weeks. I feel like a vegetable. My settee has become my second bed. And now I have square eyes, to much tv. 

Hope you ladies on T have felt better then I have.

sue X X X 

[Emmajane]

Colista hang in there ur doing amazing... Cag that's awesome... Had mammogram yest and after 3 Fec hasn't shrunk much so moving onto the master blaster T Thursday! Was gonna have 4 Fec if it was shrinking well... I hope mine is reduced a lot as down for mastectomy too... Keep smiling and remember ladies chemo is nasty, it has to be to kill the horrid stuff... Your symtoms mean it's working!!!!!!! 👏💗

[em32]

Hi ladies. Well after feeling much better last Wednesday after 1st T I ended up in hospital on Thursday with a high temp for a lovely stay all weekend so missed all the lovely weather.
Hope you ladies are feeling better!
Emma x

[Warcol]

Hi Carol
Yes 4 FEC and 4 T! Hope my body can take it lol! Hate feeling poo but needs must xxx Colista xx