'June Jewels' - Precious and shining through :)

[Gussie_WW]

FEC-T cycle 1, day 6.
*Not a post to read while eating, sorry*
rough start to the day - I only took 1x domperidone yesterday & did very well, so as per nurse's instructions did without this morning - and had a horrible dizzy gastric incident halfway thru breakfast. BUT Breakfast stayed put, had a nap, got myself up and washed, kept down a domperidone and I've just had a croissant. TBH I reckon my monster peri menopausal period is also partly to blame. I usually take various pain killers to get through the flooding phase and those are vorboten right now. So now I'm languishing in front of the box with grazia. my pals are due round any minute to take the dog out & to mop my brow. sheesh that was rough!

[Flip_flop]

Morning Sparklies,
Woken up expecting brilliant sunshine and warmth, but its still cloudy and very windy. Think the sun is trying to get through so may come out after lunch, mind you I'm not that bothered as last time it was sunny I couldn't stand to sit out.
Vicki -hope you have some relief later. Dulcolax worked for me.
Fiona - yes I enjoyed my anniversay thanks. Was tired by about 8pm though so just crashed out on the settee. Good luck with the head shave later. I honestly didn't find it as bad as I thought. The worst bit was the few hours before waiting for my friend to arrive, but once she started I was ok. Just remeber that this old hair represents cancer and treatment, and it needs to come off to make way for the new cancer free hair and life you will have after treatment. Let us know how you get on.
Chelle - shame about the I phone. You're like my husband, he's addicted to his, and is after an IPad. I'm happy as long as I can text on a phone, and then use my laptop for everything else.
Vicki - any date for your ultrasound yet?
Right Jewels I think I may get my arse into gear and do some washing and tidying.
Hope you all have a good day and se are kept at bay.
Faye

[Melrose15]

Chelle All bran golden crunch sound nice might have to try those. You must have a cast iron bowel if none of those moved you Good luck with the iphone! I'd definately go for the symapthy vote. 😉

[Melrose15]

Morning Jewels.
Vicki loving you swinging your arms! Mandra seems to have Chelle's hairy back, or is that only on my iPad?
Re PooGate. I took ducolax one night Vicki and it started to work suddenly mid afternoon so don't stray too far from a loo! Also as Chelle say suppositories are good and you can get those at supermarkets, but I'd wait and see what turns up first before you overload yourself. I've now gone the other way after my 2nd bm injection. 😞
Cress if your mouth is furry it could be thrush so keep an eye on it. If you can get some Manuka Honey I'd recommend it. My mouth has really cleared up the last dew days and my taste buds are back, that's not to say they would have been better by Day 14 anyway but the honey is yum so good excuse to indulge!
Better mood today as sun is shining 🙂

[YB54321]

Heading out of quarantine and into the Apple store to try and get a replacement for my iPhone. Been sat in silica gel since weds but the screen will come on but can't even swipe to turn it on! Oh well I can't manage without a phone I feel like my arms have been cut off so got to bite the bullet!
Hair is still shedding like a wild thing and have taken to sitting with a little bag to collect the droppings as the house looks like we have an invisible moulting dog!

On the bowel gate issue - I normally eat bran crackers every day and sometimes all bran golden crunch for brekkie so don't have issues but on cycle one I'd had crackers and movicol, lactulose, sennakot, ducolax tablets and prunes and none of it worked! I felt like I was going to pop. Can't go there again as that's the worse SE I had! Hopefully as my dosage is being reduced I'm hoping to avoid the booster injections and a hospital stay next time. I wonder why some get injections 1st time and some dont? Yet another chemo mystery!
Curry was gorgeous by the way (couldn't finish it but it was lush and I could actually taste it x )

Fiona - good luck with the hair - it's actually quite liberating once you get used to it xx

Right need to get dressed (maybe should go into Apple with my baldy head and pull the sympathy card lol)

[Suffolklady]

Morning lovely Jewels
I've woken up to a very weird feeling in my mouth and a white furry tongue - eugh! Apart from that and some mild aches - which could just be old age - day 4 dawns with a hopeful feeling although I have a complete loss of appetite and cannot think of a single thing that I want to eat today.
Chelle, could you change my cycle 2 for the 17/7 next time you do a mammoth update! It's a day earlier for some reason!
Have a great day fellow cocktail-downers - may all your SEs be minimal. xxxx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Morning all

Vicki - I have a notepad and jot down my post before I type up. Otherwise, I get in an awful pickle and forget what I want to say and lose half of it anyway. Ask my family and they'd tell you I've got OCD anyway with notepads and lists.
Re the sun, yes we are sun- sensitive and I was told sunblock and hat - I bought a huge big floppy one - yet another pleasure denied to us.

Marion - my hairdresser is standing by to trim my wig fringe if needed.
Re the conflicting advice about nails, and other things, I do find it a bit worrying.

Chelle - how was the curry? I had some pizza and salad last night - gone off tomatoes and olives, yuk.

Gus - me too re the scar twinges since starting chemo. Are they coming out in sympathy, just another thing for us to put up with?

Sandra - managed substantial bowl of All Bran with sultanas and cranberries this morning, hope that might work! (It did last cycle).

Lins - my veins holding up too, so far no problems. Hope you enjoyed whatever you had to eat last night.

Faye - hope you enjoyed your anniversary yesterday and had a nice meal?

Breakfast done, popped all the pills for now. Still nauseous, but not as bad as last cycle. Sleeping is pretty poor, although got a few hours last night compared to about half an hour the night before. (Cycle 2, day 4). Might listen to The Archers omnibus on the radio and then think about getting up. Hair coming off later today - wish me luck.

Have relaxing Sunday everyone,

Fiona
xx

[YB54321]

• LinsLleisio - Lins 2/7 (cycle 2)
• BeckyJoan - Becky 2/7 (cycle 2)
• jayney234 - 2/7 (cycle 2)
• ChelleB15 - Chelle 3/7 (cycle 2)
• Marionblue - 4/7 (cycle 3)
• Spurs79 - Claire 4/7 (cycle 2)
• TaylorJ - 4/7 (cycle 2)
• ethel1 - Elizabeth 8/7 (cycle 2)
• Esther_1986 - Est 8/7 (cycle 2)
• Meggy-moo - Agnes 10/7 (cycle 2)
• MarthasSOS - Martha 10/7 (cycle 3)
• pat_1949 - Pat 11/7 (cycle 2)
• Melrose15 - Emma 11/7 (cycle 2)
• Deedee215 - Deedee 11/7 (cycle 2)
• Flip Flop - Faye 11/7 (cycle 2)
• March13 - Ann 11/7 (cycle 3)
• LaineyK - Lainey 12/7 (cycle 2)
• Linsey 50 - 12/7 (cycle 2)
• Trish1303 - Trish 12/6 (cycle 2)
• ambercatz - Jan - 12/7 (cycle 2)
• PeachyPal - Emma 13/7 (cycle 2)
• jmeg - Jill 15/7 (cycle 2)
• Cassie1 - Jayne 15/7 (cycle 3)
• NicJ - NicJ 15/7 (cycle 3)
• Maxie - Sandra 16/7 (cycle 2)
• pointy - Debs 16/7 (cycle 2)
• flippantfox - 16/7 (cycle 3)
• Artemis17 - Vicki 17/7 (cycle 2)
• Suffolklady - Cress 17/7 (cycle 2)
• Gussie-WW - Gus 17/7 (cycle 2)
• cazzer1970 - 17/7 (cycle 2)
• Fimbo 123 - Joan 17/7 (cycle 3)
• titus4t - 17/7 (cycle 3)
• Jackiebee - Jackie 18/7 cycle 2)
• Satsuma - Fi 18/7 (cycle 2)
• Glasgow Girl - Fiona 18/7 (cycle 3)
• Janet C - Janet 19/7 (cycle 2)
• Katherine10 - Katherine 19/7 (cycle 2)

[YB54321]

Trust me I'm up for cycle 2 on Weds and I'll be taking laxatives from tomorrow to avoid another backlog!

[Maxie]

Sympathies Vicki, am stuffing bran flakes/ prunes down me as we speak!!....may be following you to chemist soon with Chelles advice!!...xx

[artemis17]

Thanks chelle, off to chemist's as soon as 10am comes round. If that's my only main side effect then I'll consider myself fortunate. Will update with progress later lol...x

[YB54321]

Vicki - nothing worked for me so ended up docs - they prescribed glycerin suppositories to soften things up and ducolax pico liquid and you can get both of them over the counter but it really worked and quickly. I didn't go for 5 days and felt terrible and you'll really need something to soften or you'll end up with piles. (Apologies for those eating breakfast!)
hope you get sorted x

[artemis17]

Morning, day 5 and bunged up!!! 😞

Those Jewels that had constipation, did you get any medical advice or did it right itself?. I've not gone since chemo and am starting to feel uncomfortable. I've eaten all the right things frpm allbran to prunes, am still pretty active, drinking lots, also took senacot last night that hasn't made any difference. Obviously being Sunday the Dr won't be open so guess it's time to ask the pharmacist once 10am arrives.

Starting the bone marrow jabs today but apparently because of the side effects(extreme tiredness) they don't do it til later this pm.

Well off for my second lot of prune juice, hope you all have a good day. Oh it's armed forces day here today so the towns all decked up and the soldiers etc are doing a march past later so will go out to see that.

Xx

[Guest user]

Just a quick *wave* to all. Hope that you've had a great day...

Sorry on the iPad so a bit of a flying visit.

Faye happy anniversary.

Chelle, thanks for doing the lists and keeping it updated. You're a star. Hope you enjoyed your curry too, I really, really fancy one now.

Thanks for all postive wig comments 🙂

I don't have a PICC line or anything... they say my viens are good, but will they still be for very long?!! Anyway that's probably the least of my worries.

Keep strong everybody... much love to all. Lins xx

[Maxie]

Evening Jewels,

As we're talking food etc Ive had turkey stir-fry washed down by a nice cool guinness!!!!...first bit of alcohol since chemo & have to say has gone down v nicely!! 🙂

Chelle enjoy your curry, ...sounds lush!!..am pleased you're feeling better about hair now, seems a lot of you are all at the same stage re hair now....great to have your parents round & Mum to sort you out!...xx


I had fringe trimmed on my wig too in prep but still think will be too long & would really irritate me so going to trim a tad more off when time comes.


Got bag of dried prunes today too, hoping they may do the trick if guinness doesn't!!....(sorry if TMI for those having dinner!)



Sandra xx

[Gussie_WW]

Chelle, my onc nurse said to avoid takeaways but TBH I would trust Mumtaz, I think she meant steer clear of the cheap fried chicken shop or dodgy chippy ...

Feeling much better after a lazy afternoon zzz with the radio then watched Mulan on Netflix and getting ready to shove moussaka in the oven - red meat, good for my blood cells, I hope. But with as many veg as I can take as I'm definitely on the edge of constipation. Been getting twinges like jackiebee. Need to break open the prune juice *sigh*

jackie & Maxie, I also get random twinges in my surgery scars. I've been assuming its some sort of referred pain.
Lovely to share greyhound / lurcher tales. Marion, mine tiptoes round puddles and has to be dragged out for walks in the rain. cress, you must miss your pup, but you've done the right thing for you both right now.

[YB54321]

Faye - Happy Anniversary x I've got my OH to drive to Mumtaz in Bradford as I love their curry. Why were you told not to have them?

Marion - I'm with you on the fringe front - that was exactly what I didn't like about mine as it just hung in my eyes so feels a lot better a bit shorter. Now that the hair has gone I can only see positives of how much quicker and easier it will be not messing with hair and also worrying all the time if it was going to come out. And it feels like I know the poison is actually clearing my body out as well now x

I am really hopeful the CC will work for some of you so don't despair - at least if it doesn't work we seem to be finding out pretty quickly so not too much suffering gone through.

Right it's Mumtaz time - yum yum yum

[Marionblue]

Fiona - I had my wiggy fringe trimmed at the hairdressers when I had my pixie cut but its driving me nuts. I thought it would be a good idea to keep it longish in case my eyebrows went but I can't stand it dangling in my eyes. I will definitly be giving it another trim before I wear it again. I have such fair eyebrows you can hardly see them anyway.

Chelle - So glad your throat is getting better. Enjoy your curry. I'm having mackeral and salad. OH said he spoiled me with a curry last weekend so I'm having healthy today. Its good you have sorted your hair out and that your mum is looking out for you. I might be old enough to be getting my pension, but I could so do with my mum being here, she was always there for me no matter what idiotic thigs I got up (and there were a few) I miss her so much.
Faye - I did find it a sort of relief when I had my head shaved. It was like a black cloud hanging over me. As you say, another thing ticked off.

My nails are still ok so that good. My nurse at the cancer centre said to use lashings of nail strenghener and varnish as its like scaffolding for my nails and should help them stay put. Isn't it odd how some of us have been given totally oposite advice?

Marion
XXX

[artemis17]

Hi all, *here i come swinging my arms above my head* 🙂
...thats been making me chuckle all day, not sure why maybe im still affected from the coctails, never could handle my drink!!.

Thanks for the advice, both re bowels, and PICC line. Popped into town and got some dates so am scoffing them, also have senocot tablets, i dont like to phone the unit as i feel a bit of a fraud as apart from that all else ok. I have a stack of ginger stuff that i thought id need but im finding its awful, much prefer sherbert lemons for the nasty tastes etc..ooo or sour skittles!!.

Happy anniversary Faye, hope you didnt have to do the cooking if having everyone over!!.

You girls clipping/shaving your heads are amazing, i dont expect i will be as calm about it if/when the cold cap fails..Not even sure who i'd ask to be honest. Really admire your courage, as although we may not have choice, you still face it with good grace.

That was a post & a half Fiona, very impressive, i end up losing most of mine then forget what i was saying if its too long. Think the few brain cells i have working at the mo are used up at work, so when i get home im easily bewildered and confused.

Cant remember who said a few days back about the PICC covers off Ebay, but i got a couple arrived today, theyre pretty nifty really and you can match the colours to your clothes, much better than tubi grip anyway. I also went to the fabric shop and got a couple bits of lycra, now just have to sew them up!!.

Seems most of us are having lazy days, i was in the garden for a bit, its very sunny here "daaan sarf" but then wasnt sure if you are meant to avoid the sun after chemo so came in...Anyway have a lovely rest of day jewels, and catch up again soon
xxxxx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Faye - good to hear you gone for the number one hairdo as well, my turn tomorrow. Like the analogy from your friend of positive thinking that it represents the cancer going.
Friend of mine said I'm third of the way through now, having visited that bar twice. These positive friends are the best, especially when it's difficult to feel positive yourself.


Fiona
xx

[Flip_flop]

Afternoon Jewels,
Well I had the big shave last night (on a No1). Not as bad as I expected, a bit of a relief really, and when my friend did start she said it was starting to come out in clumps. Won't be going out in public or anything without anything on my head, but I suppose it's another thing to tick off the list of things that we have to do, and have got through.
Got a lovely bunch of flowers delivered today from my husband for our anniversay, and having the rest of the family over for a chilli.

Chelle- hope you are feeling a bit better today about your hair. My friend who shaved my head is the one that had bc, she said look upon it as the cancer and drug hair getting removed, and when it grows back it is the new healthy hair. A curry sounds good. Are you getting a take-away? I only ask as I've been told I'm not allowed them
Trish - hope you have managed to get something from the chemist to sort you out
Fiona - glad se a bit better this cycle.
Hope all those who visited the bar last week are fairing ok (still can't get up to speed who's been when and where after my days away from the forum).
A few not posted for a while - hope they are at home chillin.
Faye xxx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Marion - thanks for the advice, will go for a number 1 and get some bio oil in, already got Simple shower gel. Just hoovering up after myself today, it's ridiculous. Me and OH pysching ourselves up to do the deed tomorrow.

Chelle - glad you gone for nunber 1 too, like Marion, and I'll do the same. Your Mum is a star soring you out with hair and wig. Think my wig might need a fringe trim, left it until hair gone to get final fit. Athough daughter suggested leaving fringe on the long side to cover up if/ when eyebrows go too.

Up and showered now, would have done so earlier but watching the tennis and cheering Laura Robson on. Calippo lolly tasting good and cooling.

Catch up later,

Fiona
xx

[YB54321]

Afternoon twinklies!

my mum such a star. She's just been over to sort my hair out (No.1) although I have 2 big completely bald patches anyway and it's still coming out in handfuls but feels better now the weight is out of it. She's also sorted the wiggy that I don't like (still not fond of it but its wearable now and will do til other on turns up) to be honest the long £20 wig I got off eBay looks better just tied back in a low ponytail. Love my mum & dad to bits they always pick me up when I feel low.

I finally seem to have an appetite now my throat is better so treating myself to a good curry from Bradford for tea.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend, I just want to get cracking with cycle 2 and be 33% through the crazy train x

[Marionblue]

Fiona - Post crossed. I know what you mean about catching up on here. Turn your back for 5 minutes and there are another 20 posts. I think Jewels may have verbal diarrhea as well as the other sort .

Couldn't face being shaved so settled for a No.1. My OH said I had some sore patches on my head so I've been washing my head with Simple moisturising Shower cream and he said they have now almost healed. I have some Bio Oil that I will use when sore patches have gone. Hope it doesn't make wiggy slide off.

Marion
XXX

[Marionblue]

Gus and Jan - Had to laugh about your dog stories. We had 2 greyhound for 13 and 14 years they were brother and sister. The boy would nag to go out for a walk but if it was raining when he put his head out of the door he would refuse to budge. He hated water and would do the splits rather than walk in a puddle. His sister was a great digger and could dig her way out of anywhere. Although her favouite trick was to start digging then stand back, give her brother a look , and he would carry on digging until her objectevtive was achieved. Why have a dog brother and dig yourself. As you say though, they were quite happy snoozing the day away. I really miss them, they were such characters.

I must say one poitive to having no hair is having a shower. I love the feel of the water runnung over my head and its dry in 10 seconds not the half an hour it used to take me. I do find my wig and scarves give me a bit of a headache though. I could never wear hats because of that so its a bit of a nuisance.

Vicki - I found lentils got everything moving for me, perhaps too much. I've had red lentil and butternut squash and Dahl with green lentils and spinach, and both times I hardly got out of the loo for 2 days. Happy to post recipe's if anyone wants them and it is allowed.

Hope everyone has an ok day. The sun is playing peekaboo here today and not very warm. At least we don't seem to be missing a brilliant summer (remember those).

Marion
XXX

[Guest user]

Hi Jewels

Just a quick post before I head i head off to Boots, feeling rather incomfortable. Any recommendations for over the counter cystitis remedies please? BCN checked sample last week at the bar as thought I had the same, but all clear, hoping something not needing a prescription will sort me out...

Thanks

Trish x

[Maxie]

Good to hear from you Fiona!..."ditto with the Emend, think would've been v sick without it and was much improved nausea wise by day 2.....hope all continues well with your nausea this time...sorry bout name confusion, you can call me what you like haha!..xx

Emma/Jan feeling a bit slumpy myself today, ....good description!..xx


Jackie, yes I had the stabbing pains too, sometimes in my WLE & ANC site too which was a bit disconcerting but think has been mentioned before on here...xx


Someone mentioned runny nose.....only just remembered think its nose hairs thinning out plus the chemo drugs attacking all the soft tissue cells in our noses....hence drippy snouts!!!( lovely!)
Also someone mentioned nail polish being removed. I believe nail polish is fine, (Cress will be pleased!;-)) but gels & acrylics should be removed because of infection risk & nail damage.


Catch you later Jewels, hope you all have some sunshine today!..xx

[Guest user]

Hi all, doing ok today - my dwarf side effects still following me round though Queasy has grown so have upped the 'back up' meds and am hoping for best.
Had to return to bed this morning for a little nap but otherwise ok. Though a couple of odd sudden stomach and back pains slightly worrying me but as they fade away again I'm not rushing off to sit with the great unwashed in A & E.
just been for a walk with dog and youngest daughter, did me good. Tired out though. Gus glad you are getting a lazy day in too- I plan no more movement today!
Cress Sandra and Nic and anyone else feeling rough, hope things pick up for you soon xxx
jackie x

[Glasgow_Girl]

Hi everyone,

i'm back in the ring SOOO much to catch up on after two days off, so apologies if I miss anyone and if there's too much rambling.

FEC-T 3 of each. FEC cycle 2, day 3

Maxie, Sandra, Mandra (I'm confused) - Emend defo helped this time. Felt rough from Thurs pm until late am on Friday (after chemo Thurs am). Stayed in bed all day yesterday. Athough I am nauseous, it's not as bad as cycle 1. Just scoffed 2 slices of toast for breakfast and had sandwich and some fruit for lunch. Enjoyed it all which I was not on day 3 last time. Once I've typed up this tome, I'll try getting up, but will only be tennis and Glastonbury for me today, sooo tired. Rubbish sleep last 2 nights, odd bits of dozing for half an hour here and there, guess it's the steroids, same as you. Last time I had 3 days of them twice a day, but this time it's once a day for 5 days, because my other meds are different, so not expecting sleep any time soon. Re the syringes, think I had about 7, including at least 3 of the E.

Chelle - thanks for updated list, you are a star. How are you now you're back home and how's the iphone? Cold cap not working for me either - so much hair is shedding and I've got 3 little bald patches.

Marion - re hair clipping, my OH also offered, but I know he'll be upset like your OH. Not sure how long I can go on as I am with it dropping off like this, thinking tomorrow could be d-day. Did you shave off completely, or go for a number 1 ? Also, do I need to get any oil or anything in to treat my scalp, do you know?

Your scarf looks very glam, what a gorgeous colour. Me too, I'll be scarves in the house and save wiggy for outside.

Joan - your new piccie is gorgeous. Same as I asked Marion, did you take your hair off completely and any oils or anything for scalp?

Don't' the OHs deserve lots of Brownie points for doing it?

Sorry you had a sicky spell - it's horrid - but getting to a coffee morning and Sports Day, well done you.

Nicj - congrats to your son on his school prizes, proud Mum.

£1,700 - what a great total - and you're a local celeb too.

Sorry you're still queen of the SEs but all of your advice and tips is so useful, thanks.

Vicki - cutting the grass!! What meds are you on? I'm having 3 days of Emend and steroids this cycle, but different dose of steroids than first cycle when I didn't have Emend. Plus in the loo department, All Bran worked for me last cycle.

Jan - I've been counting Chemo day as day 1, think most of us have.

Yes, I have that tupperware cupboard too, open the door and stuff falls out every time.

Glad you've joined in and find the forum useful.

Cress - good you're ok after first visit to the bar.

Trish - good you're coping ok and SEs manageable. My taste buds are not too bad, but fancying savoury more than sweet - barely touched chocolate or booze first cycle (not like me). I'm also completely off coffee and only had a couple of cups of tea. Sticking mainly to water, Lucozade and peppermint tea.

Dry mouth really bad this time, even worse than last, going to have an ice-lolly soon.

Fi and Jackie - first/ second cocktail over and done, well done both.

Faye - sorry you been in hospital. Take it easy at home.

Debs - sorry you feeling rough after feeling so good. It's such a rollercoaster we're on.

Jayney - well done on the head shave. I'm just plucking up the courage to do it.

TaylorJ - thanks for message about Martha, glad she's ok although she's back in hospital again.

Lins - wiggy looks great

Mel - everyone's treatment is different, the oncologist should answer all your questions, but do take a pad and pen with you and make sure you cover everything you want to know.

Hope you all having a good day,

Fiona

xx

[Melrose15]

Hi Jan. Day 9 slump! Happened to me and was very sloth like! Only just getting my energy back today, day 13. As for healthy, that went out the window as I had a maccy d wed (jealous Chelle? Although your OH's 'take the c off chips' comment keeps popping in to my head) and fish and chips last night! NicJ thanks, glad I'm 'normal' on the s/e front 🙂
Cress do you live in near Hampstead by any chance?

[Suffolklady]

Dogs! I had Great Danes for years, now I have a 5 year old lurcher who has gone to live temporarily with my ex as I live in town with no garden - not usually a problem as I'm an early riser and we have parks/heaths to walk on but what with someone running off with my 'get up and go' it's best all round.

[ambercatz]

Morning All
Vicki-My Picc was annoying me too and was sore whenever I moved my arm. The district nurse flushed it yesterday and cleaned it up and she has sort of folded it better and put 2 of those waterproof dressings on and now it feels much better. I was told no stretching-remembered this half way through reaching up to peg out the washing!
Gus-Know what you mean about Greyhounds. We have a Deerhound who is equally lazy. People think these dogs nead a lot of exercise but after always having lurcher/deerhound/greyhound type dogs I have found it's the opposite. 10 minutes charging around at 30mph, a drink then back to the sofa is the order of the day.
Felt like I'd hit the wall when I woke this morning-Day 9 FEC-T. No energy at all but otherwise no bad SE's. I dragged myself to the shower and after a cup of green tea and an egg on whoemeal toast am feeling a bit better. Going to take it easy today though and have given OH a list of things that need doing-quite amusing watching his face as he tried to look positive about it.
Looking forward to watching the Stones at Glasto tonight-have seen them twice and would love to have gone. Mick has been an idol from childhood but then again I am an old hippy.
Hope you all have a good day
Jan x

[NicJ]

Hi Emma
SE of the bone marrow injections are
diahorea. Check
feeling sick. Check
bone pain. check
headaches. Check
Red rash at injection site. Nope
high temp. Nope
So I still have somethings to look forward too?
Just for the newbies I am sure I am getting most of the minor side effects so that you don't have to!!!
Been to Ludlow Tesco to stock up on dried prunes and bizarrely sardine and tomato sandwich paste!!! Not since primary school!
now knack ered and joining many of you in front of the tele. OH disappears Sun night so need to save myself.
pHave a good weekend all

NicJ xx

[Maxie]

Morning Jewels,

Welcome to Mel, I hope you get your plan into place soon, everything so much better when you know dates/ types of chemo etc...keep posting here, you'll find great support!..xx

NicJ you sound like your getting some nasty s/e's again?....this taste thing is so strange isnt it?...Ive gone right off all my fave foods but am craving quite healthy stuff at mo ( usually have a mix of healthy with a good dollop of choc, cakes, wine etc but cant face any of them at mo!)

Ooh anyone thats interested n the Buffwear I mentioned theres a sale on them at Amazon at the mo, I got a couple for £3.99 ish, nice on own, apparantly 12 diff ways to tie them, or nice over beanie type hat.

Vicki, feeling tired just reading your excercise post....well done you!!....I need to get out walking more, sure it all helps.

Well Ive had virtually no sleep now for 2 nights ( thinking steroids) & fear 'poogate' may be imminent, took a laxative before bed, didnt work but made me feel very sick so then took anti- sick which prob counteracted the laxative....ggrrrr. Also have a few bruises & weird lumps appear cannula arm but guess thats normal. Head really itchy but apart from all that am fine really (so far!!)

Think as have now finished steroids may be a bit more tired & grumpy today, hence my new pic (with my new mug!!)..


Have a great day all of you & hope no one feeling too bad with s/e's

Sandra xx

[Gussie_WW]

Morning all. Slept well last night & still woke up knackered! But there was my dog snuffling at the bedroom door, and taking him out in fresh air did me a world of good. (Stagger 3 mins to park in crazy dog lady clothes. Sink onto bench. Chuck ball. Love watching him play. Stagger home. Well worn routine we worked out post surgery). i've got a pal to take him for proper walks though to be honest he's such a lazy greyhound x he's happy just to zzz. More like a cat than a dog most of the time.
Planning a v e r y lazy day in front of the telly. Supermarket van bringing supplies in the afternoon and that's enough excitement for me.
Am so impressed by those of you who are remembering everyone's news and names - Hoping to get to that stage soon! think I need to read the thread with a notebook by my side. 😉 but thank you all for your support and I hope everyone is doing as ok as we can this morning.
Gus x

[Melrose15]

Hi Cress. Poor you. Please take it easy. We don't want another Jewel MIA xx Jackie, fi and Fiona how are you doing after your visits?
Janet and Katherine hope all went well yesterday and you're hangovers aren't too severe xx

[Suffolklady]

Vicki, I would beg for that portacath!
Docetaxel day 3 - I think I have been run over in the night. Either that or I went on a real bender - either way, I don't seem to be able to muster up any more energy than sitting up and typing this - pity the children whose reports I write today... Jonny has done ok...... Sally has done ok.... (repeat 80 times!)
Mel, I know it all sounds so daunting and scary, but it is amazing what you will start to take in your stride and accept as being 'what will be'. You are stronger than you think - we all are - and there is so much support on this site from people who understand your fears. Every case is different though so while you will be told what MIGHT happen, you must remember that it MIGHT NOT happen - the general mantra is 'Expect the worst and hope for the best' Hope it all goes well for you - do keep us informed.
For Martha Hope you are soon out and about, you're much missed here
Well, that's enough energy expended. Time for a little nap.....

[fimbo123]

No Herceptin Vicki, just the chemo. Mine is in the crook of my arm, didn't realise it could go in higher. As I'm pre-surgery my other arm is still fine to use, but I did wonder how I would have managed if both were restricted... think you should definitely ask about a portacath.

[artemis17]

Joan re the comment above...Just picturing King Louis from the jungle book re the waving arms in the air...dont know why but thats really made me chuckle, thank you... I do feel restricted as i want to continue to exercise and my combat and zumba are both physical, and once chemo is over i will still need a line, so definately think i'll ask about something else if poss.
Thanks also Emma, im fnding the same although mine is in my bicep it pulls if i lift/stretch my arm and because of anc on the other side i do look a bit of a twat at times not being able to reach something lol ;-).

Glad it does settle down then Joan, are you having herceptin or any "extras"?.

I dont golf or fish but do want to wave my arms above my head at regular intervals 🙂 🙂

xx

[fimbo123]

Morning Vicki, just a quick reply about the picc. Mine was really sore and annoying for the first couple of weeks but by now 3 1/2 weeks) it has really settled down and I barely notice it. I would still be careful about exercising as mine tends to bleed a little because of the anti coagulants I'm taking. I was told to avoid golf and fishing (not that I do either!) because of the swinging motion possibly causing the line to pull out. I asked about Zumba and was given an unsure look and told to avoid waving my arms over my head.

Hope this helps x

[NicJ]

Love manuka honey - again on whole meal toas. , also sour cherry juice is meant to aid sleep as well as being good around fuit juice.

[Melrose15]

Hi Mel. I think Chelle and Marie have answered your concerns. When you meet your onc you will find out all you need to know. Remember though that they tell you the worse case scenario so although it'll sound awful it may not be that way. Lots of ladies try the cold cap but for some it doesn't work and its generally recommended that you cut your hair shorter before you start. As the others have said, we are all individual and what some have others don't. Take care and good luck xX
Vicki the picc is a pain I agree. Mine is quite low so when I bend my elbow it stings however it is settling down and I'm hoping by week 3 I'll be able to ignore it!
OH has been banished to the kids bedroom as he has a cold! Had a great nights sleep spread out in the king size and no snoring!! Woken with new s/e, sore drippy nose. Anyone else have this? Mouth is improving so maybe Manuka Honey is the way to go 🙂 NicJ - poo! Yep! I have diarrhoea back - do you think it's related to the bm injection? I had my 2nd yesterday?
Chelle how are you feeling? X

[artemis17]

FEC-T cycle 1day4
Morning all

Hopefully everyone's doing okay. Im not bad, still slight nausea and headache but nothing compared to some, although thinking constipation is on the peripheral so better up my all bran which I hate. Any other ideas to help "release" me. I am home alone for the weekend so good to know i can manage-touch wood.

Nicj sorry you're still getting new side effects to deal with, mind

you, your cravings sound healthy.

Question re PICC lines... how are you finding them?. Mine is a constant irritant, if I stretch my arm or carry/use it I can feel it pull and its uncomfortable. Plus im not sure I'll be able to do my usual exercise classes. Did the line settle down after a week or is this as good as it gets?. I may try to push for portacath as ive herceptin for a year after chemo.

On my phone so can't scroll back but will do a proper catch up later once I'm out of bed. :-).

Have a good day if you can.
Xx

[NicJ]

ta Marie but allergic to pineapple!!!! Brings me out in a rash and I don't need that as well!!!
NicJ

[NicJ]

A

[nanniereeree]

NickJ
A lady who has been through this told me to freeze pineapple also del monte pineapple lollies is what I've used
Marie

[YB54321]

HI Mel - As Marie said everyone varies. I personally didn't have many SEs but some get them worse than others. Your Oncologist will run through everything with you and the chemo team will prescribe drugs to hopefully keep your SEs manageable so don't worry too much. The important thing is to ask your team questions so you have all the info you need. Your taste buds do change during chemo but am sure you will manage to keep a healthy diet if you need to, drink plenty of water and it should keep you flushed out. Best of luck x

[NicJ]

Fec x6 cycle 2 day 7
hi its back to being all about poo for me in amongst about 20 other things, breathlessness really starting to be a pain.
dry mouth and bad taste a real drag particularly if off ginger. Try fresh lemon or lime with a little bit of sugar but keep it tart and add cold water and ice, or freeze, rhubarb cordial, snack on fresh blueberries straight from fridge, fruit flavoured teas particularly the berry ones I find great. Am also experimenting with freezing fresh fruit like strawberries and melon and then sucking on them. Calipos especially the lime ones are good at moment for me, and fav is raspberry frozen smoothie on a stick. Amazed anyone can drink wine it is so disgusting to me now as well as ordinary tea and coffee, dark chocolate is foul and I could cry cos my boy makes the best choc chip cookies.
see earlier post but I got the bone marrow injection pain really badly one night - thought it was bad constipation to start with and had to call for help.
i have 7 days of self injection after chemo. I am already on naproxen for arthritis type aches and Gp recommended upping the regular dose to cope with the extra ache. Also have coco codamol when headache/pain too much for paracetamol and in reserve have diazepam. I don't take ibuprofen cos of the naproxen being already pretty strong. My onc said be proactive, if you think something is going to hurt - take something in advance and he approved of my list of stuff. Again I would always advise talking to your onc and keeping a diary of what you are experiencing, a bit anal! And far too organised for me usually but it is helping to work out what did what when.
sorry to hear that the cold cap has had such limited results but those of you sporting nice new Barnetts I am very jealous, about to soak all my non jersey Cotten in fabric softener cos head very sore. New craving, broccoli fresh from garden, steamed and covered with mature cheddar cheese sauce on whole meal bread lightly toasted. Think that will help my bowels?
NicJ xxx

[Melrose15]

Lins looking good girl! I'm off for my wig tomorrow. What fun to choose something and not just be stuck with what you've got ;)) x
Mel I have read your post and will respond but off to bed now as exhausted. Catch up tomorrow xx

[nanniereeree]

Mel. Everyone is different, some lose hair some dont, some put on weight some lose it, some have worse side effects than others it depends on your treatment regime as well I am only having EC Some are having AC, FEC-T some are having one injection some like me are having 8 and giving it to theirselves . It all depends on what the consultant decides you need
hope this helps Marie