'June Jewels' - Precious and shining through :)

[artemis17]

helloooooooooooo 🙂

Well theres no way i can catch up with 6 pages in the little bit of time ive got now lol so again sorry for the "fly-by" post, i will do it properly over the w/e.

Had a great time in Yorkshire, cancer free most of the time apart from the PICC line but it was so lovely to do stuff. Had a few drinks, bbq at a friends and did loads of walking, plus visited York!!. All lovely stuff and still no side effects.
My hair is still hardly any different so heres hoping cold capping will actually work for a Jewel!!. My next sesion is Wednesday, bloods Monday, but ive been so flipping well i cant see a problem. It does occur to me if im not getting any side effects, and hair still intact, then are the cancer cells being killed off??. I know they got it all and ive had scans so nothing is laying undiscovered, but its playing on my mind, so will ask the onc when i see her monday.


Not sure who asked, but yes Zumba is great pefectly managable with cancer, you can do as much or as little as you like, i have full movement after my mx/anc so its only my PICC line i have to be careful with, but all being well im getting a portacath once my hospital start doing them in a month or so.

Well, just wanted to touch base to show im still around, have a good weekend all and i hope no-ones suffering too much either from the heat or the cocktails.
xxx
PS Sorry for not being "there" for anyone this week, iIve just been so busy making the most of a weeek off work and having cancer free time was like being normal again if you know what i mean...

[Guest user]

Emma- hope you feel a bit better soon- Joan and Chelle- hope you get some rest after over-doing it.
Well I've had my hair all shaved off and OH is calling me Eagle Eye (after the Action man figure). I think having no hair makes me look fatter (though given how many crisps and cakes I've eaten this week, I am probably much fatter) 😞 but that's the only drawback- much nicer to not have masses of hair wafting behind me in the breeze. And it does feel like fuzzy felt, bringing back lovely memories of my 1970's childhood!
Littlest daughter loved the hair shaving and had a go herself, OH then did a Mr T style. Eldest daughter did not want to join in but that is fair enough.
BeckyJoan enjoy the glamping- I used to love proper camping but now I do like more home comforts so glamping might be the way forward, let us know how you get on!
My parents came back from a couple of days in York and had a lovely time- made me look forward to our get together even more.

[YB54321]

Ladies - quick post so u don't think I'm MIA. Got home yesterday and think I've rather overdone it. Have been in bed with a migraine ever since which in this heat isn't helping. My Epsom salts turned up today so am about to give them a try. Hope to be back in action soon x

[ambercatz]

Hi All
Back from the bar - went really quickly today, she whacked it on full power and said shout if sinus's feel strange or if you feel unwell, but all good so zoomed through so had time for a late lunch and drink by the river. Onc said I don't have to take steroids if I can manage on the anti-sickness pills alone but gave me thew pills 'just in case'. Going to try without as hated not being able to sleep. Lump has shrunk, got softer and is now a dougnut shape rather than a lump which is all good. I tried to get away with not having the 'aching bone' jab but she was having none of that and managed to frighten me enough with what could happen if I didn't have it to make me see sense.
Emma-so sorry you've been so sick but glad to hear it's settling-did they give you emend?
Marion-Glad your cough is clearing, must be a worry.
Joan-Great you had good news too. I too am peed off with all the other body hair hanging in there although I think I had less leg hair to shave, wouldn't bother if it wasn't shorts weather but the sun made my little spikey leg hairs show up.
Maxie-my boys also rang and said they were looking forward to coming down to have a laugh at my wig but then we also do a lot of banter-I just know they will all want to try it on.
Going to sofa surf a while now-OH already snoring but he did have a pint of cider with lunch-lightweight lol!
Hope you all enjoy the warm evening
Jan xxx

[Maxie]

GLad your b/test ok Marion & that your coughing less....a few of us seemed to have cough/colds, thank goodness its not winter when theres more around! Do you think yours was hayfever though?
Fuzzy felt....I used to love that as a child...was still around in the 80's too when my girls were little.....could make some good eyebrows from that when the time comes...;-)


Lainey, Lins, Trish & Jan, hope you all got on okay at the bar today?...xx


Chelle, hope you're not MIA as well?....hoping that your just so full of cake you can't move!....xx

[Marionblue]

Jackie - Hope you had a lovely day with OH and friend

Emma - Hope things are settling down for you now.You poor thing. Of all the odd SE's I've had I am truly thankfull that sickness hasn't been one of them.

Joan - I was so delighted with your news from your ONC. Don't you go overdoing it now. Its only me and OH at home now and how you find the strenght for all you have to do along with coping with the mental stress is truly inspiring. Don't know how you do it, but do it you do.
Re hair fallout, even though I only have some spike grey bits on my head I noticed today that a mole on my arm has 3 hairs growing from it, how did that happen. OH thinks I could be turning into witch.

Cress - I do remember fuzzy felt. Even though my girls are in their forties if I go searching through some old stuff you can bet there will be some fuzzy felt attached to it. Youre never rid of the stuff.

Lins - Are you ok?

Had the results of my blood test and everything normal thank goodness. So I'll keep taking my antihistamines and hope the local farmers have cut all the local field for now. I do seem to be coughing less today.

Marion
XXX

[Maxie]

Thats good news Emma, can't remember but did you have Emend as well?....if not ask (insist!) for it next time....hope you feel lots better soon....xxx

Joan,hope you're having a nice relaxing day....take it easy!....my body hair holding out so far too!...not fair!!...xx

[Melrose15]

Thankfully I've stopped being sick and managed to take my anti sickness and steroid at 11.30. Bit late but they've stayed down! Been sucking ice as drinking anything makes my stomach crap. Starting to feel more 'human' Thank God!
Nicj and Angnes - how you doing? X

[fimbo123]

Think yesterday was a bit much for me: 2 appointments at 2 different hospitals, 2 school runs, youngest son's music concert, meal out. Was tempted to run off without paying the bill before I keeled over at the table! Came home and flaked out. It was good to get out and feel 'normal' for a bit, but it's deceptive - obviously the chemo is tiring me out more than I thought. Having a much quieter one today, waiting for the district nurse to come to clean my line. Last week she never arrived and it turned out my unit had forgotten to refer me, so here's hoping she comes today.

Emma, so sorry you're not well, I sent you a message.

Jill, hope your bcn is of help with your arm/wrist.

Sympathy to those with hair shedding - I have a few patches left but more bald than hair. Body hair still seems unaffected - typical!

Have a sparkly day xxx

[Guest user]

Jackiebee, the cooler breezy temperature is all down to me and a hurricane is brewing so get your cat in.

Emma, you should not be suffering like you are. get on that phone
opps, pardon.

[Guest user]

Thanks for the hair tips all. Feeling good today, off on a little shopping trip with OH then pub lunch with my girlfriends - apart from my hair I feel like my pre-chemo self.
Going for the shave off later tonight- have to wait until the kids come home as they both want to have a go at shavng a bit...
Those of you talking about your exercises- I admit I have slackened off considerably since starting chemo but always make sure that if I have a glass of wine I put it on a high shelf to make sure I do some stretching 😉
Hope everyone is ok today- getting a bit concerned about those who used to post lots who aren't posting at all- Martha, NicJ etc- are you all alright???
It's a bit cooler here today, more of a breeze, and I'm wondering if that might be a result of living quite close to Ann.
Have a good day all 🙂

[Maxie]

Morning Jewels,

Emma poor you thats awful!.... can you get GP to come out & give you anti-sickness injection that Ive heard about? really not good if you can't keep your meds down....sending gentle hugs your way....xx

Jill, well done to you for working, sounds like you've got great support there...xx


Ann glad your s/e's are mostly windy ones!!....Im sure your OH will be back when its safe to return!...xx


Deedee glad you seem to be ok so far too, hope you got some sleep....xx


Becky great to hear from you....glad you're still being supermum & enjoy your weekend away in the sunshine!...xx


Ditto re the hair thing I had No.1 & ok apart from whats left is mostly grey!!! ( that honestly freaked me out more than the hairloss!)

Well am envious of all of you with lovely caring sons , my daughter ( lovely as she is) did nothing but take the mickey out of my baldy head yesterday!!!....& to think I thought she'd be really upset!.....still she's prob just a chip off the old block & coping with it all with humour which is exactly what I do!!....also went to visit a friend/ work colleague yesterday & I'd donned my best Deresina cap with chiffon rose on....she opened the door & her first words were...."oh you look like a fortune teller, cross my palm with silver before I let you in!!".....hmph!!...so much for sympathy!!!

Chelle are you back yet?...hope you had a great time....xx


Getting really worried about Martha again, also Agnes, Lins, NicJ & others??...hope you girls are all ok & just being busy bees...xxx

Enjoy your day Jewels xx

[Gussie_WW]

Oh Emma (Melrose) - was glad to hear you held your guns at the bar and now this. Hope they can sort you some better anti-vom pills for you ASAP.
Joan - hope you had lovely meal out & fantastic news bout the shrinkage.
jmeg - you ROCK!
thanks to all for the hair tips. Mine is drifting off my head like leaves in autumn and weirdly all the white ones are coming out first so was thinking I would pop in to see my trusty hairdresser for a buzz cut in the next few days cos even at short pixie length it's going to drive me nuts. It's funny that these last few days I'm feeling better and more like myself but obv the chemo is coursing thru me still - the hair's the proof.
Best wishes to all. x

[Melrose15]

So much for acupuncture. Have been vomiting since 6pm and still can't keep anything down including anti sickness tabs. Have a raging headache. Going to phone unit at 9.
Becky have a great camping trip. Super mum! 😉
Jill glad you're having a good week. Good luck to your friend and keep up with the sympathy vote! Works for Chelle. Talking of Chelle . . Are you back from Manc yet?
Oh dear must go stomach cramps are brewing

[jmeg]

Morning Jewels, week 3 is definatley the good week feel full of energy and fairly normal yesterday was first day back at work without hair just wore my scarf not doing wig saving for special occassions as I work on the tills very customer focused and other than odd comment (nice of regulars) was easier than I imagined one thing I did notice was a lot more change going into my charity tub,the other BC girl I work with is doing the race for life on sunday she had her last treatment on wednesday (heceptin) and she is great. Shes working with me tomz and even though shes now got hair (short and diffrent colour) shes going to wear her bandana in support of me and raise more sponsership (lets hope are customers dont think its catching).I voluntered to cover her shift before I was diagnosed back in may we had a laugh about it but still doing it for her even though manager has said I dont need to,and as my next trip to the bar is monday so it will help keep me occupied.Shes also saved me a fortune in bandanas and scarves.
Going to ring BCN later because got up this morning after a bad nights sleep and my lympth arm looks a bit like orange peel round the wrist area upwards cording still an issue trying to do exercises but the one where you put you hand flat on wall and walk up not a chance my wrist just wont go to that angle.
Not sure what he is upped my anti sickness to will find out monday when I get the goody bag lol lets hope its good.Not in work till 3 so going to get a shower then go shopping with the mother if she can bare being seen in public with me lol and may go looking for a new car just a cheap automatic because gear change in mine is a pain (never driven an automatic but everyone says its easy) but all depends on trade in for mine may look on gumtree and see if theres any swaps or something.
Well enjoy another day in the sun Jewels

[Guest user]

3am for heavens sake, blooming steriods. BUT no sickness, no headache etc. I am going that strange yellow colour though, soon to be a bright red monkey bottom face no doubt.
Now listen here, my farts may be of kettle drum decibels and rocket ship velocity BUT I do not smell..........er much.

Husband just left, muttering something about a meeting in Cardiff, will be gone a long time, unusual I thought, normally goes to London, could it be my unlady like habits forcing him out of the house, I better watch what he is up to ! maybe he has a petite, young, attractive, non bald, fartless and non tantrum throwing floosie in Wales ?

Not much on the telly is there.
Extra Windy Miller signing off to search for chocolate.
xx

[BeckyJoan]

Fellow sparklies!

just a quickie to let you know I have not gone AWOL... Felt tip top this week so headless chicken mode, housework, kids, enjoying life etc.

been reading and will post properly next week... You guys have made me cry, laugh and feel totally normal... Such a life line...

anyway, if this sore throat (kids have a virus!) and oral thrush (urgh) don't get worse we are off glamping in Fordingbridge tomorrow so won't be able to post...

catch up next week properly lovely friends xxxxxxx

[deedee215]

meant to say smelly farts lol xx

[deedee215]

If I can get to sleep for Ann's smelly carts lol xx

[deedee215]

Hi my trip to the was good, no pain in my arm this time, had 4 berry daiquiri and some clear stuff so I'm very tired and I have already had a good sleep so going back to noddy land as I can feel the hangover coming on zzzzzzzzzz
Deedee x

[Guest user]

Well I feel ok, but the industrial quantities of bowel gate preventative is producing farts so loud I am keeping myself awake,

[Suffolklady]

Jackie, I went to my hairdresser who shaved it very close to the scalp - it feels like fuzzy felt (showing my age!) but nice and cool in the heat! She also then washed and moisturised my head and gave me a nice massage! The whole thing was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be and I managed to do something quite creative with a scarf today - my dear old father even commented on it! Whether I'll be able to do it again is another matter!
Sleep well everyone x

[Maxie]

Evening Jewels,

Great to hear from those back from the bar....hope all your s/e's are small!...xx


Joan, so pleased for you to get the news you wanted...:-)


Busy few days ahead with visiting family etc so may not be on here much but hope you all enjoy the sun this weekend!


Sandra xxx

[nanniereeree]

jackiebee, I went to a grade 1 but it was so prickly and sore so I got my electric razor and shaved it all off...
Marie

[Glasgow_Girl]

Jackie - I had a pixie cut pre-clipping. Combed it all through first and loads came out on the comb.. Hubby clipped to a number 4 or 5 first, then to a number 1. Thought it better to do a bit at a time in case it hurt my scalp. Scalp was fine. Since the number 1 cut 11 days ago, I've still got quite a lot of stubble. Little bits do come out on the pillow and in the shower, but it's so much easier and less stressful then the big clumps coming out.
You'll be fine, lovely, the thought of it is worse than actually doing it.
All the best,
Fiona
xx

[Guest user]

Joan- great news about the shrinkage 🙂

[Guest user]

Glad to hear that those of you at the bar today are back safe and sound- I hope your recovery is speedy.
Can I ask advice from those of you who have shaved your heads - hair is really shedding now and I want to get rid of it. I have the clippers ready for tomorrow- how close did you each shave it off? Wondering whether to go for a super short grade 1 style - but then will I get loads of little prickly hairs dropping out? Or do I go slightly longer and carry on sweeping. Or literally shave it?
Thanks for any advice 🙂

[pat_1949]

Chelle just to let you know, my next visit to the bar is 1st. August. For cycle 3
thanks so much
Xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies, i hope you are all doing okay 🙂 Joan, hurrah i guessed it would be shrinking, these cocktails are powerful stuff and do the trick even if they make us feel pants! enjoy your meal out tonight, well deserved 🙂 x
Thanks Fiona - I agree it does help when our children take this all in their stride and look after us, i was more worried for my son than myself when i was diagnosed but it's amazing how strong they are! Enjoy your shopping trip with your daughter tomorrow 🙂 x
Thanks also Emma for your advice on the Picc Line, it makes me feel much better knowing you ladies are coping with it, and seem to be carrying on as normal, i'm not dreading it as much now 🙂 x
Hi also to Izzy, i hope you are coping okay 🙂 x
Have a nice evening Jewels, i honestly don't know what i would have done if i hadn't of come across this site, it makes the whole process more bearable 🙂 Hugs xx

[TaylorJ]

Joan am so glad that you got some positive news today! Hope your meeting with the psychologist went well too. Enjoy your night out.
Emma (Melrose) good to hear from you and it's good that your chemo wasn't postponed. Don't think any of us wants to keep going back to the bar especially when we have just got through all the side effects of the last cycle, but we have to keep going back for more cos in the long run it will help us get our lives back.
Pat, good to hear from you too, take it easy now.
Fiona, I have been a bit slack with the exercises especially when I have been feeling rough, must do better! Enjoy your time in the sun with your daughter.
Might have to seek out Martha tomorrow if we don't hear from her. xx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Having lovely relaxing afternoon with daughter in the garden - she's in the sun, I'm in the shade.

Jill - can I ask what anti- sickness you've been prescribed for next time?

Marion - ok, we need a pact, I'll do the exercises if you will.
Agreed, the SEs list just keeps growing and between us all we are getting everything. So glad to have you all to share and check things out, get reassurance etc

Ann - glad you're back, hope you get a good sleep.

Enma (Melrose) - glad you're back home too, another one ticked off, you did it. Have a good rest.

Pat - great, you're back home too. Rest up.

Joan - hurrah, it's shrinking, the treatment is working, so pleased for you. Try and switch off from it and have a lovely evening and meal at Zizzi's.

Martha - where are you? Hope you're ok.

Fiona
xx

[fimbo123]

Feeling so much better after my onc appointment. He surprised me by saying there was a definite response to the chemo. He thought the lump was softer again and smaller in volume and said I mustn't just think of it in 2D. He will check with an MRI after the next cycle, but feels confident they'll stick with the planned 4 cycles of AC then 4 Docetaxel (they would have switched early to T if AC wasn't working.)

I know this is a long journey with an awful lot ahead but for today I am pleased. Going out to Zizzi's for an Italian tonight (I'll save you one, Cress ;-)).

Glad to hear Pat, Emma and Ann are back safely from the bar - another one ticked off, girls.

Hope all other Jewels have an SE free evening.

[pat_1949]

Back from the bar and not too bad, feel a little light headed just going to take it easy for the rest of the day. Dr told me my cough is proberly s/e from chemo but could be hay fever, so going to try anti-histamines, she said to rub olive oil on my head when hair all gone, very soothing and good for soreness. Trip to bar was ok no problems so Emma be strong take in what Ann said its all so true. Virtual hug on the wayxxxxxx
Thank you for all information on sleep caps, will take a look.
Ann you really make me laugh with your 'windy' stories.
Xxxx

[Melrose15]

I'm back too! Had a mini meltdown when I walked in, didn't know I had it in me to cry in public!! Was touch and go wether they'd do my chemo because of my cold. The nurwas spoke to the onc who was keen to leave it another week but I managed to give my nose s good blow to prove it was all clear 😉 (yuk!) So as Marion you can never let your guard down and i'll see what the coming weeks have on store.
Ann glad you're back safe and sound. Thanks again for your kind words. I know it's been hard for you to and it's great that we all understand each others feelings. Thanks for all the words of support Jewels xx
Taylor our boys are fab aren't they?! All our kids seem to be coping really well and just seem to say the right thing at the right time. Bless 'em.
Em the house looks grand. I can see why you loved it. Good luck it's a great distraction.
Caroline I have a pic. It did take a few weeks to settle down and find a position the port was comfortable in. I'm now used to it and don't even notice or feel it, just over 3 weeks. I got a Limb0 waterproof cover online which is a god send and some picc covers/sleeves off eBay Emma recommended. If you're handy you can make some yourself. They give you a tube bandage at the hospital but the covers look nicer. I go once a week to have it flushed and redressed. Once it's in no more cannulas, bloods can be taken no hassle and any antibiotics can be fed through the line. Bonus!!
Anyway off for a lie down. Can feel a headache coming on!
Emma x

[TaylorJ]

Hi Ann, glad to hear that you are back safe from the bar. Enjoy your nap and take good care of yourself. Hope the constipation meds keep doing their job! Ps your words of encouragement to Emma (Melrose) brought a tear to my eye this morning. It is great that we can all keep supporting each other through these tough times.

[Guest user]

First troop back from the bar. I was well and truly FEC'ED, Loads of syringes and a cheese sandwich. The lovely Alison was as gentle as ever and I did not feel a thing from start to finish.

Still tired from my little blue pill so just snuggled up in bed and nearly dropping off. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzgone

[Marionblue]

Fiona - Glad someone else has owned up to slacking on their excercises. I was doing them every day but when my bones ache just standing up, its very hard to get motivated. However I will now haul myself off the sofa and do them now.

What gets me down about all this is you think you have the SE's taped when it throws something else at you. I never feel that I can relax in case something else happens and then its knowing if what is happening is significant and need reporting. Makes me a nervous wreck.

Marion
XXX

[jmeg]

Hi all back from ONC and bloods are fine so all set for monday WHOPPE DOO he changed my anti sick tabs so hopfully wont be as bad,saw the BCN and shes told me to take a mixture of co-codamol and paraectmaol for the pain in the arm and shes going to chase up my physio .Bit peeved that I had to pay to park as at my normal hospital get free parking for all appointments.Well going to sit in garden for an hour before work hope everyones good after the bar today catch up later
Jill xx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Hi everyone

Cress - I'm still very numb, top of arm and underarm too. BCN said could take months to get better ( or as good as it's going to get). Still persevering with the exercises, although when I'm feeling crappy for a week and a half after each chemo, I do them less often.

Emma (melrose) - picture all of the June Jewels holding hands together around you. You can do it lovely, hear from you later.

Pat - got my sleep cap from Annabandana. Tried it on, it's fine, but not actually worn it yet in this hot weather.

Joan - hope those doctors are kind to you today and you get good, positive news.

Katherine - 1 week to go for me too, until the next visit. Trying my hardest to have a "normal" week since I've been feeling better the last couple of days. It is so hard, but let's tick off another one together.
Glad you able to get to the school concert, proud Grandma.

Caroline - my son is turning 23 this month, like yours, he is a blessing, so kind and caring. (Got a gorgeous 19-year-old daughter too and she is fab with the scarves, hats, etc and we are having a shopping trip tomorrow.)

Jan - lovely to hear from you. I think it's that rollercoaster effect with all of us, good days and bad, it's so hard isn't it? I had lunch with my wig-choosing friend yesterday too, same as you.

Have a lovely afternoon,

Fiona
xx

[Marionblue]

Hi Everyone

Pat - I bought nightcaps at annabandana. I bought 1 and had 1 as free gift as I spent quite a lot . The one I bought is really tight and although the freebie is supposed to be the same size, its much more comfortable.

Joan - Hope you get info and reassurance from your onc today.

I went for blood test this morning but won't get the results until tomorrow afternoon. I took an antihistamine yesterday in case it was caused by hayfever as they are cutting all the fields in north Wales it seems. I could barely speak when I went to bed last night but my voice is much better today. I do hope that is all it was. GP gave me some more antihisamines anyway as she sais she had been suffering to.

Hope to here from you ladies propping up the bar later.

Martha, where have you gone?

Marion
XXX

[Guest user]

Good luck to all at the bar today- especially ann celebrating your birthday - say hello to the garden sutie gang and leave me some cocktails for next week!

[Guest user]

Hi Jan, yes this does help me a lot thank you, i was worried about doing daily things and that i might catch etc but if i only have to put with a few days of discomfort, i should be okay 🙂 I also have days which are less positive which i'm sure is the same for everyone, but getting out there and feeling human does help enormously. I'm cold capping and it's day 15 after my first Chemo, I did lose a bit yesterday when i washed it but you can't notice it yet, although i'm not sure how long it would take anyway so still not sure if it's worked, i have my wigs just in case as i know that i would be extrmemely lucky to keep it, have my second Chemo next Wednesday so i'm expecting to lose more then, i'm also having 8 x FEC-T, 8 seems such a lot but i can't believe how quickly it has gone from my first one! I'm hoping the next 5 months pass just as quickly! 🙂 thanks again, Caroline x

[ambercatz]

Cazzer-I have had a Picc line. It didn't hurt at all going in and it was a little itchy and sore for a few days as my arm adjusted to it but I don't even notice it now. The district nurses come round to flush it with saline once a week and clean it up-they told me no stretching with that arm which I keep forgetting when doing things such as putting washing out.
At the hospital they left the bit that they attach the drip dangling which was annoying as it would catch on things. The rest of it is covered with a thin sticky see-through cover. The district nurses put another of these covers over the dangly end bit (don't know it's technical name) as well and it feels much better as it keeps it in place and doesn't catch. They also gave me a sleeve to put over it in the shower which works really well. I bought a flesh coloured Picc line cover off ebay which is also useful as it just looks like you have a bandage on when wearing short sleeves.
It's just another of those things you get used to and you will soon forget about it but it really isn't painful at all
Hope this helps
Jan

[ambercatz]

Hi Jewels
Haven't posted for a while but have still been reading. I have been enjoying a week of feeling more 'normal' and having my taste buds back, put on a few pounds due to this though.
Hair has been blocking up the bath and very little left now. I have been throwing it out of the bathroom window for the birds to use as nesting material-recycling lol. Got wig yesterday. My hair is quite long but have got a shorter wig as figure I will have to wait ages for my hair to grow again so had better get used to shorter hair, quite like it. Got a couple of nice scarves too.
I have been on an emotional roller coaster this week. I feel that since diagnosis I have been on a wave of appointments, worry and trying to get and digest loads of info and then after chemo felt dopey and this week has been the first time I've had a clearer head and time to myself. I have fluctuated between being a grumpy bitch and losing the energy to fight and feeling very positive with a 'I can do this' attitude. Had a lovely day yesterday with a good friend who came with me to get wig and then had a meal and a good natter by the river in the sun-did me a lot of good. Had lots of lovely messages from workmates and long time friends and think I can stay in positive mode now for bar tomorrow.
Hi and welcome Izzy. I too am having chemo first-8x Fec-T
Good luck today to Ann, Emma, Faye, Deedee and Pat-hope it's not too horrid.
Marion-hope cough gets better soon.
Love to all
Jan xxx

[Guest user]

Good Luck today Joan, will be thinking of you, don't take any rubbish from your Oncologist, they are there to help and reassure you, not be negative! You're right about sons, they are a blessing, i honestly don't know what i would do without mine, he's 23, works nights and is in the middle of a degree yet insists on coming to call of my appointments and scans etc with me, even if he hasn't had much sleep, i tell him that he doesn't need to come to them all but he won't hear of it. He actually asks more questions than i do and knows exactly what to say, i'm single and both of my parents have passed away so he really is a god send, as well as making me tea, cooking and making sure he is with me when i have my Chemo. He also tells me constantly that he would rather have me here wearing a wig then sat next to just a 'wig' which makes me laugh 🙂 x
Can i also ask any of you ladies if you've had the Picc Line and if it's uncomfortable? I'm having one fitted on Monday and i'm nervous of how it will affect everyday life, that's the least of my problems i know, but it's the fear of looking like a 'cancer victim' i guess 😞 I have a read a few things online but wondered if anyone could pass on some advice? I hope all of you having treatment have a good day without too many SE's 🙂 xx

[Guest user]

Hi all,

followed tips re seeing my granddaughter in her school concert, put me on side out of the way of everyone else, dont know what they thought, but hay dont care any more, think its now time for us to think about ourselves and not worry about what others think, although i would nt be brave to go out without my wig.
1week to go before poision time and aleady starting to feel anxious, just hope it wont be as bad as first cycle, sorry this sounds crappy, feeling very low at moment.
love to you all
Katherine xx

[fimbo123]

Good luck to Pat, Emma, Deedee, Faye and Ann today.

Emma, I know I will feel the same next Wednesday, but you can do it. It is a short time we have to do this in the scale of our lives. We are all holding your hand virtually xxx

Peachypal - great news! Gives you a lot to look forward to.

TaylorJ - your son sounds so kind. I have 3 sons and boys can be so loving to their mums, can't they? What a blessing.

Pat - I bought 2 sleep caps, one from Bohemia Headwear and one from Annabandana. I don't wear them yet in this heat but I keep one under my pillow so I can pull it on quickly if one of my sons comes into my room in the night as my balding head could give them a shock!

Izzy - welcome to the Jewels. I hope you'll find it helpful and supportive here. I'm having chemo before surgery too, and there are at least 4 or 5 others as well.

Marion, Emma, (sorry can't remember who else) hope your colds and coughs get better soon. I had a cold the whole way through my 1st cycle and never told anyone as I was scared it would delay things - naughty but it cleared up by itself. You were right to get checked out if you are worried, Marion.

Ann, you do make me laugh 🙂

Thanks everyone for your messages and support yesterday. Determined to get as much info as possible from the onc this afternoon on what I should be expecting.
Right, better go and hang some washing out before going to see the 'headcase doctor' then the 'bad cells and lumps' doctor.

Have a good day everyone. Jx

[Maxie]

Morning Jewels,

Will check in properly later but just want to wish Emma, Ann, Faye,Deedee & Pat all the best at the bar today...thinking of all of you...another one ticked off ladies....sip those cocktails slowly!!!!....:-)

[Suffolklady]

Good luck all of those quaffing at the bar today - it's another one ticked off and one less to go.
Emma - Peachy - a new house - so exciting - I've been in mine for just over a year and am still doing it up - I love decorating!
Emma - Melrose - ditto all the advice above. Sending big hug x
Deedee - I'm on T-Fec but the T (for Taxotere) that I'm having is Docetaxel - and I haven't had any sickness at all with it (plenty of other stuff though !)
Ann, you made me laugh - scaring horses - now that IS impressive wind. One of my friend's husband wanted to know what would happen if we tried to light one (such a child!) - I told him that I didn't want to be responsible for burning down the town.
Jill, sorry you're having cording issues - I was having terrible trouble but the physio did give me some very good exercises and things are slowly improving. I'm the opposite though, I've lost so much feeling around the top of my arm and the underarm area, do you think it will come back ever?
Pat, hope the cough improves. My head was really sore just before the hair packed it's bags and evacuated! it's actually a relief now it's gone!
Off to visit my parents with my three boys. My daughter is staying home 'tidying her room' I'll believe it when I see it. My mother hasn't seen my new look - ES said I look like like a Fascist - thanks Fred.
Much love and hugs to everyone. Cress x

[Melrose15]

Thanks Windy. Just had a really good cry on the phone to my mum. I know it has to done your words are very true. I'm holding your hand very tight xx