'June Jewels' - Precious and shining through :)

[TaylorJ]

Hello Jewels
Having a quiet weekend, spent yesterday afternoon with my sister which was lovely just chatting away about anything other than BC.She also brought me a bag full of comedy DVDs which is what I prefer to watch at the mo as they help lift my mood.
Am feeling a bit more energetic now (day 11) and enjoyed a 3 mile walk this morning as well as doing the neglected housework.
Fiona, glad that you enjoyed your family lunch and drinks with your friends.
Cress, great that you are enjoying your break away with your best friend, as you said it is just what you need especially the laughter.
Sandra, great that you are having fun with your family too.
Jackie, Cava on prescription sounds good, might be easier to get than Emend!
Emma, sorry to hear that you are feeling sick despite the Emend, I find that just trying to keep nibbling something helps, a few crisps, nuts, a biscuit, or a piece of toast. Hope you feel a bit better soon. Xxx
Jill, sorry to hear about your Lymphodema, hope you get some improvement after your clinic appointments. Enjoy your Shepherds Pie!
Chelle, hope your blood tests come back ok tomorrow.
Good luck to Jayne, Izzy and Jill at the bar tomorrow, let us know how you get on when you feel up to it. Have a restful evening Jewels. Xxxx

[jmeg]

Afternoon Jewels Its gone very very quite on here hope that means everyones ok and just busy with life,Iam still at the CBA stage did go and do market today but definatley took a lot of effort cant seem to shake of this strange tiredness and got my next cocktail tomz so its a either kick me while I am down or Iam doing it wrong way round where week 1 is good and then downhill from there.
BCN rang me on friday and got lympthomeda appointment for the 14th which is same day as my physio so hopfully get something done about the arm/hand swelling not even going down overnight anymore so wake up with creases in my arm where its rested on pillow she gave me usual advice of dont lift/carry and what have you told me when I walk to do a busy walk ???? and keep moistering it but only using feather like strokes from hand towards shoulder not massage type movement any other tips would be greatly appreciated.Also stated losing eyebrows over last couple of days look like Ive got Adidas stripes but only righthand side lol suppose Ill have to dig pencil out and learn how to draw.
Well thrown a shepherds pie together for tea so self service here today managed to get out of having GD because other grandma wanted her lol acted all disappointed.So just finished this mornings orders now to crash on settee and see whats on the box
Stay safe n happy Jewels xx

[Melrose15]

Morning Jewels. Thanks for the good wishes.
Well last week was certainly one of two halves! Started off with War Horse, and yes I did need tissues, thanks for the tip! Then up to the Lakes with OH for a lovely bc free few days walking, eating, sleeping and just being 'me'. Wed I saw the onc and he gave me Emend to avoid vomitfest number 3 and thurs was cycle 3.
To use Cress' analogy the start of the week I was up the ladder having a great time, on top of the world by thurs I'd hit a snake and slipped right down. I've felt awful. The Emend stopped the vomiting but I was still sick and felt really nauseous. Ithink I'd have rather felt sick, vomited, felt better, vomited etc for 24 hours than been a little sick and felt nauseous for three days. And I've felt so spaced out and sorry for myself 😞
I've been trying to keep up with posts and thinking of those going through a tough time, Trish, Katherine, Chelle, Debs. Joan and Izzy you've had some fantastic responses on here I really can't add any more than to remain positive xx
Worried that we haven't heard from Lins or Becky for a while.(or have Imissed their posts?!)
Still feeling sick . . So much for Emend!

[YB54321]

Evening ladies,

just a quick post as I was on a bit of a downer yesterday. Doing good today - had friends round all day and had lots of fun. Same as Sandra - am doing my best to keep going but energy dropping now. I'll sleep tonight for sure!
hope you're all having a great weekend xx

[Guest user]

Hi everyone
Glad to hear you are having a good time Cress, we need to make the most of them when we get them! Same for you Fiona, sales shopping, lovely 🙂 and Chelle hope you are feeling a bit better?
Well I feel slightly better today, went to my brother's where my sister in law had made afternoon tea with a cheeky glass of cava to celebrate their 5th anniversary, it was lovely and I actually think a glass of wine helped my se's! I'll let the onc know for next cycle, see if I can get cava on prescription 😉 My nephew was under the weather which was a shame but reminded me how lucky I am that my kids are older rather than younger!! We've also had a chinese takeaway tonight beacuse I can't taste anything unless its loaded with salt and MSG. I will be the size of a house soon.
Early night for me. Sleep well jewels x

[Glasgow_Girl]

Jackie - hope you feeling better today and got to see your little nephew.

Cress - so pleased you having such a great time away with your friend, you deserve it.

Chelle - sorry you had such a rotten day yesterday, not the best of service from your unit. Hope you are having an easy, relaxed weekend.

Debs - glad you got the job situtation sorted, no need to worry any more, just a pain for you re lack of sick pay.

Deedee - you have good shopping trip today?

Emma (peachy) - glad you ok after chemo today, just rest.

Sandra - continue to enjoy your lovely family time, stay awake so you don't miss any of the fun!

Had lovely lunch yesterday with OH, son and daughter. Also went out for drinks with two friends yesterday evening, we talked so much, I had such a laugh and didn't mention BC once. Had one small glass of vino, then a pot of tea, what a party animal I am these days!
Been into town this afternoon, just a browse round the last of the sales.
Received a lovely card and earrings today from one of my best friends, a lovely surprise. It was intended as a "half way through chemo, you can do it" pressie. She is lovely, one of the best and has been such a great support to me.
Off out bathroom shopping tomorrow, wish me luck.

Have good evening everyone,

Fiona
xx

[Maxie]

Chelle hope you're feeling better today after fiasco yesterday!!....so annoying you've got to wait till Monday now for results... 😞

Deedee hope you've enjoyed shopping with your daughter..xx

Cress so pleased youre having a great time with your friend!!... xx

Emma (Peachy) glad youre back ok from the bar, these bloomin hospitals & their lapses are really worrying tho....take it easy...xx


Still having great time with family, lots of laughter as always, just trying to fight the tiredness & keep going but don't know if I'll last the night!....zzzzz!!

Have a good Sat night Jewels xxx

[PeachyPal]

Back from cocktails, delay as they had fogotten to send my injections down so had to wait for pharmacy. Dozed most of the afternoon on the sofa.
Next session is 27th August - going to see genetics on Tuesday too.
Have a great weekend jewells xxxx

[deedee215]

Cress that is brilliant you are enjoying Norfolk with your best friend and having lots of laughter. It's great to have a friend that does that with you my friend don't where I would be without her.
Deedee xx

[Suffolklady]

It is quiet! I'm living it up in Norfolk, laughing so much, I hadn't realised how down I'd been lately. Best friend + wine = perfect antidote to chemo. Xxxx

[deedee215]

Morning Jewels,
Hope you are all just busy and keeping well awful quiet here. Planning to go shopping with my daughter today for her friend's wee boy christening tomorrow. Hopefully will be ok and will stay near toilets lol.
Take care Jewels have a nice weekend.
Deedee xx

[deedee215]

Keep missing words out Soz chemo brain meant to say Chelle what a lot of hassle you've had.
Debs meant to say good byour you still have your job.
My friend brought her granddaughter up to show me 4 days old and I kept getting mixed up with her name lol.
Deedee xx

[deedee215]

Chelle what a time you have had lots of re bloods. Try and have a nice weekend and try forget it easier said than done I know. Watch big brother or something lol that's what I'm doing sad eh x
Debs good about your been save but nots so good on the financial side. I'm the same I'm a full time foster career so had to give this up until next big drop in money too and I miss the kids soo much :(.
Deedee xx

[Guest user]

Evening Gorgeous Jewels
Well HR visited today and I have been told that my job is completely safe but they want me to go sick until at least after rads. Apparently they want me back fully fit not nearly fit , which in some ways I suppose I should be grateful for. However as mentioned before I had only been there about two weeks before diagnosis so dont get any sick pay!! arrgghhh! As everyone keeps telling me, my health is more important...............need to curb the internet spending!
Chelle, what a palava and very frustrating! Have a relaxing weekend.
Fiona , hope you had a lovely lunch!
Cress, have a fab BC free time in Norfolk!
Joan, glad you are feeling more positive.
Wishing all you sparkly wonderful jewels a relaxing weekend.

Debs xx

[YB54321]

Evening lovelies,

Been AWOL today - got a call this morning from chemo unit to say the blood test they asked me to go back for last night had been put in the wrong coloured vial and could I do the injections and come back over 4 hours later to do it again! This put me in a grotty mood so have been sulking today 😞 never mind it's all done now but won't get results til Monday. I'm sure the dose just needs reducing and I'd feel ok but just don't seem to be getting answers quickly. Oh hum - whine over - know I shouldn't be moaning when others have more to worry about.

Planning an easy weekend - it's been so hot and muggy here today so actually hoping it cools off!
Have a lovely weekend ladies x

[deedee215]

Joan glad you feel a bit positive . My niece had lump in her breast and two lumps in her lymph nodes that she could actually feel as soon as she started fec she knew the two lump under arms had started shrinking but not in her breast but when she started tax she said the lump was shrinking by the time she had finished chemo she was all clear of the lumps before her mx. She hasn't even asked the onc what type of bc she has so don't know I am ER positive.
fiona enjoy your lunch with your family good excuse to get all glamed up.
cress enjoy Norfolk .
Deedee xx

[Maxie]

Jackie horrid mouth taste is awful isn't it, hope you pick up & get to see your little nephew tomorrow!..xx


Cress, have a fab time in Norfolk.... hope you're misbehaving & harassing the local men in uniform!!... 😉

[Suffolklady]

Checked into lovely hotel in Holt, Norfolk with bestest girl friend. perfect tonic after all this cancer s**t. Hugs to all you shining stars xxx

[Guest user]

Hi all
Just a quick one from the steroid crash sofa.
Joan, glad you are feeling a bit more positive today, and great to read all the positive stories from everyone else.
Ann if you are getting a hard bit on your vein could be the start of some cording? Might be worth mentioning to the team if it continues as I think they can show you some massage etc to help.
Well today all the meds are stopped, feeling really tired and have a disgusting mouth despite thrush treatment. At least having been here before I know this wont last forever, but still a bit grumpy. OH has taken afternoon off to take kids out so I can sleep. Blue sky outside and I am on the sofa under a blanket cuddling my dog. Hoping things pick up tomorrow as I want to see my nephew (18 months and such a happy little soul, always good for cheering me up).
Love to all
Jackie

[Glasgow_Girl]

Going out for lunch today with OH, son and daughter, late celebration for son's birthday earlier this week. Done 2 Zumba workouts on the Wii this morning so as I can indulge myself with lunch. Going to do my nails and got new dress to wear, bought in Monsoon Sale a few weeks ago.
Feels almost normal, maybe I can forget about BC for a couple of hours, hope so.
Trying to have some "normal" and me time since SEs abated earlier this week. Nervous about first Tax next Thursday, heard such mixed reports about it and the SEs.

Have a lovely day everyone, whatever you are doing. Those at the bar, take care and hope to hear from you later.
Emma (melrose), you ok?. Don't think you checked in yet after your bar visit yesterday.

Fiona
xx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Joan - There are lots of positives from what you've said about yesterday and other experiences from the Jewels and Deedee's niece. It's all such a long haul, isn't it, so difficult to feel positive and upbeat every day. You are doing brilliantly and defo not going anywhere, we won't let you.
Have a good day,

Fiona
xx

[fimbo123]

Good morning Jewels!

Thank you again for your positive comments. Deedee it is really good to hear about your niece, because to be honest I had heard of some people having a response to chemo and others not, but I hadn't heard of anyone responding when they swiched to Tax who hadn't responded before - so encouraging to hear.

To be honest, my onc did seem fairly unconcerned yesterday and told me it wasn't bad news. I think I was shocked because I was expecting better news. I had been scared that my lump wasn't operable because the surgeon hadn't wanted to operate before chemo saying it would be difficult, so I asked the onc yesterday what would happen if the Tax didn't shrink it. He said they would still operate, there would just be more work for a plastic surgeon, so Faye you were right about that. He also said a complete response to chemo is rare apart from HER2+ and TN ladies (I'm hormone +ve), but many who don't have a complete response go on to do well.

Sorry if I'm going on a bit, but I'm putting all this down to help myself focus on the positives. Plus hoping it might help other neo-adjuvant ladies. I just have to go on anyway - I think it was titus4t who said there is nowhere else to go. Now getting my head around Tax on Wednesday...

Maxie, glad you had a lovely day with your daughter.

Emma (Peachy) good luck with all the bathroom refitting!

Re sleeping, I had a lot of sleep troubles over the last few months. I have now cut out all caffeine except one cup of tea in the morning (only doing this because I'm cutting out dairy) and I've slept until 7am the past couple of mornings 🙂

It's pouring here but at least much cooler than yesterday. Have a good day everyone xxx

[deedee215]

Morn jewels,
Didnt sleep much on and off with restless legs apparently quite common does anyone else suffer from this. Apart from this feel ok wee bit headachy but not too bad.
Looks like there is few of us having surgery after chemo. I mentioned this to my BCN about that I could still feel my lump she said will be doing its job and I will be getting my ct scan soon so will just have to wait and see. Your right Jayney keep positives thoughts and vibes going .
Deedee xx

[Maxie]

Good luck to all the ladies at the bar today!....thinking especially of Trish & wondering if new treatment plan etc ?...xx

[jayney234]

Hi Joan Like you I am having chemo first to shrink tumour and my Onc said exactly the same as Izzie's. She said that often it appears as if there is no shrinkage but it is quite common to find after surgery there are no cancer cells left just scar tissue so I wouldn't worry as with 3 more to go that is very likely in your case. Keep the positive vibes going. We'll get there. Jayney xxx

[deedee215]

Joan
really sorry to here that MRI showed lump not shrinking . my niece too was changed to docetaxel on her third one and after that there was changes straight away it was doing its job sashes has now had her surgery and now onto rad and is dung great . I was told I would get a ct scan in the middle of my cycles nothing yet.
Ann I'm like you slept from 6"30 till 10,30 with oh weakening me up to give me my tablets,
Deedee xx

[Maxie]

Quick post... glad heard from most of you who've been to bar today...well done girls!...xx

Joan so sorry you didn't get the news you wanted about the shrinkage....I agree that the outcome could be a lot better when they operate though & plus you've got the 3x Tax now too to blast it to bits!!....glad you came back on sounding strong & positive...we're all behind you sending positive vibes your way...:-)
Izzy, good idea to try & get hol postponed for a week, hope you can arrange it!...xx

Chelle hope they get to the bottom of your symptoms...all you needed was a row in between appts too 😞 take it they'll be in touch tomorrow with results?...hope you get a good nights sleep!...xx

Fiona/Marion I can't blame the steroids for my dreams I only have them for two days after chemo!...xx

Had a lovely day with ED today, tea & birthday cake outside which was lovely but tonight it's soooo hot, fan on & hoping can get some sleep....Night night precious ones!....xxx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Joan - I am so sorry you've had such a tough day. Stay strong, we're all here for you. Sending you best wishes and big hugs xx. Glad you've been back on to post again and sounding so determined, what a star Jewel you are.

Marion - my steroid nightmares are being chased and feeling trapped, can't remember more, just wake up really scared, breathless and sweaty (sorry, hope no-one's having their supper).
Sounds a bit iffy what your boss is planning. Surely you entitled to go back to the same job, it's hardly your choice that you're off work. Are you a union member, perhaps you should seek some advice?

Faye - glad you back home ok. Know what you mean re the pm appointments, always running late. I've got a 3.30 next week, better take my PJs!

Chelle - you've had a trying day, but at least they're being thorough and checking you out properlyl
I always use ASDA home delivery - no probs so far, touch wood.

Izzy - good plan to try and delay your holiday departure slightly, hope you manage to sort that out.

The heat is exhausting here today, think it's going to be difficult to sleep tonight.
Night-night precious Jewels,
Fiona
xx

[Guest user]

Thank you Marion. Just alarmed me a bit because the previous 3 you could not even see where the cannula had been.

[Marionblue]

Ann - I had first cannula in the side of my wrist and had a big bruise which took abou 4 weeks to go away. I have red, itchy patches on the back of my hand from the last 2. The nurse said it was like a burn and would go away 'eventually'.

Marion
XXX

[Guest user]

Question please.

I had FEC 4 today and for the first time I have a hard, but not painful, bruise over the sight of the cannula. I did not feel any of the drugs going in so assume nothing has leaked. Any thoughts please ?

[fimbo123]

Thank you all for your support, I don't know how I'd cope without it.

I am determined not to let this get the better of me. I am trying to take heart from the fact that the onc said the MRI enhancement has changed, so the chemo has had some effect on the inside of the tumour if not obviously on the outside. He did tell me of cases where surgeons had removed apparently large lumps after chemo and found them to be dead cells, so I'm hoping that will be me. I do feel lots of 'tingling' in the lump, even as I write this, so I am going to keep on telling myself it's working away :-). With you every step, Izzy xx

Glad to hear Jewels are back from the bar safely. Chelle, I hope you get your bloods sorted out and find out what the problem is.

Have a peaceful night everyone - onwards and upwards xx

[Izzy1969]

Hi Joan
I was wondering how you got on today and am so sorry to hear you've found yourself in the same situation. The reassurance my team gave me was that the chemo IS working because the tumour hasn't grown, it has shrunk by 1mm (but that's not much on 24mm), the 8mm node under my arm has shrunk a little and also another node that contained micromets is now completely normal. Although I still feel it hasn't worked on the tumour, it is mopping up the micro nasties everywhere else so that has to be good news. I'm sure that's the case for you too. Like you, I was very down the day I found out but am more relaxed about it now. We're only halfway through our treatment so still a long way to go yet and plenty of time for the Tax to work its wonders. I'm actually looking forward to starting the Tax as I've got it in my head it's stronger stuff. Also on this website I'm sure I've read some positive stories of ladies whose tumour didn't appear to have shrunk, but found out at surgery that it had changed in consistency and was just fibrous tissue so please don't give up hope. Thinking of you and sending you big cyber hugs xx
Also thanks to all you lovely jewels who advised me on the holiday. I've been busy trying to get travel insurance today and no-one wants to know not even Eurotunnel. I did speak to an excellent advisor at Insure Cancer (I think), who would have insured me if I was travelling a week later but the problem is that I'm away when my bloods are at their very lowest so they wouldn't do it. I'm now trying to change my holiday to a week later.
Cress hope you have a brilliant break in Norfolk.
Thanks also about the advice re tumour grade, I still would like to know lol and will try again to find out again at my pre-chemo tomorrow. I ask them every time!!
Hope those ladies who had cocktails today are doing well and wish everyone else a pleasant (but not too warm) evening.....xx

[YB54321]

Evening ladies,
Just back from 2nd visit to the hospital of the day. 1st bloods came back low and blood pressure was also low so onc wanted me to take the blood thinners and then go back for a 2nd set of blood tests so they could monitor if the dose was causing the problems. Also got to go for a CT angiogram as he wants to check there are no other blood clots that could cause problems or they may need to remove my port 😞 still not feeling great so best to get to the bottom of it once and for all. Then spent the time between visits arguing with Sainsburys over my home delivery. Thought I'd order in rather than risk the supermarket when feeling pants and they couldn't have got my order more wrong if they tried. Sent pork instead of chicken, all the frozen stuff was defrosted and most of the offers I'd bought they sent substitutes and bill was nearly £50 higher than what I'd asked for. I lost my rag so they've refunded a load of it and are sending me a gift voucher to apologise! Still leaves me without half the shopping I ordered though! Useless!

Joan - really sorry to hear your news especially when they had thought it was shrinking. Am keeping everything crossed that the change in regime will turn it around. Sending lots of love xx

Glad the ladies at the bar are doing ok - Emma - hope we hear from you soon x

I'll catch up on all the other posts tomorrow but I'm beat so need a bath - love to all x

[Flip_flop]

Just checking in from visit to the bar. pat, deedee and ann glad you are back safely. Just emms left to check in.
dont like afternoon appointment, everyone runs late. Had bloods done then had to wait 2 hours to see onc, then wait for chemo-back to mornings next time. Onc told me they want to keep a close eye on me and ill be having 4 weeks of rads not 3 as i thought, am now slightly worried as to why.
marion- dont worry about work at the min, just concentrate on getting better (but no i wouldnt want to go back to different job)
fiona- glad you had good day out yesterday, sounds like it has done you good.
cress- have a great time in norfolk.
taylor(sorry cant remember name) nice to hear from you, that siunds scary about your veins.
sandra- have a good few days with your daughter.
chelle- hope all went ok today and they managed to get you sorted.
jill- hope you enjoyed your afternoon in the garden.
emma - good fir you having some 'me time'
joan- sending you a big hug. just because the lump hasnt shrunk doesnt mean its not working, it will be mopping up all round the rest of your body. The lump is coming out either way once you have finished chemo, And from what i understand they like to try and shrink it to make surgery easier for them-but that is for the surgeon to worry about, so try not to think about it too much ( i know easier said than done). Hopefully the new chemo regime will shrink it for your peace of mind. i know nothing i can say will prob may you feel any better at the moment but we are all here for you.
Faye x

[Marionblue]

Joan - So sorry you have hade a bad day. Everything crossed that the change of treatment starts the lump shrinking.
Stay strong. We are all wishing the best for you.

Cress - Have a good time in Norfolk. We lived there fro a while in the 70's and loved it.

Deedee - I dread my OH nodding off and snoring. He gets so bored in there. Think I'll send him home next time.

Ann - Don't suffer a headache. Get some paracetemol down you. (Temperature first of course)

Fiona - Re Dreams. My dreams in first week are awful and are usuallly on a theme of me being buried alive or stuck between high walls with no way out. Must be to do with feeling trapped within this treatment and this hideous disease. I really dread them.
I dreamed I was at an employment agency looking for work last night. Must have been down to an odd phone call from my boss saying when I came back, she was moving me to another department for a few hours a week instead of my usual busy job, and that none of us were getting any younger. Perhaps I'm getting paranoid and she was just trying to be kind, but I will need to be back in work full time and want to do my previous job. Its only invoicing for heavens sake not bricklaying. She wants me to work on the website instead which really isn't a full time job. I've told her we had better have a meeting before I go back.

Hope all you ladies at the bar today have a peacefull night.

Marion
XXX

[Guest user]

Joan
so sorry your news was not what you expected. I am sure what you have had will have worked on the rest of your body. I am sure the tax will do its stuff, its strong stuff. Try not to worry to much (easier said than done I know)
Hugs Debs xxx

[Guest user]

Thinking of you Joan, not the news hoped for. But maybe Docetaxel will do it for you, instead. I'm sure even if the AC has not had a significant effect on your tumour it will at least have given the rest of your body a clear out.
xxx

[TaylorJ]

Joan, am so sorry to hear your news especially after being given previous indications that things were going in the right direction. Hope that some of the other Jewels who are having chemo first will be along soon. Sending you a huge virtual hug. Xxxxx

[pat_1949]

Hi Jewells, back from the bar safe and sound, just feel very slightly light headed, thank you to everyone for your good wishes, 1/2way through now, 3 Tax to go. When I was there today another patient who was having her 1st T after 3 FEC said she has been taking Vitamin B Complex since starting Chemo, it helps hair and nails apparantly, has anyone ever heard this, I am going to phone unit before I take them just in case, help please!!!!
Joan, thinking of you, please try not to worry. We are all here for you.
Xxxxx

[Guest user]

Oh dear, slept through the showjumping I wanted to watch. Barely keeping my eyes open now and a banging headache. Does FEC 4 hit a bit harder ?

[fimbo123]

Not a great appointment with the onc today. He said the MRI showed that my lump has not shrunk at all (although it hasn't grown). However the enhancement which the MRI shows up has reduced, which I don't completely understand but is good. I am really devastated, especially because ladt time he really thought it was shrinking. Now he says it must have been the reduction in bruising compared to the first time he examined me which was not long after the biopsy.

The plan is now to leave AC chemo and move on to Docetaxel, for 3 or 4 cycles depending on whether it's effective or not.

I feel really upset. I really wasn't expecting that today. I honestly don't know what to think now. He said they will still operate if it doesn't shrink, it will just be more difficult than it would have been. I'm more worried that it hasn't been working on the rest of my body either.

Izzy, what did your team tell you to reassure you the other week when you were in this position?

Sorry not to respond to other posts but I'm struggling today.

Jxx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Ann - post crossed. Glad you back, just reeeeeeeeest and enjoy the horses.
xx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Afternoon all

Sandra - have PMd you. Had lovely time yesterday, thanks - lunch, ice-cream, a walk and browsing in some pretty gift shops with my friend. We both enjoyed and she is already planning our next trip together for my next "week 3".
Are you ODing on the steroids? Those dreams are weird. On my 1st cycle, I had horrible nightmares with the steroids, so not looking forward to my first Tax next week (even more steroids, I think).
Enjoy time with ED, have some quality girlie time together.

Deedee - glad you are back home, hope you get a rest and will be feeling ok with no SEs.
I'm 50 too this year, in Oct. No celebrating then as I'll be on my last chemo cycle with rads to follow. Suggested to daughter I could miss this year's birthday and delay being 50 until next year!!
Op sounds right for you, you'll be all done by Christmas and have a new boob.
Re the heat pad, I have it while I'm in the chemo unit, but not to take home.

Chelle - hope you get some answers to feeling faint and icky.
What's Toms? I might need to buy some, no ordering online for a few days now.

Jackie - the shoe cupcakes look fab. What a lovely activity to do with your daughter - and a hand massage to boot, she is a little treasure.

Vicki - banquet sounds great, are you dressing up?

Izzy - I was told my tunour grade before surgery, after the MRI scan and biopsies etc. That was confirmed after surgery, so although I didn't realise it at the time, the pre-surgery grade may have been a guesstimate which was confirmed after surgery?

Emma (peachy) - good to hear from you. Glad you been having a reasonable time and enjoying some shopping (and spending).

Jill - sorry you so tired, must be bad if it's keeping you from your sewing. Glad you had good chat with onc this morning and got referred for your arm.

TaylorJ - thanks for uodate on Martha. Sorry she is struggling, must be so hard to keep her business going. Look forward to hearing from her when she is up to it.

Cress - enjoy yhe Norfolk trip, have some much-needed rest and recharge your batteries.

Sandra, Marion and Vicki - thanks for interest and advice re my bathroom. Yes, we will probably go for a complete refurb, whole new suite plus new floor. Wall tiles maybe staying, not sure yet. Got white suite now and will stick with that, it's ageless. Sunday will be bathroom showroom visiting fest, wish us luck.

Emma (melrose), Faye, Ann and Pat - hugs for you at the bar today xxxx. Deedee already back, so hug for you too x

Enjoy the sunshine, it is a glorious day here in South Wales,


Fiona
xx

[Guest user]

I am back, well and truly FECed. The wonderful blue pill allowed me to doze throughout the infusion.

Lay on the bed now watching Royal International Horse Show and feeling ok at the moment. Hope all at the bar today are doing ok.

[deedee215]

Hi all back it was really busy there today and I had to wait nearly an hour till the cocktails came from the pharmacy. So you can imagine my OH he was sitting next to me snoring his head of lol cos he was just of a night shift all the nurses were laughing at him lol
Deedee xx

[Suffolklady]

Good luck to all those at the bar today, sending you all a big hug and a cool breeze. x
Jill, I've been feeling quite spaced out too - then suddenly, yesterday, it's like I've been recharged and feel ready for anything!
Sandra, love the dream! Have a wonderful time with ED - family time is so special.
Chelle - I'll be your wing man (or woman!) as long as you do the same for me - I've been out of the game for a long time.... Hope they sort your meds out - let us know...
Well, to get over the disappointment of the cancelled Wales trip, I'm going to Norfolk with a girlfriend for two nights tomorrow. It's close enough to get back if I'm ill and while it doesn't make up for a holiday with the children, it should be a lot of fun!!
Hope you're all enjoying the sunshine wherever you are and that this is a 'good' day for you all. XXXX

[TaylorJ]

Good afternoon Jewels, haven't posted for a while but have been reading your posts every day! I had a text back from Martha last weekend and she has continued to struggle with fatigue and when she has felt well enough has been focusing on her business as this has been neglected somewhat.
I am on day 8 cycle 3 and have been more tired this cycle and don't seem to have much energy. The breast care nurse told me that the tiredness may increase over the remaining cycles - bummer! Had a minor incident at the chemo unit when all the veins on my hand turned bright red, looked like spiderman for a while until a heat pad was applied! Not sure what state my hand will be in after 3 more cycles.
Exercises for cording seem to be going well and I have better movement now, go back to physio next week for a follow up.
Have booked an intro day at the Haven in Leeds just before my last chemo and hope to book some much needed therapy sessions.
It's great having my son at home in the school holidays and we have a good laugh together, though it can be expensive when he "needs" a new tennis oufit and racket! Had a lovely couple of days in the Peak District recently, though I struggled with my wig, it was too tight and gave me a headache. Have managed to get it sorted now.
I received a lovely butterfly scarf from some friends yesterday which was a nice surprise and very thoughtful of them. They had already sent me flowers after my op and when I first started chemo. It certainly gives me a lift when friends show they care.
Debs, Marion, Katherine, Jackie and Chelle hope you all feel a bit better soon, thinking of you, big hugs to all of you.
Trish, am so sorry to hear about your vision and mobility and hope that you have a way forward to improve things very soon. Big hugs to you too.
Debs, I am on TAC chemo, so similar to you and my ONC said that it is tough but that she thought I was fit enough to cope with it. Time will tell.
Deedee, thinking of you, it must be very tough for you with your neighbour's situation. It is good that you have a special birthday celebration to share with your niece next year.
Maxie, have a wonderful weekend with your daughter.
Hope to go out for a walk with my OH soon, with sun hat and cardigan of course.
Hope you all have a peaceful afternoon and sleep well precious ladies. Xxx

[Lola65]

Izzy,

I had 6 lots of Tax (no FEC). The low immunity period is longer on Tax than FEC and you are more likely to have a drop in your WBC. The actual days vary from person to person, but all I can say is what happened to me on my first cycle. I was admitted to hospital on DAY 10 with Neutropenia. My neuts were down to 0.1. Fortunately they started to rise on day 11, and by day 13 had risen sufficiently for me to be discharged. For all subsequent cycles I was given the Neulasta blood boosting jab which worked. Because of my own experience I would never consider flying during that period because of the germs in the plane.

At my hospital, if someone insists on going abroad during chemo the oncologist gives them a copy of their notes to take should they need to see a doctor or hospital, and they are keen that you know the language sufficiently to communicate.

If you do decide to go I would definitely ask for the Neulasta jab taken the day after chemo (if you haven't already got it).

Linda (Feb Valentine) xxx

[YB54321]

Good luck to Pat, Deedee, Emma, Faye & Ann at the bar today - must be happy hour with those numbers!
Izzy - I had surgery before my chemo so not in same position as you but they told me the grade from the 1st core biopsy I ever had done and then re confirmed it after lumpectomy. To be honest I don't think the grade makes a whole lot of difference to the plan of action it's more the stage of it which I didn't find out until after surgery so I wouldn't worry too much. As for the hol - I agree with the other ladies and play it by ear. I think I'd feel better having insurance to cover the trip in case of emergency and I'd do a bit of research just to check where the hospitals are etc for peace of mind. I'm sure you'll know by the time if you're up to it or not.

Peachy - good to hear from you sounds like the house is keeping you busy. Glad it's not just me with the shopping bug x

Vicki - Toms are just espadrilles but they have a leather lining so last a bit longer than normal ones. The medieval banquet sounds fab - have a great time x

Cress - I'm going to need you as my wing man in this dating game! It's soooo long since I've been on a date! Not a fan of uniform myself so at least we won't be fighting over who gets the meat x

Just had my Eco done and waiting for blood results to come back as they want me to see the onc before I leave as they think the blood thinners need reducing. Am feeling quite faint and sicky today and that's really not like me while I've been having chemo. So I'll catch you all once the verdict is in ......