Starting Chemo in May 2012

[Guest user]

Hi ladies, had results from 1st mammo and it was all clear ( phew ), I have to admit to being scared sh**less about it, Rattles, glad your doing ok, rest easy enjoy the sunshine 🙂 , has anyone got painful joints, my right knee is so painful, it reduced me to tears this morning

[squeakymouse]

Rattles hope you recover soon after your op.
I have been reading the May 2013 chemo thread. It seems so strange to think that was us 12 months ago...
Squeakymouse xx

[Rattles]

Just popping in to say hello.
Thanks for good wishes. Surprisingly, sitting on the sofa and okay as long as I don't over-do it. Lovely to see the sunshine isn't it? Such a long winter its been. When I look back on the last year, don't know how I did it. Its amazing the strength we find within oursleves. Thankful to all for the support.
Hoping everyone doing well.
Rattles x

[Gilliancw]

Rattles glad your op went well. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
have had a mammogram & CT scan so now waiting for results, as long as all is well I can then have the DIEP recon which will be about October time.
Take care all
Gillian xxx

[Emylou9]

Rattles, I'm so glad your op went well and hope you recover quickly. Make sure you take it easy for a while- we might actually get some warm sunshine in the next few days which I hope you can take advantage of. Go and relax on that balcony of yours with a long drink!!! I still check in to the site but less often. I hope everyone is ok, Em Xx

[Mejane]

Hi, having started a cold cap thread a while ago, I thought I'd give anyone interested in the CC a general update on how the Cold cap has been working for me - so far! I remain cautious of course as you can lose hair right till the end of chemo and beyond for at least 6 weeks after finishing chemo.

My treatment comprises of chemo (FEC 75 x 6) for adjuvant BC, I had a lumpoctomy and SNB (no nodes affected) in November. I am now 2 days post FEC 5 - with just one more fec to go on MAY 20th, then goodbye to feccing FEC 😉 !

This update is really aimed at anyone thinking of trying the CC - or wondering whether to continue with it. I say this because you do lose hair throughout the treatment, even with the CC, some more than others and everyone is different of course..

After FEC 2 I lost quite a bit of hair from the crown of my head and thought this was it! - the beginning of a major shed and I considered giving up. But fortunately this proved not to be the case for me. I was encouraged to stick with the CC, mainly because of this thread - by the ladies who responded on it (Cybele, Sanytoes, to name name but a few). Thank you ladies.

Like many ladies have described on the forum, after FEC 2, even on the CC, I also had a sensitive and painful scalp in the area that I shed hair from the following day, so recognised beforehand the sympoms so expected that the hair would probably fall from there - and it did. Still there was enough coverage there to encourage me to persevere. I had read that some people became very thin on top, sometimes bald on top, so I was prepared, if very upset, for this also to be the case for me. Hence starting the CC thread, other ladies a few cycles ahead of me really encouraged me not to give up.

After FEC 2 hair loss settled down a lot and whilst I continue to lose hairs when I wash it (about every 6 days) it is only a little more than usual. I have stuck rigidly to the instructions I was given at the start, leave the hair alone basically, let it dry hair naturally and use no other hair products. I have adopted a more casual style and have got used to leaving it alone, it has continued to grow, if a little slower, during chemo and I have had to have the fringe trimmed, but left the rest of it alone. Whilst the hair on top is a bit thinner, it is enough coverage and is even a bit thicker than after FEC 2. I say all this with some caution, with at least 6 more weeks to go before the hair stablises.

So, if you are about to start treatment and you are considering trying the CC, do give it a try. It is not a bed of roses and is painful for the first 20 mins or so, but after that, for me the scalp seems get used to it! For me after 20 minutes it is nolonger painful, just a bit uncomfortable and tight under the chin. But I have someone with me at every session so this is a welcome distraction and helps the time pass quicker. And I was determined from the beginning to put up with whatever I needed to, to try to keep my hair.

The CC has enabled me for much of the time between treatments to feel normal, not to look like a cancer patient, not to have to wear the wig I went to great lengths to get (it sits still elegantly on the wighead - forever i hope!) 😉 and to go out, albeit a little greyer, a little less groomed than I normally am, but it has made the chemo that I started with such dread, to be a little easier to bear.

The very best of luck to anyone using the CC now - or about to start. I really hopes it works for you. MJx

[Rattles]

Well, I thought I would post although it may be just my voice in the ether!
Came home yesterday. Op went smoothly though very painful- in shoulders of all places. My fifth op in 14 months. Staff at the RM were amazing in all ways. Rather surprised though to find I had canulas in my left arm and that they used it for bp readings, even though I have had clearance that side but felt too exhausted to complain, so now I bit anxious. God, I don't want to wear sleeves on both arms!! Also feeling a bit weepy which I think is the hormones. A year on and in bed again! Looks like a good day for cloud-spotting! I sincerely hope that this time next year I will have forgotten all this trauma.
Hope everyone else well. xxx

[Gilliancw]

Hi
Rattles hope your op goes well will be thinking of you. Em Thailand must have been great. We went to New York last week we had a fantastic time, it was a belated gift for my daughters 18th birthday we had to delay because of my treatment. Alix good luck with your wedding.
ive got a mammogram next week and ct scan the week after in ready for my DIEP recon which will be October time. Can't wait to get rid of this implant it just feels and looks like a bag.
i found it odd seeing the May 2013 thread its strange to think we were there a year ago!!!
well hope you lovely ladies are well and enjoying so sunshine.
take care
gillian xxxx

[Rattles]

Like Em, feel its lovely to hear from you all. Thailand must have been amazing and a ggod way to celebrate. Alix, your wedding must feel like it has all the meaning after everything you have been through and I am sure it will be a very special day. Kitten mad, I am in awe of your energy levels though I went in to work yesterday even though it was a Saturday and thought of all those post chemo Saturdays when I was so miserable. I would take work any day other that! It is very strange to se ethe May 2013 thread and we should all post of there. I have applied to go to the Birmingham Younger Women's Forum in May. Hoping I will be well enough after my op next week.
Squeaky, hope you are doing well too.
Rattles

[Emylou9]

Hi Buddies, so nice to hear from everyone. Thailand was fab and i felt like me again. Felt like I was drawing a bit of a line under the last year and able to move on. Still want to know how you are all doing though as you've all become a really special group of friends. Alix - you must be so excited about the wedding- congratulations!! The outer Hebrides sounds wonderful - my family are from the Orkney Isles. Rattles you must let us know how your op goes- thinking of you x kitten mad, I just got some micro straighteners and they are great- my hair is a nightmare,really curly and growing in all directions!!! Love to all my Buddies xxx ps. Was a year today I got my diagnosis but I'm still here and enjoying my life, x

[kitten_mad]

Hi All,
I had my yearly mammo brought forward and got the result in less than 2 weeks, he said there was nothing abnormal. I was quite scared to open the envelope! and so relieved. I hope Rattles and Meerkat are doing ok with surgery and treatments. I feel bad that I don't come on to this site so much these days BUT I am mentoring 2 people who have recently been diagnosed so feel I am doing my bit! Hardly a week goes by without you hearing about someone else who has just been told they have BC. I am using Nioxin 4 on my hair and it has thickened it up a lot - am going to try and buy some of micro straighteners for when I stop using the wig which I hope will be within the next 4 or 5 weeks. Hope everyone is ok and Alix remember your thermals for your trip to the Hebrides - you may just miss the midgie season but bring some anti-repellant just in case!!
Love to all
K M xx

[AlixJ]

Hi everyone
Sorry I haven't been on for ages - when I've been checking back it says no new posts, but it was because I wasn't logged in. Doh! Lovely to catch up with everyone, and thanks to Meerkat for posting - sorry you're still going through the mill. As Em says, think about the new chemo regime doing its stuff. Keeping everything crossed for your results.
Rattles - hope your op goes well, and that you have a speedy recovery.
I had my one year mammo about a month ago, only just got the results which were thankfully ok. Didn't find it too painful, but then I only have one boob to do these days!
Me and OH have our civil partnership on 31st May, postponed from last year when I was diagnosed. We're going to buy a caravan and go to the Outer Hebrides for our honeymoon - not very glamorous, but I'm really looking forward to it.
Love to everyone,
Alix xx

[Emylou9]

Hope the surgery all goes well Rattles- will be thinking of you, x

[squeakymouse]

hope your op goes ok, Rattles, fingers crossed xx

[Rattles]

Just coming on to wish you all good wishes. A year ago we were all gearing up start chemo. I am so glad its over. I am about to have more surgery so mixed feelings - up and down but not a day goes by when I am not thankful to be alive, and not on chemo.
Rattles, xx

[Guest user]

Hey Guys
It is so good to hear you all so positive. Life is for living and to get through all we have is awe-inspiring!
Whatever the state of play - if you are reading this post it is better than we could have hoped for a year ago.
Thank you for your support, and God bless you for the rest of your journey.
Merc
xxxx

[squeakymouse]

Hi Meerkat, sorry you are having such a horrible time, sending hugs and hope your scansturn out ok. Squeakymouse xx

[Emylou9]

Hi Meercat, i was just checking in with my buddies and saw your post- sorry you are having a sh***y time of it at the moment. Think of the new chemo regime doing the job properly this time. Everything crossed for your scan results too, big cyber hugs, Em Xxxx

[Guest user]

Hi ladies, really sorry it's been soooo long since my last post, I think I just needed a break from thinking about it any more than I needed to, I've definitely found it harder to deal with second time around emotionally. I had my second dose of Chemo yesterday. I'm now on one called Carboplatin another course off 6 treatments. chemo was delayed lfor a week as I had to have emergency surgery last week to have a large haematoma removed from my chest, which meant undoin my mx scar. They said they also removed a bit of skin that looked a bit dodgy. Still waiting on results of that together with a brain scan I had yesterday.

Anyway, promise to keep in touch, hope everyone ok

xxx

[Gilliancw]

Hi KM
i joined slimming world to loose the weight.
Xx

[Rattles]

Lovely to hear from so many of the buddies. Bikerchic congratulations on your wedding plans! Ive lost weight too. I do a slow-release energy diet. Basically eat as much unrefined food as possible.
Kitten mad- good luck with the mamogram and appointment tomorrow.
Gillian good luck with the surgone next week.
Rattles x

[kitten_mad]

Bikerchic - congratulations on the wedding, hope all goes to plan. It will be great to have something to look forward to. I went for my bone scan today (for the Letrozole) and popped in to see the breast care nurse while I was there. I mentioned about the pain in boob and underarm and instead of reassuring that it was normal, she has brought my yearly check up forward to this Thursday! So I am so see the surgeon then, presumably get the mammogram then too - I am so not looking forward to the pain of that. I said it seems rather cruel to do that on a sore boob and could they not just do an ultrasound instead - but the says the mammograms are much better at finding things. AND believe it or not she gave me another wig prescription too even though I said I had two and didn't need another one, just needed my fringe to grow at bit. So should I use it or not????
Gillian - hope your surgeon visit goes ok and well done on the weight loss - how did you do it? I haven't lost any of the steroid weight gain at all!
Think I might take a few painkillers before I go in! for the appt that is (not the wig)!
Love to all
KM xx

[Guest user]

Gillian you so lucky to have lost weight, I'm struggling to lose the weight I gained during treatment.My thoughts will be with you when you see plastic surgeon

[Guest user]

Argh only half my post

[Gilliancw]

Hi Rattles
hope you had a good birthday.
bikerchic I got my travel insurance with insure with. I'm going to New York in April.
im going to see plastic surgeon 2nd April to discuss reconstuction to replace the temp implant I had which replaced failed LD flap recon. Feeling really nervous about having more treatment. Hair growing well dyed it last week fed up with being grey going to keep it sort for a while have been having lots of compliments.
finding it hard moving forward, trying to put the last year behind me. Have lost just over a stone since I finished chemo something I could be in control of.
hope all you lovely ladies are doing ok.
take care Gillian xxx

[Guest user]

Good morning ladies, not been on for a while,back at work now so finding it hard to stay awake once i get home,hope everyone is ok,Giraffe i had my first mammo on 13th March,and was really nervous, and it bloody hurt loads,and yes all the memories of a year ago came flooding back and i had a bit of a meltdown,just have to wait until 15th April for results,how are you all coping with no trips to hospital for treatment?i found it was like being stranded with no idea of what to do or where to go, awful feeling,do you ladies have days when all you want to do is cry,it all seems so sureal,after everything we've been through,its now all over and we've to start a new life,i find it difficult some days,but i smile and carry on. However on a more positive note,i'm getting married at the end of August, and a 2 week honeymoon in sunny California,cant wait i'm soooooo excited ,i have been wondering about insurance though and i noticed that Emylou, you've been out to Thailand,hope you had a great time,i also noticed you mentioned an insurance company Insurewith, i'll have to look them up on the web. I have to admit that Emylou and Sqeakymouse look really stunning with the new do's, mine is growing back nicely, i've coloured it a light brown to cover the " silver bits ", and it turned out ok, its been YEARS since ive had really short hair,it feels odd, i'm used to long hair, but everyone says it suits me, well love you and leave you all for now, but i'll be back lol, speak to all again soon, take care, lots of hugs to those feeling poorly .

[Rattles]

Hello Spring buds,
Kitten made -sorry to hear your op results were disappointing. It may improve over time? I too feel very tight and uncomfortable across my upper body. I don't notice when I am busy but when I sit down it hits me.
Catching up on the posts- good to hear holidays and travel such a theme. Squeaky congratulations and hope you had fun in Turkey. Em - your trip must be soon now?
Well, its my birthday today. All my well-laid plans to celebrate in style have been thwarted- by what I honestly think has been the flu, and by the weather! Woke this morning and thought 'Wow! I made it!' I really was not sure I would. I was disappointed that mum couldn't come down (snowed in!) for weekend but content to know that I am not on chemo and can go and enjoy coffee and cake. The way I see it, I have the rest of the year to celebrate!
Love to all, Rattles x

[kitten_mad]

Sorry I haven't posted for so long. Been very busy at work and trying to be normal!! Still very tired though and the rads areas are extremely sore especially at night when they wake me up. I had the operation on my arm the week before last (to remove the redundant vein), at first I felt very positive about the op, but I now feel it may have been a waste of time as it seems to be going back into its bent position again. This is despite me going around stretching it out all the time (Hitler style), the stitches are causing me a lot of pain, so getting hit from both sides of my body at the moment. Still wearing my wig, and had hoped for Easter as the deadline for doing without it, but doubt that will happen now. Still don't have a long enough fringe, but my own hair is creeping out at the back and sides of the wig. Hope everyone is doing away ok, assume because we are all so quiet that we are just getting on with things, which is how it should be really.
Hope Meerkat is ok too squeaky, it would be good to know how she is getting on.
Take care and love to all
K M xx

[squeakymouse]

Love the hair, Em! Hope you have a lovely holiday in Thailand.
I haven't been on for a while as we went to Istanbul for our 15th wedding anniversary and I couldn't post on my phone. My energy levels have been up and down, some days very tired, but for a few days while we were on holiday I felt less tired than I had for years. Maybe it was the Turkish coffee, or the result of no longer working stupid hours, or perhaps I had had cancer for several years and been fighting it off but never realised.
I had my hair done blonde. It seems to have grown back OK but eyebrows are still very thin and I still have to draw them on.
Hope Meerkat is OK, haven't heard from her for a while.
Hope everyone has a good weekend.
Squeakymouse xx

[Guest user]

Thank you for the insurance info. Hope you have a wonderful time in Thailand. I went there 20 years ago in my back packing days. My hair is also curly at the back and front aftet being poker straight for years!

[Emylou9]

Hi alesha, nice to hear from you! i can certainly relate to the fatigue thing -I think I'm ok then over do it and collapse, seems normal at the moment. As for insurance Alix recommended Insurewith which I used for my Thailand trip- it includes BC related a conditions. Was a reasonable quote and i just have a bigger excess to pay than the rest of the family. i just went for a proper hair colour at my hairdressers and a trim!!! I'm hoping if I keep having the ends trimmed I will eventually lose the curls, which I only seem to have on the top and back- weird!!! X

[Guest user]

Hi
I haven't been on here for a while but do dip in and have a read when I have time! I have been back at work full time for some weeks now. I am exhausted come Friday and then spend the weekend catching up on housework etc so go back to work on Monday exhausted again! I do have a lie in at the weekend though which I could never do before.
Alot of peoples hair seems to be making a welcome return. Mine is now getting thicker at last. I haven't worn a wig since December and dyed my hair 4 weeks after my last treatment as it was sooo grey and it stayed put. I cannot get used to it being this short as it was shoulder length before. My son wants it to grow so "I look like his mum again".
I was wondering if anyone has a good insurance company to recommend? I am going to America in July for two weeks. I am covered by my bank account for anything that is non breast cancer related. I rang for a quote to one place which was for people with cancer and they said it was £200 just for me! Is that reasonable?
My dilemma is that we have to pay for it all at the end of this month. I then have my mammogram on 2nd April and if it should be not good news and I have not insured myself I will loose all the money. Iknow that sounds a bit ruthless but we had to cancel it all last year but luckily my bank covered it but obviously this year they won't. If themammogram was before we had to pay I don't think I would bother getting the extra insurance. What do you think?
I cannot believe all that has happened in a year. Have good and bad days as I am well and truly in the menopause now. Half way through the treatment it started and now my hot flushes are a daily and nightly occurance! Trying Sage at the moment (doesn't seem to be working yet though). Have joined Weight Watchers too have lost 10lb so far but have a loooonng way to go. Nevermind will get there in the end.
I hope everyone is as well as you can be and trying to get back to some sort of normality although I don't think I am quite the same person I was.
Alesha xx

[Rattles]

Hi Em,
Nice to know your bc nurse has such a positive ability to empathise (being sarcastic!). Makes me very cross when so called 'caring' professionals make such responses.Like you, determined to make the most of all the amazing opportunities and experiences I can, but does not mean I don't have my low moments.
My mum is in Grenada and its 34 degrees there. Bluse sky, white sand, blue sea- amazing!
xx

[Emylou9]

Rattles, sorry you were feeling low last week. I've been up and down myself lately. It's no wonder you're fed up having to have yet another op- when are you going in for it? When I feel scared of it coming back or spreading I think about my friend who passed away last year and is no longer able to be with her family, and it makes me determined to live my life with optimism and make the most of all the little moments that make life so good. My bcn told me last week, when i had my sleeve fitted, that she tells her patients that theres no point going hrough all this treatment if you are going to spend your days anxious and depressed - easy for her to say though!!
We're pretty much ready for Thailand, can't believe we are going in a week. It's going to be soooooo hot - hard to imagine at the moment! Hope everyone is ok, love to all, Em x

[Rattles]

Em, you look wonderful and love your photo. Assume you are getting ready for your trip to Thailand? My boss is going there next week...maybe your paths will cross..............
Well, it is still as cold as ever. My hair is really growing now. Not as curly as when it grew back last time and looks quite messy, esp in the morning when it has a kind of squashed toilet brush look about it!
Saw my Gyanae doc and have date for next op. I cried after seeing the Nurse last week and was very (and unchacteristically low). I think I just feel that my body has been through so much. How much more can it take? I also fear a secondary diagnosis and the knowledge that I would be very limited in terms of treatment options freaks me out from time to time. But, I feel I have to hope for a long and healthy life and the best way of trying to safeguard my health is to have my ovaries removed. .....Blimey the menopause sounds fun (not) but got all sorts of tips about herbal remedies to manage side-effects.
We moved at work last week. Was so tired felt ill but its done now. Just putting it all back together.
Hope everyone else doing well. sending you all lots of love, xx Rattles

[Emylou9]

Thank you WS!! X

[wintersocks]

Em, you look fab!!

WSx

[Emylou9]

Sorry about my face looking really big in my new photo - just wanted to show you all my hair!!!

[Emylou9]

Hi Buddies,
hope everyone is ok. Rattles when do you have your op? Do you have to be in hospital for long? menopause clinic sounds just lovely, although my vote goes to the discharge lounge, nice one Alix, haha!! Well I did a bit of shopping for holiday today although not much summer stuff in the shops yet but I did treat myself to a few pretty things. Last year I didn't see the point in getting anything nice as I felt so horrible and unattractive, so was good to spoil myself. Me and my daughter Meg are going to Crufts on Saturday - Meg is dog and horse (and all animals, actually) mad, so is really excited - are you jealous Doggirl?! Going to be a long day though. Love to all, Em Xxxx

[Guest user]

Thanks Ladies
The mammogram is over and done with - that's all I can say positive about it! I will get results within 4 weeks. It was really horrible - I think a combination of it being very painful, I was the last patient so noone to talk to, I hadn't slept more than 2 hours the night before etc etc. I came out of the hospital got into the car and burst into tears - I think it had brought all the feelings back from a year ago when I found the lump and went to the breast clinic convinced that it was nothing to worry about.
Julie

[AlixJ]

Hi everyone
Julie - great to hear from you, hope the mammo went ok. Do they do a same day results service at your hospital? Mine is due a week on Thursday, amazing to think that it's been a year since diagnosis. What a year we've all had.
Em - I didn't do any low-cal days last week, but am planning to get back on track tomorrow. I've found it quite hard, although my job isn't really physical we have two offices which are a couple of fields apart, so I do a fair bit of walking between them during the day. I've found that the Tamoxifen makes me crave sweet things, which I never used to, so I'm having to try and stop myself eating cake all the time! The health check at your GP surgery sounds good, I was recently told by a BCN that 2 hours of exercise per week reduces the chances of the cancer coming back so I'm trying to get back into running. Thailand sounds fantastic, a holiday of a lifetime.
Rattles - there are definitely some ladies with lymphodema at paddling, not sure if they have it in the hand though. I was told that research showed that paddling didn't worsen lymphodema, or bring it on. Good to hear that work will pay you when you're off - do you have a date for surgery yet? I agree that the Menopause Clinic doesn't sound very inviting - when I was having chemo I used to have to walk past a sign to the 'Discharge Lounge' which could also do with a re-brand!!
Meerkat - thinking about you and wondering where things are up to with your treatment, hope you're doing ok buddy.
love Alix xx

[Rattles]

Hello buddies,
Hope you are all well. Can't believe it is March already! This time last year I had just learned I had breast cancer again and was in bed with a fever. It was another 4 weeks (end of March) before I could walk to the park. Horrible, horrible time. I think a treat is deserved!
Alix- the dragon boat racing sounds good. Would be good to hear whether/what views/experiences of anyone with hand lymphoemdema so I have been told no rowing (if I could even get to a gym!) or repetitive movements e.g. hoovering (which I do in 5 min stints), ironing (aah, my favourite thing -not!)
Squeaky- very pleased and relieved to to hear you are okay.
Julie - hope scan was okay. Brings it all back.
Em- well done with the diet. My OH has been doing it and like you has been known to have the occasional glass of wine on a 'fast day.' He has lost over a stone in weight. I don't think I could do it as eating definately helps me sustain my energy. I try to do a slow-release energy diet. Idea is ito eat unrefined foods and fruit, veg protein. Limited fat. Avoid sugar spikes and try and maintain a slow release of energy through the day. Thailand sounds amazing. Bet you can't wait. I think I have forgotten how to book a holiday!! Am interested to hear you get a sleeve as a preventative measure. Seems this is another area where there a different views.
I am gearing up to have my ovaries removed. See the nurse at the Menopause Clinic (that needs a re-brand). Work have agreed to pay me for the time off so relieved). Every so often though get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach- then convince myself I must have ovarian cancer. Then remember its just nerves! I am alot more anxious about symptoms post treatment this time.
Like everyone else, wondering how Meerkat is doing.
Love to all, Rattles xx

[Emylou9]

Hey Julie, lovely to hear from you !! Good luck with the mammo this afternoon,x I got my appointment through for a mammo for September even though I was diagnosed in April last year. Think it's a mistake as September is when I had my MX. I'm going to see a breast nurse next week though to get a sleeve before my long haul flight to Thailand so I will ask her then if it is right. Alix how's the diet going? I'm carrying on with it and find it quite easy although I struggled not to have a glass of wine on my last 'fast day' !! My GP surgery are offering a health check to certain patients where they will do a fasting blood test to check for levels of all sorts of things like cholesterol , glucose etc. and then a follow-up where they discuss the results, take blood pressure, weigh you and talk about diet and lifestyle. I've been offered it so will be interesting and, hopefully, reassuring to have an MOT and maybe get some advice on staying healthy. Hope all the Buddies are ok, and getting on with getting your lives back. I do feel my energy levels are on the up but annoyingly my eyelashes have start to shed again- what's all that about?! Love to all, Em Xxxx

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies,
I've not posted for ages but I've been following you all - hope everyone is doing OK. I have my first annual mammogram this afternoon - I thought it wasn't bothering me at all but not going to sleep until 5.30 this morning it obviously is! Just had so many things in my head going round and round. I'm sure it'll be fine
Julie

[Emylou9]

Hope you are ok Meetcat, has your chemo started yet? thinking of you Buddy, Xxx

[Emylou9]

Hi Alix, I'm still sticking with he 5:2 diet - it was a fast day today which was ok as I was at work and kept busy all day. I've lost a few pounds but like you I'm more interested in the health benefits. I wish I could get blood tests like Dr Michael mosely to see if it was working!!! I did find out that my vit D levels were very good (well above the normal range apparently). The dragon boating sounds fab - would love to do that! Hope it gets a bit warmer for you before you go out on Windermere. It's only 4 weeks till we go to Thailand- cant believe we're going- think I'm a bit scared to look forward to it too much, if you know what I mean....X

[AlixJ]

Squeaky - so glad to hear that your hips are just deteriorating normally! Must have been a terrible worry. Good that you're happy with your hair - mine feels pretty much back to normal now.
Rattles - reat that you had a good night out. Like you say, sometimes the enormity of everything creeps up on you when you least expect it.
Em - How are you getting on with the 5:2 diet? OH and I did our first low-cal day on Thursday, we've both been eating for England ever since! OH confessed to waking up at 4am on Friday morning and having a banana! I might try and stick with it for the health benefits, for a few months at least (might then just do it once a week).
I've just got back from a practice pool session with the local 'Paddlers for Life' group - dragon boating for women who've had BC, plus their partners & supporters. They seem like a really lovely bunch, so I think we'll be going out on Lake Windermere with them next month! The exercise is supposed to be really good for avoiding or treating lymphodema, as well as improving wellbeing.
Freezing cold up here again after some lovely sunshine earlier in the week, though it hasn't rained in ages so I can't complain.
Love to everyone,
Alix xx

[squeakymouse]

Hi everyone
Hope you are all OK.
I have been having a bone mets scare (persistent very localised hip pain) over the last couple of months, finally got the xray results this week and there are no mets, just normal deterioration, so I am being referred for physio.
I am blonde again (from mid brown). I tried to colour it myself last weekend using the same colour I have been using for years - and it came out orange. I then reapplied the same colour twice and it came out a lighter yellowy orange. So I went to the hairdressers today and am now extreme platinum blonde, lighter than I have ever been, which is just what I wanted! Hubby likes it. They had to bleach it to strip out the orangey yellow then put colour back on top. They also cut it at the back and sides as it is all random lengths and this made it look thicker. My hair is too short to have it coloured with foils so they had to put the bleach right up to my scalp and I had to sign a disclaimer but this wasn't nearly as scarey as the other consent forms I have signed this year. So the moral of the story is be careful if you are colouring your hair, even if you are using products you have used before!
Squeakymouse xx

[Rattles]

Great news Alix. A huge relief!
A new page for us, so not to easy to go back and read posts. I am well. We had a great time out. Was exhausted but was well worth it. Even managed to meet up with friends on Friday night.
Had a bit of a crash yesterday. One of the mums from daughters school invited us swimming. Now have had no problem at all going with daughter on my own, but the thought of going in a group filled me with panic. As luck would have it, everyone has colds so we are going to the cinema, but its one of those moments that ambush you just when you think you are doing well, and you realise actually you have a bit further to go.
That aside, hair growing. Curls coming through. Still very few eyelashes.
Felt like the first day of Spring today. So,so lovely to see the sunshine. Gather its a reprieve before the cold returns, but still it was lovely.
Love to all, Rattles x

[Emylou9]

Alix- that's great news, what a relief!!! Xx