Thanks Chrissie, appreciate that. You're absolutely right though, it is the fear of the unknown and every day brings a new change in my body that I wasn't prepared for. It's only been week one of the chemo and I'm tired and constipated - good start stocked up on prunes, dates, pears and apples so that'll all help.

It's a good forum, I've had a look around and happy to be a part of it.

Hugs xx

Hi ...

I'm gonna message another lass who's going through chemo too right now ... she's an inspiration. . And l know she'll pop by as soon as she can ... she's knows more then me as l never had chemo... 

So hold on in there ... always here if you wanna chat ... Chrissie... x

Hi Paula l

welcome to the club no one wants to join.....we're a lovely lot here, I see the lovely Chriss has already replied, others will be along at some point. We all comfort each other and this forum has been my god send.

I am currently enduring chemo and am halfway through....on fec...the whole way, I lost my hair pretty immediately after first cycle, so decided to shave it all off at one...get the inevitable over with...I do have a lovely NHS wig...do you?

your chemo sounds pretty full on, how are your side effects? Mine are mainly fatigue, sore eyes, fumble fingers and bowel problems....isn't chemo kind! 

Would love to hear more from you.....xxxx

Thank you x

Hi Marlyn,

I get the impression that it's a great forum. Always good to have moral support. I had my first chemo session on Wednesday 27th and although my anti sickness meds are working, I'm tired and constipated. Joy! Well I've got some prunes and I had some toast and beans for lunch so hoping the fibre works soon.

I was thinking about shaving it. My mum's coming to visit tomorrow and going to come to my second chemo with me. I'm staying in Vienna, Austria at the moment and coping with the language barrier is hard but the medical staff have been great. It's harder not having any native English speakers to chat to so being able to connect on this forum is a real bonus.

PS. Love your photo with the dogs, they're a great therapy :) x

Oh wow your in Vienna? I bet the language barrier is difficult! We moved back to the uk from Spain a couple of years ago and couldn't imagine going through this there, my Spanish was pretty good but not up to hospital speak...how long you in Austria? 

Yes, I try and slug prune juice....it takes about a week after a cycle for my bowels to work....tmi I know, but we're all friends here! 

It will be nice having your mum there....do you have support at home? I am lucky to have a doting hubby, he can't do enough for me...

yes my beautiful dogs, sadly we lost the brown one last year and Rubi the black and white one sadly doesn't want to know me in my first week of chemotherapy, I think I give off a chemo glow! She loves me in my second and third week though, although she doesn't like my bald head, as soon as I put on my wig she comes to me...she's a sensitive wee thing....xxxx

We're in Vienna until at least the middle of next year. I'm here with my boyfriend who is also from the UK and he's doing his best to help me. He's just had his mum get over throat cancer and his dad has just been diagnosed with bowel cancer and now me, so it's been a tough time for him emotionally. We're all in this together :)

Your dog sounds lovely, I miss having pets. Sadly our let here doesn't allow it. Give Rubi a lovely tummy rub from me.

What's your situation now? Halfway through chemo and still smiling, lots of strength to you xx

At least your there for a while to get this all done with. They say one out of two of us will get cancer, you've all certainly had your share! 

Rubi actually stayed by my side last night on the bed, first time since chemo started...I was truly honoured...tummy tickle duly done..

we came back from Spain after 8 years as the grass really isn't greener on the other side, loads of other unpleasant stuff too, and for animal lovers unbearable....

we were very lucky to have the opportunity to come back and have never looked back....especially with my diagnosis.....far too complicated to deal with in the part of Spain we lived in! 

Lots of strength to you too Hun......xxxx

Hi Paula,

Welcome to our community. I am so sorry to hear about your breast cancer and the cruel treatment regime you're going through.

I have had two bouts of breast cancer in the past 9 years and can certainly attest to the great support that this site offers. People here really know what you are going through and, how you are feeling, as they have experienced it for themselves. It is a great place to come to for advice, information, or even just to moan or shout. Nothing surprises us – we have heard it all before.

I am glad to hear that your medical team have been good, although I appreciate that you must find it difficult to cope with everything through a foreign language. Your poor boyfriend, he has certainly had more than his fair share of this. Sadly, he is not the only one and, I hope that he can give you the support you need as you battle your way through this. You will find it helpful if you can speak openly to one another about how you feel.

I sincerely hope that your boyfriend’s parents make good progress, now that they have both been diagnosed.

Here’s hoping that your CT scan on 4th April shows some favourable changes. We are all here for you on sunny days as well as darker times.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx