Hi Carla,

Welcome aboard. I also have stopped Googling as a lot of of is so outdated now. Good luck with the rads, I got away really lightly with no bad effects or redness.

Hey Ladies, this anxiety seems to affect us all. I still have down days when I cry, it always comes out of the blue and often when someone is trying to be nice to me. No one really knows what to say and have no idea what emotions we are all going through. Some days I nearly feel like my old self and others, especially when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror are really black. I am trying to look forward but there's always a reminder whether it's my hair, scars or just feeling like rubbish. Still, onwards and upwards.

Lots of love to you all,

Sue xxx

Hi Saftmom. I generally don't google but I was googling about diet after cancer etc and I did see something about that. Interesting, thank you. I'll google to see which foods contain it.

x

Well the main culprit for Asparagine is Potatoes, and not surprisingly Asparagus (after which it is named)...Asparagine is found in all diary, meat, fish, legumes, whole grains, soya, nuts and seeds...Most fruit and veg have low levels of asparagine - i've subsitutued potato with sweet potato...unfortunately a lot of dairy free alternatives contain soya...or nuts...i have been using Veolife cheese as it's dairy, wheat, soya and nut free...(it's made from coconut water)...

i think coconut is ok to have...some nuts have much higher levels of asparagine than others - Almonds contain alot...also i think it's ok to have white boiled rice and some processed cereal (as they're no longer wholegrain due to removal of the bran and endosperm)...i've had to use a lot of guesswork as there's not a great deal of info out there...Brassica veg _ cabbage, kale, spinach, broccoli  and cauliflower are all very good and i've been making lots of fruit smoothies.

Buckwheat pasta contains no asparagine - but i've not bought any of that yet - i think Holland And Barrett sell it but i'm not going out at the moment.

I occasionally have a treat, square of choccy now and again...but on the whole try to have mainly fruit and veg...

There are some surprisingly good alternatives out there - can be a little on the expensive side for speciailist items...but i guess this is the norm for lactose intolerant and gluten allergy people...

It's a good job i love tomatoes and mushrooms - i think they're ok too :-) xx

Hi Sue,

When i was first diagnosed i frightened myself to death by googling things...so now i dont do it :-)

I was fine with my FEC chemo, went to work everyday etc...but had a terrible time with my T chemo, i literally felt like i was dying and ended up in a wheelchair due to very badly burned feet...so i'm hoping very much that the radiotherapy will be ok. I've had the mapping done and staff at the unit seem lovely.

My hair has suddenly started growing with a vengeance and i no longer have that obvious 'cancer patient' look...it just all takes time doesnt it - i'm not very patient...but yes onwards and upwards, one day we'll feel normal again :-)

Carla xx

Sue,  I meant to say that my oncologist said the tears etc are a very normal reaction at the end of treatment. She also said radiotherapy can make some people emotional although they don't know why.

x

Hi Davia,

I'm glad to hear you've been listening to your body more and not expecting too much from yourself as that way you will make way for a quicker recovery without exhausting yourself at the same time.

Well done on managing a Sunday roast because I myself even find that an effort sometimes especially if I haven't slept well the previous night so be proud of yourself for accomplishing that Davia.

You're right about the relaxation and mindfulness videos on YouTube as I find them really helpful to along with some gentle exercise when you feel up to it are all good ways of healing the mind and body.

Anything which distracts our minds from cancer is all good therapy and yes I loved that Prue Scales narrow boat series 'Great Canal Journeys ' too, real escapism as you say.

I sometimes find myself just wanting to get in the car and drive for hours to some idyllic peaceful surroundings just to escape everyday at the moment.

I stayed off the diazepam for a few days over the weekend but yesterday and this morning I have had to take just a 2mg dose just to be able to feel able to focus and take away that jittery feeling.

I really need to follow my own advice more regarding rest and relaxation and making more time for myself is a must really as like you if I am tired my emotional state is even worse.

Again waiting for results has been taking its toll and I've just been burying myself into the mountains of jobs that need doing and I have the kids at home to homeschool so in all lots of distraction.

Stay strong and big hugs

Today feels like it will be a hot one so cover up in your garden with plenty of sunscreen  and take care. xx

I've heard that as well Claire and yes our hormones can be all over the place for a while after we finish out treatment.

There's no shame in crying in the oncologists office, I've been pretty hysterical with mine on numerous occasions and it's just an outpouring of all of our emotions we have built up.

Time is a great healer and we will all gradually begin to heal our minds and bodies so that worry if recurrence doesn't dominate our thoughts so much.

Sue, Linda, Mich and all

I hope your all ok.

Good luck with the radiotherapy Mich and Sue have you definitely decided against the Cape?

When do you see your oncologist again?

I'm just in living torture daily about results and surgeries and I'm trying to take life day by day rather than think too far ahead!

Hugs to you all 

Karyn xx

Hi Karyn,

Yes, I'm pretty sure I wont be having the cape. I have a phone consultation with my Oncologist on 2nd June which also happens to be my birthday. Some birthday present!!! I have to let him know my decision then. I'm sorry you have so much stress, maybe the odd glass of wine might help when your'e not taking tablets of course. Everything in moderation is my motto.

Claire, thanks for making me feel normal about the days I have a wobble. I try to be strong for my family but it's not always easy.

Mich, Davia & Linda and Carla, I hope you are all well.

Love to all xxx

Hi Sue,

I think you have made the right decision to be honest in deciding not to have the Cape, as the percentage gains are fairly small I've read at 6 - 8% it really isn't worth compromising your immune system any further and  being at increased risk of Covid.

That's a shame you have to have that conversation on your birthday but once it's all over with and you've told them your decision you must try and make it a special day and celebrate however hard that may be.

I wish I could have the odd glass of wine sometimes but I've not had alcohol in years so as much as I feel like trying I'd better not start now ha ha. Seriously chocolate is my weakness when I'm feeling low but I've managed to ration myself now.

Its very anxious waiting for results still and not heard yet about my Oophorectomy on 3rd June and to be honest with all the Covid still around I'm not sure if I should perhaps delay it a further few months even though I'm anxious to just get it over with.

I cant see how I can possibly do it on 3rd June with the anxiety hanging over my head about my breast results which wont be until 9th June for me receiving them.

I hope your managing to sleep better and enjoying the glorious weather in your garden.

Mich, Davia, Linda, Claire & Carla, hope your all ok.

Big hugs to you all xxxxx

Karyn