Hi Scott,

Yippee Scott your dad has come through the op which Ida huge relief. As I always say no two people are the same so just go with it and hopefully your dad will make steady promises. Please send our best wishes.

Lee I hope your dad is OK, thinking of you all.

keep the faith

Milly

Hi Andi!

Sooo relieved to hear from you.!I've been looking A LOT to see if you'd posted.

It sounds like you've had an extremely difficult time BUT onwards you go! As you may recall my husband's recovery took some unexpected twists and turns 5 weeks in hospital, 3 week home, another operation in a different hospital then home after 5 days. All in all 3 major operations in 8 weeks BUT he is recovering well fingers crossed! He felt like you about post chemo but in the end he was able to have it. Only you and the team can decide this. I would suggest that the old adage of 'one step at a time' is the best option. Try not to look too far back/forward and take the positives from small gains. Having a tracheotomy is something my husband almost had to have done but in the end he didn't. It's served a purpose of saving your life and is now out! No one can fully appreciate the trauma both physically and mentally you patients go through without added complications so give yourself and the brilliant NHS staff a huge pat on the back for getting so far! I hope you get support to deal with the emotional rollercoaster you've been on. 

Keep the faith Andi. I hope it helps to know we all care even though we've not met. Also I hope knowing others have had big hurdles to go over helps too. We are currently in Torquay  on our first ever Turkey and Tinsel weekend with ex RR employees- it's Christmas Day already here! Laughing emoji. Everything crossed that you will be home for Christmas and I hope you've been allowed a few visits  during all this time.

keeping the faith for everyone 

Milly x
 

Hi Milly

Thank you so much for your very kind words. I am getting stronger every day - and now on puréed food, and as operation was over 8 weeks ago, eating is not a problem.  I am working really hard with the physio's today get stronger but just can't get off the last bit of oxygen!!  But I'll do it!!!  
 

So good to hear that you have got away for 'Christmas' - and that your hubby is doing well.  My first great granddaughter was born on 4th October- so my aim is to meet her. 
 

This group have given me so much encouragement and the NHS are amazing. They have allowed one of my daughters to visit me - I was so very down - even though there are no visitors allowed. I'm very lucky!!  
 

Have a fabulous first Christmas and an even better second!! I will be home for Christmas 

Andi xx

Hi Lee oh my goodness what great news! I have been looking for updates from Andi for weeks and you and Scott since you said when the ops were happening. Good news day!

I'm soo pleased that your dad has come through and is making progress. We had the same 'pep' talk of a possible open and close. Awful as you've come so far it's within touching distance and then you're hit with that! 
Anyway focus on the now! Walking, eating, even going to the loo are huge steps forward. The things we all take for granted - even breathing are an achievement. So so happy! We will have a Christmas Day drink for everyone tonight (on a Turkey and Tinsel  weekend in Torquay) ha ha especially Andi, your dad Lee and Scotts dad as they all continue their individual recoveries. 

keeping the faith as always for everyone 

Milly

Hi distraught,

I hope seeing the recent positive posts has helped you. As I think I said on my previous posts there are slight differences between timings/order of tests. My husband had a longer than average wait until start of treatment - around 14 weeks in total so a long time. Most people seem to range between 5 - 8 weeks. 

Regarding side effects it just depends on the individual but most people seem to get some at varying degrees. The doctor/nurses will give you a leaflet which outline the effects but try not to be scared as it doesn't mean your husband will get all these. Most people find it gets harder as the cycles go on but not everyone. It's a case of  taking it astep at a time. They give you a rapid response card which sounds alarming but don't be as it's more about ringing with symptoms and getting advice so they can help you. A digital thermometer is a necessity. My husband also drank lots of warm water (he took flasks up for nighttime). Also eating as much as possible and exercising as much as possible before treatment starts will help. Also the same during treatment. 

Hope this helps, everyone on here will try to answer any questions.

keeping the faith for everyone 

Milly

[@leechap]‍  great news on your dad!! He is doing so well!!
 

[@Andi1947]‍  it is so good to hear from you. I have been thinking about you! I understand you must be so fed up but you have also come so far....just the final push now before Christmas.

Things aren't so positive here tonight, dad has had a bit of a turn and is now in ICU! Although I've gone back to the begining of this chat and I think a similar thing happened with you Ray?, I hope I have that right.

Just have to remember he is in the best place and they will do everything they can. 
 

Again I can't thank you all enough for sharing your stories, it really does help

Something weird going on with my notifications again- only got one note and look and 4 posts.....

Anyhow

HAPPY XMAS- Millie and Kev. My Nana and half my family LOVE those weekends , Bournemouth , Torquay and Eastbourne being annual haunts for years. - slade been on yet (:

Distraught- Hey. 'Good' news then and he'll be joining the many merry band of brothers on here . Chemo , well I think everyone gets side effects to varying degrees, it is superb  at what it does, cell murder; but with that does come some effects, but as Millie said, you will be given all sorts of support/ help lines and stuff, you will certainly NOT be left to it. Ask away- we are all expert in the lived experience (:. Mine started 5 weeks after diagnosis and after the 2 nd FLOT could eat as normal again, so clearly FLOT destroying those nasty cells. Diet sounds spot on- keep going x As for preparing- just go with it, as everyone is different, but stuff that makes you both happy and smiling like nice food, trashy TV, whatever you enjoy x

Andi- of course you will be down - even though you'll know all the reasons why, it still isn't nice. Human emotions are pesky things to please sometimes ! BUT, you will get home, get on the turkey and trifle, even a pint or four ! (: and before you know it your little great granddaughter will have you wrapped around her little finger tips (: . Remember too you are now and 'expert' member, so all the newbies need you too- as well as the old timers xx

Take care y'all

Keep keeping the faith

Hilts x

Scott - hey, 

it's okay- ICU is compulsory and so are 'turns' of varying degrees. I think every single one of the band of brothers have had some sort of post op shenanigans. Doesn't make it feel any better right now, but my goodness do those units know what they are doing!! Mine was on for 3 days I think, but many have been in and out for longer, it is a MASSIVE op and the lungs are really not best pleased post op.

We are cheering you all on from the sidelines and know exactly how you are feeling xxx

Keep , keeping that faith

Hilts x

[@Hilts911]‍  that's exactly what I needed to hear tonight, thank you! You are right, his body has been through so much in the past 48hrs that a break and a little helping hand is all it needs!

Thank you, I'm keeping the faith :)