Hi Girlies

Patricia you make me laugh so much lol. Met with the Oncologist today, I've to have my bloods taken next thurs and chemo was supposed to be next day but we had tickets booked for the Ayr Races that day (alexandra burke is singing at it), nurse said fine and has booked me in for mon 21st, my big day, oh god it's going to be like a first day in a new job lol, I've to have FEC-T Chemo so Flurourcil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide & Taxotere (docetaxel). It all sounds so scary, the wigs havent arrived yet, but I've bought a new dress for the races lol so thats made up for it. Speak to you all soon. Enjoy your weekend everybody xx

Hi Colly,

LOL who needs a wig, I've now got this vision of you ( don't know what you look like but go with it, I've a vivid imagination) in a stunning dress with one of those big hats they wear at Ascot. Don't know what the protocol is at Ayr races but perhaps you could start a new trend! Nice to see that the hospital let you alter your start date.

I'm feeling slightly better today up to press, long may it continue.

Patricia x

Happy birthday Patricia.Hope you have a great day, lots to celebrate !!!

Hope you have a fab day too,Colly.Your maxi dress brought back memories. I was 16 when maxis were first in fashion and I had a black velvet maxi coat.With my long wavy auburn hair,my velvet coat,a size 12 and knee length black shiny boots with laces up the front that took 10 minutes to put on, I thought I was the bees knees !!!Ahhh Youth is wasted on the young.

Have a lovely weekend all you ladies out there, O.K , and you fellas too.

Rose xxx

hiya patrica

had to wish you a happy birthday. i hope you have a lovely time! you'll have to let us know what you got up to n how lovely it was.

so glad to hear you are feeling better already, thats great. it helps so much knowing we havent got to have anymore. 1 stage over! well its stage 2 really aint it. the fight for life! feel like im winning though, this funny old road where the med makes you feel worse than the illness. do feel better knowing every week they are finding new meds. shame the radio after op werent a bit earlier but it will help so many others.

im not feeling any better yet but know its just gonna take time. each day n all that, thats how i handle it. n you lucky ****** being able to put on weight or even eat! i cant wait to taste food n have my mouth not hurting would be bliss! im on the food milkshakes, do eat a bit each day though.

best go dylan hogs the laptop n us mere parents have to ask permission to use it. my times up though cos hes learing over me.been told!

take care everyone n have a great birthday . lots of love leonie xxx

+_H4ppy b1rthd4y!!!! <img class="emoticon" src="">www.cancerchat.org.uk/.../laugh.gif" border="0" alt="" />!!!!_ +h4v3 4 gr34t d4y

Hi to all you girlies and a Happy Birthday to Patricia!!

Doesn't the sun make you feel bit better. I even managed to go for a walk with Nigel and the dogs on Saturday didn't go far but the fresh air did me the world of good We were babyless as well Saturday night she went to stay at her nanny's with our second eldest and got to say completely missed them but was nice to be able to sit with feet up without feeling guilty!

Got to say the maxi dress is a must for my wardrobe as I'v put on quite a bit of weight with the treatment and think they look so stylish and cover up my multitude of sins as well as being so cool in the warm weather. I'm eating but struggling to be satisfied with the change in tastes and searching for something that I can say mmmm to!!

The day at the races sounds fab and something lovely to do just before your treatment starts hope you can back a winner!!!

I'm back at hospital for a top up of my Gemcitibine tomorrow just hope bloods are ok!! My eldest daughter who is 17 is going with me, she wants to be involved but think she will be bit shocked when she sees all the people having treatment Might do her good though coz she been in bit of denial. Had a bit of a weird week coz had chemo Monday and haven't really felt sick but had a really strange ache in top of my legs. Bit like a toothache but constant and made me really restless. Also been really tired I love my bed but on my terms!!!!

Anyway my kids hog the computer too and Msn is beckoning my daughter but she gets her kicks on there like I do on here.

Heres to us all and the start of a new week hope you are all keeping as well as you can.

Night

Love lou

hiya lou

glad to hear the sun cheered you up n you had nice weekend. i cant believe youve managed to put on weight too. do you not have any problems with your mouth? my legs started with pain at top but then went to all muscles. they even hurt when sitting or laying but not all the time. i hope yours feel better soon.

has anyone had problems with nose bleeds? ive had nose bleeds throughout treatment but this last weekend its been much worse. i had this long wet clot which with the runny nose came out, then so did the blood yet again that day. washing face n cleansing started it off, just the slightest touch. then that night when wiping wetness again out started the biggest clot ive seen but it hurt so i pushed it back up my nose. next morning it had dried a bit but could feel pressure in my sinus. the clots still there n its uncomfortable having this lump. darent touch my nose cos it starts again. dont want to go hospital cos this is 1st day where i feel better than the day before. will take up too much energy anyway n i have mother in law down on thurs n need energy levels up to cope.

its been quiet on here for few days. hope that means everyones enjoying themselves n feeling well. its amazing how 'normal' things make you feel so much better. just walking n watching the dogs play is lovely n makes you feel so much better inside. my dog misses me bless her n i miss her.cant go walking with her but can go sand dunes. walk about a min then sit down on a blanket n watch her play. shes a lurcher n legs it round dead fast. should of seen her face one day when a greyhound chased after her n caught her up! she werent expecting that at all. what dogs have you got?

how did you get on with benefit advise? hope they helped you. the money in my account was end of year tax credit. still waiting to hear from disability allowance.

hopefully i'll be more cheerfull over next few days n maybe even write something funny!

lots of love to you all. leonie xx

Hi Leoni & girls,

Been wig shopping again today, eventually after 3 visits to different shops I think I've found one, they only had it in brown, but I'm blonde so it's ordered in blonde and hopefully it will be nice, they are amazing right enough, they are so real looking. I've to get my bloods taken thurs and my chemo starts mon or tues, so I'm a bit behind some of you girlies. Leoni, maybe you should give hosp a wee phone as you don't want any pressure re nose bleeds, ive got all this to look forward too lol.

Took the maxi dress back I got for the races but got another one that isn't as fancy and that I'll get more wear out of, its more of a bood tube shape, just covers my scar where lymph nodes were removed but hey who cares if it slips down a bit. Weather is lovely up here in Scotland and has to get better as week goes on so thats something to look forward to.

Take care and phone the doc leoni, do as your told now lol

Colette x

Dear Lonie,

Thank you for posting on Cancer Chat. Our nurses were concerned to see that you are having bad nosebleeds. They would suggest you telephone your chemotherapy nurse or doctor just to let them know. Even if they are already aware that you have had nosebleeds during the course of your treatment, it is still important to tell them about the bleeds over the weekend as they can then advise you on what, if anything, you need to do.

With best wishes,

Jane

Cancer Chat Moderator

For information about cancer:

-Visit our patient information website, www.cancerhelp.org.uk, for clear, comprehensive information about cancer

-Call our specialist cancer information nurses on freephone 0808 800 4040 to ask any question about any aspect of cancer

hi anne

thanks for your message, i will call hospital 1st thing in the morning to let them know. jon spoke to our normal doctor yesterday about it n his advise wasnt very encouraging. he said to leave it alone n if its not better in 2 months then i might need it burning off! urh. luckily tues morning was last bleed. i did listen to colly n i will listen to you.

thanks again. leonie x

soo sorry jane! brain dead, shouldnt be left alone.

Hi Ladies,

Bet you all thought I'd got lost, no such luck I'm afraid. Unfortunately this is going to be a long one, sorry. Thank you for you kind birthday wishes. I had a cracking weekend. My eldest son and his ex wife and the kids came from Southport for the weekend and arrived on Saturday afternoon. Saturday evening my middle son came with his partner and their two kids. So Saturday evening I've got my three sons all watching (and shouting at) the England match in my lounge. In the dinning room I've got two granddaughters(aged 5 and 3) making a den under my dinning table using all my cushions and throws from my lounge. An 8 year old grandson playing my youngest sons electronic piano, which is also in the dinning room (he can't play but was having a whale of a time with the sound effects, eventually found some headphones for him LOL) and a 3 year old grandson playing with his cars and of course making all the noises that little boys make when playing. Both mothers have run away. One has gone to work (she works in a bar at the weekends) and the other has popped out to visit some friends . It was absolute mayhem but loved it, to have all three of my sons and four of my grandchildren under one roof is priceless and better than any presents !!

Sunday, thankfully was a little quieter. Was able to spend a bit of quality time with the grandchildren from Southport (whom I haven't been able to see a lot of lately because of the chemo etc.) So all in all the weekend was just what the doctor ordered as it really perked me up.

Monday I had to go the the hospital in Preston for a scan to be measured up and given my tattoos so they can line me up for when I have my radiotherapy at end of June. That went well enough. They did laugh when I mentioned the dolphin idea but had to admit that they were not that artistic LOL!! Wasn't too impressed by the route march through the hospital that my mother (who's 75) and I was sent on to get my parking permit sorted for when I start my treatment. (By the way forgot to mention have got a sore foot which started late Sunday evening.) Can now not remember way back so we decided to go outside and walk round on the road to where the car was parked. I spotted a short cut, sore foot remember, wasn't until we had reached to top of this slight incline that we realised that we where on the helipad, thank god there wasn't an emergency!!!

Then things went down hill fast! Had been feeling slightly nauseaous all day, fairly normal, as only had chemo week before. My mum want to visit this store on way home, fine. Got out of the car and suddenly felt ill, shivering, cold, teeth chattering, got what we wanted from the shop and straight back in car (mum driving). I'm now having hot sweats followed by shivers. Took my temp, 38.3 C, not good! Phoned the emergency number given as chemo unit have gone home. Told to pack a bag and get my self to the hospital (Blackburn). So yes girls, thats where I have been for the last two days, in hospital! Diagnoised with cellulitus. I was told that I had done the right thing and come in right away otherwise I could have been in a lot longer. I couldn't believe how quickly I became ill. Just so glad to be home.

Sorry it's been such a novel.

Love Patricia xxx

Hi Patricia

I di wonder where you were lol, keeping tabs on you i am, just thought you might still be celebrating. Glad to hear you had a fantastic time with all the family but not so good that you were in hospital, what is Cellulitis, take its nothing to do with cellulite lol? Hope your feeling better. Take Care. Col x

Hi Patricia

I di wonder where you were lol, keeping tabs on you i am, just thought you might still be celebrating. Glad to hear you had a fantastic time with all the family but not so good that you were in hospital, what is Cellulitis, take its nothing to do with cellulite lol? Hope your feeling better. Take Care. Col x

Hi Col,

Glad someone is watching out for me, lol. Wish I had been enjoying myself. Am now, being in my own bed, with own pillows and no noises is sheer bliss! Definantly sleep tonight. LOL

If you look at this website page it will explain cellulitus a lot better than I can.

www.bbc.co.uk/.../cellulitisinfection.shtml

Forgot to mention the nurse in hospital told me that we should make sure our skin is moisturised well as this helps to prevent cracks in skin and thus help stop infection.

Love

Patricia xx

hi patrica

getting worried about you, are you still not well? i hope something else hasnt happened to you. i know you feel very unwell after an infection, just hope its not got worse. get in touch as soon as you can. thinking of you loads n wishing you well.

love leonie xxx

Hi Girls,

No I haven't fallen of the face of the world, just had a hectic few days. Thank you for you concern.

After my unplanned hospital visit and being let out on Wednesday last week, things seem to have been manic round here. I did manage to rest on Thursday but Friday had a dentist appointment in the morning (if you remember I broke my denture, you can all stop sniggering now! LOL) he wanted to pull one of my teeth. No way, not after what I've been through already this week, managed to put this off until Monday 28th June. Friday afternoon went out with a friend shopping, didn't get home till 7.30 p.m. her husband was beginning to think we had got lost.

Saturday was spent doing a mini spring clean on my house (ex mother-in-law coming for visit along with my ex sister-in-law from London whom I get on with extremely well, sister-in-law that is not mother-in-law LOL). My youngest son, bless him, couldn't understand why I'm behaving like a possesed mad women with a duster and hoover! He kept asking whether the Queen was coming, which the answer was basically YES!! Now at least I don't have to worry whilst I'm having my radiotherapy as my house is now spotless!!

Anyway 'The Queen' and sister-in-law arrived at 9.15 a.m. on Sunday morning and we had Christmas, yes you've read that correctly. Usually I visit mother-in-law (who lives in Birmingham) between Xmas and New Year to do my Postman Pat bit but unfortunately was otherwise engaged this year (operations). I've done Xmas in February before now but never June. Anyway had a lovely couple of days with them.

Tuesday, watched the tennis and did a mountain of ironing. Wednesday called in at work to wish someone well who was retiring, came home and watched the football and did another mountain of ironing. Tomorrow, need to find homes for these xmas presents and watch the tennis (love Wimbledon).

Lou Sorry to hear about your mum, both of you going throught treatment at same time must be hard. She sounds like a laugh, obviously been to one or two Ann Summers parties

I agree, we've got to have some fun and treats, we deserve it with the s***t thats happening. I have found that I am better if I try to pace myself. I tried to plan activities for my third week when my immune system is on the up and tried to have a rest day after a busy day or two. It seemed to help. Not quite sure what happened recently, just unluckly I guess.

Col So glad you had a lovely time at the races and what a lovely surprise.

So that's one tick on the calendar and believe me it won't be long until your making that last tick, glad to here it's going okay at present, hope it stays like that. Yep, they don't mention the injection, managed to get the district nurses and my sister (who is a nurse) to do mine, just couldn't face doing it myself. Routing for you all the way and as Leonie says ask anything you like even if you think it's something small.

Leonie Hope your feeling better, you sound like you've been in the wars also. I'm fine now just counting down now til the start of the rads next week, into the unknown again. Have heard it can make you very tired. Spoke to my BC Nurse who said some people can get tired during and others are fine during but get tired after treatment has finished, lot of help that was!! Shouldn't complain she's lovely really.

Well that's me up to date and hopefully back to normal.

Love Patricia x

Hi patricia glad to hear you've had a couple of fab days with family and friends.

Obviously I've been a bit too cocky lol had my first chemo yest, felt totally fine, woke up this morn feeling seedy, took anti sickness tabs, waited a bit, tried to eat toast (i dont usually eat first thing) took steroids, ten mins later sick as a dog, that was at 9, just been sick again and had a case of the runs, not soo nice, please tell me this soon settles down, i hate being sick. Col x

Hi Col,

Sorry your not so good. I was sick after my first chemo but that was during the evening. Managed to get the steroids down and keep them down the next morning. Have they given you any back up sickness pills? As you haven't managed to keep the steroids down I would try the back up pills, give the chemo unit a ring and ask them for advice. Keep drinking the fluids though, hard I know but the last thing you want now is to get dehydrated. Anything ginger flavour seemed to help me a little with the nausea, ginger ale, ginger biscuits, ginger marmarlade (rapidly going of them myself LOL). Chin up it should get better and the pills do work if you can keep them down.

Love Patricia x

Great advice from Patricia there, Colly - she's absolutely right about keeping the chemo nurses posted with how you're feeling/sickness etc. They can give you other anti-sickness drugs for this time and adjust them accordingly for next time. Don't be frightened to give them or your breast nurse a call.

Just keep focused. You've managed to tick one chemo off the list, so well done you. I can tell you, that when all the chemos are done and out of your system, it feels GREAT, so keep going!

shents

Hi Shents,

How ya doing? I hear you had a great time on holiday, if not a little eventful!

I agree with you when you have your last chemo and you walk out of the unit, it's like a great weight has been lifted from your shoulders and the feeling is wonderful.

I start my rads on Tuesday 29th June for 3 weeks. By all accounts it's a lot easier than the chemo. When do you start yours and do you have far to travel? I have about a forty minute each way car journey, my mum has offered to take me (a lot better than the estimated two and a half hours by the hospital transport, no wonder people get tired!)

Love Patricia x

Hi gals

thanks for the advice, i did ring the unit earlier and nurse said because i was sick about half an hour after taking the tabs, some of it would be absorbed, so just to take next lot as normal and see how i go, i think its cause i cant eat in morning, she did say even to take a glass of milk before steroids to line my stomach, so i'll try that and see how it goes. Just the injection to get when joh comes home at lunch time, that'll be a laugh, it better not be sore or he's sacked lol. Keep you posted. Col x

Hi Patricia

I'm exactly the same day as you to start radio for 3 weeks. The hospital is about 40 mins away, and I've plenty family and friends who have offered to help with transport. There's also a local charity that provide door to door free transport, but I'd rather leave them to the people without help and who live further away. The hospital covers a huge rural area. What a great service that charity provides.

I'll be finished on 20th July - more sparkles on that day, a few weeks to recover, then back to work in Sept. Time then, I think, to try and put it all behind me and move on - funnily enough, that's the very subject I've chosen to write about in the blog today. Nice to hear you've been reading it, and yes we had a great hol - just what we all needed!

Good luck for Tuesday, Patricia - and Colly - well done for sorting out stuff with your nurses - in a few days you'll start to pick up, so just dig in there.

Best wishes

shents

Hi Shents,

Good luck for tomorrow. More of into the unknown, don't know about you but will be glad to get the first one over and be able to start ticking that calendar!

Patricia x