hi im 36 mother of 3 n diagnosed dec 23. ive had 2 ops n 5 of 6 chemo n finding it very hard at mo. feel so peed off n cant get rid of that feeling. would love to chat. x
glad things are getting better for you. even more happy theres loads of people looking after you. you are such a special lady n helped so many people on here. i think you are amazing! lucky for me i have a good husband to do most things for the kids so i get to rest a bit. cant wait til i get my life back though n be mummy again. chat soon special one.
Thanks everyone for all the good wishes - it was such a relief - but its wierd, I didn't really feel much like celebrating, because in the back of my mind, I was thinking - 'they've made a mistake, I'll get a phone call in a minute to say they need me back in.' Almost too good to be true really. But my lovely Mac nurse phoned me the next day to confirm that the first mammagram that caused the alarm bells must have had dust on it or something....maybe the radiographer was eating a shortbread biscuit whilst studying the slides..who knows, I'm just thankful, very very thankful.
This little episode has reminded me to focus on something my mate Einstein said - 'There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. the other is as though everything is a miracle.'
Much love to all
Shents x
PS - Patricia - how about starting your own thread re your granddaughter? There may be some people within the forum that have experience of what you're about to go through etc. that may not have read about it in this thread. Its just a thought. I know you have all of the girls plus Tony on here rooting for you, but there may be someone out there that can offer some good practical advice for you - and of course, we'd all follow your thread and give you whatever help we can. xxx
Hi everyone, sorry to have been away so long, the days just seem to be flying by now what with working and going to the gym and regaining my social life.
I do however take the time to read your posts and have had a few smiles and a few tears, Shents Im so happy to hear you got the all clear, you have been such and inspiration to me, and Caroline - you are a star! you go girl...Ive prayed so hard for you Ive got blisters on my knees...lol xxx.
Patricia I have tried so very hard to think of something to say that will help you thru these difficult times and I just find myself jibbering and then getting upset so to hell with the blisters Im back on my knees praying for a miracle for you and your dear family.
Anne so glad to hear you are feeling better and I know what you mean about feeling like it was all a dream, dont get me wrong I still look at the scars and am reminded what we have all been through ..but thankfully it feels like a distant memory now.
Lonie hang in there girl the finishing line is in the distance, youve come so far and done so well I am so full of admiration for you.
Rose good to hear from you as many of the girls have said before me you really have helped so many even when you have been at your lowest.
Colly glad your getting to the gym and swimming...great exercise! we shall all be feeling aches and pains from time to time but remember we have been through a lot and these are still early days our bodies need time to recover....listen to me! if only I would take my own advice, Im currently in training for the race for life in Rhyl on June 5th this time I want to run it, anyway I may not be on here as often as I used to be but be sure of one thing you are all in my thoughts and prayers and not forgetting Tony, sara and lilsis and all the other lovely ladies hugs and kisses
Hi Lee, glad youre doing well, I will be going back to work april time, so looking forward to that to be honest, jsut want back to normality, as def my imagination is running wild, as you say our bodie have been through a lot and under normal circumstances I wouldnt think twice about having a sore back, but now I just think any pain is a sinister pain and im sure thats something that will take along time to get over. Ive been swimming most days, trying to build up arm muscles where lymph nodes have been removed, dont want bingo wings lol. Got my hair cut and colured, colour not really what I wanted but still a bit short to get anything else done to it, at least the grey is gone, its now a very light brown, think if i want it any lighter i will need to get some bleach in it and dont want to do that just yet, what stage is yours at now lee and anyone else who has finished chemo, im very curious. Lots of love Col xx
I haven't finished chemo yet- one more to go, but i read rubbing olive oil in the hair and scalp can help with growth. My hair has always been slow growing, and very fine, but i have been using olive oil since week three of first chemo when i was more or less bald. I now have about 3/4 of a cm of hair on the head, it is quite strong too! The oil doesn't smell too great so i put it on about an hour before a bath and head rinse. The massage actin stimulates growth and the olive oil is (virgin) is so near to our own skin oils that it really does nourish and of course protect the new hair. I hope that helps, another lady is trying cocomut oil and her hair growth is much slower.
Derr chemo brain - forgot to mention, in the chemist it is about three quid for a tiny bottle, in somewhere like tesco it is about three quid for a litre ! save some pennies and treat yourself!
I hear chip fat works too, although you may smell like a chippy! Just Kidding.....
I did a little bit of research and have come up with the following steps, one of which mentions olive oil...I think it must be American as it mentions letting someone else take care of the 'check' book....I am sure you ladies ain't gonna be letting go of the purse strings - there are some other good points though... Remember the golden rule though check in with your oncologist about taking any other meds or supplements even vitamins.
I hope they help as know how much it means to you all to have your hair...me as an ex Skinhead love a shaved head!
1. Take a multivitamin every day. Since vitamins are essential for healthy hair, it's important to make sure that you get a lot of them. Try to opt for a multivitamin that includes Vitamin A, D and C. Calcium and iron are also both very important nutrients to have.
2. Eat a well-balanced diet. Remember that taking a multivitamin doesn't mean that you shouldn't also get many vitamins in your regular diet. Fruits and vegetables are both great ways to get all of the vitamins the body needs. Once you have these vitamins, the hair will be more likely to grow. It's also important to eat foods that contain protein and iron, which are both essential for the body.
3. Try taking a prenatal vitamin. They are believed to work wonders for both hair and nail growth. Be sure to speak to a primary care physician before making the decision to take prenatal vitamins, however. Depending on other medications that you may be taking, it's possible that you may be prohibited from taking prenatal vitamins.
4. Find ways to reduce any stress that you may be experiencing. This may mean taking a yoga or swimming class. It may also mean allowing someone else to take care of the checkbook or children for the time being. Since stress can lead to hair loss in most people, keeping any stress in your life will prevent hair from growing faster after chemo.
5. Use dandruff shampoo on a regular basis. The zinc that can be found in this type of shampoo is believed to increase hair growth. Even those without a recurring dandruff problem will benefit from using dandruff shampoo.
6. Take an herb called horsetail. Most oncologists recommend it to their patients. Horsetail will prevent the hair from growing back brittle or dry. It will also promote quicker hair growth, making it ideal for anyone who has suffered from hair loss due to chemo. Be sure to check with your primary care physician before taking any herbs, especially if you are on other medications.
7. Massage olive oil into the scalp on a daily basis. It will make the scalp very soft. More importantly, it will help ensure that the blood in the scalp begins to flow. This may help promote quicker hair growth
sent a post fair few days ago but not heard back. hope you are ok n your family are coping well. just wanted to know how you were all coping with it all, thats all. like the advise. did you see a post about hair growth? will look again n let you know what was recomended. but was a shampoo if it helps now. slightly tipsy, wouldnt like to give false advise! will look n let you know... love you all lots n lots. xxxx p.s how the bloody hell are you tony????
Lots of great advice from our pal Tony there! I think just being as patient as you can is the way to go! Your hair will grow in it's own time- but I agree with the diet thing - that will help the strength and quality of your lovely new hair.
Mine has come back very grey and very curly. But y'know what - I reckon that's it's natural state (which I haven't seen for a while thanks to my lovely hairdresser!)
I posted a few photos on my blog recently after my first haircut in 12 months. You can have a look www.letyerhairdown.blogspot.com
It's in January's posts under 'chop and change.' I've included photos from skinheed stage to granny grey hair stage, then finally, short, chic and styled. It's great to have hair again, but looking at those photos as a skinheed, I think I quite suited that look!
Great that you're swimming by the way, and much easier with short hair!
