Hello ladies I have only just found this chat page and having read the posts can really identify with you all.

My first experience of Cancer was way back in 2001 when I was diagnosed with stage 2C Ovarian. I had a full hysterectomy, removal both ovaries and omentum. I then underwent 6 3 weekly chemotherapy sessions of taxol and carboplatin. It was hard at first when the 3 weekly appointments went to 6 then 12weeks then 6months then yearly. It did get easier as time went on and I knew it was only a phone call away if I had any problems.

I have had a full and active life since until the bombshell in November last when having a few problems going to the loo bowelwise I mentioned it at my yearly checkup. Scan followed confirming a tumour in pelvic area followed by exploratory op in Feb which showed I would need a colostomy. March 10th came and I underwent the op. No colostomy as the tumour was attached to the bowel and bladder and there were signs in the peritineum. It was decided after much discussion whilst I was on the table to repair a hernia which I had developed, take the top off the tumour and drain. I have made a good recovery from the op and am due to have my 4th chemo on 14th July - taxol and carbo again. I have also opted to go on a trial for a new drug so am monitored a little bit more with more frequent follow ups and scans in the next 18 months.

I'm trying to remain positive and it sounds as though you all are.

Keep well, keep smiling

Hilary

Hello ladies I have only just found this chat page and having read the posts can really identify with you all.

My first experience of Cancer was way back in 2001 when I was diagnosed with stage 2C Ovarian. I had a full hysterectomy, removal both ovaries and omentum. I then underwent 6 3 weekly chemotherapy sessions of taxol and carboplatin. It was hard at first when the 3 weekly appointments went to 6 then 12weeks then 6months then yearly. It did get easier as time went on and I knew it was only a phone call away if I had any problems.

I have had a full and active life since until the bombshell in November last when having a few problems going to the loo bowelwise I mentioned it at my yearly checkup. Scan followed confirming a tumour in pelvic area followed by exploratory op in Feb which showed I would need a colostomy. March 10th came and I underwent the op. No colostomy as the tumour was attached to the bowel and bladder and there were signs in the peritineum. It was decided after much discussion whilst I was on the table to repair a hernia which I had developed, take the top off the tumour and drain. I have made a good recovery from the op and am due to have my 4th chemo on 14th July - taxol and carbo again. I have also opted to go on a trial for a new drug so am monitored a little bit more with more frequent follow ups and scans in the next 18 months.

I'm trying to remain positive and it sounds as though you all are.

Keep well, keep smiling

Hilary

Dear Hilary,

What a brave lady you are xxxx

You sound so as a matter of fact about this whole thing. I hope your Chemo went ok yesterday, and I suppose your full of steroids now so will be buzzing about for a few days. Hello to my other firends, we should think of a name for ourselves. I like you Jackie can't remember who is having what this week. I think you are having the chemo again and not sure if Dot or Kathym are as well. Sorry but I think your brain cells are effected by all this as I can't remember anything.... Anyway good luck to all of you who are having the treatment this week. We should all make a date to meet somewhere when we have finished our treatment and have a good laugh. I am sure we would be thrown out of a place if we got together, but its something to aim for..... Take Care my Friends.... Eileen.xxxxxxxx

Hello Eileen and all

As you say I am buzzing today and probably rather pink and buzzing tomorrow. Saturday I will start to feel fluey and Sunday bed. Regular Paracetamol for the aches and pains then gradually build up again ready for No 5 in 3 weeks. It was a long day yesterday 10 til 10 but I had a really good sleep last night for once.

I'm not brave really but I do think what is the use of worrying I cannot do anything about it, it is there so I have to get on with it. I get an awful lot of support from the girls in our support group, I started going to church again midweek in January. I used to be a treasurer there for over 20 years and stopped going 16 years ago because of all the hypocrisy at that time and once you stop you get out of the habit. It was just like going home when I returned in January without exception they were genuinely pleased to see me back and I have been every Wednesday (Hospitals permitting) since. I get so much support from them too and I do think that all the support you can get helps to give a very positive outlook. I have received 60+ cards since my operation in March and they are still up in the lounge to remind me of all the positivity out there. This all does give me enormous strength to cope with each day which as you say one day at a time. I also go to the local hospice for supportive day care and have a one to one with a nurse for an hour to talk over any fears etc and it does open the door to other things like a hairdresser who has trimmed my wig and will cut my hair when it starts to come back, stress management, psycological help, any number of ways to make the cancer journey more bearable. I would say to all of you to go to your local hospice and see what they have to offer. The hardest thing is going for the first time because hospices have always been regarded as a place you go to to die. NOT SO they are so much more. Your GP or Macmillan contact can refer.

I am having reflexology this afternoon at home. Another benefit of the support group which pays for a number of alternative therapies per year.

I must post a piccy WHEN I rediscover how my webcam works. Not brilliant with technology but at least I have one up on my hubby who is completely useless when it comes to videos, dvd, connecting to tele etc. and computers just leave him cold...Ah........Still it means I can hog the computer no competition.

Sorry I seem to have rambled on today must be the steroids.

Hope everyones treatment has gone okay. Thinking of you all.

Nearly forgot - what a good idea to meet up sometime. I do think the chemo affects the brain cells I keep going to the wrong cupboard for things or is that my age?

Love and prayers

Hilary

Message was edited by: Hilary

Hi REDLIZZIE,

I haven't forgotten about replying to your email, I will do so. I have been away for a few days on holiday so have lost a bit of the chat, I will read them all as soon as I can. There are quite a few of us now and I would like to say hello to all the newcomers. I have had my 2nd chemo Tues 13th and all went well (I only have carboplatin because I reacted badly to taxol, but I may have to have it if this doesn't work on it's own.), I am not feeling too bad today just a bit tired. I hope your chemo goes well tomorrow ( 16th )Plaxie.

Best wishes and lots of love to you all.

From Kathym

Hi everyone,

I have just realised that not all posts come to my email, I have reread all posts because I can't remember when everyone's treatment is either and I haven't had chemo, it has to be age lol!!

I want to say hi to Tony and Ashleigh as I didn't realise they were on this forum. I do hope you are both doing well.

Hope everyone is coping ok with their treatment and do you know I have forgotten already what I read lol....so good luck to all those with their treatment. I did remember about yours tomorrow though Jackie, hope all goes well.

I have rang the hospital as I haven't heard back about my tests and still waiting for the chemo, they are going to ring me back once they find out what is going on.

You are all in my thoughts

Love Dot xxxxx

Hi Kathym,

I hope your feeling ok and its not taken its toll with you. I am sorry to hear you can't have the Taxol but if its giving you a bad reaction then maybe they can come up with something else. I have found that each cycle takes longer to recover from. I am still feeling weak and breathless since my last one and for the first time feeling low.. I was trying to explain to a friend that I am sick of not been able to do normal stuff like shopping, because I keep getting infections I have been advised to keep away from people and she said well its not forever and although I know its not its begining to get me down. I had a moan to David while in Hospital about being prodded and poked and injections since Feb and he was shocked ( as I was ) to think doom and gloom as its just not me.. But because its taking longer to recover from the chemo. Anyway enough said.

Good luck to our team leader ( JACKIE ) for tomor and we will all be sat in the room with you and keeping you awake.....

Love to all ladies. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx:blush:

Hi Eileen,

Sorry you are feeling down.It is understandable but miserable for you.My nurse told me "you are allowed to feel moody or feel sorry for yourself for 2 days out of the 3 week cycle i was on. Then kick yourself up the butt and pin a smile on "I tried to follow her advice although it wasnt always easy.You cant possibly feel perky all the time that you are being poisoned so appologise to everyone beforehand and wallow for a while.There are miserable people out there who arent having chemo !!! You are allowed to grieve for how things have changed.

Have a look on the Jokes site that im abloke set up.Made me giggle.

One day at a time

Rose xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (extra for you)

:) Thanks Rose , your a tonic . I feel better all ready. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Ladies

Thanks for all the kind thoughts will have plenty time for replies after tom! Had forgotten about the hyper that comes with the steroids, mine was very bad as I take steroids anyway so ended up sleeping for about an hour a night for the first 3 days!!!

I've had a really busy but enjoyable 2 weeks so am a tad shattered! Looking forward to the chemo as hopefully will lose the itchy skin and the power in my muscles should improve.

Sorry about the hospital stay Eileen you must be really bored with it happening each time. Everybody is going to get down at times its only natural but it can be destructive if left unchecked so we get plenty practice keeping the timings short!!!!

Good luck for when the results come though Dot, hopefully you'll get a date for your chemo soon.

Jayne, Rose and all the others I will catch up with you soon, think I may need to print the thread out to get my poor brain around it :shocked: . Meeting up soon a great Idea though I'm not sure where everyone is from - me I'm about 20 miles from Norwich in Norfolk. I have a feeling somebody is from Wales so could make for some interesting arrangements

Keep fighting the good battle.

Love and best wishes

Jackie XXX

Hello Jackie

Hope I'm not too late to wish you well for your treatment tomorrow. I'm a bit of a night owl.

I come from Pendlebury near Manchester so we are spread out a bit but I am sure we can overcome this to meet up.

Wish everyone else well

Hilary xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx:)

Hi everyone,

I am from Manchester but moved to Pembrokeshire in April just as I was having all my scans and they eventually transfered my notes down here. Best move I made in my life....

Eileen. xxxxxxxx