I was diagnosed with Cancer in March and although we knew it was Cancer its still a shock to be told it. I have had 2 chemo cycles now and have my 3rd at the end of the month. I would love to chat about the chemo side affects to anyone..
Sorry I've not posted for a while, trying to push it to the back of my mind I guess but its always there tapping away at your head.
Anyway, just found out it is on the move again - I finished my secound round of chemo back in June and I was really hoping for a bit longer this time but it looks like its not mean to be. Ca125 was around 10 but has gone up to 42 so waiting for scan then more chemo in January. They have mentioned another type this time - Genti something I think, I didn't quite catch the name. Does anyone know anything about it?
I know a few of you are in the treatment 'loop' and my thoughts are with you whether you are on chemo or off chemo, it is good to hear your experiences tho I always feel I've got nothing worth saying.
I am on Gemcitibine/Carboplatine, I was on Carbo/ Taxol last year but have had 3 cycles of the Gem/Carbo. They usually give it with an hour bag of Carbo then half hour bag of Gemcitibine. The week after just the half hour bag of Gem then a free week.
Dot I did manage to get my scan today which was good as there was only a handful of people having scans. I go to clinic next Thursday so should have results. I hate the results day as you all know it is hard waiting to hear the Drs words. Anyway fingers crossed for me.
I hope everyone else isok and Jackie you are getting straight with the house. Mary, John, Sharon, and everyone else keep us updated.
Ha ha, yes it's so I can have a nice few glasses of red wine. I don't like beer or champagne.. It is an old neighbour who is 80 on new years eve so I was really hoping to make it. I think I need a break from the chemo as well. It is 12 month tomor since my chemo last year..How time passes..
Glad your having a long break. Tell me about the operation and what they are doing ?
I am not sure about the cystic mass either as the Dr said the tumour that is giving me pain is growing but that's good as it's cystic which means fluid. I never thought to ask more questions as I was so relieved to hear that the chemo is working.
I wish I could think of something for you to use for your skin rash. It must be so uncomfortable.. Have you tried goats milk ? I can't remember if I said it's good for eczema so could work and worth a try. I have felt sickly after Fridays chemo and I don't normally, its not good..
Keep us posted Jackie as we all miss your posts...
As to my surgery... Last year I had a tumour removed in my large intestine...they rejoined the colon and fitted me with a temp stoma which was reversed last June. I then developed really bad pain in my back passage and on investigation it was found there is an ulcer on the join which is making it rather mucky and horrible. It is also a place to harbour other cancer-like cells. Anyway I have taken the option given to me to have a large piece of my colon removed (obviously with the ulcer with it). An unfortunate side is the requirement of a permanent stoma. Appt next week to chat with the surgeon then a date will be set...hopefully after Christmas so I get the rest and the beers...not a major drinker however need to take the chances when you can... :@)
I am so sorry about your up & coming surgery, you are very brave. It sounds so painful having the ulcer ( nasty things to have anywhere ) but there,, god the pain and as you say it is harbouring all kinds of things.
How do you feel about the stoma being permanent ?
I suppose we will do anything to try and stay alive and in reasonable health. I said last year that if my cancer comes back then I won't be having anymore chemo as last year was taken away from me with chemo, hospitals ect. I said I wanted quality and not quantity if I never feel well. How quickly I changed my mind, when I heard it was back 6 months later. I always feel that I am not as bad as others on here when I read the posts.
Please let me know after you see the surgeon to see what he says...
Hi Tony, shame the reversal didn't work as planned but on the bright side you coped with the stoma before so it won't be as strange this time and they do site them to be unobtrusive, least its not actually for cancer which means so far so good! I never was much of a drinker but my cancer came to light following a very heavy night on my 50th, by 4am I had noravirus (yes really not just sickness and I know the difference!) never really got better then got the rash which led to the diagnosis, its put me off the drink completely, though to be fair being Irish it was whiskey i was drinking and while it was enjoyable to drink it wasn't when it decided it needed to resurface!!!!!!! ain't touched a drop since lol so you'll have to have 1 for me but you'll be pleased to know it dosn't have to be whiskey!
Hi Eileen, i think we all feel others are worse off cos we know how we feel, but can only guess how others feel and boy do we have active imaginations! Have decreased steroids to 10mg new tabs seem to be ok so far, though he wants to increase them when the blood result comes back (assuming its ok). The only time to decide when your not having any more chemo is while your having it or just before you start, I don't think you can decided I'll have this one then no more cos the one thing we are good at forgetting is bad experiences, just look at child birth, how many women say never again following the birth then the following year there having another one!!!! I believe your body tells you when you've had enough, I don't expect to have to think about the decision, i think I'll just know but meantime its equally important to feel positive. I have tried to talk to those I'm close to about this but they struggle with it (despite most being nurses lol) possibly because I'm always looking so well (advantage of the rash!) and it reminds them that I'm not! am fairly sure they will all cope when the time comes to withdraw from treatment but i don't feel that will be anytime soon lol
We are postponing Christmas till all the work is done lol no place to put a tree and can't cope with the thought of finding places to store Christmas presents pre and post Christmas lol my friend is off Christmas day so we will go to her parents (they are lovely) for the day. I find Christmas very strange as I don't really know what to do! In my 34 years as a nurse I only ever had 1 Christmas day off and that was by accident so I always feel I should be at work, actually so far I haven't resisted going in on the day to see everyone lol
Think the workmen are nearly finished outside! should be starting on the ensuites tomorrow (very excited!) and the carpenter is coming Mon to sort some doors out!
Fingers crossed it was only a blip with your chemo and you'll go back to feeling fine
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all the ladies and anyone else who reads our messages.... Hope you all enjoy this holiday time with your family's and friends.... Relax and have a few drinks. I shall be raising a glass or 2 to our dear friend Rose and thinking about her lovely family.....
I hope you are all coping well, I too would like to you wish you all a Happy Christmas and that the New Year will be a great one for all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
