Hi Mandy,

Can  you remind me?  Was yours caught early?   I think I'm having a hard time because by the time I got a third opinion and treatment started I was already pretty sick and underweight.  I wasn't where I needed to be to tackle the treatment.  Dairy doesn't bother me, but fatty foods make me nauseated and cause tummy aches.  I'm watching the fat content and trying to keep it at 3%.  It's hard to do and it doesn't put weight back on like I need so desperately.  I have a gastro doc appointment next Tuesday to go over what she will be looking for during the colonoscopy.  ugh  I spoke with the surgeon's PA today and she said it takes 2-4 weeks to recover from gallbladder surgery (diarrhea).  That's my biggest concern because I had such a hard time with it the last 2 weeks of treatment.  I've learned how to get it under control, but it apparently comes with the surgery and the body adjusting to it.  I prefer to just go ahead and get it out but the docs think it's better to rule out everything first.  

It has been much better as far as being able to make it to the potty.  Like Suzy, some days are better than others.  When I do have a lot of gas/wind, it's uncontrollable, super loud and unlike any gas I've experienced prior to this ordeal.  It's like a volcano in my stomach.  Thankfully I do not have that issue every day.  It is still painful to go to the potty.  It must have to do with the location of the ulcerated area.  I do not itch either.  I did during treatment but it wasn't too bad.  A good scratch while in the shower seemed to do the trick.  I think several of us are dealing with acid reflux due to the chemo.  

None of you ladies experienced hair loss, correct?  I didn't go bald, but I lost most of my hair.  I don't know how to explain it.  I only had a whispy thin layer over the top of everything that had fallen out so I cut it super short.  I think it will look better in a couple of months.  

Lynn, I'm sorry you are having a rough go of it.   I hope the days fly by for you and that you are feeling much better real soon. 

You ladies are always in my thoughts.

Sheri xx

Great news Lynne, well done for getting through it all.

I'm 3 weeks out of treatment and feel really good and well, just tiredness is the only thing stopping me now!

Rest up and look after yourself xx

To all the lovely ladies on here, what an amazing bunch we all are! Hope everyone has a lovely bank holiday xx

Hi Mandy,  Mercy!  Yours was huge!  You must have been in great condition before starting treatment.  I also wonder if the position of the tumor might make a difference on how fast it heals.  But doesn't all poop end up there and would irritate when passing through?  Such lovely things to think about.  Do you take probiotics?  My doc recommended them.

I wish I could find a cooking class for people with tummy issues.  Several people on a Facebook website swear by the alkaline diet.  But the American Institute for Cancer Research doesn't agree with it.  Medicare will not pay for a dietician, nutritionist or for psycological counseling.  I have discovered that if I eat what I want (ice cream, cream puffs, whipping cream, Mexican food, anything decadent) I have to go to the bathroom pretty immediately after eating and go often.  So I try to avoid high sugar and high fat foods.  The docs suggested a low fiber diet to avoid the painful exit.  

Suzy, you earned the time you are taking and you deserve it.  Give your body a chance to heal and have some fun before you go back to work. 

Lisa, I'm so glad you are doing well!  The worse is over.  

Gilliebean, whatcha been up to?  

I think of all of you ladies often.  Looking forward to hearing about Sandy's trip. 

Hugs to all, Sheri

Hi everyone 

glad you all seem to be doing well and have survived treatment!  I m starting to pick up now at last but the gastric is still a problem ( like Sherri) I have to be so careful what I eat no meat ,dairy or pastries of any kind which really limits the diet but a small price to pay! I can still feel the lump but hope that it's free from the dreaded nasties! Scans on the 15 th June and then a 6 week wait for the results which I m not happy about really but that's the waiting time this end for things to be processed because of the NHS cuts :( just keeping everything crossed that it will be a good result. Think of you all every day what a journey this has been!  I m so glad that there is so much positivity amongst us I suffered terrible nerve pains in my legs and hips for 2 months but they seem to have gone now I m so relieved! Still have to walk slowly as my legs feel like lumps of lead but  I'm sure in time that ll get better too.

sending lots of love to you all and hope you all get good results from your scans etc. 

Gilliebean xxx