Re-'diagnosed' as stage 3 now

HI All,

Been quiet for a bit due to tiredness, volunteer work and frequency of more hospital tests/scans.

Having only found the lump in the middle of April I had a contrast MRI on Thursday and saw my oncologist for the first time on Friday.

They're now saying the cancer is at stage 3 which is something of a bummer.  It means I have to start chemo straight away, no time to sort out wigs, scarves, or any of the other care things I was going to look into.  They can't operate first as any delay in healing would lead to too long a wait to start chemo.  I generally feel fine about it except I've had to cancel my imminent trip to go see my twin and nephew (well 'bio-son').  Was really looking forward to a week back home on a quiet, sunny island with my favourite people.

So, will probably not be on much over the next few days as I've only got as long as it takes for them to decide how to tweak the chemo (it's FEC-T with some tweaking due to my being bipolar and on heart meds) and I'll get a call to go in and start.  So much to get sorted before then, not least tidying the entire house.

I realise it also has a statistical effect on my prognosis, but the stats are always based on the last 5 years so they're a bit flawed as more effective treatment is going on with every passing year.

Anyway, just thought I'd check in and update you all.  I'm still alright, just a bit down about not getting to see my twin and nephew.

LJx

  • Hi there ... sorry to hear your now grade 3 ... I'm grade 3 too ... just wanted to say may be worth giving McMillan a ring if you really wanted a wig .. they may know how to speed things up ...

    So here's to you having your chemo and then get the nasty cancer taken out ... and kick it's butt ... it's such a shame bout your sister's visit ... bet you could have done with a sister hug right now ...

    So sending you a vertual hug ... you take care ... wer all here with you ... Chrissie x

  • Thanks Chrissie x

    Have a virtual hug back.

    LJx

  • Sometimes the hospital have a mcmillan shop that sells wigs and scarves at reasonable prices . And when u dont need them anymore you can donate them back

  • Just wanted to say sorry this has happened; after reading your first cheerful and optimistic post I did hope you would have a bit of plain sailing.  But you can go back into battle with the beast and get yourself back into the life and work which you were enjoying. Annie

  • Hi Annieliz,

    Don't worry, I'm still my upbeat, cheery self was just a bit bummed at not seeing my twin and nephew.  FaceTime-ing them today, he's growing so fast just now which is why it's so hard not seeing him.  Also, with my new short haircut I look like him :D

    Anyway, chemo starts tomorrow so I will be happy to finally be having the stupid cancer tackled.

    LJx

  • I've ordered some scarves/hat things off Amazon but am getting my sewing machine out so I can make my own too.  Our hospital set up a charity so we get a voucher towards a wig and there are 3 places that do wigs over here so will investigate.  One does it by appointment only so I'm hoping they'll let us throw a bit of a "ladies night" with my (now-ex) colleagues :D

    take care, LJx

  • LJ, I have a lot of scarves that my Mum wore instead of a wig when she lost her hair to chemo. I'm more than happy to send you a bundle as I'm trying to find good homes for them. Let me know I'd be happy to help. I also have beautiful clothes size 16s that I'd love someone to benefit directly from. Sorry to hear about your battle. Zoe x
  • Hi Zep, if you're happy to do that I would really appreciate it.  My mum wore scarves but she actually wears scarves normally anyway so she just moved them from around her neck to covering her head when she lost her hair, we're also very different colours and into different styles.

    I'm a size 10 clothes-wise, but that might go up with the chemo, who knows!  Will let you know if size 16 becomes of use (I'm hoping it won't though)!

    Thanks for the offers.

    LJx

  • OK - no problem.  Best of luck with your treatment.  What colours do you wear/like?  Also my Mum wore these beautifully soft 'turbans' as a base to wrap scarf around.  Looked really lovely.  She's got a red, grey and purple I think .  Would you like any? Best of luck with your treatment x

  • Sounds good, I like black, grey, blues, greens (fine with purple too) - just don't suit most reds/oranges/yellows as I've got red hair (albeit not for long!!!!)  So any along those lines would be great.

    Thank you (and thanks to your mum too) LJ