Hi Margaret,

had a rough time yesterday, feeling sick and bunged up! (Charming topic!) . Feeling much , much better today however. Injections still not posing a problem , so will carry on. Have appointment with wig lady today, so will see how that goes. Then I have to go to gave a clip inserted into the tumour on Friday. Not looking forward to that! But I was told it's no worse than the biopsy and I coped alright with that. 

Good fun deceiving t he neighbours.. 

Keep well x

Hi Flora,hope everything has gone well for you today and you are feeling a bit better.  I has to take some of the medicine they gave me at the hospital for the 'bunging up' and it worked! Hope you have some as well.

so you have chosen your wig? I am smiling as I am writing this, as my imagination gives me a picture of a long haired brunette, complete with up turned collared trench coat, and dark glasses. Then the subterfuge will be complete, neighbours foiled again!

i have just had a letter asking me to go for a cardio gram on Friday, so that's another trek.  Getting used to hospitals now.

take care Flora, hugs xx Margaret

Chose my wig yesterday - oooh a Joan Collins one! Not that I look anything like Joan Collins. Don't know what it will look like but my hairdresser has said she'll customise it for me. Met some wonderful ladies from Headstrong who recommended a number of websites where you can get comfortable but cheap cotton scarves. They gave me some free ones. Tried one on like a Hijab. Thought Now that would really shock my nonconformist , narrow minded neighbours if They thought I had converted to Islam! Hijabs are so pretty though, I'm sorely tempted to wear one.

Also had some reflexology done, felt amazing afterwards so the therapist has said he'll do some more when I next go for treatment. I really can't get over the help and support our local hospitals give us. So many people complain about the NHS, all I can do is praise . 

Hi Flora

I had my 2nd chemo last Thursday and all is going well. I also took my wig to my lovely hairdresser who trimmed it to suit me for when the time comes.  My hair is thinning but I'm ok just wearing a scarf like a headband at the moment. 

I've bought quite a few inexpensive scarfs/wraps online which I think are all rather nice and not expensive although I had quite a chuckle when my darling 29 year old daughter kindly modelled them!!! Don't think she'll ever grow up lol!

I have nothing but praise for the NHS, they are all brilliant, some people don't appreciate how hard all the staff work and the hours they put in.  I am biased as both my girls work for the NHS so I know how hard they work and how many breaks they miss.

It has been difficult for me with some of my so called friends not quite being able to accept my situation and so have avoided me completely, but on the other hand people who I never dreamed would be so supportive have really rallied round - particulalry my ex-husband and his wife!!

It helps to know there's someone else going through the same as me, as it can be a lonely business at times. I'm going back to work again next week part time until my next chemo - my employers have been brilliant letting me work what I want when I feel like it, but it makes me feel like me for a while.

Good luck with your treatment

Tracey x

Hi Tracey,

You should be immensely proud of your girls working for the NHS. Public service workers are criticised and belittled so much by the government , when they are the ones who always go the extra mile to help those who are in trouble healthwise, socially or educationally. I have found it a real eye opener to witness how kind, caring and thoughtful all the workers at the hospital have been; from secretaries to radiologists to consultants, they have all been supportive and reassuring whilst not trying to pull the wool over my eyes in any way.

friends' reactions are so strange aren't they? I have still only told a few people, and their reaction has been positive , but it'll be interesting to see the reaction from my former colleagues. I gave up working two years ago , but am in close contact with a number of former colleagues. So far, i have only entrusted one with the 'news' . I can imagine the response  of a couple of them though. They will wallow in the news whilst being grateful it hasn't happened to them!

stay strong and good luck with the rest of your treatment xxx

Hi Flora

Yes people's reactions are very strange, I almost felt guilty for being ill.  You just know that when you tell them they are going to be gobsmacked. It's been even more strange at work as I sit next to a lady who believe it or not, went through exactly the same thing and she only returned just before Christmas. I got my diagnosis in April.  My poor boss is only 34 bless him, young enough to be my son, but he's been absolutely brilliant.  We were short staffed for a year then, bang it happens again! My colleague is my guardian angel, supporting me every step of the way and she did prepare me for people's reactions.

She keeps telling me I'm not really poorly, I'm just having chemo and to get back to work as she's missing me. I think she just misses the gossip and us being told off for talking too much lol!

I am very proud of both of my girls, one works at the hospital where I'm having my treatment and she has been with me to almost every appointment.  The consultant was quite upset to realise I was her mother and she was not just looking after me as a patient. Needless to say he always asks her how I am getting on with the treatment.

It's also been difficult for my husband not really being able to do anything for me but I've told him I just need him to be there and take me to my appointments.  I've sent him back to work as he needs some normality too.

I'm going to get a bit of normality tonight - I'm going for a few cocktails with my sister! So hubby's on taxi duty.

Take care, good luck with the rest of your treatment too xx

Hi Flora and Tracey, have to say how much I agree with you about our NHS! Everyone I have met so far has been wonderfully kind and considerate, nothing has been too much trouble even though it has been so obvious that they are overworked. I just can't thank them enough for their kindness.  Having said that, the folk on this forum are terrific as well, we just need a bit of understanding and empathy - not to be ignored or over sympathised with.  Like you, some of my friends evidently would rather not know, and seems neither would daughter as she has hardly spoken to me.  Their loss ...........i haven't got time to bother.

how do you feel after these injections Flora? I don't seem to feel too good for a couple of hours after, and wondered if it could be that?

otherwise not too bad a day, took other half and g/daughter food shopping while I sat in the car - that was an eye opener for them, and me cos I got loads of stuff I never usually get! Oh well, they have to learn but we'll be eating cabbage for most of this week ha ha.

take care both of you. Xx Margaret

It's difficult to know really. Have had a few twinges here and there but haven' t particularly associated them with the injections. I only have one left now for this cycle and at least they have stopped me from being nauseous and sick.

think i've done too much these last couple of days. Feel very tired tonight. 

Clip inserted tomorrow then hopefully peace and quiet until the next treatment.

i'm sure your daughter will come round. My mother is still in shock and has only just brought up the subject with me again. I think they would rather go through  it themselves than see loved ones suffering. 

Take care xx

Hi Flora, just to wish you best for today, hope all goes smoothly. Will be thinking of you xx

Lovely to hear from you Sue, hope everything is ok xx

Best wishes and hugs Margaret xx