Hi BigJean,

Don't be sorry for the negativity. We all have thoughts like these and it is just not possible to keep upbeat all of the time.

Try to hold on to what the surgeon and oncologist have told you - this is curable. If it wasn't, they wouldn't give you false hope.

There is an awful lot to take in. You have a hard few months a you, but you will get through it. You will feel better emotionally once you actually start your chemo and, know that you are at long last fighting the disease.

It is hard to try and protect the family from what you are going through. What ages are your children? Children have big ears and often overhear conversations that they are not supposed to hear. They will know that something is amiss when you are away for treatment. What you tell them will be dependent upon their ages, but younger children don't need chapter and verse, just a simple explanation will suffice.

It is better that you tell them yourself, rather than waiting for them to hear it from another source. This way they will feel involved in helping you to fight this.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, 

thank you for all your support and advice. I’m feeling a bit better now .

would you have any idea why they want to do an echo on my heart before chemo ?? 

My children are 17, 14,13 and nearly 12 . 

We have been very honest with them and told them I will be going for treatment to make me better and any questions they have to ask us and not to look up the internet. 

I know it’s going to be a long road but I’m going to fight this for my family . 

Thank you again . 

Have a lovely weekend 

J xx

Hi BigJean,

I'm glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better now and back in fighting mode..

I haven't had chemo, but have heard of others having an ECG before they start. I am not a doctor, but I presume that this is to ensure that the heart is strong enough to withstand treatment. It seems to be a fairly common test. Never agree to any treatment or tests unless you know why you're getting them - always ask if you're not sure.

Your children are old enough to understand what is going on and, I'm glad that you have been honest with them. Have you mentioned anything about your diagnosis and treatment to the school and teachers? It is always a good idea to do this, so that they are aware of the situation and can keep an eye out for any upset at school.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

hi Jolamine

what a week!!!!  I had to return from holiday in Devon to see the surgeon about my appendix, he doesn’t believe it’s an issue, but requested another scan to be sure which I had on Friday, so just waiting for the results from that.  I’m scheduled to start Chemo next Thursday if all is ok.

i also told my children who are 7 and 9, the little one doesn’t really understand the older one is more aware and has a lot of questions, but also the kindest heart. We also met with the head teacher to make her aware so the school can provide support where needed. 

See my oncologist on Tuesday and hopefully all systems go.

WL

Hi WL , 

great to hear from you . Fingers crossed your scan was clear and you can start treatment. I’ve been quite down the past few days but am feeling a lot better now . It’s just so much to take in. I’ve to have an Echo done on my heart before I start chemo then hopefully i should be starting next week . 

Its very tough telling the kids but we have been honest with ours and told them I have to have treatment to make me better . 

I just want to get on with it now and fight it and yes I’m with you too all the way . 

Let me know how you get on tomorrow.

have everything crossed for you . 

J xxxxx

Hi Jolamine, 

im back to myself today and in v good form. Thank you for all your advice and support. 

My 3 girls are in secondary school and I have spoken with the school they have been fantastic and have had the guidance counselor and chaplain speak to all the girls . 

My youngest is still in primary so I’ve spoken to the principal and his teacher and they too have been amazing.,

Ready to face what’s ahead of me now ! 

Hope all is well with you

take care 

J xx

Hi Woolylamb,

I'm glad to hear that your appendix doesn't seem to be an issue and hope that Friday's scan doesn't show up anything untoward. Have you been told when you will get the results?

You will probably get some very strange questions, but this is only natural from children. It is good that you have already told the children and spoken to their teachers.

I hope that you have drawn up a list of questions for your oncologist tomorrow and that you are taking someone with you to this appointment.

I have my fingers crossed for you tomorrow and hope that all is still ok with your appendix. I expect that you just want to get on with your chemo now and, hope that you can do so.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi BigJean,

Well done you. You will find it better now that the children are in the know, but be prepared for some strange and searching questions from time to time! It's good to hear that both schools have been helpful.

Have you got a date for your ECG yet? I hope that it all goes well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

hi jolamine

So big UTurn, the PET scan showed up my appendix still and they couldn’t say with certainty that it wouldn’t cause issues during chemo. So the surgeon and I agreed to take the risk away and remove it, that was on Wednesday. He was fabulous, and moved things around and took it out this morning.  So I’m in hospital hope to be discharged tomorrow, swift recovery and on to chemo.  I feel like a weight has been lifted and I’ve actually moved forward a step rather than hanging in limbo. 

I feel significantly less anxious now.  Hope you are ok.

WL